CHAPTER 11 : THE MEMORIAL SERVICE The following morning, Stefan is in the Wyndemere living room when his cell phone rings. Stefan: "Stefan Cassadine. Yes, I can talk briefly, tell me what you have on Mr Sonny Corinthos." Stefan is pacing the floor as he listens. "Well, that's a start, but I want to know everything. All his business dealings, his Swiss bank accounts, his family, the skeletons in his closet. Everything. And I expect it all in 48 hours. If you find any information connecting Mr Corinthos to my nephew's death, I want to hear about it *immediately*. I do not need to tell you that this is top priority." Stefan closes his cell phone. There is a knock at the door. He calls to Mrs Lansbury to hurry up. He picks up his coat and heads for the door. As expected, it is Alexis. Stefan and Mrs Lansbury follow her to the car. ................... Stefan, Alexis, and Mrs Lansbury enter the hospital chapel. Stefan shakes his head in wonder. Stefan: "I never thought in a million years that I would be having a memorial service for Nikolas in the very hospital that Stavros died. Of course, I never thought Nikolas would die before me...." Stefan regains his composure. "Well, the formal funeral will be in Greece." Alexis reaches out to Stefan and takes his hand for comfort. Stefan: "I do have something I want to say at the end of the service, Alexis. Nikolas would want me to say something." Alexis: "Of course, Stefan. Whatever you want." She gives his hand a small squeeze, before releasing it. ....................... Laura and Bobbie pause outside the hospital chapel. Bobbie looks at Laura's pale face. Bobbie: "Are you ready? Or do you want to walk around for a few minutes first?" Laura shakes her head. "No, I'm as ready as I'll ever be." As they enter the hospital chapel, they notice that Alexis and Stefan are already there, as well as an older woman, they don't recognize. Laura and Bobbie walk over to them. Stefan reaches for Laura's hand, and kisses her cheek briefly. He releases her hand after a moment. "I heard from Alexis that you are going to speak today." Laura: "Yes. I hope I can get through it." Laura turns to Alexis and shakes her hand. "Thank you for seeing me yesterday, and for letting me participate in Nikolas's memorial service. " Alexis: "You are welcome. Anyone who wishes to speak today about Nikolas is welcome to . "Bobbie and Alexis are introduced. Bobbie: "I would really like to say something at the service if I may. I was very fond of Nikolas." Alexis: "Of course." Bobbie turns to Stefan, and he gives her a brief smile as he takes her hand and kisses her cheek. "Stefan, I am so sorry for your loss." Stefan: "Thank you, Barbara. That means quite a bit coming from you." He releases her hand. Stefan introduces Mrs Lansbury to Laura and Bobbie, and explains Mrs Lansbury's relationship to Nikolas. As the conversation ends, Alan and Monica Quartermaine arrive. Bobbie and Laura make their way over to speak to them. There are hugs all around. Alan and Monica give their condolences to Laura. In the meantime, Gina and Mac have entered the chapel, separately. Stefan notices Gina and goes to greet her. He takes her hand and kisses it. Stefan: "Gina, isn't it? Thank you for coming. Nikolas was quite fond of you. Your friendship meant a lot to him. " Gina blushes: "Nikolas was very sweet to me, he could always make me laugh. I'm so sorry, Mr Cassadine. It was obvious you were very close." Stefan smiles politely: "Thank you. Nikolas was my greatest joy in life. " Alexis and Mrs Lansbury join them. Meanwhile, Mac comes over to Laura and Bobbie. Laura and Mac hug. Mac: " Laura, I'm so sorry." Laura: "Thanks, Mac, I'm so glad you could make it." Mac: "Well I figured Luke wouldn't be here, and that you could use all the support you could get. I'd like to talk to you in a few days, whenever you feel up to it." Laura: "Of course, Mac, I'll give you a call." Alan and Monica pay their respects to Stefan and Alexis. Alan and Stefan shake hands. Laura excuses herself from Mac, and makes her way over to speak to Gina, who is talking with Mrs Lansbury. Gina: "Hello, Mrs Spencer. I just wanted you to know how sorry I am about Nikolas. He was a really sweet young man." Gina is tearful. Laura: "Thank you, Gina, I'm so glad he had you as a friend. " Laura hugs Gina. "Too much death to handle in one year, isn't it?" Gina nods. Mac walks over to Alexis and Stefan. They talk briefly. ......................... The service is about to begin. The mourners take their seats as Alexis goes to the front to begin the service. Amy Vining arrives at the last minute and sits next to Laura. They hug. The room becomes silent. Alexis looks at the small group in the chapel and takes a deep breath. Alexis: " Good Afternoon, everyone. To say this is a sad day is not to truly give it justice. I am still in shock, and to try and stand here and tell you how precious Nikolas was to my family is a difficult task. Nikolas was our hope for the future. He was our sweet and trusting Angel. I remember him mostly as a young child. I can still see him at 2 years old sitting on Stefan's lap playing with Stefan's glasses. He was so fascinated by them. And asking his endless questions. His favorite word was why. He was so inquisitive and eager for knowledge. When he was six or seven he would spend countless hours shadowing Stefan's Tai-chi moves. So eager to learn and be able to do it himself. He loved animals and the outdoors. He would take long runs and would often come back to the compound with and injured bird or rabbit. I still see him looking up at Stefan with those big brown eyes begging him to help the bird fly again. To have Nikolas taken from us at such an early age is devastating. He had so much to give the world, so many things to discover. I will always remember his spirit. His sweet smile and his big heart. He was the heart of our family and we will miss him dearly. Now I'd like to invite anyone who wishes to come up and speak." Alexis leaves the podium and sits next to Stefan. He has a few tears on his cheek, but is holding up better than she thought. She wipes her own tears from her eyes and grips his hand as Bobbie takes the podium. Bobbie:" This is truly a sad day. I didn't know Nikolas long, but it didn't take him much time to win my admiration and love. He was a sweet young man. He was such an old soul for one so young, and his gift with children was truly beautiful. Every child he approached and cared for immediately loved him. And he immediately loved them. It's hard to imagine what my days are going to be like at GH now that he is gone. He made me smile and was such a caring friend and a great worker. I will miss him very much." Bobbie leaves the podium and walks over to Stefan. She kisses his cheek and walks back to her seat next to Laura. Laura is trying to control her tears. Bobbie hugs her and encourages her to go up and speak. Laura walks up to the podium slowly, and once there, looks at Stefan who is still silently weeping. Their eyes lock, and for a moment it's as if everyone else in the room is nonexistent. They can feel each other's pain for it's mirrored in their eyes. He nods slightly to her and she takes a deep breath and addresses everyone. Laura: " I never thought I'd have to speak at my own child's memorial service. This has to be the most painful thing I've ever had to do. I didn't know Nikolas all too well. I had to leave him as a baby and it was a very painful decision that I made. I never forgot him though. I can still remember the first time I set my eyes on him. He was so beautiful and I was so proud. I remember his first smile when his uncle showed him a teddy bear. And I remember how he looked at his sister Lesley Lu. He gave her the gift of life and I only wish I could have been able to do the same for him." She stops for a moment as she starts to cry. Bobbie raises to go get her but Laura composes herself and continues.. Laura: " My time with Nikolas was cut cruelly short. I would give anything to have him back. To be able to wrap my arms around him and tell Him that his Mommy does love him. And that she never stopped. I have to believe he knew. And that he is looking at us now and smiling as we remember the wonderful young man he was. Nikolas had the gift to touch everyone he met. Lesley Lu reminds me of him in that way. And when I look at her I'll see her brother, for without his generous gift to her, I wouldn't have her with me today. To close, I'd like to thank Stefan for raising Nikolas in my place and for making him the remarkable young man that he was. You have my eternal gratitude. I'd like to read to you a scripture that I feel suits this event better than anything I could say... The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness, for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. " (Ps.23, New American Standard Bible) Laura finishes the scripture and leaves the podium. She stops in front of Stefan, who stands up and hugs her tightly. He cries with her for a few seconds and then approaches the podium. He takes a few moments to compose himself before beginning. Stefan:" Words alone cannot express what Nikolas was to me. He was my greatest joy. He was my life. I lived through that little boy. He was a miracle to me. In my family we are considered