I Am Free [OPEN]

[Georgie Jones]

I pushed a strand of hair away from my face, eyes quickly scanning the page. Maxie never understood how I could sit here and study for hours, but I liked it. It was peaceful, nice. I had an exam in history next week and I wanted to be sure to get a good grade. My sister was always saying that I could pass with an A+ without ever cracking open a book, but I was sure she was just exaggerating like she usually did. I liked staying indoors and studying better than I did going out and partying, but I didn’t want to worry Mac so I tried to get out every now and then. With a best friend like Brook Lynn, I didn’t have much of a choice sometimes. Still, cleaning up Maxie’s messes was more than enough to keep me busy. I didn’t need to go get drunk, hit someone with my car, and then get arrested for both underage drinking and vehicular manslaughter. No, I wanted to follow in Mac’s footsteps and getting a criminal record wasn’t the way to go. Of course, he wanted me to have my own path and maybe study law. The way I saw it was if men like Ric Lansing could become top attorneys, then I didn’t have any interest in it.

When I had read the chapters about three times each, I figured I better shut the books and do something else, just to appease Mac. Grabbing my stuff, I headed out of the hospital chapel. It was probably weird for me to study in there, but it was the most peaceful place you could find in town, or at least, I thought so. It was nice having something like that. Most everywhere was either a club or maybe mob-affiliated, except for the PCPD and I couldn’t really study there without Mac realizing I wasn’t hanging out with anybody. After school, I headed straight here. Epiphany wouldn’t let me start early, saying exactly what Mac always did, but I just snuck into the chapel and focused on everything the teacher had told us earlier. Now that I was done and had a good two hours of studying behind me, maybe Epiphany would let me start my shift.

I loved being a candy striper. Maxie always felt forced to do it, but I loved seeing the patients and interacting with them. The older generation always had such wonderful stories to tell. Sometimes I dragged Spinelli over here to listen to them, if I could get him away from Jason long enough to. Spinelli and Jason were almost attached at the hip. I don’t even really know how we became friends, since I don’t care for anything having to do with the mob, but we did. It started out as being nice to the new kid, nothing unusual since I was nice to everyone, but then we became pretty good friends.

I smiled warmly, sweetly at Epiphany. “Will you let me take a shift now?” She gave me the once-over, muttered something about the child needing more to life than books and candy striping, and gave in. I knew she would. Epiphany was the toughest person in the hospital, but she still had a soft side to her that came out more around her staff than anyone else. I think she still wished that I was older so I could date one of her sons. Cassius and Stanford were both nice, but I wasn’t interested in dating. Brook was always trying to hook me up with someone, anyway. Trying being the keyword.

Changing into my candy striping uniform, I couldn’t wait to hear the next tale of Mrs. Higgins’ teenage years. You always needed to know your past in order to understand your present, and this was a way to do that. Coming back out into the entrance, I heard someone calling me and turned around. When I saw who it was, I smiled brightly. “Oh hi!” See? You could get out in the hospital too. Sometimes.

[Maxie Jones]

I sped into the parking lot at General Hospital then honked my horn as I impatiently waited for a car to pull out of the spot I wanted. Some people just really did not know how to drive. Finally, after what seemed forever, I pulled in and quickly made my way inside. I had to basically run to catch the elevator, almost bumping into a doctor, who did not look pleased with me. I flashed him my flirty smile as an apology. I was forced to wait as the doors slowly opened, then saw Georgie standing there, candy striper outfit and all. I glanced down at my watch and couldn’t help but roll my eyes, so typical of Georgie to be starting early. 



My black strappy prada heels clicked on the floor as I made my over to my sister. Before I could even say something, she turned around and said “Oh hi!” with a large smile. My sister was always just so damn happy and well perfect. I never understood why someone would want to spend their life, forever reading books and helping old people. I gave her a quick smile back then began my plea as sincere as possible "Georgie I know I was suppose to come help you out today...and that I bailed on you last week, but... You know something came up with Kate, she's always got some fashion crisis going on..." I stopped mid sentence then looked Georgie up and down "Speaking of fashion crisis those shoes really do not go with that outfit" I added with a bit of disgust in my voice. "Well not like much does go with that outfit" I continued with a soft laugh. I knew Georgie didn't care, she was there for the experience and fun of it, even though I couldn't understand how that was fun. Anyhow, it was in my nature to mention the outfit, I really couldn't help it.

