Chapters 67 & 68
Chapter 67 Who's The Boss?
A few days later...
Laura is in Lulu's bedroom helping her get ready to go to the babysitter. Laura has just pulled Lulu's dark hair into a pony tail. "Come on, honey. Let's get moving. We're already late."
Lulu flops on her bed. "I don't wanna go. Why can't I stay here and wait for Lucky?"
Laura tries to rein in her impatience, knowing that Lulu will dig her heels in if she senses it. "Lulu,we don't know when Lucky's going to be back. He didn't say. Besides, I have an appointment I need to get to."
Lulu's whine gets more shrill. "But he promised he play with me! He always keeps his promises."
Laura sighs, she was afraid this would happen. "Well, I hope he does, honey, but we can't wait for him any longer. I'm taking you to Betty's. Why don't you pick out one of your toys to take with you?"
Lulu picks up one of her bears and starts to cry as she follows her mother down the steps. "Why would Lucky promise he'd play with me if he couldn't? Doesn't he love me? He didn't even say goodbye before he left!"
Laura winces. "Of course he loves you, honey! Listen, we can talk about this later, okay?" She opens the front door for Lulu. Lulu halts halfway down the steps, clutching her teddy bear to her as the tears stream down her face. Laura's heart breaks at the sight; she climbs the stairs to hug Lulu, who eludes her and dashes back upstairs.
"I'M NOT GOING! You can't make me!" Lulu screams, slamming her bedroom door behind her. As Laura runs after her, she can hear Lulu tearing apart her room. "I HATE HIM!" Lulu yells through her sobs.
An alarmed Laura forces the door open. "LESLEYLU, STOP IT THIS INSTANT!" She is appalled at the disaster she finds. The floor is littered with broken toys.
Lulu doesn't cease her tantrum; instead she escalates after Laura's order. She starts to throw her toys at the wall. "I HATE YOU! YOU MADE HIM LEAVE! YOU YELLED AT HIM AND HE LEFT! It's all your fault!"
Lulu blindly picks up the faberge egg, one of her most precious toys, preparing to throw it at the wall. Laura quickly grabs it from Lulu's grasp before it's destroyed. After safely stowing the egg, she wraps her arms around Lulu to restrain her. The out of control Lulu continues to sob and struggle against Laura, who murmurs soft soothing words over and over. "It's okay, baby. Mommy's here. I love you no matter what."
Stefan paces in his living room and checks his watch impatiently. Where could she be?
Mrs Lansbury enters the room. "Mr Cassadine, the delivery men are here. Shall I have them unload the ferry?"
Stefan's frown deepens. "Have them stand by." He picks up his phone and dials.
A sobbing Lulu has collapsed face down on her bed, all the fight in her spent. A frazzled Laura continues to rub her back soothingly. The worst is over, at least for the moment. "It's okay, honey. Just let it out...."
Laura's cell phone rings inside her purse, which was dropped just inside Lulu's room when the tantrum erupted. Laura silently swears. Stefan. She hadn't had time to call him. She leaves Lulu long enough to retrieve her phone and answer it. "Hello?"
"Lasha?" Stefan hears Lulu's sobs in the background and the tension in Laura's voice and is instantly concerned. "What's wrong?"
Laura sits on Lulu's bed and resumes rubbing her daughter's back. "I'm sorry, Stefan. It doesn't look like I can make it out there today..."
"What's wrong with LesleyLu?" Stefan interrupts. "Never mind, I will be right there."
Laura tries to stop him. "No, that's not necessary, I can handle Lulu. But I don't think she can cope with a sitter right now."
"I will be there in 10 minutes." Stefan rings off before Laura can protest. He calls out to Mrs Lansbury as he flies out the door. "Have the delivery men unload the furniture, but have them hold off uncrating it until I return."
Stefan arrives on the Spencer front stoop in record time. He walks through the open front door to find the living room deserted. Hearing Lulu's crying and Laura's voice upstairs, he takes the steps two at a time. He follows the sounds of Lulu's gasping sobs, finding Lulu lying in Laura's lap on the bed. He is shocked to see the amount of destruction in Lulu's room--broken toys are strewn everywhere. "What's wrong, Angel?" He asks as he steps over the threshold of her bedroom, gingerly stepping over the toys.
"Stefan!" Lulu exclaims as rises from her mother's lap. She dashes to Stefan's outstretched arms, burrowing her face in his stomach. She begins to cry harder as she tries to tell her tale. "Lucky left me! He promised to play with me but he lied!"
Stefan quickly lifts her into his arms and carries her back to the bed. He sits down beside Laura. "Shsh, Angel. Everything is alright now. You said something about Lucky leaving?"
