#557 QG 10-6-17

GOO CASTLE, GARDEN
*Serena, Victor, Brady, Sabrina, Alexios, Bethany, Andy, Rebecca, Brad, Tina, Lucas, Lydia, Lysandros, and Clara all stand in shock after Don’s revelation. “How did this happen, Don? Answer me!” Serena demands. “We were on a stakeout. There was a drug shipment coming in at the harbor. V.J, another detective, and I were assigned with taking down the crew taking part in the deal.” Don says. “And?” Serena asks. “We caught them in the act, we had enough evidence to put each of them away for the rest of their lives, but...they weren’t willing to go down without a fight. They pulled their weapons, and they began to open fire. We were able to hold our own for a while...but...eventually, they were able to fire a shot at V.J, and it hit.” Don says. “He…he never said anything to me about having to work today! How could he keep this from me?” Serena wonders. “He didn’t want to worry you.” Don says. “Is...is he gonna be alright?” Serena asks. “I don’t know. He was still alive when they put him in the ambulance. I didn’t go with him, though. I came straight here to tell you.” Don says. “What hospital did he go to?” Serena asks. “The hospital reopened. Its at a new location, right down the street from the old one.” Tina reveals. “Alright, I have to go be with him.” Serena says. “I’ll drive you.” Brad says. Serena nods, as she and Brad walk off. Rebecca walks over to Don. “Detective, can I talk to you inside? I need you to brief me on the situation that transpired.” Rebecca says. “Yeah, sure.” Don says, as he and Rebecca walk away. Andy comes over to Lucas and Lydia. “Did you know anything about this whole drug bust?” Lydia asks. “I knew there was going to be one, but I didn’t know that V.J was involved.” Andy says. “I cant believe this is happening. Poor Serena.” Lydia notes. “Serena is going to be fine, and so is V.J.” Lucas assures her. “Still, I should go to the hospital to be with her.” Lydia says. “Once Rebecca and Don are through, I’ll head there, too.” Andy says. Lydia nods, before she and Lucas walk away.

*Ciara and Sabrina walk over to Victor and Brady. “Dad, Sabrina and I are going to the hospital to see what is going on. Do you and Brady want to ride with us?” Ciara asks. “Yeah, thanks.” Victor says. Victor and Brady walk off with Ciara and Sabrina.

*”Wow, that was one downer of a wedding.” Bethany says. “Poor Serena. I cant imagine what she must be going through. Today was supposed to be the happiest day of her life.” Alexios notes. “And now, it might be the worst.” Bethany says. “Maybe I should go to the hospital to check on her.” Alexios says. “That probably isn’t a good idea. She needs some space, and some time to be with V.J.” Bethany says. “If he doesn’t make it, I don’t know what she’ll do.” Alexios says. “Don’t be so pessimistic.” Bethany says. “This coming from the biggest pessimist I know.” Alexios notes. Bethany laughs. “Come on, lets go home. I’m sure if anything new happens, we’ll hear about it. News travels fast in this city.” Bethany says. “Yeah, you’re right. Lets go.” Alexios says. Alexios and Bethany walk off.

*Lysandros is with Clara. “I did not expect things to end this way...” Clara says. “How did you expect them to end?” Lysandros asks. “I expected V.J and Serena to celebrate their wedding at the reception, and then take a limo to the airport so that they could go on their honeymoon. I bet it never even crossed Serena’s mind that she would be spending her wedding day in the ER, by her fiance’s side, who is fighting for his life.” Clara says. “If anyone is going to pull through this, it’ll be V.J.” Lysandros says. “How can you be so sure?” Clara asks. “I’m not proud of this, but I too once shot V.J. It was a shoulder wound, so it wasn’t anything serious, but he took it like a champ. Even after taking that bullet, he still did everything he could to protect Serena, and everyone else in that room. From what I understand, on the way home, he even helped Lucas land the plane at the airport. All this with a bullet in his shoulder. Clearly he isn’t an ordinary man.” Lysandros says. “I don’t know him all that well, but I know that you are right. God, I cant imagine how Serena must be feeling...if I were in her shoes, and you were the one who was shot...I don’t know what I’d do.” Clara says. “You won’t have to find out, because I don’t plan on going anywhere.” Lysandros says. “I’m sure that is what V.J said right before he went off on that operation. Things don’t always go as planned.” Clara says. “I know that better than anybody. But, I do know that my dangerous lifestyle is behind me. I am fully devoted to being the man you deserve, and treating you the way you deserve.” Lysandros says. Clara smiles. “Thank you.” Clara says. “Don’t mention it.” Lysandros tells her.

