Chapter 10a
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[11:00 am, The Guesthouse]
It's the chirping of an annoyingly cheery bird that awakens Stefan from sleep. In those first few moments of sleepy disorientation, he is at a loss to remember where he is. When he realizes that he is in the Guesthouse, Stefan lets out a groan. After he found the new painting he rushed out here. He knew it was crazy, but a small part of him had held out hope that Katherine might not have left yet. Of course, when he got here it had been painfully obvious that that was not so. All that remains of her stay in the guesthouse is an old sofa that she had intended to refurbish and that infernal white dress that Alexis had given her. No note of explanation was necessary to explain her absence. The portrait said it all.
"There's only one thing to do. I have to find Katherine and explain that I love only her." Stefan stiffly gets to his feel and with only one backwards glance leaves the place where he had once experienced a rare happiness. When he reaches the main house he finds Nikolas reading the local newspaper. Stefan's arrival is greeted with a scowl by his young nephew.
" What did you do to Katherine? She moved out two days ago. All she said was that you two were through and not to worry about her."
" It's all a big misunderstanding. I've got to find her. When I do I'll fix everything, Did she tell you where she was going?" asks Stefan hopefully.
" No, but she's still in town. That's for certain."
" How can you be sure?" Nikolas holds up the paper. In the bottom left hand corner there is a picture of Jax and another of Katherine. The caption reads: " Millionaires Jasper Jax and Katherine Bell are co- sponsoring the Nurses Ball this year. Ms. Bell will also be acting as the event's emcee. Don't miss this show at the PC hotel at 7:00 pm today." The article goes on with background information about the ball, a list of acts, and ticket information.
" Perfect. Didn't Katherine get us a table a couple months ago?"
" Yes. She said it was the best table in the house, right up front and in the center."
" Great. Be ready to go at 6:00 pm. We want to be at the ball on time." With that order, Stefan marches upstairs, leaving a confused Nikolas behind.
****
[3:00 pm-PC Hotel-Kat's dressing room]
Katherine is sitting on a small loveseat in her dressing room. She has yet to put on her first dress and is wrapped in a royal blue robe. From outside voices penetrate the door as the PC residents practice their acts. The sounds remind her of the fact that she was unable to find anyone on one days notice to take Dara's place in the first number after intermission. That only leaves one option, she'll have to take Dara's place. The song is an easy one, not too vocally challenging but Katherine is still nervous, remembering the year before last's singing disaster.
" This year will be different though. We're going to have the best acts and raise more money then Lucy Coe has even seen!" Katherine swings out of the dressing room and goes in search of her partner in order to rehearse.
****
[6:31 pm-Spoon Island]
The launch leaves the island with Stefan and Nikolas, who are clad in impeccable black tuxedos. Each has a red ribbon attached to his lapel. About halfway through the ride Nikolas asks, " Uncle? Where did you go this afternoon?"
" I had some important business in town." Nikolas knows no more then before from this short answer but something tells him not to question his uncle further and just to wait for him to tell him.
****
[6:45 pm-PC Hotel]
The lobby is full to bursting. Hundreds of people in all shades and fabrics mill around excitedly. Backstage, all those who are going to be performing have just received a " You can do it" pep-talk. They're going down to their tables, all except the first act that is.
Katherine goes to the wings and peeks out. Almost every table is crowded with influential citizens. Only one is empty. The center table right at the front. The confirmation of this is a major relief and she returns to her dressing room to freshen up her lipstick.
****
[7:00 pm]
From an invisible loudspeaker, a deep male voice announces, " Ladies and Gentlemen, please take your seats. I give you Katherine Bell, who coordinated this evening and will lead you through our fabulous acts tonight."
