barky4

Chapters 4-5: KISS THE RAIN & OUT OF THE ASHES

GH2026.04 Kiss The Rain Lucky's Place: 25th Anniversary Celebration. The club is packed to acapacity crowd. Lucky is standing amidst several patrons talking andregaling them with incidents from the club's past when Laura curls onearm around her son's waist and pulls him away. "I just had to tell you tonight how very proud your father would be ifhe were here, Lucky." Laura's eyes turn slightly misty with emotion. "Iknow I tell you how proud I am of you all the time, but this," Wavingone arm out elegantly Laura indicates the club and the crowd. This wouldhave made Luke ecstatic." "Thanks, Mom." Lucky drops a kiss on his mother's forehead. "Did you seewho is joining us at the big table?" He nods towards an anxious lookingRichard who is sitting between Lu and Nikolas. "I know, it makes me want to go over there and hug him close." Lauraconfides wistfully. "Mom. . . " "I know, I know, nice and easy. Don't push." Laura sighs. "But. . " Shesays with a joyful grin. "It's a start. A wonderful start." "Ya' know Mom? I get the feeling a lot of really good things are gonnastart tonight." Lucky says speculatively. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* "I would like to thank everyone for coming tonight." Lucky begins,taking the microphone and stepping up on the small stage. "Tonight we'vegot a treat for everyone. Brooke Ashton Cassadine has agreed to honorour stage once again." He waits for the enthusiastic clapping to diedown. "And we've got plenty of other little surprises all lined up. So Iwant everyone to sit back, relax, make yourselves at home and have ahell of a good time." Lucky cues the band to begin a slow, seductivesong. Brooke takes the stage dressed in a black skirt and emerald green top.Emerald and diamond earrings dangle from her earlobes. She winksoutrageously at Nikolas and blows him a kiss. Moving slowly to theseductive sound of the band backing her, she begins to sing to the raptaudience. Kiss The Rain HelloCan you hear me?Am I gettin' through to you? *~*~*~*~* Sitting alone at the bar, Ian watches as Dominique comes in from thedamp outdoors. She peels off her cloak to reveal a stunningsapphire-blue gown cut just low enough to give every red blooded man inthe place something to dream about. Her hair is swept up into a loosebundle exposing her creamy pale throat and her ever-present locketnestled between her breasts. She looks somehow both cool and inviting. What Ian doesn't see is someone else devouring her with their eyes fromacross the room. Striding confidently across the crowded floor, Dominique approaches Ianand almost gets crushed against the bar by the throngs of people. "Ian."Her words ripple across the back of Ian's neck making the tiny hairsstand up. Through gritted teeth, Dominique spits out, "I thought I toldyou I didn't want to be followed anymore. It's my life and my game, andit's being played on my turf, by my rules." "Listen Dom. This sicko isn't playing by your rules. He's jerking youaround." Ian's lean fingers wrap tightly around his glass of soda, theonly sign of his growing frustration. "It is no longer any of your concern, Ian." Intent on her conversationwith Ian, Dominique doesn't notice someone in the crowd slip somethinginto her purse *~*~*HelloIs it late there?There's a laughter on the lineAre you sure you're there alone?~*~*~*~*~*~* "Dylan? It's me. No, I'm still in Port Charles. Where are you? Youpromised me you'd be here tonight." Lu's voice sounds sad and lost asshe talks on the phone in the back office. "Sorry, Lu. But something important came up with the Jakarta divisionwhile I was at the cabin. I'm sure you understand. Something oh-soimportant kept you from going up there with me." Dylan's voice acrossthe ocean is hurt and angry. "But then something oh-so important isalways keeping you from me." In the background of the call, Lu can hear a woman's voice. "Dylan?Who's there with you?" "Who's there with you, Lu?" Dylan fires back, then hangs up. ~*~*~*~*~*~* Cause I'mTryin' to explainSomethin's wrongYa just don't sound the same Why don't youWhy don't youGo outsideGo outside If your lipsFeel lonely and thirstyKiss the rainAnd wait for the dawn. Keep in mindWe're under the same skyAnd the nightsAs empty for me, as for youIf ya feelYou can't wait till mornin'Kiss the rainKiss the rainKiss the rain HelloDo you miss me?I hear you say you doBut not the way I'm missin' you What's new?How's the weather?Is it stormy where you are?Cause I'm so close but it feels like you're so farOh would it mean anythingIf your lipsFeel lonely and thirstyKiss the rainand wait for the dawn Keep in mindWe're under the same