Chapter 47: Lose The Battle, Win The War
Nikolas and Gina walk in the park, holding hands. Gina is laughing and gushing. "You were right, of course. The zoo was a perfect idea! Those monkeys were so hilarious; what hams!"
Nikolas pulls her close for a kiss. "I love zoos, I have since I was a little kid. But going there with you made it a completely different experience."
Nikolas leads her off the path into a grove of trees; Gina glances at him curiously. "Where are you taking me?"
Nikolas pulls her close again and whispers in her ear, "Somewhere we can be alone." A few moments later, Nikolas guides her into a clearing. There lies a spread out blanket and a picnic basket.
Gina eyes widen with delight. "You planned this? When?"
Nikolas shrugs modestly. "When you were in the bathroom this morning. Do you like it?"
Gina kisses his cheek effusively. "Like it? It's wonderful! No one has
ever gone to so much trouble for me." Gina's eyes mist.
They sit on the blanket within reach of the picnic basket. Nikolas maneuvers Gina so that her back is against his chest. Kissing her neck, he adds, "I love you, Gina. I want to spend my life surprising you, making you happy."
Gina leans her head back on his shoulder, closing her eyes blissfully. "You already make me happier than I've ever been in my life."
Nikolas opens the picnic basket and begins to feed her. The food consists of bite size delicacies. When Gina reaches for the picnic basket, Nikolas stops her hand, kissing her behind her ear at the same time. "Nope. Just enjoy..." Nikolas releases her hand and strokes her cheek lovingly. "Do you know how hard it is to keep from making love to you on this blanket?" He whispers in her ear, his voice husky.
Gina bites her lip, closing her eyes again. "Do you have any idea how much I want you to?"
Nikolas laughs softly as he feeds her another bite, rubbing his fingers along her lips sensuously before retreating to pick up another delicacy to feed her. "Good. I'm glad."
Gina sighs with pleasure. "I think you like tormenting me..."
Laura and Stefan eat lunch in the Wyndemere dining room while Lulu eats in the kitchen. Lulu had insisted on eating there, saying Mrs Lansbury promised to tell her a story about Greece.
Stefan breaks the companionable silence. "Has your daughter been having trouble sleeping? She woke late last night with a nightmare. I was wondering whether this was a regular occurrence for her."
Laura nods sadly. "Unfortunately yes. She's been having nightmares practically every night since Luke and Ruby died. I hope she wasn't too much trouble? Sometimes she won't go back to sleep for quite a while. I should have warned Nikolas..."
"She wasn't any trouble. I was concerned, however, because she seemed so frightened." Stefan takes a sip of water. "Have you discussed this with a doctor?"
Laura nods again. "Simone said that it was normal for Lulu to have nightmares and trouble sleeping. But maybe I should keep her close to home..."
"I don't think that's necessary. Especially since she didn't have any more trouble here than at home. And she didn't have any trouble getting back to sleep." Stefan quickly grasps for other reasons. "Both Nikolas and LesleyLu enjoyed themselves immensely last night. They would be crushed if you terminated these visits."
"I just don't want her to be any trouble for you. Look how we've imposed on you already." Laura decides to change the subject. "Any news on the investigation? The police haven't questioned you, have they?"
Stefan shakes his head as he puts down his fork. "No. I doubt they will question me until or unless they arrest me. They have learned that Alexis accompanies me to all interviews. My sources say the police don't have sufficient evidence yet for an arrest."
Laura breathes a sigh of relief. "They won't find any damning evidence at my house. Foster got a hold of my passport the other night. Chewed the pages right out of the book. He's always had a hankering for passports. I'll have to be more careful from now on." Laura's eyes twinkle with amusement.
Stefan sits back in his chair and stares at her in admiration, a small lopsided smile appears. "Really? Foster likes passports, does he? Sounds like a Spencer tactic to me."
"Crude... but effective." Laura sips from her water glass. "Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, 'my dog ate it'."
"Isn't that something to do with children's schoolwork?" Stefan asks.
"Yes, you've got it. You're really Americanizing yourself. Pretty soon you'll be talking like Lucky," Laura teases.
"I don't think so." Stefan says; then softens it with his next words. "Though I am certain he could teach me a few things."