very reserved, but Nikolas brought life back into me...into our family. He had a love for people, especially children, and for animals. He loved to run and to explore. He would lose himself for hours in a good book and he would make it his business to make anyone who was unhappy, smile. He loved the circus and the theater. He would watch in total wonder at the performers and would beam at the clowns! He made my somber life bright and full of laughter. He made me whole. "He was my conscience and my best friend and he was in all purposes my child. I have to believe that God doesn't intend for us to bury our children. I never thought I'd have to face saying goodbye to him. To have to face the empty house without him there or a day without his sarcastic one-liners or his bright smile. Yet here I am. I'm trying to find the right words to honor his memory , yet all I can feel is the pain of his absence. I have brought a poem to read. It was Nikolas's favorite. I remember the first time he read it to me and how he told me it was written for him.." Stefan stops as he is overcome with grief. He grips the podium as if he would fall if he let go. The somber people in attendance watch with tears in their eyes as Alexis walks up and leads Stefan back to his seat. He whispers to her. Stefan:" Read it please. He would have want it that way..." She hugs her cousin and then walks back to the podium and prepares to read Nikolas poem. Laura leaves her seat and sits next to Stefan. They hold hands and wait for Alexis to read the words that their Nikolas cherished so. " In visions of the dark night I have dreamed of joy departed- But a waking dream of life and light Hath left me broken-hearted. Ah! what is not a dream by day To him whose eyes are cast On things around him with a ray Turned back upon the past? That holy dream- that holy dream, While all the world were chiding, Hath cheered me as a lovely beam A lonely spirit guiding. What though that light, thro' storm and night, So trembled from afar- What could there be more purely bright In Truth's day-star? " (A Dream by Edgar Allen Poe) Chapter 12 Laura is playing with Lulu. Lulu picks up the Faberge egg that Nikolas gave her. Laura opens it for her. "Lu, your brother Nikolas loved you very much, you know that? He won't be around to tell you, but I'm going to make sure you remember him as the wonderful young man he was." As Laura is talking with Lulu, Luke walks in and overhears the conversation. He frowns. Luke: "Hello, baby. How was the service?" He comes over to join them on the couch. He kisses Laura's forehead before he sits. "Devastating and beautiful," Laura says sadly. Lucky comes bounding down the stairs. "Hey, Dad." Lucky begins. "How's everything at the club? Are you going to be able to get that new blues group to play?" Luke and Lucky banter back and forth about the blues group as Laura looks on. 'They are so happy and full of life,' she thinks to herself. 'This death hasn't affected them at all.' She gets up from the couch and takes Lulu upstairs for her nap. When Laura returns, Lucky has left. Luke looks at her intently, as if trying to decide whether to say anything. "What? What have I done wrong now?" Laura asks impatiently. "I know you're grieving baby, but you've got to stop shutting us out." Luke says gently. "Your family needs you." "So I'm supposed to forget that I said goodbye to my oldest son today?" Laura says angrily. "I'm supposed to pretend that nothing has happened? Everything has changed for me. Nothing will be the same ever again." Luke tries to explain patiently, "I'm just saying you need to remember you have two other kids and a husband that need you right now. Lucky is walking around on eggshells feeling guilty that he's alive and Nikolas isn't. He needed you to reassure him today, and you've been so wrapped up in your grief you couldn't even see it." Laura loses her temper completely, "My eldest son needed me to love him and spend time with him, and you felt so threatened you couldn't even allow me to get to know him. To love him. Time and again, I picked you and our children over Nikolas. And because of that, I never got to know my son the way I should have. And now you have the gall, on the night of the memorial service for my dead son, to tell me I'm neglecting you and the kids! I can't believe how self-centered you are." Laura begins straightening the living room angrily, slamming things into place loudly. She refuses to look at Luke. Luke grabs her by the shoulders and forces her to look him in the face. Luke: "That's it baby. Blame me for his death. Blame me for the fact that you didn't tell me about him for 16 years! The choice to give him up the second time was a choice we made together. I won't let you blame me for it." Laura: "How dare you! You gave me an ultimatum. It was coercion. You made it clear that he wouldn't be safe if I continued to see him! I will never forgive you for that, as I will never forgive myself for walking out on him a second time!" Laura wrenches herself away from him. She walks over to the closet to get her coat. Luke: "Where the hell do you think you're going? We aren't done with this!" Laura yells back at him, "I am! I can't stand to be in this house for another minute. I'm leaving before I say anything I will really regret. I'm going for a drive. Don't wait up, I don't know when I'll be back." With that, she slams out of the house. Luke sprints to the door, and calls after her in a panic, "Laura! LAURA!!!" He watches as the car screeches out of the driveway. ............................. Miranda comes out of Nikolas room and sees Jerry angrily waiting for her. She wraps her arms around him and feels him stiffen at her touch. Miranda: " What's the matter with you baby?" Jerry:" What are you doing?? I can't believe how soft you're getting. Coddling him and treating him like a prized guest not the hostage that he is." Miranda looks at him and smiles. Miranda: " Well, if you bought my song and dance routine then Nikolas must be eating it up!" She throws her head back and watches Jerry's face as he sees through her devious scheme. He smiles at her and remembers this is why he loves her. Jerry:" It's all been an act? You want him to play us against each other?" Miranda: " Of course I do. It will make him feel like he has an ally. He can divulge information to us and I'll know what's going through his head at all times. My, my Jerry. You're losing your touch. It's the oldest trick in the book-good kidnapper, bad kidnapper!" They share a laugh and then he whispers to her. Jerry:" Well. I think it's time we have a fight darling. Making up with you will drive him nuts!" She smiles, and as an answer screams at him. Miranda: " I'M TIRED OF YOU HURTING HIM JERRY! HE HASN'T DONE ANYTHING WRONG!!" Jerry:"HE'S MY COUSIN AND I'LL DO WHAT I PLEASE. I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU'RE TAKING HIS SIDE IN THIS!! I'M YOUR LOVER!" Miranda: "HE'S JUST AN INNOCENT BOY! I WON'T STAND BY AND LET YOU BE HARSH TO HIM!" Jerry:" YOU'LL DO AS I SAY OR ELSE!! I LEAD THIS OPERATION MIRANDA!" To add to the affect, he throws a lamp against the door! They are smiling at each other as they continue the charade. Miranda: " JERRY! STOP IT ...NO!!!! YOU WON'T BULLY ME .." Jerry:" I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS INSOLENCE FROM YOU! I WILL GO ADDRESS THE LITTLE PRINCE NOW!" Miranda: " JERRY PLEASE..NO DON'T HURT HIM..YOU'RE MAD AT ME, DAMN IT!" Jerry smiles at her and then walks to Nikolas's room. He angrily opens the door and sees Nikolas glaring at him on the bed. Jerry: "What little prince? Do you have something to say to me?" Nikolas: " What did you do to her? I heard something crash! You're an overgrown pompous jerk! Does picking on women and kidnapping family members make you feel like a man?" Jerry grabs Nikolas off the bed and shoves him roughly against the wall. Pinning him to it, he speaks. Jerry:" Watch your tone with me boy! I'm only going to say this once to you. You are walking a fine line with me. I blame her attitude on you. I suggest you start watching what you say to her or I'll beat you so severely that the header you took down the Spencer stairs will look like a ride at an amusement park!" Nikolas lets his rage takeover and pushes Jerry away and lands a punch to his right cheek. Jerry smiles as he tastes the blood in his mouth. He grabs Nikolas and shoves him back to the wall. He lands two hard slaps to his face and then looks him straight in the eye. Jerry:" I'm letting you off easy because i wouldn't want Miranda to get to angry with me. When she sees your face you will tell her what an insolent little brat you were and how you punched me. You will tell her that I went mild on your discipline out of courtesy! Is this understood?" Nikolas fumes at him but nods his head. Jerry smiles and waves his hand to the bed. Nikolas takes his seat on it. Jerry:" Now that we have an understanding, I'm going out there to tell her to take a look at you. Nikolas - don't try me. I will not hesitate to teach you some respect!" He leaves Nikolas in the room rubbing his face where Jerry hit him. ............................ Stefan is alone in his living room, sipping a Bourbon, staring at the floor. Mrs. Lansbury enters the room tentatively. "Mr Cassadine?" She ventures. "Yes, Mrs. Lansbury?" "Dinner is ready, sir. Shall I put it on the table?" "I thought I told you I didn't want you to cook tonight. I said I would prepare something myself if I decided to eat." Stefan replies tiredly. "Well, sir, I thought you might want something warm, and you haven't eaten since..." Stefan cuts her off. "You would do better listening to my instructions, than doing what you think is right. Wrap it up and take it home with you. All the servants are dismissed for the day. I want the house to myself tonight." Mrs Lansbury's concern grows, "Please, let me bring you a plate of food. If I may, sir, you have been drinking quite a bit this evening, and...." Stefan face grows dark with anger, "You may not! If I want your opinion or your concern, I will ask for it." Stefan finishes his drink quickly. He gets up to fix himself another. "Now leave me. Please inform the other servants that they are dismissed." Mrs Lansbury obeys. "Yes, sir. Good night. If you need anything at all..." Stefan cuts her off again, "I won't." .............................. Miranda comes into the room and approaches Nikolas. Miranda: " I can't believe he hit you! I'm so sorry Nikolas. He was mad at me and took it out on you." Nikolas:" No, I got mad at him for hurting you and I punched him. He took it easy on my discipline though." Miranda: " You hit him? Oh Nikolas, I'd say he took it easy on you. I would expect to find you unconscious. Nikolas don't make him angry. He can be ruthless. I should know." Nikolas:" What has he done to you?" Miranda: " Nothing really. It's just I love him, but between you and me he is such a child sometimes!" Nikolas smiles at her referring to Jerry as a child. Nikolas:" He's still sore that baby Jax got all the best toys!" Miranda laughs with him. Miranda: " And the best girls. He is so pompous. So full of himself. Notice how he resembles a hot air balloon when he puffs up with anger?" They laugh harder. And then she tenderly applies ice to his red cheek. Miranda: " Poor Nikolas..." She whispers as she kisses him gently on the cheek. Nikolas is surprised and blushes. Miranda: " I'm sorry. I just wanted to make it better." Nikolas smiles at her, "You did make it feel better, honest." She reaches over to him and kisses him gently on the lips. He returns the kiss and for a minute he forgets about being captive. She pulls away and whispers in his ear. " If only Jerry was as tender as you. Thank you for defending my honor. I have to cook dinner. I'll get Jerry to let you join us. So you can get you out of this room for a while." He nods to her and watches her leave. He smiles to himself and touches his lip where she kissed him. "Wow" is all he can manage to say. ............................. Laura arrives at the dock to Spoon Island. She cuts the engine. She wrestles with her conscience. She hadn't planned it, but her grief for her son had drawn her here. Luke would have a cow if he knew. She should be home with her children. Luke was right, they needed her. But when she thought of going back, she realized why she couldn't return right now. All she could think about was Nikolas. She needed to feel close to him. Finally, she makes a decision. She gets out of the car and makes her way to Wyndemere. Chapter 13: Stefan walks toward the front door mumbling to himself, "Who could that be? If I wanted company, I would have answered the door the first hundred times they knocked." Stefan swings open the door, ready to give his visitor hell for disturbing his solitude. There was Laura. Stefan looks at her for a moment, and walks back into the living room, leaving her to let herself in. Laura: "I was getting worried Stefan, I knew you were here. Why didn't you answer your door?" Stefan begins making two drinks. "Well, did it occur to you that it might be because I didn't want any visitors? You are getting into a bad habit visiting me uninvited." Laura: "Stefan, are you drunk?" Stefan smiles slyly: "Now what would make you think that? Sit down and make yourself comfortable. We're in for a long night." He hands her a drink once she sits down. Laura shakes her head and tries to return the drink, "No thank you. I'm not really sure why I came here...." Stefan leans over her and whispers, "Drink, Lasha." Laura starts to get up, "This wasn't a good idea..." Stefan stops her, "Yes it was... now drink. You'll feel better. I do." Stefan watches her as she takes the first sip. He sees her smile. Laura: "You remembered. " Stefan smiles back, "Of course, how could I forget your favorite brand of Rum?" Laura sits back and drinks her Rum. "So where are all the servants?" Stefan: "I wanted to be alone to drink myself into oblivion. If it had been anyone else at the door, I would have killed them on the spot." Stefan takes a sip. "So why aren't you with your family?" Laura: "I couldn't stand to be there anymore tonight. When I'm there, they're unhappy and I'm unhappy." Laura observes him for a moment. " Why do you want to drink yourself into oblivion?" Stefan: "So I don't kill myself. " Laura looks shocked and disbelieving, but when she studies his face, she can tell he's serious. "You mean that, don't you?" Stefan: "Absolutely, but I promised myself, I would live to find out the truth about Nikolas's death. If I had stayed sober tonight, I would have killed myself by now." Laura: "Stefan, No! You have so much to give... so much to live for...." Stefan looks bitter and sad, "No, I don't. The goodness I had in my heart died when Nikolas died." Laura pleads with him, "Stefan that's not true! I have seen the goodness in you. I know once this pain and grief subside, that goodness will come out again...." Stefan: "The problem is, I have no interest in waiting to find out. I just don't care about anything anymore." Stefan takes her empty glass and goes to fix them both another drink. "But, no reason to worry, Lasha, I'm not going to kill myself tonight or tomorrow night. I have something to accomplish before I die." He hands her the drink and gives her a small smile, "So let us enjoy ourselves. Why don't I tell you more about Nikolas's childhood." ....................... Miranda keeps her word to Nikolas and lets him out of his room for dinner. He sits across from Miranda and next to Jerry. Jerry looks at Miranda and then at Nikolas and tries not to smile. Miranda told him about the kiss and knows this will be an interesting evening. Jerry:" How is your face?" Nikolas looks at Jerry, a little shocked at his concern and then realizes that Miranda is still mad at him. This is Jerry's way of kissing up. Nikolas:" Sore, but I deserved it sir." Jerry:" Yes, well let's not have any more disobedience. I don't enjoy to correcting your behavior Nikolas." 'Yeah right" all three think to themselves. They eat in silence for a few and then Nikolas feels something rubbing against his leg. He nearly chokes on his food when he realizes it's Miranda rubbing her foot up and down the length of his leg. Jerry has a hard time not laughing out loud as he takes in the scene, trying to look oblivious to the situation. He almost feels bad for the kid. 'doesn't stand a chance against falling for her. Heck, I didn't stand a chance' Jerry:" So, Nikolas how are you handling the news of your Uncle's betrayal?" Nikolas stays true to his act and looks down sadly at the table. He lets his lip quiver and surprisingly they both genuinely fall for his sad act. Miranda feels a twinge if guilt for manipulating him so cruelly, but let's it go. Jerry smiles in silent satisfaction to himself. And Nikolas stifles a chuckle at their reactions. Nikolas: "I'm getting used to it. It's hard truth to swallow." Jerry:" Yes, well at least you know the truth now." 'Yeah right', they all silently think to themselves again. Each sits at the table gloating on how they are winning in their individual schemes..Nikolas tries to keep the twinkle out of his eye as he stares at Miranda in amorous wonder. He wants her so bad. All he can see is her kissing him passionately. Jerry watches Nikolas out of the corner of his eyes..' well, he's a goner. He's dreaming about her now". Miranda continues her game of footsie with Nikolas and smiles at him when he looks up at her. Jerry decides it's time to move on with his plan. He takes Miranda's hand and kisses it gently. Jerry:" I'm sorry I yelled at you baby. Nikolas was right. I should be nicer to you." He leans over and kisses her gently as Nikolas feels his stomach turn. Nikolas:" May I be excused please?" Jerry: "Of course, Nikolas...Miranda return him to his room please." Miranda leads him back to his room and whispers to him. Miranda: " I have no choice. I have to forgive him. You'll understand one day." She shuts the door to his room and runs to Jerry's awaiting arms. .............. WYNDEMERE: A FEW HOURS LATER As she watches Stefan fix her another drink, she smiles to herself. Boy, she misses this side of Stefan. He can be so humorous and sweet when he wants to be. This side of Stefan reminds her of Nikolas. For the first time in days, she didn't feel guilty. What a gift he had given her. Stefan holds her drink out to her. "What are you smiling about Lasha?" Laura blushes a bit at getting caught. "I was just thinking how much I miss my old friend Stefan." Stefan smiles back, "So does this