Eventually, after what felt like an eternity, Michael and A.J. pulled apart, almost embarassed at the aray of the emotions let loose in the den. The two sat down, A.J. still keeping his hand on Michael's forearm, not wanting to let go. Michael licked his lips nervously as A.J. tried to formulate a question that would neither offend nor upset him.
"How long have you known?"
Michael remained silent for a minute, trying to best describe the past few days. "A few days, we found out by accident really, it's a long story."
A.J. furrowed his brow, "we?"
Michael looked up suddenly, eyes anxious, "oh yeah, uhh, Mary knows, so do Dominic Cassadine and the Collins." A.J. sat back for a moment as Michael, "it was sort of important, it was really my choice to keep it a secret temporarily. I wanted to do this right."
Michael bit his lower lip nervously as A.J. shifted in his seat before speaking, "no, I meant, the rest of your family," he said, his voice hard.
Michael's eyes fell to the floor once again, this was going to be painful, "they knew for a long time," he said slowly.
"How long?" A.J. studied Michael's face seriously.
"When the test came back that Tony Jones wasn't my biological father, both of them knew, both my Mom and uh Jason," he said awkwardly, it felt weird talking about his father using his first name but it seemed even more inappropriate to call him Dad around A.J.
A.J. remained still, his head tilted to the side slightly, as he tried to digest the new information. The anger swelled momentarily again but A.J. used all the strength he could muster to push it down again, for now.
"I don't believe this," he said wearily. "I just don't believe this," he repeated as Michael fidgeted in his seat.
"What should we do?" Michael asked, feeling suddenly lost again. A.J. clasped his hands together.
"I think we should tell the family, would that be alright with you?" he asked. Michael nodded, "I think it's okay to tell them now."
Despite everything else that was swirling around his head, A.J. forced himself to get up from his seat and beckon Michael to the den door. The anger would come later, the pain and bitterness and rage. A flowing stream of raw emotion was not too far from A.J.'s view but right now that needed to be set aside for something better. The re-introduction of Michael to the Quartermaine family.
**************************************
Port Charles Grille
"I'm very sorry sir, we have a new desk clerk starting tonight. I'm sure she didn't mean to misplace the cancelation notice your associates left for you," the Hotel Manager explained, anxiously wringing his hands.
Nikolas sighed as he glanced at the clock behind the front desk, he'd wasted nearly thirty minutes of his time before turning his gaze back to the Manager, "please, when she returns from the washroom, could you please explain to her the importance of hanging onto notices like that?"
"Yes sir, of course sir and again, I'm terribly sorry." The Manager rushed off, all too grateful to have avoided a nasty confrontation from Nikolas Cassadine.
Nikolas nodded absently as he entered the restaurant, selecting the quiet bar to go over some notes in regards to a new Latin tutor for Raphael.
"Nikolas? Nikolas Cassadine?"
Nikolas1s shoulders sagged, not another admirer. He turned slowly in his seat, his eyes rising suddenly at the figure before him, a slow smile formed across his face.
"Well, over fifteen years has passed and you've hardly changed. Some gray hairs showing up, a few wrinkles but still the same gorgeous creature my sister managed to land."
Elizabeth Webber shook her head, "Prince Nikky, how the hell have you been?" she asked dryly, her lips twitching into a tart smile.
Nikolas stood, "Elizabeth Webber, my god, I never expected to see you here."
Elizabeth smirked before taking a seat at the bar next to him, "not too happy to see me," she commented lightly, "no, not much has changed has it?"
"No-no, that's not what I meant," Nikolas said quickly, "I mean, it's a surprise, a good surprise."
Elizabeth1s face relaxed, "it's good to see a familiar face, I've spent far too much time around strangers recently. I'm here on business, I almost dreaded coming back to Port Charles, with everything," she said quietly and Nikolas nodded. After her relationship with Lucky finished almost as quickly as it had started, she'd left suddenly, returning to Colorado with Sarah.
"Too much stuff went on here, I guess I just needed to start over," she said softly.
After a few quiet moments, Nikolas cleared his throat, "are you hungry?" Elizabeth shrugged, "you buying?"
Nikolas chuckled, some things never change, "yes I'm buying, why don't we catch up?"
Elizabeth smiled broadly, "I'm famished, since you're buying and yeah, we got what sixteen years to catch up on?" She leaned towards him, "Nikolas, we're gonna be here all night, you up for it?" She eyed him intently, Nikolas blinked and nodded, suddenly nervous, "why don't we get a table and get started?" Nikolas stood and held his arm out for Elizabeth, who in turn smiled warmly as she linked her arm with his.
"Lead the way Prince."
