Chapter 1: The Best of Beginnings

Luke and Laura are cuddling on the couch in their living room. They look
blissfully happy.

Laura: "Oh Luke, I never thought I could be so happy again. Everything
seems to be working out. It's almost eerie. I can't believe that Nikolas and
Lucky are actually getting along."

Luke: "I know, baby. Never thought I'd welcome a Cassadine into my home.
But he has proven himself. Never will trust that vampire uncle of his. "

Laura mildly admonishes Luke. "Luke, we couldn't have gotten through
Lulu's kidnapping without Stefan. He found her for us. You saw him kill
Victor to get her back for us."

Luke mutters under his breath. "I don't like owing Steffin anything, darling.
And he offed Victor because Nikolas was in danger, not because of any noble
feelings towards us. And he's still obsessed with you. He might have burned
that portrait, but that doesn't mean he's over you."

Lucky comes bounding down the stairs. He smirks at his parents snuggling
on the couch. Sometimes they acted just like teenagers, but he was
thrilled that they were so lovey dovey.

"Hey, Mom, Dad. I'm going over to Emily's to check on her. Today is
going to be a rough day for her...."

Laura smiles indulgently at Lucky."Of course. Give her a hug for me?
I'm so glad you are looking out for her. She's had such a hard year.
Will you do us a favor? Will you pick up Lulu at Ruby's on your way home
later?"

Lucky is slightly annoyed at the request but agrees anyway. "Sure Mom."

Luke. "See you later Cowboy."

Lucky: "Later!" Lucky bounds out of the house.

Laura smiles as she watches him leave. "He really has grown up in the
last couple years. I'm so proud of of how he's handled himself lately."

Luke nods in agreement. "I never had any doubt, baby."

Laura: "I was worried about him for quite a while. He was so angry about
Nikolas. I never thought he'd accept him. And while they aren't close,
they try to get along for Emily's sake."

Luke: "I swore I'd never accept him either. When he proved his loyalty
to you and Lulu over his insane family, I knew he was different. When
it really counts, Nikolas has your kindness and loyalty."

Laura:"We have Stefan to thank for that. Stefan protected him when I
couldn't."

Luke pulls Laura closer to him. "And Steffin loves to milk it for all
it's worth. He plays you like a violin." Luke feels his good mood slip
away at the thought of Stefan Cassadine. He forces himself to drop the
subject. Laura would always see the good in Stefan, and he would always
see Stefan as a devious manipulator. "Let's not ruin our time together
talking about Steffin. You know, we have the house to ourselves for a
couple hours...." He gives her a suggestive smile.

Laura's eyes dance devilishly. "Race you upstairs?"
Luke laughs. "You can't win, darlin!"
Laura: "Oh, yes I will!"
They race up the stairs at top speed, laughing the whole way.

................................

Emily is pacing in the Quartermaine living room. She can't sit still.
If she does, she knows she won't be able to stop the flood of memories.
The urge to smoke pot is strong today. She knows it will pass. She just
has to get through the next few days.

Monica walks in and notices Emily's agitation. Monica feels the sadness
and guilt feelings well up. She had so much wanted to protect Emily from
all of the ugliness. But she had failed miserably. Monica grits her
teeth in determination. She would help Emily any way she could today.

Monica: "How are you doing, Emily?"
Emily's agitation causes her snap at Monica. "I'm fine, Mom. Just leave
me alone, Okay? I don't need you pestering me!" As soon as the words
come out of her mouth, Emily feels bad. She sees the hurt register on
Monica's face.

Emily hangs her head in embarrassment."I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't mean
that."

Monica: "That's okay. You are entitled to be edgy today of all days. And
you have every right to be angry with me. I pester you when you need to
be left alone, and I ignore you when you need me most."

Emily: "Please don't go there, okay? It's over. Besides I don't think
anyone could have stopped Dorkman."

Monica attempts to explain "Emily, I knew he might hurt you. He
threatened to get back at me through you when I won the lawsuit. I just
thought he was blowing smoke...."

Emily becomes angrier and puts her hands over her ears to block out what
Monica is saying. "Forget it! I don't want to talk about this! I can't
take this anymore!" Emily runs out of the room.

Monica realizes helplessly that she just made another huge mistake with
Emily. She slumps on to the couch. She looks like she's about to cry.

Nikolas walks in and notices Monica on the couch. He can tell she's
upset.
"Excuse me, Dr Quartermaine? Reggie told me that Emily was here. Do you
know where she went?"

Monica pulls herself together. "Nikolas, I'm glad you're here. I think
she went up to her room. She is having trouble today, and I only seem to
be making things worse."

Nikolas looks at her sympathetically. "Is there anything I can do? For
you I mean? You don't look so hot. Can I tell Reggie to find your
husband for you?"

Monica responds with forced cheerfulness."The best thing you can do for
me is help Emily. She's the one that really needs you."

Nikolas smiles politely. "Sure, no problem. I'll see you later then."
He leaves Monica in search of Emily.

.....................................

Alexis is beaming as she enters the limo that will take her to the
penthouse.

"Take me home, Joseph," she says cheerfully to the driver.

Joseph smiles back at her. "Your appointment went well?"John notices her
radiance.

"Oh yes. It went very well! Do you know if Sonny is at home?"

J: "No Ma'am. He didn't tell me when he would be back. Would you like me
to call Jason to help you track him down?"

A: "No, the news can wait. Thank you." Joseph closes the window between
them.

Alexis hugs her stomach in happiness. If anyone had told her a couple
years ago that she could be this happy, she would have laughed in their
faces.