mean you'll be trying to get me drunk again?" Laura laughs, "Stefan, you are wicked flirt! Seriously, why don't you show this side of you more often?" Stefan face grows serious. "You know why." Laura leans toward him. "I know it wasn't safe on the island, but you aren't living there now. You can be anyway you want to be." Stefan smiles back enigmatically, "Perhaps. Now drink, you have to keep up with me. I won't have you taking advantage of my drunken state." Laura laughs again, "Stefan, there's no way I could take advantage of you. You have the constitution of a ....." Stefan interrupts, "A bull?" as he raises one eyebrow. Laura cackles: "You said it, I didn't! It has been so long since I've seen you be so silly. Too long. If the rest of Port Charles could see you like this, they would all have a coronary." "Then it will have to be our little secret." As Stefan gets up from the couch, he loses his balance. He steadies himself after a moment. Laura: "Are you ok? I think you've had enough to drink, Stefan." Stefan: "I think you are probably right. If I drink anymore, I won't be able to get up off the couch." Stefan walks unsteadily to the liquor cart and puts his drink down. Laura: "You aren't doing too well Stefan. How are you going to get up those stairs to your bedroom?" "It is easy for you to criticize, sitting there pristinely on the couch. Let's see you get up and walk around." Stefan challenges. Laura rises to the challenge, and when she does, she almost falls over herself. Stefan laughs, "Well as you say in this country, Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black?" "It isn't gentlemanly to tease a woman when she's incapacitated!" She scolds. Stefan roars with laughter. Laura tries to remain serious, but can't resist laughing along with him. Stefan walks over to her and smiles down into her laughing face: "Nikolas would be shocked to see us like this. We are two silly drunken fools." Laura tries to compose herself: "That's Mrs Drunken Fool to you." Stefan leans down and kisses her gently on the lips. Laura pulls back surprised, "Where did that come from?" Stefan: "I've wanted to do it since you took that first sip of Rum. I think I've exercised remarkable restraint considering how inebriated I am." He reaches out and strokes her hair. "You are so beautiful when you smile. And when you cry. And when you're drunk." Laura: "You mean when you're drunk." Stefan smiles as he continues to stroke her hair gently. "True." Laura doesn't pull away immediately. She lets herself enjoy the gentle caress. Finally she shakes herself, and pulls away. Stefan's hand drops to his side. Laura: "I should be getting home." Stefan: "You aren't up to driving, Lasha." Laura: "I'll call a cab then." Stefan walks Laura out to the front hall. He almost stumbles at one point. Laura steadies him. Stefan: "I'd have my driver take you home, but I sent him home for the night." Laura uses his phone to call the cab. "The cab will be at the dock in 10 minutes, which gives me enough time to get you safely upstairs." Stefan laughs and shakes his head. "You are going to help ME up the stairs. This I have to see." Laura puts her arm around Stefan to steady him and they make their way slowly up the marble steps. When they are almost up to the top, they both stumble. Stefan catches Laura before her head hits the marble floor at the top of the staircase. He cradles her head in his hand, as he falls on top of her. "Are you ok?" Stefan whispers, as he allows his body to settle fully on hers. "Yes, that was close." Laura whispers back, feeling mesmerized by the way his body is affecting hers. Stefan takes possession of her mouth. Laura kisses him back ardently for a moment, then turns away to break the kiss. "Stefan, please, I can't..." Stefan moves away from her immediately. She scrambles to her feet and helps him get up. They walk slowly to his bedroom. The room is illuminated by a small light at his bedside. They sit together on the bed a moment. Stefan: "Well, we made it without anyone getting seriously injured." Stefan lies down on the far side of the bed. He smiles at Laura, "Thank you Lasha, you made tonight bearable." Laura yawns, "I'm so tired." Stefan:" Then why don't you rest a moment? I promise I won't bite you." He closes his eyes and falls asleep. Laura: " Ok, but for just a moment." Laura lays down beside him on the bed. Within moments she is asleep. .......................... Nikolas lays on his bed and thinks of Miranda. She is so beautiful, he thinks to himself. I could make her so much happier. He dreams about whisking her away from his oaf of a cousin and is brought out of his dream by some muffled moans coming from his far wall. He get's up and listens.. Miranda: " Oh Jerry...mmmmm yesssss. Oh don't stop!" Nikolas turns green with envy and feels his hatred for Jerry grow. He doesn't deserve her, he thinks to himself as he sits down by the wall and listens to them make up. In the next room Jerry is making love to Miranda. Jerry:I bet he's getting sick right about now. He wants you baby." he whispers and then moans loud enough for Nikolas to hear. Miranda: "I did lay it on a little thick. What better way to win his adoration then to lead him on with my charming personality as you act like a bully." To add to the effect she lets out a loud sensuous scream of passion! They smile at each other as they envision their captive fuming with a jealous rage. ............. WYNDEMERE: IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT Stefan awakens to find Laura mumbling in her sleep. He hears her whimper. He reaches out and touches her shoulder to gently comfort her. Laura's whimpering ceases as she snuggles into his chest. He wraps his arms around her and falls back to sleep. CHAPTER 14: TRUTH Stefan awakens to find Laura snuggled in his arms. He lays there awhile, enjoying the experience holding her. She smells wonderful. He replays the events of last night in his mind. He wonders to himself why he didn't make love to her. He wanted to, that was certain. And he knew that she wouldn't have been able to resist, given the way she responded to his kiss. So why did he let the opportunity pass? He ponders the possible ramifications of their sleeping together. There was no doubt that it would have been wonderful for both of them. But as soon as the morning came, Laura would regret it. The resulting damage to her life would be irreparable. He was a realist. He knew she loved Luke, and always would. He couldn't live with himself if he hurt her like that. She deserved to be happy. He knew made the right choice. When he had he gone soft? Sleeping with her would have worked perfectly into his plan. He wondered if maybe he didn't have the stomach for his plan anymore. With Nikolas gone nothing made any sense. He gazed at her face as he removed a lock of hair and tucked it behind her ear. She was incomparable. His great love would never love him the same way. That was another sad fact of life. If only he still had Nikolas. He could bear that. But now with Nikolas being gone... Laura awakens and interrupts his thoughts: "What happened? Why am I here? " She says in a panicked voice. She begins to extricate herself from his arms. . ....................... Nikolas awakens to the sound of his door opening. For a minute he forgets he's being held captive and thinks he's at Wyndemere. He's brought back to reality quickly though, as he looks up to see Jerry holding a plate of food to him. Jerry:" Rise and shine Nikolas. Time to begin a new day." Nikolas:" You're awful chipper. I guess you had a great night last night," he says with bitter sarcasm. Jerry:" Oh I'm sorry Nikolas...actually I'm a little embarrassed. Hope we weren't to loud." He says smugly. Nikolas:" Oh not at all, I'm sure the folks in Port Charles didn't hear you." Jerry:" Eat up. I don't want to be in here all day waiting for you to finish your breakfast." Nikolas pushes the plate back in his direction untouched. Nikolas:" I'm not hungry." Jerry refuses to take the plate and addresses Nikolas. Jerry:" I need you to eat. You barely touched your dinner last night." Nikolas:" What do you care if I eat or not? My Uncle is going to kill me anyway, remember? Why not let me do it for him?" Jerry smiles to himself and decides to not pass up such a golden opportunity. Jerry:" Look, Nikolas, Stefan may not kill you. So far he's left you alone. I mean, he led your father to his death, surely he won't kill his brother's son too." Nikolas's head shoots up at Jerry in shock. Nikolas:" What are you talking about?? Luke Spencer killed my father." Jerry:" I'll tell you what. You eat your breakfast. If you're all done when I get back, we'll sit back and discuss how Stefan lead Stavros to his untimely demise." Nikolas:" Jerry, please don't toy with me. You dump this on me and then tell me I have to eat to hear more?" Jerry:" Well, if you'd rather remain ignorant and never learn the truth that your uncle has kept from you all these years, then fine. Don't eat. But if you want to gain understanding of your father and mother and know what really happened all those years ago then you'll eat your breakfast by the time I return. The choice is yours Nikolas." With these final words, Jerry walks out the door and leaves Nikolas in utter confusion staring at