GOO CASTLE
*Andy and Rebecca are with Don in the living room. “I’m sorry things didn’t go as planned, commissioner.” Don says. “Don’t apologize. You did everything I asked you to. I’m the one who should be sorry. If I hadn’t assigned V.J to this case, he wouldn’t be in the hospital right now, fighting for his life.” Rebecca says. “The drug ring needed to be taken down, Commissioner.” Don notes. “But V.J didn’t need to be the one to do it! Today is his wedding day, he should’ve been here! But instead, he is at the hospital, fighting for his life! I should’ve sent someone else in his place. Hell, I should’ve gone!” Rebecca says. “These people weren’t in the business of playing fair. If V.J hadn’t been shot, it probably would’ve been someone else. What if you did go, and that someone else was you? You have a daughter to think about now.” Don points out. “And V.J had a son to think about. I know that Orpheus is biologically Dylan Cat’s son, but V.J has been raising him as his own. What if that poor kid lost his father because of me?” Rebecca wonders. “I’ll take it from here, Don, if you don’t mind.” Andy tells Don. “Sure. Before I go to the hospital to check on V.J, has either one of you seen Josephine?” Don asks. “She didn’t come.” Andy says. “Weird. She told me she was going to. I’ll try and get in touch with her, to tell her what happened.” Don says, before walking out. Andy turns towards Rebecca. “I’m so sorry. Your cousin is in the hospital because of me.” Rebecca says. “V.J is a cop, he knew what he was getting himself into. Besides, the only ones responsible for what happened are those drug dealers.” Andy says. “Yeah...they won’t even have to face the consequences for their actions because they are all dead.” Rebecca says. “I’d say that is consequence enough. Because of their stupidity, they lost the privilege of life.” Andy says. “And because of my stupidity, V.J might’ve lost his.” Rebecca says. “Stop it, you gave V.J a choice. You told him that he didn’t have to take the job if he didn’t want to.” Andy says. “So what? I never should have assigned him to the case in the first place! I knew the risks!” Rebecca says. “And so didn’t V.J, but he did it anyway. Look, this was a major drug bust, right? And you needed your best detectives on the case. V.J is one of the best cops I know, and I have no doubt that he contributed to the downfall of the drug ring. That is why you picked V.J, because you trusted him to get the job done. You knew that if anyone could take down the drug ring, it was him.” Andy says. Rebecca wipes away tears. “Thank you.” Rebecca says. “No need to thank me. You’re my wife.” Andy says. “Still. You are really making me feel better. I don’t think I’d make it through this without you.” Rebecca says. “I do. You’re strong. How about I take you home? It would probably do you some good to take some of those anti depressants you were prescribed a while back.” Andy says. “Later, I want to go to the hospital and check on V.J.” Rebecca says. “I can do that. I’ll drop you off at home, and then head to the hospital.” Andy says. “That’s nice of you, but I want to go there myself.” Rebecca says. “Okay, its your decision.” Andy says, before he and Rebecca walk out.

