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A.J. was tearing through the streets of Port Charles; anger and bitterness filled him. Why was it that every woman he wanted was interested in someone else? Why couldn’t a woman meet him first and fall for him? Why did they always choose Jason or Son ny? And now Taggart. What was worse was the fact that Hannah already chose Sonny and now Taggart. Why not him? Was there really something so wrong with A.J. Quartermaine? Was Jason really that great? A.J. laughed. Jason wasn’t anything special. He wasn’t even the ‘golden boy’ any more. He was crook and gone, yet everyone loved him. They all loved Jason more. A.J. pressed harder on the execrator the speed jumped from 75 to 85. He needed a drink and he knew just the place to go.
Laura had been surprised when she came home and found Luke where she expected Emily to be. It had felt so good spending the rest of the afternoon watching her daughter and her husband together. Her home had seemed almost complete, all that was missing was Lucky. They hadn’t spoken about it; instead they went to the park like Lulu and Emily had planned earlier and Lulu had asked Luke to stay for dinner. She had been ecstatic when he had agreed to stay. It was like glimpsing at what could be. Her family, together and happy under one roof. That was her dream, it always had been. For awhile she lived it, but the past had caught up to them. Laura hoped that it wasn’t too late, that the damage done wasn’t permanent. The house was quite. All she could hear was the soft sound of Luke’s voice as he read Lulu her bedtime story.
Luke looked down at his daughter; she was trying to keep her eyes open. She had told him earlier in the day that she didn’t want to go to bed that night so he would stay with her forever. He had no idea how much she missed him. He knew she was use to the separation but it didn’t stop the pain that it caused. Luke always thought that he wasn’t meant to have children, hell he never thought he would have a wife. Loved changed that, loved changed a lot of things. So did hate. Through love he had gained his family, with hate he lost them. Sometimes he thought of the house has a corpse. A sad reminder of what he lost. He shook off that thought when Lulu looked up at him,
“Daddy you stopped.”
“Sorry darlin’. Now where was I?”
“The frog was about to turn into a prince.”
“Right.” Luke scanned down that page and was about to begin reading again when he heard a frantic pounding at the door.
Emily raced towards the docks it had taken an extra five minutes to convince Juan that she didn’t need him to walk her home. She loved him, but sometimes he was over protective like her family. She knew he meant well, it's not like he knew she had a secret meeting with Lucky on the docks. If he did he would probably be jealous and she knew that the only reason that Juan wanted to walk her home was because they weren’t spending has much time together. Her fault. She wanted to scream. She wasn’t sure whom she wanted to yell at more--Lucky for staying away from everyone or herself for lying to everyone. Emily looked down at her watch. “Damn, please still be there Lucky.”
Emily rounded the corner and headed to the top of the stairs at the docks. She saw the back of someone’s head. “Lucky?”
“I’ll get it Luke.” Laura headed towards the door wondering who it could be so late. She swung the door open. “Elizabeth.” Liz rushed inside the house.
“He’s here in Port Charles. I saw him. On the docks. He was just standing there, like he was waiting for me. He use to do that, wait for me on the docks and walk me home. It seemed like that what he was doing--waiting for me. After first it was wonderful. We were holding each other and then...and then...” Liz broke down into tears.
“Luke take Lulu upstairs.” Luke didn’t argue.
“Come one Princess.”
“Will Lizbeth be all right,” Lulu asked in a soft voice.
“Yes, baby.” Luke only hoped he was right.
He had been waiting to hear her voice. He hadn’t expected to wait so long for her. The idea that it was all a mistake he come to him, but turning around and seeing her brought the anger back. “Why Em? Why did you set me up?”
Emily looked at him confused. “What do you mean?”
In a dark tone of voice Lucky replied, “don’t lie to me. You set me up. You told me to meet you here and instead of coming you sent Elizabeth.”
His voice, which had started out quiet at the beginning, ended in a roar. The confusion on her face made him more furious.
“Wait, you saw Elizabeth?”
"Don’t play innocent Em. You set it up.”
“I didn’t set anything up.”
“Then where were you.”
“I was...”
“Don’t bother I don’t want lies.”
“Nothing I have ever told had been a lie Lucas Lorenzo Spencer and you know that.”
Lucky eye-balled her. He wasn’t sure which got his goat more, the fact that he thought she was lying or that she called him by his full name. He didn't like being reminded that he shared his father’s name. Plus, she only did that when she was trying to get his attention. He give it to her, but not for long. “I’ll give you two minutes.”
Emily shot him a furious glance. He had the gall to think she would betray him. Lie to him. She was lying to other people for him, didn’t he get that. She hated lies and yet she was lying to the people she cared about for him. Choosing him over them and he was accusing her of betrayal. What a jerk!
“You’re wasting time.”
“Shut up Spencer.” Emily took a step back so she wouldn’t do any physical harm to him. “You want to know where I was, I tell you.”
“Elizabeth, sweetheart you have to calm down.”
Liz looked up at Laura, some how she had ended up in her arms. “You don’t understand. He pushed me away. He ran away.” More tears began to flow as she remembered the blank look on Lucky’s face before he bolted past her.
Luke had heard what Liz had said and was having trouble understanding what was going on. His son who didn’t want to be found was milling out on the docks where anyone could find him. His son had pushed both Laura and himself away and now Liz. He didn’t understand. Lucky loved Liz with all his heart. They were soul mates and he was pushing the girl away--it didn’t make any sense. But then again nothing was making any sense since his son had ‘died.’
“Liz are you sure...”
“It was Lucky. But I don’t understand. He pushed me away. Why?”
“I don't know darlin’ maybe he needs...”
“Time,” Laura questioned. “We’ve been giving him that, yet he still pushes everyone away. Luke what is wrong with our son?!”
He didn’t have an answer.
“I was with Juan at his rehearsals.”
“Who’s Juan?”
“I told you about Juan.” At Lucky’s blank look she added, “didn’t I?”
“No!”
“Oh, I thought...its just Juan is so important. How could I not have told you about my boyfriend?”
“Em stop right there.”
“What?”
“Your going to lie and tell me you have a boyfriend.”
“It’s not a lie.”
“If it's not a lie then how come the first time I hear his name is when you need an excuse to be late.”
“Juan is not an excuse he’s the reason.”
“Like I’m going to believe that.”
“What that I have a boyfriend? Is it so impossible to think that a guy would like me like that? Or because both Nikolas and you think of me has a sister that all guys do?”
“Emily I didn’t mean that.”
“Shut up Spencer. Just shut up. I’m so tired of this. I’ve lied to everyone for you and I'm sick of it. Believe what you want.” Emily headed up the steps of the docks, Lucky went to stop her but before he reached out to touch her she spun around. “Your father is back. That’s what I wanted to tell.”
“Em.”
“I’m through with this Lucky. I quit! Find someone else to tell you about your family, bring you Eli’s and lie to the people you care about.”
“Em,” Lucky called out but she wouldn’t stop. “Sh*t!” Lucky paced back and forth. What if I was wrong; what if Emily was just late? Thoughts began to travel through his mind a mile minute. His father was back. Liz would tell his family. Emily might be innocent. His father would come looking. He let Elizabeth go--no he walked away. He probably blew his friendship with Emily. He should leave before his family comes looking. He should try to mend things with Em; he needed someone on his side. “Sh*t.”
“Madame?”
“Yes Andreas?”
“I have good news to report to you.”
Helena looked up from the chest board. “Do tell my dear.”
“Master Spencer was spotted early.”
“Where?”
“Here in Port Charles, Madame, with Elizabeth Webber.”
“How was their reunion?”
“Unpleasant. Master Spencer walked away from her.”
“Perfect. Andreas, get out some champagne I feel like celebrating.” She smiled wickedly at him. “My plan is finally moving forward.”
Nikolas sat at his computer at L&B. Most of the work was already done for Eddie Maine’s special one night concert, but he wasn’t ready to go home to an empty house. So he figured he would get some work done. Ned had asked him to listen to a CD and tell him what he thought. The band would be playing at Luke’s not long after Ned’s concert and he wanted to know if there was any potential. Nikolas slipped the CD in and let the sad song fill the room around him.
So these are my blues
Remember you gave them to me
Will you take them back again?
Lord, how tall we’ve grown, all that we once loathed
Is the thing that we became and we was smilin’ still
Stick me back there Lord
Before my angels fall from grace
Luke pulled both women into his arms and held them has they cried.
Watch in disbelief
Kind of breathless
Even my own demons run away
I said it’s so sad the way we spoil white
Little losses turn into wars
Kind words come cheap, like ten cent whore
What I meant to say was, ah, nevermind
A.J. walked into Jake’s and headed directly to the bar and ordered vodka on the rocks.
Do I drink too much?
Paint my life too red?
Shadowed canvas lines these walls
Think I heard a gavel fall
Lucky wasn’t sure how long he stood on the docks, but he had finally decided what he had to do and headed for the Quatermaines.
Now if I had a home
You could bet I’d go
There’s an old tear on my cheek
Nikolas thoughts turned back to Liz and life that he would never have with her.
When I thought of home, guess I thought of you
And my own grave laughed at me
I said it’s so sad the way we soil white
Little losses turn into wars
Kind words come cheap, like a ten cent whore
What I meant to say was, ah, nevermind
Emily stormed into her room overcomed by two emotions...anger and sadness. Both were because of Lucky. She lied for him and she hated herself for it. But she had excepted that self-loathing when she agreed not to tell anyone; it was a compromise she made with herself for Lucky. She was beginning to regret it. The picture of the four of them caught her eye. Jerking it up off her desk she brought the picture eye level. The four of them were smiling. They were happy. The love and friendship between the four of them radiated through the picture. It was a perfect moment caught forever on film and then their lives fell apart. Lucky ‘died’ and everyone’s heart broke. Life turned upside down and nothing seemed right. It wasn’t getting any better now that Lucky was alive again. He wouldn’t let, if only...
Juan tapped at the window. He had wanted to make sure that Emily got home all right. He had meant to leave right away, but she looked so upset and he wanted to help.
The tapping made Emily jump. She hoped it was Lucky. Turning she saw Juan. She wasn’t disappointed, just worried. If Lucky thought he had no one he just might run. His family might never find him and the whole that was in everyone’s heart would never mend. Emily smiled as she headed towards her window; Juan always made her feel better. He seemed to be the only one who really cared about her any more. Not that Liz and Nikolas didn’t but she couldn’t share certain things with them like she did with Lucky and Jason. And they were both gone...even with Lucky here he was different. Hell he thought she betrayed him, that spoke volumes. Emily unlatched the window and Juan jumped into the room.
Luke and Laura put Elizabeth to bed after she cried herself to sleep.
“Luke what are we going to do now?”
“You’re going to stay here and I’m going to find Lucky.”
“NO! Luke I’m coming with you.”
Luke smiled weakly at her. “Angel,” Laura visibly melted a little, “the girls needed you here and I have to find our son before he decides to run again.”
“All right, but Luke please bring him home.”
Luke leaned down and kissed her gently. “I’ll do my best, but I won’t force anything.”
Laura nodded and Luke headed towards the door. “Luke?”
"Yeah darlin’?”
“If he doesn’t...just let him know that I love him.”
“I will.”
“Hey, girlfriend” he said as Emily launched herself into his arms.
“I’m so glad your here.” Emily pulled herself away form him. “How did you know I needed you?”
Juan kissed her. “You’re my girlfriend, Emily.”
“So?”
"Let’s just say I knew.” Emily laughed and Juan pulled her in for another kiss. “So what’s the matter?”
“Huh?”
“Something is wrong. So what is it?”
“A problem with a friend.”
“Prince Nik back on his high horse?”
“Juan!”
“Sorry. Is this about Lucky?”
Before Emily could answer another male voice called out. “Em, you know you should really keep your window locked.”
Elizabeth curled into a tighter ball. She knew she was at Laura’s house. She felt safe there. She felt Lucky within these walls. She was so confused by Lucky’s actions. First everything was fine and then he walled away. The tears began to fill her eyes again.
“Why Lucky? Why?”
Juan turned around and came face to face with the one person that he feared Lucky Spencer. “Who the hell do you think you are?”
“Lucky Spencer. You?”
Juan rolled his eyes. “I know who you are.”
“Then why did you ask?”
“What I meant was what do you think gives you the right to come into Emily’s room this late at night?”
“I could ask you the same thing.”
Juan’s anger rose and he took a step towards Lucky. Emily who had been too surprised to see Lucky waltz into her room to say anything during the boys exchange jumped between them. “Lucky. Juan. Stop this right now.”
