Breaking Away Chapters 9 - 10
Chapter 9
The Port Charles Grille.
"Nikolas." Lucky placed his hand on his brother's shoulder.
"Hey Lucky. What are you doing here?" Nikolas faced his brother. Lucky looked like Hell. Liz' leaving was harder on him than anyone knew. "Mom invited me to have dinner with her and Lu. What are you doing here?"
"Dinner with my father." Nikolas sighed. "This will be a short dinner I predict. We will discuss the Cassadine Empire, my worthiness to be The Cassadine, Katherine's unworthiness to be my lover, he'll bully, I'll lose my temper. It shouldn't take more than an hour."
"Mom will tell me to I look thin. That I shouldn't be working for Jason and Sonny. I'll tell her to stop interfering, say something snotty and nasty, she'll tell me I have no right. I bet my dinner will be over faster than yours."
"You know you guys, this probably isn't the healthiest thing you could be betting on." Emily laughed behind them. "I mean a bet to see who can irritate their parents the most?" She dug into her purse. "Here's $50. I'm having dinner with Grandfather. First it will be about my clothes. Then about my friends, don't take it personal, Grandfather hates everyone these days. Then he'll start in on Jason and Carly, and like a moron I have to defend Carly just cause it irritates him. Then he'll bring up that whole modeling thing." Her hair fell into her face as she checked her watch. "Twenty minutes TOPS before he calls me incorrigable and tells Reginald to take him home!"
Nikolas took Emily's $50. "You in? First one out meets the others at Kelly's and buys the dinners none of us will have time to eat here."
Lucky slapped the money into Nikolas' hand. "You're on."
Emily smiled. "We are really not well."
"Emily?" Edward's booming voice reached out from behind her. "Are you going to stand there carousing with your hooligan friends or come and join me for dinner like a lady?"
She grimaced. "I bet I can do it in 15."
"No fair, you've got Edward!" Lucky grumbled.
"See ya later boys!" She wriggled her fingers. "Coming Grandfather dearest, darling, most wonderful bestest Grandfather in the whole wide world!"
"We should have taken a head start." Nikolas shook his head. "The way she's dressed is enough to give Edward a stroke." He frowned. "He may have a point."
"Nikolas?" Stefan approached. "I apologize for my tardiness, hospital business kept me away. I've been told our table is waiting. Lucky."
"Hello." Lucky looked over Stefan's shoulder to see Laura approaching with a skipping LuLu. "Hey Lu!" He knelt and held his arms open wide.
"Lesley Lu!" Nikolas dropped a kiss on her dark head, so much like his own.
As the two boys chatted with their sister, Stefan placed a hand on Laura's elbow. "This meeting was by chance Laura, not by design."
Laura searched his face for the truth. "I believe you Stefan." She knew that he was waiting for the customary invitation to join them. But none would be forthcoming. She wanted some time with Lucky. "I think our table is ready Lucky. Nikolas, do you have plans for lunch tomorrow?"
"No. Your office?" Nikolas asked placing one more kiss on Lu's head. He knew that Lucky needed their mother tonight. Even if he didn't realize it.
"I'll wait for you to get there to take my break." Taking Lucky's arm, she led him to where their waiter stood. "Thank you." She settled LuLu in her seat with crayons and some paper. Seating herself Laura took one of Lucky's hands. "I can't tell you how happy I am to see that you and Nikolas have become close. I know that it hasn't been easy for you, for either of you."
Lucky toyed with his napkin and looked to where Nikolas and Stefan sat. "Nikolas and I are just dealing with our choices. We could either hate each other for the rest of our lives and have everyone miserable, or suck it up and remember that we love LuLu, and you, and Emily and Liz. And maybe last names don't matter too much."
He shook his head. "I went back to my place and it seemed too empty. I don't think I want to stay there anymore. I mean the mural on the wall is half finished and Liz isn't there to paint it for me, we picked out everything together. But there's no place really left to go they tore the boxcar down."