The curtain slowly goes up to reveal Katherine center-stage. She is wearing an exquisite satin mauve dress. It looks almost antique in the way it falls gracefully to the floor and how the sleeves are tapered until they flair slightly at the elbows. The audience bursts into applause, which is good because they cover Katherine's small gasp when she sees the front-center table is occupied. She recovers quickly however and begs, " I'd like to thank you all for coming tonight. Every single person here tonight is helping fight AIDS and as a reward we've got some first class entertainment for you. The first act is going to be a woman you all know and respect. She'll be singing and aiding her is one of Port Charles' finest detectives, Marcus Taggert.
****
The curtain goes down and Stefan closes his eyes briefly. Katherine looked amazingly beautiful. The look she gave him though-as if he was no more then a perfect stranger-had wounded him as if she had punched him as she did once before.
****
The stage is transformed into the interior of a house, it looks like a 50s living room. Taggert stands at the door with his hand on the knob and he cries out, " Bye, honey. I'll be back later. Don't wait up!"
As he turns the knob Monica rushes in an grabs his arm and yells, " Stop!"
The music starts and she continues: "
~~
Baby, baby
I'm aware of where you go
Each time you leave my door
I watch you walk down the street
Knowing your other love you'll meet
But this time before you run to her
Leaving me alone and hurt
(think it over) After I've been good to you
(think it over) After I've been sweet to you
Stop in the name of love
Before you break my heart
Think it over
Think it over
I've known of your - Taggert starts to shake his head
Your secluded nights and Monica pokes him hard in the chest
I've even seen her
Maybe once or twice
But is her sweet expression
Worth more than my love and affection
But this time before you leave my arms
And rush off to her charms
(think it over) After I've been good to you
(think it over) After I've been sweet to you
Stop in the name of love
Before you break my heart
Think it over
Think it over
I've tried so hard to be patient - Slowly, Monica has backed Taggert up against
But each time you are together the door and she's right up in his face.
I'm so afraid I'll be losing you forever
(think it over) After I've been good to you
(think it over) After I've been sweet to you
Stop in the name of love
Before you break my heart
~~
With a slightly fearful expression Taggert puts a hand on Monica's shoulder and says timidly, " Ok, baby. I don't have to go out tonight. Why don't I take you out so you don't have to cook."
The stage fades to dark and the audience burst into applause, which is punctuated by laughter and whistles. The two performers take their bows and Katherine walks out again. This time she has on a multi-colored blue silk sleeveless dress. To accent it she has on sapphire studs and a sapphire and diamond choker. " Well, folks, that was great!! Thank you Monica and Detective Taggert! Now Ned Ashton and Alexis Davis will show you another side of love then the one you've just seen. Enjoy!
****
Katherine walks offstage as the crew hurriedly sets up for the next act. She breaks out ina radiant smile at the success of the evening. The only blemish on her happiness is Stefan's presence. She had thought seeing him in the audience would be easier the second time. That was not the case though. The sight of him all regal looking in his tux had still taken her breath away involuntarily.
****
Ned and Alexis come onto the stage from different sides. As they near the center, they join hands and walk to the edge of the stage. Ned begins to sing, while looking lovingly into Alexis' eyes.
~~
Watching every motion
In my foolish lover's game
On this endless ocean
Finally lovers know no shame
Turning and returning
To some secret place inside
Watching in slow motion
As you turn around and say - Alexis joins in on the next line and continues
Take my breath away with Ned to the end of the song
Watching I keep waiting
Still anticipating love
Never hesitating
To become the fated ones
Turning and returning
To some secret place inside
Watching in slow motion
As you turn to me and say
Take my breath away - Ned
Take my breath away - Alexis
Through the hourglass I saw you
In time you slipped away
When the mirror crashed I called you
And turned to hear you say
If only for today
I am unafraid
Take my breath away - Ned
Take my breath away - Alexis
Watching every motion
In this foolish lovers game
Haunted by the notion
Somewhere there's a love in flames
Turning and returning
To some secret place inside
Watching in slow motion
As you turn my way and say
Take my breath away - Ned
Take my breath away - Alexis
~~
As the last chords of the song fade, Ned takes Alexis in his arms and kisses her as the crowd applauds wildly.
