Chapters 55 & 56
Chapter 55: Apology Accepted
Stefan's study at Wyndemere. Laura and Stefan lean over blueprints that are laid out on his large desk while he points out the details. "...and across the hall from the master bedroom suite will be the nursery. As you can see, the nursery will be large enough to convert to a child's bedroom or playroom. The large room here...can either be left as it is or if Nikolas and Gina have several children, it can be divided into two spacious bedrooms. And.... over here is their private entrance."
"It looks perfect, Stefan. You even have enough space to add another bathroom. The kitchenette is a stroke of genius." Laura looks up and smiles. "If I were Gina, I'd love it. You've designed it to be home within Wyndemere."
Stefan smiles proudly. "I want her to feel comfortable and happy here." His face gets somber as he says, "I know from witnessing your unhappiness how stifled and dominated you felt under Helena's watchful eye. I remember your pleas to Stavros about needing your own home."
Laura shakes her head sadly at the remembrance. "That was a lifetime ago; Gina loves Nikolas..."
"I am aware that the circumstances of Nikolas' marriage to Gina are vastly different," he agrees. "Notwithstanding, they need a home they can call their own."
Laura watches Stefan roll up the blueprints and asks, "So when does the contractor start?"
"Tomorrow morning... the major work will be done by the end of the week, after which Gina and Nikolas can decide about the interior decorating." Stefan guides her over to a chair in front of his desktop computer. "Now for the rec room. I have loaded the basic shape of the room into the computer. As they say here, 'the rest is up to you'." He sits down beside her.
Laura rolls her eyes and turns her head to the screen, her eyes widening at what she sees. "This room?" Stefan nods. "It's huge! I figured I'd be decorating a normal size family room."
Stefan smirks. "You should know by now, Cassadines are far from normal. In any event, I want this room to accommodate a variety of needs, not only a play area for Nikolas' sister. I envision this to be a room where any visitor could be comfortable."
Laura nods as she considers his words."Of course, that makes sense. Then you want it to truly be an 'American' room. A room that could be in any American home."
"Exactly." Stefan smiles at her in appreciation. "I knew you were the perfect choice for this project."
Laura responds without turning away from the screen, her voice chilly. "That blatant flattery might have worked on Bobbie and Katherine, but it won't work on me. In fact, it insults my intelligence."
Stefan sits back like he's been slapped, rendered temporarily speechless. At his silence, she looks over at his stricken face and smiles in reassurance. "I like it better when you're genuine."
"I thought I was," he replies in a hoarse whisper.
"No, you're trying to handle me." Laura turns back to the screen. "And there's no reason to; I agreed to help you, and I won't back out. Now let's get started. I think wall to wall carpeting would help warm up the room...."
At the Lighthouse, Lucy opens the front door to let Cassidy and Mike in. Lucy smiles a little too brightly. "Hello! I'm so glad the two of you could come for dinner! Kevin is in the kitchen working a miracle. He should be out in a moment."
Mike and Cassidy smile back and Mike jumps into the uncomfortable silence. "Why don't I go see how Kevin is doing?" He motions to the kitchen.
Lucy looks at him nervously. "Uh.. sure, go ahead." Mike leaves them alone. Lucy shifts nervously, sending darting glances at Cassidy as she babbles, "Would you like something to drink? We have everything you can imagine.. wine, beer... Or maybe you don't drink alcohol?" She doesn't pause for an answer. "We also have club soda, mineral water, herbal tea.. oh gosh.. all kinds of things! Why don't you sit down here on our nice soft comfy couch."
"I'll take some mineral water, thanks. " Cassidy sits on the couch while she watches Lucy pour them both glasses of mineral water.
"Mineral water is such a good choice you know? None of those ucky calories that you get with beer or wine. Not that I think you have to worry about that, you look terrific." Lucy winces as she hands the mineral water to Cassidy and joins her on the couch. "Did I insult you? I'm so sorry. I'm just not very good at this first meeting stuff. This isn't our first meeting actually, but the first time I met you I was really mean. That makes it worse than normal because I got off on the wrong foot with you. I can be a really nice friend.. really I can. The bestest kind of friend you could have...." Lucy gives her a heartfelt look. "Will you forgive me, please?"
