Chapters 15 & 16

 

Chapter 15: Nothing Will Be The Same

Elizabeth and Lucky sit Indian style on the floor of her simple but cozy home, each nursing a beer. Blues music plays softly in the background. "Thanks for staying, I didn't really want to be alone," Elizabeth admits. "Not after what happened tonight."

"Does it happen often?" Lucky asks. "I mean, I can't imagine you wanting to work under those conditions."

"Those guys, they've been hassling me for a while, but this is the first time any of them has gone that far," Elizabeth takes a swig of beer. "Up until now, I always figured they were just kidding and I really needed the job. I guess they weren't kidding."

"That bartender.. why didn't he look out for you? He almost seemed to have it in for you."

Elizabeth smiles ruefully. "I suppose he does. He's been trying to get me into bed since I started the job last month. Last week, he went so far as to push his way into my apartment when I hit him in the head with a skillet. I thought he'd get over it when he sobered up, but I guess he didn't."

Lucky shakes his head. "I wouldn't go back there if I were you."

"Enough about my pitiful excuse for a life," Elizabeth replies. "What about you? You're definitely not from around here."

"Nope, I'm not." Lucky leans back on his elbows and stares at the ceiling. "I'm from upstate New York. Little no-name town called Port Charles. Don't care if I ever go back there."

Elizabeth cocks her head curiously at the bitter edge in his voice. "Sounds like you have some bad memories in Port Charles."

"Yeah, I do." Lucky takes a swig of his beer. "But you know, I think I actually have more happy memories than bad ones, just that the bad ones all came at the end... My dad died there. The man I admire more than anyone in my whole life."

Elizabeth stretches out on the floor to be closer to him, drawn by his sadness. "I'm so sorry. The pain sounds very fresh."

Lucky's voice is emotionless when he replies. "He died about a year ago. Shot dead by some hired goon."

Elizabeth covers her gaping mouth. "That's awful. How devastating for you and your family!"

Lucky, encouraged by the effects of the beer and the presence of a sympathetic stranger, tells the whole sad story. "At first it was. But my mom got over it pretty quick. In fact, she just married my dad's worst enemy. That's when I knew I had to get out of town...."

Several hours later, after Lucky has spilled his whole life story, A distraught Lucky and somber Elizabeth lie next to each other on the floor. Elizabeth reaches over to wipe away the tears that are streaming down his face. Lucky laughs bitterly. "Why am I telling you all this? You don't know me and here I am telling you everything. You must think I'm very pitiful."

Elizabeth smiles at him sadly, continuing to stroke his face to comfort him. "Not at all, I think you're very sad and lonely... and very strong. Would it surprise you to hear that I admire you?"

Lucky squeezes his eyes shut to try to force the tears to stop. "Why? You hardly know me."

"I know you risked your neck to save me, a perfect stranger, from that... drunken redneck." Elizabeth explains. "And I know from listening to your story that you would do anything for your mother and sister. Lulu.. is that your sister's name?"

Lucky smiles at the thought of his sister. "Yeah, Lulu. Actually her name is LesleyLu, but I never call her that. God, I miss her so much."

"I bet she misses you too."

"She does. She cried the last time I called her, I feel like such a creep running out on her like that. I couldn't help it, though. If I had stuck around, I would have done something stupid." He looks up at Elizabeth gratefully. "You're sweet, letting me cry on your shoulder."

"My pleasure," Elizabeth says with a grin, kissing him on the tip of his nose. "I loved hearing about your family. I feel like I almost know them."

Her simple kiss startles Lucky, making him aware for the first time in hours how attracted he is to her, how her black silky hair, now loose about her shoulders, frames her face becomingly. He stares into her striking green eyes and loses himself a little. He touches her bottom lip with his thumb, entranced by it's softness. "Elizabeth..."

Elizabeth closes her eyes and strokes the tip of his thumb with her lips and tongue. "Just for tonight, Lucky."

Lucky groans, overwhelmed by the desire to kiss her, to let himself go completely. He cups the back of her neck roughly and brings her lips to his for a slow deep kiss that leaves her speechless. "Do that again, Elizabeth, and I think I'll lose myself completely."

Elizabeth complies, stroking his mouth like she had his thumb. Just as promised, her kiss ignites Lucky and she finds herself rolled onto her back with Lucky lying on top of her, kissing her passionately. She laughs joyfully and wraps her arms around his neck.

