Spencer vs. Cassadine #9  May 20- July 13, 1998 - 8 hrs

Stefan finds Alexis on the docks and hands her an invitation to his engagement party. She thinks it's a joke but he lets her know it’s sincere. She asks what changed and he only invited her because it is family tradition to have everyone there when welcoming a new member to the family. He still can't forgive her though. She tells him she will attend. Meanwhile Luke is hiding and overhears the conversation. Nikolas she's honored to be wearing a piece of Cassadine history and is proud they are going to be family. He tells her he was happy when she came to live with them and hoped it would become permanent. Luke thinks the invitation is perfect for their plan but Alexis isn't so sure. She thinks the place should be less public. He wants Helena to die at Wyndemere as he has planned. Luke says he will kill Helena on his own if she wants out but reminds her of all she has done to her. Alexis doesn't like that he is making all the rules.  Alexis is going to the party but will help him get Helena upstairs. He gives her instructions on how they'll do it.  Luke and Alexis shake on it and plan to meet outside before the party. She hopes Stefan will thank her for this.  

Stefan and Katherine talk about the party and she tells him about showing Nikolas her ring. Nikolas looks into getting a flight out to North

Carolina. Stefan, not able to locate Nikolas, goes to his harbor side bench and plants himself. Kat disturbs his reverie to inform hi that the family heirloom ball gown he gave her just isn't working out, so she bought a new dress. Stefan gets mildly put out and promises to call Paris and get a new one made but wait it turns out Kat was just joking.  Stefan asks his love why she was missing earlier in the day and she explains that she had "unfinished business with demon of my past" and that she went back and paid a visit to Serenity stood in the window and proclaimed herself fit to be mistress of the manor. They cozy up and proclaim their blissful happiness, though Stefan looks less than ecstatic.

Nikolas shows up on Laura's doorstep, full of questions about his mother's past with his uncle. In the end, after many evasions, she mirrored Stefan's tale that he was mainly just sympathetic towards her, and that she was grateful for it. Still unsatisfied, he applied a wee little guilt trip on her and left. Audrey brings Luke into the room after Liz and Lucky have run away (Lucky had been staying on Liz's floor till Audrey caught him) and bashes Luke for his role in the misadventure. Luke promises her that Liz is safe with his son, and that he'll keep an eye out for them. Liz and Lucky wind up at the docks, plotting their next step and making plans to crash the Cassadine ball. Laura reads her Bacchanalia invitation and a note from Stefan, telling her that he's giving Nik the "mother he deserves."

The Bacchanalia Ball (all of the ball scenes over the two episodes included) - Katherine is surprised by Stefan. She's fretting. Stefan assures her that "all that is important is you, and me, and Nikolas, and the rest of our lives together."  She tells him she's been dreaming about this night her entire life. They kiss.  He'll give the command to light the torches.  "This is our night, my love.  Let's enjoy it to the fullest." Luke and Alexis sneak up past the newly lit torches, they discuss the plan.  "You nervous?" Luke asks.  "A little," Alexis responds.  "It's my first murder."

Stefan sees Katherine all done up.  He kisses her hand.  "Of all the women who have worn that dress, you are, assuredly, the most beautiful." Robin and Nik come in.  Compliments are exchanged.  The dock, Nik announces, is lined with limos.  Robin tells Katherine she has always admired and loved her. The guests arrive.  Edward grumbles to his family that he refuses to pay homage to a marriage that is doomed from the start.  He gives Katherine three months to dump that scoundrel.  Then he turns and offers Katherine and Stefan his sincerest congratulations. Lucky and Liz sneak onto the island.  They'll watch the show from outside.  Liz gets nervous. Jax and Brenda come in.  She says, glowing, to Katherine that "getting engaged must be so exciting." Two people are turned away since they've misplaced their invitation. Jerry appears, probably with the lost invitation.  He escorts Bobbie in. "You can't fight destiny, darling."  Bobbie uses him to show Stefan she too has moved on with her life. Then she leaves Jerry standing there. Mac and Felicia come in with a tripping V.  She's having trouble with her hoop. She sees Ned as she's adjusting it, and he sees Alexis.  Alexis thanks Stefan for the invitation.  Stefan is cold. Luke is snooping through a desk and pulls out a dagger/letter opener. Bobbie is surprised at the decorating changes.  Jerry offers her a castle in Romania and she snubs him. Alexis comes up to Ned and says "hi."  He's surprised she's speaking to Stefan. Helena comes in with a masked escort.  Bobbie makes a catty remark about her "boy toy" and then behold!  It's Tony!  He looks smug and evil.  Felicia and Robin have the grace to look embarrassed.  Helena says to him: "I think we've arrived." Stefan comes up to her and says it's nice to see her in true form.

Edward grumbles. AJ agrees: "and I thought Carly was a bad choice." Bobbie confronts Tony.  "So, have you given up all semblance of respectability?"  "I don't get that many invitations these days.  It was nice to be asked." Jax asks Jerry if his choice of the Train from Hell was deliberate. Brenda and Jax tell him they liked the train.  "Thank you, Jerry, you really came through for us."  The guests applaud as Stefan presents Katherine.  They waltz.   We see the following scenes interlaced with the waltz: Edward, jealous, says the formal sash went out 300 years ago.  AJ comments: "He looks like a contestant in search of a beauty contest."

Felicia: "They look like they're right out of a storybook."  Mac agrees, enthusiastically, "And did you see the buffet table?  They got shrimp the size of dolphins!!"

Robin asks Nik if Stefan is really a romantic.  Does he really love Katherine?  Nik: "Look at the way he looks at her!"

Ned to Alexis: "Did you handle the prenups?"  Alexis:  "What makes you think there is one?"  Ned: "Because I happen to know both parties."

Jerry tells Bobbie he doesn't care for the waltz, as there is too much space between the partners. Helena tells Nik that his engagement will be a night for celebration.  This is nothing. Luke works on the railing with the dagger. Nik excuses himself to join the dance, and Helena thinks he's asking her.  He snubs her and goes to Robin.  Emily looks on sadly. Ned sees Emily.  He asks if she's enjoying herself.  He tells her to throw herself into it "because these nights live in your memory forever." Emily doesn't look thrilled with this prospect. Lucky and Liz are looking through the windows.  She is star struck.  He offers to waltz with her.  After some initial awkwardness, she agrees. Ned helps V. wipe champagne off her dress.  He sees Alexis looking so he takes V. dancing.  "Don't lead." Tony comes up to Alexis and asks her to dance.  "You're the reason I'm here."  She tells him she's not in the mood for dancing. Alan is downing pills in the study and sees Luke.  He thinks he's security and babbles for a while.  After he leaves Luke puts the dagger back into the desk and checks his watch.

Robin goes to see Brenda.  Bobbie tells Nik she misses him, and they hug. Brenda has to tell Robin about the engagement.  Robin: "You guys are doing it, right?"  Brenda: "YES!  We're also getting married!!"

Tony tells Alan he is looking good.  This is not a compliment.  If he were in withdrawal, he wouldn't be looking good.  Ned takes Emily dancing.  Nik tells her she looks lovely. Alexis is stopped by Helena.  She reminds Alexis she still is pulling the strings.  Luke overhears. AJ is looking for Alan under Helena's watchful eye.  Edward says he wouldn't own Wyndemere on a bet. Katherine comes up to Mac and Felicia.  Felicia: "How does it feel to be engaged to one of the most eligible bachelors in the country?"  "I don't know, you tell me."  Felicia makes her funny face.  They discuss "fear of commitment." Stefan takes Katherine off. Alexis sees Luke in the garden.   She is scared.  It must look like an accident.  He hands her the key to the parapet and talks her into it again. Stefan makes an announcement as he gives Katherine the ring.  It involves "true love."  Helena doesn't applaud.  Monica comes in, and sees Alan drinking.  Laura wanders outside, still wearing her mask.  Alan, in a very jovial mood, hollers for a kiss... they oblige.  Meanwhile, Helena sidles up to Alexis saying she might be needing her later, and cattily points out Ned and his NotAlexis date (V). Ned and V toast.

On the dance floor, Brenda suggests to Jax that they pretend this is their wedding dance.  Nik asks Robin to dance.  Edward spies a wistful Emily watching Nik and Robin, and suggests that she cut in. Emily balks at the idea, so Edward cuts in, dancing with Robin and freeing Nik for Emily.  With AJ's continued prodding, Emily finally approaches Nik, but, instead of asking him to dance, she asks him where Alan is. Katherine leaves the party to get Stefan's 'gift', which she's left in the guesthouse. Nik asks Stefan if he's happy, and Stefan replies that he's happy that the three of them will be a family at last.  Helena joins them and comments about how lovely it is to have three generations of Cassadines together, but the two men look at her as if she were some noxious thing clinging to the bottom of their shoes.

On the parapet, Luke is busy loosening the railing.  He eyes Helena's potential trajectory admiringly.  He uncovers Laura's portrait and then immediately covers his face with his mask.  Laura is in the guesthouse, looking for a trigger to open the secret tunnel.  The door to the tunnel opens, just as she spies her old dress.  Katherine enters and finds her there.  Kat calls for Luke, thinking he's there too.  She accuses Laura of trying to ruin her wedding.  Laura asks about the dress, and tells Kat it was one of her favorites.  Laura goes on to say that Kat's ring and dress are not family heirlooms, and that they were made for her.  "What about these marks on the ring?"  Katherine asks, thinking they prove the ring is older than Laura says.  Laura explains that she smashed the ring on a stone bench, the one where she and Stefan used to meet.  "Are you becoming a Cassadine?"  Laura finally asks her, "Or are you becoming me?".  She compares their images in the mirror and then shows Katherine her invitation.  Katherine tells her to feel free to poke through all her things and then locks her in the guesthouse.

Lucky and Liz find a spot outside Wyndemere to eat their dinner.  They revel in 'living in the moment'. Edward spies a distraught-looking Katherine who's frantically looking for Stefan. In Stefan's Laura shrine, conveniently located near the parapet, Laura finds The Trunk, opens it, and gasps audibly at the contents. She pulls out a lovely nightgown (which is the one she wore during the SexWithStefan flashback), followed by Nik's baby shoes.   She then finds the portrait of herself and runs from the room. Back at the dance, a tipsy Ned walks up to Edward and Kat and makes some snide remarks about how at least the housekeeper hasn't poisoned her yet.  Then, Ned sees Alexis and is instantly distracted.