"So, how is Sarah doing these days, last I heard she was a doctor in Southern Arizona or something," Nikolas said as he and Elizabeth took their seats.
The Grille had just been closing but Nikolas had been able to sway the manager with a wad of bills to keep in open solely for him and his guest, Elizabeth.
"Mmm, she and her husband and their brood of four kids, been there almost seven years and they love it. Nice house, good neighbourhood, two cars and a dog, they are living the suburban dream," Elizabeth reported, wrinkling her nose slightly.
Nikolas laughed, "something you're not in line for I assume?"
Elizabeth shrugged, "I hate animals and the image of perfection, what about you?"
Nikolas smiled, "ahh, so now we're finally getting a little personal. We've skittered around our personal lives for awhile now discussing everything under the sun, but us."
Elizabeth nodded slowly, "now for the nitty gritty, I heard Lucky and Emily got hitchted straight outta high school?"
Nikolas noted the traces of regret tinting her voice and smiled, "yeah, pretty much. He runs the club and she teaches. They've got three great kids," he said showing her quickly the wallet photos of Ethan and Lila and one of a newborn Luke.
Elizabeth smiled warmly, "precious, I had a feeling they'd be great together." Her smile wavered slightly but she took a deep breath, "what about you? I heard your wife passed away a few years ago. Gina right? I'm very sorry, I would have come but I heard about it weeks after the funeral."
Although surprised by her apology, Nikolas was genuinely warmed by Elizabeth's sincerity, "thanks, it's hard, I mean it gets easier every day but I have to raise Raphael without his Mother, so there are problems. Uncle tells me that I need to move on, to try and be happy, but I sometimes feel that Raphael never knew his Mother as well as perhaps he should have when she died. I try to hang onto the memories so when he asks about her, I'm not searching my head."
Elizabeth nodded understandingly, "I can understand your fears, but wouldn't you think that most of your happy memories with Gina come back to you without your son's prodding? Do you remember what she looked like on your wedding day for example?"
Nikolas blinked and the image of Gina's beaming face as she slowly made her way down the aisle of the filled church, her brother walking her down flashed through his mind. It had been a beautifully sunny day with only a slight breeze. Taking a deep breath Nikolas smiled softly as he remembered the moment perfectly, "I remember."
"In fact, you'll probably find a lot of Gina in Raphael, how he looks, how he behaves. It's there, I'm sure you've noticed it," Elizabeth said.
Nikolas thought of how like Gina, Raphael's ears would noticeably burn up when he became embarassed, or how both would tilt their heads slightly to the left when concentrating or how Raphael's bright eyes were a mirror image of his Mother's.
"He's more like her than me, he always has been," Nikolas remarked as he took a sip of his water, his eyes wandering back to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes playfully, "really? I'll bet he's really a lot like you." She leaned back in her seat and rubbed her chin thoughtfully, "let me think for a minute. Okay, I'll bet he loves nature and riding horses like you do. He is extremely affectionate with those he loves and entirely proper with strangers or aquaintances. He probably shakes hands too, second nature I'll bet. Naive at times, sheltered and spoiled around the edges, probably too confident but very thoughtful, intelligent and generally has a sweet demeanor. How am I doing so far?"
A slow smile spread across Nikolas's face, "not bad, better than what his Maths tutor wrote last spring."
Elizabeth laughed, "I'll bet he's got his Mother's light and your darkness. Sort of like you and your Mother." Before she could stop herself, the words were already out and Elizabeth instantly drew back, "I-I'm sorry, I didn't think there," she started before Nikolas waved it off.
"It's okay, I agree mostly, a lot of time has passed in the last ten years. My relationship with my Mother's family has become less extreme and has moved to a calm neutral."
"How are they, your sister and everyone I mean?"
"LesleyLu is enjoying the life as a sophmore at Yale. She's so smart and talented but she is very much a Spencer," Nikolas grimaced slightly, "she's loyal, tough, street smart and a fine poker player. You know about Lucky, I don't know if you met my Aunt Alexis but she got married, her husband died from cancer a long time ago and she has a son, Dominic, he's sixteen. Uncle, well," Nikolas paused thoughtfully, "picture him the same but older."
Elizabeth smiled warmly, "I did't expect him to change one bit. What about your Mother?"
Nikolas smiled mildly, "Florida, retired with Luke near Orlando. He runs another club called 'Southern Luke's'." Faint indications of a smiled played about the corners of Elizabeth's mouth as Nikolas continued, "we visit twice a year and although Luke would never openly admit it, he adores Raphael like he was his own grandson, still hates me though," he added with a smile.
Elizabeth remained quiet as Nikolas allowed a chuckle, "who'd a thought huh?"