Katherine walks back onstage in a green crushed velvet dress that fastens with tiny pearly green buttons in the front. The plunging neckline of the gown reveals a teardrop shaped emerald.
" Thank you very much Ned and Alexis! If you liked that performance you should buy the latest Idle Rich Cd, which is in stores now. If you can't wait though, bid at the auction. Ned was kind enough to donate a complete collection of his band's music, along with an autographed picture and free tickets to his next concert."
" We're gonna take a short intermission now. Feel free to try the buffet provided by Mac Scorpio from the Outback free of charge. And don't forget to bid on the items the Port Charles merchants have so generously donated. Have fun and we'll be back shortly with more great entertainment."
Katherine leaves the stage and the audience begins to get up and meander out into the auction room and dining room.
10b
[the PC Hotel]
[intermission of the Nurses Ball]
" Didn't you just love..."
" That dress, I hear she had it made in..."
" What do you think will happen next? I think..."
All around Katherine the people talk in hushed voices and whispers. Everyone seems to be having a great time as they mill about and taste the great food. Already so many people have come up to her and complimented her about the show. Everyone loves the auction and performances of course but by far the most popular display is the AIDS quilts.
" Hey, Katherine!" calls a loud voice. A voice has to be loud in this crush in order to be heard. She turns and sees Jax elbowing his way towards her through the crowd. " Everything's going great partner. Some people are even saying that this is the best Nurses Ball yet. You must be so proud."
" Yes, I am. But it wasn't all me. Without your help and money we wouldn't be where we are right now."
" It was worth every penny and minute. Ever since I've gotten close to Robin this event has meant a lot to me," explains Jax as Katherine nods in agreement.
" I know exactly what you mean. That's the main reason I wanted to be the emcee of this event. Really," Katherine insists when Jax gives her a skeptical look. " Okay, okay, I also did it because I got to stick it good to Lucy. Did you see her in the audience, she was practically green."
Jax laughs and they talk about business and other things for a while before he works up the nerve to ask what he's been wanting to. " Katherine, as you probably know I'm no longer involved with Brenda since she left town. And since it's obvious that you and Stefan Cassadine are over, I was thinking that maybe we could..."
Katherine cuts him off before he can finish the invitation. " I'm sorry. I'm just not ready to start a relationship with anybody. Maybe in a couple weeks but not now. I hope you understand."
Jax is disappointed but still hopeful since she didn't refuse altogether.
Across the room Stefan warily watches the two talking. With a word to Nikolas he sets down his champagne flute and makes his way over to where Jax and Katherine are standing. Jax feels Katherine stiffens slightly and turns to see what is wrong. She tries to smile but it's evident that she is upset by Cassadine's approach.
" Jax, Katherine, congratulations on the success of the ball. If you don't mind though, I'd appreciate a moment alone with Katherine." All of this is directed at Jax but Stefan keeps his eyes on Kat throughout the whole conversation.
Jax wants to protest, but before he can say anything Katherine lays her hand on is sleeve and says, " Don't worry about it. I'll be fine. Why don't you wait for me backstage."
Reluctantly Jax walks away, leaving the two in a n uncomfortable personal silence. Stefan is the first to speak, " Katherine, I'm sorry you felt you had to move out. I know you found the painting. I understand how you must be feeling but if you'll let me explain..."
Katherine had resolved to hear Stefan out but she couldn't stand to hear him lie to her. Forcing herself to sound cold she breaks in, " Don't bother. I don't need you to explain. It was all crystal clear."
" No, I wasn't trying to mold you into Laura. I know that's what you must think but it's not so. My mother sent me that picture."
" I believe that Stefan but she did not force you to keep it as some perverse shrine in the cellar."
Stefan's heart sinks. Katherine has obviously realized why he had been keeping Laura's painting. And to her it will make no difference that he is past that and in love with her.