Stefan, who'd been showing V around the mansion, spots a masked Laura "from across a crowded room" and recognizes her immediately. He crosses to her and says, "Lasha... you're here."  He indicates her mask and asks "Why so coy?"  Laura says that Katherine knows she's here, and then asks him, point blank, what he's doing. "I'm granting myself a life," Stefan replies "a future...happiness.  Can you begrudge me that?"  Laura lists the evidence indicating that Stefan's "new life" is merely a warped image of his old one with Laura.  "I've stumbled onto some plot against me, against my family. Is that it?"  She asks.  "Is that what you would like it to be?"  He replies.  She continues to mull this over:  "If not... if there's some other reason...” She goes on to say how dangerous this all is.  "To whom?"  Stefan asks. "You!  And Nikolas and me” she replies, and goes on to tell him that Nik visited her in NC.  Noting that Stefan didn't know about the visit, she says Nik came to ask her about their (Laura and Stefan's) relationship. "What did you tell him?"  Stefan asks, as if anticipating her answer for himself.  Laura's face softens at his earnest tone:  "The same thing you did." she replies.

They go on to talk about Helena.  Stefan assures Laura that Helena doesn't know they were lovers.   Laura cautions Stefan that if Nik persists in this line of thought, and finds all this evidence, how long will it be before he starts to wonder?  And if he can no longer trust either of them, and looks for answers on his own... what will he find?  "Is he your brother's son?  Or is he ours?" she asks. Stefan replies: "What he will find is that he is Prince Nikolas, the last of the Cassadine princes.  The legitimate heir of the late Stavros Cassadine."  And Laura, knowing Stefan's pretzel logic so well, realizes that what he's really saying is that Nik is his (Stefan's) son, as he would never willingly give up his previous threat which led to Laura's banishment in the first place. "You are my son's father," she states.  "Yes," he says, at last, "did you ever doubt it?"  "Yes." she says, but then..."no." Then Laura, ever the realist, turns her attention back to the present and says that Stefan needs to get rid of that trunk.  Stefan, ever the idealist, thinks that can wait, and asks her about her conversation with Katherine.  Laura gives him a brief recap and advises that if he really loves her, that he should not make her prisoner the way Stavros did to me... let her go."  Stefan asks if she's staying or going back to NC.  "What does it matter now?" she asks.  "Nothing," he replies.  And as a parting shot, Laura gives him a lovely incredulous look.

Nik asks Emily to dance, while the proud Q's look on. Alexis asks Helena to adjourn to the parapet.  Helena refuses.  Alexis tells her she's pregnant (and I don't know how that revelation would convince Helena to follow her upstairs).  Ned steps in to defend Alexis (not hearing the Alexis is preggers statement) and diverts Alexis from her duty. He kisses her passionately, but Alex breaks free from him to follow Helena and play her part in "the plan".

Katherine sees the portrait, which sets off a big 200-watt light bulb. She confronts Stefan and says he's been molding her into Laura. He, of course, denies it, but Katherine can see the date of the portrait, which indicates it's a recent acquisition.  Stefan pursues a tearful Katherine.  Why did he invite Laura to the ball?  He must have wanted to hurt her, meaning that she is still important to him.  Laura appears behind him, and the three of them stand on the balcony.  Kat puts it together, Stefan and Laura had a "relationship" and he still loves Laura.  That's the secret he's been keeping all this time.  "What do you two want of me?" she cries.  Stefan tries to approach her.  "Stay away from me!"  She backs away, and the rail comes free.  Kat falls backward, screaming, and lands on the ground below. Nik and Robin rush to her, followed by Mac. 

Above, Stefan insists Laura leave before anyone finds her on the island.  At the same time, Luke, who's seen what happened, tells Alexis they have to vamoose.  She's confused, and he tells her something went badly wrong. Monica, Bobbie and Tony all try to help Kat as Mac contacts help from the mainland.  A distraught Robin tries to call Jason, but he's out and she leaves a message with Sonny. Stefan realizes that the balcony was purposely loosened and informs Mac. A stricken Nik takes the accident harder than anyone. He soon learns about the loosened railing as well.  When Mac questions him, Stefan tells him that Luke was behind Katherine's "downfall".

Katherine is rushed to GH. Stefan and Nik arrive at GH. Alexis tells them Katherine is in critical condition. As everyone awaited news on Katherine’s condition, Stefan told Mac that Luke was responsible for Katherine’s accident and Robin comforted Nikolas. Alexis tried to console Stefan and acted as if she had heard the news about Katherine on the radio. Stefan sits sadly by her beside, holding Katherine’s hand, telling her how much he loves her and wants to build a life with her. Helena stops by to visit Katherine, and feels sorry for the “poor peasant girl” realizing that Kat’s accident was meant for her and swears revenge on Alexis. Katherine crashes, and Bobbie has to relay the message that Kat has died leaving Nik, Stefan, Robin, and Mac devastated. A distraught Stefan says his goodbye’s to his fiancé. Nikolas overhears Stefan asking a dead Katherine for forgiveness.

At his club, Luke literally drags Alex into his office and tells her that Kat took the fall instead of Helena.  Alex breaks down in anger and guilt, flailing at Luke.  Crying, she insists she wants to confess her part in the crime.  Luke grabs her and keeps her from going anywhere.  Alexis cries hysterically that she doesn't care what happens to them.  "Well, I care!"  Luke hollers. Calming a bit, in a dead voice she promises not to reveal Luke's part in the mess, but that does not satisfy him. Rather callously, he explains all the reasons why she should keep her mouth shut.  Confessing won't bring Katherine back, and perhaps she could even look at it as a way of saving Stefan future heartbreak.  While granting that "Blondie" did not deserve her fate, that it might even be deemed tragic, the fact is that it was an accident.  Luke's covered all the bases, fixing it so his alibi will stick, and the most important thing now is that Alexis not blow the whole deal.

At home, Laura gazes at the family photos, happy to be home, still shaken by the night's events. Luke enters and happily surprised, embraces her.  She tells him she wants to come home to stay.  She also wants to make love.  Alone a bit later, she calls Spoon Island and tells Stefan how sorry she is about the accident.  It was no accident, he tells her.  Her husband is to blame for Katherine's fall.  He promises that Luke will be repaid a thousand-fold. Laura doesn't believe him, but quickly leaves the house. Luke enters the room to find an unfinished not telling that she's gone back to Carolina to pack up.

A grieving Stefan got Mac to search Luke's home for the tool used to loosen the parapet stone. Stefan admitted to Nikolas that he and Katherine argued about Laura’s portrait just before she fell. Stefan told Nikolas that Luke would pay even if the justice system did not punish him. Luke tried to assure a disbelieving Alexis that Helena would not kill her and Alexis was shocked over Luke’s apparent indifference to Katherine’s death. Alexis then told Luke about Helena’s plan to break up Stefan and Katherine by playing upon Stefan’s obsession with Laura. Despite Alexis’s proof, Luke downplayed Stefan’s feelings for Laura.

Bobbie and Luke discussed the implications of Laura’s return considering that she still did not know what had happened between Lucky and Nikolas.  Bobbie also learned that Luke and Laura had never discussed the rape. Luke was then questioned by Mac about Katherine’s death and agreed to have the police search the club and his house provided they also searched Wyndemere. Back at Luke's, Alexis storms in and gets a mineral water.  "Helena's yacht is gone."  They discuss what she's up to.  Alexis doesn't agree about the accident being fate.  Luke says Katherine was a casualty of war.

Stefan is on the parapet.  Nik asks if they arrested Luke yet.  His horse ride didn't go well.  They discuss Luke.  Nik states, "It's time Luke Spencer started to lose."  Stefan quotes, "Revenge is a dish best served cold."  Nik was going to Laura but Stefan says he's already spoken to her. The bell rings. Taggart, Mac, and V. are going to search the house. Stefan says he has no need of a search warrant. They find the Laura stuff, the picture and the ring and the trunk. Stefan gets testy. Nik and Stefan are talking about the police while they, the police, find the dagger.  Stefan says "The best way to show respect is to grieve her death.  The time for revenge is later."             

Alexis is on the parapet at Wyndermere, looking over the side, past the police tape. Laura and the ever-adorable Lesley Lu come home to an empty house.  Laura calls out for Luke, then Lucky. Laura is talking to Ruby on the phone, mentions that her mom "will be here in a month or so."  Laura arranges to drop Lulu off with Aunt Ruby so she can run errands.  Plans change, however, as Audrey shows up at the door, spluttering about her granddaughter and the "intolerable situation" and going to the police.  Laura is so far behind; she assumes this is about Lucky and Sarah.  Audrey realizes Laura is in the dark, and wonders aloud what Luke has been telling her? "What did he say when you asked how Lucky was?"  Then she tells Laura that Lucky and Liz have run away from home, and Laura grows even more confused as Audrey informs her just how long Lucky has been "on the lam."  Laura asks Audrey to give her the afternoon to get her bearings and a chance to talk to her husband.

Alexis and Stefan talk on the parapet.  She says she'll leave if he doesn't want to see her, but he tells her she can stay.  He seems glad to have someone familiar to talk to, and says he visits this spot frequently himself.   Everywhere else in the house is so empty of her.  I can still feel her here.  This is the last place she was. He tells Alexis he knows how she felt about Kat, and that he agrees now that they should never have been together, "but not because she was a danger to me, but the other way 'round. Stefan and Alexis talk on the gloomy balcony.  She tells him how sorry she is about all that has happened.  "If I could turn back the clock..."

Stefan rages at this notion, cutting off the end of her sentence.  "And where would we stop the calendar, Alexis, to make a better end for Katherine? To before I met her?  Perhaps to the night I shot her?  This time I could aim for her heart. She would suffer much, much less."  Cuts to Luke, in his sunglasses, sniffing flowers at a nurses' station in the hospital.  Luke asks Audrey if she's heard from Elizabeth.  She lets him know she's seen Laura.  Elizabeth steps out of the elevator, and Luke begs her to tell Lucky he must talk to his son ASAP, that there's been a "family emergency."  He takes off, now that he know's Lulu's mom is back in town.