“Emily, he doesn’t have a right to come into your room and start questioning what I’m doing here.”
“I think I have a right as her best friend to ask what a strange guy is doing in her room so late.”
“Well I’m her boyfriend and you would know that if you’d been around for the past year!”
“Juan,” Emily said in horror. “What are you thinking--wait you weren’t.”
“Em...”
“Don’t Em me, Juan Santiago. You know damn well why he wasn’t here and I say that...is...is despicable.”
“Emily, quiet down.”
“And you Lucky Spencer. You think I betrayed well mister I don’t need a friend who things so little of me.” Emily was aware that she was yell until she heard Alan and Monica pounding on her door trying to find out was the matter. “Both of you into the closet now.”
“I’m not getting...”
“Now,” she said sharply. Both boys did as told.
Nikolas looked out a Wyndemere. It had been his home, but bad memories haunted him there. He sighed. Would no place ever feel like home? Would he ever have someone to share a home and love with? Sarah had been a mistake, Robin a foolish dream, Emily had cared but he hadn’t notice--besides she was like a sister to him, Katherine had been his worst mistake and Elizabeth belonged to another. All in all he had a bad track record where love was involved. Than again Cassadine’s never had anything easy.
“Nikolas?”
Nikolas turned had saw Luke. Putting aside his bad feelings towards the man he asked, “did you find him?”
Luke sighed. The little prince hadn’t seen him. “No. But he’s here in Port Chuckles.”
Nikolas shook his head at Luke, why his mother loved this man was beyond him. “How do you know?”
“Elizabeth saw him.”
“She’s with him now?”
“No.”
Nikolas wasn’t sure how to take the news. Both sadness and happiness filled him. “Why?”
“He took off.”
“Like in Canada?”
“Yeah. Any ideas on where he go?”
“No. I don’t get it why his he running away from his family?”
“I don’t know. Has he tried to contact you?”
“I don't know.” Nikolas pulled out his cell phone. “Give me a minute and I’ll check my messages.”
While Emily was out in her room explaining to her parents why they heard muffled screams from her room Juan and Lucky were bickering about who’s fault this mess was. When Emily opened the door on them she thought they sounded like three-year olds. She shook her head at them and debated leaving them in there all night. “All right children, enough.”
They both turned and looked at her sheepishly. At the same time they said, “sorry Em.”
Emily rolled her eyes at them. “Okay, formal interdictions. Lucky, my boyfriend Juan. Juan my best friend Lucky.”
Juan looked over the tall young man with brown hair and blue eyes and was worried. He was afraid that Emily would leave him for Lucky. She always talked about how wonderful he was and Juan was sure if he could compete with the great Lucky Spencer. Emily said he didn’t have to worry that she loved him, but he wasn’t sure.
Lucky looked over the dark haired young man and was concerned, he wasn’t sure if this guy was good enough for Emily. He didn’t like that fact that he found Juan here in her room with his hands all over her. Not a good first impression, but he didn’t make one either. He would try for Em’s sake, but once his final judgment was made he wouldn’t hesitate to tell her what he thought of the guy.
“Enough with the staring contest. Juan I really needed to talk to Lucky.”
“Wait, you want me to leave?”
“No messages from Lucky. Did you check the box car?”
“Yeah.”
“Were else would he go?”
“I don’t know.”
“Did Liz give you any ideas.”
“She wasn’t up to it.”
Nikolas got a worried look on his face. “Is she okay?”
Luke soften, Nikolas did care about Liz. “She will be.”
“I hope so...”
“Nikolas?”
“I had an idea.”
“What?”
“Emily might know some places.”
“You're right.” Luke turned to head to the Quartermaine’s.
“Luke wait! Look at the time, the Q’s will kill, besides Em is probably asleep.”
Luke shouted back “then I’ll wake her up.”
“Luke!”
“This can’t wait, he could be gone already.”
Nikolas sighed and followed him.
“I did just get back from the dead, it be nice to talk to my best friend.”
“Why don’t you go talk to your girlfriend and leave mine alone.”
Lucky’s face got dark. “Juan that was inappropriate.”
Juan looked at Emily and knew that he was fighting a losing battle and anymore fighting would cause problems between them. “Sorry. I’ll go but I’ll be over first thing in the morning to make sure you're okay.”
Emily smiled at him, he was so sweet. “Thanks, I really appreciate it.”
Juan smiled back at her. “Anything for you, girlfriend.” Juan pulled her into a kiss. He didn’t want to end it, it would mean leaving her here with Lucky. Sighing he pulled away. “Bye.”
“Bye,” she said softly.
Juan nodded his head at Lucky and left. “Nice fellow.”
“Spencer don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“That whole Juan’s not good enough-big brother-over protective thing. Nikolas and Jason have already had the pleasure.”
“Well if Jason can’t sway you no one can.”
“Lucky!”
“Sorry.”
“He’s great.”
“If you say so.”
Emily raised her arms in frustration. Lucky took the opportunity and hugged her. “I’m sorry I didn’t believe you Em.”
Emily hugged him back. “Seeing Juan changed your mind?”
“No, I knew when I headed over here that I was wrong and acted like...like a...”
“Jerk!”
Lucky sighed. “Yeah, like a jerk. Forgive me?”
Emily pulled out a little from their embrace to look up at him. Emily shook her head. “Luckster,” Lucky grimaced at the old nickname, “your my best friend and I love you and you know I can’t mad at you. So yes you're forgiven.”
Lucky smiled down at her and then pulled her close. “Thanks Em.”
Emily held on. She was afraid to ask her next question. “Lucky, what are you going to do now?”
“Spencer you can not come into my house at this hour of the night and wake my granddaughter up.”
“I didn’t have too. With your voice all of Port Charles is a awake by now.”
“That’s it I'm calling the cops.”
“Edward you will not be calling the police” Lila said quietly.
“Cute jammies Ed.”
“Spencer...”
“Edward we're going back to bed.”
Emily looked at Lucky is shock. “I didn’t...”
“I know. It looks like I’m going to get to know your closet real well.” Emily laughed weakly at him. “Remember, I’m not here.”
Before Emily could ask if he would still be there tomorrow he was in her closet and Luke was knocking on her door.
“Emily, darlin' you awake in there?”
“Give me a minute Mr. Spencer.” Emily quickly removed her clothes and put on her pajamas. Emily dashed to the door. “Mr. Spen...” Emily looked past Luke and saw “Nikolas!”
Nikolas looked past Luke and saw Emily in her Power Puff Girls T-shirt and a pair of shorts. “Cute shirt.”
“Shut up Nikolas.”
Luke chuckled. “Princy leave the girl alone and Emily it's Luke not Mr. Spencer.”
“Right, sorry about that.”
“It’s all right.”
“So what has the two of you together at my house this late at night?”
“Lucky’s back,” Nikolas said quietly.
Emily went completely still. She looked from Luke to Nikolas. Her confusion of over why Luke and Nikolas would be working together to find Lucky was interpreted by them as shock. Luke stepped closer. “Emily.”
“Do you know where he is?” God, please don’t say in my closet.
Nikolas' heart ached as he saw Emily hopefully waiting for an answer they didn’t have. “Em.” She looked at him, eyes wide. Nikolas sighed. “He ran again.”
Emily shuttered and Luke took her into his arms. “Don’t worry darlin’ we'll find him.”
With her voice quiet and shaky she replied. “I know you will Luke.”
“Em,” Nikolas voice came from behind Luke, “do you have any idea where he might go in Port Charles.”
Emily backed out of Luke’s arms. “A few.” The duo looked at her in anticipation. “There’s the box car.”
“Checked there already.”
“Okay. Let’s see. There’s the Quartermaine boat house, the catacombs, the park and the old fort?”
“Old fort” Nikolas questioned.
“Yeah. Lucky, Sly and I used to hang out there.”
"Emily you’re a genius.” Luke kissed her on the check. “If you’re coming Princy we’re leaving.”
Nikolas rolled his eyes. “Thanks Em. I’ll call when we know anything.”
Luke and Nikolas checked the boathouse as they left. Luke didn’t think Lucky would be there, but he didn’t want to leave any stone unturned. They proceeded to check the fort, the catacombs and the park with no luck. Luke was beginning to fear that Lucky was gone from Port Charles. It was after six in the morning when they decided to give up the search and head back to the house to check on Laura and Elizabeth.
When they entered the house they heard Liz, Laura and Leslie talking in soft voices so that they wouldn’t wake Lulu. As Luke and Nikolas entered the kitchen the talking stopped. Laura could tell by the defeated look on her husband’s face that they were unable to find Lucky. She smiled weakly at them and poured each of them a cup of coffee.
The quiet filled the kitchen and they all sat there letting sadness fill them.
Emily woke up and found Lucky still on her floor. He had promised to stay but she hadn’t been sure if he would. “Lucky,” she said quietly as she poked him with her foot, “wake up.”
Lucky grumbled something and rolled over on to his stomach. “Up and at em Spencer,” Emily said harshly, “do you know what the Quartermaine males will do to you if they find you in my bedroom?”
“What a way to died!”
“Lucky!”
“I’m up. I’m up so stop beating me.”
“I’m not beating you.”
“Then what do you call it.”
Emily rolled her eyes. “With Spencer’s anything goes when it comes to waking them up before noon.”
Lucky shot up off the floor. “I’ve gotten over that particular Spencer bad habit.”
“Right!”
“Em.” Lucky got ready to pounce on her. He’d knock her down, grab the pillow and teach her lesson--never poke him this early in the morning.
“So what’s the plan.”
Lucky stopped. “What do you mean?”
“Well everyone knows your alive,” Lucky raised an eyebrow, “sorry, I mean everyone knows your back home....so?”
Lucky sighed and sat back down on the floor Indian style Emily joined him. “Lucky you can’t leave them hanging any more.”
“I know. Here’s the plan. I’ll go talk to them, tell them to keep back and maybe it would be better if they didn’t know that you knew I was home before now.”
"Lucky I know they’ll be upset, but...”
“No buts. I don't want to cause problems between you and them. Okay?”
“Okay.”
When A.J. woke up the first that hit him was a monster headache. Unlike most people he welcomed it, a gift from his favorite thing the vodka bottle. His vision was blurry but he felt something beside him. He looked down and saw a woman in her early twenty--at least he hoped she was. Last night events were a bit blurred, but he remembered a blonde woman he met a Jake’s, looking back down at the woman he noted her blonde hair. Sherry, Carrie, Mary what did her name matter anyhow? She wasn’t a professional so there was no need to leave money--to bad he would love to tell grandfather about how he squandered his money. With a smirk he got up and got dress. At least he wasn’t in his hotel room, he hate to have to deal with the woman when she woke up. Slipping out the door he looked down at his watch, if he hurried maybe he could convince Hannah into having breakfast with him.
Lucky stood at the door to his old home and wondered if he should knock or just go in. He decided on the latter. Walking in he noticed that the house was eerily quite.
Lulu saw Lucky and rushed down to him. She didn’t call out his name because she knew his visits from heaven were a secret between them. Lucky noticed Lulu coming down the stairs and smiled.
“Lucky,” she whispered.
“Hey Lulu, guess what?”
“What?”
“God, sent me back from heaven for good.”
“You mean you're staying,” she asked excitedly.
“Yes, but not here,” at her face dropped, “don’t worry I’ll be here in Port Charles and come to visit you whenever you want.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
“Can I tell mommy now?”
“Only if you promise not to tell about the earlier visits.”
Lulu shook her head in agreement and yelled, “mommy Lucky is home.”
In the kitchen Laura looked at Luke in disbelief and everyone bolted from their seats and headed into the living room. The picture Lucky made with Lulu in his arms brought tears to her eyes and happiness surged through her.
Happiness filled every heart in the room, the missing piece of their family was found and they were whole again...or so they thought.
An older man with salt-n-pepper hair and sad green eyes sat next to the bed that held a beauty. Helena as the nurses called her was indeed beautiful, but the man also knew she was troubled. Unlike everyone else he knew who the woman was, when on of the nurse had suggested it was a model he nearly had a heart attack. The talk about the possibility of it took days to die down and a bit of trickery form him. The man knew that the woman lying in the bed was indeed Brenda Barrett, hiding the truth wasn’t easy and it had almost cost him his life.