Katherine turns on her heel and storms off. She doesn't get far though when Stefan starts after her. The pursuit is difficult however because of the many people around. He finally catches up with Katherine as she's passing by an open hotel room. Looking around Stefan grabs Katherine's arm and pulls her into the room. He shuts the door and Katherine immediately turns her furious eyes on him.
" Get your hands off of me! Who in the hell do you think you are pulling me in here like that?"
" Katherine, I understand your anger towards me. I didn't mean to belittle it earlier. I only wanted to let you know one more thing before we parted ways. I love you. Not Laura, you. I know you don't believe that right now but it's true. I'm going to prove it to you." Stefan reaches into his pocket then continues with what he was saying, " And when you believe me I'm going to give you this." He opens the box to reveal an engagement ring. It is a three carat diamond surrounded by emeralds and more diamonds. The ring is probably the most exquisite piece of jewelry that Katherine has ever seen. " I want to marry you."
Katherine is left speechless at this proclamation. For so long she wanted to hear those words come from Stefan's mouth but now she is not elated as she imagined. Instead she is distrustful, wondering if what Stefan says is true or whether or not he has some ulterior motive in doing what he is doing.
****
Stefan leaves the room more determined then ever. Katherine didn't say a word to his proposal and that hurt but it didn't change anything. He had meant what he said. He was going to do something he had never done before in his life: woo a woman.
****
The music in the auditorium is cued up and people begin to make their way back to their tables. Mac and Felicia are sitting with Maxie and Georgie who are extremely excited, as this is their first Nurses Ball. Maxie is reading the program aloud to her younger sister. " Mister Jasper Jax and Ms. Dara Jensen will be performing next Georgie. Then comes Robin."
Felicia turns to Mac and asks, " Is Dara here? I haven't seen her." Mac just shrugs as the lights dim.
****
When everyone is at their respective tables the lighting technician dims the lights and the curtain once again rises. Katherine is in the spotlight and is wearing a simple ivory colored dress with lacey embroidery along the bottom and neckline.
The audience applauds and Katherine announces, " Thank you. I hope you guys are enjoying yourself. There has been a small change in the program. Dara Jensen was supposed to perform the next number with Mr. Jax but unfortunatetly she is unable to do so. I will be taking her place. " A small murmur goes through the crowd at this. Katherine voices what many people are thinking. " I'm sure some of you remember that two Nurses Balls ago Dara took my place when singing Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend.' Well, this year I'm going to do the same for her."
Jax walks out and stands beside Kat. They each hold portable mikes. The music begins and a few people chuckle when they realize what song it is.
~~
Makin Whoopee
[[Throughout the song Katherine and Jax stand each on one side of the stage and narrate the goings on of the couples.]]
[the spotlight shifts to the side of the stage, where Amy Vining and A.J. Quartermaine stand in wedding garb. Edward is the minister.]
Jax: Another Bride. Another groom. Another sunny honeymoon. Another season and that's the reason for makin' whoopee.
Kat: A lotta shoes, a lotta rice. The groom is nervous. He answers twice. It's really killin' that he's so willing for makin' whoopee.
[A.J. and Amy rush off as extras throw rice. Meanwhile, on the other side of the stage the stagehands have rolled on a little gingerbread like house. Brenda and Luke sit on a swing holding hands.]
Jax: Picture a little love nest. Down where the roses swing. Picture that same sweet love nest and what the years bring.
Kat: He's washing dishes and baby clothes. He's so ambitious, he even sews. Jax: So don't forget folks, that's what you get folks for makin' whoopee.
[Luke gets up, leaving Brenda alone. She goes in the house and starts dusting and he does off to the other side of the stage where there is a big sign that reads: " Moe's bar".]
Kat: Another year of makin plans. Well, what's this I hear? Well, can't you guess? She feels neglected and he's suspected of makin' whoopee.
[Brenda and Luke are gone, replaced by Bobbie who sits alone in the house reading while across town at the bar Alan sits with Carly and drinks.]