****************************************
Quartermaine Mansion
A.J. placed his right hand gently on Michael's right shoulder as he led Michael to the veranda where the family, loudly, discussed the recent events in the community.
"Could I have everyone's attention please?" A.J. called loudly as the two stepped out, Michael nervously shoving his hands into his pockets. Soon everyone had quietened and turned in their seats to face A.J. and Michael. Keesha gave a questioning look at A.J. and he nodded, all would be explained.
"I would like to introduce Michael to the family," A.J. started and already a murmur formed along with confused expressions but A.J. continued, "Michael was known as my nephew but he is actually my son."
Keesha's eyes widened with shock as Lois clutched Ned's forearm, digging in which caused Ned to give a small cry of pain. Kevin rose to stand beside A.J. as Alan, Edward along with servants and Reginald who had trickled into the veranda began to argue and talk in confusion. Only Monica remained quiet, frozen to her seat, unable to speak.
"How?" Ned asked.
A.J.'s eyes shifted, "Carly and Jason lied to me and everyone else that's how."
Michael's eyes raced around the room as Alan began to shout angrily, Edward's roar growing by the moment as Lucy comforted Lois, who was now sobbing still clutching onto Ned's forearm. Michael's eyes latched onto Monica's as Keesha slowly rose from her seat but Michael's eyes were locked onto those of his grandmother's. In a split second, the enormous shock, betrayal, embarassment and deep, deep pain travelled the room, hitting Michael full force as he took a step back to steady himself.
"Please, everyone sit down, please calm down!" A.J. and Kevin pleaded, trying to calm a swell of angry and confused voices with Lois's sobs mixed into the inferno. Michael's eyes welled with tears as Monica blinked, her own, silently falling down her cheeks, her knuckles turning white as she gripped her armrest. Michael's breathing rapidly became shallow and hoarse, and Michael suddenly felt a sensation as thought the walls around him were closing. Taking another step back, his eyes never leaving those of Monica's, Michael clutched the doorframe with his right hand. A.J. feeling Michael's movement turned and spoke but for some reason, the words were muzzled to Michael's ears. All he could hear was the dull roar of words and all he could see was Monica's face.
"I-I have to get out of here," he whispered frantically as his right hand pushed himself back and he turned in a fluid motion. Momentarily stunned, A.J. stood before blinking, and jumping to go after his son.
"Michael, wait!" he called anxiously, but Michael never looked back as he raced towards the front door passing the kitchen. Mary, Andrea and Dominic rose from the kitchen table and headed to the door, and sliding the door open just as A.J. raced passed them, chasing after Michael. Mary, noticing Michael flee out the front door, broke into a run with Andrea and Dominic in hot pursuit, and Kevin pulling up the rear.
Michael flew onto the pathway, nearly tumbling onto the grass but managed to balance himself and raced down the driveway, not waiting for the gates to open, jumped onto them and vaulted himself over, landing with a thud on the other side.
"MICHAEL!" A.J. screamed as he reached the gates, but to no avail, Michael was a mere speck as he turned the corner down the street.
"What happened?" Mary cried as she and the others reached A.J. breathlessly.
"Everything." A.J. said as he cursed himself for the foul up.
**************************************
Wyndemere
Stefan closed his eyes as he sipped his brandy, letting it slide down his throat slowly, allowing every sense to enjoy the fine drink as he sat quietly next to the roaring fire, his Russian newspaper at his side. Placing his drink on the table beside him, Stefan immediately opened the paper, selecting the business section first, of course.
"Good God, you just don't change much do you?" came a drawled voice from the doorway and Stefan jumped with a start, twisting in his seat to see the intruder, nearly knocking over his drink in utter surprise.
"Jerry Jacks," he said, astonished as he quickly rose, throwing his paper into his vacated seat and crossed the room, a smile growing across his face as he greeted, "what on earth are you doing here?"
Jerry gave a tight smile, "to put it blunty, revenge."
The two turned to allow the commotion from the hallway to filter into the den. Dade was carrying a fast asleep Jewel, nestled in his arms as Mrs. Lansbury clucked her disaproval.
"This child belongs in a bed, especially at this hour, let me put her in a guest room," she insisted, "has she eaten recently, she looks thin," she said worriedly as Dade caught Jerry's eye. Jerry gave a quick nod as he carefully took Jewel from Dade, handing him over to one of Stefan's men, as Mrs. Lansbury quickly ushered the man upstairs to the bedrooms.
"Dade Phillips, you haven't changed at all since I last saw you," Stefan smiled as the two shook hands. "Have a seat both of you."
The three sat and for a minute, none of them spoke before Stefan sat forward and cleared his throat. "Deanna, this about her isn't it? Jason Morgan hasn't left Port Charles, he's firmly entrenched here."