The lovers undress each other, reveling in the feel of each other's bodies, taking and receiving pleasure and comfort freely. As their passion and desire for each other mounts, they join in lovemaking that will leave their lives changed forever.

Laura sighs into the phone. "Mama, I just don't know what's right anymore. I was so sure when I married Stefan that I couldn't have a sexual relationship with him, that I had to be true to Luke's memory, to my love of Luke. But now, everything's so confused..."

"Laura, hold on a minute," Lesley interrupts. "You're telling me that you and Stefan agreed to marry under that ridiculous condition? What were you thinking, Honey?"

"I wanted my child to have both parents, to be raised within a whole family," Laura tries to explain.

"That's perfectly understandable. But to expect Stefan and yourself to accept a marriage under those conditions... well, it's preposterous. If you were a young girl getting married for the first time, I MIGHT understand your reasoning. But you and I both know real marriages don't operate that way, especially with the history you and Stefan share. A marriage under those conditions is doomed to self-destruct. Either that or you have to change the rules."

"I guess I was fooling myself," Laura sighs unhappily. "And now I don't know what to do."

"How would you feel if he had an affair, Laura?" Lesley asks gently.

Laura pales at the thought. "I... I'd be very hurt... devastated... betrayed. But he has every..."

"Is he attracted to you?" Lesley continues.

Laura suddenly smiles at the memory of him kissing her awake that morning. So full of tenderness and longing. "Yes, very much. I know he wants me."

"I'm not surprised," Lesley replies with a triumphant grin. "And how about you? Honestly, are you attracted to him?"

There is a long pause before Laura answers. "Y.. Yes. I hate myself, but I am."

"Why do you hate yourself? He's your husband in all ways that matter. You have been living with him side by side for some time now." Lesley shakes her head ruefully. "He's handsome, sexy, attentive, and he loves you like crazy. I'm sure it hurts him deeply to be rejected day after day. Pretty soon you either need to end this farce or make it a true marriage, Laura.. child or no child. It's not fair to either of you."

A lump forms in Laura's throat. "I don't want to end this marriage. But Luke..."

Lesley cuts her off. "Luke can't be in the middle of your marriage with Stefan, you must know I'm right. I know it breaks your heart, but Luke's dead. You're married to Stefan now and that's where your focus must be. Both of you deserve to be happy."

Laura nods sadly. "I'll think about what you said; thank you, Mama."

Laura sits at her dressing table in the bedroom she shares with Stefan, brushing her hair out in front of the mirror as she does every night and morning. Images of Stefan float through her mind...the kiss on their wedding day, the first morning they slept in the same bed when she woke in his arms, the time he held her all night on the anniversary of Luke's death. Then to her surprise, the memory of the night of Nikolas' wedding when they made love comes back in a vivid recollection. How much she wanted him that night, how loved she felt.

The sound of the door opening breaks her trance. Startled, the hairbrush drops from her hand and clatters onto the table. She takes a deep breath to steady herself.

"Are you alright?" Stefan asks, coming up behind her.

"Yes... just clumsy is all," Laura looks down, not trusting herself enough to look at him. "Are you getting ready for bed?"

Stefan bends to kiss her on top of the head. "Yes, very soon." His eyes rove her pink and very feminine nightgown, and he clearly likes what he sees. "I see you are ready for bed. I will be out shortly."

Laura watches him retreat into the bathroom to change, then begins to pace anxiously. Her mother's words of advice ring in her ears, haunting her, admonishing her. What a fool she's been, how selfish and unfair. Stefan deserves a loving wife, and it's time for her to admit to herself and to him that that is what she wants too.

"Stefan!" Laura calls out.

Stefan comes out of the bathroom, his suit jacket off and the top button of his dress shirt unbuttoned. "Lasha? Is something the matter?"

Wordlessly Laura crosses the distance between them to stand right in front of him. She reaches a hand up to his hair, tucking a lock of hair that has fallen across his forehead back into place. Her fingers trace the side of his face and jaw lovingly.

"Lasha?" Stefan whispers in confusion, totally unprepared for her tender affection.

She searches his face, committing it to memory. Her fingers rest on his lips, caressing them. She takes a step closer so her breasts are grazing his chest through their clothing, taunting and tantalizing him.

"What are you trying to tell me, Lasha?" Stefan asks in a tight voice.

