Chapters 87 & 88
GH2017.87 Constant
Kelly's diner: it's early in the morning. Emily just
got off the second shift at work and Lucky closed up the club. All the
curtains are drawn inside the Diner, and only a crack of light between
the shade and the door let's anyone know that there's someone inside.
Emily raps firmly on the door before twisting the knob and finding the
door unlocked opens the door. She is surprised to see a fancy set table
and slow music on the jukebox.
Emily: Lucky?!
Lucky: (Coming out of the kitchen with a smile, Wiping his hands on a
bar towel he tosses on the counter) Hey Babe.
Emily: (her eyes narrowing in mock suspicion) What have you done?
Lucky: Thought I'd give us a little privacy.
Emily: And stoke up some old memories?
Lucky: (shrugging) Whatever works. I'm a little old to be shinnying up
drain pipes into your bedroom besides that... the dogs put up a hell of
a racket the last time I tried.
Emily: (wincing) I thought machine guns were going to come out rather
than just than the house and yard being so lit up with search lights.
Lucky: And going to the club never seems to work out. There's always
someone looking for the boss for some crisis they'd solve on their own
except I happen to be there.
Emily: And you love it.
Lucky: (with a lopsided grin) Yeah, but not tonight. Dance with me.
(He holds out a hand to her which she takes and then laughs as he spins
her in close next to him. Just then a new song drops onto the jukebox.)
Sometimes the snow comes down in June
Sometimes the sun goes round the moon
I see the passion in your eyes
Sometimes it's all a big surprise
'Cause there was a time when all I did was wish
you'd tell me this was love
it's not the way I hoped or how I planned
but somehow it's enough
And now we're standing face to face
isn't this world a crazy place
just when I thought our chance had passed
you go and save the best for last.....
In a private plane over the Atlantic-- Serena and Mark near England
where they plan to refuel.
Serena: There shouldn't be a customs problem as long as we stay on the
plane.
Mark: (grimacing) Right. I was hoping to get up and stretch my legs
though. Sitting in one place for hours on end drives me nuts.
Serena: Then how did you handle being on a tour bus with Brooke Ashton
for all these months?
Mark: Are you interviewing me?
Serena: (wrinkling her nose a little) Anyone tell you, you have a
suspicious nature?
Mark: I'm sitting in an airplane with a woman that makes her living
butting into other people's business. I don't think I'm being overly
suspicious.
Serena: Let's make a deal. I don't reveal sources EVER. And since I
now consider you my attorney it's in my best interests to keep you
happy.
Mark: One deal doesn't make me your attorney.
Serena: Close enough. So how did you keep from going nuts on the bus?
Mark: There's always something going on. Brooke's used to traveling
and makes the most of the situation. She'd spend her time composing or
practicing. I had fax and satellite computer hook ups as well as a
phone so that I could inspect the security details of each venue. The
bus was also one of her father's old ones but was designed to keep a
person occupied.
Serena: Sorry-- I haven't installed a weight room in the plane but you
don't look like you need one anyway.
Mark: This is actually a very nice plane. Not as nice as the ELQ jet
but more than I'd expect for a reporter's salary, especially one working
in an upstate New York affiliate.
Serena: Well I've had a few planes over the years. It's kind of like
houses you keep trading up. My father bought me my first one; it was a
used puddle jumper but it worked as a commuter plane while I was in
college.
Mark: (Turning to look at her.) Really?!
Serena: He considered it a necessity. Actually I did too. If he
hadn't bought the plane then he would have moved on campus with me.
Overprotective does not BEGIN to describe my father.
Mark: I can empathize. I feel the same way about my son. I'm all he
has. His mother died when he was born
Serena: I am so sorry. I didn't know.
Mark: You couldn't have. What about your mother, what did she have to
say about all that?
Serena: My mother died before I was born, kinda weird I know and I
don't know you well enough yet to tell you the rest. But I have a lot
of friends and family in Port Charles. My other mom is in Mexico right
now. She and her husband are doing the artist scene there. Their kids
are in Switzerland staying with their aunt.
Mark: It sounds as if you have family all over.
