Chapter 21: Let's Get A Few Things Straight

Nikolas walks into Stefan's study to hear the sound of his mother's
voice.

Laura:"..Then Nikolas came. You knew I loved him. And you made sure I
lost him. Oh yes, I made the choice to leave alright. When you left that
newspaper out with Luke's picture in it. I remember your smug smile.
Then Stavros died trying to rape me, you threatened to kill my loved
ones if I ever tried to see Nikolas. When he was four you ordered my
mother's death because I tried. You delighted in torturing me at the
airport in Athens. Stefan told me you taped it. You really are a twisted
sadistic bitch."

Nikolas is shocked to see his Uncle sitting at his computer, apparently
listening in to one his mother's private conversations.

Nikolas:"What the hell do you think you're doing, Uncle?!"

Stefan jumps at the sound of his nephew's voice. He quickly turns the
sound off.

Nikolas watches his Uncle's guilty movements. "This is low even for
you, Uncle. Luke Spencer's dead, what possible reason could you have
for spying on my mother like that?!"

Stefan turns around and Nikolas is surprised to see traces of recent
tears on his face.

Stefan:"Have a seat, Nikolas. There are some things you should know."

Nikolas:"I can't think of one good reason for you to be spying on my
mother in her own home. Can't she grieve for her husband in peace?"

Stefan:"Your mother is in Greece. What you heard was her conversation
with Helena. I am monitoring it for her safety, Nikolas."

Nikolas(clearly surprised):"You said that Grandmother was incapacitated,
so why would she continue to be a threat?"

Stefan:"I have underestimated your Grandmother before and each time your
mother has been hurt. Extreme measures are necessary. Please, have a
seat. It could take awhile it explain how things are between Helena and
Laura."

Nikolas sits in a nearby chair, still angry. "Go ahead, I'm listening."

Stefan:"Your Grandmother has tortured your mother since before you were
born. As you know, Stavros had your mother kidnapped in revenge against
Luke. What you don't know is Helena's part in it. She took great
pleasure in tormenting Laura. At first Helena would pretend to consider
releasing her. Your mother would beg for hours, using every reason she
could think of and making all sorts of pledges. Helena would pretend
to let her go and then drag her back to the compound, claiming to
Stavros that Laura had tried to escape. Stavros would be enraged and
lock your mother in her room for days. I remember standing outside your
mother's room, listening to her sob for hours. She hated to be confined,
Nikolas. Helena knew that and exploited it."

Nikolas starts to feel sick. "What does this have to do with you spying
on my mother?"

Stefan:"I had no power to protect her then, Nikolas. Even in those first
few months of your mother's captivity, her plight broke my heart. It's
funny, at first I was relieved to have Helena torturing someone else.
But when I saw how it crushed your mother's spirit, I felt responsible,
even guilty. I began to draw Helena's venom back toward me. It was
easier to take than seeing your mother fade away. I was not able to
protect your mother completely however. I wasn't powerful enough."

Nikolas:"So you think that Grandmother can hurt my mother even from her
deathbed?"

Stefan:"In your mother's current fragile state, I thought it was
possible."

Nikolas:"There's more isn't there?"

Stefan:"Yes. You know only part of the story of Stavros' proposal to
your mother. It was after she learned that Luke was dead. As you know,
Laura didn't love Stavros, but she married him to survive, to gain
freedom and power. I can still remember her words when she told me of
her plans to marry Stavros...'whatever he said, I did'. It was
disgraceful how he used his power to control her, Nikolas. And yet I
could see no other option for her. I don't know what my brother would
have done had she not married him. So I offered your mother friendship
and a place to go that was free of Helena and Stavros. After your mother
left, I used to take you there."

Nikolas(his mind working to put the pieces of the puzzle together):"The
cove... you mentioned it to her at the hospital. Why didn't you tell me
you were close to my mother?"

Stefan:"It was irrelevant and for the longest time dangerous to all of
us. Anyway, one day your mother told me that she was pregnant." Nikolas
sees Stefan's eyes well up with emotion. "It was then I made the
pledge."

Nikolas:"The pledge?"

Stefan:"I pledged my every loyalty to her and to her child..You. It
was the day she told me that there would be a Cassadine she would always
love. "

Nikolas(rocked by the knowledge):"I understand."

Stefan:"I will always protect her, Nikolas. I will not allow Helena to
hurt her again."

Nikolas gets up from the chair. "Thank you for telling me. You have
given me a lot to think about. I better get ready for my date with
Gina."

Stefan walks over and puts his hands on Nikolas' shoulders. "I don't
tell you very often how proud I am of you. You have grown into an
strong, intelligent, compassionate man. Only a few years ago, you would
have run out without allowing me to explain." Nikolas and Stefan
embrace.

Nikolas:"I love you, Uncle. I can't be angry at you for protecting the
people I love."

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

Lucky stands at his father's grave. The grave is covered with fresh snow
that fell that morning. It crunches under Lucky's feet as he walks
around the grave, talking to Luke.