Laura looked up sharply from LuLu's picture. "Lucky, if you want to come home just say so. I won't think anything less of you. I'll respect you even more for knowing when it's time to let go. Your room is open." Laura paused in their conversation while they ordered their dinner.
Lucky noted wryly that Edward was storming away from Emily's table bellowing for Reginald. She caught his eye, winked, and retrieved her coat from the check girl. Passing by Nikolas' table she waved. Damn $50 down the drain! When had it gotten hard to tick off his mother?
"But Lucky, things can't be the same. I love you. But I can't and won't be the enemy in your life. So you can come home anytime you like, but my past stays that way. In the past and mine."
Surprised at the firmness in her voice, Lucky drank his water slowly. He hadn't meant to hurt her, not really. But she was there and he knew it was easy. Going home wouldn't necessarily mean that he let go of everything his family had done to each other and him, but it would mean that there would be no more taking it out on his mother, and staying focused the way he and Liz were. Not on the past, but on the present and the future. Silently he wondered if he could do that in a house so filled with memories. It would be like sleeping in a half built house of cards, if Nikolas could do it, then so could he. "Mom, can I come home?"
~*~*~*~
The Vonn Clinic.
"Do either of you have any last minute questions regarding the procedure?" Dr. Anderson asked.
"Do I have to buy her dinner first?" Luke inquired cheerfully. Once he was used to the idea, his humor got the better of him.
"No, but you do have to take her to the prom." Dr. M. Anderson replied teasingly.
Lucy glowered. "Keep laughing PAL. One word from me and they won't even let you keep the magazines!"
Dr. Anderson shook her head. "No. Trust me Ms. Coe, we always let them keep the magazines." She rose to her feet. "Tests show that you're ready to have a baby. Shall we?" She held out her arm to Lucy. "Right through this door. And you Mr. Spencer, this way please." She led him down the hallway to a large room and handed him a specimen cup.
Luke peered in the room, and pulled back out. "Gee, it's kind of sparse in there. For what this place is charging I expected a couple of hookers, some farm animals, and a nun."
Dr. Anderson struggled to contain her laughter. "It's Sunday Mr. Spencer. The sisters are calling Bingo tonight. But Sven is kind of lonely if you're interested."
~*~*~
The exam room. Lucy took a long deep breath. Maybe she should have taken Luke up on his offer of finishing this the old fashioned way. It would seem less sterile. More like a conception than a creation. But she couldn't have everything, in the end all that really mattered was that she was going to have a baby. Dr. Anderson said that her chances of concieving were wonderful.
She felt someone take her hand. Looking up her eyes met Luke's. They were warm, and reassuring.
"What? you think I'd miss your baby's conception?" He teased gently. When her fingers clutched his tightly, Luke took a seat next to the exam table. He brushed her hair off her face, and put his lips to her ear.
~*~
Oh, it really wasn't my intention
To disregard convention
It was just an impulse
That had to be obeyed.
Though it seems convention we've been scorning
I'll still not go in mourning
Though my reputation
Is blemished, I'm afraid.
With just one kiss
What heaven, what rapture, what bliss
~*~
She couldn't help but laugh. Here she was in stirrups, being inseminated by her best friend, and he was holding her hand, singing a blues song she hadn't heard since she was a kid. And for all the absurdity of it, she felt completely right, and certain that she would leave this clinic a mother. She took the next set of lyrics, completely off key.
~*~
Honestly, I thought you wouldn't.
Naturally, you thought you couldn't.
And probably we shouldn't.
But aren't you kind of glad we did?
Actually, it all was blameless.
Nevertheless, they'll call it shameless
So let's keep the lady nameless
But aren't you kind of glad we did?
~*~
Luke pressed a tender kiss on his best friend's forehead. Not exactly the traditional way of having a baby. . . .but then he'd never considered himself a traditional man. He could just picture Lucy's baby. Blonde hair, silver eyes, big mouthed and reckless. It would be fun to watch the kid grow up, and have the chance to be a part of his or her life. And he had no doubt that somehow, despite of the awkwardness of the situation for anyone else, Lucy would never let him be cut out of her child's life.