Serena: Yeah, Maybe when I drop you off in Greece I can swing up to
Switzerland and see everybody. It'll be a quick trip though; I need to
get back to work. You were lucky to catch me on my Friday.
Mark: Hopefully, We'll be able to get out of here quickly. This change
in plan has thrown the timetables off. I know that Brooke's grandmother
was planning a big dinner for her.
Serena: I did a little bit of research on Brooke while I was waiting at
the hotel. Quite a story there.
Mark: (noncommittally) Really.
Serena: (looking over and grinning briefly) Going into your strong
silent routine? It's okay. Brooke Ashton second generation rock star
without all the garbage that goes along with being in rock and roll.
Graduated early from Julliard. Her mother is a powerhouse in the
industry... normally in discovering new talent. Very protective and
nurturing of her talents, People that sign with L&E normally stay with
them. She seems to be a firm believer in nepotism as well as child
labor. All the kids are involved in the business- at least part time.
Dylan Hornsby her... what do you call it, cousin-in-law was written up
in the who's who in PC when he moved from L&E to ELQ. Her father, Ned
Ashton aka Eddie Maine of the Idle Rich, is a cutthroat businessman
with a reputation of getting what the company or Lois Ashton wants or
need. (Mark smirks not saying a word) Will you at least tell me if I'm
wrong? I hear that L&E bought up a chain of radio stations in Nevada?
Mark: That's what it said in the business section of the Herald.
Serena: Do you think there was any ill will when Dylan moved to ELQ
from L&E?
Mark: ELQ is a family firm ...no matter how big it gets. Dylan is
family.
Serena: Are you involved with ELQ?
Mark: No.
Serena: So you work for Jason Morgan in his other businesses? (Mark is
silent) I've actually been to both the casinos in Puerto Rico and in
Cuba. I know that Mr Morgan owns the Puerto Rico one outright but the
casinos in Cuba have the same feel, you know what I mean? the same
linens, mostly the same menu... in fact I think I saw some of the same
employees.
Mark: Never forget a face do you?
Serena: (grimly) I can if I have to. ( changing the subject abruptly)
We're coming in for a landing. you better get buckled up.
Meanwhile on another plane on another runway near the Cassadine compound
on a Greek island in the middle of the Aegean sea. The private plane of
the Cassadine has rolled into the hanger area of the private runway.
Waiting for the plane are two staff members with a car. As the plane
comes to a halt, the two men roll out the stairs to the open door.
Brooke is the first one off the plane.
Brooke: (taken aback) Gawd it's hot!
Nik: (from behind her) The runway is on a sheltered part of the island
and the tarmac doesn't help. Once we get to the compound or walk along
the beach then the breezes will kick in.
Brooke: I'm not planning on being here long enough for that.
Nik: Brooke, the plane won't be ready to fly for at least 12 hours
while the pilots rest and the plane is maintained. You might as well be
comfortable.
Brooke: (Looking at him suspiciously.) I'm not staying here, Nik.
Nik: The servants have prepared a dinner for us. I think that we
should at least honor their efforts. I haven't been back here since my
grandmother died.
Brooke: I'm sorry. I didn't realize.
Nik: Don't be sorry. She was a cruel woman. If she weren't dead I'd
think that she were behind all the troubles that the Cassadine and
Quartermaines are having now.
Brooke: (curiously) Lu never talked about your grandmother.
Nik: Nobody does. Lesley Lu has always been taught to watch her
language and I can think of no fouler expletive than my grandmother's
name.
Brooke: I had no idea... You really hated her didn't you?
Nik: (using the conversation to move Brooke down the stairs and into
the car) She was a bitter perverse woman whose only god was power. She
would do anything in his name.
Brooke: And she taught you everything she knew?
Nik: ( flinching) No. But she taught Stefan. And she tried to control
me. We are the products of our upbringing.
Brooke: I'm glad you agree with me on that.
Servant: (Holding the door open to the car) Master Nikolas-- did you
wish to go to the house first?
