Chapter 34 Previously, on "Untitled": Anna laughs in spite of her indignation and leans her head back against the honey-colored leather headrest. Noticing a tape in the cassette player, she inserts the key in the ignition and turns. The speakers exquisitely send forth "God Save the Queen", or "My Country 'Tis of Thee", the intentional ambiguity allowed for by the instrument-only orchestration. Anna shakes her head in wonder at him. She hasn't seen him since their soulful meeting at the cemetery. How skillful he is at staying distant in the face of seeming sincerity. Well, she thinks, shaking herself out of her reverie, she'd best get dressed so that she can rebuff this ridiculous gesture. After an appropriately rude time has passed since the arrival of the Saab in Mac's driveway, Anna finally drives it over to the launch at the Elm Street pier. Hmm, handles nicely, she thinks to herself. It's been so long since she's actually driven an auto. She rides serenely on the launch, watching the sunlight dance off the lake. Stefan eagerly sets his work aside as she is announced and ushered into the parlor. Stefan: I thought I had permanently damaged relations between us, Ms. Devane. (then he takes in the sight of her, catching his breath) You look lovely. Anna: (wearing her best scowl) Save it. Stefan: Ah. Perhaps I wasn't wrong then. I did expect to see you earlier in the week. Anna: It will take more than nouveau-riche gestures to beckon me to your gate. Stefan: No need to get snippety, Ms. Devane, it was merely an act of good-will to someone in need. Anna: So that explains the violins that I hear singing in the distance? I'm sure your family never met a charity it couldn't exploit. Stefan: First of all, "my family" is not the family to which you refer. You don't even know my nephew and at last examination, you were quite friendly with Alexis. The others are all dead, let's not give them more credit than they warrant. As for charity, you'll find upon investigation, that Cassadine Industries is very-- Anna: Oh yes, so very giving, right? Just like the General Hospital takeover. Why, you could certainly take over the world, if you claimed control over every institution to which you showed such charity. Or perhaps (narrowing her eyes), that *is* the plan, after all? That would be rather consistent, wouldn't it? Stefan: (taking a deep breath and bristling from such an unexpected and brutal attack) Is all this simply to reject my pre-purchase of the vehicle, Ms. Devane? If you'd rather just return the key, I'd be happy to take it off your hands, since it seems to have irritated you so. (Turning away from her to face the fire) That was never my intention. Anna: (finally getting him where she wants him) Why would it have irritated me? Stefan: I couldn't say. Perhaps you felt over-nurtured? Anna: And? Stefan: Coddled, I suppose. Anna: And? Stefan: Enough of these games, Ms. Devane. I'm sorry to have bothered. Anna smiles at his back, and sidles up behind him quietly. She tilts her face up and whispers very near to his neck. Anna: I love the car. Stefan: (trying not to jump in surprise, both from her nearness and her words, his eyes widen, but he doesn't turn around to face her) Is that so? Anna: (with a voice that sounds to him like purring) It's gorgeous. Stefan: (finally turning around, slightly smiling, still very near to her) Well, why didn't you just say so? Anna: I had to make you sweat. Stefan: Sweat? Anna: Test your mettle. Stefan: (sighing in relief) And how does my mettle measure up? Anna: (feigning breeziness, turning back toward the sofa, with a swish of her long skirt and hair) It will do. Stefan: So fickle, aren't we? Anna: You haven't scratched the surface. She reaches into her purse and pulls out a check. She hands it to him. Stefan: (not looking at it in her hand, but maintaining eye contact with her) What's this? Anna: The ticket price of the car. Stefan: (his face falling) Unacceptable. Anna: Did it cost more? Stefan: I only take rubles. Anna: (looking up, surprised at his attempt at humor) Ah yes, but when in Rome... Besides, you have taken my money before. Alexis happily accepted a hefty retainer at one time. Stefan: But that was when you were a mere client, and not a friend. Anna: If we are to remain friends, I fear you must take this money, Stefan. Stefan: Am I so clearly desperate for friendship that you would resort to emotional blackmail? Anna: Actually (thoughtfully)... yes. Stefan: I have an alternative proposition. Anna: Oh by all means, (flirtatiously) propose. Stefan: You write two checks. One for half that amount to the Stone Cates Memorial Wing. And another for the other half to the Pediatric program. That way, both our children are happy, and we are still friends. Anna: That's a low blow. Stefan takes the check out of her