Laura has made it to the club, looking for Luke.  A worker tells her that hubby isn't around, and she settles in to wait for him.  Perfect timing, of course, because Lucky strolls out of the kitchen with a bag of groceries. Laura, relieved to find him where he "belongs," assumes Audrey was mistaken.  Her face lights up when she sees her son, but he is clearly less thrilled to see her. Lucky uses putting the groceries on a bar stool as a way to avoid his mother's embrace. Laura tells him Audrey had alarmed her, and that she's glad everything's okay.  Lucky immediately puts her on notice that everything is not okay.  "Why are you here?  Somebody send up a flare?"

Laura says it was time to come home, and asks about him. Lucky realizes his parents have not spoken yet.   He is not surprised that his father hasn't filled her in, but he taunts her with the fact that he's been gone for weeks and she wasn't told.  He goes on and on, in a really annoying "I don't give a damn" voice, as Laura's face registers all sorts of emotions as she struggles to find her feet and process what is going on.  We see flashes of anger, confusion, concern.  "But I guess that's the secret of your success.  You don't really tell each other much of anything.  Which is okay with me.  In fact, I'm glad Dad never told you about Nikolas being shot."  Poor Laura is really thrown by this bit of news.  "What?"  Lucky is on a roll.  "Well," he continues, "because, when you came back, I wanted it to be because of us, not him.  Seemed important at the time." Laura tries to find out about her first-born.  "Nikolas was shot?" Lucky crosses his arms and continues, striving to sound casual. "Yeah, yeah, right here, in the parking lot.  It was a drive-by thing.  You know. Those things happen.  He got a bullet, right in the neck."

Laura is shocked, and Lucky seems to enjoy her discomfort. "Oh my God," she murmurs.  Throughout this scene, Lucky is all shrugged shoulders and cocked head, studied nonchalance.  He continues. "Yeah, for a long time he couldn't speak.  But I mean, this was before Christmas.  But he's talking fine now.  I can vouch for that."

"Before Christmas?"

"Yeah, it's a pretty big thing to keep secret, I know.  We were surprised that we were able to.  But to be fair to me and Dad, it's not as big as the fact that Nikolas exists. I mean you kept that a lot longer."  Laura recovers enough to display some exasperation. "And you know what, you're looking at me the same way you did then.  Why, Lucky?  What are you so angry about?"

"I used to want you to ask me that, so bad.  And I wanted you to hear the answer.  But I don't any more."  He picks up his bag of groceries and starts to go out.

"Don't you walk out on me."  Laura is ticked.  "I am your mother. Tell me," she demands, "What have I done that's so terrible?"

Lucky tells her the great crime is "you married him."  Now Laura is thoroughly confused. "Your father?"  She wants to know why Luke and Lucky are at odds, and observes, "Wishing we were never married is like wishing you had never been born."  Lucky doesn't deny that. Lucky tells her it hurts to look at her.  He asks her to tell him the truth about something, and she promises she will.  "If I were any other man, would you be afraid to be alone with me in this room?  Or would it be something else to you?  Would you find it... exciting?" 

Laura does not understand, but is disgusted anyway.  "My God, Lucky.  What are you…?"  Lucky moves to a more obvious line of attack. "Okay, how about this?  What did you think, what flashed through your head, when Dad told you he was gonna open another club? Did you say, 'fine, Luke darling, whatever you want' but think 'I'm never gonna set foot in it, not after the Campus Disco?" The mention of the disco opens Laura's eyes, and she stares at Lucky in disbelief.  He goes on, adding insult to injury, "Or I guess you found it romantic.  Kind of like reliving your first date.  Like your very own memorial to what he'd done to you."

Stefan gives a moving soliloquy to Alexis about where Kat fit into his life.  The staging is gorgeous, with Stefan facing forward at a slight angle, so the camera can linger on his beautiful troubled face, with Alexis standing behind him and to the side, so that her reactions can be seen over his shoulder.  This takes place on a set that is dark and gloomy, save for a small window over the door behind them, which glows reddish orange, and is shaped rather like the sun to which Stefan refers in his speech, "Did I ever really love Katherine? I don't know if I'm capable of giving an honest answer to that." 

Alexis tries to reassure him, but he cuts her off.  "I know I tried to love her.  I know that I wanted her desperately.  But my reasons were selfish.  I was in a prison... of my own making, and I wanted her to free me."  Pause.  "I am weak, you know.  Not the way Helena always accused me of being... My weakness is to fall prey to the belief that with the right woman, with the right help, the curse I have borne all my life will be lifted and I will be able to live like other men, I will be able to have happiness... love... children.  That was my thought that was my deepest wish, when Katherine came to me.... bright.... as the sun. But that light was lost...was put out, put out by my darkness." Alexis tells him not to blame himself, that Kat's death was an accident.  Stefan is angered.  Incredulously, "Are you really so dull-witted that you believe that?"  Then, almost wearily, speaking more slowly, "I suppose I will have to retaliate” He grows more animated, his head rises as he goes on, "But when does it end?  When Spencer and I are dead and buried?  That is a vain hope.  The next generation is already on its way to taking up the gauntlet."  On cue, Nikolas joins them.  Alexis makes excuses to go, and is stopped in her tracks by Stefan recalling her from exile:  "Alexis, don't go."

Lucky's ambush of Laura continues, Laura is not happy about the blindsiding:  "I don't deserve this.  I don't deserve to be ambushed."  Lucky presses on.  "Oh, I know.  You were a tease.  Dad was a drunk.  And he thought he was going to die."  Sarcasm drips from his lips. Laura can't believe he is attaching so much importance to what she refers to as, "one incident, before you were even born.  You want to judge me and my marriage based on that?  You want to sum up my entire history with your father in one ugly, loaded word?" Lucky observes that she can't even use the word, the word she used when talking to the police back then.  "You didn't tell them it was complicated, or okay with you, or love at first sight.  So when did this become the official version?"  She tells Lucky that it is her life, and her right to decide what happened, and who needs to know.  She lashes out at Lucky, telling him she is the one who lived it.  "Does naming it really make you understand?"  He tells her about having seen rape up close, through Elizabeth's eyes.  He talks about the way rape changed Liz.  He seems to ignore the fact that 20 years have passed since Laura's rape, as he implies that his mom never went through the stages of fear and grieving and anger through which he has watched Liz travel.  She looks upset, and may have even attempted to comfort him about his friend, but he throws another dagger in her heart before she can show any compassion: "that's the part you just seem to have skipped over.  Maybe you need to be kidnapped or raped to feel important to someone."

"STOP THAT!  I am your mother." She goes on, angrily, about having loved him since before he was born.  I think this speech of Laura's was significant not only for making the point that she has a life apart from Lucky and a right to privacy, even within her family, but also for showing that this whole business is intertwined for her, as for Lucky, with her other son, Nikolas.  She reminds Lucky that hers is the face in his earliest memories, that she is the one who fed him, cared for him, sung him to sleep, and therefore, "You will never be linked to another human being like that."  "Nor will I."  Lulu has similar memories, to be sure, but there is something about the first time you go through such experiences, the first time you build such a connection.  Lucky got that, not Nikolas.

Laura has only one thing to say about the night she was raped, and her relationship with Luke.  "Your father loved me, always and circumstances collided that night in a way they never had before and never have since.  And your father and I rose above it." She is bothered that he is taking "one hour out of a lifetime" and creating monsters in place of his parents.  Lucky finally has had his say, and leaves him mother standing alone.  She snatches up her jacket and rushes out of the club herself.

Luke comes home, calls out for Laura, she enters a few beats later, slamming the door with a vengeance and confronting her husband.  "How DARE you!" Laura arrives home and rips into Luke for keeping her in the dark about Lucky's leaving home, as well as Nik getting shot.  She feels it was a violation of trust between them. Laura tells Luke that Lucky accused her of perversion for marrying Luke [after her raped her]. Luke tells Laura about how Lucky found out about the rape, that he started asking questions, that this all started because his friend Elizabeth was raped.  Laura is upset because Luke did not call her as soon as Lucky found out. Luke said that it didn't concern her that it was all about men and power, a young man coming into his, an old man abusing his, Lucky's hero worship of Luke crashing and burning. Laura accuses Luke of trying to destroy her relationships with both her sons, by keeping her in the dark about what is going on with them.  Laura suddenly realizes that when she was home last week that Lucky wasn't there and Luke had lied to her. Laura tells Luke that she doesn't even know him anymore. He tells her that this is her particular kindness, to know and to forget.

The Cassadines are joined on the parapet by Mac and Taggert, who makes a few sarcastic remarks, as always.  Stefan describes him to a T for Nikolas, as "a sociopath who fancies himself a wit."  Mac then places Stefan under arrest for "the murder of Katherine Bell."  Alexis comes to Stefan's defense, claiming that there is no evidence. Stefan orders Nikolas inside and Stefan agrees to cooperate with the police. They take him to the PCPD, Nik and Alexis follow them there. Taggart asks Stefan for his official statement; Alexis interjects that he will not be speaking to any police yet. Stefan then demanded and got his one phone call. Alexis asks Mac what evidence there is against Stefan. He holds up the dagger in a plastic evidence bag, saying that it is perfect for loosening a little mortar. 

Stefan doesn't deny that the dagger is his; he claims that Luke planted it inside his desk to frame him for Katherine's murder. Mac suggests that maybe Stefan is trying to frame Luke instead. Stefan gets very angry and accuses Mac of being an ally of Luke's. They get in each others' faces and Alexis finally steps in between the two men. Then, Dara walks in and welcomes Stefan to “the system”. Nik starts again about how Luke is trying to frame Stefan and Nik vows revenge against Luke. Alexis looks on, careful to not show her own fear.

Laura realizes that this whole thing started because of Elizabeth's rape. Luke tells his wife that Lucky found Liz in the park after the rape and he brought her home, had Bobbie check her out. He tells Laura that Lucky wanted to go kill the man that had killed Elizabeth's spirit, had looked to Luke for help, for answers as to how this could have happened. That night Bobbie thought Luke should tell Lucky about raping his mother, but he felt that one had nothing to do with the other. Laura agrees with him, wonders how Lucky found out about the rape. Luke informs Laura that Nik was the one who told Lucky that Luke raped Laura, when Lucky mistakenly thought the Stavros had been the Laura's rapist. Luke and Laura seem to have different interpretations of what really happened that night. She says they just had a bad night; Luke can't believe Laura says this. Laura admits telling Stefan about that night, while she was Stavros' captive in Greece.  She says that Stefan must have come up with his own conclusions, but that she never herself called it rape. But she tells Luke that she will never go back, never relive that night for anyone, not for him or Lucky or anyone else, and it is obvious that she wants to keep the pain buried inside of her.