skiesAnd the nightsAs empty for me, as for you *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Lucy, Lucky and Lu sit at a table on the outer edges of the dance floor."This is one great shindig, Lucky." Lucy enthuses. "Really. I wasn'tsure how you and Lu were going to pull it all off in such a short amountof time... but you both did a magnificent job." "Thank you, Lucy." Lu says absently. Her eyes stray to the front door,which opens to reveal Simon Collins, clad in a classy black Italian suitand blue shirt. He approaches his mother and drops a kiss on the top ofher head. He gives both women charming smiles. "Hey, Mom. You look great tonight." "Simon. I'm glad you decided to make it." Lucy's heart melts as shebrushes back a stray lock of his hair. "There are some people that Iwant you to meet." Simon flushes slightly. "Mom. . . .I thought Dad convinced you I don'tneed any blind dates." "No, your father decided. I, however, have yet to change my mind." Nudging his sister, Lucky whispers, "Aww come on, Lu. Rescue Simon. Askhim to dance before Lucy can get him married off." "Actually Lucy, I was just going to ask Simon to dance." Lu blurts out. "Well. . . okay, but this conversation is not over, Honey." Lucy warnsSimon, before conceding and moving across the room to chat with Stefan. "Whew! Thanks!" Simon breathes once they dance out of earshot. "You'remy rescuer! My savior!" Batting his long dark lashes dramatically, hefeigns a swoon. "Actually, I can't take the credit for your rescue," Lu confesses asthey glide effortlessly across the small dance floor. "It was Lucky'sidea." "Remind me to pay off some of his parking tickets." Simon jokes. "You know about Lucky's parking tickets?" "Are you kidding? At the station your brother's parking tickets arelegendary!" Simon's chuckle is warm against Lu's ear. "You know, it wouldn't be a problem if they hadn't installed that darnparking meter right in front of Lucky's parking space." Lu explains."But now Lucky says it's a matter of honor." "A man's got to do what a man's got to do." Simon says staunchly. Rolling her eyes, Lu scoffs. "Oh brother. Not the 'we men have to sticktogether' speech?" "Yes, soon to be followed by the 'there's nothing wrong with leaving theseat up' speech." Unable to control her laughter at his outrageousness, Lu's chuckles turninto genuine peals of laughter. "How about the 'We're not lost and Idon't need directions?' speech?" "That's reserved for very special occasions." Simon intones solemnly."Dad said that that's the kind of thing you only tell one very specialwoman. Usually right before she clobbers you." "So have you used it yet?" Lu asks flirtatiously. "No. I haven't found someone right yet. Evidenced by the fact that mymother tries to set me up with every business executive's daughter andevery model within a fifty mile radius." "You know, most men could probably think of worse fates." Lu replies,her fingers trailing along the back of Simon's neck suggestively, makingthe hair on the back of his neck stand on end. "Probably most men could, but I'm not most men." Simon's earnest grayeyes bore into Lu. Catching her wandering hand, Simon places a tenderkiss on her palm before guiding her to a seat. "I can tell." Lu whispers, dropping her head unhappily. "I'm glad you can flirt with me, LesleyLu." Simon says gently. "Butneither of us want it to go any further than this. It can't." "I didn't realize dancing was a crime, Simon." "What you were doing to me, Lu, violates just about every law made innature or by man." Simon whispers hoarsely. "I'm not casual, and neitherare you. So it's best if we just leave it right here. Friends." His eyesglimmer for a brief second then he smiles wolfishly. "Within theseboundaries Lu, I am yours to do with what you will." Simon's long,muscular arms spread out wide. "Use me, abuse me. . . " "But please don't refuse me." Lu finishes on a dramatic sigh. *~*****************~* Seated at the reserved table for the family, Richard relaxes slightly inhis chair. The soothing sound of the music, combined with the low keyatmosphere of Stefan and Laura begin to put him at ease. "Are you enjoying yourself, Richard?" Laura asks, placing a thin hand ontop of his. Richard smiles. "Yeah, the party's great." "We're glad you came, Son." Stefan's voice is barely audible. "I knowthat this must be very difficult for you, and yet here you are with us.Your mother and I are grateful." Unable to respond, Rick looks down at the table, letting the awkwardnessdescend around them. "Hey Richard! Wanna dance?" Reaching out a hand, Lu tugs her brother tohis feet. "Come on." "You'll excuse me?" Richard asks politely, inwardly grateful for Lu'simpeccable timing. "Of course." Laura smiles encouragingly. Taking to the floor, brother and sister study one another closely."Thank you." "Anytime. It must be difficult. We're all expecting so much from you."Lu says sympathetically. "But you should know, no one here expects youto give it all at once. We know we have to earn your trust, and yourlove. All we're asking for is the chance." Whispering low in Lu's ear, Rick answers. "I'm trying. I don't know whatelse to say except that I am trying." "Then it's enough." Lu returns, hugging Richard close on the packeddance floor.