Chapters 107 & 108

 

 

Chapter 107 A Gentleman's Proposal

Stefan ushers a nervous Laura into the living room. "Thank you for coming. Please sit down. Would you like something to drink?"

Laura, dressed in a flowing floral dress, takes a seat on the edge of couch. "No, thank you." Rushing ahead, she says, "I meant what I said Saturday night. I won't keep you from being a part of this child's life."

Stefan joins her on the couch. "I believe you. And I hope you know I was sincere in my promise as well."

"I do." Laura answers. "Now we just have to figure out what that means for us."

"I think you would agree that we should do whatever we can to ensure this baby is raised in a loving secure environment with two parents that are committed to the child's welfare."

Laura nods hopefully, encouraged by Stefan's words which echo her own sentiments. "Absolutely, one of the things I regret most with Nikolas is that he didn't have that. He's still battling the scars and insecurities because he grew up believing I didn't love him. I would do just about anything to prevent that from happening again with another child."

"As would I." Stefan takes the opening he gives her. He pulls the jewelry box out of his pocket and puts it on the coffee table. He lets the gesture speak for itself.

Even with the advance warning Alexis gave her, Laura isn't prepared for it, it is too sudden, the shift too abrupt. "You're asking me to marry you?" Laura asks incredulously, recoiling from the box and it's significance.

"Yes... perhaps this is foolhardy," Stefan begins, standing for a moment to remove his jacket to reveal the black silk poet's shirt underneath. He returns to the couch. "The obstacles are all but insurmountable... you're Luke's widow, you're Lucky's mother, you have been widowed less than a year. And yet..." His voice trails off.

"You have to know I've had no thoughts of marrying you, Stefan. In fact, after Luke's death I figured I'd never marry again." Laura looks down at her hands. "I sincerely doubt that I'll be in love ever again."

"Would it surprise you to hear that I have no expectation that you will love me, now or anytime in the future?" Laura looks up at Stefan in surprise and Stefan nods to confirm it. "I can see the question in your eyes. Then why would I consider marriage with you? Because a marriage based on love is a frail thing. It is frail compared to need--the need for security, the need for safety. Yes, you and Luke were lucky. Your love endured, dare I say even grew. But thousands of people marry for love every day-- stand before God and man and swear to love one another for the rest of their lives. Most of them are not as lucky as you were."

Laura looks confused by his words. 'You've professed your love to me many times over the years. Are you saying it doesn't matter anymore?"

"You yourself said you don't believe you will love again," Stefan reminds her. "So in this case, love is a side issue. For the Cassadine, what works best now is what has cemented marriages for centuries... children, security, and property."

Laura looks at Stefan warily. "You're suggesting we marry for the sake of the baby."

"For both the baby and for Lulu, even for Nikolas," Stefan suggests. "Both Nikolas and Lulu crave family. Even Gina could benefit from your mothering instincts. You know that I care deeply for Lulu. I am as committed to her as I would be to my own child. Would there be any question of how we would dote on each other?"

"No... but I think with us both living in Port Charles, we can give this child and Lulu a foundation of love and trust without the need of marriage.."

"That is true in the basic sense," Stefan allows. "Nevertheless, it would not provide them a sense of family or security. The security of a mother and a father who are married and constantly available to provide love and guidance. Isn't it preferable for children to grow up with as much stability as possible?"

"Yes," Laura admits."But children should grow up with parents who love each other. Not ones that tolerate each other for the sake of the children."

"We have a stronger foundation than mere tolerance," Stefan argues. "Have you forgotten how well we worked together in putting together the wedding for Nikolas and Gina?"

Laura shakes her head. They had worked so well together they had ended up making love, it was impossible to forget no matter how hard she tried. "No, nor how you helped Nikolas and I make peace when I made a mess of things. I'll admit, when it comes to the children, we are at our best."

"Then is there any question that we will respect each other? Isn't that the most important thing we can teach our children?" Confident that he has made his point, he subtly changes tack. "Lasha, I'm not typically a rash man. I will care for you, your children, and give you comfort and encouragement for the rest of your life. And in return I will only expect your loyalty, your honesty, and your friendship. I can provide you and your children with the safety and security that you have never known with Luke. Perhaps it will be dull compared to your life with him, but it will be a safe one."

