Chapter 26 Though a week has passed, Stefan is unable to forget Greece. He returned briefly to Port Charles to retrieve Nikolas and the remaining Cassadines all gathered again on the island to enact the pretense of a funeral for the woman who had destroyed their lives. Ned and Alexis couldn't keep from giggling all the way through the service, relaxed and tan from the days they spent sunbathing on the island beach. Nikolas was perhaps the only one who truly mourned her. "She always wanted the best for me" he said in her eulogy. Though he never held great affection for her, he was not relieved at her passing, unlike Alexis, or the Spencers. And now, as they all are returned to the States, Stefan is unable to put a name on his emotions. What to do about Katherine, who hates him for nothing, what to do about Alexis and her betrayal, how to tell Nikolas that Alexis is his aunt, how to handle the fact that, in spite of her lifelong reign of terror over his life, Stefan feels empty since his mother's death. He walks through the trees, the cold, New York air seeping through his overcoat, enjoying the notion that nobody knows where he is. This must be how Nikolas feels, when he takes off to... wherever he takes off to. The twigs crack under his steps and he reaches a clearing leading out to the lake. Perching himself on a fallen log, Stefan stares out at the water, trying to identify his feelings about his mother. Why did he not want her dead? Why had he never had the courage that Alexis did? He could have, SHOULD have taken his revenge years ago. Instead, it was his cous--, his *sister*, who performed the grisly deed with such aplomb. Stefan closes his eyes as he remembers her when she was 10. She was wide-eyed and desperate for approval (surprise, surprise). He imagines his mother telling her the truth of her identity. The carelessness that everyone had always shown her being made clear as the story landed on her child's ears. She was Mikkos' disgrace. She was Helena's embarassment. She was her mother's consolation prize. No wonder she grew up with that overwhelming sense of alienation about her. That desperate need to please him, to feel needed and wanted by somebody in her family. Stefan squeezes his eyes shut tightly as a tear escapes down his cheek. And he had continually contributed to her second-class citizenship, every time he treated her with disdain, every time he took her for granted, every time he reminded her that she owed him, or was on his payroll, or He stops and opens his eyes. No matter how he may have been insensitive, she knew he loved her. And what she did was unforgivable. Even if Katherine would take him back (which she wouldn't), he would never be able to get over that feeling of revulsion he had because, for a while, he thought she was his sister. Alexis stole whatever chance he ever had of happiness with Katherine. And Alexis stole his mother from him. She walked in that room and took the woman's life as if it had no meaning whatsoever. And she was completely snide, and unapologetic. Like she was a good samaritan for depriving a withered old woman of oxygen and vital nutrients. Stefan stands up and paces, furious. He smashes his fist into a tree, pounding on it. Stefan: How could you DO this to me, Alexis! You had no RIGHT! She had no right to take away his mother! No matter how horrible she was, she belonged to him, not Alexis! She was his burden, his responsibility, his... nightmare. No matter what she did, he still needed... (he hangs his head as the realization crystallizes) he still needed... her approval. When she was alive, however tenuously, there was still hope that one day, she would love him. That she would *notice* him, and at long last, lavish on him the affection he so craved. He sinks back onto the log and sobs, hating himself for admitting such a preposterous and pathetic yearning, even if only silently in his own mind. Resting his elbows on his knees he looks down at the ground and wonders when he became so weak. Or maybe he was always this way. She certainly thought so. She hated him. Stefan hears the dogs barking in the distance, and turns his head back in the direction of the estate, even though the house is much too far away to see through the trees. He looks back out at the water absently, his eyes drying, and that familiar coldness returning to his demeanor. His mind had long since blocked out thoughts like these. He gathers that the same has always been true for Alexis. He smiles slightly. It was delightful, despite his anger with her, to see her so carefree and happy back on the island. Despite the fact that they were all there because of what she did. The smile fades as another