Chapter 2 "Oh my god. I am so dead.” Emily whispered to herself as she shut off the television and sat on the couch. "Why? What's wrong?” Christine asked as she sat next to Emily. Emily ran her hands through her hair and gripped the back strands as she faced the stylish black carpet, “I am in so much trouble! I can't believe this. Do you know how much my grandfather is going to hate this? He hates his family affairs made public!” "Emily, stop flipping out! Your going to win this case and have nothing to do with the Quartermaines, unless it's voluntary, ever again.” Christine assured Emily. "But you don't understand. This is really starting to scare me. I mean they probably haven't even got the court order.” Emily reminded. "Well, at least they have no idea where you are. You don't have to speak with them until your day in court, which isn't until Thursday. It's Tuesday. You have time to relax and calm down. You’re going to win, Emily." Emily smiled and laughed, “Thanks. I needed that.” They hugged and quickly changed the channel. Emily sat with Christine trying to forget that in a couple of days she'd face off with the Quartermaines and everyone else. Thursday came sooner than Emily expected or wanted. She walked down the hall with Justus and Christine by her side. The reporters hassled them all way. Before entering the courtroom Justus pulled Emily aside to brief her, “Emily, I know this is scary and all but if you want to win this your going to have to be strong because I am telling right now their lawyers are going to use every possible thing against you. Anything. Things you wouldn't even expect, ok? They’re going to twist your words around and turn whole situations around but you have got to keep yourself restrained and calmed." Emily nodded, “Ok. What about you?” "What do you mean?” "Are you going to do the same?” "Of course. But the difference is I am going to do better.” Justus winked and they entered the courtroom. They stood observing who was around. Emily realized that anyone she had ever cared about was in the room and they all wanted to talk to her. Slowly Emily, Justus, and Christine went to the defendant’s table and that's when it happened. They begin to approach, “Emily, can we speak with you?” "I don't think that's such a good idea, Mr. Ashton.” Justus told them as he stood. "We didn't ask you.” A.J. snapped before Ned and turned back to Emily. Justus looked over at Emily, “You don't have to talk to them." Emily looked at them and shrugged, “I could care less either way." "Ok, then follow us.” Ned instructed and Emily along with A.J. followed them into another room where the Quartermaine's planned to confront her. Emily was practically dragged into the room where they were. Edward, Ned, A.J., Monica, and Lila waited for her to start. Emily put her hands behind her back and sighed, “Go ahead. Say what you have to say. Because we should really get in there the hearing should start soon." "What is going through your head, young lady?” Edward grumbled. "Is this because of us?” A.J. asked with a sadden expression. "Emily, how come you didn't tell me you were leaving this family? I might have joined you.” Ned tried to joke and Emily even smiled a little but they both knew it wasn't helping at all. "Oh, Emily, why on earth would you do a stupid thing like this?” Monica questioned. "Oh, sweetheart, why do you want to leave?” Lila sadly said to Emily. Emily felt the tears coming as soon as she heard Lila's voice, “You’re the only reason I even hesitated.” Emily told Lila as she knelt in front of her, “But I have to do this. I'll try to visit you I promise.” Emily tried to make up for her sudden move. "Like hell you will! If you go through with this you are banned from the Quartermaine mansion forever!” Edward yelled. Emily stood calmly and nodded, “So be it, Grandfather. Or should I call you Edward. You know what I think that works better. I'll see you all in court and especially Edward. You just encouraged me more. Thank you.” Emily told them before exited the room. As soon as she closed the door she could hear the screaming began and a tear ran down her cheek. She sat on a bench near by trying to calm herself down after seeing Lila. This was harder than she anticipated. She hugged herself tightly as she stared at the ground and rocked herself. She closed her eyes to hold back the tears and that's when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see the only comforting face all day, “Oh, Lucky.” Emily whispered and he embraced her happily. Emily held onto him tightly feeling better knowing he wasn't too mad as he whispered, “It's