Laura watches the exchange, once again struck by the attachment Lulu has to Stefan. She shakes off the feeling of disquiet to focus on what Lulu is saying. "Lucky left Sunday on a trip, but he didn't say goodbye." She starts to cry again. "He doesn't love me anymore. Maybe he won't ever come back!"
Stefan holds her tightly, his face a mixture of anger and puzzlement. What could be important to Lucky that he would leave his little sister so abruptly? Careless, plain and simple. "Shsh, Angel. I know for a fact Lucky loves you very much. He's told me so on more than one occasion."
Lulu looks up at Stefan like he's God. "He did?" She asks. He nods solemnly.
"I'm sure Lucky will be back before Saturday." Laura adds. "He wouldn't miss Nikolas and Gina's wedding."
Lulu hiccups as she wipes away her tears.. "Lucky is Nikky's best man. He has to be at the wedding." Lulu looks around her room and sees the mess for the first time. She looks fearfully at her mother. "Am I in really big trouble? Can I still be Nikky and Gina's flower girl?"
Laura reaches over and sweeps a wisp of hair out of Lulu's eyes. "Well, let's just say you have to clean up this mess. And of course you can still be the flower girl."
"I'm sorry, Mommy." Lulu reaches out for her mother, climbing back into her arms. "Please don't be mad."
Laura hugs her daughter back tightly. "I'm not mad, sweetheart. Just worried about you."
Stefan smiles at the sweet picture Lulu and Laura make. "This mess can wait. Lulu, how would you like to go to Wyndemere with us? You could play with Timoria while your mother and I unpack the furniture."
Lulu's eyes light up with excitement, looking to her mother for approval. "Can I, Mommy? Please? I'll be good. I promise. I won't run or touch anything!"
Laura laughs at the abrupt change in Lulu. Where was the sad and angry little girl of a few minutes ago? Still there, she was sure. But for now, Lulu was happy again and that's what mattered. "Okay, we can go. But I'm holding you to your promise. Why don't you go wash your face?" Lulu jumps off her mother's lap and bounces to the bathroom.
Stefan watches her go. "What is this about Lucky leaving?"
"Lucky left a note Sunday afternoon while Lulu and I were out at the park," Laura replies as she gets up to put a few toys away on the shelf. "He just said he was leaving town for a few days to figure some things out. I have no idea why he took off or how long he'll be gone." She shakes her head unhappily. "I tried to warn him about disappointing Lulu, but he wouldn't listen."
Stefan frowns. "It is not surprising LesleyLu is upset. She has had too much to deal with in these few short months. She needs to be around people she can rely on."
Laura looks at him gratefully. "Thank you for coming over. Seeing you made all the difference for Lulu. I can see she's grown quite attached to you, I guess because when the chips have been down, you've been there for her.... I just worry about her expecting too much from you."
Lulu interrupts them before Stefan can answer. She grabs his hand and pulls him off the bed. "Can we go now? I can't wait to see Timmy!"
Stefan smiles at her indulgently as he allows her to boss him around. "Lead on. Our chariot awaits."
A couple hours later, Stefan and Laura are deeply immersed in decorating the game room. Stefan stands back as Laura supervises the placement of the last piece of furniture. "Okay, that's perfect. Thank you for all your help."
The lead delivery man nods. "Happy to oblige, Ma'am." He points to the last two crates which are sitting in the corner of the room. "Do you want us to uncrate those before we go?"
Laura shakes her head. "No, we'll take care of the last two pieces, thank you."
Stefan escorts them to the door. "On your way out, see my housekeeper, Mrs Lansbury."
After the delivery men leave, Stefan and Laura stand together surveying the room. Laura looks up at him. "So.. what do you think? You like it?"
Stefan walks through the room, taking in the scenery. He nods with satisfaction. "It is magnificent. But I am curious. What are the two crates in the corner? Everything I purchased Friday has been uncrated."
Laura smiles enigmatically. "Why don't you open them and find out?" She picks up a discarded crowbar and hands it to him. "Open the big one first."
Stefan gives her a mildly suspicious look but complies. "Okay, Let us see what we have." Laura almost bounces with anticipation, fighting back a big smile.
Stefan pulls the top off the crate and peers inside. His curious look turns to shock. "A chess table?!" His mouth opens in amazement. "You did this?" His eyes alternate between staring at the table and staring at Laura in wonder.
Laura nods, her eyes smiling with delight. "Do you like it? The second crate has the chairs that go with it."
Stefan's strokes the wood table top lovingly. "Like it? I adore it!" His mind reels at the significance. Could this be a sign that she cares for him? He stares at her with an intensity that burns.