unwelcome thought enters his mind. Lasha. He tries to block out her image, but the picture of her long hair being tossed about by the ocean wind so many years ago is forever branded in his memory. He sighs defeatedly. She was the obsession which robbed him of so much happiness. As he thinks the word, it seems odd inside his own ears. Happiness. The idea that he was entitled to some is such a foreign concept. But maybe, just maybe he was. Maybe he still is. Then he envisions Katherine's vitriolic glares each time they cross paths and pushes the silly notion out of his head. No, there would be no more of that. No more... hope. No more hope of his mother's favor. No more hope of Alexis' loyalty. No more hope of Lasha one day leaving her husband. No more hope of Katherine's affection. He would place all those dreams he might have had for himself onto Nikolas. He will once again live for his... nephew... as he had done before he ever imagined coming to Port Charles. Indeed, it is time to leave this place. Alexis will stay, of course, having finally found peace. But Nikolas, no matter how he protests, will leave this town and all the Webber women in it. Now that the island is free of Helena, it might actually be... lovely. He remembers the image of Alexis and Ashton laying out on the beach in the moonlight, and thinks, perhaps the island could once again be home. Perhaps it will be peaceful. Of course, (he thinks, bitterly) it only looked that way because it was graced with the joyfulness of lovers. If they aren't there, it will still be the cold hell it always was. The absence of a happy couple will inevitably emphasize the memory of another one, forbidden and secret, but happy nonetheless. Stefan stands and runs his hands through his hair, trying to ease away the tension. He will put away all thought of her. It's over. She loves another, and always has. She has robbed him of too much. Too much love, too much life. He has the best part of her, regardless. He has her son. His... Will he ever tell him? Will he perpetuate the charade he started? All his reasons are gone at last, as Helena's soul burns... All the Cassadines who wanted the Spencers dead, they are all dead themselves, whilst the Spencers thrive and gloat accordingly. And multiply. The House of Cassadine shrinks and withers as each life is prematurely snuffed out, and the next generation of Spencers gestates the wayward daughter's womb. Perhaps he will. Perhaps Nikolas can handle the truth. But not now. Not while he is still so fragile in adolescence. Once they've been back in Greece a bit, and the island begins to feel again like home, with just the two of them, then perhaps the right time will present itself. Stefan inhales deeply and regathers his composure. He starts back toward the house, pushing away all traces of vulnerability and transforming back into a Cassadine. As he nears the grounds, a guard rushes up to meet him. Guard: Mr. Cassadine, we have been looking everywhere for you. There is an intruder on the island. We are searching him out now, but no sign of anything so far. Stefan: (sighing wearily) Mr. Spencer's games grow tedious. I'm going inside. I want that alarm shut off. Alert me if you find him, assuming you actually do this time. Stefan lingers outside, near the fountain around back, not wanting to go indoors while the alarm wails so annoyingly. The sun has set, and the shadows are long and black. Out of the corner of his eye, he senses movement to his right, against the stone wall of the house. He turns and glances into the dark corner, but sees nothing. But as he turns away to leave, he again sees movement. He narrows his eyes to focus more clearly in the moon-less night, and walks toward the corner. He freezes when, at last, he is able to make out the form of a person, dressed all in black, facing the wall. Stefan's mouth opens slightly in surprise, as she beats her fists silently against the stones of the house, completely oblivious to his presence. He stands, watching her, as she eventually tires, and leans up against the wall, resting her head in her arms, her elbows propped up over her head, her face against the cold surface. Her head is turned to him, but resting, her eyes closed, and she doesn't see him. He notices the glint of tears on her cheek, through a dark strand of long, straight hair which falls over her face. With her eyes still closed, she doesn't notice Stefan carefully and silently walking behind her, not wanting to disturb her. He is hypnotized by the mystery of her, the intensity of her feelings, and yet, knowing that she is a stranger and couldn't possibly have any good reason for being here, he still doesn't reveal himself, but