They finished the song together.
~*~
Socially, I'll be an outcast
Obviously, we dined alone
On my good name there will be doubt cast
With never a sign of any chaperone.
No matter how they may construe it
Whether or not, we have to rue it
Whatever made us do it
Say, aren't you kind of glad we did?
~*~
Chapter 10
The Brownstone.
Bobbie holds the front door open to allow Carly to pass. Her arms were full of folders. "How was work?"
"Fine." Carly veered into Bobbie's living room. "Though I'm starting to wonder if Scott Baldwin is really all there." She dropped her stuff on the dining room table. "I mean he walks around the office with his shoes off before going to court. He says he learned it from watching some T.V. show! Then there's the duck. . . .Bobbie why does that man have a duck?"
Bobbie couldn't help but laugh at her daughter's bewilderment. "Is it's name Sigmund?" When Carly nodded, Bobbie explained. "The duck is Lucy's. Scott's probably bird watching. "
Carly plucked a can of soda out of the fridge. "Oh, okay! It all makes sense now!"
"So, how's the party coming along?" Bobbie sat on the couch and flipped through her mail. Bill, bill, letter from Tiffany for Lucas, bill, bill, a new Victoria's Secret catalog. Hmm, she may have to flip through it with Jerry and see if there's anything that catches his eye.
Carly snatches the catalog out of Bobbie's hand. "Ooh! The spring one is out!"
Bobbie snatches it back. "Give that here!" She mock-growled. "I have plans for this catalog and Jerry."
"Bobbie, if Jerry needs the catalog, then you've got bigger problems." Carly teased.
"Very funny!" Bobbie laughed keeping a hold of the magazine. She changed the subject. "I saw A.J was here with Michael yesterday."
Carly sighed, leaned back on the couch. "Yeah, I decided to let A.J spend a little time with Michael."
"When did this happen and what brought it about?" Bobbie inquired. "And what does Jason think about it?"
Propping her feet up, Carly rested her head on the back of the couch. "A few days ago. I don't really know what changed my mind. One minute I'm thinking that A.J won't see Michael till he graduates from law school. the next minute I'm leaving Michael with A.J and Jason for an afternoon." It was hard to put into words. "Then I started to think about what's the very best thing for my son? What would make him happy, and safe? He's got a roof over his head, food in his tummy, and he's healthy as a horse; but what could I give him to make his life better? And the answer wasn't A.J. God knows the answer is NEVER A.J but the answer was the truth." She opened one eye. "And yes I Caroline Benson said that the truth was the answer. Don't faint."
Bobbie sat still, trying to follow Carly.
"And the truth is that A.J is one of Michael's father. I don't want him to be blindsided when he's 13 like I was." She shook her head. "I'm not saying that finding out I was adopted is what made me the person I am today, but it sure as hell rocked my world. I found out that there was this huge secret no one bothered to share with me. It hurt like hell Bobbie, and I never want Michael to feel that way."
Bobbie reached over and touched Carly's arm tentatively. When Carly opened her eyes, Bobbie slid her hand down to squeeze Carly's fingers. "And he won't because you put aside all your issues with A.J and the Quartermaines to do what was best for your son. I know you think that I'm hard on you Carly; the reason I am is because of things like this. Times when you put everything else aside and focus on your son and his needs. You see these times show the person you REALLY are. Strong and smart, and generous. But we only get to see snippets of the real Caroline Benson in between flashes of someone that's rash, and reckless, and doesn't give a damn."
Carly tensed slightly. "That's not true Mamma. I ALWAYS give a damn. More than I know what to do about. I care about everything. It's just when I feel like my back is to the wall I can't take it, so I come out swinging."
"Yes, you do. I know that feeling Caroline. I've been in the same corners as you and a lot of the time I made the same choices. You do it out of desperation thinking you can't win on your own. There has to be a trick, or a plan."
"Exactly."