Nik: No, take us to the cove. (He hands Brooke into the car and steps in
with her. The servant shuts the door behind him. Minutes later they
arrive at a familiar cove but down near the beach. Kicking off his
shoes and then takes Brooke's off her feet despite her protests; he
pulls her from the car and they walk on the soft white sand that is
shaded by the cliffs above to the water that laps against the shore.)
My mother brought me here as an infant... not here exactly-- up there.
(he points to the cliffs above)
Brooke: How do you know? I've always heard that you didn't know your
mom until you were in your teens? Did Stefan tell you?
Nik: Yes. But much later. I always wondered why this place was so
special to him. It was like a shrine to him... a place to meditate.
When we came here I could see the tension drain from him with every step
as we neared the cove. I think this place was what made my grandmother
bearable for him.
Brooke: I think you made it bearable for him.
Nik: But not for you. Brooke, I am so sorry. I hope you can forgive
me. You told me once that life was too short to make the same mistake
more than once. My lack of trust was a mistake but not us. I don't
know how you did it but I fell in love with you and I can't imagine my
life without you.
Brooke: ( taking a step back ) I don't think I can keep up with you .
You love me? (she starts shaking her head) No-- it's not possible; how
could you love me and hurt me as much as you did?
Nik: I don't think I could have hurt you as much as I did if you
didn't love me too. You do love me; don't you, Brooke? Tell me I
haven't ruined everything. ( moving closer he takes her hand and then
with his other hand frames her face and looks into her eyes) It's true
I knew from the time I looked into your eyes and saw this cove. This is
my home as are you. Please Brooke, don't shut me out. Whatever I may
deserve-- please don't.
we had each other
and we never knew how much we had
hurt one another
'til we took the good and turned it bad
But no we're so much wiser
and we both know the score
can we try just once more
oh baby give me one reason
why we shouldn't fall in love again
oh baby give me one reason
why we couldn't give our all again
if you miss me like I miss you
oh baby give me just one reason
why we shouldn't fall in love again?
GH2017.88 Craving
...all of the nights you came to me
when some silly girl had set you free
you wondered how you'd make it through
I wondered what was wrong with you
'Cause how could you give your love to someone else
and share your dreams with me
sometimes the very thing you're looking for
is the one thing you can't see
and now we're standing face to face
isn't this world a crazy place
just when I thought our chance had past
you go and save the best for last.
Lucky's head bows and his lips meet Emily's. Slowly he lingers over her
mouth, deepening the kiss and drawing her even closer as the music fades
in the background.
Lucky: (murmuring in a low voice) I've missed you.
Emily: (her voice husky with emotion.) I've missed you too... so much.
Lucky: I don't want to spend another minute without you, Emily. There
have been times when I looked over Stefan's history with Mom and
thought-- what an idiot. Why didn't he just get over it? It took him
over sixteen years to get together with her. I never thought I'd
understand it. But then I realized how long I've waited for you. It's
always been you: my closest friend, my confidante, my love. Emily,
don't make me wait any longer.
Emily: (her knees getting weak sinks into a chair next to the candlelit
table) Lucky, what are you saying?
Lucky: (Falling to one knee next to her takes her left hand in his. )
Emily Bowen Quartermaine, Will you marry me?
Emily: (starting to hyperventilate, her hold on Lucky's hand tightens to
a white knuckled grip) I don't believe this! Dinner! I thought Dinner
and take it slow... Oh Christ Lucky! I'm still married.
Lucky: (shrugging) So it'll be a long engagement. But Baby, I'm not
letting you out of my life-- EVER.
Emily: (Her other hand coming up to frame his face, her breathing coming
under control.) And I never want to be out of your life. I do love you
with all my heart. Yes, I'll marry you. Yes! Yes! YES!
Lucky: (swinging her up into his arms and twirling her around) Well's
it's about time! I guess the second time is a charm.
Emily: (her arms wrapped around his neck, she slides down Lucky's frame
as he stops twirling her) Definitely a charm. And a good sign in the
Quartermaine family... the second time is always the one that counts.
Except with Jason and he was working on his second life anyway.