V.J'S HOSPITAL ROOM
*Theo is examining V.J, while a nurse looks on. “How soon before those test results are in?” Theo asks. “I’ll go check with the lab.” The nurse says, before walking out. Serena bursts in. “Miss Masters, you cant be in here!” Serena says. “The hell I cant! That is my fiance!” Serena argues. Serena walks over to V.J. “How is he doing? Is he going to be okay?” Serena asks. “I’d prefer not to speculate. I ran some tests on V.J, and I sent a nurse down to the lab to retrieve them.” Theo says. “Did you take out the bullet?” Serena asks. “No.” Theo responds. “No? NO?! Why not?!” Serena asks. “Look, I’d feel much more comfortable speaking to you AFTER I look at the test results.” Theo tells her. “Why? What aren’t you saying? What’s wrong with V.J?” Serena asks. Before Theo can answer, the nurse returns. “Doctor Douglas, Mr. Goo’s test results are in.” The nurse says. “Thank you.” Theo says, as he is given the results. Theo looks over the test results for a moment. “Well?” Serena asks. Theo sighs. “What? What is it?” Serena asks. Theo looks at Serena. “I’m afraid I have some bad news.” Theo says. Serena gets a lump in her throat. “How-how bad?” Serena asks. “There...is no easy way of saying this...V.J has suffered brain death.” Theo reveals. “What...what does that mean?” Serena asks. “Its a form of irreversible brain damage. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do for that.” Theo says. “No, no! There has to be something! Some sort of surgery, or-or drug! ANYTHING!” Serena says. “I’m sorry, but there isn’t. At this moment, the only thing keeping V.J alive are the machines he is hooked to. That’s why I didn’t remove the bullet, because I suspected from the moment he was admitted that he was brain dead. Removing the bullet wouldn’t have done anything for him, I’m afraid. Anyway, I’m sure you and his family would like to say goodbye. So...when you are ready to take the next step, come find me.” Theo says. “Can you do me a favor?” Serena asks. “Of course.” Theo says. “Tell-tell his family. They are out there in the nurses station. I-I just don’t want to have to repeat any of that.” Serena says. Theo nods. “I understand.” Theo says, before walking out. Serena sits next to V.J’s bedside. “That’s just like you, isn’t it? To go and get yourself shot on your wedding day. You have no idea how angry I am with you for accepting the case and running into that dangerous situation...but I am finding it hard to focus on my anger when you are lying there, barely clinging on for life. This...this was supposed to be the happiest day of our lives. After years of back and fourth between us, break ups and make ups, we were FINALLY going to get the wedding we deserved. How could it go so wrong? How could everything we’ve spent years building just fall apart in one single day? One hour! Right now, we should be dancing at our wedding reception, or shoving cake in each other’s faces! Today was SUPPOSED to be the beginning of our life together, not the end. I...I just want you to know V.J, that you have always been the one for me. From the moment you and I met in the park, and you laid that corny pickup line on me, a part of me knew you were the one. Even when you were with Maya and I was with Franco, you and I were always going to end up together, because we are soul mates. Everything you and I have done in our lifetime, even before meeting, was leading to us, because you and I are endgame. We always were, even when we didn’t want to admit it, and I am sorry if any of my actions ever made you think otherwise. Just know, Victor Goo Junior, that I will always love you, and we will always be connected, even in death.” Serena says. Serena kisses V.J, and then smiles at him. “Fly high, Junior. After all of the good you’ve done in your life, you deserve to be at peace.” Serena says.