ok, Emily. I'm right here.” They pulled away from each other and Emily looked into his eyes, “Your not mad like everyone else are you?” "Nah, I'm not mad, a little disappointed that didn't tell me but not mad.” Lucky replied. "I'm sorry didn't tell. It came up suddenly and I just sort of had to take a chance knowing that I might get some people mad, which I did!” Emily whined, “But I guess I just… have to do this." "You guess? You mean you’re not sure?” Lucky asked wanting her to stop this. "Well, there is a down side to me getting this done." Lucky was getting really worried, “What is it?” "I have to leave Port Charles.” Emily answered quickly and Lucky really wanted her to stop now, “I can't stay. According to Grandfather I'd be tormented to death and I need to start fresh. But I'd…" "Miss people.” Lucky finished for her and they both stayed silent for a moment. Lucky inhaled deeply, “Emily, if you are really sure this you want. I am behind you." Emily smiled as her tears fell, “Thank you, Lucky.” Emily hugged him again, “You have no idea how much that means to me.” Lucky hugged back not wanting to think their friendship would end if she won this case. In a weird way he was hoping she'd lose. He took her hand in his and they entered the courtroom to see Nikolas and Liz sitting behind Emily's side of the courtroom. Emily wanted so bad to run out but holding Lucky's hand made her feel like she could do anything. Nikolas wasn't going to stop her. She left go of his hand as she went to take her seat next to Justus and Lucky sat with Liz. The judge emerged from his chambers and they all stood. Everyone prepared themselves for a real battle. "You may be seated.” The bailiff announced and everyone sat in their seats. Emily had a strong look but Lucky could tell she was scared by her eyes. Lucky reached out from behind her and took one of her hands in his. Emily turned to him and thanked him with a smile. Liz and Nikolas were a little bothered by their bond but hid it well. Liz wasn't too worried because she knew he wasn't interested in Emily like that but Nikolas did worry because he wasn't sure of anything anymore. Emily turned back to the judge as she began to speak, “Ok, Ms. Quartermaine, you would like to be legally separated from your guardians Mrs. Monica Quartermaine and Mr. Alan Quartermaine would you like to tell me why?” Emily turned to Lucky who gave her a reassuring nod and stood, “Yes, your honor.” Emily cleared her throat looking over at them, “I believe that I could take full responsibility for myself and I would very much like to do so." The judge nodded with a grin, “I understand that, Ms. Quartermaine, what I want to know is why? Why do you not want to remain under the custody of the Quartermaines? What has drove you to this emancipation?” Emily's thoughts drifted to the kiss she saw. Nikolas and Robin that's what finally pushed her to this, “Ms. Quartermaine?” The judge snapped her out of her thoughts. Emily took a deep breath, “Right. Um… your honor. I don't want to get into details but that household isn't very stable and I would just like some peace. Also, they don't approve of my modeling career and I would like to pursue it but that does not mean I will quit my studies. I plan to say fully involved with my schooling and I will have a tutor at all times." The judge shrugged, “Is that all?” Emily slightly nodded and the judge sighed, “Ms. Quartermaine, I have two things to ask. First of all where do you plan to stay?” "I will stay with a friend, Christine, until I can find a place to stay which I have been assured by my modeling agent will be very soon.” Emily replied. The judge shook her head, “Ms. Quartermaine, I don't want you to feel discouraged when I say this but I don't like separating families. Are you absolutely sure that this is what you want? If you do this you will lose this family,” The judge gestured to the Quartermaines, “You can't go running to them when you have a problem anymore. You'll be on your own from now on. So, you can change your mind now if you would like, I will not hold it against you." Emily thought for a moment and held her higher, “I want to do this, your honor." The judge grinned sadly, “Alright. Then we shall proceed.” The judge turned to the Quartermaines, “Now, tell me why you are contesting…" The judge frowned, “Where is your lawyer?” Everyone in the room looked over at the empty seat. That's when the door's opened and Emily's side of the courtroom saw who it was. Emily's jaw dropped and Nikolas' eyes widened. "I'm so sorry, your honor.” Alexis excused herself walking to the Quartermaine's