"This is all so much," Laura says after he pauses. "I never thought I would consider a marriage proposal again, never mind one that isn't based on mutual love."

"These are unusual circumstances to be sure," Stefan says softly. "It is hard to believe that a mere three years ago your husband and I were bitter enemies. You valiantly tried to keep the peace while establishing a relationship with Nikolas. And just as you were on the verge of doing so, you asked us to leave because of the feud. Do you remember what you told me in the park?"

"I said a lot of things," Laura looks down sadly. "Most of it... very painful."

"You spoke to me about Nikolas' and my place in your life..."




In the flashback, Stefan and Laura are sitting on the park bench. "Why do you marry men you don't trust?" Stefan asks after a long silence.

"You're mistaken," Laura says defensively.

"You won't tell Luke about this conversation." Stefan answers, almost proudly.

Laura answers thoughtfully. "I... wanted to see you again. I wanted to see Nikolas again. It was very important to me because I really believed that if I tried hard enough and if I said I was sorry often enough that I would be able to take that piece of my life and add it to the rest... like a piece of a puzzle that was missing for years. But I was wrong. It's just not going to work like that. I mean, people... aren't puzzles. I have to go on now without you."

Stefan nods slightly. "I understand. We were always something separate, you and I. We rarely spoke to each other in front of anyone - then and now. Alone we could tell the truth... ... but anywhere else it was all pretense. What I fear for Nikolas is that he may not belong anywhere else but that space we made apart, where he was welcomed to the world."



"Nikolas has a place in your life now, and not one of secrecy or separateness." Stefan smiles slightly. "But you and I, we still maintain that secrecy, that separateness. How I long for it to be different."

Laura tenses at the intimacy Stefan has created yet doesn't withdraw completely. "I think we've made steps to integrate each other into our lives."

"Certainly where Nikolas and Lulu are concerned," Stefan agrees. "But the history we shared, back on the island, even our recent intimacy.... have been relegated to the shadows. Even when you admit it, it's with shame. Will our child have to endure it as Nikolas had to?"

"That's not fair!" Laura fights back, hurt by Stefan's accusation. "I'm trying to do right by this child."

"I believe you are trying," Stefan continues. "But I fear if this child is raised out of wedlock, he or she will know only shame. Can you deny the fact that when you consider telling Lucky about the child that you are ashamed of being pregnant, of what happened between us?"

Laura crumples. "How can you be so cruel?"

Stefan takes her hand and cradles it between his lovingly, his voice soothing, tender. "That is not my intent, Lasha. I only wish for you to see the truth clearly. And while I ask you to own your truth, I will own mine. While this child was created in a rare rash moment that you have every right to regret, I do not. I want this child with every fiber of my being. More than I despised Luke. And I want to raise this child with you.. in an atmosphere of love and trust, rather than with fear and reprisals and lies as Nikolas was."

"I... I don't know what to say, Stefan." Laura says in a whisper, clearly moved by what he's said.

Stefan shifts so he's closer to her on the couch. "Do you remember the last time I spoke to you about owning my truth?"

Laura looks at her hands again, reluctant to remember. "I've tried to forget. It was so painful....."



In the flashback, Laura and Stefan stand near the park bench talking.

"I will own my truth!" Stefan continues ruthlessly, despite Laura's pleas for him to stop. "The woman who made me see " He moves deliberately to stand much closer to her -- they are face to face. "that life was more than pain, and anger, and revenge... belonged to my brother," Then continuing softly. "And loved yet another man. " Stefan looks at her intently as he whispers. "Tell me, Lasha, if I had been the only one, if it had just been you and me, under different circumstances, without impossible choices, would you have loved me?"



...."I am sure you remember your answer to that question.." Stefan says softly to Laura. "And however painful, I appreciated your honesty then. But the circumstances have changed radically... now we aren't speaking about love, we are speaking about family. About what is best for ourselves and our children. If you truly believe you will never love again, then perhaps you will marry me for the children and the friendship that will inevitably develop with it...and the opportunity to raise this child without fear and hatred."

"I... still don't know what to say," Laura continue, now in tears. "There are so many things for me to consider.... and not just this child and Lulu, but Lucky too. Anyway I look at it, our marrying won't be in his best interests."

Stefan takes the hand he is cradling and kisses it irreverently. "All I ask is that you consider my proposal seriously. "

Chapter 108 It's A Matter Of Trust

"All I ask is that you consider my proposal seriously." Stefan says after making all his points.

