Chapter 15: Dead Man's Party

Luke's Place: The loved ones of Sonny and Luke gather to mourn after
the funeral. The mourners cluster in small groups. In the far corner
is Alexis, Nikolas, and Stefan. Jason, Robin, and Gina are in another
group. Lucky, Mike and Bobbie are near the door. Lucy and Kevin are
talking with Mac. Carly is sitting at the bar alone. Laura is
conspicuously absent. Keesha and Justus walk in and greet Lucky.

Justus gives Lucky a big hug while Keesha talks with Bobbie and Mike.
L:"Thanks for saying what you did at the funeral. I know it meant a
lot to Mom."
J:"I was honored to. Your Dad was a fine man. I was proud to call him
my friend. Where is your mother? I was hoping to have a few words with
her. She disappeared right after the service."
L:"I don't know, but I'm sure she'll be here soon."

Meanwhile Jason excuses himself from Gina and Robin to go sit with
Carly at the bar.

J:"Are you okay, Carly?"
C(staring at the shot of bourbon in front of her):"Yeah. I'm great.
I've lost the only family member that truly accepted me as is. I'm
just peachy."
J:"I'm sorry, Carly."
C:"Thanks. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to jump on you. Do you think Robin
would mind if you gave me a hug?"
J:"You know she wouldn't care. Come here." He gives her a warm hug,
and she begins to cry. Jason strokes the back of her head as she lets
loose. Finally she pulls away wiping the tears from her eyes.
C:"I'm sorry about Sonny. I know he was like a brother to you. How are
you holding up?"
J:"Okay so far. Don't worry about me. Robin takes care of me."
C(after a moment):"You know.. I was the town pariah after Alexis
ripped me apart on the stand at the custody trial. No one would speak
to me, except for Luke. I came looking for you, but you weren't here.
Luke was. He was smug you know. He said 'I told you so, Darlin'. God,
I hated him."
J:"Yeah, I remember. I walked in right about then and I had to pull
you off him. Luke was impressed though."
C(smiling):"Yeah. He said 'Damn if you aren't Spencer through and
through'. "
J:"Luke was odd that way."
C:"Well thanks for listening to me." She glances over to Robin, who is
watching them. They exchange smiles from across the room. "You better
go back to Robin. I think she needs you. Take care, Jason. And be
careful."
J:"Thanks I will."
Bobbie notices Jason leave Carly and makes her way over to the bar.
She orders a drink.
B:"Carly. I have to say I'm a little surprised to see you here."
C(downing the shot of bourbon and ordering another):"Yeah, well, life
is full of surprises. "
B:"Shouldn't you be with Anthony?"
C:"He's with Ruby. Listen, I don't want to argue with you today, okay?
Believe it or not, I loved Luke."
B:"I don't want to fight with you either Carly. I think we have to
face the facts. We have loved ones in common. I think it's time we had
a truce." Carly nods. There is a long awkward silence as mother and
daughter sit together at the bar. Finally, Carly breaks the silence.
C:"Luke helped me when I was pregnant with Anthony you know. I came
here looking for Jason. I told myself it was to get money for an
abortion."
B:"What? You were considering an abortion?"
C:"I wouldn't have gone through with it, but I was feeling pretty
desperate. Luke offered me a drink. That's when I told him I was
pregnant. Never saw him down shots that fast before, his and mine."
B:"So what happened?"
C:"He made some snide remark saying I must be happy because now I had
my hooks into Tony for good. Funny thing is that I didn't want Tony
anymore."
B:"You don't?"
C:"Nope. Ironic isn't it? Well anyway. I tried to leave and he stopped
me. That was the first time he hugged me and let me cry on his
shoulder."
B:"Luke was always great in a pinch."
C:"He took me into the back office. He flipped when he heard that I
was considering an abortion. I told him I wasn't going to try
adoption, given how well it's turned out for us. He agreed. That's
when he went to Ruby. He straightened things out with her and fixed it
for me live at Kelly's again. Paid my rent even."
B:"I'm glad he was there for you."
C:"I thought you were mad at him for being nice to me. That and all
the other stunts he pulled."
B:"I was. But I haven't been for a while now. It took us a long time
to get over all that bad stuff. At one point I thought we'd never get
through it."
C:"God, I'm going to miss him."
B:"Me too. He's always been there for me, you know? He helped me out
of a real pickle when I tried to find you on my own."
C:"Really?"
B:"I did something really stupid, I went to a loan shark for money to
hire a private investigator to find you The PI bilked me out of
twenty grand. Then the loan shark started upping his fees. I was
really scared. Luke and Sonny took care of it."
C(not able to look at Bobbie):"I didn't know that."
B(noticing Lucy talking with Lucky):"Well, I better get back to Lucky
and Mike.. It looks like Lucy has descended upon them. They might need
some rescuing."
C:"Thanks, Bobbie. It was nice to talk to you. Really nice."
B:"Yeah it was. Maybe I'll stop by Kelly's sometime and visit Anthony.
That is, if you don't mind."
C(eyes light up in surprise):"Yeah, I'd like that. So would Anthony.
By the way, how is Lucas?"
B:"Oh, he's doing much better now. He seems to like the school. He
misses me and Tony though. And he was very upset about Uncle Luke."
C:"I bet he misses you both. Going to school so far away from home,
that has to be hard on him, as well you and Tony."
B:"Well, they seem to be straightening him out. He's doing better
academically too. He'll be home for the summer if everything goes
well."
C:"That's great. He's such a sweet kid. I was really worried about him
when I heard he was fighting in school. Well, I won't keep you any
longer, I'm sure Lucky and Mike would appreciate the interruption."