his plate. ........................... Bobbie drives up to the dock at Spoon Island. She is on a mission to help Stefan with his grief. He has done so much to help her with her pain. She's hopeful she can help him with his. As she exits her car, she notices a car that looks a lot like Laura's, but doesn't think anything of it. She makes her way to the Wyndemere front door. Bobbie knocks and Mrs Lansbury answers. Bobbie: "Good morning Mrs Lansbury. I came to visit Stefan if he is up to having visitors." Mrs Lansbury: "Good morning Ms Spencer. I am so glad Stefan has a friend like you. He isn't up yet. But please come in." Bobbie: "Well, I don't want to wake him. Maybe I should come back later." Bobbie backs away a bit, as if to leave. Mrs Lansbury: "No please stay. Stefan hasn't been himself since Nikolas died. A visit from you might be exactly what he needs. Why don't you go up to his room and check on him? He needs someone to reach out to him, to catch him of guard. If you were announced, he might just send you away." Bobbie: "Are you sure? I don't want to upset him..." Mrs. Lansbury: "He may be upset at first. But something needs to shake him out of his melancholy." Bobbie: "Ok. Thanks Mrs Lansbury." Bobbie makes her way up to his room. She knows exactly where it is. ..................... Nikolas starts to eat his breakfast while thinks about what Jerry said. "What on earth could he tell me about my father's death that I haven't already been told? This has been my family's favorite bedtime story since as long as I can remember. No, he's playing games. He is just trying to turn me against my uncle. I won't fall for this." He finishes his breakfast in a somber silence. He can hear the lady singing through the wall again. He listens to her sing her song, the same song she always sings. He's lost count how many times he's heard her sing it. He decides to try and get her to talk again. He climbs up on his bed and puts his face next to the wall. Nikolas:" Hello, I know somebody's in there. I can hear you singing. Please talk to me." Once again his only reply is her continuation with the song. 'Who on earth could be in there?" He wonders to himself. He starts pacing in his room. He feels like a caged animal. 'I have to get outside. This room is driving me insane. Soon I'll be doing nothing but singing." He starts to hum the song to himself and waits for Jerry's return. " Maybe if I listen to what he has to says and act the way he wants, he'll let me out of here for a few minutes." His thoughts are interrupted by someone unlocking his door. He braces himself for some new family truths. ...................... Stefan tries to reassure Laura who is in a full panic. Stefan:" It is ok Lasha. You feel asleep." Laura: "So why did I wake up in your arms?" She panics further, and attempts to get out of bed. Stefan stops her by holding onto her arms. Stefan:"Lasha, there is no reason to panic. Nothing happened. I woke up in the middle of the night when I heard you having a bad dream. You seemed to calm down when I held you. That's all that happened." Laura: "Oh my God. What about Luke? He's probably really worried. When he finds out about this he'll..." Stefan: "He will be upset with me. Believe me, I could care less. But if he loves you as you say he does he will understand and trust you. Of course, He will be upset at first." Laura: "God I hope you're right." Laura seems to calm down a bit, and relaxes for a moment on the bed. Meanwhile, Bobbie arrives outside the bedroom door. She pauses at first to knock on the door, and then decides to walk in without knocking. She doesn't want to wake Stefan if he's still sleeping. Bobbie is shocked by the scene she sees on Stefan's bed. Laura is laying there with Stefan, they look like they just spent the night together. Stefan notices Bobbie first, when he hears her muffled cry. Stefan: "Barbara! What are you doing here?" Bobbie sees this as a replay of finding Tony and Carly in bed together. Bobbie: "What the hell is going on here? Laura! How could you do this to my brother?! " Laura turns around shocked to see Bobbie. Laura: "Bobbie, I can explain.. It isn't what you think!" Stefan interrupts Laura, as he gets out of the bed to face Bobbie, putting himself between the two women. Stefan: "Laura, you have nothing to explain. Barbara.." Bobbie: "Oh that's right, it's Laura the saint versus Bobbie the floozy. I don't stand a chance. Luke always said you had something for his wife. Well you finally got the chance to do the deed!" Stefan takes Bobbie's hands in his and strokes them gently. He looks at her intensely, as he tries to calm her down : "Barbara, please, you have no idea what is going on here. Once I explain it to you, you will understand. Will you go downstairs and wait for me? Laura will be going home and I want to change before we talk." Stefan looks at her gently, willing her to calm down. Bobbie lowers her voice so only Stefan can hear. "Stefan, how could you do this to me? You know what Tony did. And with my brother's wife. I thought you cared about me." Her eyes fill with tears. Stefan strokes her face, continuing his attempt to calm her. "Barbara, you know how I feel about you. Believe that. Once you hear everything, it will all make sense. Please trust me. You know you can." He feels her calm to his touch. She couldn't resist his gentleness. Bobbie anger cools."Ok, Stefan, I will." Bobbie studies his face for any sign of insincerity, she finds none. "I'll wait downstairs." Chapter 15: More Truth Jerry enter's the room and notices the empty plate and Nikolas sitting on his bed with his hands on his lap, waiting for Jerry to talk to him. Jerry:" You finished it all. Good. Now don't you feel better?" Nikolas:" Yes sir. I'm sorry I gave you a hard time about eating. I really was hungry." Jerry:" Are you ready to discuss your father's death?" Nikolas:" Yes, but may i make one request?" Jerry:' Go for it." Nikolas:" After we talk could You please let me outside for a few minutes. I can't handle being cooped up for so long." Jerry looks at Nikolas and realizes he speaks the truth. 'He has always enjoyed the outdoors,' he thinks to himself. Jerry:" I'll tell you what. It's pretty cold out there now. You and I will talk and then I'll leave you alone for awhile to digest the information. Since you've been pretty obedient today I'll let you have lunch with Miranda and me in the dining room. Afterwards you can go with Miranda on a walk outside." He looks at Nikolas and watches his face light up at the thought of a walk with Miranda. He smiles to himself thinking about how Miranda will be able to comfort Nikolas after their little talk. Nikolas:" Thank you Jerry." Jerry:" As long as you stay obedient I see no reason why we can't let you have some outdoor time everyday. But, Disobey me and you lose the privilege. Try and escape, and I'll not only keep you indoors for good, I'll beat you severely. Understood?" Nikolas nods and Jerry decides to begin his talk. Jerry:" Do you know why your mother left the island and you?" Nikolas:" She found out Spencer was alive. She went after her husband." Jerry:" What you don't know is she went to Stefan first. She asked him for advice. You see, not many people know this, but Stefan and your mother were friends on the island. Stefan was living in the shadow of your father and Laura hated Helena and Stavros. Stefan won her trust though. Anyway, on the day she found out Spencer was dead she went to Stefan. She asked him what should she do." Jerry pauses and looks at Nikolas. He notices the boy is listening to every word closely. Nikolas:" What did he tell her??" Nikolas asks eagerly. Jerry:" He told her to leave. To go to Spencer and leave you and Stavros. That he would take care of you in her absence." Nikolas shakes his head in disbelief trying to digest the information. Nikolas:" No, no he had to tell her to stay. She snuck away. No one knew she was leaving." Jerry:" You're mistaken Nikolas. Stefan knew she was leaving. He encouraged her to go. It was step one in his master plan." Nikolas:" What are you talking about? What do you mean step one??" Jerry:" He knew that if he encouraged Lasha to leave and convinced her he'd protect you that she'd go after Spencer. He wanted her gone." Nikolas:" Why?? You yourself said they were friends." Jerry:" Nikolas, he was jealous of Stavros. He wanted Stavros miserable. He knew that losing Lasha would drive Stavros mad. He used his friendship with Lasha to exact revenge on Stavros for being the favorite son." Nikolas:' What are you saying??" Jerry:" Your Uncle caused you to lose your mother Nikolas. She would have stayed and raised you, had he not intervened." Nikolas feels his eyes well up with angry tears. How could Jerry say these things. They couldn't be true! Nikolas:" How do you know this??" Jerry:" I was there Nikolas. I was on the island when it happened. You have the right to know this and many other things. Things that I will tell you at a later date. For now chew on this information for awhile. I'll get you for lunch." Jerry leaves Nikolas alone in his room crying bitterly over the mother he lost. And wondering how much truth there was to Jerry's words. ............................................. Laura looks at Stefan and shakes her head. "Well, you