"Anyways!" I exclaimed, remembering what I had originally stopped by for "Rain check? Please, maybe grab a bite at Kellys later?" I asked hoping she'd agree. She knew I hated volunteering at the hospital, she even probably expected me to blow her off, but work really was a legit reason. I honestly did feel bad about ditching. Since I had moved out of Macs place and in with Lulu I didn’t see much of my sister, which was probably why she asked me to volunteer in the first place. Or maybe she was still convinced she could turn me into a caring generous person...

My sister and I really couldn't have been more different. But that didn't matter. She was still my little sister and I would do anything for her. There was no one I could count on more than Georgie. She always covered my ass at home with Mac anytime I was doing something I shouldn’t be, like sneaking out or for the most part sneaking boys in. She repeatedly took my shifts for me at Kellys, in fact she was probably thrilled when I quit and started working for Kate, so she wouldn’t have to do double anymore. And most importantly she always gave me a shoulder to cry on when I single handily would destroy my own life. I knew sometimes I pushed her to the limit, but never once did she throw it back in my face. Georgie was the most generous and caring person I have ever met, and I was glad to be able to call her my little sister.

[Georgie Jones]

I didn’t even look to see who it was, just said a hi in their direction and then noticed Maxie. She looked like she could use a good hug but I didn’t dare to approach her in that outfit. Something told me she wouldn’t be happy if I wrinkled it at all. But I knew she loved me and I was fine with holding off – for now. “Doesn’t she have assistants?” I was genuinely curious. Someone of Kate Howard’s status had to have lots of assistants, right? Did Maxie always have to do everything for her? I laughed and shook my head at her just slightly. It didn’t matter if these shoes didn’t go with this outfit and I didn’t know how she saw that to begin with. It was the candy striper regulated outfit and it wasn’t like I wore it to school. Not that I would care either way. “It’s only for here, I won’t wear it in public, don’t worry.” I didn’t care about fashion half as much as Maxie did, but that didn’t mean that I didn’t know what looked good. You couldn’t grow up with Maxie and not understand at least a little part of high fashion.

“It’s been a while since we really talked.” It made me wonder what Maxie might be hiding. She usually avoided me if she was hiding something, like everything with Lucky Spencer or even most of her relationship with Jesse. Her keeping that secret was to make sure Mac couldn’t blame me for any of it…or something like that. It took a miracle to understand my sister, but I still loved her. That didn’t change even though she didn’t make sense. “Rain check means rain check and not a we’ll see; right?” Let’s just say I knew her way too well. “In that case, sure.” I wasn’t about to be mad at her just because she wouldn’t volunteer. I expected it anyway, but I hoped that maybe for one spit second she wouldn’t think about the awful outfit and spending time with older people when she could be shopping. I shouldn’t have; that was close to impossible.

“Sure you aren’t running off to see Cooper?” I gave her a warm smile, staying around for only a little longer because I was still about an hour or so early for my shift. It was too bad Epiphany and Mac seemed to be in cahoots with each other. Mac must have told her that I didn’t get out much and to make sure I did because she would never turn down help from other people that came early for their shifts. Of course, most people didn’t. “Oh Mac wants you to come home tonight for dinner. He’s seen you even less than me.” The way I saw it, that was a good thing. Maxie must be staying out of trouble if Mac didn’t see her in the PCPD every other day. Coop must be a good influence on her because I hadn’t seen her want Lucky for months, maybe longer. Then again, I hadn’t really seen her much.

“Oh but yeah, you need to go…rain check it is.” There must be someone else in this hospital that would make Mac think I was getting out more. He didn’t count family like I did. I knew Maxie and Robin weren’t the only other two people in Port Charles. I met a lot of people waitressing. Maybe one of these days, he would count that. For now, I was perfectly happy showing up early to my shifts and sitting getting a better education.

[Maxie Jones]

I laughed as Georgie asked if Kate had any other assistants. It was a good question, because even though she did, most of the time it felt like it was just me. It wasn’t easy to get on Kates trustworthy and good list. It took me awhile to learn everything and get it just right, but eventually I worked my way up and got to where I am today. However, most of the time I felt more like her slave than her assistant. She really didn’t have much consideration for other people. When she wanted something done it had to be done right then and there, and to hell with whatever plans you had before. I basically worked on call every hour every day. Nonetheless, I loved fashion and therefore loved my job.