Laura wonders how her family can solve its problems if they are not all under the same roof anymore. Luke wonders to Laura if he gave Lucky a false version of the events almost 20 years ago, but even so, they have to deal with it. Laura argues that they need to worry about what is going on right now, namely Luke's choosing to shut Laura out of both of her sons' lives. Laura is upset that Luke deliberately misled her; she resents him for it. He sees something else in her anger and decides that it would be better if he went down to the club and let her be alone for a while.

The following scenes are set to a music montage: Nik standing on the parapet, thinking about Katherine and his uncle. Alexis comes over to comfort him. At the PCPD, Stefan gets photographed and fingerprinted. Laura is staring out of the window, deep in thought.  Luke lights a cigar and seems lost in thought.

Stefan is upset that he has to wear prison blues and wants his "manacles" removed.  But Garcia reminds him he is not lord of the manor at the Port Charles jail.  Nik has to see him, as he is, a prisoner, under arrest. When Nik inquires about Stefan's well being and about the food he replies, "Mrs. Lansbury would weep!"  Nik is nervous about how to deal with the police when they question him. He doesn't know want to say anything that will implicate Stefan or bring Laura into it.  But Stefan doesn't think the police would have any reason to question him about Laura. But Nik knows that the ring and dress belong to Laura and fears what will happen to Stefan if the police learn that Katherine wasn't his first choice.  It will give them a motive for murder.  Then there was the fight they were having before Katherine fell. Stefan knows he didn't do it but doesn't have much confidence in the cops to see that.  He tells Nik to not volunteer such information but not to jeopardize himself by withholding information or lying if asked. Nik thinks it's great news that Helena has disappeared but Stefan isn't happy about it. To him, Helena's dangerous when she's invisible and believes she has retreated to plot her next move.  He knows Helena wants the Cassadine future. Stefan wants Nik to stay close to Alexis. He trusts her love for him.

Alexis meets Luke in his office. She is angry because Luke has framed Stefan. Alexis, "Framing my brother for murder was not part of our understanding."

Luke, "No that was something I understood I was doing on my own."

Alexis, "So the night that we planned to murder Helena, you planned this all along, right?

Luke, "No, no I didn't. It was a generous gift of fate and I would have been stupid and ungracious not to accept it." Luke knew she wouldn't have gone along with that plan so he didn't bother informing her about it.   And as for Katherine, she's just a casualty of the war and he can't ease Alexis' pain by showing her heart wrenching guilt or remorse.   She doesn't think he has any!  She vows not to let Stefan pay for their crime.  Luke tells her, it's Stefan's butt or hers.  Besides he doesn't really think she could have held up to police scrutiny if Helena had bitten the dust and she'd been taken downtown for questioning. Luke, "I know you well enough to know that two hours of grilling by the cops downtown and you'd a been singing plea bargain like Flo, the lost Supreme. Luke thinks Alexis has actually gotten everything she wanted, by default. Katherine is out of the way, Helena is on the lam and Stefan is about to move her from the doghouse to the spare room.  Alexis is worried about the state of her life, and Helena seeking retribution. Luke tries to pep her up, she's holding all the cards and she should concentrate on that and use it to her advantage. Alexis, "You're revolting!"

Luke, "I like you too! But I like you better when you're not playing the sniveling sap. Come on Natasha it's payback time! Luke continues to play up the possibilities of what's laying right at her feet, queen bee of the Cassadine clan.  He wonders if she will get Stefan off and spend the rest of her life groveling and hoping for his gratitude or will she bury him and finally be her own woman. But Alexis regrets her involvement with Luke.  And no amount of trying to convince her that they share a common purpose will make her a believer.  She wants Katherine alive, but he could care less.

Luke, “Believe it or not, Katherine was okay with me. She wasn't very bright but that wasn't her fault.”  Luke blames Stefan for Katherine's death and every other illness in the world and tells Alexis that she needs to get over him because Stefan will kill her if he ever finds out how Katherine really died.

Tony is about to make his exit from Luke's but Luke tells him that pariah's are welcome in his club. Tony thanks him for the rare kindness.  Luke brings up the fact that he went to the ball with Helena. But Tony tells Luke that he was ditched by Helena, which tells him how much of a pariah he really is.  A full glass is his best friend these days. Tony still maintains that taking Michael was the right thing to do but admits he regrets taking Robin hostage.  That was never his intention. Luke understands these days, considering his recent activities. Bobbie walks in and sees her brother and ex husband bonding. She's not amused.  Luke reminds her that he's in a business, he serves booze not judgment.  But Luke feels sorry for him, as Tony's not free.  He's lost everything and everyone he loved. Bobbie, "Oh I see. It wasn't sympathy. It was empathy." Bobbie had hoped that Laura being home would help!  He explains that the reunion was rocky, and Lucky's rejection cut Laura deeply, as did the reason for it.  Laura was furious that Luke kept so many secrets.  Bobbie's isn't sympathetic. As far as she's concerned, Laura's been gone a year and now she's kicked Luke out the house.  Bobbie thinks Laura would give Luke the benefit of the doubt on this "as if she's never kept a secret in her life!"

Alexis arrives at the jail to see Stefan. Alexis and Stefan talk about Nikolas and how he's handling it.  Alexis wants to handle Stefan's defense.  She knows him, and that knowledge of him can save his life.  No one can represent him better than she can. Alexis, "Trust me with your life!" Stefan doesn't think he'll need her, as the charges are ludicrous.  But he wants Alexis to take care of Nik and beware of Helena. Alexis tries to points the finger at Helena with regards to Katherine's death.  Stefan has not ruled Helena out and that's why he wants her to protect the prince.   She promises that she'll keep Nikolas safe.  Stefan trusts her with that and only that. Alexis calls in Nik and basically tells him to put his faith in Alexis and tells her that the future of the Cassadines is in her hands.

At Wyndemere, preparations are coming together for Katherine's service.  Nik rails to Alexis about Stefan's innocence and Luke's guilt, while Alexis murmurs something about how frustrating the judicial process is. Stefan, in prison blues, causes a stir at PCPD, demanding to speak with Mac. V. offers to intercede and arranges a meeting. Stefan is put out over the idea of having to attend the memorial service in cuffs and jailhouse garb. Mac relents.

Alexis finds Luke and, as he's leaving, he has a run-in with Stefan. Stefan orders him off the island and gets reminded by everyone there that they all knew Kat long before Cassadine ever came on the scene. As Luke leaves, Nik confronts him. Nik, "You loosened the railing. It's on your conscience." Luke shrugs. Finally, the party breaks up. Just after everyone leaves, Nik gets a letter from Mrs. Lansbury, from the day's mail. It reads: "I can't stop thinking about you. It hurts me to see you in so much pain. I wish I could find the words to take it all away; instead I am lost in thought of you. How could such a beautiful dream end in such a nightmare? Yours." Nik doesn't share the note with Alexis, but tells her they plan to spread Kat's remains at Serenity, once Stefan's out of jail. Stefan, back in jail, gets a visit from his dear old mum. She waves her insincere condolences in his face, and he basically orders her off the planet. Doesn't work, so he begs Garcia to take him back to his cell.

Luke tells Garcia to cut Lucky some slack.  Taggart replies, "He's getting enough of that at home."  Tony comes in breathing fire ready to sue everyone over his hand, and Luke deflects him.  "You think if the city had any money, they'd hire these clowns?"  Luke wants Tony to tell him about Helena.  Tony wants to see Lucas.  "You make it so I can see my son, and you've got yourself a spy." 

Laura and Nik heart-to-heart and Laura puts Nik's mind at ease. At the PCPD, Stefan and Laura talk about Luke's possible role in Kat's demise. Laura offers Nikolas her help, but Nik insists that he's fine.  Laura tells him that had she known he'd been shot, she'd have returned immediately after.  Nik absolves her and insists that her presence wasn't necessary.  After a bit of burrowing, Laura arrives at the intended topic about Nikolas telling Lucky about "the incident" from her past.  "What happened between me and Luke was intensely private and no one has the right to put a label on it," she says. After some volleying over descriptive semantics, she states her bottom line,  "I've never accused Luke so no one else can." Nik says she's protecting Luke.  "If that's how you see it."  She replies.

Nik asks about Lucky.  Laura tells him that he's very angry, and that she knows that he probably did something to provoke Nik into telling him about that night.  Nik said that Lucky told him his father had raped Laura, which makes him a product of rape.  Laura assures him that "You're here on this earth because I wanted a child.  You were a blessing to me then, and now."  She tells him "his father" didn't rape her. 

"Did you love him?"  He asks.

"In my own way, yes," she responds.  She goes on to tell him "Don't try to understand it, I still don't."  And when Nik asks her what he's supposed to do, she invites him to her riverside home on the banks of denial:  "Accept it,” she says,  "Hold it inside you and go on."   She goes on to say that she's "here to stay, this time." 

"Does my uncle know?"  He asks.

"No” she replies,  "Does it matter?"

 "You tell me,” he replies, and leaves a pensive-looking Laura behind.

Taggert walks in to 'question' Stefan.  Stefan asks about his attorney, and Taggert says "they're all busy" but he hopes they can take this opportunity to chat alone.  Stefan balks at the idea and Taggert invites him to put his "good-for-nothing, smug, royal heiny" in the chair.  Stefan doesn't budge, so a staring match ensues, which is interrupted by an Unidentified Officer who whispers sweet nothings in Taggert's ear.  Taggert leaves, and Laura enters. She wastes no time getting to her point, why did he tell Nik about what happened between Luke and her?  "Protecting your past is not my responsibility,” he replies.  "Nik is an innocent boy. So is Lucky, and they are both suffering because of you,” she says.  "No," Stefan asserts,  “it's because of her "and that cretin" she married”.  Laura goes on to say that she'd always wondered why Nik saw the worst in her, but now she understands why. He saw her as a rape victim who fell in love with the man who violated her. "How could you do that to him?"  She asks again,  "You weren't there!  You don't know what happened!" 

"You told me what happened!" he replies, and reiterates that he told Nik because he wanted him to understand that, no matter what, Laura would always be faithful to Luke, and that her rejection of Nik is not because of some inadequacy of Nik's, but because of her blind devotion to Luke. Laura returns to the subject at hand:  "I never told you I was raped by Luke. I might have said we had a 'bad night". 