Jax: She sits alone most every night. He doesn't phone. He doesn't write. He says he's busy. But she says-
Kat: Busy
[AJ, Amy, Brenda, and Luke wheel out a large platform box like the ones a judge occupies on which Jason sits. He wears a white wig and holds a gavel.]
Jax: He's makin' whoopee. He doesn't make much money. Only five thousand bucks. Some judge thinks he's funny: now you pay six to her. Now he says, Judge, suppose I fail. Judge say, Bud, right into jail. You better keep her.'
Kat: Yea, I think it's cheaper-
Jax: Then makin' whoopee
Kat: Then makin' whoopee.
****
Everyone goes wild as the characters take their bows and rush offstage. Katherine is the only one to remain. The curtain goes down in back of her in order to prepare for the next act as Kat introduces it.
" Our last performer is someone we all know and love, from both personal experience and past Balls. She is the bravest person I know and an inspiration."
Robin comes out onstage and talks a while about what it's like living with HIV. After she finishes the audience is silent and she continues, " I'd really like to share a song with all of you that always touches me every time I hear it. Eric Clapton's " Tears in Heaven".
****
[As Robin sings a large screen descends from the ceiling and snapshots flash across the screen. After each picture a quilt is displayed on the screen. All the pictures are of smiling and laughing people, young, old, male, female, black, white. Every person shown was getting the most they could out of life. The last picture is of Stone, dressed as Romeo and his quilt.]
Tears in Heaven
Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven
Would it be the same
If i saw you in heaven
I must be strong
And carry on
Cause I know
I don't belong
Here in heaven
Would you know my name
If i saw you in heaven
Would you help me stay
If i saw you in heaven
I'll find my way
Through night and day
Cause I know I just can't stay
Here in heaven
Time can bring him down
Time can make him weak
Time can break your heart
Have you beg and plead
Beg and plead
Beyond the door
Is peace I'm sure
And I'll know there'll be no more tears in heaven
Would you know my name
If i saw you in heaven
Would you be the same
If i saw you in heaven
I must be strong
And carry on
Cause I know I don't belong here in heaven
Oh I know I don't belong here in heaven
****
Robin stares out at the audience, many of whom have tears in there eyes or on their cheeks. Mac and Felicia are the first to start clapping, setting off a chain reaction that results in a standing ovation. It is a full two minutes before it is quiet enough for Katherine, who has retaken the mike, to be heard. Robin, that was beautiful and the perfect note to end this evening on. Goodnight everyone.
****
Chapter Eleven
[Katherine's Office]
Katherine is sitting behind a large desk that is covered with various memos and pictures of models. She is studying the Deception marketing responses. Kat looks up at the sound of something breaking outside her office. The crash is followed by a loud commotion. " Gabby?" Katherine calls through the closed door to her secretary. Before Gabby can answer though a loud voice exclaims, " You're not going to get away with this!"
Katherine is on her feet the next second and flings open the door. Standing in the entryway of the office is Lucy Coe, who is struggling with the petite Gabby to get inside. " Gabby, it's okay. I know I told you not to let anyone in but I'll make an exception for Ms. Coe."
Lucy gives the disheveled secretary a triumphant smile and says, " Humph! I told you I'd get in." The two women go into the spacious office. Katherine offers Lucy a chair but she declines. " I didn't come here for a social call. I came to tell you that you will never get away with what you've done. I'll get you back, twice as good."
Katherine is puzzled at this outcry. " What are you talking about? Have you been testing the perfume in inclosed spaces again? Am I going to have to call Kevin to come and get you or are you going to leave? I don't have time for your crazy accusations."
" Don't play dumb with me. You know perfectly well that I'm talking about your takeover of my company. You may have Jax's Cosmetics now but you had better enjoy it while it lasts."
Katherine still isn't exactly sure what Lucy is talking about, then she remembers the present that Stefan left her when he left on his trip. And Jax had mentioned that he had acquired something not long ago for Stefan. It must have been Jax Cosmetics, she realizes. Not wanting Lucy to know that she wasn't aware, Katherine gives her best smile and replies, " I am enjoying it. And I'll continue to enjoy my victory for a long long while. Now get out of my office and don't come back."