"Speaking of children, Lulu must be wearing out her welcome with Mrs Lansbury." Laura gets up from the table, picking her plate up to carry it to the kitchen.
Stefan grabs her wrist. "Lasha... leave it. Mrs Lansbury would be offended if you cleared the table. " When he glances into her startled eyes, he realizes what he's done and immediately releases her hand. But it's already too late, the spell is broken.
An awkward silence follows as Stefan looks away, silently swearing to himself. Laura puts down the plate . "I'll go get Lulu. It's about time we headed back."
Stefan gets up from the table. "Yes, of course. I will instruct the staff to get the launch ready."
A few minutes later, Laura drags a reluctant Lulu to the living room where Stefan is waiting. Lulu whines to her mother, "But I don't want to go yet, Mommy. Mrs Lansbury said I could have a brownie when they come out of the oven. Please?"
Laura is adamant. "No, honey. Now go get your bag and kiss the kitty bye bye."
"Can I come back again tomorrow?" Lulu presses.
"You're welcome here anytime, Lulu. " Stefan assures. "Consider that an open invitation. But only with your mother's permission."
Lulu hugs her mother's leg. "Mommy? Can I?"
"Not tomorrow, punkin. You have preschool at GH. Now go get your bag." Laura shoos Lulu out of the room.
"I meant that. She is welcome anytime. Nikolas and I would be honored."
Laura shakes her head unhappily. "I wish you hadn't told her that, Stefan. Now when I tell her she can't come back here, she'll be heartbroken."
Stefan pales, abruptly turning away to regain his composure. "Forgive me, I spoke out of turn. I certainly didn't intend to make it more difficult. But may I ask why?"
Laura pauses for a moment to gather her thoughts. "There are several reasons. Your house is filled with priceless fragile heirlooms that Lulu will most certainly break. She's four years old. It's an inevitable she will break something in her exuberance. I just don't think Wyndemere is a place for a small child."
"Lucas seemed to manage here," Stefan points out. "As for the fragile heirlooms..."
Laura puts up her hand. "No, Stefan. I won't allow you to rearrange your home for Lulu. It's not fair. Lucas was older and able to respect your things. Besides, Lulu is having nightmares. She really belongs at home until she's on an even keel again."
Stefan shrugs carelessly, hiding the turmoil inside. "I see. Your mind is clearly made up."
"I'll talk to Nikolas." Laura continues. "I'm sure I can make him understand. He can see her as much as he likes in town." Lulu trots into the room. Laura bends down to inspect her backpack. "You got everything?" Lulu nods.
Stefan escorts them to the door, bending down to hug Lulu goodbye. "Goodbye, angel. Be good for your mother. Promise?" Lulu hugs him back tightly, nodding into his neck.
"Thank you again," Laura says to Stefan. "Give Nikolas my love when he gets in. Lulu, don't forget to tell Mr Cassadine thank you."
"Thank you, Mr Cassadine." Lulu hops down the steps that lead to the launch. "Bye."
Stefan watches them leave with grim determination, whispering to himself, "This is not the final word on the topic, Lasha."
The Quartermaine mansion. Emily and Lucky walk in carrying school books. Lucky flops on the couch while Emily pours them some iced tea. "Thanks for giving me a ride, Lucky. Have you decided how you're going to handle your mom when you get home?"
Lucky takes a loud slurp of iced tea. "Man, that hit the spot! Nah, I think I'll go straight to the club. If she's up tonight and she wants to talk, fine. I don't think I have anything to say that she'll listen to anyway."
A quiet Dylan shuffles into the living room from the outside, his shoulders hunched and his head down. Emily attempts to engage him in conversation. "Hey, squirt. What have you been up to?"
Dylan shrugs his shoulders, not meeting her eyes. "Nothing." He flops into a chair.
She tries again to draw him out. "You want to go to a movie tonight? I hear the latest Arnold Schwarzenegger movie is out."
"No thanks," Dylan replies. Emily gives Lucky a pleading look.
Lucky nods back and leans forward. "Hey man, you interested in playing some pool at my blues club? Em and I are planning on going there next. You want to come along?"
