He leaned over and kissed Ellen on her forehead. She stirred and slowly opened her eyes. "Mmmmm, good morning," she said. "Good morning," he said. "Happy Anniversary," they said at the same time. They both smiled. "What time is it?" she asked. "Eight thirty," he said. "Oh my god! I'm late!" she exclaimed. "Honey, you're Chief of Staff. You can go in when you feel like it especially our your anniversary.' "You're right," she said.
They both sat up and stared into each other's eyes. "Matt, honey I have something to tell you," she said. "What is it?" "Is it about my gift?" "Go on, give it to me," he insisted. "Be patient," she said.
To be continued.....
It was a letter stated that she was to be the new Chief of Staff at the same hospital in San Diego which she had left due to mother's illness. It also stated that he was to be chief surgeon. "Oh my God, I don't believe it! We both got the jobs that we've been wanting for so long," he said. They had both been yearning to get out of Port Charles since all the murders, the problems with the board, and Matt lost the Quartermaine residency to Chris. Even though they had great positions at GH, those things still haunting them to this very day.
"When did you get this?" he asked. "Yesterday, but I wanted to surprise you" she replied. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. He looked a little concerned. "What are you thinking about?" she asked. "Oh, just that we have a million things to do before we leave; like put up the house for sale, hand in our resignations," he said. "Honey don't worry I called the real estate agent yesterday. The house is already on the market. I also talk to Monica Quartermaine about us leaving," she said. "I love you Dr. Ellen Burgess-Harmon," he said as he looked lovingly at her. "I love you too," she said.
Just then the phone rang. "Are you expecting a phone call?" she asked. "No, are you?" he asked. "No," she said. She leaned over to answer the phone.
To be continued...
Matt moved over to comfort her. He thought that it may have been his father after him again, but why? The last time they came face to face he nearly killed his father. Perhaps his father still has not forgiven him for killing Bobby. His only concern right now was to keep his beautiful wife safe and happy. He held her and rocked her to sleep. When she finally fell asleep, he got into his chair and began to plan his next move. After the whole incident with Grace and his brother, he promised himself that no one he loved would ever get hurt by his family again.
He knew he had no choice but to go see his father. How would he break this to Ellen? She's already terrified. He did not want to make her more afraid. He picked up the phone to make plane reservations. He wanted to leave as soon as possible. About an hour later, Ellen rolled over and reached for Matt. She panicked when she did feel him. She opened her eyes and sat up. "Matt? Matt? Matt!!!!!!" she exclaimed. Matt rushed in the room. "Hey, hey," he said. "I'm right here," he said as he stroked her hair and her face. "Oh honey, first the phone call, then you weren't here," she said. "It's ok, sweetheart, I'm here" he said. "There is something I need to tell you," he said. "What?" she asked.
To be continued...
He leaned down and gently brushed his lips against hers. "I love you," he whispered. "I love you too," she replied. They began to make love. **Two hours later** Matt began to get dress and Ellen was in the kitchen making him something to eat. They ate together then Matt did the dishes as Ellen finished packing for him. She was about to put a pair of pants in his suitcase when she felt something unusual. It was a gun.
To be continued...
"I need to go for a drive and clear my head" she said. "I'll be back in an hour" she said as she walked out and slammed the door behind her. She got in the car and drove away. She wasn't sure where she was going. The only thing she knew was that she wanted to get far away and clear her head. As she was driving, she began to remember her wedding day. She ended up at the church where they got married. She got out of the car and walked into the church. The memories came flooding back.
****Flashback August 13, 2001***
Ellen was dressed in an elegant white off the shoulder dress. The dress was long and flowing with tiny white beads on the top. Her hair was up in a bun with a crown of pearls surrounding the bun. A thin white veil flowed from the crown and covered her face. Matt was dressed in an elegant white tuxedo. Joe was the best man. Eve was the maid of honor. The church was full of their friends and some of Ellen's family. Ellen asked Kevin to give her away and he said he would be honored. The wedding march started. Matt stared at his bride in awe as she walked down the aisle. They waited five years for this day. During the ceremony, each of them felt like they were the only two people on the earth. As they exchanged vows, Ellen began to cry. As Matt said "I do," a single tear rolled down his face. As they were about to exchange rings, Ellen began to shake uncontrollably. She did not think she would be able to put the ring on Matt's finger. Just then she looked into his eyes, he smiled at her and gave her hand a squeeze. They then exchanged rings with no problem. The minister said "I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." As they kissed it seemed as if the whole world around them stopped. "Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you Dr. and Mrs. Harmon" said the minister.
********************************
Ellen decided to go home to work things out with Matt. She got in her car with a smile on her face and was hopeful that things would be ok. As she drove into the driveway, she got a sinking feeling in her stomach. She raced into the house only to find a note from Matt. It said "Dear Ellen, had to go to see my father. Be back as soon as possible. Love, Matt."
To be continued...
"Hello pops," he said as he turned around to face his father. "Eric," his father said. "What an unpleasant surprise," Salvatore said. "What do you want from me pops?" Matt asked in an annoyed tone of voice. "How that beautiful wife of yours?" Salvatore asked. "You leave her out of this!" Matt exclaimed. "Take it easy, it was just a question," he said. "You wanted me here and now I'm here," said Matt. "What do you want?!" Matt asked again. "It's simple," Salvatore said.
"I want revenge, revenge because you killed Bobby" Sal said. "My only son!" "You are no son of mine! I let you walk away all those years ago. I'm not gonna let you leave here alive," he said. He pulled out a gun. Matt rushed him and a struggle began.
Back in Port Charles
As night fell, Ellen decided to go to bed. As she lay in bed she got a funny feeling inside. All of a sudden she sat straight up. "MATT!!!!!!!!" she exclaimed.
Just then as Matt and his father continue to struggle, a shot was fired.
To be continued...
The ambulance pulled into the driveway. The paramedics rushed in as Matt explained what happened.and his father's injuries. Matt rode along in the ambulance and his mother followed in her car. When they got to the hospital, Matt waited with his mother after he filled the doctors in. He suddenly remembered Ellen. He quickly made his way to a phone.
"Come on baby, pick up the phone," Matt whispered. Ellen was in the kitchen and ran to the phone. She picked up the phone, hoping her husband would be on the other end. "Matt, is that you?" she asked. "Yes, baby, it's me," Matt replied. "Oh, thank God," she said as she breathed a sigh of relief. "Are you ok?" she asked. "I think you better sit down first," he said. "What is it, Matt?" she asked. "Tell me what happened," she demanded. "When I went to go see my father, he tried to kill me," he said. "What?!" she exclaimed. "Calm down, I'm fine," he told her. "What about your father?" she asked. "He's in surgery now, " he said. "I'm waiting with my mother to found out how the operation went," he said. "I'm on the next plane out there," Ellen said.
"No, you stay home," Matt told her. "You should know by know that I'm stubborn and I'll do what I want," she said. "What hospital are you at?" she asked. "We're at County General," he replied. "I'm on my way," she said. "Ellen," Matt said. "Yes," she replied. "I love you," he said. "I love you, too," she replied. "I'll see you tomorrow," she said. "Yes, you will, bye," he said. "Bye," she said as she hung up the phone. She immediately called the airline to make plane reservations. She then proceeded to pack a bag to take with her. Back at the hospital, Matt's mother was pacing for what seemed like days but was really only hours. The doctor finally came out to talk to them. "Are you Mrs. Mancusi?" the doctor asked. "Yes, I am," she replied. "Doctor, how's my husband?" she asked.
To be continued...