"What you don't see is that you don't need those things. Maybe before Michael was born you needed traps, and tricks, and plots to get what you wanted. But since Michael came into your life I've watched you get tougher, and stronger and when you come out fighting now no one stands a chance." She grinned. "I knew from the minute I held you in my arms that I would love you forever and ever no matter what. Then you came back into my life like a tornado and when you told me you were my daughter I thought I could never love you. And you proved me wrong. " Bobbie felt her eyes tear up. "What I'm trying to say honey is that you've turned into someone that I not only love, but I admire. I'm so proud to be your mother."
Carly could barely speak. She knew that Bobbie loved her. It's a mother thing. But to hear that she respected her and admired her? "Oh Mamma!" Carly hugged Bobbie tightly and sniffled. "That's the best thing anyone's ever said to me as long as I've been alive!"
"Well it should be. . . .I've been working on it all day in my head!" Bobbie laughed waterily.
~*~*~*~
Spoon Island.
"Katherine." Stefan did not bother to look up from his reading to acknowledge her. She could state her business and be gone.
"Stefan. I've been thinking a great deal about what you said in my hotel room the other day, about my motives towards Nikolas being less than "pure"." She twisted her pearls on one finger.
Upon mention of his son, Stefan lifted his head. "And you wish to confess? To what Katherine? Being a lonely aging woman that thrives only by sucking the innocence out of youth?" His expression is sour. "You learned a great deal from Helena." He rose to his feet. "These conversations have grown tiresome. I will not interfere in Nikolas' private life. I trust he shall learn of your treacherous nature himself." Folding his arms over his chest, Stefan's glare would melt glaciers.
"Oh Stefan." Katherine perched on the very edge of a chair. "What do you think I wanted from Nikolas? A love slave? If you think that's what Nikolas is, then you don't know your son very well."
"I do not believe that the depth of my understanding of my son was the purpose of your unwanted visit. State your intention and be gone." Stefan gesture imperiously.
Katherine perched on the edge of a chair. "Really Stefan, is this what's become of us? Once this house was filled with the strains of a waltz and you taught me how to dance. Do you ever remember those days? Or are they as lost to you, and you are to me?"
"I forget nothing." Stefan snapped impatiently. "Your point, Katherine."
"You accuse me of being lonely. I don't deny it Stefan. I am a lonely woman. And you might very well ask yourself why a wealthy, beautiful, successful woman in every other manner would be alone. And my answer is you."
"You blame ME for this abboration of a relationship Nikolas is in?" Stefan's blood pressure rose. And to think that once he apologized for shooting this creature. Silently he vows to practice his shooting skills. Perhaps install a shooting range on the west side of the island.
"You and I were so good together." Katherine continued, ignoring his furious expression. "All my happiness has been tied to you for so long, it's only natural that I wanted to hold on to a part of you."
"And you did so by sleeping with my son. How American of you!"
Katherine rose to her feet and approached Stefan. "Don't be angry. Nikolas is a dear boy, and I have genuine feelings for him, it's just that he can't possiblely compare to you." She purred.
Stefan plucked her hand off his chest and grimaced. "You are filthy and vile I would as soon bed a snake." His grip turns painful. "Continue to toy with my son at your peril Katherine. When I believed you had feelings for him I was able to ignore your existance. Now that I know your true intentions I will make it a crusade to ensure that you never have a moments peace as long as you live."
Nikolas quietly slipped away from his father's office door.
~*~*~*~
The Waterfront Clinic.
"Thanks so much for coming in and helping with the blood drive, Emily." Alan kissed her cheek. "We had a lot more people than I'd imagined!"
"No problem Dad." Linking her arm through Alan's Emily beamed. "I had fun. Can I ask you a question?"
"This sounds serious, fire away."
"Do you like working here? I mean you were at GH for such a long time, you were even Chief of Staff. Is this different?"
"In a lot of ways." Alan responded as they began to walk along the docks. "Being Chief of Staff is a big responsibility and an important job. But one thing is that when you're dealing with so much paperwork, you miss out on interacting with patients. At the clinic I get to do both. Mounds of paperwork, and still be able to be there for my patients. So in a lot of ways, I prefer working here."