continues watching her. She eventually pushes back from the wall. She tilts her head back, stretching to look up at a window on the highest floor. She speaks, in a clear voice, undisturbed by the fact that she has tripped alarms and that the guards are swarming in search of her. Woman: You stole years from me, Cezar. (Stefan raises his eyebrows at her unmistakable british accent) You stole my first and my last love. But at least you won't see him where you are. You can't do anything more to me, roasting in hell... She clenches her fists one last time, and then spins around, her hair fanning out as she turns, and promptly collides with a very intrigued Stefan. Chapter 27 The woman jumps back after colliding with Stefan, surprised. Stefan: Greetings. She narrows her eyes, sizing him up, but says nothing, waiting for him to make the first move. Stefan: (sarcastically) Pardon me for intruding on your trespassing. Woman: This is your property. (she states less as a question than a conclusion) Stefan: Indeed it is. Not that silly matters like ownership and what I thought were frightening dogs seem to have stopped you. Woman: Well, you are new in town, I take it. And I probably have more history with this house than you do, so you'll have to get over yourself. Thank you for your understanding. She begins to walk past him matter-of-factly. Stefan: Actually, I'm not known for my understanding. Stop right there. He steps in front of her to block her escape. She looks at him with annoyance, but determination. Woman: Clearly you enjoy this little power trip, but I'm not impressed. Unless you plan to shoot me, let me go. (she tries to get past him again, but he grabs her arm) Stefan: What makes you think I won't? Woman: (with resolve) This. (with her other hand she pulls out a gun and points it at him until he lets go of her). Stefan: (his eyes wide) Ah, yes, the usual sort of criminal who invades our little island home. I always thought of guns as weapons for a weak mind. Woman: (smiling slightly, but still firm in determination) I don't really care what you always thought, sir, but I will happily use it. I'm going to leave now and you won't be the worse for wear. If you try to stop me, you might feel differently. Stefan: (noticing the guards circling behind her, with their guns drawn, he crosses his arms over his chest) Unfortunately, it is you, not I, in the difficult position. Guard: (to the woman) FREEZE! The woman notices the weapons and the men around her and sighs wearily. She rolls her eyes as she lowers her gun, clearly put out. This was not how she intended to spend her evening, answering questions for a privacy-obsessed power-tripper in love with his own shadow. She shakes her head in annoyance as she re-holsters her gun at her waist. Standing there, for a moment, she stares at Stefan, who wears smugness like a familiar sweater. Woman: Well, now that you have me, what on earth are you going to do with me? (he does nothing, but simply stares at her, making her antsy) Now is the part where you take me indoors and hook me up to a lie detector, you know, single lightbulb, truth serum and all that. Chop, chop, let's go. Stefan: (somewhat amused) Well, before I can interrogate you, I must know who it is I am torturing. Woman: Anne Windsor. Stefan: Very clever, Your Highness. Woman: Blast, that usually works with ignorant Americans. Stefan: Well, that would be yet another mistake in a series of them, tonight, Ms. (snidely) . Windsor. I am not American. Woman: I should have known. Only ominous European bachelors fancy Wyndemere. The Americans use it to scare children at Halloween. A guard approaches her from behind and quickly lifts her gun out of its holster. Guard: Let's go. In the house. Stefan: Shall I alert the police? Or would that only add to the tedium of this exercise? Woman: Well, that would put an unfortunately premature end to your mafia role-playing festivities because I happen to be in with PC's finest. But the choice is yours. They all walk in to the house together, the guards carefully watching her, Stefan leading the way into the parlor. When they arrive, he turns and dismisses the guard, in spite of their protests. Stefan: Please, won't you have a seat? She looks at him warily, but is exhausted nonetheless and slumps into a high-back chair. Once inside, Stefan notices how pale she is compared to her dark surroundings and black clothing. She looks to be in her late 30's, a strikingly beautiful and composed woman with long, dark brown hair, brown eyes and lips that seem in a perpetual pucker. He turns toward the bar. Stefan: May I fix you a drink? Woman: (amused) Why not? Brandy straight, sans arsenic. (Stefan smiles, with