Cassidy looks a little dizzy. "Kevin and Dad warned me that you could do that, but I guess you have to experience it in person." She leans forward and squeezes Lucy's hand briefly. "There's nothing to forgive. You were trying to protect my brother. I'd do the same thing. Why don't we start over and say this is our first meeting?"
Lucy sags with relief. "Really? Could we do that? I want that more than ANYTHING."
"Yes, but there's one more thing to clear up. I need to apologize."
Lucy looks puzzled. "Apologize? For what?"
"For not telling you or Kevin who I was from the beginning," Cassidy answers. "You had every reason to be suspicious of me. With everything you two have had to deal with, I wouldn't blame you if you were still suspicious."
"Apology accepted!" Lucy straightens up and gives Cassidy her first real smile of the evening, extending her hand for a shake. "Pals?"
Cassidy smiles back while shaking Lucy's hand. "Pals."
As if on cue, Mike and Kevin exit the kitchen each bearing several serving bowls of food. Kevin calls out . "You two ready to eat? I'll have to warn you.. it's an experiment."
Cassidy and Lucy join them at the table while Mike serves up the tossed salad. Lucy gives her doc a loving smile. "Can't wait, doc. I LOVE your experiments."
At Wyndemere, the family gathers to plan Nikolas and Gina's wedding. Present are Nikolas, Gina, Stefan, Mrs Lansbury, Laura, and Alexis. Nikolas and Gina are cuddled together on the loveseat. A spectacled Alexis sits in one high-backed chair with a notepad in her lap while Mrs Lansbury sits in the other. Laura and Stefan sit on opposite ends of the other couch.
Alexis calls the meeting to order. "Okay, let's get started. We have less than two weeks to plan the perfect wedding."
"Why don't you start with what has already been decided?" Stefan suggests. Meanwhile Nikolas whispers in Gina's ear, pulling her hair aside to plant kisses behind it. Gina smiles blissfully.
Alexis reads off the list. "Small wedding in the Wyndemere living room. Stefan will make the arrangements for the music and the officiate... " She looks up at Nikolas and Gina. "Do we know who the best man and the maid of honor will be?"
Nikolas pipes up. "I've asked Lucky to stand up for me."
Gina adds. "I called Robin last night, she said she'd be thrilled to be my maid of honor. Mike offered to give me away."
Alexis smiles as she officiously checks things off. "Okay, great. Now we still have to plan the flowers... both for the ceremony and for the bridal party."
"I'd like to decorate Wyndemere if that's okay." Laura offers tentatively.
Gina smiles. "That would be wonderful, Laura." Nikolas appears to be oblivious as he strokes Gina's cheek softly with the back of his hand.
"And I will handle the flowers for the bridal party as well as assist Laura with the flowers," Stefan states.
"And I've already offered to help Gina with her trousseau...." Alexis continues to check things off. "I'll also handle the invitations once Nikolas and Gina give me their lists. We're limiting this to family and close friends?"
That's what Nikolas and I want," Gina replies. "We also want Lulu to be the flowergirl."
Alexis makes a note. "Of course, I almost forgot. Laura will you help us find dresses for Robin and Lulu?"
"I'd love to."
"Great... " Alexis writes furiously as she speaks. "Gina, I've contacted the French designer I mentioned yesterday and she'll be flying here tomorrow morning with her best seamstresses. Are you free Tuesday morning?"
"Sure." Gina attempts to remain serious at Nikolas nuzzles her neck. "Lucky and Mike have already reassigned my shifts so I'm free except for my college classes." Gina lets out a soft giggle in response to Nikolas' nuzzling.
"Good, then we'll start with you meeting her in the morning." Alexis looks up and gives Nikolas a stern look. "Nikolas, you aren't helping! Save it for your honeymoon." Nikolas grins and ceases temporarily while Gina blushes a deep shade of pink. "Thank you.... Now let's tackle food. We're looking at an afternoon wedding.. so are we thinking hors d'oeuvres?"