hands, rips it ceremoniously in half and tosses the pieces into the fire. Anna sits on the sofa and writes two checks. Stefan rests in a leather high-back chair and watches her write with a bemused expression on his face. She lifts the checks flamboyantly in the air and places them on the desk to the mahogany secretary in the corner. She turns back to him and crosses her arms. Stefan: In the top drawer of that secretary, you will find the title to your new vehicle, Ms. Devane. Anna turns around and pulls the envelope out of the drawer. She opens it and looks at its contents, not noticing Stefan sidling up behind her. When he speaks, she jumps. Stefan: It suits you. Anna: Yes, it does. Thank you very much for saving me endless haggling with irritating auto salesmen. (still turned around, not facing him) You make a wonderful Satan, I mean, Santa, as the Americans call him. (she smirks, but tries not to wink) Stefan places his hands on her shoulders and Anna freezes, not quite sure how to feel about this move. He speaks very softly (his breath hot on her ear), but deliberately, not allowing her control over the conversation anymore. Stefan: Why is it that your insults are charming? Anyone else would be thrown from the premises, you realize. Noticing the change in his demeanor, Anna tenses slightly. She closes her eyes and tilts her head to the side, almost against her will, and he brushes his face against the crook of her neck and the top of her shoulder. The roughness of his goatee against her skin and the sensual subtlety of his movement makes her shiver. She retorts quickly, breaking the mood. Anna: It's the accent. It's the source of all my power. Stefan laughs out loud, heartily, letting go of her shoulders. He turns away from her and walks back to the fire, smiling. Anna opens her eyes and... exhales.   Chapter 35 Another week has passed. Anna sips a brandy alexander at a dark table at the Outback, awaiting her daughter to join her for a late lunch when her new cell phone rings. New to these high-tech novelties, she fumbles around with her coat pockets and purse before retrieving the blasted thing. Anna: Hullo? Robin: Mom, hi. I thought you weren't going to answer. Anna: I'm slow, but not hopeless. Are you calling to stand me up? Robin: Yes, unfortunately. That blizzard up the coast has snarled the train schedules, so I won't be able to leave town until later. Anna: That's alright. You don't have to come home every weekend for me, you know. Robin: Oh yes I do. You're lucky I haven't quit school and moved back just to make sure you don't disappear again. Anna: I won't. Well, stay warm up there, luv. Robin: I will. I love you, Mom. They hang up and Anna picks up the menu to order lunch for one. She doesn't hear him approach behind her. Stefan: Alone at last. Anna: (jumping slightly) Well hello. Alone only by chance. My daughter was detained by a blizzard. Stefan: (sitting down uninvited across from her) Excellent. Then we can talk. Anna: Don't tell me you orchestrated the blizzard in New Haven. I wasn't aware you were still in the weather business. Stefan: (playing along rather than getting offended) You never know when such things might be convenient. (He snags a rose out of a nearby table setting and hands it to her. She accepts warily) How is the vehicle serving you? Anna: Mr. Cassadine, I am not your cute little girlfriend that you need to dote on with flowers and chocolates and... Saabs. Stefan: I chose it for its distinct non-frivolity. I understand you are not one for romantic folly. Anna: I missed the part where the romance started between us. Stefan: I don't think so. The waiter arrives and interrupts. Stefan: Two of the grilled salmon. And refill the lady's drink please. The waiter turns to go, but Anna recovers her indignation quickly enough to grab him before he's gone. Anna: Actually, make that two cheeseburgers, and a pitcher of Killians. The waiter hesitates and then turns to Stefan for his approval. Anna: (a bit too angrily) Which part didn't you understand? The waiter scurries away rebuffed. Stefan: (to Anna, slightly amused) Of course, I should have gone with the house specialty. Thank you for the correction. Anna: (a bit chagrined) I'm sorry. I don't like a man giving his final approval before someone honors my request. Control issues. Stefan: Fair, considering where you've been. Anna: Still, I shouldn't have taken it out on that poor lackey. Stefan: Nonsense, they're paid to please. Enough sharp reprimands and maybe this establishment will learn the forgotten art of service. Anna: Alright now, my brother-in-law owns the place. Stefan: (with a twinkle in his eye) Your unsavory roots. Unfortunately, the comment does not have the desired effect on Anna, whose face falls and eyes grow distant. Stefan: Forgive me. I didn't