Laura gives a bubbly laugh. "Good! The look on your face is priceless! I wish I could capture it. I could swear I surprised you, as impossible as that is to do!"
Stefan impulsively walks over to her and hugs her tightly, practically knocking the wind out of her. "I have never been more pleasantly surprised in my life!" He releases her just as quickly, framing her face with his hands to stare at her in wondrous intensity. "It has been a very long time since anyone made me this happy, Lasha. Decades."
Laura is stunned by the tears she sees in his eyes, happy tears. "I'm glad," She whispers. "You deserve to be happy, Stefan." She looks at the floor in embarrassment, her cheeks pink.
Stefan notices her self consciousness and reins himself in. He kisses her cheeks quickly before releasing her completely. "Thank you, Lasha. You have no idea what this means to me."
"You're welcome." Laura walks over to the crate and turns to smile at him, the awkward moment between them gone. "Well... aren't you going to unpack it?" She picks up the crowbar and offers it to him
Stefan grins back at her as he takes the crowbar from her hand, purposefully brushing her hand with his as he does so. "If you will help me find a place for it."
Chapter 68: In The Name Of Love
Stefan and Laura sit alone at the dining room table after Mrs Lansbury took Lulu into the kitchen for a special dessert. Stefan smiles across the table at her. "I am glad you agreed to stay for dinner. Otherwise I would have been forced to eat alone."
"I didn't have much choice; you and Lulu ganged up on me. You aren't playing fair, you know." Laura gives him a look of mock disapproval, before chuckling. "Honestly though, I'm glad we stayed. I think Lulu and I both needed some TLC tonight."
"Well then, it served us both for you to stay. LesleyLu is a breath of fresh air in this otherwise dark and lonely house." Stefan pauses to take a sip of wine. "I am looking forward to Gina's presence here. Unfortunately, She and Nikolas are planning a long honeymoon right after the wedding. I am not sure what I will do with myself while they are gone."
Laura raises an eyebrow. "I'm not sure whether I should feel sorry for you or laugh at your obvious bid for sympathy."
"You could do both." Stefan shrugs pleasantly, looking somewhat pleased that she saw through him. "I don't get anything past you, do I?"
"You're anything but helpless, Stefan." She puts her wine glass down, shaking her head no when he offers to refill it. "Besides, if I remember correctly, you like your solitude."
Stefan nods."True, I do enjoy being alone, but not as much as I used to."
Lulu scampers into the room. "Hi, Mommy! Mrs Lansbury says I can watch a movie if you say it's okay. Can I? Please!"
Mrs Lansbury enters right behind Lulu. "Mrs Spencer, I hope I wasn't presumptuous, but we have the movie, Pinnochio, on video and I thought Miss LesleyLu might enjoy it."
Laura looks towards Stefan in suspicion. "Your doing, I suppose? A children's movie?"
Stefan looks innocent. "It came to my attention as a classic."
"I'll just bet!" Laura laughs. "Very well, on one condition. You have to watch it too."
Stefan looks horrified. "It's a children's movie.. surely you don't expect me to watch it?"
Laura stubbornly crosses her arms. "Absolutely. Think of it as an education on American folklore. Besides, Lulu will be crushed if she can't see it."
"Please, Stefan! I know you'll like it!" Lulu climbs into Stefan's lap.
Stefan looks down into her big brown eyes and knows he never stood a chance. "With two lovely ladies at my side, how can I refuse?"
Lulu giggles while she wraps her arms around his neck, kissing him on the cheek. "You're so silly! I'm not a lady, I'm a little girl!"
Laura watches Stefan with Lulu, struck this time by the obvious affection Stefan has for her. She knows without a doubt that it isn't feigned by some master plan to fool her, but that it is true genuine affection. It pleases her to see what a loving and devoted parent he must have been to Nikolas. And yet she is also upset by it because Lulu is Luke's little girl. It seemed sacrilege to let Stefan anywhere near her. She wakes from her reverie at the sound of her voice being called.
"Lasha?" Stefan is waiting at the door with Lulu in his arms. "Is everything alright?"
Laura smiles quickly to cover her lapse. "Yes, of course."
"You're going to watch too, right Mommy?"
Laura rises to join them. "Sure thing, punkin."
"Why do you call Mommy, Lasha?" Lulu asks as Stefan carries her to the game room. "Why don't you call her Laura like everybody else does?"
"It is a special nickname I had for your mother long before you were born." Stefan replies. "Actually before Nikolas was born."
"Really? I like it." Lulu rests her head on his shoulder. "I want a special nickname too."