definitely have a way with Bobbie. I didn't know the two of you were involved." Stefan: "Well, you better hope my charm works this time. If she tells Luke about what she thinks she saw, you can forget my reassurances that he will understand. I'm going to go change. Please wait. I want to talk to you before you leave." Stefan takes a change of clothes into his bathroom. Laura straightens her clothes as she ponders her reaction to Bobbie. She didn't like it one bit. But if she had to admit it to herself, it wasn't just because Stefan was taking advantage of Bobbie. She was jealous. She hadn't realized until that moment that she felt possessive of Stefan. Stefan returns to the room. Laura studies him. He looked tired and haunted. She could see new lines on his face since Nikolas's death. Stefan:"You do not have to worry about Bobbie. I know I can convince her not to tell Luke. It is in Luke's best interest that he not find out." Laura: "Thank you, Stefan. For everything. For protecting me again." She takes his palm, and brings it to her lips. He stares back at her intensely. She can tell he still wants her. "I better be getting back to my family. I'm sure they are very worried." Stefan: "Yes, I'm sure they are. Good bye Lasha." He kisses her on the forehead. Laura: "Good bye Stefan." As Laura runs down the steps, she prays that she can make Luke understand. He just has to. .................... Nikolas rises up from the bed when he hears the door open. Miranda enters and looks at him sadly. Miranda: " You okay?" Nikolas:" I've been better." Miranda: " Lunch is ready then we can go for that walk." She says as she shoots him a smile. He follows her to the dining room. Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, he asks them a question. Nikolas:" Who is the woman in the room next to mine?" They both look at each other and try to decide how to answer. Finally Jerry speaks. Jerry:" She is Miranda's grandmother. She owns the house. She's senile and reclusive so she prefers to stay in her room. Perhaps you can meet her soon." Nikolas nods his head and then starts to eat his soup. He's eager to get outside and move around. Miranda: " I can't wait for our walk Nikolas . I've felt pretty cooped up here myself. It will be nice to feel the breeze and listen to the trees sway in the wind." Nikolas:'I'm so sick of that room that I'd be happy anywhere at this point." Jerry:' Well, Nikolas, if you continue to be cooperative, we can start letting you come out here and talk with us. " Nikolas:" I won't be giving you anymore problems. " Jerry:" Well, we'll have to see how it goes." They eat in silence and Nikolas feels Miranda's foot playing with his again. He feels himself start to blush and tries to stop it." why am I so flustered over her? she's just a girl who kidnapped me" Miranda continues to play footsie with Nikolas as they finish their meal in silence. .................... Stefan grimaces to himself before entering his living room. Before the events of this morning, he had been hoping he could end this ridiculous liaison with Bobbie. Now that Nikolas was gone, this liaison served no purpose, other than to incense Luke Spencer. Frankly he didn't give a damn about the master plan now. If Luke was behind Nikolas's death, as Stefan suspected, Luke would pay, in the form of a violent and grisly death. If not, Stefan would leave him be. But now he had to continue this ridiculous charade to protect Laura. For Nikolas and for himself, he had to protect Laura. He enters the living room. She is sitting on his couch, as expected, drinking a cup of coffee that Mrs. Lansbury had prepared. Stefan: "Barbara, thank you for waiting, and giving me the opportunity to explain everything." Bobbie: "How could you possibly explain what I saw? You were in bed together. Are you going to try and tell me that I didn't see that?" Stefan sits next to her on the couch. "It was obviously very upsetting, Barbara. But didn't you notice that we were fully clothed? " He watches her face, and notices her surprise. Bobbie: "Now that you mention it, you were. But that doesn't explain why she was laying in your bed." Stefan: "I'm going to admit something to you, but you have to promise to not tell a soul." Bobbie nods as she leans forward to hear more. Stefan pauses and can see he's hooked her. "I was in terrible shape last night. I drank quite a bit. In fact, I was downright drunk." Bobbie looks surprised and sympathetic. Stefan uses his grief for Nikolas to his advantage. Stefan continues, as his voice quivers, "I'm not sure why Laura came by, but she did. Probably because she was out of sorts after the Memorial Service. To be honest she probably saved me from doing some serious harm to myself." Bobbie reaches over and grasps his hand, overcome with sympathy. She can see the pain he is in, even now. "Go on," Bobbie says gently. Stefan's voice regains its strength,"Anyway. I insisted she drink with me, if she wanted to keep me company. So by the end of the night. I couldn't get myself up the stairs without some help. Earlier, I had foolishly dismissed my servants. So Laura took pity on me, and helped me up the stairs. I immediately passed out, and so did she. We woke up a few minutes before you entered the room." Bobbie:"Oh, Stefan. I'm so sorry you were in so much pain last night. I wish you would have let me help you." Bobbie caresses his cheek gently, as Stefan looks at the floor. When Stefan looks back at her a few moments later, there are tears in his eyes. "I am not very good at asking for .... anything." Stefan squeezes her hand. "Thank you, Barbara. Your kindness means a lot to me." Bobbie: "Tell me what I can do for you Stefan. Anything." Bobbie's face is full of empathy for Stefan. He can see that she trusts him completely. He has her exactly where he wants her. Stefan: "Please don't say anything to Luke about what you saw. I don't have the strength to deal with his rage. And Laura was so kind to me last night. Keeping me company so I didn't do anything foolish... It wouldn't be fair to her if...." Bobbie interrupts, "Of course, Stefan. I won't say a thing about this morning. I promise." Stefan leans over and kisses her fully on the lips. Her mouth opens in response to his invitation. After a few moments, he ends the kiss. "Thank you, Barbara. I will never forget your kindness." Bobbie: "Is there anything else I can do?" Stefan: "I have an appointment with the lawyer today regarding Nikolas's estate. Then I plan to see Mac Scorpio. I need some time to get my thoughts together..." Bobbie: "And you would like me to leave so you can get ready? I think I can do that." Bobbie gets up to leave. "Take care Stefan. I'll be thinking about you." Stefan: "I will get in touch with you soon. Perhaps we can plan to have dinner some time." As Stefan watches Bobbie leave Wyndemere, he breathes a sigh of relief. ................ Once outside, Nikolas begins to relax. He's glad Jerry has decided to take a nap rather than join them. Miranda seems to be happy that they are alone too. She walks beside Nikolas in silence for a few minutes, then decides to speak. Miranda: " How did your talk with Jerry go?" Nikolas:" He told me my Uncle was responsible for my mother abandoning me. I guess I'm trying to get used to it all." Miranda: " Nikolas, Jerry can be cruel and blunt, but he is only trying to give you the benefit of the truth. From what I understand, no one has bothered to tell you the full truth before." Nikolas flinches as the truth in her statement hits home. His uncle has been deceiving him for years, but would he really tell his mother to leave him? Nikolas:" How can I believe what Jerry tells me?" Miranda: " Let me tell you something about Jerry. I had a horrendous accident that left me begging for death. Jerry made me face the truth of my situation and helped me regain my inner strength, so that I could fight for my life again. He gave me my will to live. A lot of the things he told me though, hurt. It hurt like hell but it was the truth. Nikolas the truth can hurt you sometimes, but it will always lead you in the right direction." He takes her words in and decides not to ask her about her accident. He'd wait for a better time. They stop by a tree and Miranda sits down. Nikolas joins her. Miranda: " You really are a handsome young man. I feel so drawn to you." He blushes again , but this time musters up the nerve to make a move. He takes her face in his hands and kisses her gently. She wraps her arms around him and they kiss passionately for a few minutes. Miranda suddenly breaks the kiss and looks flustered. Miranda: ' I can't do this. I love Jerry, but..." Nikolas: " But what?" Miranda: " But I'm so drawn to you." With that she pulls him to him in another passionate kiss and Nikolas feels his heart start racing. He was falling for this lady hard. Chapter 16: Confrontations Laura pauses outside her home to gather her strength. She knows she has a lot of explaining to do. She takes a deep breath and enters her home. Luke is pacing in the living room while Lucky is on the couch. Luke sees Laura. Luke speaks to Lucky: "Partner, I need you to talk Lulu to the park. Your Mom and I need to talk alone." Lucky: "Sure Dad. See you later Mom." Laura gives him a quick hug and a kiss as Lucky takes Lulu with him. Luke: "You