Mrs Lansbury answers the question. "If you want to keep it simple, then you should plan hors d'oeuvres. With an estimate of about 20-25 guests, we will have to hire extra staff since I will be making the cake."
"Gina, Mrs Lansbury is renown for her baking," Stefan adds.
"Good reliable cooking staff is hard to come by come by in Port Charles, especially for temporary jobs. I've seen how much trouble the Q's have had with theirs." Alexis leans back to readjust her glasses. "You know.... Sonny's half-sister Cassidy is an excellent cook. From what I understand she studied with chefs in Switzerland. She might be willing to help."
Stefan nods in approval. "I think that's an excellent idea, Alexis. She is practically family to you, being Mike's daughter. Would you approach her for us?"
Alexis makes a note. "Certainly. If that is okay with Gina and Nikolas?" She looks up at the couple.
"Absolutely." Nikolas answers quickly. Gina looks a little surprised but says nothing.
"That's everything on my list." Alexis stops writing. "Nikolas, Gina. Why don't we start by making a list of people to invite...."
"It sure was nice for the ladies to offer to do the dishes," Mike says as he accepts a brandy from Kevin.
Kevin joins him on the couch. "It looks like they wanted more 'bonding time'. I think Lucy genuinely likes Cassidy now that she knows she's my sister."
"I feel the need to apologize to you for keeping this a secret for so long." Mike says before taking a sip. "If there had been any other way to keep Cassidy safe..."
"You don't need to explain, Mike. Heck, I was a basket case only two years ago. If she'd been my daughter, I would have kept her as far away from me as possible. But that's all behind us now. Cassidy and I have lots of time to catch up."
Mike looks sad. "I wish I could say the same for Sonny. He never even knew she existed. I don't think Cassidy will ever forgive me for missing out on Sonny."
"This family member who you were hiding from must have been very powerful," Kevin comments. "I have to say I'm very curious to know who it is. I assume it was one of Melanie's relatives."
Mike nods. "It was. The identity doesn't really matter since she can't hurt anyone anymore."
"Thank you for protecting Cassidy. You have no idea what it means to me to know my sister was spared the nightmare of Melanie."
Their serious discussion is interrupted when Cassidy and Lucy join them in the living room. Cassidy notices their serious faces and Mike's pleading look. "Hey, why the long faces? Isn't this supposed to be a dinner party?"
"Yeah, she's right." Lucy scolds. "What kind of host are you, doc? Depressing one of our guests!" She sits on Kevin's lap. "I have an idea! Kevin and I would love to hear some of your stories growing up on the run."
Cassidy and Mike smile at each other and shrug. "Sure.. why not?" Cassidy replies for them as she sits on her dad's lap. Mike groans. "Too bad, Daddy. I'm not moving. How about you tell them the story where we posed as father and son when I was 8?"
Lucy shakes her head in disbelief. "You looked like a boy? Uh uh, I don't believe that. Not for one itsy bitsy eeney weeney moment..."
Later that night, the dinner at Wyndemere breaks up. Alexis and Laura prepare to leave. Stefan, Nikolas, and Gina are in the entryway with them.
Alexis kisses the Cassadine men's cheeks as she leaves. "Don't forget the engagement party is at the Grille Wednesday night."
Stefan squeezes her hand. "Thank you, Alexis."
Alexis bids farewell. "Good night everyone!"
"I should be going too." Laura says as she wavers at the doorstep. "Stefan, I'll be by in the morning."
Nikolas stops her. "Laura... I'd like to speak to you..."
Laura smiles hesitantly. "Sure... shall we go for a walk?" Nikolas nods as he escorts her out the door. Once they are away from the house Laura asks,"So what did you want to talk about?"
"Are you serious about letting my sister visit me at Wyndemere?"
"Yes, I am." Laura looks Nikolas in the eye as they stand on the Spoon Island dock. "I know I haven't been fair to you. Without being aware of it, I've been setting different rules for you. If you give me a chance, I want to set things right." She reaches her hand up to cup his cheek. "I remember another night in this same spot when you told me I was dead to you. I never want to hurt you like that again."