his back to her) Is that to be my sodium pentothal? He carries her drink to her and then sits down on the sofa, casually, smiling slightly. Stefan: I trust that won't be necessary. Perhaps your comfort will be enhanced if I introduce myself. Stefan Cassadine. Woman: Perfect. (she closes her eyes and laughs to herself). Of course you are. Perfect. Stefan: I take it, then, that you've heard the name? Woman: Let's not be coy, Mr. Cassadine. Stefan: No, let's not. Your turn. Woman: (sighing resignedly) Anna. Stefan: Just Anna? Why, we've hardly known each other long enough for such informality. Anna: (witholding her most precious of names) Devane. Stefan: Ms. Devane. We have something in common. Not only have you heard of me, but I have heard of you. Anna: (surprised that he would be familiar with her maiden name, but not really interested enough to ask why, she asks dryly) Really? Imagine that. Stefan: (carrying on despite her obvious display of apathy) Indeed. I followed Soviet politics very closely when they still existed. I had friends in the DVX. I'm honored that you would employ your considerable skills to grace my humble island. Anna: Well, while I simply cherish those fond memories of the DVX, I have better things to do than entertain nostalgia over brandy, Mr. Cassadine. More questions? Or shall I start my arduous swim back to the mainland? Stefan: (amused at the thought of her swimming, since his guards have confiscated her boat) While that's a refreshing thought, we wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable. My men will happily escort you back to the pier. And not to worry, Mr. Spencer's dinghy will be returned to him unscathed. I only have a few more questions. (she looks at him with irritation) Why were you upset? And exactly what must Mr. Faison have done to you that you would hate him enough to sneak onto his former property just to curse his memory? She looks away, her face falling from the amused expression she's maintained during their casual banter. She says nothing. Stefan: What, no witty retorts, Ms. Devane? Anna's face is hard with anger. Anna: I told you my name. Anything more is none of your concern. (she slams her glass down on the coffee table) It has been a pleasure. Stefan: You made it my concern when you trespassed on my property. Anna: So contact my attorney. Stefan: (in that high and mighty tone he fancies) I just might. Anna: (tauntingly) Shall I write down her number for you? At that moment, Ned and Alexis walk in the parlor. Alexis: Stefan, what's going on, another break-in? She stops short when she sees Anna. Anna: I'm in the twilight zone. Alexis: Anna Devane? (aghast) My God. Stefan: You know each other? Anna: (dazed) What are you doing here? Alexis: I live here. What are you doing alive? I finalized your estate years ago. Anna: You *live* here? Alexis: Yes... well, temporarily anyway. I'm on leave of absence from the firm in Manhattan. Well, between you and Laura Spencer, it is difficult to believe the obituaries, isn't it? Anna: (annoyed) I didn't *fake* my death, Ms. Davis. I... have been... detained. Alexis: Detained? Anna: (with heaviness, as if only one word explains it all) Faison. Alexis: Good God. For how long? Anna: (Shuddering) I can't talk about this right now. I have to go. She pushes past Ned, who is standing frozen, next to Alexis, shocked at the sight of her. Running out the door, she encounters the guards, who practically have to tackle her. She fights with them, screaming at them to let her go, until at last, every ounce of her emotional and physical strength is sapped, and she faints...   Chapter 28 Anna wakes, too comfortable in a foreign bed. She hears voices murmuring and whispering in another room, as she regains consciousness. She feels someone holding her hand. Alexis: Ms. Devane, how do you feel? Anna: Tired. Her eyes focus a bit more, and she notices another woman in the room, packing up a small bag of what look like medical supplies. Alexis: You took a little tumble. Dr. Ashton here says you're just fine though. Lise looks up from what she's doing and smiles at Anna. Lise: Well, I don't envy you. Fainting here in the Batcave, but believe me, I've seen the Halloween parties, and you wouldn't be the first one. (she whispers conspiratorially) Those Cassadines can be scary, huh? Alexis rolls her eyes. Alexis: Thank you, Dr. Ashton, that will be all. Lise: Hey, I'm not your doc-on-retainer. Save that tone for the chimney sweep. (to Anna) Ms. Devane, you take care of yourself, and get out of here as quickly as you feel strong enough to. Drink lots of fruit juice and water. Just a touch of exhaustion is all I think plagues you. (she hands her a business