want to tell me where the hell you've been, woman? I expected to find you home when I woke up this morning. I was half out of my head with worry. Another 10 minutes, and I would have had Sonny's men out looking for you." Laura: "Luke, will you please sit down? I'll tell you everything, but I need a cup of coffee first. Would you like me to get you a cup too?" Laura goes to get herself a cup of coffee. Luke: "No, if I have another cup of coffee, I'm going to jump out of my skin. Just tell me where the hell you were. I tried Bobbie's this morning, and I couldn't get a hold of her. I know you weren't there. " Luke is pacing, clearly agitated. Laura begins the story: "Well, you aren't going to like this Luke." Luke: "Nothing could be worse than my imagination." Laura: "I was at Stefan's." Before she can continue, Luke explodes. Luke: "YOU WERE AT STEFFIN'S?! WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING WITH THAT VAMPIRE?? God, woman, are you trying to kill me? Of all the the places to go..." Laura loses her temper and cuts him off: "Luke, please. Do you want to hear what I have to say?" Luke is still fuming: "So, is he good in bed, darling? Was is worth it to you to sleep with him to get back at me for depriving you of your son? You might as well pack all your things and move there right now!" Laura: "LUKE!, nothing happened. I swear to you. Please sit down, and let me explain everything. I love you Luke, I wouldn't do that to you, and I wouldn't do that to us." Luke slows down long enough to look into Laura's distraught face. Luke can tell she means what she says. He sits down, "Go on." Laura: "Please understand, Luke. I needed to grieve Nikolas last night. I couldn't do that here. The only place I could do that was with Stefan at Wyndemere. But I swear to you, nothing happened." Luke: "You want me believe that Steffin didn't make a play for you? Come on, woman. He's obsessed with you. Even a complete idiot knows that. And my mama didn't raise no dummies." Laura: "Stefan knows I'm not available, Luke. It doesn't matter what he wants, or if he's obsessed. All you need to know is that nothing happened. Nobody can make me do what I don't want to do, Luke. Even you." Laura grasps his hands. "Let me tell you everything." Luke: "What I don't understand is why you didn't come home last night. What happened to you?" Laura: "Stefan was pretty drunk when I got there." Luke begins to get upset, but Laura stops him. "Please. Let me finish. He began to share memories of Nikolas's childhood. I needed to hear those things last night. To feel close to Nikolas. I began drinking too." Luke's face gets angrier, but Laura rushes forward. "It was my decision to drink last night. I wanted to numb the pain, just as he did. When the stories were over. I was too drunk to drive home. Stefan didn't have anyone to drive me home, so I called a cab. Stefan went up to bed. I must have fallen asleep on the couch. I was just going to rest there for a minute, and I passed out. That's all that happened. I swear to you." Luke: "Why didn't you call me last night? I would have picked you up..." Laura: "Luke, you would have had a fit. The last thing an inebriated, grief-stricken Stefan would need. And I didn't want to witness a brawl. You know you would have lost it last night, just like you did just now." Luke reaches out to Laura and holds her tightly. "We'll get through this baby. But only if we work through it together. Please don't walk out on me again... It almost destroyed me." Laura: "I love you Luke. I need you to let me grieve. Which will mean I may not be as attentive to you and the kids. I need you to accept this." Laura's face is full of tears, pleading for understanding. Luke: "I'll try baby. I'll try." .................. Nikolas sat in his room after dinner. Jerry informed him he'd be in to talk to him some more, and for some reason Nikolas felt like this wasn't going to be a nice bed time story. He waits for Jerry to arrive and thinks about the other things he's been told. ' my uncle couldn't have sent my mother away. Could he?" He thinks back to his mother's words.."There is much you don't know about your father's death." Could this be what she meant? He knows his Uncle has kept him in the dark many times, but he also knows that Stefan loved him and raised him. ' He loves me he has to love me." His thoughts are interrupted by Jerry entering the room. He wordlessly pulls up a chair to the bed and looks at Nikolas hard. Jerry:" Ready to talk?" Nikolas: " Yes, I'm ready. Now what are you going to tell me? What could you possibly have to throw at me now??" Jerry:" I want to make this as easy on you as possible Nikolas, but there is much you have to know. Many secrets need to be revealed. The first is that your Uncle is in love with your mother." Nikolas head snaps up at Jerry's casual bombshell. Nikolas: "You told me he was envious of my father, but loved her?? I don't think so." Jerry:" Not loved Nikolas. loves. Your Uncle Stefan has done many hurtful things to his family all in the name of love for your mother. Didn't you ever notice how he stared at her portrait? Or how he would look at you at times? He would see her in you. Of course he would see Stavros too, which is why he had no problem faking your death and having you brought here. Nikolas, I found some things of your Uncle's. I can't tell you where I found it but I want you to read these. And then you can draw your own conclusions." Jerry hands Nikolas a bunch of unmailed letters. They were addressed to his mother and were clearly written in his Uncle's handwriting. He reads each letter carefully, letting the pain and anger wash over him. They declared his never ending love to her, and how Stavros had been a fool to abuse her and how looking at Nikolas was like looking at Stavros sometimes, yet he still had some of his mother's features. He looks up at Jerry with anger flashing in his eyes.. Nikolas: " Where did you get these? I'm supposed to believe this?" Jerry looks at Nikolas and is pleased at the reaction. He is accepting the truth in a pure Cassadine way. Jerry:" I found these at the house after you and Stefan left for PC. And yes, these are your Uncle's." Nikolas feels his rage topple over. Everything comes out. His anger over being abandoned, his anger over being lied to, over being captive here with his spiteful cousin, over being the child that everyone was ashamed of. No longer able to control it, Nikolas grabs a nearby lamp and smashes it against the wall. He pushes the desk angrily and starts throwing and breaking anything and everything he can get his hands on. Jerry sits back and admires his work. Jerry:"That's it Nikolas, own your anger. Feel it. Use it to your advantage. Tell me what do you want to do to your Uncle?" Nikolas turns to Jerry, enraged. He no longer cares if there is any truth in what he says. He just wants to throttle him. Nikolas: " I want to confront him! And if these truths are for real, I want my own timoria! Don't gloat though cousin, for I want you dead! You maybe telling me the truth, but you are using it to weaken me to your own plans. Listen carefully Jerry, for I will only say this once. I will not be obedient, I will not be dutiful, and I will not fall victim to your mind games. I've been manipulated by the best manipulators around. You are just a flunky that was hired to babysit me. I know you well enough to know you don't have the okay to kill me yet or I'd be dead. So here are the new rules: beat me, yell at me, lock me up..hell, scream all the truths you want at me cause you won't break me!! None of you will break me! Now get out of here! Let me own my anger in peace!" Jerry eyes the angry young man with awe. He isn't as weak as I thought, he thinks to himself. He decides against slapping him as his instincts first desired to do. No, he is in more pain now then I could ever dream of matching physically. He doesn't know who to trust anymore. Jerry silently walks out and Nikolas stands alone in the room fuming. He picks up the chair Jerry was sitting on and smashes it against the wall and lets out a scream.."UNCLE!!!!!!!" He sits on the bed and shakes with anger. He feels hot tears start to spill over. He angrily brushes them away..for the childlike reaction that he has come accustomed to is annoying him now. ' I won't cry' he mutters to himself as he lets memories flood him. He thinks of all the times his uncle withheld truth from him, all the times he was manipulated by him. He thinks of him staring at the picture almost lost in another time. He has a hard time hanging on to the hope that Jerry has been lying to him. He thinks about all the times his Uncle comforted him, all the times he was their for him when even his own mother shunned him. He feels the pain of not knowing what to believe or who to trust. '"If he has used me all these years, then who has really ever loved me?" And the young man who is trying to figure his life out finally succumbs to the tears. For he can no longer fight them back as he feels his whole life and everything he has counted on come crashing down around him. .............. Mac and Stefan are sitting in Mac's living room. Mac: "Mr. Cassadine, I have some information regarding your nephew's accident. The complete from from the autopsy confirms that