mean to trivialize your-- Anna: No, no, you were joking. But the moment is lost. She is not there, despite their small-talk. Meanwhile, Alexis and Ned rush into the restaurant from the cold. As they wait to be seated, Ned takes her hands while Alexis shivers, rubbing them vigorously. Alexis: What I wouldn't give to be back in Greece, with you, and the... waves. Ned: (peering around the room) Speaking of waves, and making them... Alexis: Were we? Ned: Check out the attractive couple in the dark corner yonder. Alexis' eyes land on Stefan and Anna, and she says nothing, but stares, and tries to assess the situation from body language and alcohol choice. Not much coming from Anna toward him, but what is on his plate and the beer in the pitcher speak volumes about Stefan's interest in pleasing her. Alexis crosses her arms, still saying nothing, still staring. Ned: (rolling his eyes) Damn, I shouldn't have pointed it out. Come on (he takes her elbow and she follows distractedly), we might as well pay our respects and be done with it. They approach Stefan and Anna's table, and exchange pleasantries. Anna is friendly, but distracted, and Stefan is polite, but cool, typical of his demeanor with Alexis ever since Greece. Alexis walks away somewhat disconcerted, not by Stefan's aloofness (she knows he'll come around), but by her inability to figure out the dynamic between he and Anna. Ned looks at her worriedly. Ned: Please don't tell me you're going to be all unsettled for the rest of the afternoon. Alexis: (shaking her head, and trying to shake out of it) Just bizarre. But, you know me well. If we stay here, I'll fidget and you'll try to stun me out of it by shockingly lewd suggestions. We might as well give up. Ned: Gatehouse? Order in? Alexis: (with a last glance over her shoulder at Stefan, a quick frown, she then focuses on Ned and smiles) Already the lewd suggestions begin. Ned: Nothing of the sort from me. I can't help what happens inside that razor-sharp mind of yours. They stroll out of the restaurant as Stefan reaches across the table, takes Anna's hand and tries a new approach. Stefan: Tell me your fondest memory of him. Anna's eyes refocus on Stefan and she looks intently into him, startled that he would ask, but not sure she wants to say. She withdraws her hand, wipes her mouth daintily with her napkin and sits back in the chair a bit, gazing at Stefan, summing him up. Stefan: I recognize that expression. My mettle is tired already. Anna: I don't talk about it with just anyone. Stefan: (sincerely, speaking from his own experience) Of course not. Anna: (her mind made up, she relaxes, and gazes off into the distance again) There are so many memories, it's difficult to choose. (She pauses) Perhaps one of my favorites is right before we were married for the second time. It was Valentine's day. And I finally saw the look in his eyes change from warm friendship to desire. That was... priceless. Stefan: Friends make the most precious lovers. Anna: (smiling nostalgically) Yes, they do. She snaps suddenly out of that sweet rarity where a new relationship reaches into the treasured recesses of the past. Already she has gone too far with Stefan, let him *in* too much. She decided a week ago when he unsettled her so completely in his parlor, that he was dangerous emotionally. She wasn't ready for whatever effect he might have on her. And yet, here he is, weaving his tendrils into her mind. And while she prefers to reserve judgement of others for her own experience, she has heard nothing but scorn about this man from people she trusts. Except Laura. Laura is torn about him in a way that seems... familiar. No, she will have to keep her distance from him. Stefan senses the moment waning and changes the subject. Stefan: So what have you been doing with the past few weeks, Ms. Devane? Anna: (relieved for a lighter topic) I have baptized the Saab with its first stakeout. Stefan: Oh really? Anna: Yes, I joined the investigative service with my brother-in-law and an old friend. They're both too busy running this place anyway and so I'm drumming up the ol' gumshoe business. Stefan: Nothing too dangerous, I hope. Anna: I can take care of myself. Stefan: So you've asserted on numerous occasions. Anna: You have a habit of forgetting. Stefan: My mistake. Anna: As usual. Stefan's eye is caught by the entrance of Nikolas, Gina Cates and some other young coeds, no doubt which he met at the inferior local university. The boy notices Stefan and excuses himself from his friends. Nikolas approaches their table and Stefan introduces him to Anna. He is polite, but eager to return to his new friends, and quickly rejoins them. Anna: He is lovely. Stefan: (his eyes still dancing as he regards his son from across the room) Yes. Stefan eventually turns back to Anna and