Lucky:"Hi, Dad. It's weird coming here to talk to you like this. I keep
expecting you to come down the stairs or call from the club to check on
Mom and Lu. But it never happens." Lucky looks at the gravestone,
taking in the reality of his father's death. Tears fall unchecked.
"This shouldn't have happened, man. You and Sonny should be alive and
that damned vampire should be dead!!"

Lucky takes the gun out of his pocket and looks at it. "Well I'm gonna
do what you would do. I'm going to put him in the ground, Dad. But not
before I get him to admit he killed you. I love you, Dad. I'll always
remember you. always."

Lucky brushes the snow from the gravestone before he leaves.

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

Nikolas escorts Gina out of the PC Grill after dinner.

Nikolas:"Shall we go for a walk?" He offers her his arm.
Gina smiles as she takes it. "I'd like that. Thanks for a wonderful
date. First a luxurious ride in a limo and then a elegant dinner at the
Grill. I think you're trying to sweep me off my feet." They walk to the
park
Nikolas:"Is it working?"
Gina(smiling happily):"Yes. But it's you - not the trappings."
Nikolas:"You deserve to be pampered. I don't anyone who works as hard as
you do: going to school and working full time at Luke's."
Gina:"I don't mind working hard. I feel useful."
They arrive at the park and sit together on one of the benches, facing
each other. Gina fidgets nervously.

Nikolas smiles at her nervousness. "There's no reason to be nervous,
Gina. Despite the rumors, I don't bite."
Gina laughs, putting her hand on his knee for reassurance. "Nikolas, it
isn't that. It's just that you've built me up in your mind. I'm not the
wonderful person you think I am."
Nikolas lifts her chin to look into her eyes. Gina finds herself
drowning in his chocolate brown eyes.

Nik:"Why don't you let me be the judge of that." He takes his hand from
her chin and strokes her hair gently. "So beautiful.... Irresistible."
He leans down to kiss her lips gently, bringing his hand behind her head
to guide her to him.

Gina(in breathless wonder):"Nikolas..." She wraps her arms around his
neck as she deepens the kiss. "... what are you doing to me...?"

Nikolas wraps his arms around her slender body and pulls her close as
the kisses become more passionate. "I've wanted to kiss you for so long,
Gina..It feels so right.."

Their passion is interrupted by the insistent ring of a cell phone.
Nikolas reluctantly pulls away, taking a deep breath to steady himself.

Nik(apologetically):"Damn! I'm sorry. With all the crises in my family
right now, I have to answer that."

Gina(still breathless):"It's okay. Answer it."

Nik pulls out his cell phone. "Nikolas Cassadine. Emily? ... Wait, slow
down. What's going on with Lucky?" He looks at Gina anxiously.

Emily:"I can't find him anywhere, Nikolas. He was very angry this
afternoon... at your uncle.. blaming him for Mr Spencer's death."

Nikolas:"Damn...You checked Kelly's and the Club?"

Emily:"Yes, and the cemetery too. I think he was there earlier though.
Someone visited his Dad's grave today. Do you think he'd really hurt
your Uncle?"

Nikolas:"He might if he was angry enough. Where are you?"

Emily:"I'm outside Kelly's right now."

Nikolas:"Okay, meet me at the south entrance of the park in five
minutes." He ends the call and looks regretfully at Gina. "I'm sorry,
Lucky's missing.. I'm afraid he might do something stupid if I don't
find him."

Gina:"Don't be. It's a family emergency. Go help Emily find him."

Nikolas takes her hand and squeezes it as he makes another call.
"Angelo? meet me at the south entrance of the park in 4 minutes, I want
you to take Gina Williams home." He rises to his feet pulling Gina up
by her hands. He brushes his lips against hers. "I'll make this up to
you if you let me."

Gina smiles. "There is nothing to make up, Nikolas. It's been a
wonderful date.... but I won't complain if you try anyway."

They walk hand in hand towards the south entrance of the park.

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

Stefan is on the phone, talking with Kevin.

Stefan:"I am impressed with your latest report. Your insights into the
problem border on genius." Stefan walks around his living room laughing
lightly at Kevin's words. "You know I don't give praise easily, Kevin.
Also, I have another matter I'd like to discuss. I plan on interviewing
a prospective employee tomorrow. She is a computer expert, specializing
in security. Since she will have access to delicate information I want
your opinion of her." Stefan plays with the flower arrangement on the
mantle. "Very astute. This is a special situation. Am I that
predictable?" Stefan smiles in response to Kevin's reply. "It saddens
me to know that I don't intrigue you any more, Kevin." Stefan laughs.
"Are you angling for another raise? The interview is tomorrow afternoon,
2:00pm. Until then."

Stefan makes another call. "It's Stefan. I set up the meeting. Come
early so we can discuss it before hand." Stefan makes himself
comfortable on the couch. "Your contact is very observant. I did step up
security on the compound, for Alexis and Laura Spencer. There is no
need to be concerned, Alexis will be protected from any consequences. I
dislike the scrutiny, but I can handle it. "

Stefan hears a sound behind him. He turns around to find Lucky pointing
a revolver at his chest. "... Listen. I'll have to get back to you. I
have a visitor."