As she mentioned Cooper I shifted awkwardly in my spot and began unconsciously playing with my hair, twisting it through my fingers. “ Nope, no Cooper today” I barely managed to squeak out. I was a little surprised she hadn’t heard Coop her and I were sorta over. Though I wasn’t exactly taking no as an answer from him. I knew I screwed up...again, but after all I am Maxie Jones. I’m the same stubborn girl who will do whatever it takes to get exactly what she wants, and that was precisely what I was going to do with Coop. I hadn’t come up with my latest scheme yet, but the wheels were always turning in the back of my head. Besides, with my blonde hair, big blue puppy dog eyes, and well lets face it, my bedroom skills, I figured he’d be back soon enough. So really there was no need to worry her with my drama.

“Of course i’ll be there for dinner!” I replied a little too quickly and way too fake, if she hadn’t picked up on my awkward posture and tone about Coop earlier, she definitely knew something was up now. I was never that excited about family dinners. I was just happy to be off the topic of Cooper, but jumping that fast to the new subject was unfortunately a little too obvious.

“Anyways see you later! rain check means rain check!” I babbled as I quickly made my way towards the elevators. Georgie could always see straight through me, and when I didn’t want the confrontation from her I usually just avoided her. So I made my exist before she could say anything else, I smiled then shouted as the elevator doors closed “Call me later about Kellys and dinner with Mac”

[Nadine Crowell]

Getting up early was never my thing, but being a nurse, I had to make that sacrifice. Before heading into the hospital, I went to Kelly’s and grabbed a cup of my usual coffee, then walked to the hospital because it was a nice day. Walking was good exercise for your heart, I had heard, and I preferred doing it than driving or riding a bike. It saves the economy, and it’s good for your health & body.

And being single made it even better, but sometimes I wished I had someone to wake up with and fall asleep in his arms. I had met a few good-looking guys here in Port Charles, but none seemed to fit the bill, so I gave up. As I walked into the hospital, I heard the Jones sisters, Georgie and Maxie, talking, and knew it had been a rushed conversation because a few seconds later, Maxie was rushing out the door. “So who needs the patience that belongs to Nadine Crowell?” I asked with a teasing smile as I moved up next to Georgie. I picked up a chart and opened it, grimacing as I took a sip of my now-cold coffee.

I didn’t like having to deal with the elder patients, but it looks like I wasn’t going to have much of a choice, not if Epiphany has anything to say about it. She’s like a female Nazi, even though none of the nurses here tell her that to her face. “How are you today, Georgie?” I asked, turning to the younger girl.

[Georgie Jones]

I waved to Maxie as she walked off, wondering if she meant what she said. You never knew with her, but I loved her anyway. I hoped she meant it because we really did need to catch up. She was always with someone and I was usually studying, so I never saw her. Not that I would complain because I knew that she had her own life, always had. I just wished I could see her a little more often than I did.

I heard Nadine behind me and spun around, smiling at her. “Oh you know, just doing what Maxie does best. Doing a million things at once.” I laughed, knowing that she had always been like that and not expecting her to be anything different. “But then I guess I do that too, don’t I?” After all, I had spent hours in the chapel studying and then hurried back, hoping to grab an early shift. Epiphany was a little too much of a stickler when she didn’t let you work early. Then again, she probably knew me too well. She probably wanted me to socialize more.

“I’m great, Nadine, how are you?” I smiled at her again, moving a strand of hair behind my ear. Most women were easy to talk with. Guys…not so much. I always felt like they were staring at my chest or somewhere they shouldn’t. Sometimes this was flattering, but most of the time, it was just annoying. A woman should be seen for more than just beauty, like for her brains. “I should probably warn you; I tried working earlier than I was scheduled, so Epiphany isn’t in the best mood.” I laughed again. Everyone knew Epiphany’s good moods were rare to begin with.

[Nadine Crowell]

“Oh you know, just doing what Maxie does best. Doing a million things at once.” she told me, and I nodded, grimacing again when I took another drink of my cold coffee. I was going to need to get another one, if I was going to make it through the day. I remembered when Jolene did the same thing, back when we lived in Ohio.

“But then I guess I do that too, don’t I?” she asked, and I had to laugh at that one. “Hardly, Georgie! I may not be the head nurse here, but I’ve seen you work harder than any of us, and you still need it to earn your way through PCU.”

“I’m great, Nadine, how are you?” she asked, and I returned her smile. “I’m doing fine, just not looking forward to another busy day and another lonely night at home.” Being single did that to you, and I liked it, but sometimes I got lonely without a man in my life. “So how do you learn to live without love?” I asked her, knowing I probably wouldn’t get an answer right away.

