CHAPTERS 11 & 12

 

 

Chapter 11: Seems Like Only Yesterday

Emily looks alarmed when she finds Rinaldo waiting for her outside her room at Kelly's. "Oh my God, what happened to Jason?!"

Rinaldo takes her gently by the arm and guides her back down the stairs and out of Kelly's. "I didn't mean to scare you, Miss Bowen-Quartermaine. Nothing's happened to Jason, he's back at the penthouse. But he asked me to wait for you, and bring you to him as soon as you arrived. He'll explain everything when we get there."

Emily lets out the breath she was holding and quickens her pace to keep up with Rinaldo. "This must be pretty important if he had you wait rather than just leave a note for me. Lead on."

A short while later, Emily and Rinaldo arrive at Jason's penthouse. Jason stands when they enter the door. "Thanks, Rinaldo. Why don't you wait outside for now?"

Emily runs over to hugs Jason tightly. "I was so scared when I saw Rinaldo waiting outside my door! I thought something had happened to you. Everyone's okay, right? Please tell me no one's been hurt?"

Jason leads Emily over to the sofa. "None of my people have been hurt, and I'm trying to keep it that way. Which is why I had Rinaldo waiting for you at Kelly's. It's not safe to be there right now. Some major stuff's going down in that part of town and I don't want you anywhere near it."

Emily pales. "You're going to war, aren't you?"

Jason shrugs. "I hope not, but I'm prepared for the worst. There are some people who are trying to move in on my territory and I've taken steps to stop them. They'll either go back to where they came from, or they'll strike back. It's going to take a couple weeks for me to know either way. Meanwhile it's too dangerous for you and Carly to be there."

"Where's Carly and AR? Does she know?" Emily asks as she absorbs the information. "What about Benny?"

"They're already out of town; Benny took them to Puerto Rico," Jason explains. "The only remaining question is where you're going to stay. I'd suggest either here or the Quartermaine mansion. But it's your choice."

Emily bites her lip and gives Jason a pleading look. "Would it be too much trouble for me to stay here? I can't go back to living at the mansion, even for a short time, or they'll see it as a surrender."

Jason nods. "There's no problem with you staying here. Just take a bodyguard with you whenever you leave, and if you need anything from your room at Kelly's, let Rinaldo know and he'll pick it up for you."

Emily jumps up and hugs Jason again. "Thanks, you're the best big brother I could ever hope for. I won't be any trouble at all."

In the morning two days later, Jason holds Stone while Alexis watches indulgently. "I swear he grows an inch every time I see him," Jason marvels while tickling Stone's tummy.

"Given the speed he's been outgrowing his baby clothes, I don't think that's far from the truth," Alexis replies with a wry smile. "Thanks for taking him today. I know you probably have a million things to do..."

Jason stops her. "Honestly, I don't mind. I don't get enough time with him anyway and today being the day it is, it'll help being around him. But are you sure you want to spend the day alone?"

"Yes, I'm very sure. This way I can have a mini nervous breakdown if I want to and I don't have to worry about Stone." Alexis helps Jason gather Stone and all the baby stuff together before escorting them to the door.

Jason pauses at the door way to give Alexis a quick hug. "If you change your mind about being alone, just give me a call. Otherwise, we'll see you tonight."

Alexis kisses her baby son on the cheek. "I will. Good bye, Stone. Be good for Uncle Jason and make sure he has some fun."

All morning Stefan has watched with growing concern as Laura picked at her breakfast, ambled listlessly from room to room, and responded to questions from family in monosyllables. It doesn't take a genius to figure out what's wrong. He knows: today is the anniversary of Luke's death.

"Is there anything I can do?" Stefan asks from bedroom doorway.

Standing through the bedroom window, she shakes her head without turning to look at him. "No, thank you. I just want to be alone."

Not able to stand helplessly on the sidelines any longer while she grieves, Stefan moves into action. He leaves and shuts the door behind him, grabbing for his cell phone in his breast pocket. He dials a number. "Yes, this is Stefan. I need you. Or more accurately, Laura needs you."

In a bar in Sioux Falls in the late morning, a smashed Lucky raises a whiskey glass in toast. "To oblivion. May I reach it in record time."

Leo watches with a mixture of awe and concern while Lucky downs the whiskey in one gulp. He knows the way Lucky is going, he'll be pass any moment. In fact, if he were a betting man, he would have wagered Lucky would be out cold by now. "Lucky, maybe you should stop..."

"Stop being a drag, Man! Either shut your trap or go away," Lucky says with a belligerent slur, almost falling off the barstool when he shakes his finger at Leo. "Bartender, I'll have another. No, make that two."

The bartender, a large tough looking man in his late thirties, shakes his head. "Sorry, you've had enough. I think it's time for you to hit the road."