Nikolas reaches up to squeezes her hand. "That memory dies hard, mother. I try to forget, but it's always there with me. Every time you question something I do, I wonder if it's because I'm a Cassadine."
Laura bites her lip to keep from crying. "I know I don't tell you enough, but you are a wonderful caring young man. I'm proud that you're my son. I want only the best for you and Gina. Everything else aside, that's ALWAYS true. Don't ever forget that. But words come cheap, don't they? Stefan and I have taught you that bitter lesson. I need to show you my love through my actions. Which is why I'm helping Stefan create this family room for you and Lulu." And that's just the beginning, she says to herself.
Nikolas looks at the ground, tightly squeezing both of her hands in each of his. "I was harsh the other day, can you forgive me?"
"You were right. There's nothing to forgive."
"No, you had many good points; I can see that now." Nikolas takes a deep breath. "I'm not proud of how cruel I was... with Luke dead, you're left with raising Lucky and LesleyLu alone..."
Laura shakes her head disbelievingly. "Stop! That's no excuse for the double standard. Just because my husband died, doesn't mean I can't handle you being tough with me. Besides blame doesn't help either of us. How about we start over?"
Nikolas gives her a small smile. "I'd like that. How about I take you to lunch tomorrow?"
Laura frowns. "I can't. I'm taking Alexis shopping for maternity clothes followed by lunch at the Outback... unless you want to join us there? Although if I were you I'd spend every free minute with Gina..."
Nikolas slings his arm over her shoulders as he walks her to the ferry. "You do have a point...."
Meanwhile back at the house, Stefan smiles graciously at Gina as he hands her a club soda. "We haven't had much time to get acquainted, have we?"
"No we haven't, Mr Cassadine."
Stefan motions for her to sit. "Please, call me Stefan. We'll be living under the same roof soon enough." He watches her take a deep steadying breath. "Nervous? Is there anything I can do to make you feel more comfortable?"
Gina glances around the living room. "This house is so... formal. I don't know how I'm going to get used to it. To be honest, I'm used to a one room apartment with cheap used furniture."
Stefan nods. "Yes, I imagine it is quite an adjustment for you. I hope you know the only thing that really matters is that you are both happy. The rest is irrelevant." He joins her on the couch, taking her hands in his and looking intently into her eyes. "I don't think I have told you how happy I am that Nikolas has found someone as lovely and sweet as you, to love him as he deserves to be loved. I can see from the way you look at him that you adore him."
Gina beams, charmed by his gallant manners. "Thank you. Nikolas said you were happy, but I guess I needed to know for myself."
Stefan smiles back as he returns her hands to her lap. "Of course you did. Because you love Nikolas and you are a sensitive caring young woman. I would expect no less." He leaves the couch to retrieve the blueprints from his study. "Now when Nikolas returns, you can sit down with him and start decorating your new home. Did Nikolas tell you the major work will be done by the end of the week?" Gina shakes her head. "While we wait, I'll let you have a sneak peak at what's being planned...."
Port Chuck 1999.56 Monday, Monday
The Quartermaine estate on Monday morning. The family informally gathers for breakfast. Monica, Alan, and Emily sit on the couch drinking orange juice. Edward pours himself a glass. Tracy breezes in with a sullen
Dylan to greet them. "Good morning, my dear sweet family." Her voice drips of saccharine. "Did everyone have a good night's sleep? I know I did. There's just something restful about being in the bosom of your family."
Monica, Alan, and Emily exchange knowing glances but say nothing. Edward smiles kindly at Tracy and Dylan. "I slept well, thank you for asking Tracy." He turns to Dylan, "What do you have planned for today, young man?"
"Nothin'." Dylan replies as he slouches into a nearby chair.
"Dylan!" Tracy scolds. "That's no way to speak to your grandfather. Apologize this instant!" Dylan scowls at her. "I won't tolerate this insolence, young man." She leans over and growls threateningly. "Don't you dare embarrass me further or I will make you sorry you were EVER born..."