“I should probably warn you; I tried working earlier than I was scheduled, so Epiphany isn’t in the best mood.” she said, and I nodded, knowing full well I was going to need to grab another cup of coffee if I was to deal with “Sergeant” Epiphany’s wrath.

[Georgie Jones]

I raised an eyebrow when I noticed Nadine grimacing after a sip of her coffee. “Too hot? Too cold? You should get another one, either way…” I didn’t need coffee all of the time, I served it enough as it was, but I knew most people needed it to get through the day. Or at least thought that they needed it. I smiled at her and shrugged. “I like working.” I left it at that because compliments always seemed too much. I just did what I had to do and didn’t think anyone should praise me for it. It wasn’t like I was saving lives like Robin was going to or putting the bad guys away like Mac.

“Don’t worry, the day will be over before you know it. I’m sorry about the night…” I frowned, knowing what she meant but also not knowing. I liked being single. It was more freeing than giving yourself to someone like most guys thought Maxie would. I think she did sometimes but Maxie didn’t like to share herself. “You learn to love yourself. Just not too much, you don’t want to be vain.” It really was that simple. People were always over-complicating things.

She nodded when I mentioned Epiphany and I was glad she was at least thinking about it. The last thing anyone needed was getting on Epiphany’s bad side when the day had barely started. I usually was just for the fact that I loved working. Yes, Epiphany was all about her job and was all for everyone else being about their job but I guess since it wasn’t my job, I was an exception. It seemed.

[Nadine Crowell]

“Too hot? Too cold? You should get another one, either way…” she tells me and I know she’s right. I looked around for the trash can, and spotted one near the soda machines. “It was too cold,” I responded when I returned to my spot beside her. “And I plan on it.”

“I like working.” she said, and I nodded with a smile. “I know you do. That’s what makes you a good part of the staff, Georgie. Some of us don’t look forward to working, but you need it for schooling.”

“Don’t worry, the day will be over before you know it. I’m sorry about the night…” she tells me, and I nodded again, my heart hurting inside. It’s not that I wasn’t wary of love, but a girl can only take so much. “Just be appreciative of the things you’ve got in your life,” I tell Georgie. “I am, and I don’t plan to do otherwise.”

“You learn to love yourself. Just not too much, you don’t want to be vain.” she tells me and I am proud that I know very much how to love myself. I also respect the body I am standing in, keeping it healthy, fit and clean.

[Georgie Jones]

I laughed. “Why were you drinking cold coffee?” I didn’t see a point to it. I smiled at Nadine when she brought up my work ethic, again. “Well I’m not working here, just volunteering still. I guess you could maybe call that working. I only work at Kelly’s though.” Mike always said I was his best waitress, to which I would merely blush and say what I had just told Nadine. I didn’t see why people would always make compliments about something you needed in life, like good work ethic. I just did what I had to, always did. Sometimes too much because Mac would tell me again that I needed to have some fun. Fun was for when you finished school.

“I always am. I know how fast people can leave.” I didn’t tell her it was because of Mom because I wasn’t angry with Mom like Maxie was. She did what she had to, just like I did. It hurt that my dad had never really been around for me, but Mac was my dad in everything that mattered and that was what counted most. “The right guy will come along for you, Nadine. You’re funny, sweet, pretty, any guy would want that.” I knew I was intelligent but I wouldn’t go so far as to say I was any of the other things. Maxie was always telling me I needed to be more confident.

(sorry this took so long ! might be easier if we end the thread ? )

[Nadine Crowell]

She laughs, and I know it’s because of the coffee. “Why were you drinking cold coffee?” she asked, and that’s a question I often ask myself when my coffee turns cold. “I’m not sure, but when I know the answer, I’ll tell you.”

I brought up her work ethic again, which she corrected me on. “Well I’m not working here, just volunteering still. I guess you could maybe call that working. I only work at Kelly’s though.” I nodded then responded, “Volunteering is definitely working, Georgie. You’re good at it, even if it’s not a paying job.”

The subject switched to being appreciative of life’s treasures. “I always am. I know how fast people can leave.” “Yeah, life will do that to you, Georgie. Just don’t let Maxie, Commissioner Scorpio or Robin slip through your fingers.”

“The right guy will come along for you, Nadine. You’re funny, sweet, pretty, any guy would want that.” she said, moving onto the subject of love. “I know, but I don’t see any guy stepping forward to say hello to me.”

(OOC: Sure, that’s fine!)