card). Give me a call if you need anything, my Port Charles number is hand-written there at the bottom. Anna: (with a perplexed look on her face, as if she's trying to think where she knows Lise from) Thank you. Lise walks out of the room, to a waiting crowd of Stefan, Ned and Nikolas, who has arrived home during the melee. Lise: She's fine. She's awake and chatting with Alexis. Why don't y'all just back off. (pulling Ned aside) Listen, I'm not a paramedic. This is my last house-call for these people. What were you thinking, asking me to come out here? Ned: Alexis was upset, and they didn't want to call a med-evac chopper. Lise: Whatever. I'm outie. (she gathers her coat and walks downstairs). Back in the guest bedroom, Anna looks at the door where Lise walked out of, contemplative. Alexis: It's Tracy Quartermain. Anna: Yes! Thank you. I knew she reminded me of someone. They pause awkwardly for a moment. Finally Anna sighs. Anna: I know this is bizarre, my showing up alive, and trespassing here. Alexis: No, it's just that your estate in New York is gone. I settled it and distributed your assets according to your will. Anna: I know. I moved a lot out of those accounts years ago, so no harm done really. Alexis: I wasn't aware that you had ties in Port Charles. Anna: I wasn't aware that you had ties to Cassadines. Alexis: (looking down) The genetic sort of ties, I'm afraid. Stefan is my... (savoring the new label) brother. Anna: Oh my. Good thing neither of us knew that, as I had some "business" dealings with Petros many years back which had a great deal to do with the assets you handled. Alexis: Really? Anna: Ah, but we'll save that story for a rainy day. Alexis: Yes, let's. Anna: What is your family doing back in town? Alexis: It's a long story. Anna: Another rainy day? Alexis: Please. Anna laughs weakly. Alexis: Ms. Devane... Anna: Please, I think we're past such formalities, don't you? Alexis: Anna. What happened to you? I was told you and your husband died in an explosion. Anna: (pausing a moment, wanting to tell the tale without falling apart) Robert did die. I nearly did. Faison found me after the explosion and whisked me away to some Mediterranean island. Alexis: Well, it's encouraging to know my relatives aren't the only ones with that tendency. Anna: I was unconscious and probably near death for months and months. When I finally awoke, I was his prisoner. Alexis: For 6 years? Anna: (with melancholy) My little girl grew up and became a woman in that time. Alexis: I'm so sorry. How did you get away? Anna: He finally made a mistake. I knew he would. He used to come and watch me and write poetry about me. Alexis: Ick. Anna: He left a pen in the room. Alexis: And? Anna: He's dead. (she smiles wryly) Just call me MacGyver. Alexis: Stop. Anna: It's true. They are both silent a moment, Alexis taking in the story of Anna's captivity, and Anna not quite believing that it's over. Anna: Would you mind if I rang someone? Alexis: Not at all. (she hands Anna her cell phone) I'll leave you alone. We'll send up some juice, alright? Anna: Thank you. Alexis leaves the room and starts explaining things to Stefan and Ned outside. Ned: (incredulously) A pen? Alexis: That's what she said. Ned: That's so James Bond. Nik: That's pretty cool. Stefan: "Cool?" Nikolas, I can't tell you how pleased I am that you have decided to move on from that public high school. Alexis: Come on, Nikolas, don't you need to study for that new pre-med class that Dr. Ashton is teaching? Nik: It's just some reading. Alexis: (pulling him away, to leave Stefan alone) Well, then, you should get to it. Nik: Alexis.. Alexis: Surely we don't need to bring a tutor here to keep you up on your studies, do we? Nik: (with irritation) Oh spare me. Ned: Nikolas, hit the books. Nik: (looking at Ned incredulously) Excuse me? (he turns to Alexis, expecting her to tell her boyfriend to stay out of it, but Alexis just stares at Ned with adoration, holding hands with him) Ned: Quit acting like a big shot and do what you're told. Dumbstruck, Nikolas turns to Stefan for help, but he is engrossed in talking to the servants about Ms. Devane's next meal and juice regimen. Speechless, Nikolas starts down the stairs, shaking his head. Alexis tries to stifle a chuckle, as she and Ned follow the boy downstairs. In the guest bedroom, Anna is making a call, as Stefan strains to hear her from outside the door. Anna: Hello darling. Robin: Mom, you told me you'd call earlier, I was really worried. I only let you out of my sight because you promised you'd call every day. Anna: I know, dear, I'm sorry. I got a little.. sidetracked. But all is well, and I'm very sorry to keep you waiting. Robin: (concerned) How are you doing today? Anna: Well, it's been somewhat trying. I came to Wyndemere. Robin: You didn't. Why? Anna: I just had to gloat, you know? I needed to go back and not be frightened. I had to see it for what it was, just a house, not a person. Robin: Is that how you got side-tracked? Anna: Well, there's this new owner, and he's a little bit tight with his security. So, I was trying to worm my way out of here, but felt a little woozy... Robin: Mom! How many times have you told me in the last month that I have to take care of myself? What happened? Anna: Oh nothing to worry about. It's been a very trying week, being back here in Port Charles, and visiting your father's grave, seeing Mac, and Felicia again, and Luke and Laura... then with the rowing out to Spoon Island and facing the house and all that... well, you know, it was just a bit tiring. Robin: You rowed? Anna: Luke suggested it might be the best way to avoid extraneous encounters with the current owners. Robin: Mom, since when is Luke the voice of reason? Anna: (laughing) I like Luke. Robin: I like him, too. But when it comes to Cassadines, he's a little... over-enthusiastic with his tactics. You could have asked me about that island. I sort of know about the people there. Sonny used to talk about them. Anna: I didn't know you knew about them. Robin: Dad used to weave these fanciful bedtime stories about the evil Cassadines and the heroic WSB. Anna laughs... sadly remembering Robert. They chat a while longer before Anna promises to call again tomorrow. Robin: So you promise you're really alright? Anna: I promise. I'll see you for Thanksgiving? Robin: Right. Are you going to get a house, or stay at Uncle Mac's? Anna: I think I'll stay with Mac a while longer. I want your Thanksgiving to seem normal. Robin: Mom, as long as you're there, it'll be perfect. Anna: I love you. Robin: I love you too. Anna: Take care, luv. They hang up, and Anna leans back against the headboard. Since when did Robin get old enough to mother her own mother? Anna fights back the bitterness at being robbed of watching her daughter grow up. Focusing on what she's lost won't help her enjoy what she has. She shakes her head and throws the covers back, and looks down at the flannel pajamas she can only assume are Alexis'. She is hunting around for her clothes and shoes when Stefan knocks quietly and enters the room. Stefan: Ms. Devane, I hardly think you're well enough to be planning an escape. Anna: While I hear from Laura Spencer that Cassadine abduction can be bearable at times (his eyebrows raise at the sound of Laura's name), I've had quite enough of forced relocation for one lifetime. I appreciate your hospitality and understanding about my being on your island, but I really must go now. Stefan: Ah, yes, hurry back to the Spencers and fill them in. Anna: (with annoyance) It's difficult to understand that the sun and moon don't revolve around your family, I know. But this trip for me had nothing to do with you, and Luke only lent me the boat, not his bias. I'm quite capable of maintaining my own bias, as people I love have had plenty to do with your family over the years. (he looks away, smiling bitterly as he does when he's irritated). (she notices the faintest hint of pain on his face) However, Mr. Cassadine, I have no reason to think that you are exactly like the relatives we all knew and loved. In fact, you've been fairly gracious today, so I thank you for your trouble, and promise not to harass you or intrude again. Stefan: (always surprised by the smallest ounce of objectivity from others, smiles indulgently) I can't say that it has been unpleasant, Ms. Devane. Imagine my delight at finding a woman of your caliber here on my island instead of the usual cigar smoke and white trash. Anna: (laughing to herself) I'll pass along your warm regards to the Spencers when I see them. Stefan: Do. Anna finds her pile of clothes and heads into the washroom, shutting the door. Stefan: (loudly, through the door) So there is nothing I can do to convince you to stay for the evening meal, Ms. Devane? Anna: (shouting from the bathroom, somewhat amused by the invitation) I'm afraid not. I have plans with the entire Jones clan. (tauntingly) You're acquainted with Bobbie and Tony, aren't you? Stefan rolls his eyes and leaves the room, pensively. He wonders what kind of woman could endure such misery for so long and still be strong and charming at the end of it all. In the hallway, he turns back to face the door to the bedroom for a moment. Shaking his head at the irony of the evening's events, he plants himself in a high-back chair and awaits the opportunity to escort Ms. Devane back to the mainland.