The two women exchange glares but Lucy leaves. Katherine immediately gets on the phone and calls up Jax.
" May I speak to Jax please."
" Yes, I'll put you right through"
" Jax, hi."
Jax is sitting at his desk, playing Nintendo 64. He was just about to get past the Master of the third level of the game when he got the call. " Hey, Katherine. What's up?" He pauses the game.
" I didn't want to bother you, I know you're busy."
" Well, I was just in the middle of something but for you, it's no trouble. What do you need?"
" Do you remember how you told me that you acquired a company for Stefan? I was just wondering if that company was Jax Cosmetics."
Jax reluctantly admits it, " Yes. He wanted the company to give to you. In return he recaptured E.L.Q. Jakarta for me. Jax Cosmetics is now in your name, didn't he give you the papers?"
" No."
" Oh."
Katherine is puzzled by this new information she has just had confirmed. How did he know how much I wanted Jax Cosmetics? Maybe...no. I won't think about that. " Thanks, Jax. I'll let you get back to that important business you were attending to when I called. Bye."
" Bye."
[[click]]
They both hang up. Each sits at their desks and thinks about the phone conversation they've just had and wonders about things that have been happening.
****
Across town Stefan makes plans about how he's going to win the love of his life back. Also on his mind is his plans for Helena that involve Victor. His revenge against his mother will have to come before his and Katherine's reunion so that they will have no more obstacles in their path to happiness.
Victor is due to arrive at Wyndemere shortly to get his orders regarding the plan. Before he arrives though Stefan wants to get Nikolas off the island. He comes in from the stables and silently sits down on the couch to read the morning news. He ignores Stefan because he blames him for Katherine leaving. Knowing this, Stefan decides to broach the subject instead of letting it fester. " Nikolas, I'd like to talk to you. About Katherine."
****
" Do you understand better now," asks Stefan, hiding his anxiousness that Nikolas will come out on his side.
" Yes, Uncle. And I want to help. I'll do anything I can to help you get Katherine back here where she belongs."
" I'm glad to hear that. I may need your help eventually but right now all you have to do is be a friend to her as you would anyway."
" Well, that will be no problem. We have a date for lunch today at the Outback for 2:00pm. We got to talking at the ball the other night and made plans."
" Good. Good. If you want to be on time you'd better get going though."
Nikolas stands up and starts out of the room, then he turns and looks back. " Uncle, thank you for telling me everything."
****
" There is a man here to see you sir. He says he's your Uncle and is accompanied by two quite large men."
" Thank you Missus Landsbury. Show him in." She goes out and then comes back in with Victor and his bodyguards.
" Can I get you and your guests anything?" At Stefan's negative answer she gladly leaves the room.
Stefan turns to the bodyguards and says, " You can leave now. Wait outside to escort Mr. Cassadine back to the hotel."
Victor doesn't speak until the guard leave, then he gets straight to the point. " Ok, nephew. Let's get down to it. What do you want me to do in this plan to take down Helena."
****
" Hey, Mac. How's it going?" asks Katherine sunnily.
" Everything's great."
" That's good. I'm supposed to be meeting Nikolas Cassadine here. Is he here yet?"
" Yep. He's seated right over there. He just left the table a minute ago though.: " Thanks Mac. Talk to ya later."
Katherine goes over to the table Mac pointed out and sits down. Nikolas comes back the next minute and greets Kat warmly. " It's so good to see you. I've really missed having you around the house."
Smiling a little sadly, " I've missed our time together too. We'll just have to do this more often."
" We wouldn't have to if you'd come back."
" Nikolas..."
" I'm sorry. I know it must be painful for you to talk about but I just want to say that both me and Uncle are hoping that you'll change your mind and return." Katherine doesn't say anything and Nikolas decides that it's time to change the subject. " So, how's that new campaign you were telling me about going?"
