Patrick Drake

The Dysfunctional Drakes

Handsome and confident to the point of arrogance, Patrick Drake is the second member of his family to work as a surgeon at General Hospital, the first being his father, Noah. Father and son have never gotten along. When Robin initially asked Patrick to help save Jason's life, Patrick refuses because of his father's involvement in the case. Sam and Robin play to his ego, hinting that perhaps he wasn't capable of performing the surgery, so that Patrick would agree. He accepts the challenge, and he saves Jason.

However, it does little to build his popularity at the hospital. Robin feels he's heartless and only interested in his career, not in patients. She is interested in what drives his bad relationship with his father. She later learns that Noah is a bad alcoholic who turns to liquor when he loses a patient. Noah has an illegitimate child who comes to work at General Hospital, Dr. Matt Hunter - the brother that Patrick never knew.

Sparks Fly Between Patrick and Robin

Patrick and Robin have an obvious chemistry, and he has fun making her jealous, though there's supposedly nothing between them. Robin denies any interest. That all changes the day that Patrick, while performing surgery on an AIDS patient, cuts himself, exposing himself to the HIV virus. Being HIV positive herself, Robin gives him moral support, and they become lovers. Patrick later learns that he is not infected with HIV.

When Robin thinks she might be pregnant, she realizes by Patrick's reaction that he is not family-oriented, and the couple breaks up. Robin decides to go to a sperm bank, as she wants a child of her own. Patrick then takes up with the beautiful Leyla Mir, but that does not help him to forget Robin. After Georgie Jones (Robin's cousin) is murdered by the Text Message Killer, Patrick and Robin reunite. He suggests that they focus on their relationship instead of her desire for a child at least for a year. Robin knows that a year won't make any difference, so they break up yet again. When Robin announces her pregnancy several months later, Patrick doesn't know that the baby is actually his and not a sperm donor's; the condom broke the last time they made love - another in a line of pregnancies resulting from faulty manufacturing.

A Commitment to Fatherhood - and Robin

Now that Patrick knows the truth, he is anxious to be part of his baby's life, and he wants Robin to move in with him so that they can be a family. Robin doesn't believe he will feel the same way once the newness of having a child has worn off. Patrick finally convinces her that this just isn't true. The two marry, and Robin gives birth to their daughter Emma. However, she develops post-partum depression, leading to a big challenge for the couple.

Robin receives treatment for her post-partum depression, and the couple appears to have gotten through this very rough patch. There will be more challenges to come, but hopefully, their love will keep them strong.