"Yes," Stefan replies, "And you were obviously making excuses for him.  But I made it my business to find out the truth!"  That topic grinds to a halt, as Laura commands him to "stop playing her". He adds,  "If Nik has a realistic picture of you, it will only serve him well, particularly in light of recent events."

"What recent events?"  Laura asks.  And Stefan paints the picture of his rather unlikely role in Katherine's death (why would he leave incriminating evidence in his own desk drawer?) and then adds that Luke is the one providing the frame as revenge for him telling Nikolas about the rape. Luke watches through the glass as Laura talks to Stefan. Stefan blames Laura for Katherine finding out the truth about Nikolas's paternity but she defends herself by reminding him that it was he who invited her in the first place. He ends the conversation and accuses Luke of framing him for murder. He had grabbed her hands right before this and she yanks them away after the accusation quite disgustedly. "Do you honestly believe I'm going to let him get away with it?" he says. Laura lets Stefan know that Nikolas is curious about his father and Laura is afraid he will discover the truth while Stefan tries to "booby-trap" Luke. The only answer is to maintain that Stavros is his father Stefan says and Laura agrees. Laura leaves and offers her condolences to Stefan, which he doesn't acknowledge.

Luke refills his glass with alcohol and puts down the empty liquor bottle. Laura walks in. He's been looking for her and asks where she was. She doesn't tell him she's been to PCPD to see Stefan. She got his message about Lucky and that's why she's there. Luke asks about his daughter. "Our daughter is fine,” she says. She asks if she's missed something, if something is wrong between them? No Luke says, they're perfect. And offers her a drink. She wishes he wouldn't have anymore. She thinks he drunk but he assures her he hasn't even started. She wants to talk to him. She's trying to see the bigger picture and he asks if that is what Stefan's helping her with. She wants to know what he means and he asks if there was another reason to see him. Laura wants to know if Luke's been spying her but he reminds her it's a small town. Did she think she could see Stefan without him knowing? He says that she probably didn't even think about him but she tells him that she thinks about him, a lot. 

She asks if he framed Stefan. Luke dodges the question and points a finger at Stefan. She admits she can't believe he would kill an innocent woman and he says, "Well, there you have it" She asks him not to put any more lives at stake (she tries to reach out to him but he pulls away). He wants to know if she thought seeing Stefan would be a good start? (Good one Luke!) It was about anger she says. He suggests it wasn't her first time. He's baiting her but she didn't come to fight. He just wants to know why his wife is so cozy with his mortal enemy. He asks if they've seen each other lately, in Switzerland, NC, Spoon Island. He just wants to know how it works between her and Stefan. Laura defends her position with Stefan since Nikolas is living with him. She had to choose between Luke and Nikolas before and she's regretted it ever since. She won't choose again. If that means contact with Stefan from time to time then so be it. Luke doesn't think there's anything left to say.

Laura’s tries to understand why he's shutting her out. He's not the only one. She was kept in the dark about everything, doesn't she have a right to be angry she wants to know. He tells her it was a judgment call but Laura's just trying to get past it. Luke says it shouldn't be hard. The point is, she says, is that she's there and trying to work things out with him. He can stay and drink or go home and try to put their family back together. He will, as soon as she tells him how they're supposed to do that. Laura doesn't have any answers. Although, he might want to think about her and how she came home and is in their bed, if he'd come to join her. It's not that simple to him. "It is to me" she says and then leaves. Luke looks devastated (excellent acting today for Anthony). He refills his glass, but before he takes a sip, he throws it against the wall and tears form in his eyes.

Stefan flashes back to Katherine's engagement announcement and the placing of the ring, then Katherine finding Laura's portrait and turning to him crying, then her falling and screaming. Stefan puts his hands over his ears to try to drown it out and in walks Taggart and asks if Mr. Cassidine is okay? Taggart explains he got caught up in another case to they'll have to continue the tete a tete tomorrow, but he's sure it's alright since Stefan probably didn't have any other plans. He takes him back to his cell.  With Alexis at his side, Nikolas answered Mac and Dara’s questions about the night Katherine died and if Stefan had interests in other women during his relationship with her. Nikolas avoided directly incriminating Stefan, but Dara was left with more suspicions. Alexis made a final plea to represent Stefan and he relented.

Laura and Bobbie have a chance encounter at the hospital, when Laura brings Lulu to see the pediatrician.  Bobbie is glad to see her niece, but is rude to Laura.  Laura says she wanted Lulu to be re-acquainted with her pediatrician, "because we're home to stay," to which Bobbie snarkily responds, "Glad to see you're taking care of one of your children." Dr. London shows up, taking Lulu with him to his office, so Bobbie and Laura can finish their fight. Bobbie lambastes Laura for the mess her family is in.  "Parenting is a hands-on proposition," she pontificates, telling Laura further "I was there when you should have been."  Laura points out that she was unaware of the state of her sons' lives, as "Luke didn't tell me about any of this."  Bobbie gets in a good shot, as she counters that she thinks, "You love being in the dark, because it's safe there."  She complains, "The rest of us all have to pick up after you." 

Laura wearily counters, "And I've never had to pick up after you?"  She tells Bobby that she knows her sister-in-law will always think the worst of her.  Then Bobbie is beeped away before Laura can slap her on general principals. Laura is next seen sitting in her living room, talking on the phone, telling her troubles to a sympathetic audience, her mother.  Yep, the scene opens with her talking to Lesley, and when it's Lesley's turn to speak, we see Denise Alexander talking!  Hooray.

"Mom, people don't even say hello any more.  They just jump in and tell me what an awful person I am."  "People we know?"  I love Lesley's line, delivered in classic style: "Well, frankly, and with all due respect to Audrey and Bobbie, I don't think your private life with your husband is anybody's business, including, pardon me, Lucky's."  Laura confides that she doesn't know how to reach Luke any more.  "He's so detached."  Her mom cheerleads a bit more, and Laura feels better.  "I couldn't take the irony that after all these years, that one awful night would come back to haunt us." 

They are interrupted by someone at the door.  The visitor turns out to be Nikolas, who wants to hug Lesley Lu. He has brought his sister a present.  Laura assures him he can see Lulu whenever he likes, but he knows it isn't that simple.  "You and I both know that's not true.  I'm not welcome here." He means Luke and Lucky, not Laura.  Laura says she is sorry, and he says, "You made choices that had consequences."  Things go from bad to worse when he tells her he's being questioned by the police about Kat's murder.  She is sympathetic, "I know that's hard for you."  He lets her know he mentioned the questioning for a reason, he's kept her name out of things so far, but that may not always be possible. He says that she knows whom the Cassadine men feel is responsible for loosening the railing.  He tells her that if he tells the police all he knows (presumably about his uncle's gifts of Laura stuff to Kat, the picture, etc.), it would give Luke a motive and would cause the police to ask questions Laura won't want to answer.

Luke helps "arrange" a visit with Lucas for Tony.  Luke is in the park with his nephew, an astute kid who wants to know what's really up. After all, Lucas points out, Uncle Luke never takes him to the park.  He assumes Luke misses his own son, and that gives Luke the perfect opening to ask Lucas how he feels about not being able to see Tony. Lucas admits he misses his dad, and suddenly Tony is there beside him, saying, "I miss you, too."  Luke monitors the situation closely, and signals for Tony to back off when he starts to badmouth Jason and Bobbie.  As Tony hugs Lucas and cries, Bobbie appears, and announces, "Luke, you are a dead man."  Bobbie takes Lucas home, and Luke tells her, "I'll wait for you at the Club."  He knows he's in for it.

Taggert is antagonizing Stefan in his cell. Stefan tells him to stop trying to crack him with his comic book tactics and to tell him what he wants. Taggert replies that he wants to know the rest of what happened to Katherine. He says that Stefan gave the police a “gentlemanly” account of the night’s events, but Taggert thinks that something is missing. Stefan’s reply is that Katherine leaned against the railing, that’s all - it shouldn’t have been the end of anything. He tells Taggert that if it sounds inconclusive, that’s why. Taggert retorts, “and nobody, not a soul, can back you up.” Taggert then starts banging his nightstick against the cell bars, making lots of noise. Taggert says he’s having a problem believing that at such a large gathering, no one saw them together in those last minutes. Stefan just stares at him. Then Taggert begins speculating that maybe Stefan made a point of having no witnesses. Stefan continues to stare at him blankly. Taggert finally leaves him, saying that he will get the information out of Nikolas.

Laura and Nik are sitting on the sofa, talking, while Lulu is playing nearby. Laura wonders why the police were questioning Nikolas about Katherine. He replies that everyone was being questioned, but he was the one who found Katherine first after she fell. Laura tells him that it must be difficult for him, but Nik says he wants to help, to let the police know that Stefan would never hurt Katherine and help arrest the person who is responsible for her death. Laura wonders why her name would have to come up. Nik’s response is that she knows very well why, Stefan’s feelings for her.  Laura, a bit flustered at this statement, asks him if he is talking about the closeness her and Stefan had in Greece, because she already explained that to him. Nik interjects that Stefan dressed Katherine in her gown, gave Katherine her ring. He had a portrait of her hidden in the house, a trunk full of her things. Laura replies that these were Cassidine things, family heirlooms. It is obvious that is why Stefan kept them. Nik doesn’t agree.

Laura asks him: “What are you suggesting? You think that your uncle is in love with me?” She goes on about how Stefan blames her for everything, has ridiculed and insulted her. Nik comes back at her with: “You can love someone and hate them at the same time. But what I think isn’t the point; it’s how it seemed to Katherine at the time. Stefan and Katherine were fighting on the parapet before she fell.” Then he asks Laura if they were fighting about her. Laura’s reply is that Nikolas can’t tell the police that that he doesn’t know what they were fighting about. Nik is getting angry now and tells Laura that she would let Stefan hang from the highest tree, rather than let the truth come out, because she knows that Luke would be asking her the same questions he is now. Nik tells her that Luke is the one person she will always protect. Laura looks at Nik, knowing he is right.