Meanwhile, Lucy and Kevin are giving their condolences to Lucky and
Mike.
Lucky:"Thanks for helping set up this party Lucy. It turned out
perfect. Just like Dad and Sonny would have wanted."
Lucy:"Thanks, it did turn out all right didn't it? I just put myself
in their shoes and said, 'Okay. what would Luke and Sonny want ?', and
voila, this is what came out. Luke's isn't going to be the same
without Luke. And those damn cigars, I'm even going to miss those
smelly cigars. I just bet he's up there in heaven smoking one right
now." She takes a breath. Everyone watches the train wreck called Lucy
happen, but are too fascinated to stop it. "I just wish I could have
UNinvited Mr StePHAN Cassadine." She shoots a glare at Stefan who
seems to be intently talking with Alexis.
Kevin (lowering his voice): "Lucy..."
Lucy:"I know, I know. He's Alexis' cousin and all. But still. It
isn't right having THAT Cassadine at Luke and Sonny's party. They had
that silly little truce, but it's not like they liked each other or
anything. What I mean to say is Luke and Cassadines don't mix. Never
have, never will. Oh boy, I'm doing it again aren't I, I'm rambling. "

Everyone looks uncomfortable. Lucky looks like he's ready to explode
at the reminder of the galling presence of his Dad's archenemy.
Lucky:"I think need some air."
Mike follows Lucky outside. Bobbie walks up as they are leaving.
Lucy:"Oops. That came out wrong didn't it? "
Bobbie:"What did you say this time, Lucy?"
Lucy(looking embarrassed and remorseful):"Nothing! Well, actually, I
mentioned that I didn't like that Stefan was here.."
Bobbie:"You don't think, do you Lucy? When will you ever learn?"
Bobbie stalks off to comfort Lucky outside.
Lucy:"I really blew it didn't I, Doc?"
Kevin:"Well, let's just say you didn't make any points. Come on, let's
go get a drink and visit with Robin and Jason."