"Awww.. Mother Ashton, leave the poor kid alone," Lois quips as her and Ned make their entrance. Tracy straightens and fumes at Lois, who greets Edward with a hug. "Aww, Mr Q, Did ya miss me?"
Edward pecks Lois on the cheek and shakes Ned's hand. "You're early!"
Ned grins. "Well Grandfather, when Lois gets an idea in her head, there's just no stopping her. Not that I would want to."
Lois squeals when she sees Emily getting off the couch. "Em! You look gorgeous, girlfriend!" She give Emily a big squeeze. "I hope you have time for some shopping tomorrow morning! We need to get ourselves some new digs! Do you think your Ma will let you play hooky for the day?"
Emily blushes. "I think I can squeeze you into my busy social calendar."
Monica smiles, caught up in Lois' enthusiasm. "I think we can make an exception to the no-missing-school rule."
Tracy breaks into the reunion, her voice dripping acid. "Lois, darling. How sweet of you and Ned to visit Port Charles. Tell me, are you visiting out of concern for Dylan?" Tracy sits on the corner of her young son's chair, putting her arm on his shoulder as a show of affection. "Of course not, not when you've made it plain in the past how much you detest him." Dylan perks up a bit, watching Tracy and Lois face off with interest.
Lois waves her hand to dismiss Tracy like a bothersome fly. "Oh, honey, that's old history. How could I have hated Dylan? I hardly knew the little tyke." Lois gives Dylan a little wink before greeting the rest of the Q's.
Laura and Stefan sit at the computer in his study. Laura leans back in her chair as she saves their work to disk. "I think we have the basic layout and components of the family room, now we have to choose the actual furnishings."
Stefan rubs his chin thoughtfully. "The next obvious step would be a New York City trip to the designer showrooms."
Nikolas enters the study, studying them for a moment before announcing his presence. He's struck by the ease between them, noticing a softness in Stefan's manner with Laura that he never noticed before. He wonders how he missed it; Stefan's love for Laura was obvious. Nikolas breaks their illusion of privacy. "Good morning. Are you two working on the family room?" Nikolas watches Stefan quickly conceal his feelings and within moments, all traces vanish.
Laura rises from her chair to greet him. "Good morning, Nikolas. We just finished for the morning."
"Yes, we are discussing a trip to New York City to purchase furnishings." Stefan says as he guides them both out of the study and into the living room. "It occurs to me that you and Gina should come with us, since the new wing must be furnished as well."
"A trip to New York City is an excellent idea, Gina and I would love to go." Nikolas pours three cups of tea, handing Stefan and Laura a cup each. "When do you plan on going? I'd like to take Gina to a Broadway play while we're there and make a day of it."
Laura thanks him for the coffee. "We haven't decided yet. I have to arrange for someone to watch Lulu. It shouldn't be too much of a problem though."
"How about Friday?" Nikolas suggests, clearly excited by the idea. "Gina has been talking about wanting to get to know you both better, and this would be a perfect opportunity."
Stefan smiles in amusement, hoping Nikolas' matchmaking isn't as transparent to Laura as it is to him. "Nikolas and I saw our first Broadway play last year. It was an enlightening experience, more enjoyable than I anticipated."
"I'll give Bobbie a call later this evening." Laura looks at her watch. "I better be going, I'm meeting Alexis downtown for some shopping." She puts her cup down and gives Nikolas a peck on the cheek before addressing Stefan. "I'll call you later about Friday."
The Quartermaine mansion later that day, most of the family has dispersed to parts unknown. Dylan sits out on the terrace, trying to chip the paint off the furniture with his fingernail. Lois and Ned spy him from the living room. They make their move.
"Hey, Dylan." Ned says as they join him on the terrace.
"Hey," Dylan replies without looking up. He continues his picking, enlarging the spot he's working on.
Lois and Ned look at each other and frown. Lois notices the Giants Tshirt he's wearing. "Do you like the Giants, Dylan? My Pop used to take me to their games when I was little."