The people in the small coastal town of Maryland thought of him as a poor man who was a few marbles short and he preferred it that way. But, when he fished Brenda out of the water for the first time in years he felt something. His heart, which he thought was long cold, warmed to the girl and he wanted to protect her. Before the hospital had her in her own room he knew everything about her. Her unhappy childhood, the supposed lost of her mother, her troubled relationship with men--Jagger, Sonny Corinthos, Miguel Morezes and Jasper Jax. Her failed marriage attempts to both Sonny and Jasper and her breakdown after Corinthos left her at the altar. Her and Jax rebuilding their relationship, she had been happy until her mother reappeared and she learned she might have a mental illness. He knew then that he had to protect her from her life, from the people who claimed to love her but hurt her. So he became the unanimous donor who paid the bills and may sure that the news didn’t travel far; he even went as far has changing her prints so that cops couldn’t ID her.
His protection brought her peace and with her peace came his. He knew that she wouldn’t have wanted those she loved to mourn her everyday and come sit in a hospital praying that she would wake up. It would just be wasted lives. He saw that and he knew she would agree. Instead he waited for her. He saw her as his daughter and once she was a wake and well he would help her reclaim what she wanted of her old life. Perhaps after she did he would finally be able to reclaim his own and be forgiven for his crimes.
The man smiled down at her and held one of her hands between two of his. In a soft whisper he told her “wake up soon girl, you don’t have your mother’s illness. You can have a life, but first you must open your eyes.” He turned his heavenward; please God let her wake soon. And continued his silent vigil.
Chloe awoke in Jax’s arms and snuggled closer to him. She loved the feel of him next to her. Her prince was perfect in every way. She often wondered how she got so lucky to meet him and to have her lover returned.
Jax kept his eyes closed as Chloe moved in closer. Even with her illness to face he was happy. After Brenda died he wasn’t sure if he could ever be happy again let alone be in love. He wouldn’t allow any women in enough to fall in love. V. and Alexis could only be friends and he was happy to have them as such, but it wasn’t until Chloe that something inside his heart kindled that he believed died with Brenda. Though he fought it at first he couldn’t deny it for long--he loved her. Not the way he did Brenda, with her it had been everything--all consuming, a force of nature. With Chloe it had grown and filled his heart with warmness. Not better, just different. There would always be apart of him that loved Brenda and that was filled with her love for him, but that wouldn’t stop him from loving Chloe. “Morning beautiful.”
Chloe smiled and turned towards Jax. “I wish we didn’t have to get out of bed today.”
“Your wish is my command. We won’t.”
Chloe smiled, “but Jax we have too. I have L&B business to get done and you have those meetings.”
“They’ll be canceled in under five minutes.”
“Jax, I love you, but...”
“No buts!”
“Okay, how about a compromise?”
“Let’s hear the terms.”
Chloe laughed and her laughter was carried in her voice. “We get out of bed now,” Jax began shaking his head no, “wait you have to hear it all.” Jax stopped shaking his head and Chloe continued. “We get up, go to work but noon we're back in bed” Jax began to smile, “we’ll have a bedroom picnic and afterwards” Chloe smiled seductively.
“Your dessert” Jax exclaimed jumping out of bed. Chloe looked at him bewildered. “The sooner we get up the sooner we’re back here. I accept your terms.” Jax leaned down and can her a quick kiss before he headed to the shower.
Carly woke up in Sonny’s bed. More and more often she was spending her nights with him. She enjoyed his company and thought of him as a friend, he was great with Michael and would be with their daughter and he was so protective and wonderful. Carly’s heart sank a bit. He didn’t love her. She knew it was a part of their deal, but each day she awoke in his bed she wished it was. Her love for Jason was still there and she knew it always would be but it was different now. She didn’t love Jason in the same way anymore. That scared her, because she never loved anyone the way she loved him--completely.
Yet each day her heart was leaning slightly more towards loving Sonny. She was fighting it, but honestly she didn’t want to. She liked the idea of loving Sonny, of him loving her and of them being a real family. It wasn’t possible though, he didn’t love her. He would marry her, honor her, respect her, protect her, be her friend and lover, but he would never love her. Carly began to rub her stomach feeling the gift that brought them together. Her plans to make people loved her never worked, so maybe she should just be nice and show Sonny who she really was and could...she was kidding herself. Sonny could never love her, but maybe if she allow herself she could love enough for the both of them.
Sonny had felt Carly stir beside him and watched play of emotion cross her face. They seemed to be the same each time, she looked sad. She was sad because it wasn’t Jason she was waking up next too, it wasn’t Jason’s baby she was caring and she wasn’t making a family with Jason. Sonny cursed himself, why was it that he lost his heart to the wrong woman or the right at the wrong time? Each day he felt closer to Carly and wanted more. He wanted her love.
Why? Because she had his. He wasn’t sure when it happened, but it did. One second she was sitting next to him at breakfast, he looked Michael then back at Carly and he realized he loved her. There had only been one other person who had captured his heart within a second, the first second he laid eyes on Brenda he loved her. She had been his soul mate, but Carly was different. He loved her blindly and stupidly; hell she was in love with another guy if that’s not foolish what else is? He looked over at her and knew that she was the love of his life. Was that even possible? Brenda seemed to think so, she told him once that he was her soul mate and Jax was the love of her life. He didn’t understand that until now. Souls were together forever while he and Carly were meant for here and now. Sonny shook his head hoping to get the crazy thoughts he was having out of them.
Carly felt him move and looked down at him. I love him she thought.
“Morning.”
“Morning. Why don’t you get Michael and I’ll go down stairs and start breakfast.”
“All right.”
Both got out of bed and started their day, but their hearts were heavy believing that the other could never love them.
“Stefan you know I hate being summoned, especially at this hour,” Alexis said in sour voice.
“I have good reason.” Alexis looked at him expectantly. “The Spencer has been found.”
“Where is he,” she asked with excitement in her voice.
“Well at this moment he’s at home with his family and his girlfriend.”
“That’s wonderful...”
“No, its not. He’s still not right.”
“Stefan,” she questioned.
“The only reason he came out of hiding was because he was found out.”
Alexis sighed. “Well whatever Helena has planned will be starting soon.”
“I know, that’s what has me worried. We have to talk to him and find out what Helena did.”
“Easier said than done.” Alexis bit her lip she had been holding things back from Luke but now it looked like she would have to give him all that she had. It would take more than Luke and Stefan to bring Helena down. They would need a united front. Like that would ever happen, but Lucky was the key. Everyone wanted him better for their own reason, Helena could use Lucky to hurt them but she could use Lucky as a rallying point to get both sides together to bring her down and restore Lucky Spencer to his old self. Now all she had to do was convince all parties involved. Lord why do you do this to me, she thought before she roused Stefan from his thoughts so they could get to work.
A week had past and Lucky had made it clear that he wanted nothing to do with his parents. As far as he was concerned his family consisted of his brother and sister, his parents were nothing to him. He enjoyed openly spending time with Lulu; in the last week he had taken her to the park three times and spent the rest of his free time with Nikolas, Emily and Elizabeth.
He knew his easy rapport with Emily and Nikolas bothered Elizabeth, but he couldn’t help it. His feelings were so confused about her.
Every time they seemed to get close he got this sick feeling, it wasn’t right. Too much had happened, too much time had past and Nikolas loved her. Nikolas should be with her, they should together, they would be happy together. Lucky knew he wasn’t right for Elizabeth anymore and told her so privately, she had disagreed and then proceeded to push. She had spent the last two days pushing and he was becoming more and more upset about it. Right now he wanted his friend, Elizabeth, the one he could hang out with and have fun with along with Nikolas and Emily. It wasn’t enough for her, but it was all he could give and her pushing was only hurting both of them. He wished she would realize that so that they could be friends once again.
Lucky sighed, why were some things so much easier than others? When he came back to Port Charles and Emily found him it was so simple. They clicked; it was like it had only been a day not year since they had last saw each other. She didn’t push; even when she wanted to she didn’t out of respect for his feelings. Hell, she even lied for him. He knew she hated lies, yet she didn’t hesitate. He would have to find a way to make that up to her. Why was it so easy to be with her and not Elizabeth?
The other day at the park when it was Nikolas, Emily, Lulu and himself it was so easy. Peaceful. He didn’t feel like things were closing in on him, even when Elizabeth first showed it was all right until she brought up the past and what they once had. She had asked why it was so easy for him to pick up where he left off with Nikolas and Emily and why couldn’t they just do the same. He didn’t have an answer he could explain to her. He just knew it was wrong and he couldn’t. She had gotten angry and said he wouldn’t. That wasn’t true though, he still had feelings for her, but they were different. Love changed didn’t it? He loved her as a friend first and then fell in love with her, why couldn’t she except that his love had changed? Why couldn’t she see that Nikolas loved her and could make her happy? They fit together perfectly like they once had. Lucky shook that thought from his head. That was the past. What Elizabeth and he had belonged there the only relationship they would have in the future would be friendship. He hoped that she could expect that, he didn’t want to lose her. She was too important.
Lucky laugh lightly. One second he was thinking that he and Elizabeth should only be friends and next he was thinking that he couldn’t live without her. What was the matter with him? He cared about her, but it wasn’t love in the sense that he was in love with her and wanted to be with her. It was the love you have for a friend, like he did with Emily. Thinking of Emily made him smile; she had been his lifeline, the link to his family since he returned. Even though he and Nikolas had gotten tight, it was Emily that he trusted completely and who he was spending the most time with. He knew that it was causing problems between her and Juan, but that didn’t stop her from spending time with him. He was grateful and guilty at the same time, he had already cause enough trouble for her but she insisted. He couldn’t express how much that meant to him, that she was choosing him. He had almost forgotten what that was likebeing thought of first.
Liz watched Lucky sitting on the docks. Seeing him there reminded her of all the times they would meet there and head off to the boxcar or her house. She smiled slightly at the memories. Their time together had been so magical and special and that was why it was so hard for her to believe that he wanted to let it go and just be friends. It was difficult to do what he asked. Her heart rebelled at the idea of letting Lucky go a second time. She wasn’t sure if she could survive it a second time, yet another part of her realized that he needed time. Time to sort out and deal with all the changes that happened to Port Charles and the peopled he cared about while he was gone for a year. For some reason certain things came easily and others didn’t. He had picked up right where he left off with Lulu, Nikolas and Emily but he cut out Luke and Laura. And while he wasn’t cutting her out of his life, he was cutting out their relationship. She didn’t know which hurt more Lucky cutting her out or being so close to Em. She didn’t understand why he was able to let Em in and not her. She knew that she should be happy that he had someone to be his friend and talk too, but she wanted that person to be her. Liz exhaled sharply. She was at a loss at what to do, but she knew that if she kept pushing she would lose him completely. She couldn’t risk that, Lucky was too important. Friendship would be enough for now and with any luck, she cringed at the pun, Lucky would see that there was more than friendship between them.
Lucky looked up from the water and saw Elizabeth looking at him from the other side of the dock, he wasn’t sure what to do. One part want to go to her and talk to her but the other told him that he should leave because she wanted things he couldn’t give.
“Hey Lucky.”
“Hi Elizabeth.” Liz smiled she loved the way he said her name.
“I was hoping to talk to you for a minute.”
Lucky looked at his watch, “I have to meet Emily at L&B in a few minutes…”
“I’m on my way there. Chloe is expecting me.”
“Okay. You don’t mind walking and talking?”
“Nope.” They headed up the stairs in an awkward silence. “Lucky I just wanted to apologize for pushing you lately.” Lucky stop and Liz turned to face him.
“Elizabeth, I know that this whole thing has been difficult on you.”
“On you too. On everybody really, we all missed you so much.”
“I missed you guys too, it's just that everything is so different yet the same. And its just…I don’t know.”
“I understand.” And she did. Lucky was just the same in some ways and yet so different also.
Lucky laughed weakly. “Elizabeth, I know that you want more…”
"What I want Lucky is you in my life. Before everything we were friends and no matter what we’ll always be friends. If friendship is what you want then it’s enough.”
His smiled brighten. “Thank you.” Lucky stepped forward and hugged her. “Thank you so much. There is nothing I want more than to have the four us you, me, Em and Nikolas together again.”
“The four musketeers.”
Lucky stepped back and smiled. “Yeah, the four musketeers.” Liz smiled at him and they continued on their way to L&B in companionable silence.
Luke rubbed his hands over his tired face. It had been a week since his son told him he wanted nothing to do with him. It had been a week since he found out that they were back at the being when Lucky found out about the rape, all of the progress they made was gone and his son hated him. Luke sighed has he poured himself another double scotch. His life was in chaos.
Felicia had come within an inch of losing her family because she had chosen to help him. Now that the girls where back home and Mac had decided to give her one more chance, she stayed away and the one of the bright spots in his life was gone for good.