*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "So Stefan. . . " "The answer is yes, Brooke." Stefan interrupts without looking away fromthe scene of Lu dancing with Simon once again. Brooke chuckles."You don't even know what the question is yet." "Yes, but you have that certain "tone" in your voice that indicates "no"would be unacceptable. So I am simply sparing you the effort ofconvincing me." "Since when have you become so. . . .compliant?" Brooke questions,looping her arms around his as they survey the crowd. "I am... what's the phrase Laura uses? Ah, yes. . .I am mellowing in mymaturity. That or I realize that I am putty in the hands of thebeautiful women in my family." "I'll believe it when I see it, Stefan." Brooke retorts. "But seriously,the kids at the Center are putting on a production of Romeo and Juliet.I was wondering if you would come down and go over some of theprincipals of stage design with them." "I would be honored to be of assistance." Stefan answers gallantly. "Youknow, volunteering my time at the Center was not something I would haveconsidered doing without Laura's unique version of coercion, but I findI enjoy myself more than I ever imagined I would." Spotting Lucy sittingat a table with Laura, Alexis, and Felicia, Stefan is struck withinspiration. "You know, now that Lucy has retired, or at least herversion of retirement, perhaps you can persuade her to do the makeup foryour productions?" Lightly brushing a kiss against Stefan's cheek, Brooke exclaimsdelightedly, "Why that's a divine inspiration, Stefan! Thank you!" ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Stopping outside the packed club, he lights up a cigarette and sits backon his bike, inhaling reverently. The flickering light from the matchilluminates his ink black hair and aquiline nose for a fleeting second.He only allows himself one smoke a day, unable to quit completely, yetnot willing to allow any craving to control his life. His intense blackeyes search the night for any signs of company. The only movement is aslightly tipsy blonde woman making her way through the alley. "Hey! If it isn't our little gal from the other night." A revoltinglydrunk man calls to his two friends. "Remember us. Honey?" He easilytraps the blonde against the brick wall. "Where's your caveman now?" The other man leers. Mary-Rhonda Scanlon lets out an ear-splitting scream. "HELP!" "Will I do?" Moving amazingly fast, the man is off his bike, and in themiddle of a brawl with three men. Meanwhile, inside the club... "That sounded like Mary." Scotty Scanlon says, jumping off the barstooland racing outside with several of the club's other patrons. Lucky races out with a baseball bat in hand, his jaw dropping at thesight in front of them. A wild looking man with long black hair, sharppointed features, and a beard, in full biker gear stands over three limpbodies. "You okay?" Scotty asks, helping his sister up. "Yeah, those are the same guys from the other night; they jumped me,"Mary says, a little shaky. "Then he," She jerks her thumb in herrescuer's direction, "Helped me out." "Hey, let me buy you dinner." Lucky offers the man generously. "What'syour name?" "Gabriel YoungBear." Lucky extends his hand. "I'm the owner of this establishment. LuckySpencer at your service." "Then I have something for you." Gabe growls, drawing back his fist withlightening speed and sending Lucky sprawling on his ass in front of theclub. Lucky glares at the young man as he rubs his jaw, knowing he'd feel thebruises the next morning. "What the hell was that for?" Gabe towers over Lucky's prone body. "Do you remember meeting a youngwoman named Elizabeth twenty six years ago in a little town in SouthDakota?" Lucky stops rubbing his jaw, and searches his memory. Finally putting aface with the name, "Yeah, a waitress in. . . . . " His face goes white."Jesus!" Gabe glares at Lucky with unmasked disgust. "I can see she made less ofan impression on you than you did on her. After all, she was just a onenight stand to you, but she had a lifelong reminder of you when youknocked her up... you