Laura gulps painfully, overwhelmed by the major choice she has to make. "I ... I need some time to think. Away from here, from Port Charles."

"Where will you go?"

Laura speaks slowly as she forms the plan in her mind. "After Luke died, Tony offered me the use of his old cabin anytime I wanted. I'm thinking I'll probably take Lulu up there with me while I think. It's quiet, secluded."

Stefan hides his relief; he knows exactly where that cabin is. "If that is what you think you need, then you should do it."

"I have a request to make.." Laura begins, again speaking slowly.. this time picking her words carefully. "I know you, Stefan. Letting me out of your sight is not something you would willingly do. It's against your nature. But I want you to do just that. I don't want to be followed, by you or your men. I want to be able to trust you on this and for you to trust me. You'll know that I'm not far and that I'll be coming back. That will have to be enough this time."

Even though it kills him to agree, Stefan has no choice. Not with such an important decision riding on his actions. "If that is what you wish, I can only agree, Lasha."

Laura squeezes his hand before withdrawing hers and getting up to leave. "Thank you. And if I need more than a few days, I will call you."

---

A week or so after Sonny was shot on the docks, Alexis continues to dote on him, fetching and carrying at his will. At this point, she looks harried and Sonny looks very proud of himself as he orders her around. "Can you get me some water, Alexis? I just don't feel up to getting it myself."

Silently infuriated, Alexis leaves to do his bidding. A few moments later she returns with the glass of water. But instead of handing it to him, she dumps it in his lap. "Oops! I'm so clumsy."

After giving a small cry of protest over the ice cold water hitting his stomach, he busts out laughing. "Took you long enough, Darling." When Sonny sees Alexis starts to puff up, he grabs her by the arm and pulls her off balance and onto the bed. She lands next to him. Deftly he pins her under him.

Alexis, unable stay mad, starts to laugh herself. "Okay, so I've been a chump.. as you would call it."

"But you're a beautiful chump, Honey. I haven't needed you to wait on me since the second day home, but I just couldn't disappoint you when you were so set on taking care of me." Sonny grins as he plants lingering kisses along her neck and chin. "Mmmm, I forgot how good you taste."

Alexis, her breath now uneven, starts to protest. "I'm not sure this is a good idea. Your wound...."

"The wound is healing just fine... I only had a few stitches to begin with." Easing himself off Alexis slightly, his hands quickly begin to remove her clothing. "I want you, Alexis.. now. It's been too long." His mouth finds hers by memory.

Surrendering to the inevitable, Alexis moans into his mouth. "God help me, but I can't deny you anything when you kiss me like that...."



Alexis touches her lips at the memory of that wonderful night they shared together. Even though they had made love countless times afterwards, that one time was burned into her memory for all time... as the last time they made love before she broke his trust.

---

Laura is packing for her trip when Lucky walks in the house to pick up some clean clothes to take over to Emily's . "Hey Mom, what's up?"

Laura zips up the suitcase and gives him a brave smile. "I decided this morning that Lulu and I need a break. So I'm taking Tony up on his offer for the cabin. Why don't you take Foster with you to the diner? He's always good for extra protection. Then you don't have to come by all the time to feed and walk him."

"Sure, Mom." Lucky goes to the hall closet to retrieve a duffle bag. His hand touches the black cashmere coat. He whistles softly. "Mom, when did you get the new coat?"

"Well the blue coat I have just doesn't keep me warm enough anymore..." Laura explains. Silently she berates herself...the lies and evasions come so easily now. She promises herself that she will tell Lucky everything after the decision is made. That way she can put all her energies to helping him understand.

"Well it sure is beautiful, Mom. I bet you're a knock-out in it." Lucky finds the duffle bag and closes the closet. "So, how long will you be gone?"

"Probably just for a few days." Laura hands him a slip of paper. "Here's the number I'll be at in case an emergency comes up. You'll be okay while I'm gone?"

Lucky gives her a dimpled smile and a kiss. "Sure, Mom. I'll be fine. Just go get some rest. You seem pretty tired these days."

Lulu comes bounding down the stairs with a backpack on. "I"m ready, Mommy!" Seeing Lucky, she launches herself into his outstretched arms. "Lucky! Are you coming with us?"

