Alexis hadn't noticed Jax approach them. She didn't think she could speak to answer the question. It didn't matter since Danniel answered for her,
''Yes Alexis and I know each other, quite well.''
There was an intimacy aqbout the last two words that Jax did not like. He knew Danniel Marrik's reputation and didn't like the idea of Alexis having anything to do with him. Sonny was now also standing by Alexis but Danniel ignored both of them concentrating instead on Alexis.
''How are you Alexis, you look well.'' he stated casting an approving eye on her and causing her to blush and quickly lift a hand to her hair, a nervous gesture.
Possibly for the first time in their live both Sonny and Jax were completely agreed in their thoughts. They hated this man.
On the other side of the room Laura was trying to help before it was too late.
''Where is Jillian?'' she asked Luke. ''The little girl that was with Alexis'' she added when he looked a her questioningly.
''She's upstairs watching a movie with the rest of the kids, I think, why?''
''Did he see her?'' She asked glancing at the man who was speaking with Alexis.
''No, the kids went upstairs before he and Ed came in. Whats going on darlin?''
Instead of answering Laura continued in her questioning.
''Do you have your cell phone on you?''
''Of course.''
''Good give it to me.''
''But...''
''Give me your phone and then go into the other room and use the phone in there to call me.''
Luke, still without a clue as to what was going on but always eager to participate in a scheme, began heading into the other room.
Meanwhile Alexis was trying to regain the ability to speak.
''I... How... What are you doing here?''
''I've just made a rather interesting business deal with Edward Quartermain.''
Was it possible it was all just a coincidenc... he didn't know she would be here... he didn't know...
''Alexis?''
''What, I'm sorry what did you say?''
''I asked how your brother Stefan is doing these days.''
To everyone else it was a standard pleasentry but they didn't notice the slight emphasis he put on the word ''brother''. The last time they had seen each other she was only a distant Cassadine cousin. If he knew about her true relationship to Stefan it meant he must have been talking to someone about her. He knew she was here in Port Charles, he probably knew she was going to be here tonight.
''He's well, thank you for asking'' she replied as calmly as she could.
He looked her straight in the eyes, he knew he had given himself away, he had meant to. There would be no lies between them this time, he would make sure of that.
At that moment Luke's cell phone rang and Laura hurried to answer it.
''Hello''
''Hello darlin want to tell me what we're doing?''
''Stefan is that you?'' Laura said with exagerated loudness.
''That isn't funny darlin?''
''Yes she's here, why?'' she continued.
''I don't care who's there I'm only interested in you baby.''
''I find that hard to believe.'' Laura answered wryly.
''You know I only have eyes for you.''
''That's horrible!'' Laura gasped drawing the attention of everyone in the room.
''Listen honey I'm getting tired of this why don't you and I go home and celebrate the season with a private party for two.''
''Yes I'm afraid that may be the only option Laura stated in grave tones.
''See you soon baby.''
''Yes we'll be right there.''
Laura hung up the phone and headed towards Alexis. Luke snuck back into the room in order to catch the rest of the scene.
''Alexis,'' Laura began, ''That was Stefan. He said there's some sort of family emergency. He said he's been trying to get a hold of you all night and finally called me to see if I knew where you were. I'll go get the girls and you get the coats, we'll meet you at the car.''
Before anyone in the room, including Alexis,could do anything, Laura had her out of the main room. Realizing that Alexis did not want to talk with Danniel Jax and Sonny were only too happy to help keep him away from her. They began questioning him about the ELQ deal and anything else they could think of.
Meanwhile Luke started the car and watched with disbelief as Laura, Lesly Lu, Alexis and Jilliian piled in after him. He drove Alexis and Jillian home, waiting until they were out of the car to question Laura. She would only say that the story wasn't hers to tell.
When Alexis and Jillian arrived home Max was waiting at her door.
''Uhm Sonny called. He asked me to stay with you till he got back.
''Hi Max.'' Jillian had a well known fondness for all of Sonny's bodyguards but Max was her favorite. ''Would you like to come in for popcorn?'' He gave Alexis a questioning glance and waited until she nodded before replying that he'd love to.
Several minuutes later Jillian and Max were sitting on the couch eating popcorn and discussing boy bands. Actually Jillian was discussing boy bands Max was listening and nodding. Every now and then his eyes would wonder over to Alexis who had been pacing around the room since the popcorn finished popping. He hoped Sonny got there soon, he would be able to make Alexis relax. There was a knock at the door and Alexis froze. Even Jillian did not make a move towards the door, seeing her mother's fear.
Max walked to the door and shouted, ''Who is it?''
''It's me.'' Sonny shouted back and all three people in the room visably relaxed.
Max opened the door to let Sonny in and after saying goodnight to Jillian and Alexis went outside the door to keep watch. Sonny watched Alexis pace around the room aimlessly. She looked lost, like she had no idea what to do next.
''Jillian why don't you go get ready for bed, I need to talk to your Mom for a minute.
''Okay, actually I'm really tired so I'm gonna go straight to bed.''
''Goodnight sweetheart.'' Sonny said watching her kiss Alexis on the cheek before heading upstairs. Sonny sat down on Alexis' couch.
''Come here,'' he said softly.
The tenderness in his voice was too much for Alexis and she fell into his arms and began to sob. She cried until she was too tired to cry anymore and even then she remained closed in Sonny's arms, savoring the warmth she found there. He didn't ask her any question and she didn't tell him anything. But she knew he was there for her and he knew she would tell him when she was ready.
They remained there on the couch for several hours. Sonny held her until she fell asleep and then until he fell asleep also.
Meanwhile Danniel left the Quartermain mansion enraged. He had finally found her, finally had the chance to speak with her, to explain, and she had run from him. He would find her again, he thought. And this time he would make her listen.