thoughtless bastard!" "Oh my God!" Emily, who arrived late on the scene, stares back and forthbetween the two men in horror. Gabe stalks off, climbs on his bike and rides away, leaving Lucky andthe rest of the crowd to gape after him. GH2026.05 Out of the Ashes Sitting in the office with his feet propped up on the desk, Luckygingerly presses an ice pack to the side of his face. The door to theoffice opens slowly and Lucky's feet immediately hit the floor. "Em?" "No, it's just me, Lucky." Nikolas announces walking right in andsettling himself comfortably on the couch. "Just about everyone has gonehome." Lucky tilts back his head and closes his eyes tightly. "Jesus, Nik. Whatam I going to do?" "Then there's no doubt in your mind the boy is yours?" Nikolas asksbluntly. "Boy? Nik did you get a look at him? He's no boy, he's a grown man! I'vemissed most of his life! Damn it, how could Beth keep him from me?" Infrustration Lucky throws the ice pack across the room where it hits thewall with a resounding smack. "I gather this must have happened when you went on your road trip beforeRichard was born?" Nikolas watches Lucky nod. "You were young and prettyreckless back then, Lucky. What could you have done?" "I wasn't too young to father a son, Nikolas. Heck, you had Staci andyou weren't THAT much older than me." Lucky snaps as the unfairness ofit all hits him in another wave. "Damn! I could have stayed with Beth.Or gotten her to come back here with me, I would have supported her,Nikolas. I would have been a good father!" "So, what do you do now?" "I don't have a clue. I've got twenty four hours to figure it out.That's how long the police will hold him." Lucky shakes his headruefully. "Man, did the kid have to hit me when there were a bunch ofcops present?" "What do you know about your son?" Nikolas arches his eyebrow at Lucky'ssurprise. "I assume that you've made calls regarding the boy already?" Lucky slumps down in the chair. "Yeah, I haven't turned up much yet." "Would you like some help?" "Hell yes." Lucky pushes the phone across his desk towards Nikolas. "Dowhatever voodoo you do so well, but do it fast." Nikolas grins tightly. "Your wish is my command." *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* At the Firehouse, Dominique is slowly undressing from the evening,slipping off her jacket and stepping out of her heels. Checking herpockets for lip gloss, her hand encounters a small card or high qualitypaper tucked inside of her coat. "What's this?" Pulling it out slowly,Dominique sinks down on her bed. You looked lovely this evening, Dominique. I also commend you on your intelligence for ridding yourself of the tiresome Mr. Scorpio. He is hardly a worthy adversary. Besides, now that the playing field is level, you are in no danger. For how could I harm my dearest soul mate? Worshiping you from afar,N "Oh brother. Not only is he a nut, he's a flowery nut." Dom muttersangrily. "Soul mate, my Aunt Fanny!" She thoughtfully taps the cardagainst her teeth. "I'm through playing with you, N. I think it's timeto take action." *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Lucky and Emily's home. Slowly trodding up the front steps, Lucky pauseswith his hand on the front door and takes a deep breath. Silentlypreparing himself for all sorts of welcomes, He opens the door and stepsinside the house. A lamp is turned on to reveal a rumpled looking Emily, who has obviouslybeen crying. "Lucky." And in that one word, he can hear all of herfears, and doubts and betrayal, almost bringing Lucky to his knees. "Baby." He begins. "Don't call me that! I don't want to hear anything out of your mouthexcept the truth!" Emily gulps in a deep breath. "Is that man your son?Did you have a son and never tell me about him? I can't believe this.This has got to be a nightmare and I'll wake up sometime." "I didn't know about him, Emily. I swear it. I would not lie to youabout having a son. I didn't have a clue until tonight." Lucky begins topace the room between the fireplace and the stairs. "When I left PortCharles after asking you to marry me, you know that I was messed up. Itraveled just about anywhere that I could think of. Well, one night Ilanded in this little nothing town out in the middle of nowhere. I wasdrinking that night and there was a waitress, she was sweet." "I don't think I want to hear this." Emily interrupts swiftly. "I don'twant to hear about you and another woman." "Well Em, you're going to if we have to stand here all night. It'simportant that you understand. This goon was hassling Beth and I sort ofintervened and took her home. Mostly we just talked. About my family,and a little about her life. There