Jerry nodded slowly, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, "we'll move slowly, I don't want any indications of me being here, it'll set him off and he'll move base or worst, get me before I get him."
Dade frowned, somewhat disturbed by the calmness and ease both men seemed to be wearing comfortably, "gentlemen, if I might interject for a second-."
"Stefan, has Dominic returned home?" Alexis asked as she strode into the room, unaware of his guests before her eyes rose, "oh goodness, I apologize for interrupting," she said her cheeks flushing with embarassment as all three men rose.
"Alexis, I believe you remember Jerry Jacks," Stefan started as Alexis nodded and smiled, her focus then travelling to the second man and Alexis nearly gasped. "And this is his associate Dade Phillips," Stefan continued.
Dade leaned forward and extended his hand, his eyes recieving all of Alexis's reaction but he decided playing it cool would be best, "Ms. Davis it's a pleasure to meet you," he said, his eyes begging her to comply.
Alexis's mouth went dry as her gaze remained fixed on Dade's, she simply clamped her mouth shut and nodded, brightening her wavering smile as she quickly shook Dade's hand.
"Well," she croaked, "I shall retire to my room. Stefan, you'll see that Dominic returns safetly?" Stefan nodded and Alexis smiled at Jerry, avoiding Dade's intense gaze, "then, goodnight gentlemen," and with that Alexis turned on her heel and rushed up the staircase.
Dade fidgeted in his seat, his eyes roving from the stairs Alexis had just climbed and the planning Stefan and Jerry had quickly returned to.
"Gentlemen, I must agree with Ms. Davis, it's quite late, I'll see you in the morning," he said, nodding to both.
Stefan's eyebrow rose with curiosity, "of course Dade, you can stay in the room across from Jerry's, fourth on the right."
Dade nodded and quickly but calmly rose the staircase before rushing down the hallway, turning down various corridors, searching for Alexis before hearing a rustling from a room on his right. The door was shut but the light from inside the room illuminated the dark hallway underneath the door. Dade gently rapped the door before opening it, hoping he hadn't found Mrs. Lansbury's room. He entered the room and sighed with relief, it was a library. Dade's eyes travelled the room before locking onto Alexis's frame, almost hiding behind the large rows of bookcases. Shutting the door behind him, Dade quietly approached her.
"Alexis?" he called softly but there was no initial response but after a moment, she slowly produced herself, hugging a book to her chest as she walked slowly towards him, her expression poker-faced, but the closer she got, the more the face softened. She stopped six feet from him before her eyes slowly met his.
"Dade," she said, her tone more soft than it's intended caution. She shifted from one foot to the other, her eyes becoming intensely focused on the painting directly over Dade's right shoulder.
"How are you?"
Alexis nodded, "fine, yourself?"
Dade sat gently on the armrest of the chesterfield, resting his hands together on his right thigh. "Let me tell you a story Alexis. It's all about this guy who meets a woman in a New York law firm. She's probably the most gorgeous creature he's ever seen. He has various investments with the firm so he frequents the floor she works on quite regularily. From what he sees, she's tough, agressive, intelligent, savvy and very cunning. After the first few months, he makes small talk with her, building up his courage to ask her to dinner and when he finally does, she gives him a cautious look over and agrees to it. She's shy at first during the dinner but loves to laugh and so all he wants to do is bring that beautiful smile to her face all evening. They continue seeing each other and eventually become lovers."
Alexis's face blushes a deep red once again but calms herself as Dade continues, "before he knows it, he's in love with her, so deep and so much he honestly feels his heart might burst. One night, he's holding her in his arms, listening to the soft music from her stereo and he starts fumbling about for words, to express everything he feels, because he's going to ask her to marry him and she listens, her eyes filling with tears as he goes through the motions. Finally, she stops him with a deep kiss and whispers in his ear, "in the morning, not right now," and he of course, complies and they spend the rest of the evening making the most beautiful, soul shattering love, leaving him completely exhausted. When he wakes up, he finds her gone, her purse, briefcase and some of her clothes. He waits one, two days before calling her firm and they report that she resigned her position and left the city. He searches for months and finally resigns himself to the truth. She never loved him but couldn't face him and tell it to his face."
Dade's expression hardens slightly at the memory, "does the story ring a bell Alexis? I hope it does."
Alexis releases a low, almost pained sigh, "I do and I'm sorry, let me explain." Alexis crossed the room to where Dade was sitting and gently touched his cheek with the outside of her hand. Dade shudders at her touch, the chest of old emotions he had long ago carefully locked away were slowly coming back with growing strength. He grabbed her hand with his and gently pulled it towards his mouth, kissing the inside of her palm softly and Alexis closed her eyes, she was returning.