Lucky: (now that he's gotten the answer he wanted begins to tease) Well
I'm just glad you calmed down. I thought I'd have to tell the grandkids
that I proposed to a woman with a bag over her head.
Emily: (laughing) While I broke every bone in your hand.
Lucky: (magnanimously) Hey I'm marrying a doctor! Break all the bones
you want. I love you, Emily. And now there are no more
misunderstandings, no more miscommunications, nothing standing in our
way.
Emily: (biting her lip) Except one thing.
Lucky: (rubbing her lip to stop her from biting it.) Nope-- nothing.
The little doc can't stop us from being together. And you've got one of
the best lawyers in ole port Chuckles on the case. It's an engagement,
Em. Kind of weird I know, but it'll give us time to prepare for the
wedding you deserve.
Emily: All I want is you.
Lucky: And this. (Lucky pulls a diamond ring out of his pocket ) My
dad gave this to my mom. I hope you'll wear it with my love and the
love of my family.
Emily: (starting to hyperventilate again she sits back down her eyes
filling with tears.) I know how much that ring means to you... and to
me. Lucky, If you put it on my hand I'm not taking it off.
Lucky: Sounds like a deal to me. (Reaching for her hand, he smoothly
slides it on her finger-- the fit snug but not tight. He looks into her
eyes as the ring slides into place) You've been my best friend and it
grew into so much more. You've put up with my carelessness and my
impulsive nature. But know this, Emily. The men in my family love
forever. And that's the way it will be. I'll love you forever and
nothing will keep you from me now.
Emily: (throwing her arms around him again brings him close into a
kiss) And I want nothing between us.
Lucky: (Pulling her to her feet, he then leans over and blows out the
candles. Swinging her into his arms, he heads for the stairs.) I can
get into that.
Emily: (not really caring) Where are you taking me? And what about
Dinner?
Lucky: I made arrangements with the owner for you to have your old
room... and it was too hot to cook. But don't worry-- I'll take care of
everything. I've got a plan.
Emily: A plan?
Lucky: From A to Z and all points in between and each one involves you
and me.
Nikolas and Brooke walk back from the cove to the large white house on
the bluff where a servant waits.
Brooke: It's an impressive house, Nik.
Nik: There were some good times here. I had hours of family history
with my grandmother until I was seven, but after that Stefan and Alexis
took over my education. Stefan included riding and Alexis--backgammon.
Brooke: Not Chess?
Nik:( laughing) No, Not Chess. The chess gene seems to have skipped a
generation in the Cassadine. Staci has it much to Stefan's delight.
Brooke: Stone seems to have it as well.
Nik: For which I am grateful. Stone needs the discipline that chess
provides although his work at the television station seems to be a
positive influence. Alexis has taken to heart Maxie's warnings about
Stone's violent temper.
Brooke: Stone did the right thing.
Nik: Yes, But not the right way. Stone has violence bred into him on
both sides- Corinthos and Cassadine.
Brooke: (shaking her head) Stone has a warrior spirit on both sides. Ma
used to tell stories about Sonny whenever Pop wasn't around. So would
Uncle Louie. Sonny was always a hot head but it was a reaction to what
was going on at home.
Nik: What?
Brooke: Sonny's stepfather used to beat him. I'm not talking spankings
or discipline-- I mean BEATINGS.
Nik: (shocked) Alexis never said anything.
Brooke: (shrugging) Why should she? Isn't communications between a
husband and wife privileged information?
Nik: (with a crooked grin) Yes, and she, lawyer to the core, would take
that to heart. It's fairly unusual for the Cassadine. For all our talk
of privacy, there is a fair amount of "butting in"
Brooke: (ruefully) I've noticed.
Nik: The interest has not always been benign. Stefan's interference
caused roadblocks between me and Gina as well as my relationship with
Laura.
Brooke: He seems to have backed off some.
Nik: That is kind of you to say considering the circumstances.
Brooke: What happened was our choice. Nothing would have happened if
there hadn't been something there in the beginning.
Nik:( taking her hand and squeezing it gratefully) That is gracious of
you given this situation, Brooke.
Brooke: (Sitting down in the living room) I just want to go home, Nik.