Dylan glares at both of them. "Do you think I'm stupid? I know what you're doing! You feel sorry for me. I'm don't want to see some dumb movie or play some idiotic pool game. Just leave me alone!" Dylan stamps out of the room.
Lucky shakes his head. "Man, he has it bad. I know what that's like, but at least I have a mom I can count on."
Emily sighs. "Yeah, even with the problems I have with Monica and Alan, I know I have it good compared to him. I think I should call his brother, Ned. Maybe he can help."
Gina and Nikolas are back in bed at her apartment, napping after making love again. Nikolas wakes first, propping himself up on his elbow to gaze into her contented face. He gently traces the line of her cheek without touching her, memorizing all the details. Unable to contain himself any longer, he places whisper-soft kisses on her closed eyelids, waking her.
Gina smiles sleepily at Nikolas. "How long have you been watching me sleep?"
"Just for a few minutes. You hungry? I made reservations at the Port Charles Grille for dinner."
Gina's eyes light up. "Sounds wonderful! I'm starved. How long do we have before we need to be there?"
"Long enough," Nikolas replies suggestively.
Gina's smile gets wider. "Good. I was hoping you'd join me for a shower...." Gina trails kisses along the base of his neck.
Nikolas groans under the erotic torture. "Stop. Or we will never make it to the shower." Nikolas pins her hands to the bed and kisses her deeply. Once he has kissed her into submission he releases her, shooing her out of the bed. "I need to make a quick call to the house to let my uncle know not to expect me. It'll just take me a minute."
"Don't take too long, or you'll be taking your shower with cold water," Gina warns before closing the bathroom door. "Kelly's doesn't have a big water heater."
Nikolas quickly dials the number. "It's me. Did you find the box? Describe it to me.... yeah that's it. Leave with the manager at the PC Grille. He's expecting you." Nikolas ends the conversation and joins Gina in the bathroom.
Chapter 48: And They Lived Happily Ever After
Nikolas sits alone in the private dining room at the Port Charles Grille. The table has been cleared of plates, but two champagne glasses remain. The manager approaches him, handing him a small ornate box, smaller than Nikolas's fist. "Here you are, Mr Cassadine. I waited until the young lady left for the ladies room..."
"Very good. Thank you." Nikolas opens the box to reveal a ring with a large multifaceted diamond surrounded by smaller blue sapphires. He breathes heavily as he runs his finger over the facets before closing the box and sticking it in his pocket. As if on cue, Gina emerges from the ladies room and rejoins him.
"I know I've already said this, but the dinner was fabulous. And it's especially nice to have you all to myself." Gina grasps his hand and brings it to her lips, kissing his knuckles. "I feel like a princess in a fairy tale tonight."
Nikolas smiles back. "That's exactly how I want you to feel. I'm glad my plan worked." Soft romantic music plays in the background. "Would you like to dance?"
Gina's eyes glitter happily. "I'd love to." Nikolas guides her to the dance floor, and they dance slowly, enjoying the sound of the music and the feel of their bodies swaying together. They dance in contented silence until the music ends.
Nikolas leads her back to the table, holding out her chair for her to sit. Instead of returning to his chair, he goes down on one knee, taking her right hand in his, he brings it to his lips. Gina's heart skips a beat but she says nothing as she watches him curiously.
Nikolas gazes into her eyes intensely. "Gina, I love you more than I ever thought I could possibly love anyone. I wake thinking of you and I dream thinking of you. I can't get a moment's peace when we're apart. I want to spend my life loving you, making you happy, giving you children, and making every dream you have come true. Be my wife, Gina. Please marry me."
Gina gapes at him incredulously, unable to speak. "I...." She closes her mouth again, gulping for air. Still unable to talk she grabs him and hugs him tightly; so hard he has trouble breathing. When the words finally come out, they come in a rush. "Yes.. yes ..YES! I'll marry you!"
Nikolas' anxious face turns to sheer exuberance as he hugs her back tightly. "Gina, you will never regret this! Let's marry as soon as possible. I don't want to wait."
Gina cries on his shoulder. "Whatever you want! Only in my wildest dreams did I hope you'd want to marry me." Nikolas fumbles for the small box, opening and presenting it to Gina. Her eyes fill with fresh tears. "Oh, Nikolas! It's beautiful! I've never seen anything like it."