"That's what I thought." Emily confessed. "You know I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do with my life."
"Besides grace the cover of every fashion magazine known to mankind?" Alan rested his cheek on the top of her head. Emily was such a source of constant joy and pride in his life. He loved A.J and Jason, but Emily had stolen his heart almost immediately with her warmth and wisdom far beyond her years
"Modeling was fun, but it's not something I want as a career Dad." Emily chuckled.
"You told your Grandfather that it's all you ever wanted to do for the rest of your life!"
Emily's grin is absolutely devilish. "That's just what I say to make Grandfather say "harrumpf", it's a contest between me and Ned. The person who can make Grandfather say "harrumpf" the most at the end of the week wins!"
Alan burst into laughter. "You know Em? Your Aunt Tracey and I used to play that very same game! So what are you thinking interests you career wise?"
"Well I haven't told anyone else about this." Emily confessed. "I wanted to talk it over with you first. I had an appointment with my High School Counselor yesterday, and he told me that I can graduate this summer because I've been taking all advanced placement courses I've tested out of everything. So I could start college in the fall."
"Emily! You never said anything! I knew you were doing well but that's terrific honey!" Alan hugged her. "Wow! My daughter the prodigy! Is this what you want though?"
"Definately. Dad, I hate high school. I hate people whispering behind my back, I hate that I don't have any friends except for Lucky, and I want to go to college." She pulled open the door to Kelly's. "In fact I want to go to college and go to medical school."
"Emily, you want to be a doctor? Since when?"
"For a long time now." Emily shrugged off her coat, and took a seat. "It started when my mom first got sick. But after I got addicted I didn't think that I could be a doctor anymore. That no one would want to hear how to get well from someone that was sick themselves, so I gave up on it."
"I'm so sorry sweetheart." Alan placed his hand over hers.
Emily smiled. "Don't be dad, it's not you're fault. But anyway, I thought I couldn't be a doctor until I saw what you've accomplished. You're an addict like me, and you're clean and a doctor, I've seen how your patients look at you dad. They don't care about your past. All they care about is how you treat them you help so many people and that's what I want to do."
"You'll be a terrific doctor Em." Alan returned. "No one's smarter than you, or more tenderhearted!"
"I learned from the best. I told you, you're my inspiration" Emily grinned. "So, will you talk to Mom with me?"
"But of course." Alan beamed with pride. He was his daughter's inspiration, not only could he talk to Monica, he could climb mountains, fight bears, and cross oceans.
~*~*~*~
Laura's.
"Nikolas! What a wonderful surprise!" Laura threw open her front door. "Come in!"
"I'm sorry for disturbing you." Nikolas apologized. "But I needed to clear my head, I started walking and ended up here."
"Did you have a fight with Stefan?" Laura queried.
"No. It was Katherine. She was there fawning all over him." Nikolas stood stiffly. "You were right."
"About what? Come in and talk to me." Laura tugged on his arm.
"Katherine used me to "Hold onto a piece of . . ." my father." He made a disgusted face. "I didn't delude myself into thinking she loved me, but I did try and believe that there was something good and decent inside of her. That she was misunderstood. That no one knew her like I did. But those were all lies. Everyone knew her. I just ignored all the warnings." He spoke mostly to himself. "I was never foolish to think she loved me, or that I loved her but I did think that she had feelings for me. We always had a friendship before anything else. And there she was in Stefan's office, billing and cooing like a dove about how lonely she is, and how if only they were together. And that I was only a substitute for what she really wanted. My father."
"She told Stefan this?" Laura fumed. Next time Katherine Bell took a step off a parapet it damn well wasn't going to be an accident. "What did you father say?"
"The truth." Nikolas snorted. "That she is a lonely old woman that sucks the life out of the young, much like Helena." His smile is bitter. "Helena's boy toys have always been a source of family amusement. I just never thought that I would become one myself."
~*~*~*~