Stefan, ever observant, notices Lucy's glare and Lucky's exit. He
also notices that Laura's nowhere to be found. He turns to Alexis, who
is chatting with Justus and Keesha.
S:"Alexis, would you excuse me? I need to speak with Nikolas about
something. But if you want me to stay.."
A:"No, Stefan. I'll be fine. Go do what you need to do. I'm sure
Keesha and Justus would be happy to keep me company."
Stefan makes his way over to Gina and Nikolas, who are mid
conversation.
G(visibly upset):"It still so hard for me to believe he's gone...It's
really sweet of you to be here with me when I'm so upset, but you
don't have to. I'm thinking of going anyway..it's too hard being here
tonight anyway. "
N:"We don't have to stay here. We could go for a walk, or a drive.
Whatever you want. Or if you'd rather be alone..."
G:"Actually, the last thing I want is to be alone. A walk sounds good.
Do you mind?"
Stefan walks up and interrupts the conversation. Nikolas reintroduces
them.
N:"You remember my Uncle, don't you?"
G(shaking Stefan's outstretched hand):"Yes, I believe so. Stefan
Cassadine, right?"
S:"That's correct, Gina. You were close to Mr Corinthos. I'm sorry for
your loss."
G:"Thank you, Mr Cassadine."
S:"Nikolas, I'm concerned about your mother. No one seems to know
where she is. I was hoping you could call her."
Nikolas looks helplessly at Gina.
G:"Go ahead. I need to pay my respects to Alexis anyway."
N:"Okay. I'll be over as soon as I can."
Stefan and Gina walk back over to Alexis. On his way outside, Nikolas
encounters Lucky and Mike coming back in.
N:"Hey, Lucky. Do you know where our mother is?"
Lucky:"No, I haven't seen her since before the ceremony ended. I'm
sure she's fine though."
N:"I'm going to call her anyway. I'll let you know if I find her."
Nikolas walks outside to make the call. He uses his cell phone to make
the call. He lets it ring for several minutes. Finally he gives up
and walks back inside.
Lucky waves him over."Any luck?"
N:"No. I hope she's all right."
Lucky:"I'm sure she's fine, man. She probably just wants some time
alone. I wouldn't worry about her."
Nikolas catches Stefan's expectant look and makes his way over. Stefan
pulls him over to talk to him privately.
S:"Did you have any luck?"
N:"No, but Lucky isn't too concerned. He thinks she just wants to be
alone. I'd go look for her, but Gina is really upset and I already
offered to take her for a walk. But I can cancel..." Nikolas is
clearly torn.
S:"You are fond of her aren't you, Nikolas?"
N:"Yes, but my mother comes first."
S:"Go take Gina for a walk. If Laura needs to be found, I will do it."
N:"But what about Alexis?"
S:"I'll take care of her too."
Nikolas and Gina make make their excuses and depart from Luke's.
Stefan pulls out his phone to make a call.
S:"Has her plane landed? Good. Bring her straight here."
Stefan rejoins Alexis who is now talking with Bobbie.
B:"Hello Stefan."
S:"Hello Barbara." He takes her hand and gives it a squeeze before
releasing it. "How are you holding up?"
B:"Okay, considering. Thank you for asking."
A:"We were lamenting the fact that Luke's Place will never be the
same. " She notices that Stefan is preoccupied. "Stefan? Are you
okay?"
S(brought back to the present):"Forgive me, Alexis."
Bobbie spies Tony across the room. "I should go speak with Tony."
Bobbie gives Alexis a gentle hug good bye avoiding her injured arm.
"Don't be a stranger, Alexis."
A:"I promise." (to Stefan) "I know that look, Cousin. Go take care
of whatever is bothering you. Jason and Mike can look after me."
S:"No, my place is here with you."
A:"It's Laura isn't it?"
S:"I am afraid for her. Where could she be?"
A:"Wherever she feels closest to her husband. Why don't you go find
her? You'll rest easier. Really, I'll be fine. Here comes Jason and
Robin. " Robin and Alexis embrace.
S:"I'll leave to let the three of you talk. Alexis, Jason, call me if
I am needed. I won't be far. Robin, it's nice to meet you."
Stefan leaves without further ceremony.

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

Laura kneels by Luke's grave. Laura couldn't face the mourners after
the ceremony, so she had escaped. She can feel Luke's presence all
around her. For the first time since his death, Laura feels connected

Laura is at war with herself, torn between fervently wishing to join
Luke in death, and desperately wanting to be with her children and
watch them grow. Overwhelmed by the battle raging within her, she
shares her thoughts with Luke.

Laura(putting her hand on the fresh dirt):"Hello my love. Finally, I
feel close to you. I've felt so lost these past few days without you,
having to make decisions without your guidance. I'm not used to that.
We made all the important decisions together. Now, all of a sudden, I
have to make them alone. Is that my future?" The cold wind cuts
through her coat, making her shiver, but she hardly notices.

"I keep thinking back to that time when I believed you were dead.
When I became Stavros' wife. I didn't care if I lived or not. I lived
because I didn't have a choice. Nikolas was born and gave me a reason
to live. Then a miraculous thing happened. I found out you were
alive." She smiles at that memory, when she first saw him after
escaping Greece.