"It's a one of a kind- like you. Here, let me put it on for you." Nikolas removes the ring from the box and places it on her finger. "Gina, you are more rare and more precious than any gem. And now you're mine..." He kisses her tentatively, like he's kissing her for the first time.
Gina kisses him back eagerly as tears of joy continue to fall. "Yes. Yours.. forever." Their kissing becomes more frantic as their passion builds. Gina breaks away first to catch her breath. "Let's go back to the apartment..."
Nikolas gulps for air as well, as he motions the waiter to get their coats. "I can think of another, closer place to celebrate...I reserved a room for us upstairs."
Stefan sits at the living room table, typing at his laptop. Timoria winds herself around his legs, mewling. Stefan reaches down and lifts her into his lap, stroking her arching back. "Yes, I know, Timoria. I miss her too. This house is like a tomb without her."
The following morning. Alexis sits in Tom's office, tissue in hand as she discusses the previous night. "It was SO real. I swear I could feel him there with me... then I woke up. I don't know what's worse... nightmares about the night Sonny was shot, or dreams that he's alive."
"You're not only grieving the loss of him as your mate," Tom says. "You're also grieving the loss of your unborn child's father AND loss of your dreams."
Alexis looks at the floor sadly, overwhelmed by her grief. "How am I going to get over this?" Alexis shakes her head as she thinks about her last question, her face changing from sadness to steely anger. "I don't want to get over it."
"Of course you don't. " Tom says soothingly. "You're angry that this happened at one of the happiest times of your life. And to get over it, means to let go. And that's the last thing you want to do."
Alexis ponders his words, a sudden realization hits her. "So you think I'm dreaming about him to keep him alive?"
"What do you think?" Tom asks.
"I know when I had the dream last night, the last thing I wanted to do was wake up." Alexis gets up and walks around the room as she considers his question. "With the nightmares, I couldn't wait for them to be over."
"A very astute observation, Alexis. The question is, what are you going to do now that you know?"
"Hi Lois, it's Emily. Is Ned there?" Emily asks, laying on her bed in her room.
"Hiya, Em!" Lois says in her trademark Brooklyn accent. "Nedly's out practicing with the band. How's it going?"
"I'm doing pretty good, considering." Emily twirls the phone cord around her finger. "You know Tracy is here, right?"
"Yeah, Edward called and told us all about it. Terrible news about Paul Hornsby dying. How's Dylan taking it?"
Emily bites her lip, remembering how much Lois hated Dylan the last time he visited. "Well, that's why I'm calling. You know how he used to be into everything and chattering at everyone?"
"Yeah, vividly," Lois replies. "But thinking back on it, he was just in the middle of the battle between me and Mother Ashton. Poor kid never stood a chance. How's he taking his dad's death?"
"Not good, Lois. He hardly says more than two word to anyone. I'm really worried about him. Yesterday, Lucky and I tried to get him to hang out with us. And he wouldn't have anything to do with it. And Tracy is hopeless with him. The best she can do is ignore him."
"Oh, that's awful, sweetheart!" Lois frowns. "Let me talk to Nedly. We'll call you back, 'kay?"
Emily looks visibly relieved. "Thanks. I knew I could count on you and Ned."
Lois smiles into the phone. "We haven't done anything yet, girlfriend. You take care. And give that adorable Lucky a hug for me, will ya? Oh, and don't forget to give my love to Lila."
"I won't," Emily promises. "Give Brooke and the baby a kiss from me. Talk to you soon. Bye."
Lucky and Mike are going over the books when Jason walks into the club. Mike smiles in greeting. "Hi Jason. How are things going?"
Jason nods at him curtly. "Good. Lucky, you wanted to see me?"
Lucky closes the books and motions Jason back. "Yeah. Let's go to the back office. Thanks for coming so quick, man."
Jason shrugs as Lucky closes the door behind him. "No problem. So
what's up?"
"I have a big favor to ask. But you have to promise not to breathe a word to Alexis or Mike, even if you can't do the job."
Jason thinks for a moment. "Will keeping quiet jeopardize Alexis' safety?"
"Nah, I don't think so. And if it comes to that, you can tell her." Lucky plops down behind the desk. "It's about Cassidy Corbin."