His best friend and partner was a FBI snitch. The jerk nearly got his sister killed while they were off on some adventure. Damn Roy. Well he had for a few days until after Barbara’s prodding and giving Roy a piece of his mind and fist. At least that was settled and the club was running well. No audits for over four months, Claud was fired daily and new acts were coming in, in fact in a few days Luke’s would have live blues playing in it again. He was looking forward to the show. If nothing was going right in his personal life at least his business was good.
Thinking about his personal life made Luke groan. First his demented niece hitches herself to a Quartermaine and the only Qurtermaines worth their salt were Emily and Lila. Jason was no longer a Quartermaine so he didn’t count and Ned well it depended on the day if Nedly was lumped with the rest of the family or not. And now his out of control loony niece was shacked up with Sonny Corinthos his one time partner and best friend. Worst off was the fact that because of her behavior Jason was gone and that left him to do the books.
He could strangle her.
Taking the last gulp of his third drink he poured another has his thoughts turned to Laura. His angel. Through everything he loved her and there was bond between them that couldn’t be broken, even though at times he wished it would. He had never thought of himself as husband material, it wasn’t until Laura did he get those funny ideas into his head. The ideas of love, marriage and forever. Well it didn’t last forever, but they did have a longer run than he thought possible. And if he was honest he knew that if he wanted they could have another shot, but he wasn’t sure if it would be worth it. All the pain, anger and hurt that was in the past could at anytime he was sure engulf them, destroying them. He loved her that was as much a part of him as anything that made him who he was, hell she help make him the person he was, they had made each other. For more than twenty years their lives had revolved around each other. Then they had Lucky and his life became the three of them.
His Angel, his Cowboy and then his Princess. They were his life and he didn’t know what terrified him more losing them or getting them back whole.
It was a risk. A huge risk, but it would be wroth it if he could have his family. The four of them stronger then ever. Luke allowed his mind to wander thinking about it.
“Spencer.”
Luke looked up in surprise it had been awhile since anyone had caught him unaware. “Natasha how wonderful to you again darlin’.”
Alexis rolled her eyes at him. She wondered again for the umpteenth time why she liked him and was willing to help him. He was after all a Spencer, but she wasn’t Cassadine enough to hold that against him unless she needed to get him off her back. “Secret Agent Davis here to report Sir,” she said mockingly.
Luke chuckled. She was his favorite Cassadine. “Natasha,” he drawled, “I’d love to play but I need to know what's up with Momma Bat.”
Alexis snorted. “I just love your nicknames for my family. But I much prefer Ice Queen for Helena.”
Luke chuckled loudly and offered her a drink silently by motioning his head towards the bottle of scotch. “No thanks, eleven in the morning is a bit early for me. Okay, Ice Queen…” Luke chuckled again, “I mean Helena’s been busy. Her account activity has been all over the place. She’s been spending her money like crazy, from small clumps to whole chunks of her fortune.”
“Anything that stands out?”
“That’s the it, everything stands out.”
“She covering her tracks well then.”
“How so?”
“Natasha you really need to learn how to think like a Cassadine.”
Alexis shot him a dirty look. “Listen, babe,” her eyebrows shot up at that and Luke smiled sheepishly, “it’s a needle in a haystack kind of thing. Everything is off so there’s no way to tell what’s the real lead and what’s a wild goose chase.”
Alexis made a face. “I hate that women.”
“Welcome to the club.”
“Juan I can’t stay today,” Emily said quietly.
“Why,” he asked in a whiny tone.
Emily gritted her teeth. She had already explained it too him five times and she wasn’t looking forward to doing it a sixth. “I made plans with Lucky.”
It was Juan’s turn to look annoyed. “Your always making plans with him. You spend more time with him than with him.”
“That’s not true.”
“Of course it is, if I didn’t know better I think that he was your boyfriend.”
“Juan you’re being unreasonable.”
“I’m being unreasonable,” he bellowed, “you’re the one spending most of your time with someone other than your boyfriend.” Juan’s yelling had got her off guard and brought Ned and Nikolas from their offices.
“Juan he’s been gone for a year and he needs his friends.”
“He has a Elizabeth and Nikolas. Or did you forget that Liz is his girlfriend and your not you.”
Emily sucked in her breath. He was being a jerk. Why couldn’t he understand that Lucky needed help and that she was willing to give it? Why wouldn’t he except that? Why did he think that it changed the way she felt about him? “Juan,” she started quietly but was interrupted by Nikolas.
“What gives you the right to talk to her like that?”
“Nikolas stay out of this.”
“No Em I won’t, he doesn’t have a right to raise his voice to you.”
“Nikolas I appreciate what you’re doing but…”
“She's right Nikolas you have no right getting into the middle of our relationship, your brother is doing that enough.”
“Juan,” she said harshly, “that’s uncalled for.”
“No what’s uncalled for is you spending all your time with Lucky.”
“He’s my friend.”
“I’m your boyfriend! But I guess with the great and formally late Lucky Spencer back that doesn’t mean anything to you.”
“Juan that’s not true.”
“Prove it. Stay.”
"Emily,” Nikolas said softly, “you don’t have to prove anything.”
“I told you to stay out of this Nikolas. I know you’ve never liked me and you're just loving this I bet.”
Emily shook her head at Juan. She couldn’t believe what he was saying. “Juan, Lucky and I made plans…”
“If you go we’re through.”
The room was quiet until Chloe, Liz and Lucky walking in laughing. They all notice the tension in the room but didn’t know what had cause it.
“Is everything all right Ned?”
“Everything's fine Chloe.”
She looked at him skeptically but didn’t question him further. Lucky knew something was up between Emily, Nikolas and Juan but he didn’t know what. “Em you ready to go?”
The question seemed to hang in the air like it would in a cartoon. Emily looked at Lucky and then back at Juan and sighed. She didn’t want to make this decision.
“Emily,” Nikolas whispered softly, “I could go with Lucky and you could…”
“No, that’s all right.” She smiled at him. “Thanks for offering it means a lot.” He nodded at her. Emily gave Juan another long look before responding to Lucky’s question. “Let’s get out of here.”
Juan’s face turned red in anger as he watched Emily grab Lucky’s arm and walk out of L&B. Nikolas smirked at bit. He was glad that Emily chose to go with Lucky; Juan was right he never liked him and now the guy was out of Em’s life.
“Juan,” Ned voice filled the room, “I'd like to speak with you.” Juan turned and headed to Ned’s office without saying a word. Ned began to follow but turned around and saw Liz, Chloe and Nikolas standing in the same place. “Don’t you guys have work to do?” He turned and headed back up the steps. He liked Juan but if the kid was going to work here he would have to learn not to yell at Emily no matter the reason.
“Nikolas what was that all about?”
Nikolas looked over at Liz. He knew she was having trouble with Emily and Lucky’s closeness and this wouldn’t help. But then again she and Lucky had come in laughing together, maybe things were getting better between them.
“Juan gave Em an ultimatum.”
“Which was?”
“If she left with Lucky they were through.”
“You mean he broke up with her because of Lucky?”
“Yeah.”
“But why? All she’s trying to do is help a friend. Em really cares about Lucky and that’s what she does, help the people she cares about. Hell, Juan experienced that himself when she was helping him with his music.”
“I know.”
“I never realized what a jerk he was,” she said sadly.
“I did.”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes at him. “We’re not all as perfect as you.”
What happened next surprised everyone in the room. It was such an un-Nikolas thing to do. He stuck is tongue out at her. Liz gapped at the sight of Nikolas Cassadine sticking his tongue out at her. It was just too strange. She wondered if the world had turned upside down and made everyone crazy but her.
“Liz?”
Elizabeth turned to Chloe. “Yes?”
“Ready to get to work?”
"Nothing would make me happier.”
Nikolas watched the two women leave the room. What was the matter with him? Why did he stick out his tongue at Elizabeth? It was such a childish thing to do. He sighed. Ever since Lucky came back everything was different. He was closer to his brother then he ever hoped to be and he had been able to control his feelings for Elizabeth. It had been difficult, but he loved her so much that the only thing he wanted was her happiness, even if she found it with his brother. But, Lucky seemed to have different ideas. He didn’t wanted to pick up where he left off with Liz; he just wanted to be her friend. Plus his extreme closeness with Emily was strange. He knew how close they had been, but the slight distance there was between them before he died seemed to disappear. It was strange. He put distance between Luke, Laura and Elizabeth but with him and Emily Lucky seemed the same if not closer. He didn’t understand it and frankly he was afriad to find the answer because he didn’t want to lose the relationship he and Lucky had developed. Was he being selfish? He wasn’t sure but it wasn’t like he could control what Lucky thought, felt or did. Only Lucky could. Right? He didn’t have time to wonder anymore about Lucky tomorrow was the Eddy Maine concert and then in a few days the group that Ned wanted check out would be playing at Luke’s. Nikolas didn’t like the idea of going there, but it was business and he refused to be unprofessional. Anyway he had invited Liz and Em and Emily promised to talk to Lucky about it, with any luck, Nikolas grinned at the pun it would be like the old days, the four musketeers. He smiled at the thought and head back to his office.
They had walked quietly through the streets of Port Charles. Lucky knew Emily was upset but didn’t know how to broach the topic. “Em?”
Emily stopped and turned to face him. Right now her emotions were up and she was afriad that she would take out her anger on him. She didn’t want that. “Lucky,” she said softly, “you didn’t have any real plans did you?”
“No.”
“Would you mind if I make them?”
“No. Whatever you want to do Em.”
She smiled at him gratefully. “All right. I want to stop and see my mom.” She gave him a knowing look so that he would understand she meant Paige and not Monica.
“Okay.”
“Then I want to go see Michael. Then how about dinner at Eli’s.”
“Perfect!”
“I knew you would think so. Tomorrow…”
“Tomorrow,” he asked quizzically.
“Tomorrow we'll go to the Eddy Maine concert with Nikolas and Liz.”
“Not a problem. Anything else?”
Emily smiled. She knew this would be the tough one. “There’s this group that’s coming to town that Ned wants to check out. He’s asked Nikolas to go to the show with him and Nikolas wants us to join him.”
“Where?”
“Luke’s” she whispered.
“Not on your life!”
“Lucky, please.” Emily gave him her best pleading puppy dog look. She watched as Lucky fought with himself, but finally cave. Before he said yes she shot him a brilliant smile and took his hand tugging him along behind her on her way to the cemetery.
Lucky laughed as she began pulling him along. “You’ll pay for that one Em.”
“I know, but I promise you’ll have fun.”
He didn’t believe it but he knew Emily wanted him to go and he still owed her for all her help. So he would go and hope that Luke would keep his distance. Yeah, like that would happen!
AJ stood in at the very back of the theater watching the drama play out before him. Ned as Eddie Maine was meant to be on stage five minutes ago, his fans were clamoring for him but Ned had yet to show up on stage. AJ didn’t know why he had bought a ticket for the show or why he bothered to come. He hated Ned. His cousin always took pleasure in his failures, grandfather always chose Ned and most of his family liked Ned more then him. And now he was standing in a theater full of people who loved him. Who were cheering for him and waiting for their first look at him.
He didn’t understand why he was here torturing himself. He would never be loved or wanted like that. He was unworthy of the attention and love that the other Quartermaine males got, or at least that’s what his family wanted him to believe. That he was inferior to Ned and Jason, that he could never live up to them. Well he would prove them all wrong. He would live his life the way he wanted to and damn them all.
“Break a leg Ned,” he said angrily before turning and leaving.
Back stage everyone was panicking. No one could find Ned. He wasn’t in his dressing room, or outside, or in the bathroom or anywhere. He was missing. Alexis had gone in search of him while Nikolas tried to deal with the promoter.
“If he’s not on stage in five minutes the showed is canceled and L&B is facing a major law suit,” screamed the irate man.
“Don’t worry Eddie will be here.”
“He better be,” the man threatens before storming off.
Nikolas shook his head. He had no idea what to do. He walked over to Liz, Emily and Lucky and told them the news.
“We’ve got to stall some how,” Liz said.
"Any ideas,” Lucky asked.
“I’m up for anything,” Nikolas replied.
“Anything,” Emily questioned.
Nikolas looked at her. “Why, do you have an idea.”
“An opening act.”
Nikolas eyes light up. “That could work.”
“One problem guys,” Lucky said, “who’s the act.”
Nikolas face fell again.
“Juan,” Emily said.
“What! No way not after what happen the other day,” Nikolas replied.
“What happened the other day,” Lucky asked.
“Nikolas he’s be practicing, he has some songs he could do and the band could play and we need to stall.”