Everything has been so... weird. All I want is Bensonhurst: my family,
my old room, my grandmother's lasagna. I want to be able to sleep at
night without hearing, seeing and smelling that bus exploding.
Nik: (Sitting in a nearby chair) Brooke, there is no guarantee that it
won't happen again. These terrorists are still out there. After what
happened to Staci I'm sure that you understand why I'm skittish.
Brooke: (Nodding) Yes, but I'm not a sixteen year old, Nik. I have to
make decisions for myself. I know there are risks involved. That's
another reason why I want to be in Bensonhurst-- on my own turf. You
don't know what the neighborhood is like. Everyone knows everyone and
looks out for each other. It's not a fortress surrounded by water and
rock. But it is still a fortress, one where strangers are noted and
everyone knows everyone's business. All the neighbors were on their
front porches when gramps got his satellite dish and there were no
shortage of critics when Dad was putting in his BBQ pit telling him how
to do it right. It's not only family but community. Everything will be
fine once I'm home.
Nik: (sighing) I wish I had your confidence, Brooke but you are talking
about something I never had.
Brooke: That isn't so. You have that in Port Charles with the hospital
and the foundation.
Nik: If that is true then I definitely do not have your confidence.
Brooke, My brother was stolen out of GH despite staff and security. My
daughter kidnaped off the street-- The STREET in Port Charles.
Brooke: And that is what it means to be associated with the Cassadine.
Everything you've said just reinforces the idea that I should stay away.
Nik: But that is impossible now. (Laying his hand on Brooke's stomach.)
Brooke, You carry a Cassadine... possibly THE Cassadine. Our child is a
magnet; what happened with the bus could happen again or worse. I don't
know of any other way to protect the child and you but to isolate you
from the dangers. Brooke, I think that you should stay here. As soon
as I get back to Port Charles, Staci is going to be on the first flight
back here. Stone too.
Brooke: Fine. Staci is your daughter and your responsibility. Stone
too if Alexis and Tom agree. But Nik-- NOT ME. I have the right to my
own life. I've been making my own decisions since I was Staci's age.
That is the way I was raised. I'm not going to change. I don't want to
change.
Nik: I'm sorry you feel that way. I should go back down to the hanger
and check on the plane and the pilot. Will you be okay until I get
back? I know that you were feeling the heat before.
Brooke: Yeah, I'll be fine.
Nik: I don't know how long it will take. The staff has prepared a room
for you in case you want to lie down ( Nik rises and goes to the door)
Goodbye Brooke.
Minutes later at the hanger.
Nik: How soon can we leave?
Pilot: The plane is refueled... anytime.
Nik: Fine. Let's go then. (The pilot leaves.) I'm sorry, Brooke.
This is too important to take chances. (The Driver enters the hanger)
Driver: The pilot has informed me of your plans. Do you wish me to
return to the house for Miss Ashton?
Nik: No. Ms. Ashton will be remaining on the island. Please inform the
staff that her comfort is their priority. No one is to leave or arrive
on the island in my absence. As soon as I leave block off the runway.
Contact me directly with any issues.
Driver: Yes, Mr. Cassadine. I'll inform the rest of the staff.
In a candlelit room over Kelly's Lucky and Emily are in bed. A velvet
patchwork quilt in jewel colors is puddled at the foot of the bed.
Emily: Am I dreaming?
Lucky leans over and draws Emily to him; he kisses her and then kisses
her again deepening the kiss. His hand caresses her face before moving
down her frame.
Emily: (Arching into his hand with a groan) I don't care if it is---
don't wake me.
Lucky: ( with little nibbles along her collarbone.) There is more where
that came from. And this time nothing will get in our way: not
terrorists, family or bodyguards.
Emily: (burying her face against Lucky's chest) OHMIGOD Bodyguards!
Mine is still outside. Now Jason knows.
Lucky: Babe, He'd know when he saw the ring. They'll all know.
Emily: (with a widening smile) Yeah, I'm with the guy I love and we're
getting married.
Lucky: Hell or high water.
Emily: Whatever family crisis that comes along.