Stefan settles her on the couch and begins setting up the VCR. "You already have one.... it's Angel."
Lulu tries out the name. "Angel? I like when you call me that." She smiles at him impishly.
Laura listens to their exchange in stunned silence, realizing for the first time how truly inseparable the two of them are. When did this happen.. and how could she not have noticed?
Mike is tending bar when Jason enters Luke's place followed by a nondescript man. The man wears glasses and his long light brown hair is tied back in a pony tail. Jason hails Mike. "Hey Mike. Can we have two drafts?"
"Sure thing, Jase." Mike quickly pours them two beers, placing them on the bar. "Who's your friend here?"
Jason proceeds to give introductions. "Mike, this is my associate, Benny Baird. Benny, this is Mike Corbin, Sonny's father."
Benny extends his hand for a shake. "Good to finally meet you. My condolences on your son, he was a good man."
Mike is slightly surprised by the firm handshake he receives. "Nice to meet you, Benny. You specialize in computers, right? Sonny mentioned you once or twice."
Benny nods. "That's me. I was hoping to meet Luke's son Lucky while I was here. Is he around?"
Mike shakes his head. "Nope. He took off for a few days-- I imagine so he could sow a few wild oats before his older brother ties the knot. I expect him back by the end of the week."
"Too bad I missed him. Tell him I stopped by." Jason leads Benny away from the bar to a table in the corner with some privacy. "So... Morgan, what's up? Have another assignment for me?"
"Of sorts. A friend of mine needs some discreet protection." Jason take a sip of his beer. "And you're the man."
"I take it a regular bodyguard wouldn't be suited for the job?" Benny asks.
Jason nods. "That's right. You've heard about the trouble near the docks?"
"Gangs, right?"
Jason leans over the table and lowers his voice. "Exactly. I need a man that will blend. A guy that isn't directly associated with me. I need eyes and ears on the dock."
Benny frowns slightly. "This isn't my area of expertise.... you'd do better with one of regular guys."
"No. These punks on the docks would take one look at one of my regulars and bolt. I want to flush those snot nosed brats out."
Benny takes a swig from his beer as he considers Jason's words. "So who would I be protecting? Some little old lady?"
"A friend of mine, Carly Roberts, and her infant son. She owns Kelly's diner down on the docks."
"Damn. That's no place for a little kid." Benny shakes his head. "For you, I'll do it."
"Good. I knew I could count on you. I'll take you to meet Carly at the beginning of next week. You'll be moved in by the end of next week. Oh, and room and board are free."
Benny smirks. "Thank God for small favors. Make sure the wiring is sufficient for my computer system and I'll be a happy camper."
Late Friday night when everyone's asleep... Emily lets Lucky in. Without saying a word, Lucky kisses her breathless, pinning her body against the door jam of her bedroom. After several minutes he breaks away to look at her intensely. "You have no idea how much I've missed you, Emily."
Emily notices a difference in him, a haunted look about him. "What's wrong, Lucky? Something happen on your trip?"
His answer is to kiss her fervently again, drowning himself in the passion between them. Boldly his hands roam under her pj top. Between kisses he says. "I want to forget everything but you... how you feel, how you smell... you're the only thing that matters. Only you."
Emily gasps at his boldness, arching to his touch, running her hands through his hair and down his neck. "God, I've missed you too, Lucky." She replies breathlessly after he releases her mouth to trail kisses down her neck. When his hands roam to her pj bottoms she stiffens, her hands grabbing his. "Not like this, Lucky. Not here!"
Lucky breaks away, turning his back to her and getting himself under control. "I'm sorry, Em." He says jaggedly. "I had no right to maul you like that!" He swears under his breath. "What's wrong with me?"
Emily breathes deeply as she composes herself. "Don't be sorry! I love how you kiss me. I want to be with you... just not here. My parents are right down the hall."
Lucky looks at her in anguish. "What did I do to deserve you?"
Emily closes the space between them, hugging him tightly. "Something's really wrong! What is it, Lucky?"
He buries his face in the softness of her hair, letting out a strangled sob. "I can't tell you! I want to.... God, how I want to..."
Emily becomes alarmed as his body shakes with silent sobs. "Tell me what I can do! I want to help."
"Just let me hold you... I need to hold you and remember what's important, what's real. What I can trust." After his tears are spent he lays his head on her shoulders. "How am I going to get through Nik's wedding tomorrow without losing it?"
"Let's just get through tonight first. Tomorrow will take care of itself," Emily answers, leading him to the bed and motioning him to lie down. He drags her down with him, enveloping her in his arms as they lie spoon style on the bed.