Bobbie is railing at Luke for endangering Lucas’s life by letting him be anywhere near Tony. Luke tries to reassure her that Lucas wasn’t out of his sight for a second, but her reply is that Carly only looked away for a minute and then Michael was gone. Luke tries to explain to Bobbie that Tony did not want to kidnap Lucas, he just wanted to see him. Bobbie is really upset now and demands to know how he can know Tony better than her, after she spent 8 years living and working with him. She asks him angrily, what if he had been wrong and Lucas was kidnapped by Tony? Would he have lied about it and said that he was dead, since it worked on her once before? Luke looks at her, guilt visible on his face. He tells her he needs help figuring out the groveling factor. Bobbie goes on about how lying to her about Carly was unforgivable, but that this was worse because it doesn’t make any sense.  Bobbie shows Luke a photo of his family and asks him if he recognizes the people in the photograph. She says: “They used to be your family. You used to care about them. Me too.” Luke looks at the photo, and then puts it face down on his desk. Bobbie tells him that they were the kids who didn’t have anyone; that he made it his job to protect her and she goes on to say that, as wrong as it was, she knew that is what he was doing when he told her that her daughter had died.

 As she is talking Luke turns away from Bobbie. Bobbie is getting more upset and she tells him that this [Tony seeing Lucas] had only two possible outcomes, either she could have lost her son forever or Luke’s actions would have forced her to banish him from her home and wash her hands of him forever. She ponders his motivations. Is that what he had in mind, the last dance at Luke’s big self-destruct party? He would have then succeeded at being rejected by everyone but the dog. Luke tells Bobbie that she should save the insight things for her patients. He says: “ As long as I’ve known you, you and Laura have been tugging at my shirttails, pulling me back from the point of no return. Well, if I’ve finally reached that point, do yourself a favor and cut me loose, let me go, say good-bye.” Luke then takes another drink.

Laura tells Nik that he doesn’t understand her relationship with Luke. He retorts that this is an understatement, but not important. Laura thinks that maybe it is important for him to understand, since it is hard enough on her that Lucky is questioning Luke and Laura’s relationship. Laura tells Nik that he hasn’t even had the chance to know her husband. She does realize that Luke has treated him “abominably” and she says she won’t make excuses for him. Nik’s retort is of course she will, she has. Laura then looks up apologetically at Nik. Nik continues, “Sometime I think I feel about this house the same way Lucky thinks of my house back in Greece that you are a prisoner here. If you want to tell me about Luke, then maybe you should.” 

Laura explains to Nik that Luke knows her and understands her, the good and the bad, but that she always lets the bad surprise him. She tells him that Luke is not a selfless person, but that he always thinks of her first, because he never thought that he would have a family, a wife and kids, so he never takes them for granted.  She goes on to say that that one night, 20 years ago,  was just one night and she doesn’t punish him for it, doesn’t throw it back in his face. She admits that she wasn’t blameless and that Luke knows this too, but would never say it, even in his own defense.  She admits that he did hurt her, but he was sorry and she forgave him, because she knew that she loved him anyway and she wanted them to move on with their lives. At this point Nik is visibly upset, tears welling up in his eyes. Laura asks him is he understands what she is saying and he replies that the only crimes that are unforgiveable are the crimes of the Cassidines and that’s him. That is why he is the ‘other’ child and they are her real family. Laura looks at Nik in shock. Nik continues: “If I can accept it, why can’t you? I mean, that’s what you have been saying all along about Luke.”

The phone rings, interrupting them. It is the PCPD telling her that Lucky was picked up in the park and that she needs to come get him. She asks Nik to stay with Lulu until she returns. Nik is a bit peeved at her request and replies: “which one of your boys are the police entertaining today?”  Laura tells him that she doesn’t consider their conversation to be over. Nik agrees to stay with Lulu and as Laura is leaving, Nik says: “go, go be with your ‘family’.”  The hurt Nik feels is written all over his face, but it is not apparent if Laura realizes how much this really hurts him. She rushes out the door to bail out Lucky.

Laura walks in, sees Lucky handcuffed to the chair and questions Taggert about it. Taggert asks her snidely whether she was dead or in Switzerland this whole time. Laura ignores Taggert’s remark and tells him to release Lucky. Taggert tells her that it will cost $100 since Lucky wasn’t very cooperative and they issued him a citation. Laura agrees to pay and Taggert takes the handcuffs off of Lucky, telling Laura that she should consider investing in a pair to keep Lucky at home. Laura gives Taggert a nasty stare at this remark and then Lucky jumps up to leave. As Laura tries to stop him, Lucky tells her that Liz may be in trouble; that unlike her, Liz wants to punish the guy who raped her. Lucky says this within earshot of Taggert and the other officers and Laura looks at them, clearly embarrassed.

Luke is telling Bobbie that she won’t need a restraining order to keep him away from her and Lucas.  Bobbie replies that he doesn’t have to never darken her door. Luke gives Bobbie a half-smile and she asks him who is doing this to him, Laura? Luke says that Laura isn’t to blame. Bobbie is visibly worried about Luke now and wants to know why he is acting this way, trying to drive her out of his life, as if he is trying to erase himself from his own life as well...Luke interrupts her saying that she always said that he and Laura didn’t belong together; Bobbie concedes that after all of this time, she might have been wrong. Luke asks her: “but what if you weren’t? What if all of this time, it’s just been the quiet before the storm? And now the storm has hit. Maybe it would be been better to lose her then? Clean.”  Bobbie replies that now, two children later, it is a moot point. She tells him not to drink, as she removes the bottle of liquor from his desk. Bobbie leaves and Luke picks up the photo of his family and stares at it.

Luke is asleep in a chair; Laura walks in, waking him up. He asks her in a groggy voice if she has business there. She tells him about Lucky getting picked up by the cops in the park, that he had a baseball bat and the cops thought he was going to use it. Luke replies that there are plenty of people around who need a head bashing.  Laura asks him if he thinks he is funny. He is flustered and yells, “What do you want me to do? Lay down laws that he won’t listen to? Assert authority that I don’t have anymore? Maybe I should just hurt him in a way he won’t recover, seemed to work with you?” Laura looks at Luke, confused. She tells him she doesn’t understand his what is happening between them.  She does understand the fact that Lucky’s faith was shaken, his image of them tarnished, but she can’t understand why it is affecting them, since they knew about it already... lived through it, recovered from it, put it behind them, loved each other in spite of it.  Why does it make a difference now? Luke looks at Laura, distraught, asking her why she loves him.

Laura can plainly see that he is drunk and tells him she doesn’t want to talk to him when he is in this state. She then asks him if she has ever given him any doubt that she loves him, does he want her to believe that there is something wrong with the way she loves him? Luke lets out a wail and Laura tells him that he is punishing her for forgiving him and she thinks that is the most unfair thing of all. Luke looks at her, shrugs his shoulders and takes another drink. Laura tells him to call her when he is sober and she walks out of his office, Luke looking sadly at her.

Lucky walks in the door, finding Nikolas playing with Lulu. He walks over to her and picks her up, asking how she is and telling her that he has missed her. Nikolas tells him that Laura just left and that it sounded like it had something to do with him.  Lucky, still holding Lulu in his arms, replies that he saw and tells Lulu that mommy had to pay for his bad behavior. Putting Lulu down, he walks over to the table, takes money out of his pocked and put it on the table, telling Nikolas that he thought he would pay her back. Then Lucky asks Nik if he has moved into his room yet. Nik tells him that he doesn’t want to fight with him. Lucky thinks Nik is paranoid and goes on about how, since Stefan could be in prison for a long time, Nik may need a new place to live. Nik retorts that it is because of Luke that Stefan is even in jail. Lucky pretends to be surprised: “ Really? My dad framed your uncle? Oh!” Then he reverts back to his usual self and tells him, “You don’t see me arguing, do you?”

Lucky tells Nik that his Sherlock Holmes routine is in vain, because charges don’t stick to Luke. Nikolas then starts in on Lucky about Laura, wondering why Lucky is upset with Laura when it is Luke who raped her.  Lucky wonders why Nikolas cares. Nik responds by saying: “...you’re the one she picked, you’re the one she made room for in her life, [Lucky is giving him a steely glare at this point] but because she’s not in excruciating pain, you want to hurt her, is that it?” Just then Laura walks in the door. Lucky hands her the money and walks out the door without a word. He stands out on the porch for a bit, taking in Nikolas’ words. Laura tells Nik that he can come back anytime he wants to visit Lulu or her. She has been trying to please everyone and it hasn’t worked, so she decides she is going to please herself now.

The doorbell rings, Laura goes to answer it. Liz is at the door, but Laura doesn’t know who she is. Laura asks her if she is looking for Lucky, she shakes her head and then tells her that she wouldn’t say that Lucky is everything to her, even though it might be true; he is smart and generous and respectful and gentle and honest, etc. and that is how she knows that Laura is all of these things too. Laura asks Liz inside and Liz tells Laura that they have something in common, her last name and Laura’s maiden name. Laura realizes who is standing before her and then Liz tells her that they have more than a last name in common. Laura reaches out to Liz and hugs her. Liz tells Laura that she needed to be with someone she wouldn’t have to explain to and that she has been thinking about her a lot. Laura admits that she has been thinking about Liz too. Laura tells Liz that Lucky talks about her in a way he has never talked about anyone before. Liz tells her that she couldn’t have survived without him.  Laura tells her that Lucky was very worried about her.

Liz than tells Laura, “Sometimes I scare myself. I get so angry I could make someone bleed, I really could but then something will happen.” Laura asks her if something happened tonight. Liz admits that something happened that took her back into the night she was raped, hard and fast and she could barely breathe. She asks Laura, “ Has that ever happened to you?” Laura looks at Liz with tears in her eyes and reaches out to hug Liz again. Stefan is lying down reading when Luke shows up. Luke asks him how he got Laura to hate him and Stefan replies that Laura doesn’t hate him, she never has.  Luke smiles at Stefan and walks out without a word. Stefan is left standing with a satisfied smile on his face.

Lucy makes her way to Luke's as a last resort. Lucy tells Luke how she is supposed to die at the Ball if everything that happens in Kevin's book comes true. Luke says that she is bizarre and asks if Lucy is sure that Kevin is not behind the murders. Lucy expresses her faith in Kevin before telling Luke that her character is supposed to die of suffocation by a dress. Luke says he'll go to the Ball and protect her, but Lucy decides that she just has the jitters and that she will be fine.