“No!”
“Yes,” she and Liz said at the same time. Emily motioned to Juan who was off standing by himself near the refreshments. He walked over to them quickly.
“Where’s Ned,” he asked.
“That’s the sixty-four thousand dollar question.” Emily replied. "Listen, Juan no one and I mean no one can find Ned and the promoter is talking law suit. That would kill L&B, we need to stall until Ned gets here.”
Nikolas butted in. “Can you go out there and sing a song or two?”
Juan looked at the group. He had really messed up the other day and he wanted to fix it with Emily. This could be the way, helping L&B and Ned, but he wasn’t sure if he was good enough. “I’m not good enough.”
“Juan, I know you can do this,” Emily said with authority. “I’ve been at your practices, you’re good. You can do this.”
Juan looked at her. She stilled believed in him and that meant everything. “I’ll do it.”
"Yes,” Nikolas said quietly. He didn’t want Juan to now how much he appreciated this.
Juan smiled at Emily before he and Nikolas ran out on stage. Nikolas approached the mike and introduced Juan. The crowd cheered and the music swelled. Juan looked at Emily one more time before he started singing.
Liz caught the look that Juan sent Emily and smiled. Maybe they could work things out. She needed proof that love lasts and can get past the bumps in the road.
Emily walked closer to the stage to watch Juan. True they had broken up but she still cared about him and believed in him. He sounded great. He sent her another looked as he continued his song.
Lucky caught the looks between them. He knew something had happened, but he didn’t know what. With that happened the other day Emily near caught to tell him.
Nikolas moved back to stand next to Liz and Lucky. He also saw the looks Juan was sending Emily. He hoped that this didn’t bring them back together. Emily was like a sister to him and she deserved better than Juan.
“What happened the other day?”
“Huh?”
“You told Emily after what Juan did the other day you shouldn’t ask him to sing.”
Nikolas looked over at Lucky. “I’m having trouble hearing you. Liz stay near Em.” Nikolas grabbed Lucky’s arm and pulled him away from the stage. Liz watched them go before she moved to stand next to Emily.
“Nikolas what happened the other day with Juan.”
“Didn’t Emily tell you?”
“She didn’t get the chance, now spill."
Nikolas sighed, he knew Lucky wasn’t going to like this. “Juan told Emily that if she left with you yesterday that they were through.”
Lucky looked at him dumbfounded. Juan broke up with Emily because of him.
The first song ended and the crowd broke out into a loud cheer. The band waited a few seconds before beginning the second song.
“I don’t understand.”
“Neither do I. Not really. Juan thinks that there is something going on between you and Emily.”
“That’s ridiculous. We're just friends.”
“I know that, you and Emily know it but Juan doesn’t. He thinks she spending to much time with you.”
“What it's a crime to hang out with your friend.”
“Lucky you don’t have to defend yourself. Juan’s a jerk. I knew that the first time I met him.”
“I just didn’t want to cause any problems for Em. I knew Juan didn’t like all the time we were spending together, but Emily said not to worry about it. He breaks up with her.”
“Lucky it’s not your fault. It was Emily choice. And she made the right one. She doesn’t need Juan in her life and she deserves better.”
“I agree, but it’s my fault.”
“No it’s not. Emily could have stayed. You would have understood, but she choose not to.”
“Yeah, but...” Lucky didn’t get to finish his sentence because Ned and Alexis showed up. Alexis was dirty and Ned was winded.
“Don’t ask,” Ned said between gasps for air.
“The promoter was talking law suit so we needed a way to stall.”
Ned heard Juan singing. “Good idea.”
“Well it was Emily’s.”
Ned smiled. “Maybe I should hire her.” Before the conversation could continue Juan came off stage with clapping ring in the backround. Ned patted him on the back. “You were good,” he said before he headed out on stage. The crowd roared as Ned started his concert.
Sonny sat at the table eating a tasty meal. He had been surprised that he had allowed Carly to cook and he was even more surprised to see that she made a decent meal.
Carly smiled inwardly. Sonny had let her used the kitchen without too much of a fuss. She took it as a sign in the right direction. First the kitchen then on to bigger things until he would finally trust her with his heart. Carly couldn’t believe that she loved him, but she did and she wanted nothing more than for him to love her back. She thought it impossible but the way they started a friendship and the he cared about her, the baby and Michael gave her hope.
“It was nice seeing Emily and Lucky yesterday.”
Sonny shot her a look of disbelief. “What? I thought you didn’t like Emily.”
“Well most of the time I don’t but she was civil yesterday and Michael adores her. Jason’s crazy about her and you seem to like her.” Sonny’s heart sank when Carly brought up Jason name. He felt like he would always be competing with Jason for Carly. “Besides she Michael’s god-mother we need to learn to get along.”
“Well I’m glad you’re both making the effort, it's very....” Sonny was looking for a word that she wouldn’t take for an insult.
“Mature” Carly questioned playfully.
“Yeah” he replied sheepishly.
“It’s all right Sonny. I know I had some growing up to do.”
“Well I wasn’t going to be the one to tell you.”
“Afraid of what I might say?”
“Hell yes, I’ve seen your claws Carly had them directed at him and believe me its something I rather not experience again.”
Carly laughed lightly. She was enjoying the easiness of the dinner and their playful conversation. She could picture a life with many nights like this for years to come. She likes the idea of a future with him.
“What are you smiling about?”
Carly blushed a bit. It was still earlier to tell him the truth so she did what she did best. Lied. “I was thinking about taking Michael to the park tomorrow.”
“How about a picnic?”
“That sounds nice.”
“All right tomorrow afternoon you, me and Michael will have a picnic in the park.” They both smiled at the idea. Carly left to get the desert and while she was gone Sonny thought about the next. He would start wooing her tomorrow. He laughed at the idea of wooing. He have done anything like that, but he had to prove to Carly that he loved her for more than Michael and the baby, plus he was going to have to find away to make her fall in love with him. Not that anyone could make Carly do anything; he just needed to show her what they could have. Sonny smiled, he would start tomorrow and by their wedding day he hoped she would be marrying him for the right reason.
Emily sat outside of Kelly’s waiting for Lucky. She was reading the first Harry Potter book, she hadn’t thought much about the book when it first came out but Brooke Lynn swore it was great and Emily was willing to do about anything to please her cousin. And she had to admit to liking the book, it was cute and an easy read. Besides she needed a reality break with all that was going on in her life. Her best friend back from the dead who was ruining the best thing he had, her relationship with Juan or lack of it, her family and most of all missing both her brothers. Jason was gone except for a postcard now and than and an occasional phone call. AJ wasn’t the person anymore, his drinking had changed him; he was self-destructive. She knew that seeing Michael would help, but it wouldn’t be good for Michael to see AJ drunk. She might not like Carly much but Emily thought Carly was doing the right thing by keeping Michael away from AJ until he sobered up.
Emily didn’t want to think about any of it. But she had to, well at least the Juan situation. After the concert Juan asked to take Emily home so he could talk. She agreed but it didn’t make Nikolas or Lucky happy. They didn’t like Juan and thought that she deserved better. Emily didn’t know what to think. Juan was a nice guy, most of the time besides she only knew three other men who she thought were better than Juan--one was her brother Jason and then there was Lucky and Nikolas. She was a little sister to both of them, a best friend, a confidant someone they trust and loved, but in the friend way. Why was it that all the really great guys saw her as a sister? Not that she would take Lucky or Nikolas now. Lucky loved Liz and having feelings for Nikolas again was out of the question, besides he falls for every other girl that isn’t her.
Juan had apologized for his behavior the other day and she also said sorry, for what she wasn’t sure but it seemed like the thing to do. Then Juan had asked for another chance. She told him she had to think about, but if it was love should she have to think about it? She had spent the last year fighting for Juan, encouraging him, supporting him and loving him, but the question she had now was if she was in love with him. Emily knew the difference between loving someone and being in love with someone. She loved Lucky, Nikolas and Liz heck she even loved Juan but she wasn’t sure if she was in love with him. The one time she had been in love was with Nikolas, at least she thought that was love, she wasn’t sure anymore. Maybe her worst fears were true; maybe she would never find love. The kind of love Edward and Lila had, or Luke and Laura or Lucky and Liz--they all had true love, which she wanted.
For awhile she thought she could have it with Juan, but what does love and reason have to do with each other. Look at her parents. If reason ruled they wouldn’t be together now. How could anyone think themselves into loving another person? She was afraid that was what she was doing with Juan and she didn’t want that. But yet with Juan there was a pull that she didn’t understand and that had to count for something, right?
Liz watched Emily from the window. It must be bad if Emily ordered a double chocolate shake and then let it sit there as she played with her straw. Liz wished that life was easier on all of them. It seemed, as if life turned upside down after Lucky died and then did another flip flop when they found out he was alive, except things seem worse now. Lucky didn’t lover her. He promised forever, but he seemed to forget it. She knew he had been through a lot, but to give up their love? It didn’t make any sense to Liz. She hated not being with him. He was alive and she still missed him. She missed the Lucky he was the person she got glimpse of but seemed to retreat moments afterwards.
Why was life like this? Liz shook herself. It was time for her break so she went outside to join Emily. “Hey Em.”
“Hi, Liz.”
Liz sat down at the table and looked at the full drink. “All right where’s the real Emily Quartermaine?”
Emily laughed lightly. “Stuck in a bad mood.”
“A chocolate shake usually fixes that, not to mention a double.”
“Yeah, what can I say men stink.”
Liz laughed. She completely agreed and told Emily so. “Which man?”
“Juan. He wants another chance.”
“I know he acted like a jerk, but don’t you think that you guys deserve another chance to be happy and in love.”
“That’s the problem. I wasn’t all that happy or love...or at least not as much as I thought.”
Liz looked at Emily with surprise. After everything that Emily went through to with Juan and the way she supported him she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. So much for proving that love last. But than again she hadn’t been sure that Emily loved the guy. Emily said she had but Liz had been skeptical. “Well at least he isn’t denying the feelings he has for you.”
Sadness filled Emily’s eyes. “I’m sorry Liz. Here I am whining about my man troubles when your going through all that stuff with Lucky.”
“Em it’s all right. That’s what friends are for, to listen and help.”
“And take your mind off your problems, having fun and being there,” Emily continued the list Liz had started.
“Exactly.” The girls smiled at each other.
Sonny held Michael in his arms as Carly got the food out of the picnic basket. “Look at all this good food Mr. Man” she said happily. “Let’s see we have fried chicken, yummy.” Michael laughed as Carly made silly face before turning back to the basket. “Ooh, we have mashed potatoes with gravy! When Uncle Sonny says a picnic he means a real dinner on a blanket.”
“Uncle Sonny, play” Michael commanded as he pulled dump trucks towards them. Carly smiled at the sight of her son and Sonny playing.
"So are eating or playing.”
“Both it seems,” Sonny said. “I have an idea, we can pull Michael’s food in one the of the trucks and he can eat while he plays.”
“Sonny Corinthos are you insane?”
“Look who’s asking.” Carly hit him playfully. “All right Michael,mom says it’s time to eat.”
“Yummy,” he said imitating Carly.
“Awe how cute is that” Carly asked.
“Too cute,” Sonny replied jokingly. Sonny handed Carly Michael and he made up the plates. Carly was holding Michael close leaning down telling him something softly in his ear. Sonny grinned at the picture they made. His family. Carly was showing more each day or so it seemed to him and soon there would be two babies wrapped in her arms on their picnics. He couldn’t believe how lucky he was to have them in his life. He couldn’t believe how well they fit and how much he loved them. If anyone would have told him that he would fall in love with Carly Benson and would of told them they were nuts and needed help, but they would have been right. Sonny finished heaping food on the plates.
“Sonny that’s way to much food” Carly scolded.
“Well what ever Michael doesn’t finish you can.”
"What are you trying to make me fatter than I’ll already get.”
“You are eating for two.”
“Well with that plate you made me it looks like I’m eating for ten.”
Sonny smiled. “You’ll still look good nice and round.”
“Sonny,” she squealed before she leaned forward to hit him. Sonny evaded the hit and then took Michael.
“All right, I’ll eat the extra food. Come one Michael lets prove to your mom that you’ve got a big stomach.” Carly rolled her eyes at him and began eating her lunch.
She watched her son and the man she loved trying to feed him. They were so cute together. Carly sighed contentedly. Life was good and with any luck she would show Sonny that she was worth loving and then it be perfect. For once in her life the man she loved would love her back and they would be a family.