Nikolas died before the car exploded." Stefan's pales: "What killed him?" Mac: "He died of a blunt force trauma to the head. In other words, someone hit him over the head. There was alcohol in his blood, but not much. The fire destroyed a lot, but we were able to determine that much." Stefan: "I knew it wasn't an accident! But what about the car?" Mac: "We are still going over the car, but we already have some key information. It seems that the brake lines were cut, and bomb fragments were found in the trunk of the car. It seems that someone set the car up to crash, then explode. Perhaps they were hoping the explosion would destroy all the evidence, but the fire equipment was on the scene early enough to contain the fire. We were lucky we got the initial call when we did. If the call had come in 10-15 minutes later, all the evidence might have been destroyed." Stefan is shocked, his mind is reeling with the information. "So do you have any leads as to who might have done this? And who might have rigged Mrs. Lansbury's car? Surely you aren't thinking she did it?" Mac: "We do have to consider all angles, but a witness came forward with some useful information. You see, there was at least an hour between the time of Mrs Lansbury's call, and the time of Nikolas's death. A witness states they saw Nikolas down by the loading docks. We don't know why he was there. But they saw a man near Nikolas's car. We are still confirming the information the witness gave us, but this is an important break in the case." Stefan gets up and breathes deeply. He studies Mac's face, and can tell there is more that he isn't telling him. "You have an idea who killed Nikolas. Tell me." Mac shakes his head. "I don't have a lead on who did it. But everything points to a mob hit." He pauses, "I have to ask you Mr Cassadine. Do you have any enemies in the mob? I'm going to need some names of people who would want to hurt you or Nikolas." Stefan begins to pace, pondering the information that Mac has given him. He wants his own retribution, Timoria. The person responsible for Nikolas's death will pay with his life. "Well, there are many people who have grudges against the Cassadines. All of Port Charles, for a start. Luke Spencer and Sonny Corinthos specifically. There are also a number of people internationally who could be responsible. Give me a piece of paper and I will provide you with a list." .............................. Nikolas cries silently on the bed. He refuses to let anyone hear him cry. Through his silent sobs, he hears the woman singing again. This time her song is different. She calls his name. "Nikolas. Nikolas. Please come close and talk to me." She sings to the tune of Amazing Grace. Nikolas wipes away his tears and sits down next to wall adjoining her room. "Were you calling me?" Woman: "Don't believe everything you hear Nikolas. There are people who love you." Nikolas: "How do you know that? Who are you?" Woman: "I know many things, Nikolas. I know that your Uncle loves you." Nikolas forgets his pain for the moment, in his curiosity to know more about this woman: "How do you know my name? How do you know my Uncle?" Woman: "It is a long story. I heard the man call you Nikolas. And your Uncle has been kind to me. Don't believe what THAT man tells you. He is no friend." Nikolas: "I don't have any friends. Looks like I don't even have my Uncle's love." Woman: "Yes, you do. Your Uncle protected me, even at great risk to himself. He would always speak of you with love. He would show me pictures of you when you were growing up. He was always proud of you. Believe that. He loves you." Nikolas feels a great weight lift off his shoulders. "Thank you for telling me that. Who are you? How am I to believe you , if I don't know who you are?" Woman: "I am your Grandmother, Lesley." Nikolas: "What?? How?? I was told you were killed by my grandmother, Helena!" Lesley: "Your Uncle Stefan protected me. For your sake as well as your mother's. The secret of my being alive was to ensure my safety. Stefan would visit me sometimes, and bring me pictures of you. You are a handsome boy, Nikolas." Nikolas is stunned, but relieved. His uncle did this because of his love for him. "Tell me more, Grandmother. There is so much I want to know." Lesley: "I am tired, and so are you, sweet Nikolas. I am going to sleep now. We'll talk more later. We have plenty of time." Nikolas gets up and returns to his bed. He has a lot to think about. .......................... Stefan walks once again into Nikolas's empty room. Everything is as he left it. This is the only place that Stefan can still feel his presence. He remembers his purpose for being here. He knew Nikolas kept a journal, and he had to hope something in it would lead him to his murderer. He goes to the desk and opens the drawer where he kept his leather book. He sits on the bed and with a sigh opens it. He can't help but feel a twinge of guilt fall over him as he flips through the pages of his nephew's most private thoughts. He knows he's gone, but the guilt is still there. He skims the pages till he comes to the day he came home from the hospital. "Well, I'm back home now. Uncle is still doting after me and driving me crazy. I can't wait to have some time to myself. A lot has happened since I left. I hid out in the catacombs. Luke found me. He scared the hell out of me when he pulled the gun on me. I was sure he was going to kill me. I can tell Spencer hates me. I know if he thought he could get away with it, he wouldn't think twice about killing me....." This was the information Stefan needed. Sonny was the connection. Sonny had the money and manpower to complete the task. It all made sense. Now all Stefan needed was proof. And he would get it. Stefan continues to flip through the diary, until he reaches Nikolas's final entry, the day of the argument. He sighs before he reads the words. "I can't believe my Uncle would do this to Lucky. When is he going to realize that he is sinking to Spencer's level by enacting revenge on Lucky? I can't help but feel sorry for Lucky. Like me, he is a pawn in Luke and uncle's game of chess. Seems they both need to use their child to get to Laura. I wish my Uncle would see that we can make Spencer pay without hurting Laura's other kids. I have to go for a walk now. It will take time, but I know that I can convince my Uncle of this. Maybe after dinner tonight I can try and talk to him again. I refuse to give up on him." Stefan is in shock as he rereads the entry. He wasn't running away. He planned on coming back. But the letter on his dresser... Stefan is confused as he tries to piece together the puzzle. Nothing fits right. My nephew is dead and I can't make sense out of any of this. He wouldn't lie in his own journal, yet the letter said he left. Stefan looks at the picture of the two of them on the dresser and speaks to it.." Help me Nikolas. Help me understand this." Stefan feels exhaustion in his body. He can barely move, he's so tired. He knows that he needs to sleep if he plans on solving this. He leans back on Nikolas's pillow and shuts his eyes. He feels himself drift away into sleep, thinking about his lost little boy. .................................... Jerry waits impatiently for Helena to pick up the phone. Finally he hears her. Helena: "Yes, what do you have to report?" Jerry:" Everything is going like clockwork. The letters have done their job. You should tell your friend he is a genius." Helena: "I suppose my grandson is overcome with an array of emotions then? Jerry:" He is probably sobbing his eyes out as we speak. Uncle Stefan has been shown in a whole new light. You were right about the suggestion of using real truth with our truth combined. He knows that at least some of the things are true, due to his past memories. Now he is overwhelmed with facing that perhaps all of it is true. He'll be ready to listen to me and Miranda soon. Of course she is still playing him well." Helena: ' Excellent. I want him to feel that she is his only friend. He will turn to her. Most Cassadine men have a weak spot for a woman with a caring heart. Have you heard anything on our witness at the docks??" Jerry:" Went as planned. I'm sure Commissioner Scorpio and Stefan are both ready to lynch Luke Spencer and Mr Corinthos as we speak." Helena: ' Good, as long as things stay according to plan. everyone involved will be wishing for death soon. I have to say I live for the day when Luke and Stefan kill each other. Poetic justice, wouldn't you agree??" Jerry:' Absolutely. You sound remarkably well " Helena smiles at the phone as she walks over to her bed. Helena: " I why wouldn't I? I feel better today than I have in years. I might even take a ride on Diablo today." Jerry: "Horseback riding?? Well, careful, I'd hate for you to fall and really become incapacitated!:" They share a laugh and then hang up the phone. .............................. After several hours of tossing and turning, Stefan finally drifts off into a restless slumber. He begins to dream: Stefan is on the docks going through his Tai Chi exercises. He hears Nikolas's voices calling out to him: "UNCLE! UNCLE! HELP ME, PLEASE HELP ME!" Stefan races towards Nikolas' voice, but it gets fainter. Stefan awakens in a cold sweat screaming: "NIKOLAS!!" ................... NEXT