"I'm trying to show you... can't you tell what I want?" Laura trails kisses from his neck to his chest as she unbuttons his shirt and smiles at his sharp intake of breath.

"Wait." His hands catches hers and brings them to his lips for a brief kiss before pushing her away to an arm's length distance.

Laura stares at him in confused astonishment while her body aches with desire. "What's the matter? Don't you want me?"

Stefan closes his eyes, torture written all over his face. "Yes, with every fiber of my being. But are you absolutely positive this is what you want? To make love to me... Stefan Cassadine? I doubt I could survive you regretting our lovemaking in the morning again. Not this time."

Laura grimaces, for the first time realizing fully the pain she's put him through. "Stefan, I'm so sorry for hurting you then, I wasn't at all fair to you." She closes the distance between them and kisses him on the chin. "This really has been torture for you, hasn't it?"

Stefan rests his forehead against hers. "Yes.... yes, to have you, the woman I desire more than any other woman in the entire world, so close, and yet unattainable."

"I don't deserve your devotion," She whispers, planting soft kisses on his anguished face. "I want to make love, Stefan. Nothing feels more right, more natural than making love to you, my husband."

His mouth captures hers in a searing kiss full of longing and unrequited passion. Laura returns the kiss with a hunger that equals his, her arms wrapping around his neck and pulling him so close they are fused. They are both so overwhelmed by the force between them that they sway precariously, almost losing their balance.

Stefan is rocked, so unprepared to have the love of his life return his lovemaking without hesitation, without reservation. His mouth devours her, seeking to taste every inch of her soft skin while his fingers guide her nightgown off her shoulders to lie in a pool at her feet. All the frustration of the last several months coming out with a fury of passion. Laura groans blissfully, not only accepting his almost violent lovemaking, but rising to meet it, so much so that she yanks at his shirt and tears the buttons.

Suddenly becoming gentle, Stefan kisses her with all the love he feels for her. His mouth and hands never leave her body as he guides her to the bed and leans her back against it. He shudders at her knowing touch, the touch of the woman that brings him pleasure as no other. When he can stand it no longer, he grabs her hands and they join together as one.

Chapter 16: Lovers...for a moment or forever

The next morning, Lucky, clad in just a pair of jeans, stands with his head propped up against Elizabeth's front window looking out. His face is a picture of self loathing. What a mess he'd made of things. While technically his relationship with Emily is over, his heart still belongs to her. So what business did he have sleeping with some woman he hardly knew?

"Hi," Elizabeth whispers, her arms wrapping around his waist from behind. "Shall I make us some coffee?"

Lucky reaches his arm back to wrap it around her waist and smiles at her casually. "Sure, sounds nice."

Elizabeth takes his hand off her waist and leads him into the kitchen. "You should have told me last night."

"What?"

Elizabeth busies herself with making coffee. "That you're in love with someone else. I could see you were thinking of her when I came up behind you just now, that sad look said it all. Although I must admit all the signs were there last night, I guess I just wanted to ignore them."

Lucky slumps into a kitchen chair. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth. It wasn't fair taking advantage of you last night, I'm a real jerk."

"Beth, call me Beth. That's what all my friends call me." She tousles his hair playfully. "And you're not a jerk at all, Lucky. On the contrary, you're incredibly sweet. If anyone took advantage of anyone, it was me. I don't regret one minute with you last night."

Lucky squeezes her hand meaningfully, grateful that he hasn't hurt her as he'd feared. "I don't know what to say... except that you're a beautiful sexy lady..."

Beth hushes him by putting a finger over his mouth. "Let's just enjoy the little bit of time we have left. I cook a mean breakfast... You interested?"

Lucky smiles at her in relief. "Sure, I'm famished. But only if you let me help."

Morning at Wyndemere, Stefan's eyes flutter open to find his wife propped up on her elbow studying him. He reaches a hand up to caress her cheek. "Have you been watching me long?"

Laura smiles warmly and nuzzles his hand. "A little while. It's a rare pleasure to wake up before you. I thought I'd take advantage of it and watch you sleep. I considered kissing you awake but you seemed so peaceful., I didn't want to disturb you."

Stefan draws her mouth down for a long lingering kiss that has them both wanting more. "Yes... it is quite unusual for me to sleep so well. A little unsettling, as a matter of fact."