Nikolas sat on the docks looking out at the water. Life was strange these days. His brother was back from the dead, which was great. He had missed Lucky and best of they had a real relationship at last they were truly brothers. But, Lucky was different. Before he ‘died’ he made peace with their mother and Luke, but now wanted nothing to do with them. Lucky was also turning his back on his relationship with Liz, which Nikolas didn’t understand. Lucky loved her yet kept pushing her away. Life was so confusing. He was in love with his brother girlfriend, who thought of him as a friend and his brother claimed not to love her anymore even though he did. Who needs soap operas when you’re living one!
Alexis saw Nikolas sitting on the docks looking confused and worried. She knew it had to do with Lucky and his strange behavior. Damn Helena Cassadine for all this, hurting all these people. “Nikolas,” she said softly.
Nikolas looked up and smiled weakly at his aunt. “Hello Alexis. Are you going to see Stefan?"
“No, I was on my way to Kelly’s to met Ned.”
“Oh.”
“Nikolas are you all right.”
“Not really.”
“Care to elaborate.”
“It’s about Lucky. He’s the same yet different at the same time.”
“Trust me I know what’s that like,” she said as she sat down. “Granted the it was under different circumstances but the same feeling.”
“I just don’t understand why he’s pushing Laura, Liz and Luke away. And don’t say he needs time. He’s had it, plus he forgave Laura and Luke before the fire.”
“I don’t know what to say expect only Lucky,” and Helena she thought silently, “knows why he doing these things. They seem right to him, maybe it’s what he needs.”
“He needs to push the love of his life and his parents away from him?”
“Well he’s not pushing away his brother, sister and best friend maybe that’s who he needs now. Who he feels safe with and trusts.”
“I can understand that some what, but Liz is his friend too and he’s not as close to her as me and Emily.”
“Nikolas I don’t know what’s going on inside Lucky’s head so I can’t give you any answers, only he can.”
“I know it’s just that he’s throwing away the best thing he’s ever had.”
Alexis sighed. She didn’t know what to tell him or how to help him. It seemed like everyone was being hurt because of this in one way or another. She had to find away to help. Maybe it was about time that she got Luke and Stephen in the same room to compare notes. “Nikolas you can’t fix this, only Lucky can decided what to do about his relationship with Liz.”
“I know I just hate seeing her hurting.”
Alexis knew Nikolas feelings for Liz went deeper than friendship and she worried about this, the last thing she wanted to see was a repeat of Mikkos and Stephen with Laura. Two brothers in love with the same girl was dangerous, especially if one was a Cassadine and the other a Spencer. “Come on I’ll buy you lunch.”
“What about Ned?”
“You’ll join us, of course you’ll probably end up talking business so we can charge it to L&B as a business lunch. Umm, maybe we should go to the Grill since it’s a tax write off.”
“I promise no business if you do.”
“As long as we don’t talk about family.”
“So that leaves the weather.”
Alexis laughed as they got up and walked to Kelly’s.
Luke walked into the house that used to be his home. Memories, both good and bad, flooded his mind. A life with family surrounding him, but it was lost. His wife was soon to his ex, his son hated him and he wasn’t around enough for his daughter. He had missed so much. Lulu didn’t seemed to mind, she was use to his long absents and that bother him more. His daughter was use to not having him around. What the hell kind of father was he? He also knew that he wasn’t a family man, yet he plunged into it and he wouldn’t change it.
Lulu and Lucky were the best things in his life; the best things he ever did with his life.
Laura came down the steps holding Lulu. “Hi, Luke.”
“Hi,” he said softly. Then excitedly he said hello to Lulu. She moved gracefully from Laura’s arms to Luke’s. “So Princess are you ready to go to the park?”
“Yep,” she replied happily. It wasn’t often that she spent time with both her parents and she was looking forward to it. Luke lowered her to the ground and Lulu grabbed his hand, she than turned to Laura and grabbed on of her hands. They left the house quietly. Anyone looking at them would she a happy family, but then looks can be deceiving.
Nikolas and Alexis walked into the small courtyard before Kelly’s and saw Emily and Liz sitting at one of the tables. They walked up to the girls who were smiling at each other.
“That’s what I like to see my two best friends smiling” Nikolas said.
The girls turning to him still smiling. “So now all we need to do is get a smile on your face,” Liz replied.
“Tell me Lucky’s come to his senses and I’ll smile like no Cassadine has before.” Emily giggled at his comment, but Liz’s face fell some.
“I wish I could report that."
“Okay, I’ll go for second best, Emily didn’t forgive Juan.”
“Hey,” Emily exclaimed, “how did you know about that?”
“You forgave him,” he asked slightly angry.
Emily rolled her eyes. “No, but he asked me to.”
“Good.” At the girls upset looks. “Sorry but he’s not good enough for you.”
“So everyone seems to think.”
“Well that should tell you something.”
"You know I don’t need a lecture, I’m liable to forgive Juan just because everyone telling me not to.”
Nikolas stood there speechless. She wouldn’t, would she? She was smart than that and more mature.
"Em,” Liz finally said, “we all know that’s not true.”
“I know,” she said playfully, “but it got him to stop lecturing me about a decision that is mine and mine only to make.” Nikolas shrugged his shoulders and smiled sheepishly at her.
Alexis, who had been smiling through most of the scene, she was happy that Nikolas had friends he trusted, who trusted him and who he could be a normal person with and not a prince. “You to didn’t see Ned?”
“No,” Emily looked up and spotted him coming, “but speak of the devil.”
Emily pointed to where Ned was coming from. Alexis turned to see him a huge smile cross her face. Ned hurried over to her and before she could say hello he sweeped her up in his arms and was kissing her. Emily blushed as she watched her cousin, Nikolas turn away trying to be polite and Liz thought that sometimes love last through everything, even people being married to the wrong person.
The kiss ended breathlessly. “Hi.”
“Hi.” Alexis finally remembered the people around them. “I asked Nikolas to join us for lunch.” Ned pouted a bit but figured he could get some business in. As if reading his thoughts she added “no business.”
Ned sighed. “All right, but no Cassadine family stuff either.”
“Same goes for Quartermaines.”
Emily laughed. “That leaves what...the weather?”
Ned looked over at his cousin, she was the only family besides Lila that he still really cared about. The rest of the Quartermaines could drop off the face of the earth, especially AJ and he wouldn’t care. “Cute.” He smiled down at her as moved to hug her. Emily stood and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “You were great last night.”
“So were you. Thinking of Juan was a good idea.”
Emily was embarrassed. She didn’t really do anything that special. “It was team work.”
“Yeah,” Liz agreed.
Ned laughed. “The fab four at work again. Just promise me that you’ll guys won’t try to handle a blackmailer on your own again.”
“We'll never live that down will we,” asked Nikolas.
“No.”
“My break is over, I’ll go get your table ready.”
“Thanks Liz,” replied Alexis.
“Call me later Em.”
“Sure.”
Just as Liz went inside Lucky walked into the courtyard. “Hey Lucky,” Nikolas said with a bit a wonder still in his voice. He was still having trouble believing that his brother was alive, well, and home.
"Hi.” Lucky saw Ned and Alexis and greeted them. “You were great last night Ned.”
“See,” Alexis chimed in, “everyone loved you last night.”
“As long as you did nothing else matters.”
“Awe, how sweet. I guess I won’t be offended that I wasn’t included.”
Ned looked lovingly at Emily. “Quit being a brat.” Emily faked being offended.
“Enough already, I’m hungry.”
“I second that,” Nikolas said joining Alexis.
“Do you guys want to join us,” Ned asked.
“Sorry we have other plans” Lucky replied. Nikolas looked at him strangely, he was still having trouble understanding why Lucky was spending so much time with Emily. He knew that there was only friendship between them, but still...wait he was beginning to sound like Juan. Nikolas shuttered at the thought.
“Are you all right” Alexis asked.
“Just starving.” The fiversome said goodbye. Nikolas, Alexis and Ned headed into Kelly’s while Emily and Lucky left.
“I don’t see how you could have eaten all that,” Carly said.
“What can I say? I was hungry.”
Carly shook her head and she could believe that one person could eat that much food. Michael was curled up in her arms asleep. They were a family and a growing one at that. Carly let her hand pass over her abdomen. Their child. Their daughter. She smiled at the thought of seeing a little girl with Sonny’s smile and her eyes. “Sonny?”
“Yeah?”
“What do you think we should name her?”
“I...I haven't given it that much thought.”
“I don’t believe that Sonny.”
“All right I have thought about it but...”
“But what?”
“Well I thought we should discuss it before I get attached to a name.”
“Oh, so what were some of your ideas?”
“What were yours?”
“I asked first.”
“Adel.”
“After your mother.”
“Yeah.”
“I was thinking of Virginia for a middle name. Adel Virginia Corinthos.”
“It could be Virginia Adel Corinthos.”
“I was kind of...I was also thinking about...”
“Spit it out Carly.”
“Lily.” Sonny stiffened at bit. “I know how important she was to you and...”she looked at Sonny who was upset. “I sorry I brought it up.”
“Don’t be. It’s a lovely idea. It’s just that I let her down and...”
“Sonny you did your best.”
“Well it wasn’t good enough.” Sonny sat quietly for a few minutes.
“Lily Adel Virginia Corinthos,” he said softly.
“I like it.”
He smiled at her and placed his hand over their child. “So do I.”
Sonny leaned closer, “hello Lily.” Carly smiled down at him. She placed her hand over his and enjoyed moment. It was perfect.
After lunch Nikolas walked to the counter to talk to Liz leaving Ned and Alexis to themselves. Ned smiled wickedly at Alexis. “Do you know how beautiful you are” he asked.
“Have you’ve been drinking again.”
“You need to learn how to take a compliment.”
She smiled at him. “You could learn not to give them.”
Ned laughed at the statement and gave her a quick kiss. “God, I love you.” Pulled her closer to him. “How about calling it a day and we head to the hotel?”
“I have briefs.”
“So do I,” he said playfully.
Alexis shook her head at him. “It’s tempting but...”
“No but’s lets just go.”
Alexis saw the look in his eyes and felt her resolve fading. She flashed him a devilish smiled. “I’ll race you there.” Alexis shot out of her seat, picking up her things. “Don’t forget to pay the bill.” She rushed out the door. Ned swore under his breath as he dropped some bills on the table before hurrying out the door.
“What do you think that was about,” Liz asked.
“I rather not know, Alexis is my aunt after all.”
Liz chuckled.
“How are things?”
“They're okay.” Nikolas looked at her skeptically. “All right things could be better, but...at least he’s still apart of my life.”
“Liz I know he loves you, he just needs...”
“I’m so tired of hearing that Lucky just needs time.”
“A lot has happened this past year. To us, to him and needs to adjust.”
“Well he seems to have adjusted just fine with Emily” she said bitterly. Liz shook herself. “I’m sorry Nikolas.”
“Don’t be.”
“It’s just that I miss him. He’s right in front of me and I can’t have him. It’s horrible.”
“I know,” he said under his breath.
“Did you said something?”
“It will get better, I promise.”
“Thanks Nikolas, but you can’t fix this.”
“I wish I could.”
“Me too. Hey, my shift is all most over, how about we go have some fun?”
“How about riding? I haven’t had a chance to ride Sheba lately.”
“That sounds great.”
Luke was pushing Lulu on a swing as Laura packed up their lunch. It had been a wonderful afternoon. Luke playing and joking with Lulu. The mess they made at lunch. The glances he had sent her. Was it possible that he missed them as much as she did? Could their still be a chance for them? There was nothing she wanted more, but could she risk it? There had already been so much pain, anger and bitterness. Would they be able to pass it? Plus there was Felicia and Stefan. Would what happened recently with them hinder their chance? Laura heard Lulu shouting joyfully demanding that Luke push her higher, and she shook thoughts of a reunion from her mind. Now was not the time. She finished packing up and joined her family at the swings.
A tall, thin woman stood by the window of her dinky; rat infested apartment and looked out of the city of Chicago. She had been living high for the last few years of her life, but some how her money dwindled to barely anything at all. Now here she was back at the beginning with little money and no drive to go out and make money on her own. She wanted it handed to her, on a silver platter like her niece. It had been years since she saw her sister’s child and frankly she didn’t care if she ever saw the brat again, but Emily was her meal ticket.
When that wealthy family wanted to adopt the girl Corinne had met with the old man, Edward Quartermaine and he gave her a pretty penny to stay away. When the girl ran away he gave her more money to skip the country for awhile and she gladly took it. She was aware the girl was almost seventeen and soon she would be legal and she wouldn’t be able to get anymore money for the old man. Of course she had been trying for months but nothing had worked.