Lucky grabs the man by the collar and glares at him threateningly. "Either you get me one, or I'll get one myself over your unconscious ass."

Leo, sensing from the bartender's deadly look that he's about to throttle Lucky, steps in and pries Lucky off the bartender with a surprising show of strength. "Please excuse my friend, he received some very distressing news today and he's taking it pretty hard. I'm so sorry for the inconvenience, we'll be leaving now..."

Lucky struggles against Leo's attempts to restrain him and back him out of the bar. "Let me at the jerk, I can take him!"

The bartender glowers menacingly at Leo and Lucky. "Get this punk out of here before I change my mind and rearrange his pretty face."

Leo forcibly drags Lucky out of the bar and towards the Caddy. Lucky's struggles wane the further they are from the bar. Finally Lucky says. "Let me go, Leo! I may be drunk off my butt, but I can still walk."

"Do you promise not to lose your head again and go after the proprietor of the bar?" Leo asks before letting him go.

"Yeah yeah, just get off me, man," Lucky grouses. He shakes off Leo's steadying hand and almost falls on his face. Leo, sensing that Lucky wouldn't appreciate any assistance, keeps his distance.

Lucky stumbles into the front seat of the Caddy. Foster, who'd been sleeping in the back seat, bounds over the seat and licks Lucky's face. Lucky grimaces and shoves Foster's head away. "Get away from me, skillethead! You have bad breath."

Foster, offended by Lucky's attitude, woofs quietly and sullenly heads back to the back seat to pout. Leo rounds the front of the car and takes the driver's seat. "Are you going to enlighten me as to why you were drinking yourself into a stupor back in the bar?"

Lucky leans against the side of the car door miserably. "Let's just say I'd just as soon forget this day ever existed."

"It must be pretty distressing indeed," Leo replies softly.

"Yeah, my dad died a year ago today..." Lucky closes his eyes and starts to drift off to sleep.

"I'm sorry, Lucky." Leo fishes for the ignition key in Lucky's pocket and starts the car. "The sooner we get out of this town, the better I believe. What is our next destination?"

Lucky rouses long enough to say, "West. Don't care where."

Stefan hugs Alexis when she arrives at Wyndemere. "Thank you for coming, Alexis. I know this day isn't easy for you either."

Alexis smiles sadly. "I don't mind. In fact, I think it's just what I needed. Where is she?"

"Up in our bedroom. She hasn't budged from the bedroom window since I called you. She refuses to talk to anyone or eat anything. I am worried she'll make herself sick." Stefan points to the steps. "Do you mind if we go up now?"

Alexis follows him up the steps. "Not at all." Within moments they are standing outside Stefan and Laura's bedroom. When Stefan raises his hand to knock, Alexis stops him. "Let me. Why don't you go downstairs and make yourself busy? I can take it from here. You hovering about won't help the situation."

Stefan nods reluctantly and kisses Alexis' cheek before leaving. "Thank you, Alexis. I will be downstairs if either of you need me."

Once Stefan is gone, Alexis taps softly on the door. When there's no response, she cracks open the door and peeks in at Laura, who's standing just where Stefan described. "Hey, you up for some company?"

"No thank you, I just want to be alone," Laura replies softly.

Alexis walks in anyway. "That's what I thought I wanted too. To be alone to think about Sonny, our last moments together. To cry my heart out if I wanted. But then I realized what I really needed was to spend it with the one person who would understand exactly how I felt."

Laura looks down at her hands. "I feel so empty, Alexis. I have a husband who worships me, a baby on the way, loving children around me, and it doesn't matter. None of it."

Alexis comes to a stand behind Laura, joining her in looking out at the rose garden below them. "I know, only you can imagine how ungrateful I feel. I have wonderful friends and family, a beautiful healthy baby son, and all I want is Sonny back."

A tear rolls down Laura's cheek. "We were so happy, Alexis. The whole nightmare of Lulu being kidnapped was behind us, Luke had made a truce with Stefan, my sons were getting along, and my marriage was stronger than it had been in years. And It was all over in a blink of an eye."

"I know. One minute we were blissfully happy and the next, our worst nightmare came true." Alexis shakes her head sadly. "It's only been in the last month or so I've felt like I could not only survive Sonny's death, but that I could have a fulfilling life. Then, this anniversary comes around and sucker punches me. I'm right back where I started."

"It feels like it just happened yesterday." Laura turns and faces Alexis for the first time, tears running down her cheeks. She reaches out to grab Alexis' hand and squeezes it. "Thank you for coming. You're just what I needed."

A tearful Alexis hugs Laura. "I'm glad I came too." They stand hugging each other and crying for several minutes, then Alexis breaks it off. "How about we go visit the rose garden instead of just looking at it? It's a nice day for it, actually."