" Great. We hired a couple new models and..." Katherine continues to tell Nikolas about her latest Deception campaign but her mind isn't on that. She is thinking over his words regarding her living at Wyndemere. The truth is, she misses the old dreary house. She misses Nikolas. She misses Stefan.
Chapter Twelve
****
" Hello, Helena dear."
Helena turns towards the familiar voice in shock. " You?!? What are you doing here?"
****
Stefan is in his car, heading across town towards Katherine's new home. Victor has been briefed about his part in Helena's downfall and now it is time to put his plan to get Katherine back into action. He realizes it may take a while though he hates the idea of being separated from her longer then necessary. The long, black car turns smoothly into Katherine's street. Just as he does so, Stefan is passed by a limousine heading in the opposite direction. With a frown he realizes who it was: Jax.
As he pulls into the driveway Stefan ponders the relationship between Kat and Jax. Ô They had known each other superficially but now they seem to be friends. Could it be more though? Jax would have to be blind not to be attracted to her but does she return his...No!'
His musings on the subject of Katherine and Jax can't be right, thinks Stefan in an effort to reassure himself. With new determination h e turns off the car and rapidly strides to the porch. Two minutes and several loud knocks later it is evident that nobody is home. Checking his watch, Stefan sees that he has plenty of time before Nikolas returns from his evening with Emily, an alliance that Stefan is still unsure of. He will wait. He looks around for someplace to sit but finds nothing, so with a grimace he sits his one hundred and fifty dollar pair of pants down on the porch steps. All is peaceful and Stefan closes his eyes and waits.
****
[Across town]
Katherine is sitting in the park on one of the wooden benches and thinking of the exact same memory as Stefan. Every detail of the day he showed up at Serenity rushes through their minds, ending with them making love and falling asleep in each other's eyes. When the memory ends, Kat gets up, frustrated. She had been able to keep the good wonderful memories of Stefan and her relationship at bay ever since she had found the painting. That had been the only way she'd been able to move out of Wyndemere. After hearing Nikolas proclaim that h is Uncle was suffering as much as she and that he missed her however, Kat's resolve had crumbled.
****
" What do you want," repeats Helena, a note of fear creeping into her voice.
" Why Helena, you seem almost afraid of me. Certainly that can't be after the way you kicked me while I was down the last time we came into contact," Victor challenges.
With false calm, " Certainly not. I was merely surprised. I had heard you died over ten years ago. Why didn't you come to me. I would have helped you."
" Cut the bull. We both know how you kept me from what was rightfully mine. That is why you're going to help me now. Cause if you don't" Victor takes out a long lethal looking dagger " I shall slit your throat. And I'll enjoy it." When he sees her surprised look he explains, " The places I've been living force you to adapt. I'm no longer the powerful but ultimately squeamish man you knew. Thanks to you I don't need Mikkos to do my killing for me anymore. I've killed before and am willing to do it again, especially in your case.
While he was talking, Helena had accessed the situation and was quite sure Victor would do just as he said. She doesn't agree to help yet because she fears not being able to handle whatever Victor has in mind. Instead, she asks, " If I agree to help you, what would I have to do?"
" You're going to help me regain my former position, and that means overthrowing Stefan.
****
Stefan gets up off the cold ground after seeing that he has been reminiscing and waiting for exactly seventy three minutes. He decides to wait five more and in anticipation of that goes to the car and starts it. He sits on the expensive leather seats and lets it idle. Leaning in, Stefan switches on the radio, which is still tuned to 106.3, Katherine's favorite station. A beautiful song comes over the radio:
~~~
I want to know why
You're letting this die
Without the blink of an eye
You say that you need time
I say you'll be fine
If you would only see
Like you did before
You became imprisoned
Can I reopen the door
Once we were one mind
Drifting in one time
And ever true
We were friends
You say it doesn't matter
Then tell me what does
And why that isn't true
You've been thinking of
You say it's never easy
Then tell me what was
Is it never worth the pain
Could you believe it was
When life keeps living
That's what life keeps giving
To us...