Stefan, freed, goes to Laura's.  He warns her never to tell about being on the parapet.  He didn't tell the police about Laura being there.  This is not to protect Laura, but he doesn't want Nik to know about them. If Nik is not Stavros' son, he loses his place in the succession.   Nik has been there, Laura says.  He's suspicious. Stefan goes home and sees the note Katherine left him, "from this night on we will always dance together."  He plays the music box. Nik comes in and hugs him.  Stefan shows him the music box.  The Nurses' Ball will now be important to the Cassadines, he pronounces.

Musical montage of the town leaving for the Nurse's Ball to the song "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang.  The couples we see are: Brenda and Jax, Lucky and Liz, Justus and Robin, Taggert and Dara, Nik and Alexis. Mac, Felicia and Georgie and then, a solo Luke and Jerry.  Luke approaches Lucy and blows on her neck (interesting greeting).  Alexis and Nik discuss Stefan and wonder where he might be.  Nik agrees to stand in for him if he doesn't show up.  Alexis warns him that the audience might not receive them warmly, since some believe that Stefan is responsible for Katherine's death.

Lucy introduces the first act:  Jailhouse Rock starring Dara, Taggert, Lucky and Liz.  It's a cute role reversal with Dara and Marcus playing the inmates and Lucky and Liz playing the cops.  After they're through, Lucy acknowledges the sponsor, but first gives a tribute to Katherine Bell, whom this evening is dedicated to.  Just as she mentions Stefan Cassadine's name as the sole sponsor for the event, Stefan appears at Nik's side.  Lucy then talks a little 'ball business'. Backstage, Luke is looking for Lucy. Lucky and Liz walk by and Luke tentatively congratulates them on their performance.  Lucky accepts his compliments and Liz thanks him.

Bobbie runs into Luke and expresses her surprise at seeing him there:  "I thought you'd be on your one-man crusade to ruin your life".  She asks if Laura made it to the ball, and Luke says she stayed away for Lucky's sake, she didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable.  Luke goes on to say that he wouldn't have shown up either, had it not been for Lucy wanting him to watch over her. Bobbie goes on to her next topic:  she's taken out a restraining order on Tony.  "You're gonna bring the cops in on this?"  Luke asks.  "Damn straight, I am," she replies, "And you're next if you ever pull a stunt like that again, Luke, because nobody messes with my kid!"  She goes on to say that Luke hasn't the right to make those kinds of decisions for her.  Luke gives her an obedient salute:  "Read you loud and clear," he says.

Lucy asks everyone to be seated; she tells the audience that candlelight is more appropriate for the next part of the program, the reading of witness statements. She likens the candlelight to people - that one candle by itself give off a little light, but a whole group of candles can light up a whole room. That collectively, we can find a cure for AIDS/HIV. Then several people read witness statements: Edward, Bobbie, Jax, Ellen, Audrey, Nikolas, Monica and finally Robin. Lucy then thanks Jax, Stefan and Scott for funding the NB this year. Stefan gets up from his table and notices Luke standing near the entrance of the ballroom.  He confronts him about Luke's attempt to frame him for Katherine's murder. He vows to find her killer once he is cleared of any wrongdoing. Luke sarcastically asks him if he has any leads. Then he tells Stefan that he had no motive, except maybe to spare Katherine a life with Stefan. He tells Stefan that Helena is the one with the motive, though Stefan still believes that the trap on the parapet was originally set by Luke for himself or Nikolas. Luke replies:  “Blaming me is a habit you can't seem to kick.”

As Lucy is about to announce the next part of the program, Tony comes onstage and shocks everyone by says: “Thank heaven for hypocrites!” Lucy pleads with Tony to get off the stage, but he takes the microphone from her, because he has some things to tell everyone.  He berates them all for coming to the NB only for show, all dressed up and looking like concerned citizens for one night, in order to appease their consciences. He then verbally attacks Jax - for the strike, for being a corporate raider, etc. Next in the line of Tony's fire is Edward, Alan and the rest of the Qs. He calls them dysfunctional blackmailers, among other things. Next is Stefan, though Tony does give him as bit of a break, since Stefan will still have to face a trial.

 His next targets are Sonny and Jason. He calls them big spenders, stating that they financed their table at the ball with a little help from their “illegal” activities. He also remarks that Jason would have trouble counting to ten, even if you spot him 1 through 9,  (again, Tony's words). To sum up, Tony claims that these above mentioned criminals are trying to purchase respectability, while everyone just blindly applauds their efforts. After listening to his tirade, Robin finally speaks up and tells Tony to sit down and, as far as Jason is concerned, he came to the NB because he loves her, not to win anybody's respect. Robin tries to make Tony understand that they are all there at the NB for a common goal to help fight AIDS. Then she tells him to take his hatred and leave. Tony steps off the stage and heads for the door.

Luke is at home and Laura awakes to find him there. She is happy to see him and Luke tells her he was at the Nurses Ball. He tells her about Alan being whacked to the gills and Laura admits she snuck in to see Lucky's number. Luke wants to know if she had a chance to see the surprise guest.  Laura asks Luke who the surprise guest was and he tells her Sonny is back in town and he sat at a table right next to Stefan. Laura seems interested in Sonny's return, making Luke think she doesn't want to talk about Stefan.  Laura tells Luke that she had expected some bumps when she got back but knows their marriage is a good one. She can't see why he would want her to leave him. She knows that he wants to be with her and can't understand why he is implying otherwise. She wants to know what's wrong and Luke says he's not really sure. Maybe they see things differently, the past is bulldozing its way into the present and he's watching it through his kid's eyes. Or maybe it's Cassadine. Laura will not let Stefan and Nikolas come between the two of them but Luke tells her they already have. Lulu comes down and they are interrupted. Laura plans to take her back upstairs when Luke tells her he'll be up in a minute. He's staying the night, which makes Laura very happy.

Stefan has a flashback to Katherine on the stone bench. Katherine is in a white dress, Kat is talking to Stefan about having a baby, and tells him, "I think a part of you believes you don't deserve a family, or the happiness it would bring you."  She says Stefan gives unconditional love, and what more could a child need? "Freedom," he answers, "from the Cassadine legacy."  She insists that Stefan promise her that if something was to happen, "and we were unable to make a family," he'd have a family with someone else.  He does, and the scene dissolves to Stefan sitting alone on the bench.

There's a knock at the Wyndemere door, and Nik answers. It's Laura and Lesley Lu, who have decided to surprise Nik with a visit. Nik is telling Lulu and Laura about his childhood riding experiences, while his little sister munches on cookies.  He invites Lulu to keep a pony on Spoon Island and go riding when she visits.  Laura thinks that would be a fine idea.  It is this cozy family gathering that Stefan finds as he enters the room.  He remains in the background, initially unseen, frozen with longing?  Anxiety?  Remorse?  Happiness? Laura senses Stefan's presence.  She is suddenly tentative, afraid Stefan will disapprove.  Nik asks permission to take Lulu down to the stables, leaving Stefan and Laura alone. Stefan tells Laura that Lesley Lu is a beautiful child, and asks if her father knows they are there. Laura bristles that she doesn't need Luke's permission for her children to see one another.  "In that case, you and your daughter are always welcome here." They discuss how much Lulu and Nik care for one another.  Stefan remarks that Lulu bears a striking resemblance to Nikolas at her age. This touches Laura, while reminding her that she wasn't there to see how Nik looked at that age.  Stefan goes to a cabinet and withdraws a photograph of a young Nik, which he hands to Laura.

Laura is moved by the picture, which she holds with almost a caress.  Regret and love are written on her face.  "Is this at the cove?" she whispers.  Laura gazes at the photograph, fighting back tears, as Stefan answers, arms folded across his chest.  The tinkling Lasha/Stefan music begins to play in the background.  "Yes, it was one of his favorite spots.  We'd go there and look out over the sea and I'd promise him that some day he'd leave the island."

Laura looks up sharply at that statement, tears flowing down her cheeks.  "Why?" she asks. Stefan hesitates, slightly flustered, trying to control the emotion in his voice as he answers. Laura's eyes are fixed on his face.  The music grows louder.  "Because it was important to you," he says, gazing into her eyes.  Then he looks down, his eyes darting from side to side, as if it is too much for him to meet her eyes as he continues, "I wanted to give our son" pause, then, lifting his eyes to meet hers again, "everything you wanted for him."  They look at one another, for want of another word, meaningfully.  It is a beautifully framed shot.  Their heads are very close, their eyes are locked, neither one seems to even be breathing.  "You're the closest thing to heaven that I'll ever be":  Stefan and Lasha move closer, and almost kiss.  Laura leans in, for the record, just as much as Stefan.  They do not actually kiss.  Regardless, the door opens, causing them to jump back guiltily. It's Nik and Lulu back from the stables.  Laura chatters nervously, but Nik doesn't seem to notice.  Nik thanks them for visiting, and as Laura starts to leave, Stefan holds out the photograph of Nik.  "Perhaps you'd like this."

Laura's face crumples, and she tearfully accepts the gift.  "I'd love that.  Thank you."  (Recappers note: Much has been written about Genie's ability to cry, she is legendary for this skill and rightly so.  But what I've noticed in recent years is her equally amazing ability to invest those two little words with so much emotion.  "Thank you."  She has thanked Stefan many times, for taking care of Nik, for keeping her secrets, and now for the picture.  She puts so much into that phrase.) Laura gathers Lulu up and leaves, and we see that Stefan, his fist with the magnificent Cassadine ring to his mouth, is fighting back tears of his own as they leave.  He composes himself, running his hand over his mouth and beard, as Nik closes the door behind Laura and turns to face him.

Nik and Stefan discuss Laura.  Nik assumes that Stefan plans to warn him to be wary of his mother, that she will hurt him yet again.  He's surprised that Stefan does not feel that way at all.  "I have never doubted your mother's capacity for love, Nikolas.  I have only questioned where she chose to bestow it."  He puts his arms on Nik's shoulders, as he continues, "Perhaps I too am naive, but I think that Laura came her tonight because she is your mother and she loves you."  He leaves the room.