Dylan shrugs. "I just wear the shirt."
Ned tries again. "Lois and I are going out for some ice cream at Kelly's Diner. They have the best ice cream in town. You want to come along?"
The spot Dylan's been working on enlarges to the size of a quarter."Nah."
Lois looks at Dylan like he's nuts. "What do ya mean, you don't want to go for ice cream? Everyone likes ice cream!"
Dylan stops picking and glares at them. "I want to be left alone! Don't you get it?!" Without waiting for an answer he stalks off into the house.
Lois shakes her head. "Man, he's in bad shape."
"Are you surprised?" Ned asks. "His only stable parent died, and now he's with Tracy, the mother from hell. I'm surprised he's not worse."
"We gotta get him out of this place, Nedly," Lois says. Emily peeks her head out from the living room. "Hiya, Em! Come, sit down. We're just talking about poor little Dylan."
Emily takes a seat. "You weren't able to get through to him?"
"No, but we haven't really tried yet," Ned replies.
"I'm glad you're here," Emily says. "I've been trying myself, but he doesn't want to have anything to do with me. I even invited him for movies over at the Spencers last night. He wouldn't budge."
Ned gets up. "Why don't I leave you two lovely ladies to chat while I go find my mother?"
Lois smiles as Ned kisses her on the cheek. "Good luck, Nedly. Em and I will be right here waiting for ya." She turns to Em. "So, girlfriend, what's the latest? How are Lucky and Nikolas these days?"
Emily tries to be casual. "Nikolas is marrying Gina."
Lois squeezes her hand. "Oh, honey. I'm sorry. I know how much you liked him."
Emily's eyes fill with tears at Lois' understanding. "It's not like he led me on or anything. Heck, he sees me like a little sister. But he didn't even bother to tell me himself. Lucky told me."
Lois looks at her sadly. "Gosh, I'm sorry."
Emily smiles. "I miss having you around. You're the only one who understands these things. Monica tries..."
"But she's your Ma. She's not supposed to understand."
Emily laughs. "Exactly."
"Does Lucky help?" Lois asks.
"Oh, that's a whole other mess." Emily rolls her eyes. "Okay.. you promise not to tell another living soul, not even Ned?" Lois crosses her heart. "Lucky slept over a couple weeks ago."
Lois's mouth falls open. "You're kidding me?!"
"It's not like that..well it is sorta." Emily rubs her head. "Lucky had a fight with his mom and he came over in the middle of the night all upset. We fell asleep by accident. And the next morning... he kissed me." Emily blushes.
"He did?! Oh you gotta tell me everything, girlfriend. He didn't take advantage of you, did he?"
Emily shakes her head vehemently. "No, he was very sweet, Lois. I just didn't expect him to kiss me..."
Lois leans over and whispers. "Did you like kissing him?" Emily blushes deep pink as she nods.
Alexis and Laura munch on hamburgers at the Outback. Alexis polishes hers off with a special flourish, paying particular attention to licking off her fingers. "Yummmm. Why is it everything tastes so good today?"
Laura giggles. "Because you're pregnant and ravenous. You should've told me in the last shop how hungry you were. Seeing you eat like that gave me my appetite back. I haven't eaten this much in months."
Alexis grins at Laura sheepishly. "Yeah, I should have. The saleslady gave me a weird look when my stomach growled. How mortifying." Alexis' beeper goes off, and she looks at the message. "Oops, that's the police station, I better return that." Alexis pulls out her cell phone and dials the number. "This is Alexis Davis, you paged me? ... What?!" Alexis gives Laura a worried look. "On what grounds?? Fine. We'll be there in an hour." Alexis slaps her cell phone shut. "Commissioner Garcia wants to see us regarding the case against Stefan. They have a subpoena for your passport."
Laura frowns as she stashes her napkin beside her empty plate.. "Damn, I thought this had died down."
"Me too. Garcia sounded very unhappy but he didn't say why. My guess is he lost his witness. I better call Stefan. They want to see him too."