FANTASTIC HOSPITAL, NURSES STATION
*Theo is now with Victor, Brady, Ciara, Sabrina, Tina, Brad, Lucas, and Lydia. “Brain death?” Ciara asks. “Are you familiar with it?” Theo asks. “Yeah, unfortunately, I am.” Ciara says. “I’m really sorry. If there was anything more I could do, I would.” Theo notes. “I wouldn’t expect you to do anything for my son, after you nearly destroyed my other son’s marriage.” Victor says. “Dad, don’t start.” Ciara says. “No, I don’t trust this quack to make the right call! I’m calling in my own specialist. I’m sure someone will know how to help him.” Victor says. “It won’t do you any good, Victor. V.J’s condition is irreversible! Not even the finest doctors in the world would be able to help him!” Theo argues. “Is he still alive?” Tina asks. “Yes, for now. The machines are able to keep the rest of his body alive, at least for a short amount of time. I thought it would be best to let the family say goodbye to him before I turn them off.” Theo says. “You aren’t turning anything off! My son is alive, do you hear me? HE IS ALIVE! And as long as there is breath left in his body, I’m not going to give up on hope!” Victor yells. Tina walks over to Victor. “Victor, I know that you aren’t very fond of Doctor Douglas, but he is absolutely correct. I’ve seen several cases like this before. Brain death cannot be reversed, it is impossible. Just like you, I wish it weren’t true, but it is. So, rather than waste these last few moments trying to find a solution that doesn’t exist, you should spend them saying goodbye to your son, while you still have the chance.” Tina says. Sabrina puts her hand on Victor’s back. “She’s right, Granddad.” Sabrina says. “I told Serena to come find me after all of you have said your goodbyes, so there is plenty of time. I’m sure each of you would like to have one final moment with V.J.” Theo says. “Is...is Serena still in there?” Lydia asks. Theo nods. “I should go be with her.” Lydia says. Lucas wraps his arms around Lydia. “No, that isn’t a good idea. You should give Serena her privacy, so that she can say goodbye to V.J alone.” Lucas says. “I’ll be in the chapel, if any of you need to find me.” Theo says, before walking away. Victor approaches V.J’s door.

STANPATOS MANSION
*Alexios and Bethany enter the living room. Alexios is on the phone. “Okay, thank you for the information.” Alexios says, before hanging up. “Did you find anything out?” Bethany asks. “V.J is brain dead.” Alexios says. “Uh, Alexios, should you be talking that way about a man in the hospital?” Bethany asks. “It isn’t an insult, he is actually brain dead. Serena has to take him off of life support.” Alexios reveals. “Oh no. That’s horrible! I cant imagine what Serena must be feeling right now.” Bethany says. “I’d check in with her, but I imagine she’s probably busy saying goodbye to the love of her life, the man she was supposed to marry today. What kind of cruel twist of irony is this? The fact that poor Serena was supposed to start her life with V.J today, and now, its ending.” Alexios says. “That is exactly why I don’t believe in any god. What kind of god would be so cruel to do this to a person?! To take the one person in the world that they love more than anything away, on their wedding day! Its cruel!” Bethany says. Alexios nods. “Death definitely does make you call a lot of things into question. The universe, the purpose of life…its bizarre, all of the questions and ideas that death stirs up.” Alexios says. “Has anyone close to you ever died?” Bethany asks. “The man who I thought was my father. He was killed by a loan shark when I was still pretty young. To this day, I still remember when my mother broke the news to me, and I remember every little feeling that I felt. When someone close to you dies...it sticks with you for the rest of your life. Sure, you might be able to move past the pain, but it isn’t something you are ever going to forget. It leaves a permanent emotional scar. But, the worst part about death is how predictable it is. You never know when its going to strike or who its going to strike.” Alexios says.