Laura wipes her tears away. "A couple of minutes ago, I would have refused, but I think it's just what we need."

 

Chapter 12: Just What I needed

It's unseasonably warm in the rose garden at Wyndemere as Laura and Alexis sit on a bench and talk. Despite the fact that the roses are still dormant due to winter, the garden is green and welcoming. Evergreen bushes surround them and provide a screen from the wind, while the sun shines down and warms them.

"I remember my last last day with Sonny so vividly," Alexis muses. "I had just come home from the doctor's office with the news I was pregnant. I was so estatic, happier than I'd ever dreamed of being. For the first time I had everything I wanted... Stefan and I had mended our relationship, I was married to a man who loved me as deeply as I loved him, and I had a baby on the way. It was spooky, like I knew I was too happy, that it couldn't last."

"I remember that day too," Laura adds. "Luke and I were so happy, my family was truly whole, with a place in my life for all my sons. I remember saying it at the time how eerie it was..."

Flashback (from Chapter 1 of Port Chuck 1999)

Laura: "Oh Luke, I never thought I could be so happy again. Everything seems to be working out. It's almost eerie. I can't believe that Nikolas and Lucky are actually getting along."

Luke: "I know, baby. Never thought I'd welcome a Cassadine into my home. But he has proven himself. Never will trust that vampire uncle of his. "

Laura mildly admonishes Luke. "Luke, we couldn't have gotten through Lulu's kidnapping without Stefan. He found her for us. You saw him kill Victor to get her back for us."

Luke mutters under his breath. "I don't like owing Steffin anything, darling. And he offed Victor because Nikolas was in danger, not because of any noble feelings towards us. And he's still obsessed with you. He might have burned that portrait, but that doesn't mean he's over you."

Lucky comes bounding down the stairs. He smirks at his parents snuggling on the couch. Sometimes they acted just like teenagers, but he was thrilled that they were so lovey dovey.

Laura smiles sadly at Alexis. "Lucky went out to see Emily and Luke and I had the house to ourselves. We were so playful, so free that day. It was the last time we made love... that we said we loved each other. It was like having another honeymoon, almost magical." Her voice breaks.

Alexis takes Laura's hand and squeezes it. "I remember the last time Sonny and I made love too, I think that day will be burned in my memory for eternity..."


Flashback (from Chapter 3 of PC1999)

Sonny and Alexis are lying on their bed together in the late afternoon talking.

Sonny gives Alexis a worried look. "You went to see the doctor? And nothing's wrong? I don't understand."

Alexis beams back at him. "I found out I'm pregnant, Sonny. I'm two months along. You are going to be a Daddy."

Sonny is speechless. "What did you say? Did you say you're pregnant?"
Alexis: "Yes, I'm pregnant, Sonny. Tell me you're happy!"
Sonny hugs her tightly as he begins to cry. "A baby? In seven months? Yes?!"
Alexis wipes his tears away:"Yes Sonny. I know this was sooner than we planned..."
Sonny:"No, it's perfect, baby. After Lily...."'
Alexis: "I know, honey. But this time is different."
Sonny: "I'll make sure it's different. I never thought I could be this happy! Thank you for blessing my life, Alexis."

Sonny pulls her close again, kissing her and caressing her body gently but passionately. Alexis groans in pleasure as she responds to his lovemaking. They make passionate love.



"There is one thing I'm thankful for in all of this," Alexis sums up. "That Sonny died a happy man. From all the talks we had, all the things he shared about his life before meeting me, I know he spent most of it unhappy and unsatisfied. And I know on the night he died he was the happiest he'd ever been, knowing I was going to have his child."

"And knowing that he was able to protect it this time," Laura says softly. "Even though it meant giving his life to do it. You gave Sonny a wonderful gift, Alexis. You gave him your love, your loyalty, a child, and a peace within himself that he'd been looking for his whole life."

"From everything I've ever heard about Luke, it seems you did the same for him," Alexis points out. "All the stories I've heard say the same thing, that Luke was on a collision course with death until he found you. That the love you shared made him into a better man. Not perfect, certainly..." Alexis laughs.

Laura joins in the laughter. "No, Luke could never claim to be perfect, in fact I think he strived not to be. He always had that edge, that side of himself that craved danger and excitement, even when it was self-destructive. I think he'd have just as soon died than lose that edge. And I think my love of Luke changed me for the better too. I learned to trust myself and my instincts. To be brave, to fight even when I was scared."

"What are we going to do without them?"

Laura shakes her head and squeezes Alexis' hand as if to say she's doesn't know. "I don't know, I suppose we keep doing what we're doing." She smiles as a thought occurs to her. "I bet they're plotting to overthrow the devil, along with the rest of your Cassadine relatives."