****
Katherine turns into her driveway. Her radio is tuned to the same station as Stefan's She gets out of her car and stares at Stefan, while the song plays in the background
~~~~
...But something is gone from my
Picture of this life
If we could only see
Like we did before
We became imprisoned
Can I reopen the door
You say it doesn't matter
Then tell me what does
And why that isn't what
You've been thinking of
You say it's never easy
Then tell me what was
Is it never worth the pain
Could you believe it was
When life keeps living
That's what life keeps giving
To us
The hope has vanished from your eyes
You were my faith and one truth
There's every reason to get through
And you're why I know there's a reason.
******************
After Victor's announcement there is a long silence that is finally broken when Victor asks, "Well? What will it be?"
"I will help you...on one condition."
Victor had expected she's want some kind of control and he impatiently demands, "What?!?"
"I want to be the one to inform Stefan of what we've done." Just thinking of being able to tell her second son of his ruination makes Helena smile evilly
******************
Katherine stares at Stefan and he does the same as the beautiful Celine Dion song plays from both of their cars in the background.
"Katherine. I'm so glad to see you. I've been waiting for sometime. I was beginning to worry because of the lateness of the hour."
The fact that he was worrying about her causes a jubilant feeling that she forces herself to squash. She carefully masks her initial feelings at finding him at her house be turning off her car and heading towards the door, in affect ignoring his presence entirely.
What she doesn't anticipate is Stefan's determination to speak with her. He grabs her by the arm and holds her in place until she turns and looks at him. For an instance he sees all his love for her returned in her gaze. Then her eyes cloud over and she says in answer to his earlier question, "I was on a date."
Stefan lets go of her arm but she doesn't make a dash for the door. Instead she continues, wanting to hurt him as much as he'd hurt her. "Yes. Jax and I had a wonderful time. He took me to a wonderful French restaurant and it was fabulous. Yes, fabulous."
He knows she is lying now. After all, he just saw Jax right here, not two hours ago. He doesn't want to embarrass Katherine further though so he keeps quiet. When she finishes her description of the 'fabulous, wonderful, heavenly' date, Stefan replies calmly, "That's nice. I'm happy for you."
Katherine is dumbfound. She had expected a response from her taunting but not that. In her confusion she says the first thing that comes to her mind, "Get off my property!"
Stefan blinks at the anger in her voice then points out, "You're blocking me in." She turns around and sees that her car is indeed in the way of his.
******************
Nikolas opens the door and finds Jax standing on the doorstep. He has just got home from his date with Emily and is in a great mood.
"Is your uncle here?"
"No. Did you need something? I'm not sure when he'll be back but I may be able to help you."
"No. What I came about is something that only Stefan and I can deal with." Jax is disappointed that his confrontation with Stefan would have to wait but also curious. Nikolas and Jax exchange good-byes and he heads back to the launch pondering the current situation.
******************
Katherine has moved her car and now stands in front of Stefan with pleading eyes. Her anger has faded, leaving only despair. "Please go now."
Seeing how difficult this is for her, Stefan starts walking to his car. When he's within reach of Katherine though he stops and moves closer. He whispers hoarsely, "You still love me. Why isn't that enough? I love you and want you back."
His arms move gently around her, enfolding her entirely in his love. At first Katherine is tense in his arms but as he holds her, softly rubbing her back in comfort, she relaxes. Tears slip slowly down her cheeks while she explains. Her voice is choked with emotions. She can hardly get the hard words out. "I do. I love you. It's just that--I don't trust you. Too many times you've lied to me. That's why we can't--Why you--You have to go." Even as she says those words she pulls him closer into the embrace. Finally, with a sob she breaks away and with an anguished look rushes into the house. She doesn't allow herself to look back until the door is locked, not to keep him out. To keep herself in until he leaves.
If you have any comments email me at:
tweetyann9@aol.com
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