Jason's eyes widen slightly. "Go on."
"Did you know she's working for Stefan Cassadine?"
Jason sits down across the desk from him. "No. You think there's something fishy going on?"
Lucky pulls out one of his dad's cigars from the desk drawer. "Yep. I want to know why Cassidy's working for Cassadine. I'm betting he has something on her."
"That'd be his style." Jason rubs his chin thoughtfully "This is sticky though. Cassidy and Alexis are pretty tight."
Lucky runs the cigar under his nose, enjoying it's aroma. "I don't like that Cassadine has his fangs in Cassidy. I don't want her to be his next victim. And maybe this investigation could help more than Cassidy. When we get some proof against Cassadine, I might be able to open my mom's eyes."
Jason nods in understanding. "I'll get you the information. With all the hassles Cassadine's been giving me the last few months, it'd be fun to have some payback. But if it starts to look like this could put Alexis or her baby in harm's way, I'm taking over."
"Deal." Lucky and Jason shake on it.
"Hello, Stefan. What can I do for you?" Kevin stands in front of his easel in his paint clothes.
"I am hoping you can provide me with a referral." Stefan says, sitting in his office at General Hospital. He pulls a pad from his briefcase. "I'm concerned about a friend's child. It seems that the child is having nightmares. I am looking for an expert in the field of child psychiatry."
Kevin puts his paint brush down, walking to his study. "How old is the child? Do you know if the nightmares are a result of sexual abuse?"
"The child is four years old, and I don't believe this is a result of abuse. Mostly likely due to grief." Stefan looks inside his briefcase at Lulu's childish drawing.
"I see." Kevin frowns slightly as the information comes together. "This isn't about Lulu Spencer, is it?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact it is," Stefan replies. "She seems to have developed a fear of loved ones dying. Nikolas is quite concerned, and I thought I would look into finding a referral, in case it becomes necessary."
Kevin flips through his Rolodex. "There are several excellent therapists in Port Charles. I could give you their numbers... actually I do have the name of a woman who's considered a pioneer in the field of grief counseling for small children."
"That's the one I want."
"Her name is Gloria Rothchild. Her practice is in New York City." Kevin reads off the number. "I've been to some of her seminars, she's very impressive."
"Thank you, Kevin. You have been most helpful." Stefan puts the pad back in his briefcase. "Tell me, have you spoken to Cassidy yet?"
"Yes, I have." Kevin strolls back to the living room to gaze at his easel. "We will never be able to make up for the time we've missed, but we're making the best of it. Thank you again for giving me a few days off, Stefan. I needed the time to get used to the news that I have a sister. I should be back to work tomorrow."
They exchange a few more pleasantries and hang up. There is a soft tap at Stefan's door and Alexis peeks in. "Hello, Cousin. I wanted to let you know I overheard from one of the nurses that the police are planning on interviewing the customs agent later today."
Stefan waves her in. "Come in, Alexis. I am a little surprised to see you here today. Did you have a doctor's appointment?"
"Yes." Alexis walks in and sits in a chair across the desk from him. "Everything's fine."
"Would you tell me if there was something wrong?" Stefan ask with a skeptical look on his face.
Alexis smiles at his perceptiveness. "Probably not. So, aren't you concerned at all about the police interviewing Mr Luciano... do you know something I don't know?"
Stefan leans back, smiling enigmatically at her. "Seems his memory was affected by the accident. I doubt he'll remember much about my trip to Switzerland."
"Stefan..." Alexis begins.
Stefan dismisses her with his hand. "There's nothing to be concerned about, Alexis. The details are being handled." Stefan snaps his briefcase shut and gets up from behind his desk "Now, I have an appointment. You will be at dinner this Sunday? Mrs Lansbury is planning your favorite meal."
"Wouldn't miss it for the world. At least not with my appetite." Alexis rubs her tummy as she follows him out the door. "Cassidy mentioned that she wants to have you over for dinner some night. How about next Wednesday? Feel free to bring a date. So far it's Cassidy, Jerry Jacks, and myself."
"Wednesday is perfect. I'll check with Emma to see if she can join me." Stefan kisses her cheek in farewell. "Until Sunday, Cousin."