Alexis smirks. "The day they succeed will be a cold day in hell, as only the Cassadines can deliver."

They laugh together through their tears and Laura adds, "You know Luke, he'd just say this was a temporary setback."

At Jason's Penthouse, Mike is cradling his grandson, Stone, while Jason sits on the sofa doing paperwork. Mike makes a cooing sound at Stone, who chortles in return. "You know, I think Stone looks more and more like Sonny every day."

Jason looks up briefly. "Yeah, I can definitely see the resemblance in his eyes. Dark and intense just like Sonny."

With Stone in his arms, Mike ambles over to the large window that looks out over the city. "I appreciate you inviting me over, Jason. Stone is just what I needed. A little dose of sunshine on a dark day."

Jason makes a few notations and gathers his notes together, signalling he's done. "Yeah, me too. I was kind of surprised Alexis asked me to take him today. I would have thought she'd want Stone to herself."

"Well, everyone deals with their grief differently. I was a little worried when I heard she was going to spend the day alone, but she didn't answer her phone and her guards are gone, so I figure she must have gone somewhere."

"I'm sure she's fine," Jason replies.

Mike looks down at Stone who's wriggling fiercely in his arms. "Do you remember Sonny's announcement that Alexis was pregnant? How happy they both were?"

"Yeah, don't think I could ever forget it." Jason smiles at the memory. "They asked Robin and me to be godparents."

"I was speechless at the news. After what happened to Lily, I didn't dare hope for a grandkid. Then after the Brenda fiasco, I was sure he'd never marry. Next thing I know he's married to Alexis and six months later they're announcing she's pregnant."


FLASHBACK

At Luke's club, Sonny raises his voice so he can be heard. "Excuse me everyone, I'd like to have your attention." He waits for the room to become silent. "I have an announcement to make. Alexis will you come over here, Darling?" Alexis gets up and takes his hand, looking radiantly happy. "First, I want to say how much I love this wife of mine." Alexis blushes as she kisses him on the mouth. "We have wonderful news. Alexis is pregnant and soon I'll be a Pop!" Sonny beams at his friends and family.

Mike grabs Sonny and gives him a bear hug. "Son, I can't believe it! This is wonderful news! " Mike hugs Alexis more gently, but no less enthusiastically. "I couldn't be happier for you both. Alexis, you have made my son very happy. I know how much he loves you. I can't believe it! I'm going to be a Grandpa!" Mike has tears in his eyes.

Alexis beams back at him. "Thank you, Mike. You know how happy your son
makes me. You're going to be a wonderful Grandpa. Expect us to use you as a babysitter often!"



Mike uses his thumb to brush a tear out of his eye. "It's got to be some sick cosmic joke that the night I get my fondest wish, I lose my son forever."

Late at night, when most of the house is asleep, Laura enters the bedroom she shares with Stefan. She had dressed for bed earlier, but when she realized she couldn't sleep, she had left again so she wouldn't keep Stefan awake.

The first thing she notices is their bed is untouched; Stefan had not gone to bed as she had expected. Instead she finds Stefan sitting on the loveseat reading. He looks up at her and removes his reading glasses. "Lasha."

"I thought you'd be asleep," Laura whispers as she crosses the room to join him on the couch.

Stefan searches her face while careful to keep his tone neutral and nonthreatening. "As you will soon learn, your new husband has frequent episodes of insomnia."

"I haven't noticed you having any problems sleeping...." Laura reaches out to place her hand on top of his. "Thank you." When Stefan looks at her quizzically, she elaborates. "For everything you did for me today.... handling the children, letting me have space, calling Alexis and asking her to visit." She looks into his eyes and cups his cheek lovingly with her hand. "You have no idea what your thoughtfulness means to me."

Stefan closes his eyes, overcome with the meaning of her words. He covers her hand cupping his cheek. "Lasha...seeing you in such pain and knowing I couldn't help you through it..."

Laura covers his lips with her fingers to shush him. "I know, being powerless is not something you handle well. But you kept your distance anyway, and you called the one person who could help me. And now there's something you can do for me."

"I would do anything for you, Lasha," Stefan vows in a hoarse whisper. "If you want me to leave you alone, I will keep my distance for as long as you need me to."

"That's not what I need, Stefan. In fact it's the last thing I need. What I want is.. is for you to hold me. More than anything, I need to feel your warmth, your arms around me."

Stefan stares at her in amazement, so overwhelmed he can't speak. Silently he opens his arms to her and she slides across the short distance of the love seat and lays her head on his shoulder, her hand on his chest. His arms close around her slowly. "As long as you need me to, Lasha."