GOO CASTLE, GARDEN
*Clara hangs up the phone. “Any news?” Lysandros asks. “Since I’m technically family, I was able to get an update on V.J’s condition.” Clara says. “And?” Lysandros asks. “It isn’t good. He’s brain dead, Lysandros.” Clara says. “I’m sorry.” Lysandros says. “I’m not the one who lost my fiance today, or my brother, or my son. V.J was so many things to so many people...its hard to believe that he is going to be gone.” Clara says. “Have they taken him off of life support yet?” Lysandros asks. “Not yet. They wanted to give the family time to say goodbye to him.” Clara says. “If you want, I could bring you to the hospital.” Lysandros says. “You don’t have to do that. V.J and I weren’t particularly close. Besides, the last thing Victor needs is me showing up at the hospital. I’m sure he is probably upset enough.” Clara says. “I really thought V.J was going to pull through. He’s strong, resilient, I had every reason to believe that he was going to make a full recovery.” Lysandros says. “So did I. This only proves that nothing in life is for certain. No matter how invincible we think we or others are, the truth is that no one is untouchable. We are all going to die, eventually. Some sooner than they’d like to. That’s why they tell you to live every day like it is your last, because it very well could be. You never really know when your time is going to come until it hits you. Look at all of these terrorist attacks that have been happening, for example. All of those victims were just going about their daily life, it had never even crossed their mind that something so terrible could happen, not to them. But, it does happen, it happens all of the time, and it always happens to people who don’t expect to die. That’s why I hate planning, because you have to wonder, what’s the point? All it takes is one little accident for all of your hopes and dreams to be taken from you forever, and for everything you’ve worked hard to build to start falling apart in front of you like a stack of dominoes. And before you know it, its over.” Clara says. “You cant think like that. Yes, nothing is for certain, and yes, you should live everyday as if it were your last. But, you also need to remember that you have a future, and as far as you know, it is a bright one. That is why you need to do your best to control your destiny until you cant anymore, rather than living life day to day. You see, the expression to live every day as if it were your last doesn’t mean to live in fear that your time is gonna be up, it means to enjoy your life and the people around you. It is telling you to have a blast, and to remember what is important, rather than take everything and everyone you have for granted.” Lysandros says. “When did you get so wise?” Clara asks. “After I met the most beautiful, warm hearted woman on the planet. You should know that before I met you, I was an evil, unapologetic bastard who valued only money and power. I was never interested in love, or family, and the only women I had ever been with were ones I had met at bars. I had no interest in a meaningful relationship. But somehow, you changed that. All it took was one glance at you, and my ice block of a heart started to thaw. You saved me.” Lysandros tells her. “I don’t know about that.” Clara says. “I do. It is because of you that I am the man I am today, instead of the vengeful, murderous, manipulator that I was last year. You have touched me in ways that I never even thought were possible. You made me realize that it is possible for me to become a better man.” Lysandros says. All of a sudden, Lysandros bends down on one knee. “What...what are you doing?” Clara asks. “I didn’t buy a ring, because I didn’t plan on doing this today, but, what happened with V.J has made me realize that life is too precious to not take risks. Clara McGuire, please, be my wife. Marry me.” Lysandros says!

FANTASTIC HOSPITAL, CHAPEL
*Theo is sitting in the front row, praying. “Dear Lord, please guide V.J into the light, protect his soul, and please, wrap your warm arms around his family and give them comfort in their time of need. Amen.” Theo says. Theo turns around, and notices Tina standing in the doorway. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” Tina says. “You didn’t. Did Serena send you? Does she want me to turn off V.J’s life support?” Theo asks. “No, Serena didn’t send me. I came looking for you, because I needed a friend. I didn’t expect to find you praying.” Tina says. “I am catholic.” Theo notes. “Oh yeah, I know. Its just, that V.J was your patient, and you really didn’t have to do that.” Tina says. “I wanted to. V.J deserves to rest in peace, and his family deserves peace as well. I do this for all of my patients who...who are unable to make a full recovery.” Theo says. “I don’t doubt that. That is what makes you truly special. A lot of doctors just take care of the patients because that is what they are paid to do, but not you, you emotionally invest in these people, because you care, and you genuinely want to do everything possible to help them.” Tina says. “Not everyone sees it that way.” Theo notes. “I know that Victor has been cruel to you, but you cant let the things he says get to you. You are a brilliant doctor, and you should never think otherwise.” Tina says. “Thank you. For what its worth, I’m sorry about your brother.” Theo says. “Thank you. You know, I really regret not embracing my new family the moment I found out that I was related to them. Because of my reluctance, I’ll never have the opportunity to really get to know V.J.” Tina says. “I know that it isn’t the same thing, but I’m sure Brady, Ciara, and Victor would be more than happy to tell you everything you want to know about V.J.” Theo says. “I’m sure. I just wish I could’ve gotten to know him myself, but now...I’ll never have that opportunity.” Tina says.

