Patrick: Has Alexis' family been notified?
Robin: We've contacted everyone except Ric, who was here, but was called to Washington on business.
Epiphany: The waiver Alexis signed regarding exposure to AIDS will cover this procedure, too.
Robin: Great. She's amazing.
Patrick: Yeah, I'd almost forgotten H.I.V.'s an issue.
Robin: Well, that's a good start. Maybe you're starting to realize that H.I.V. doesn't have to run your life. Hi. I'm glad you both got here at the same time.
Nikolas: Elizabeth just called. What -- what happened?
Robin: Any news on Ric yet?
Elizabeth: I've left enough messages.
Robin: We can't wait much longer.
Nikolas: What -- what's wrong?
Robin: Her lung is collapsed. We have to insert a chest tube and relieve the pressure. It's not that complicated, ordinarily.
Nikolas: What do you mean, ordinarily?
Robin: Well, because she's very weak, because of the cancer and the pneumonia.
Nikolas: Are you saying she may not survive the procedure?
Patrick: I can't proceed until a family member signs a release for a high-risk procedure.
Sam: Could you try and call Ric again, please?
Elizabeth: I've left messages on every number I can find.
Sam: Okay, I know. I just -- I want to be sure he understands how serious this is.
Nikolas: What -- what happens if we delay the surgery?
Patrick: Alexis will suffocate.
Nikolas: But she can also die in surgery, so --
Patrick: Surgery is Alexis' best chance, but we need to get started.
Elizabeth: Okay, Ric's office just called. They say he's stuck in D.C. due to weather, and he's not answering his cell phone.
Robin: That means you're the closest blood relative. We need you to sign this.
Sam: I can't. How can I agree to an operation that might kill my mom?
Patrick: Sam, if you don't, your mother will die for sure.
Nikolas: I'll -- I'll do it.
Robin: You made the right choice. Alexis will be in great hands.
Patrick: Thanks.
Nikolas: It's okay.
Sam: Thank you.
Nikolas: You're welcome. I'm glad I could help.
Sam: Look, I know it probably doesn't make any sense to you. I -- I can do 1,000 different crazy things in life, but I just -- I couldn't sign that form.
Nikolas: No, it's -- it's okay. Risking your own life is very different than risking someone else's.
Sam: Yes, it is.
Nikolas: And I don't even want to think about this, Sam. But if Alexis does not survive this procedure, we need to discuss what will happen with her children.
Nikolas: I still believe there's something that you're not telling me. But I've thought through our conversation and I'm starting to share your concerns about Ric. You're right -- he's probably not the best person to bring up Kristina, but I don't want to keep her away from Molly.
Sam: Okay, well, then would you be willing to raise both Kristina and Molly?
Nikolas: Look, I would never take any child away from their father, especially with what I went through with Spencer. But I would like to suggest a compromise.
Sam: All right. I'm listening.
Nikolas: Okay, what if -- what if the girls were to stay with you, okay? Just -- I believe that's what Alexis would want, and maybe we could negotiate some sort of custody agreement between Ric and Sonny, and that way the girls would have the best of both worlds.
Sam: Okay. It's -- it's an interesting idea.
Nikolas: Well, it's -- it's a choice that you unfortunately may have to make very soon. And I know I don't have to tell you how much children will change your life. I mean, I -- I certainly didn't know how much until Spencer came into mine.
Sam: I would do absolutely anything for Kristina and Molly.
Nikolas: I know. But Alexis has made her wishes very clear, and I happen to agree with her. If you choose to be the guardian of Kristina and Molly, you'll have to end your relationship with Jason.
Emily: Alfred told me you might be here.
Nikolas: Matchmaking from his hospital bed, is he?
Emily: He's concerned about you. I have no idea how he found out that Alexis is in surgery.
Nikolas: How's the surgery going?
Emily: Um -- there's no word yet.
Nikolas: So are you still on report for missing that page?
Emily: Yes, but I'm off-duty and I have my pager right here.
Nikolas: Hmm. Have you figured out yet how it got turned off?
Emily: I have a theory, but we'll deal with that later. Right now, all I want is just to stay with you.
Nikolas: Alexis was the most consistent female presence in my life. I knew I could always call her and depend on her. Now I need to step up so she can depend on me.
Emily: That can be difficult.
Nikolas: Why do we never realize how much we love someone until it's almost too late?