"This time is different. The ache is the same, but more intense. I
feel like I died with you. All that's left is an empty shell. You are
my heart and soul, Luke. How can I live without my you? My other half?
Would it be selfish to die? To leave the kids without me? I know what
you would say, family comes first-they all need me. Especially Lulu.
That we can wait to be together until it's time for me to join you. I
don't know if I can do it Luke. More than anything I want to be with
you."

Alexis was right. Stefan found Laura at Luke's grave. She is kneeling
next to mounded dirt, talking to him. Stefan's heart breaks as he
watches her practically caress the earth where Luke was laid to rest.
The anguish and grief can be seen in her every movement.

For a long time, he silently watches her from a respectable distance,
knowing she won't welcome any intrusion. Her head and mouth move; but
the words are carried away by the bitterly cold wind. Relieved to
have found her safe and relatively sound, Stefan is content to watch
like a guardian angel so no harm comes to her. But as time wears on,
he grows concerned about her health. Even with his heavy coat, Stefan
is quite cold. He knows her coat isn't as thick as his. Finally, his
concern outweighs his wish to respect her privacy. Stefan walks close
enough to hear her voice tremble from the cold.

Laura(teeth chattering):"So you see. I can't live without you. If
there is a God, he'll let me join you. I don't belong here anymore.
I'm useless to my kids, to my friends, to my family. And none of them
matter any more to me."

Stefan can't stay quiet any longer. "Lasha." He can see her violently
shivering now.
Laura:"Go away, Stefan. You aren't welcome here."
Stefan:"I would leave if I wasn't worried about your health. You will
make yourself ill if you stay."
Laura(voice eerily calm):"Does it look like I care? Leave me alone. I
want to be with Luke."
Stefan:"No, Lasha."
Laura:"Fine. Then have the decency to be quiet." A stray leaf blow
onto Luke's grave. Stefan watches her remove it.
Stefan:"Laura, please. Let me take you home."
Laura(:"This is my home now. Go Stefan. Leave me alone."
Stefan(starting to panic):"Laura, your home is with your children,
Lucky and LesleyLu. Would you abandon Nikolas again?"
Laura:"If I thought I had anything to give them, I'd go home to them."
Stefan:"So you wish to be dead? To be with your husband?"
Laura:"It's none of your business."
Stefan persists. "Is that what he'd want for you?"
Laura(yelling):"Don't you dare speak of what my husband wants for me!
You of all people have no right! Now leave me alone!"
Stefan:"No, I won't let you destroy yourself."

Stefan walks up behind her and lifts her off the ground. At his
touch, Laura goes ballistic, swinging her fists wildly. She hits him
repeatedly, attempting to cause as much damage as possible.

"LET ME GO, DAMN YOU! LET ME GO!" She screams repeatedly as she
strikes his chest until she wears herself out. Stefan does little to
protect himself, letting her release her rage. Finally she collapses
against him, sobbing. Stefan gently eases her to the ground. She
continues to struggle against his comfort.

Laura(screaming at him through her sobs):"YOU KILLED HIM! YOU DID
THIS! I KNOW YOU DID! ARE YOU HAPPY? IS THIS WHAT YOU WANTED? YOUR
PRECIOUS LASHA BROKENHEARTED AGAIN?! LIKE ON THE ISLAND?!"

Stefan is crying along with her. "No, Lasha! No! I swear to you, I
knew nothing about this! ....God no!" Stefan rocks her as she sobs.
He strokes the back of her head as he buries her face in his shoulder.
"You have to know, Lasha, I'd do anything to change what happened.
I'd give my life in a moment for you..."

Gradually Laura's struggles lessen as her rage gives way to
overwhelming grief. He holds her like a small child. His tone begins
to calm her
S(still crying with her):"I'm so sorry, Lasha. I'm so sorry. This
shouldn't have happened. More than anyone you deserve to be happy and
at peace. I am so sorry."

Laura cries until she is too exhausted to continue. Once Laura is calm
in his arms, Stefan knows it's time to take her home.
S(gentle whisper):"Let me take you home."
Laura nods, not able to say anything. He helps her to her feet.