She cursed Edward Quartermaine to Hell. She had done her research. She knew all about the Quartermaine family, but they didn’t know everything about their precious Emily. The entire family thought that Paige was some saint, what a laugh. She got pregnant by one guy and married another. Thomas Bowen had claimed the girl, but biologically he wasn’t her father. Corinne laughed,what would poor little Emily think of her mother if she knew the truth? The ironic part was that the girl actually knew her real father and spent time with him, and the best part was that the Quartermaines hated him.
She knew once she told Edward the truth he would cough enough money for her to spend the rest of her life in style. So she had scraped up enough money to buy a bus ticket to Port Charles, once their she go she the good old Edward and he set her up at his four star hotel with more money then most people could imagine. Smiling at the thought she turned to pack what little clothes she had and the proof of Emily parentage a picture of the happy couple and Paige’s diary.
Corinne smirked there was nothing better then pull a one over on one of the best players around today. She was looking forward to Edward turning red with rage but surrendering because he had no other option. With that last thought she walked out of her crappy apartment, not bothering to lock the door as she headed for the bus station.
Alexis wrapped her arms around Ned. “That was nice.”
“Nice doesn’t even begin to describe it,” he said sexily.
“I could get used to this.”
“Used to what,” Ned asked.
“To being in your arms so often in one day.”
“Well I like having you in them.”
“Ned?”
“Yes, sweetheart.”
Alexis blushed at the endearment, she loved hearing it. “I was thinking…well were are engaged now officially and…”
“And what?”
“Well how do I know that I’ll like living with you?"
“What,” he asked with laughter in his voice.
“I’m serious Ned, we spent the night together and have been away together, but we’ve never lived in the same place together for a extended period of time.”
“I love you.”
“That doesn’t mean that we can live with on and other.”
“You lived with Jax.”
“I had my own room.”
“Well you can be for damn sure you’re not sleeping any where else then with me, in our bed, in our room.”
She smiled at him. “I like the idea of that in theory.”
“In theory,” he said slightly angry, “you like us in theory.”
“You’re taking this the wrong way. I like how we are now, but what if we hate living with each other?”
“I could never hate anything about you.”
“That’s so sweet, but…”
“You're still worried.”
“Yes.”
“How about you move in here?”
“Ned I love you. And I like Lila and Emily, but the rest of your family I could throw out the window.”
“Even Chloe?”
“All right not Chloe.”
“Jason?”
“He’s not even here anymore, your loving family chased him out of town.”
“Ouch!”
“Sorry.”
“It’s all right. So the gatehouse is out, so is the hotel. Grandfather liable to steal the key and barge in on us.”
“Okay, I guess that we’re stuck than. We'll have to live like we are right now forever.”
“I don’t think so.”
“What the matter I like the idea…”
“Alexis I want you to be my wife.”
“Well you seem to have trouble keeping them.”
“That was a bit below the belt.”
“Sorry.”
Ned sighed. “We could get a new place together.”
“You mean a shared lease?”
“Yes.” Ned laughed at the worried look that came to Alexis face.
"Legal entanglement worry you?”
“No,” she said unconvincingly. At Ned’s continued laughing, “all right maybe it does. But only a little.”
“Honey it’s the next step and at our rate will be married when we’re sixty.”
“Sounds good to me, so any ideas?”
“Well actually yes. You know V’s old place?”
“Above the Outback?”
“Yes. Think we would never have to cook, it’s close to L&B and it has plenty of room.”
“How do you know it has plenty of room.”
“Alexis we were both at her house warming party.”
“Oh, right.”
Ned shook his head at her, if he didn’t love her so much…well he did and he wouldn’t change it for anything. “I’ll call Mac tomorrow about it.”
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Instead of answering he kissed her passionately. Alexis last coherent thought was that it was indeed a good an idea.
“Did you enjoy the ride,” Nikolas asked Liz.
“Yes, very much.”
“Are you feeling better?”
“Not really.”
“Want to tell me about it.”
“I already have been, I feel like that’s all I ever talk about any more.”
“It’s all right I don’t mind hearing it again.”
“Are you sure?”
“Completely.”
"Well you asked for it Nikolas. I’m just so tired of this whole back and forth thing that he’s doing. One minute it seems like he wants what we had and the next he’s telling me he doesn’t. It’s like he’s saying one thing and feeling another. But than again I can’t tell what he’s feeling any more. I used to know. It was like I could read him without words, all I had to do was look. Now all I get is mixed signals and its driving me crazy.”
“You just have to hang in there Elizabeth, he loves you.”
Liz smiled weakly. She was tired of waiting. She wanted Lucky back. She wanted the person he once was, it wasn’t that she wanted him to forget the last year, none of them could do that. She just wished that him being gone had to mean the end of what they had. She had held him and their love in her heart. Why hadn’t he? Or had he kept them alive and he was just still hiding it? But why would he? He was back in Port Charles and safe, Fasion was dead. He didn’t seem afraid and if he were in danger he wouldn’t be spending time with Lulu, Lucky would do anything to protect her. Why was the man she loved pushing her away when he still loved her?
A deep fear ran through her. What if he just cared about her? Loved her like a friend or sister. What if the mixed feelings were Lucky caring about her but not being love with her. He had to love her, they were soul mates. They had promised each other forever. “Nikolas what if he’s not in love with me anymore?”
“Liz of course he loves you.”
“I know that. Lucky will always love me, but what if his love has changed?”
“What do you mean?”
“You love Emily, right?”
“Well, yes, but not like…I’m not in love with her.”
“Exactly.”
“So you think that he loves you but that he’s not in love with you?”
“Yes.”
“That’s impossible.” How could anyone not be in love with her? She was wonderful. Sweet, kind, caring, a good friend, creative, loving and even her faults added to what a great person she was.
“It’s nice of you to say so, but it might be true.”
“Liz don’t think that. Please don’t give up on my brother.”
“I don’t want to give up on him. It just hurts.”
A tear slide down her cheek and Nikolas wipe it away and took her into his arms. Her loved her more than anything. He wanted her happiness above anything, even if that meant she was with another man, besides he couldn’t betray Lucky that way. He would not lose either of them, they were too important to him.
“It will be all right. I promise.”
Of all the places they could have gone Emily was surprised when they had ended up in the catacombs. There were of course good memories here, but there were also dark ones. Lucky had said something about chasing away the darkness. Maybe that’s what he needed, reassurance that the darkness could be chased away. Then maybe he would allow his heart to open to Liz again.
Lucky smiled goofy at Emily. He brought her here because it reminded him of the past, the part of the past he wanted to remember. Their friendship, Sly, purple scone cones, Lulu, Nikolas, his friendship with Liz that’s what he want his past to comprised of. He set down the radio and turned it on blindly choosing a station. A soft melody began to play. “Dance with me?”
“What,” she asked surprised by the request.
“It’s been a year since I last danced, so dance with me.”
“Okay.” Emily stepped timidly into his arms.
I got a schoolboy heart
A novelist eye
Stout sailor’s legs
And a license to fly
I came with nomad feet
And some wandering toes
That walks up my longboard
And hang off the nose
Emily became more at easy as they swayed to the music. This is nice she thought. She couldn’t remember the last time she and Lucky danced. It was probably that silly 50’s dance they attended shortly after they ran away together.
I suppose
The need to focus never arose
So something like a Swiss army knife
That’s my life
Frankenstein
Had nothing this body of mine
The villagers still flockin’ to see
To see me
Breakin’ free
Breakin’ free
Lucky enjoyed dancing with Emily. It was so simple. Then again everything with her had been simple since he got back. She didn’t push, she listen and she was as always his best friend. He could trust her completely; she had proven that by not telling everyone when he first arrived home. He wished he could have this easiness with Elizabeth. He wanted his friend, but she wanted a boyfriend. He wasn’t ready for that.
Cause I got a schoolboy heart
A novelist eye
Stout sailor’s legs
And a license to fly
I got a bartender ear
And a beachcomber style
Piratical nerve
And a vaudevillian style
l-i-yi-yi-yi-yi
l-i-yi-yi-yi-yi
“Sounds like you,” Emily said quietly.
“What?”
“You’re kind of like the guy in the song.”
Lucky thought about it. He did notice details, he was a good listener, he had traveled all over the world, he loved the water and he was easy going. However he wasn’t as innocent as a schoolboy anymore with blind faith in people. He couldn’t fly but he could picture himself doing it. Spencer’s and pirates seem to fit together. He had no idea what vaudevillian meant. Lucky shook his head. “You’ve been living with Quartermaines to long.”
“What do the Quartermaines have to do with this?”
“You're nuts.”
Emily shook her head. Well if he wanted to ignore what was staring him in the face that was fine. She just wished he wasn’t doing it with Liz.
I suspect-
I died in some cosmic shipwreck
With all hands spread over the deck
What the heck
Then some kind-
Of unseen and unscrupulous mind
Began to pick up what he could find
Added ice-
Shook me twice-
Rolled the dice
“Your theory has been blown out of the water.”
“I don’t know, I can see you abducted by aliens.”
“You really are twisted.”
“Gambling runs in your family.”
“Cards, not dice.”
“Trust me I remember.” Emily face went solemn as she thought about the time Lucky got into some trouble with a loan shark. He was beaten up and she stole a vase from the Quartermaines. They had hocked it to get money to pay the guy. Grandfather had blamed Jason for the missing vase.
Seeing the look on her face Lucky twirled her quickly. The spinning caught her off guard and she couldn’t help to smile as she saw the world blur.
Now I got a schoolboy heart
A novelist eye
Stout sailor’s legs,
And a license to fly
I got a native tongue
From way down south
It sits in the cheek
Of my gulf coastal mouth
Lucky had continued to spin her and had joined in. The world was spinning for both of them. Losing their balance they fell to the ground in a fit of laughter.
I got a schoolboy heart
A novelist eye
Stout sailor’s legs
And a license to fly
I came with nomad feet
And some wandering toes
That glide up my longboard
And hang off the nose
l-i-yi-yi-yi-yi
l-i-yi-yi-yi-yi
l-i-yi-yi-yi-yi
l-i-yi-yi-yi-yi
l-i-yi-yi-yi-yi
l-i-yi-yi-yi-yi
Emily smiled over at Lucky. “I’ve haven’t done that in years.”
“What spin until you drop and puke?”
“Yep. It was great!”
Lucky looked over at her. She was so carefree and happy. He wondered how she could do it. Let everything fall away so she could have a moment of happiness not shadowed by the bad things. “You have to teach me that.”
“What?”
“To let things fall away.”
“It’s easy.”
“Okay kemosawbe explain it to me.”
“Just don’t think about anything beside the person your with and the moment. Don’t worry about the past or future, they don’t exist. For a little bit let time stop. Forget the rest of the world.”
“Easier said then done.”
“I guess. I’ve had tons of practice.”
“I’m sorry about that.”
“What?”
“That you’ve had the practice.”
Emily smiled and leaned over to him. She placed a gentle kiss on his cheeks. “Thanks.”
He smiled back at her. “Up for another dance?”
“Sure.”
“Carly sure you want to go to Luke’s tonight” Sonny asked.
“Of course I am. Besides it will be fun and I heard the band was good.”
“Why do I feel like we’re going to bug Luke more than we are to hear this band.”
“Because Mr. Corinthos,” she said with a big smile on her face, “you know me too well.”
Sonny laughed. “I have yet to decide if that’s a good or bad thing” he shot back playfully. Both had enjoyed the easiness and playfulness of their relationship the last few weeks. Both were still weary of telling the other the truth, but they were becoming more at easy with each other and each was preparing to make a move soon.
“Sonny?”
“Yeah?”
“Zip me up.”
“Sure.” Sonny walked over in Carly and slid the zipper up her back. “You look stunning.”
Carly looked down and then met Sonny’s eyes in the mirror. “Thanks; you don’t look half bad either.”
That was an understatement she thought he’s gorgeous. Sonny left his hands on her shoulder and electricity flowed between them.
“You know we could stay in tonight,” he said quietly.
Carly sucked in a breath. “Tempting, but we’re still going.” Sonny moved away slowly wishing that she would change her mind, but he knew Carly once she decided that was that. Well he still did have the gift she gave him for his birthday, an IOU that said he could win any argument they were having, but he figured he should save that for something more serious.
“Well we better get going or we’ll be late.”
Carly nodded and put on the finish touches to her outfit. She almost wished Sonny had protested some more. She wanted to go out tonight but she wouldn’t have protested to being extremely late. Oh, well maybe they could leave early. With that thought Carly left the room smiling.