were things that I had to say and Ididn't have anyone to say them to. About my Mom and Stefan and about thebaby and everything in between. I was so lonely, Em." "How could you be lonely, Lucky? You knew where I was! All you had to dowas pick up the phone and call me." Emily protests angrily. "I knew where you were, Em. You were here. I didn't think that youwanted to be with me. I figured you made your choice and it wasn't me.I've never felt more alone on this earth than I did when Foster and Ipulled out of Port Charles. I thought the loneliness would kill me."Unconsciously Lucky pulls out a cigar from his coat pocket and slips itbetween his lips, chewing on it without lighting it. "I didn't plan onsleeping with someone else, Honey. I didn't even know that I needed totalk, and all of a sudden, there was Beth. She didn't judge me, ordemand things from me, she didn't even ask that I understand and therewas nothing to forgive. It was like some kind of absolution for beingsuch a selfish bastard and running away when my family needed me most."Lucky sighs sadly. "And there was another reason I couldn't call you,Em. To me, you were home. My home base. And I couldn't face that, it wastearing me up inside to the point where any time I thought of you Ihurt. Besides," Lucky continues. "What right did I have to ask you foranything? After the way I treated you when I left, I figured you wouldhate me almost as much as I hated myself." A silence falls over the room for long minutes while Emily lets it allsink in. "Did you love her?" Hearing his wife's uncertainty Lucky sucks a deep breath. "I didn't loveher, I barely knew her, Em. She was in and out of my life in a matterof hours.... but I cared for her." Crouching by the sofa where Emily iscurled up, tense and coiled like a snake waiting to strike. "Did I loveher the way I loved you? The way I love you now? No. Hell no. Nothing Iever had with any other woman compares to what I have with you, Emily." Unable to look into his pleading eyes for another second, Emily heavesherself up from the sofa and pauses at the banister. "Lucky, it's lateand I am tired. I can't talk about this anymore." "Em...." "I'm going to sleep in Leia's room tonight, I'm sorry." She whispersbrokenly before fleeing upstairs, leaving Lucky standing alone and inthe dark. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* "Hey Lu! Wait up!" Simon calls chasing Lu through the parking lot. "Oh hi, Simon." Lu greets him solemnly. "Let me walk you home, it's not safe out here in the middle of thenight." "That's okay really, Simon. I walk home all the time." Lu objectswithout any real conviction. In the glow from the street lamps, Simon can see how tired andshell-shocked Lu looks, and that her eyes are red rimmed from crying. "Iknow, but I would never forgive myself for allowing a lovely lady walkalone at night. Dad would have my hide." Crooking a gentle smile in herdirection, Simon gallantly offers his arm. "Milady?" "Well, we can't have Kevin mad at you." Lu concedes. The two walk in aways in companionable silence, until Lu speaks. "I can see through you,you know." "What do you mean?" Simon asks sharply, turning to look at her andstopping their progress. "On the outside you're all laughter, and charm. But it's only an actisn't it?" Lu presses, noting the tightening of Simon's jaw. "How much did you have to drink tonight, LesleyLu?" Simon demandstautly. "Just enough I think." Lu responds with a playful smile. "And you'reavoiding my question." "I didn't realize one had been asked." Simon begins to walk a little bitfaster, his jaw clenched. "Why are you so tightly wound? I mean, it seems to me that you're reallya passionate guy and instead of letting it out, you always pull back andmake a joke, or do something noble and gallant." She pulls him to a stopin front of her warehouse. "What's wrong with letting go, Simon? Huh?What's got you so afraid?" "You don't know me well enough to ask, Lu, and I don't think that you'rein any condition to hear the answer. So leave it alone." Simon bitesoff. "There you go again, putting up some wall between you and your feelings.You're mad at me. Go ahead and be mad. That's okay. There's nothingwrong with it." Lu grins devilishly. "What happens if I make you evenmadder?" Staring down into her eyes, Simon stifles the urge to turn her over hisknee, and redirects his energy somewhere else. She had pushed him toofar. "You want to see what would happen if I let myself go, Lu?" Simonasks silkily. "Do you?" And without another word, or allowing Lu'sprotests to reach his ears, He hauls her close and drives one hand deepinto her silky brown hair, savoring the cool feel of it. The other armclenches around her waist, so tightly that Lu ends up bent back over hisarm. For a fraction of a second his lips hover over hers and Lu is lostin the depths of his flashing eyes. Then his lips plunders her withfierce intensity. As soon as it begins, the kiss is over. Simon sets Lu upright again andlooks even more shocked than her. "I'm sorry. You're a married woman, Idon't know what got into me." He sputters dazedly, his pulse stillpounding from their kiss. He draws in a deep breath and takes in Lu'sdisheveled appearance and slightly swollen lips. "It will never happenagain. I'm sorry." Simon whispers before stalking off into the night. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Wyndemere. In the conservatory Stefan pulls away from his telescope witha small smile playing about his lips. "What an interesting development."He thinks to himself. "Honey? What did you see that has you smiling so?" Laura asks curiously. "It is gone, My Love. I happened to catch sight of a shooting star."Stefan answers cryptically. He extends his hand to Laura. "Shall weretire?" "Yes, though I do wish I knew what is going on with Lucky. I'm dying ofcuriosity." Laura ponders. "Could Lucky really have a son?" "My darling Lasha, Lucky will tell everything in his own time, at hisown pace. He always does. We can do no good by speculating." Sighing as she allows Stefan to lead her upstairs, Laura nods inagreement. "I suppose you are right. We'll simply have to wait." *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* "Collect call from Gabe. Will you accept the charges?" The operator askspolitely. "Yes." Rubbing her eyes, a middle aged woman in a white eyelet lacenightgown sits up in her bed. "Gabriel? Is that you?" "I just had to tell you where I am." Gabe says brusquely. "And I wantyou to swear you won't come after me." "Where are you?" The woman becomes instantly awake. Gabe leans against concrete wall next to the pay phone. "The PortCharles Police Station. I got busted for assault and battery." "Oh Gabriel! What happened?" "I hit Lucky Spencer." "Oh baby. . . . " Beth sighs softly. "Mama, I'm fine really. I'll be out within twenty four hours." "I love you, Gabriel. And don't you ever forget it." Beth says gently "I love you too, Mama. My time's up, I just didn't want you to hearabout it anywhere else. I'll talk to you later. Bye." Hanging up the phone, Elizabeth rolls out of bed and slips into a robe.Moving to the hall closet she removes two good sized suitcases andbegins to methodically fill them. "Hang on, Baby. I'm coming." *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Destiny and Rick's. "Wow, talk about your full evening!" Destinyexclaims slipping off her heels and rubbing her aching feet. "And no one knew that Lucky had a son?" Rick asks curiously. "Well he sure looked surprised to hear it." "Hmm. . . I think I am going to turn in for the night, Des. I'm beat.Good night." Rick excuses himself absently as he moves to the secondfloor of the house, and into his own room. Dropping onto the bed, heprops his head on one arm and stares at the ceiling. Coming to arealization, he picks up the phone on the nightstand and dials an oh-sofamiliar number. "Hello?" A sleepy voice picks up on the other end. "Billy? It's me. What are you doing in bed when it's this late inGreece?" "PATRICK!?!" Billy Onassis bolts into an upright position. "Is it reallyyou?" "Yeah, I know I should have called sooner. I tried. I just........."Swinging his legs over the edge of the bed Rick's shoulders slump. "Ijust don't really know what to say." "Start with where you are." Billy prods gently. "We've been out of ourminds since you left." "I'm in Port Charles." "Have you seen them yet?" "Yes. They know who I am." Rick laughs bitterly. "Which is more than Ican say for myself." Choking a little, his throat aches with emotion. "Imiss you, Billy." "Me too. Place isn't the same without you." "Is Dad-Thaao there?" Part of him hoping he is, part dreading theupcoming conversation, Rick clutches the phone a little tighter. "No. He left for Port Charles last night." Billy confides. "He figuredyou'd end up there eventually. Patrick, do me a favor." "Anything." "When Dad shows up, go easy on him. He's reeling too." "I know that, Billy. I just don't know where to start in all this mess." "Start with the truth, and love and family no matter what. . . . ."Billy repeats Thaao's words from their shared childhood. "And the rest will follow." Rick finishes. "I've got to go." "Okay, Patrick? I love you." "Me too." Rick hangs the phone up gently and drops his head into hishands and sobs quietly. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*