FANTASTIC HOSPITAL, NURSES STATION
*Andy and Rebecca get off of the elevator, and join Don, Brad, Lucas, and Lydia. “Is there any news?” Rebecca asks. Lucas nods. “How is he?” Rebecca asks. “It isn’t good. V.J experienced brain death. There is nothing more that the doctors can do for him.” Lucas says. “Oh god, no.” Rebecca says, as Andy holds her.

V.J'S HOSPITAL ROOM
*Victor is standing over V.J’s bed. “You know, out of all my children, you were the least like me. You were kind, you...you had moral integrity, two things that I always struggled to have, and two things that I probably never will have. It almost made me question if you were even mine, or if your mother had an affair. I’m sorry, it was a bad joke. Look, I know that I hardly ever showed it, but I was really proud of you, son, for all that you have accomplished. Not just in your professional life, but in your personal life as well. A lot of people struggle to find someone that they can truly love, and that truly loves them back, but you found two people, Maya and Serena. Do you know why? Because you were a wonderful man, and that is why I love you so much. You were the most courageous, brave hearted, charming, funniest man I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and I was proud to call you my son.” Victor says.

*Sabrina is standing over V.J’s bed. “I know that we were never really that close while I was growing up, probably because I spent most of my time out of the country, but every time we did see each other, you were always so good to me. You would tease me, you would make jokes about me, but most importantly, you told me that you loved me, and it wasn’t one of those cases where you were just saying it. I’m the daughter of two WPA agents, so I’m pretty observant, and I was able to tell by the look in your eyes that you meant it when you told me you loved me.” Sabrina says.

*Ciara is standing at the foot of the bed. ”How on earth did Victor and Jane Goo end up with a son like you? You are nothing like either one of them, you know. Brady and I are definitely their kids, and Tina not being like Dad is understandable, since she didn’t grow up around him, but you never made much sense to me. Somehow, you managed to not become a total screw up, and actually make a good life for yourself early on. I know that I haven’t always been good to you, but know that I have ALWAYS admired you for all of your hard work and dedication. And as hard as you worked, you loved even harder. Even though I am losing you know, I am just so happy that I had the privilege to know you at all, even happier that I had the privilege to call you my brother.” Ciara says.

*Brady is sitting next to V.J’s bed. “We’ve come a long way, haven’t we, bro? I remember when I first showed up in town, I was filled with nothing but rage towards the family, especially you. For some weird reason, I couldn’t stand you. Because of that, I treated you real bad for a long time, and I really didn’t deserve your forgiveness, but you gave it to me, anyway. That’s the kinda man you were, the kinda man I could only hope to be. You didn’t hold grudges, you knew that they were a waste of time. You also didn’t make up fake vendettas in your head like I did, so I guess that’s what makes you the superior brother. Even back then, I knew you were a better man than I was, maybe that’s why I hated you, because I knew that you were better than I was. You were better than both me and Ciara. We were both complete screw ups, and there you were, the perfect son. I’m sorry it took so long for us to grow close, I wish we had sooner, so that I could’ve spent more time loving you instead of hating you. I’m gonna miss you, big bro, I’m gonna miss you a lot. Just, do me one favor, will ya? Say hi to Kristina for me.” Brady tells V.J.

*Victor, Brady, Ciara, Sabrina, Tina, Don, Andy, Rebecca, Lucas, Lydia, Brad, Serena, and Theo are now all in the room. “Are you ready?” Theo asks. Serena tearfully nods. Theo approaches the machines, and begins to turn them off. V.J starts to flatline, as his entire family painfully watch him slip away...