Lucky kisses the top of her head. "No, short stuff. Not this time. I have the club to run, remember?"

Lulu looks downcast for about half a second before regaining her previously buoyant mood. "Too bad. But I'll draw you a picture while I'm gone if you want."

"I'd love that." Lucky walks Laura and Lulu out of the house. "In fact, there is this blank spot on the wall of my office that just dying for one of your pictures. Think you could draw me a picture of Foster?"

---

In the seclusion of his study, Stefan fingers the box containing the engagement ring while he speaks into the phone. "Yes, that is exactly what I said. I don't want you monitoring Mrs Spencer's movements any longer.... It is not your place to question my decisions, however quickly I make them. ... You have no cause for concern, you will be paid the full amount, despite the fact that you only provided one week's worth of surveillance. There will be an envelope waiting for you at the hospital later today."

---

"Benny, the phone's for you." Carly hands the phone over the lunch counter. It's lunch time and Kelly's is virtually deserted. After giving the phone to Benny, Carly goes back to polishing the chrome.

"This is Benny... yeah Landers, I can do that. Just a sec while I get a piece of paper. I gather you're making some progress down there?" Benny starts to write furiously. "I should have something for you by tonight if I don't encounter any snags. Yeah, I'll be at my number. Thanks."

Benny hangs up the phone. "I know I used to complain about the place being too busy for my taste, but this is ridiculous." He comes to a stand behind Carly, surreptitiously enjoying the view of her figure.

"If it continues like this for long, I'll won't even have a choice as to whether I close or not." Carly scrubs the chrome furiously. "I'd like to be the one to make that choice."

"Maybe you should consider expanding your delivery service... at least for the short term," Benny suggests. "You do have the best sandwiches and chili in town."

"That's an idea, I'll think about it." When she stands, she almost bumps into Benny. He steps back quickly, but not before Carly gives him a speculative look.

Benny coughs delicately. "How about you shut down the diner tonight and I take you out for a late night dinner and we can discuss it further?"

Carly's eyes soften at his generosity and she reaches out to touch his arm. "I appreciate what you're trying to do to keep my spirits up, but this is not what you signed on for. You've gone way beyond the call of duty the last few days."

Benny gives her his most charming smile. Usually very serious and low key, his crooked smile is quite a striking contrast. "That may be true, but I consider taking you to dinner a side benefit. So what do you say? I haven't been to Luke's since I moved in here and I've got a hankering for some blues. Don't say no."

"Okay, I won't." Carly beams back at him. "But on the condition that we don't discuss work or the diner... Deal?"

Their conversation is interrupted by Keesha entering the diner. "Carly, Mr Baird."

Carly flashes her a fake smile, making her voice just this side of sickeningly sweet. "Oh hi, Keesha. I'll go get that tape for you." Carly leaves Benny and Keesha alone.

Keesha makes conversation with Benny while she waits. "Interesting that Carly didn't remember the surveillance tape at the time of the stabbing. Not something you usually forget."

"Then you must have forgotten what it's like to be a civilian, Officer," Benny answers coolly. "People are lucky to remember how to spell their own names during crises like this.. never mind remembering a surveillance tape."

Carly breezes back in. "Here it is, Keesha. Hope you find something useful on it so that business can return to normal."

Keesha takes the tape and eyes Carly coldly. "We would have had a better chance if you'd gotten this to us the first night, not two days later."

"I've already explained to Commissioner Garcia that in all the mess of that night, it just slipped my mind," Carly retorts. "So why don't you run along and do your job instead of harassing me about the stupid tape?!"

Benny, fearing that the exchange might become physical, steps in. "Officer, I think you got what you came for."

"Yes, I did." Old habits dying hard, Keesha lifts her chin so she's looking down her nose at Carly. "Carly, it's ALWAYS a pleasure. Good bye, Benny. Watch your drink while you're around her. You never know where you might end up if you don't." She turns heel and stamps out.

Carly takes a threatening step at Keesha's retreating back, but Benny stops her. "Just let her go. She's not worth it.."

Carly's eyes glitter with angry tears. "God, I hate that woman!"

"That's two now that don't like you. Anyone else?" Benny asks.

Furiously wiping the tears away, she returns to polishing the chrome. "Probably. You sure you still want to take me to dinner?"

"Absolutely."