"Maybe it's because you're happy?" Laura grins coyly as she traces an intricate design on his bare chest.

Stefan grabs her teasing hand and pulls her against him fully. "It certainly could be that, for I am happier than I can ever remember being... or perhaps it is because my beautiful wife kept me up all night..."

Laura throws back her head and laughs. "ME?! Keep YOU up? The original creature of the night? I think not."

Stefan plants kisses on her exposed throat and his hands roam her body. "I love to hear you laugh, Lasha... Tell me, do we have to be anywhere this morning?"

Laura, already enthralled by his erotic touch, takes a long time to answer. "N..No..."

After a eating a large breakfast and helping with the dishes, Lucky stands awkwardly with his hands in his pockets as Beth puts the last few things away. "I guess I should be taking off. Leo's probably thinking I've dumped him for a new traveling partner."

"Yes, of course you need to go," Beth says quietly. "I'd like to give you something, if you can wait a minute."

Lucky looks at the floor guiltily. "You don't have to do that. I wouldn't feel right when I don't have anything to give you."

Beth searches in some drawers in the living room. "Nonsense, you protected from being raped and given me a beautiful night that I'll remember always."

Beth sits down in middle of the room and directs him to sit down next to her. She takes his hand and brings it to her lips before opening his palm and placing a small cold object in it.

Lucky looks down to find a handsome silver and turquoise cuff bracelet in his hand. He shakes his head and tries to hand it back. "It beautiful and obviously well made, but I can't take it. I can tell it's worth quite a bit."

Beth laughs in embarrassment. "Your compliment is enough of a present, believe me. I made it myself, Lucky, and I want you to have it. Please." She takes his arm and the bracelet and slips it on his wrist. "And see? It fits perfectly. It was made for you to wear."

"Thank you," He whispers hoarsely, kissing her on the forehead. "I just wish there was something I could give you."

There is a long pause as Beth thinks, then her eyes light up with an idea. "I would love if I could have a picture of you. I don't suppose you have an extra one since you're traveling around..."

Lucky digs out his wallet and pulls out a picture. "I have this one of me and Lulu."

Beth pushes it away. "I can't take your picture of Lulu, you're going to need it while you're away from her."

Lucky shakes his head. "Nah, I've got another more recent one in my wallet. Take it."

Beth looks at the photograph, it's a picture of Lulu sitting on Lucky's lap laughing into the camera. "Oh, Lucky. She's a beautiful little girl... And the two of you look so close... and happy."

"Yeah, at least we were close until I left." Lucky swallows the lump of sadness in his throat and continues to explain. "She was four when that picture was taken, a few months before my dad died. My mom was making silly faces in the background and Lulu was laughing at her."

Beth's eyes mist. "No little girl should lose her daddy so young. Are you sure you want to part with this picture? It's quite a treasure."

"Yeah, I'm sure. If I really want I can ask my mom for a reprint. She saves everything."

Beth rises without a word and leaves the room, leaving Lucky wondering. While she's gone, he saunters around the room, taking a look at the artwork on the walls for the first time. He notices a couple portrait sketches on one wall, one of an old Indian woman and one of a wizened old man in full Indian headdress. He takes a closer look and realizes they are original pencil sketches.

"Those are my grandparents," Beth explains from the doorway.

"Who sketched these?" Lucky asks. "They're great."

Beth kneels on the floor again and motions Lucky to do the same. "I did, from old photographs. They died before I was five, so I don't remember much about them." She puts a handmade cloth doll in Lucky's hand. "This is for Lulu. I feel like I know her and I want her to have something."

Lucky examines the doll, which is a replica of an Indian girl, dressed in a leather skin dress. "You made this too? Maybe you should sell your creations rather than drinks. You're really talented."

Beth smiles sadly. "My art is private, I wouldn't be able to sell it. The pieces are a part of me, and I only give them away to people I know who will treasure them. And I know you and Lulu will treasure them."

"We will, I promise." Lucky cups her cheek and kisses her softly, gently parting her lips to taste her one last time.

Before the kiss becomes more serious, Beth firmly but gently pushes him away. "You ought to go, this is not where you belong."

Lucky nods and while still cupping her cheek, he rubs his thumb across her lips in one final caress. "Goodbye, Beth." He rises to his feet and leaves without a word.

From her kneeling position on the floor, Beth looks after him sadly. "Goodbye, Lucky. I hope you find some peace."