Next, is a well-done musical montage set to "Iris" by the Goo-Goo Dolls.  The beautiful moody lyric works very well.  "I'd give up forever to touch you, cause I know that you feel me somehow."  We start with a shot of Lucky and Liz side by side, being quiet together.  He's reading, she's drawing.  "You're the closest thing to heaven that I'll ever be, and I don't want to go home right now. And all I can taste is this moment, and all I can breathe is your life."  We see Laura on PC docks, having made the crossing from Spoon Island.  As Lulu skips happily, Laura looks back at Wyndemere, as the singer gets to, "Cause sooner or later it's over, I just don't want to miss you tonight." Stefan walks up to the stone bench, looks out toward where Laura is, over the lyric, "And I don't want the world to see me, because I don't think that they'd understand.  When everything's made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am and you can't fight the tears that ain't coming, or the moment of truth in your lies."  We get a shot of Jason and Robin hugging on the dock, while Sonny looks out into the distance, sadly.  Close shot of Sonny, at the lyric, "When everything seems like the movies, yeah you bleed just to know you're alive. And I don't want the world to see me, 'cause I don't think that you understand."  Jax and Brenda are making out on the couch.  Jerry is working on his bomb.  "Everything's made to be broken. I just want you to know how I am."

Luke asks Sonny why he feels responsible for Brenda. Sonny tells him that he took what he wanted, he wanted Brenda, so he wants to her to have happiness and safety, even if it with Jax. Luke thinks that he is crazy to throw it all away on an Australian. Sonny asks Luke how many years he and Laura were on the run. Luke’s response is: “too many, not enough.” Sonny inquires about Laura and Luke tells him that she is home, he should ask her. Luke tells Sonny that she’s in the house; he should’ve burned it down long ago. Lulu lives with Laura; he “visits” and Lucky lives on the street. Sonny asks him what happened? Luke’s reply is, “the past.”

Sonny asks Luke if the “past” he is referring to has anything to do with the Cassadines. Luke tells him that they took something that he did, that should’ve been dead and buried, and they used it to “nuke” his son’s life apart. Luke tells him that they wanted to hurt him and they used Lucky and the reason they could hurt him was because of the weapon they used, the truth. Sonny asks Luke if Lucky thinks he hates Luke now. Sonny tells Luke about his father, that he hated him and what he hated most was the chance that he’d be like him. Luke tells him that is what Lucky is afraid of.

Luke can understand Lucky’s anger and can even be proud of his rage. He tells him Lucky will be okay; he’s cut him loose, but Laura wants him back. Luke explains that there is nothing left for Lucky in their house just what Lucky calls the lies that he and Laura tell each other in order to stay together. Sonny comments that ‘love is a bitch” and tells Luke about what it was like growing up for him, watching his mom get beaten up by his dad. He reassures Luke that at least Lucky won’t have to see his mother hiding in the corner or crying out for mercy. Whatever truths the Cassadines told Lucky, they couldn’t erase the life he lived with his parents. Luke explains that it already has been erased, that Lucky hates Laura as much as he hates Luke, because she stayed with him. Sonny reveals to Luke that some things that you give up, you can’t get back and that regret will eat a person alive. He tells Luke that he threw his life (happiness) away, but it’s not too late for Luke. Sonny tells him that he will be leaving again soon and they exchange good-byes. As Luke is leaving, one of Jason’s bodyguards tells him that Jason asked them to keep an eye on Lucky and also that they saw Laura and Lulu going to Spoon Island earlier. Luke gives Sonny a worried look as he heads for home.

Luke confronted Laura for taking Lesley Lu to Spoon Island and for her ongoing contact with Stefan and Nikolas. Laura did not back down and made it clear that she intended to have both Luke and Nikolas in her life. Laura also told Luke that they were not going to perpetuate the hatred between the Spencers and the Cassadines through Lesley Lu and Nikolas. Despite their argument, Luke and Laura reaffirmed their love. Nikolas questioned Stefan about his feelings for Laura and about the items from Laura’s past on the Cassadine Island. Stefan admitted that he had lied to Nikolas when he had stated that Laura’s ring and dress were centuries old heirlooms, but lied about the real reason he had given them to Katherine. Stefan, however, could not deny the truth when he was confronted by Katherine’s ghost.

Stefan is sorting his mail.  Nik asks why he's throwing the cards away. Stefan can sense the hypocrisy. Nik says sometimes you get one that feels sincere.  Nik gets a mysterious note. Alexis comes in.  She needs to go over things.  She tells Nik to "offer nothing."  He doesn't understand.  Alexis tells Nik to keep his eyes on her at all times. The phone rings.  It's Dara, the trial has been moved up. Stefan tells Alexis about Laura and Lulu's visit.  Alexis warns him that can't happen again.  She tells him that Katherine left him her estate. Stefan has flashback of Katherine trying to tell him about it.  Stefan is surprised that Alexis truly believes in his innocence. Mrs. Lansbury has closed the guesthouse and gives Stefan the only key.  Stefan suggests that Alexis pump Luke for info.  Alexis denies she has ever been friendly with Luke and suggests they look at Helena as a more likely killer.  Stefan points out that if Helena did it, she hired help.

Luke and Sonny continue their fond farewells. There are lots of veiled references to Sonny's regrets over Brenda and how Luke should never wish himself away from Laura.  Laura walks in and Sonny leaves. Laura tells Luke she is afraid their relationship will end unless they discuss 'that bad night' from 20 years ago.  Laura tells Luke of Liz's visit and how the pain in Liz's eyes brought all her memories flooding back.  Her bruises, her torn blouse and how Luke turned into a terrifying stranger.  She had been so sure he would never do anything to hurt her but he did.  She demands to know how he could claim to love her, call her Angel and then rape her.  Luke mourns that there is nothing he can say, no apology he can make that could erase the fact that he raped her.  He has been waiting for years to be punished for this horrible thing but the punishment never comes [the acting here was just exquisite].

Laura then recalls her feelings of self-blame for flirting with him, for dressing for him but never admitting her feelings to him.  Now she knows she wasn't to blame for the rape, but since he never blamed her for her actions leading up to the rape she felt like she could forgive him.  They could forgive each other.  She asks him if he must stop loving her in order to teach himself a lesson. Luke tells Laura he'll never stop loving her and Laura defends her right to love him.  She points out that few ever *deserve* love and that only he sees her as some kind of angel.  She asks Luke to forgive himself and come home.  Laura says she is ready to go home and then see where they go from there. As for what happened 20 years ago, she is ready to let it be.  They embrace tenderly and leave to go home.

Luke, Laura, and Leslie Lulu attempt to enjoy a family moment, reading to Lulu, but things get a wee bit tense and wistful when Lucky's name is raised. Suddenly, Luke bolts. Laura takes the opportunity to call her mom for support. Leslie was, indeed, supportive, and also mentioned that she was getting on well herself. We are teased of Leslie's return to Port Charles, "soon, very soon." Stefan surprises Laura by knocking with a dinner invitation. Initially, she turns him down, saying that Nik is welcome to come over anytime. Stefan counters, saying the Spencer house is Luke's territory. He taunts her, asking if she's afraid of doing something without Luke's permission. Finally, he uses the guilt stick: he may wind up in prison due to being framed for Kath's murder. Stefan needs to know that Laura will be around for Nik, should he get sent up. Stefan then goes on to intentionally overplay his hand when he tells her about Mac's theory that Stefan seduced Kat for her $$$, but intended to spend it with his true love. It works. She accepts, and when Luke, later, returns, she tells him Stefan was there, and that he asked her to look after Nik for if Stefan goes to prison, but not about the invite (not that Luke gave her much of a chance to tell him as he bolted inside before she could say anything else). Greek Island Flashback of Laura and Stefan making out.

Helena parks the broomstick at Alexis' apartment and accuses her of setting up the parapet (with Luke). Alexis denies all knowledge and spurns her nemesis when Helena makes another one of her patented death threats. In a game of mutual chicken, Helena offers to go to Stefan with her theory; Alexis hands her the phone; Mrs. C backs down. Alexis stops into Luke's club, and shares the news of her successful round against Helena. Luke uncorks some Madeira to celebrate. They discuss the merits of pinning Kat's death on Helena. When Stefan wanders into the scene, our friendly officer hassles him for ID, and alludes to what he thinks is Stefan's motive for killing Kat.

Luke comes up. He and Lucky have words.  Luke tells Lucky that Luke and Laura have talked about the rape and that they're moving beyond it. He's come to ask Lucky not to take it out on his mother any more.  Lucky asks if he's Luke's way of getting Laura to forgive him.  Luke gets mad.  He's been gentle, but he has a daughter to think about.  Lucky is not a product of rape, but of love.  "My wife and I have something complicated. It's called a marriage.  It's who we are."  Luke is through asking Lucky's permission to love Laura.  He walks out. Lucky is on the verge of tears.  Liz brings drinks and asks if he's OK. He looks tired.  It's cost her so much energy hating the guy who raped her, and she doesn’t even know him:  it must cost so muck more hating someone you love.

Luke goes to see Bobbie.  She tells him about Tony and Lucas.  She tells him she had Tony arrested and Felicia bailed him out.  Luke says Bobbie should call him, Luke.  She tells him about Tony going to see Carly and about Carly's breakdown.  Bobbie doesn't think she's faking.  Luke says, "Wow.  I fantasized a lot of things happening to that little girl but her mind ending up at the salad bar is not one of them." Bobbie tells Luke about the Permanent Order of Protection.  Luke warns her she may drive Tony to do what she's afraid he'll do.  "Doc ex-bro-in-law has gone south completely."  Bobbie warns Luke she'll see what he does.

Bobbie sees Stefan sitting alone at a table at the Port Charles Grille and walks over to talk to him. She tells him she is sorry about Kat that even though they weren't friends, she did notice that being with Stefan changed her. Stefan replies that Kat became an innocent victim in her brother's war against the Cassadines. Bobbie stares back at him in shock.  Bobbie defends Luke to Stefan. He remarks that she has the “moral perspicacity of seaweed”. Bobbie knows that he has insulted her, but doesn't quite understand what he said. He tells her that he is the last person that should be feeling remorse after all he never raped anyone. She tells him that he is still his miserable self and she walks away.

Liz shows up to talk with Laura. Laura tells her that she is always welcome, and not just because of Lucky. She shared with Liz the fact that some good things came from her last visit. Liz tells Laura that Lucky really does love her but that there are a million things he feels, that he can't show. She tells Laura that she can't stand to see him hurting. She thinks that Lucky is waiting for one of his parents to say something that will make it is okay for him to come home, something that will make it all better. Laura tells her that even if Lucky was around to hear it, she's unsure what to say to him. Liz tells Laura that she has an idea on how to get them together (continued on the Cassidine vs. Spencer #10).

**The End**

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