Nikolas paced impatiently in the Quartermaine foray. She was doing it on purpose. Emily was usually ready to shoot out of the Quartermaine mansion when he came to pick her up, but she was choosing now to take forever. Lucky had probably put her up to it. Nikolas knew that Lucky wasn’t looking forward to go to Luke’s but this was business. If Lucky didn’t feel like going he should have just said so. Nikolas wanted to go up to Emily’s room and drag her out of it or scream up the stairs that if she wasn’t down in two minutes he was leaving without her. Nikolas was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn’t notice Emily coming down the stairs.
“Nikolas.” He jumped a little and Emily laughed. “Sorry I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“Your laugh would suggest otherwise.” She smiled at him and he took in the full picture of Emily Quartermaine. She was beautiful and he couldn’t help that the anger faded away. Emily was like a sister to him and like Lulu she could wrap him around her finger. “You and Liz will be the prettiest girls there.”
“Try the only girls the rest will be women.”
Nikolas smiled sheepishly. “Sorry.”
“That’s all right. Let’s go pick up the fourth musketeer.”
“If we can get him out of his room.”
“Nikolas,” Emily hit him gently. “Lucky promised.”
“Yeah, but will be hearing about it all night long.”
“I know it’s the Spencer in him.”
“Don’t tell him that he’s liable to get up and leave.”
“Well if he gets intolerable that’s exactly what we'll do.”
Nikolas laughed. “You’ve been living with the Quartermaines for too long.”
Laura looked at herself in the mirror. She was dress for a night out, a night at Luke’s. She doesn’t even remember the last time she set foot in the place or rather she didn’t want to because she could still picture Luke and Tammy together. Maybe this was a bad idea. To just show up. Laura bit her lip as she thought over the pro’s and con’s of going to Luke’s tonight. Hell, she was all ready dressed and maybe this could be a first step. The last had been difficult on both of them. She could still remember Luke’s arms around her after Lucky told them that he wanted nothing to do with them. He had been there for her like he always had been. She had felt the connection between them and wanted nothing more to be with him. To fix what was wrong and give their relationship another chance. She wasn’t sure if Luke felt the same, but she had to know if he was willing to give it another shot. She loved him too much to give up chance that they could be together again.
Laura took a deep breath to center herself. Take it slowly and see what happens and don’t get your hopes up she told herself. She kissed Lulu goodnight before she headed out forgetting the advice she had given silently to herself.
Luke’s stood behind the bar and grumbled to Roy, “I fired him, yet he’s still here because he wants to hear the band.”
“Luke it’s a public place.”
“No, it’s my place and he doesn’t get served.”
“Why don’t you check on the band and I cover the bar.”
“Remember you serve Claud and you're fired too.”
“You can’t fire me I own half of the place.”
Luke shot him a dirty look. Roy laughed and looked out at the crowd. Bobbie was sitting with Carly and Sonny at one end of the bar and at the other Ned, Alexis, Jax and Chloe had a table. He smiled over at Hannah who was sitting at a table with Taggart and Juan. Mike and Tammy were at the bar with their heads together. Roy walked to them. “Hey, Mike. Nice to see you Tammy.”
“Roy, good to see you” Mike replied.
“It’s nice to see you to Roy.”
“Why don’t you guys join my table.”
“I’m sure Sonny would appreciate that,” Mike said.
“Well I’m offering and I’m sure Bobbie would love your company.”
“Come on Mike it will be fun,” Tammy said encouragingly.
“All right.”
“Tell Bobbie that as soon as Luke gets back I’ll be there.”
“Sure.”
After they left Roy looked over the room again, it was filling up nicely. Roy groaned inwardly when he saw AJ Quartermaine walk in.
AJ looked around the room. The first person he spotted was Ned. Great he thought that’s all I need. He continued his scan of the room and his eyes fell on Hannah. Smiling he walked over to her table. “Good evening.”
“Hi AJ,” Hannah said. Taggart barely acknowledged him and Juan mumbled hello.
“The other table is reserved so I was hoping to join you.”
Carly had watched AJ entered and immediately her defense was up in case he came over. She watched as he approached and stiffened as he got closer. Sonny noticed and put his arm protectively around her. Both watched cautiously as AJ stopped at Hannah’s table.
Hannah looked over at Taggart with pleading eyes. He knew that Hannah had made it her mission to try and save the guy. He didn’t like it, but Hannah he assured him that AJ was a friend and their relationship was more. He wasn’t jealous, just worried. AJ had caused a lot of damage to people’s lives and he didn’t want him to do that to Hannah. “We do have an extra chair,” he said finally. Hannah beamed at him and AJ smiled triumphantly.
Carly relaxed a bit when she saw AJ sit down at Hannah’s table. She looked at Sonny and smiled, letting him know she alright before returning her full attention to the conversation.
Roy breathed a sigh of relief that nothing happened, he knew there was a volatile mix in the crowd and he hoped that it wouldn’t go off.
“Roy.”
Roy turned and saw Laura sitting at the bar. He had been to busy watching to see what happened that he missed her coming in. “Hi Laura. Can I get you something?”
“I think I’ll play it safe tonight. A glass of white wine.”
“Coming up.” Roy began to move to pour her drink. “Don’t tell me you’re here by yourself.”
“That I am.”
“Why don’t you join Bobbie and me?”
“Your table looks pretty full already.”
Roy looked down as he poured the drink. He didn’t think it would be a good idea for her to be sitting there with Luke behind the bar. “You're always welcomed you know that.”
She smiled at him. “Are you sure?” He winked at her to tell her that he was, “all right.” Laura picked up her glass and headed over to the table.
Mike smiled at her. “Another pretty lady joining us.”
“What can I say Mike we have all the luck,” Sonny said. Mike was surprised by the easy tone in Sonny’s voice but enjoyed it. His son was happy.
“You don’t mind” Laura asked.
“Of course not,” Bobbie replied. Laura sat down and joined their conversation.
Luke walked out into the main part of the bar. “The band's almost ready.”
“Lucky,” Liz said, “you’re stalling.”
“Yeah, Spencer your hair is fine let’s get going” Emily chimed in.
Lucky grimaced, “quit ganging up on me.”
“Lucky,” Nikolas said angrily, “either your ready to go or I’m going to tie you up and put you in the trunk of my car. And frankly I don’t care if we leave you there all evening.” Liz and Emily hooted in laughter at Nikolas statement and Lucky shot a dirty look at his brother.
Emily walked over to Lucky and looped her arm through his. “Your carriage awaits Prince of Preening,” she said jokingly.
“Quartermaine quit being a pain in the butt.”
Liz walked over and grabbed the other arm. “Come, Sir we don’t want to keep your loyal subjects waiting.”
“Two against one on fair.”
“Try three,” Nikolas said as he stepped behind them and started to push Lucky forward. The girls helped by pulling on his arms. Lucky tried to drag his feet but he wasn’t able to hinder them.
“I’m reporting you guys for kidnapping.”
“That’s a low shot,” Liz said.
“Sorry,” he muttered. Emily looked behind him and winked at her. Liz knew Emily thought that Lucky pushing her away as just a phase. Em was taking his apology as a good sign, Liz knew she should be cautious, but she couldn’t help to be hopeful.
“Enough we’re already late so quite dragging your feet.”
Lucky sighed he knew there was no way he was going to win. “All right already.” The foursome walked out of Jake’s together to head to Luke’s.
Music was the first thing that hit them as they entered Luke’s. Lucky, Nikolas, Emily and Liz hurried over to their table.
I went into the midnight
Had no place left to go
Lost my heart a thousand times
And finally let it go
The words of the song hit Liz strongly. That’s what she had felt after Lucky died. Like she lost her heart and every time a memory hit her she felt like she was losing him all over again when it ended. She looked over at him. He was so handsome and still so much like the Lucky he once use to be. And no matter what she promised she loved him.
Hung my head low when I found
Things no woman ought to know
Lord, it’s three hours past late
And it’s much to late to go
Three house past late
No place left to go
Oh, lordly leave that light on
I’m still trying to home
Luke had watched his son come in. He had some comfort knowing that Lucky was allowing someone in and he knew he could trust them to be there Lucky when he needed them. His eye had also caught Laura. He wasn’t sure why she was here but she looked beautiful. Again thoughts of trying again with Angel crossed his mind, but he was still unsure. They had ready been through so much and he wasn’t sure if either of them would survive if it didn’t work out right. Shaking the thoughts of his personal life from his head Luke moved down the bar to check on his customers.
I don’t want nobody else’s love
To soften up my sin
I got angels sings in my cigarette smoke, tell me God knows where I been
Yea, three hours past late
Got my first wrapped some gin
All the trouble that I got
Is the trouble that I been
AJ smirked when he heard those lines. He knew full well the trouble someone could get in with a bottle of gin, though he preferred vodka. He wondered vaguely if he deserved all the trouble that was in his life. It was more he was paying for his parents’ sins. If they would have been better then so would he.
Give me any little thing to hold
Maybe ease up this night
You’d think after losing all I lost, I’d learn to lose alright
Carly chuckled softly. She had yet to learn lose alright. After everything. Her father leaving, her best friend death, everything with Bobbie, those first months with Michael, Virginia’s death, losing Jason and still she was the same impulsive Carly who looked before she leaped and was surprised when things blew up in her face. She promised herself things would be different. She wouldn’t make the same mistakes; she wouldn’t lose another man she loved. She never thought it would be possible to love anyone other than Jason, but she was wrong. She loved Sonny and she was going to earn his love, but she would do it the right way this time and hopeful it wouldn’t blow up in her face.
But that mirror’s talkin’ greasy
And my pockets wearin’ tight
Lord, it’s three hours past late
And I lost all my three hours ago
The song ended and the room erupted into applause. The woman on stage smiled before she turned to her band to discuss the next song.
Ned leaned over to Alexis. “What do you think?”
“I need a Kleenex.”
Ned laughed softly. “I take it you liked it?”
“Yes.”
He sent his questioning eyes over to Chloe and Jax. “I just hope the rest of the set is that good,” Jax replied.
“They definitely have potential,” Chloe remarked. Ned nodded. The band had a good sound and they might make a nice addition to L&B.
“Wow,” Emily said. “That was great.”
“The blues live.”
“Lucky you need new material,” Liz replied.
“Well Nikolas what’s your professional opinion,” Lucky asked.
“They sound good, the music and lyrics are good, nice stage presence, she's lovely which will add to the appeal.”
“So will Ned get a good report,” Emily asked.
“If they can keep it up they’ll get an excellent one.”
Emily smiled. She liked the band and she could also tell that Lucky and Liz did too. It would be really cool if Ned got them for L&B. She would have to tell him that, she knew her opinion mattered to him. Not that it would sway him if he didn’t like them.
“That was so depressing,” Laura said, “but in a good way.” With laughter in her voice Bobbie asked how depression could be good in anyway.
“Well the song was sad so if it depressed me it was good.”
“I get it,” Mike replied. “If it was a bad song your mood wouldn’t have been effected.”
“Well I think it should be my theme song.” Everyone sent questioning glances at Carly. “What Ally McBeal can have one, but I can’t?”
“You start acting like her and I’m going to have to ask to see a shrink,” Bobbie said half jokingly.
“You already think I need a shrink Momma.”
“I’m taking the fifth.” Carly looked a little hurt that Bobbie didn’t deny it.
“It’s all right Carly,” Sonny said, “I take you as you are.” Carly smiled at him, everyone at the table could see the love between. Mike was surprised by it, but he was glad that Sonny had found love and happiness again. Still with that it was with Carly was going to take a while to get use to.
The fact that Sonny and Carly found deeper feelings for one another gave Laura hope. She would stay after the show tonight to talk to Luke. They could be together and happy again and there was nothing she wanted more.
“Juan, earth to Juan” Taggart said while waving his hand in front of the boy’s face.
“Sorry did you say something?”
“Actually I did” Hannah replied. “Did you like the song?”
Juan was already distracted again. “You could go sit with them.”
“Thanks Taggart but I rather stay here.”
“Then pay attention to the people your siting with and leave the side of Emily alone.”
Juan smiled sheepishly. “They’re pretty good,” he said before turning his attention back to Emily.
“Well I feel loved,” AJ said.
Taggart rolled his eyes. Like he cared. “I need a refill. How about you Hannah?”
“Sure.”
“Not gonna offer me any” AJ asked.
“I’ll buy you a coke.”
“With rum please.”
“Not on my dollar.” He got up and headed to the bar.
General Hospital's Friendship Forever