Midday, Stefan and Laura wander into the empty living room holding hands. Uncharacteristic for him, his suit jacket isn't buttoned nor is the top two buttons of his dress shirt. His eyes don't leave his wife for more than a moment, as if he's afraid if they do, she will disappear and his happiness with her.

For the first time since their marriage, Laura looks like a glowing bride. Her eyes glitter happily and she can't stifle the huge smile on her face. "I can't believe we're alone in the house..." She turns to face him, and begins to button his shirt. "You look like you need help dressing today, " She teases.

Stefan places his hands on her hips and draws her against him, a teasing smile on his lips. "If I do, it is because my wife couldn't keep her hands off me when I was dressing earlier."

Laura chuckles, which turns to a groan when he begins to devour her neck. Her hands cease buttoning his shirt and instead run up and down his chest. "Hmmm, well it's a good thing my dress doesn't have any buttons or I don't think I'd have ever gotten dressed today..."

The sound of voices from the foyer carry into the living room. Stefan sighs and pulls away from his wife reluctantly. "We are not alone anymore."

"It was bound to happen." Laura straightens his collar and buttons his shirt with quick efficiency.

The very next moment, Lulu bursts into the room, followed by Nikolas and Gina. "Hi Mommy, Hi Stefan! Guess where I just was?"

"Where?" Laura asks as she hugs her daughter.

"The aquarium. I wanted to go to the zoo but Nikky said it was still too cold. It was tons of fun! I got to see an octopus and everything!" Lulu bounces over to Stefan to receive a hug.

"What have you two been up to all day?" Nik asks with a glint of knowing amusement in his eyes. "Whatever it was, it looks like you had fun."

Laura blushes and Stefan gives Nikolas a stern look. Gina steps in to keep the conversation from deteriorating. "Lulu, tell them what else you saw."

"I got to see a dolphin show!" Lulu announces. "They did back flips and everything. Nikky wouldn't let me get close to the tank though, cuz he thought I'd get wet. Like, duh. That's the whole point of going up to the tanks!"

Laura and Gina laugh and Gina says, "Well, I'll take you this summer and let you get as wet as you want."

Carly and Benny walk hand in hand along the beach in Puerto Rico. Instead of the usual playful banter between them, there is silence. Benny has tried to strike up a conversation with Carly several times, but each time it has petered out. After watching Carly throw sticks into the water for several minutes, he decides to try again. "Caroline, is something the matter? You've been so quiet since last night."

Carly detaches her hand from his and walks closer to the surf. She picks up another stick and throws it. "It's not you, it's me."

Benny stands behind her a few feet. "What's wrong?"

"I'm scared." Carly shakes her head unhappily. "I know it's stupid, I should just enjoy the rest of our vacation and now worry about the rest.. but..."

"But what?"

Carly turns to face Benny. "I think it's best if you don't have anything to do with me when we get back to Port Charles. I mean, Jason's going to make the area around Kelly's safe again and there won't be any reason for you to be around anymore and..."

Benny walks up to her and takes her hands in his. "You think I'll just walk away from you when we get back? Is that the kind of man you think I am?"

"No, but that's the kind of woman I am. I'm the kind of woman that's nice for a roll in the hay and that's it."

Benny grabs her shoulders and gives her a slight shake. "Stop! That's not how I see you, and you know that. Why are you trashing yourself like this?"

Carly bites her lip to keep from crying. "Cuz that's what I am. Trash. if you hang out with me, you'll get hurt or I'll get hurt. I've hurt every single person who's cared about me."

"That's not true. You haven't hurt me, and I know you haven't hurt Jason or he wouldn't have anything to do with you."

"That's where you're wrong. I have hurt Jason, just ask him." Carly looks at the ground. "And if I haven't hurt you yet, it's only a matter of time before I do."

Carly is shocked when Benny pulls her into his arms hugs her tightly. "I'm not going to fight with you, Caroline. I know you want me to walk away from you but you're not getting rid of me that easily."

"Benny, you don't understand--" Carly's protest is cut off by a searing kiss that leaves her weak in the knees.

Benny kneads her back and bottom with his hands while his mouth kisses her face and neck over and over. "I guess I'm going to have to keep this up until you realize you're stuck with me..."

The lovers sink to the sand in a heat of passion, mindless of their surroundings. They strip off their clothes off and make love while the surf surges around them.