side. Emily heard Edward mumbling something to her angrily. Nikolas saw Emily's look. He leaned over to her, “Emily.” Emily looked at him fearfully, “It's ok.” Nikolas assured her not that his word meant much right now. "I will not tolerate you wasting my time, Ms. Davis.” The judge warned and Emily's serious face resumed. "I know and my sincerest apologizes, your honor.” Alexis apologized. "Don't bother, Ms. Davis, just tell me why your clients are contesting.” The judge told her. "My clients, the Quartermaines, are contesting because they do not believe Emily, Ms. Quartermaine, can in fact take care of herself and her past does seem to agree with them.” Alexis explained and Emily knew right away it was going to be even worse than she thought. Emily looked at Nikolas, Liz, and Lucky with that worried look she had often gave. They tried to look back at her reassuringly but it didn't help. She turned away and Alexis called the first person to the stand as a character witness, Elizabeth Webber. Liz swore in and took the stand. Alexis approached with a polite smile, “Ms. Webber, what is your relationship to the plaintiff?” "She's my friend.” Liz stated. "And how does Emily seem to you?” Alexis questioned. Liz shrugged, “Emily? I'd have to say that she's very,” Liz searched her mind for the right words, “Strong, outgoing, friendly, um… generous, and smart.” Liz described Emily to them with nothing but the fondest intentions. “She really is my best friend.” When Liz said that Emily realized just how much she was going to miss Liz. "I see,” Alexis sighed, “Ms. Webber, when is the last time Ms. Quartermaine, your best friend, spoke to you?” Liz thought about it for a moment, “A few days ago." "Really? Wow, that's a long time for best friends to be out of touch." "Well, I am pretty sure Emily had other things to worry about.” Liz added in their friendship's defense. "Yes, but you weren't sure.” Alexis crossed her arms, “Did Ms. Quartermaine ever actually tell you that she was doing this? That she was going to intentionally hurt her family?” "No! Emily would never do that!” Liz quickly shouted in response. Emily tapped Justus, “Do something.” She urged him wanting him to help, “Now!” Justus turned to her with a serious face, “Emily, I can't. If I get up now it looks we're trying to hide something and then to the judge… we're the bad guys." "I really don't care right now! This isn't about me. Look at Elizabeth up there! She's going to break now do something!” Emily demanded looking at him sternly. Justus shifted his whole body, “Emily, let me be your lawyer, ok? I will handle this the way I see best.” He stated while Emily nodded worried about Elizabeth. "I'm sorry. I just don't like anyone accusing my friends of things they didn't do.” Elizabeth apologized. "It's ok, Ms. Webber. You weren't there with Emily when she was using drugs we you?” Alexis asked suddenly. Elizabeth looked over at Emily who looked shocked by the question, “No, I wasn't. Why?” "Well, it just seems weird that you and Emily are so close but you seem to really know nothing about her. Let's just say for a moment that Emily got addicted to drugs once again would you know how to handle that, Ms. Webber?” "I don't know. I guess I'll just have to wait for when it happens.” Elizabeth answered with a fake smile. "So, you expect the court to let Emily out there to experience things for herself when her friends have no previous training in the situations she has already experienced with the Quartermaines?” "No, I think Emily is fully capable of taking care of herself and I know she is done with drugs. Emily would never do anything like that again. I'm sure.” Liz stated trying to reassure Emily and herself. "I'm glad you're so sure but the court might think otherwise. No further questions.” Alexis finished going back to Monica and Alan's side. The judge sighed, “I think we should take a ten minutes recess. Court will reconvene in ten minutes.” The judge affirmed knowing this case was going to be a tough one. Emily, Justus, Christine, Elizabeth, Lucky, and Nikolas walked out into the hallway after the Quartermaines. Emily placed her hands on the back of her neck closing her eyes, “That was fun.” She said aloud while everyone looked at each other with different expressions. "I'm so sorry, Emily. I'm so bad at taking a stand.” Liz apologized. "Don't be. Alexis was really testing you.” Emily forgave Liz and turned to Justus, “Who are they going to question next?” "Lucky.” Justus replied turning to him, “Are you ready?” Lucky was still angry at how Alexis used Liz against Emily, “I'm ready.”