sighs. Anna: That sounded wistful. Stefan: Pardon? Anna: That sigh. Stefan: (A closed-mouth smile) He is growing up too quickly. Anna: (resting her chin on her hands) Tell me your fondest memory of his childhood. Stefan: (his eyes laughing, caught at his own game) (He pauses and thinks a moment) In the summers, he used to bury me in the sand on the beach. Nothing left uncovered but my head! It took him hours with his little shovel, packing in the sand around me. And we would talk as he worked, as the sand crabs crawled on me. (he laughs to himself). I remember the ocean wind blowing his brown baby hair every which way as he chattered. We always found the perfect spot for the task, far away from the house, where we could speak in Greek rather than Russian, and be undignified, and I could tell him about his mother. How she loved him. How her hair used to blow in the wind just like his... Stefan catches himself, having said far too much, he gulps down the rest of musings and blinks away the tear that has formed in the corner of his eye. Stefan: Forgive me. Anna: Why? I asked. Stefan: Some things are better left unremembered. Anna: Come now, if you believed that, you wouldn't be pining over her fake tombstone in the cemetery. Stefan: What makes you think that's what I was doing? Anna: I'm there almost everyday. It doesn't take much wandering looking at engraved names to figure out which one you were hovering over. Besides, I have since had a long chat with her on the subject. Stefan: (eyebrows raised) Which subject is that? Anna: You. Nikolas. Stefan: (bristling) I'd prefer you not formulate any opinions on those subjects based on Laura Spencer's perspective. Anna: Too late. (she pauses) You speak of Nikolas like a son. Stefan: (uncomfortable) Well, that is how I raised him. Anna: What is? Stefan: As a son. Anna: But he doesn't know. Stefan: (whispering) Know what? She doesn't reply. She pours another mug of beer from the pitcher. Stefan: (grabbing the pitcher out of her hands and putting it down determinedly, with a forced calm) Know what? Anna: (sighing) See, now, I've gone and meddled. This is between you and Laura. Though from what she says, you two are incapable of a constructive conversation on the topic of your -- the child. Stefan: Whatever it is you're insinuating, you didn't hear it from Laura. Have you been talking to Alexis? Anna: Don't be so quick to dismiss Laura, Stefan. Everyone needs a friendly and objective ear once in a while. Stefan: She has too much at stake to be prattling on about topics of the past. Anna: (lifting her beer to him) To prattling. Stefan: (visibly disgruntled) I have kept you too long already. (dismissively) I have business awaiting at the hospital. (he gets up and puts on his coat while Anna watches, with a sly grin) Ms. Devane, as always, it was intriguing. I trust, as you can of me, that you will exercise discretion with personal matters. Anna: (amused that she is the one causing the discomfort this time) Don't I get a friendly kiss goodbye? Stefan stops and stares at her. She is inscrutable. He leans over in his overcoat and kisses her once on each cheek. As he pulls away from the second kiss, her hand reaches up and holds his face near to hers. Anna: (whispering) Secrets waste years and years of potential freedom. I will keep yours as faithfully as you wish. But if there is to be a romance, I will hear them all. Stefan's heart drops to his stomach as she lets go and he stands up again. She stares at him, with eyes that make him feel transparent, so transparent, he can't run out of the restaurant fast enough. She laughs to herself when he is gone, fully enjoying, at last, the upper hand.   Chapter 36 Two weeks later Stefan sits at the breakfast table with his hand around his orange juice glass, absently caressing the glass as his eyes glaze over, revealing the distance of his mind. The sharpness of her wit, the swish of her hair as she turns her back to him, that smirk that never seems as insulting as it should, the skin like a rose petal, the smell of her, the intoxicating way she laughs... (he smiles unknowingly) The accent which is too American, the way she always thinks she's right, the way she sneaks up on him, the demands she makes, the honesty she insists on (his forehead wrinkles anxiously). He is not ready for such strong or conflicted feelings about anyone. She is unattainable, her heart still belongs to someone else. Typical of women that intrigue him, of course. And how appropriate, that the men who would win these remarkable women would have been best friends. And Cassadine enemies. No, Anna Devane Lavery Scorpio is a woman who is out of his league. Her heart is not available, and her mind is too sharp for him to let her in. She wants to know too much. She *already* knows too much. And what in God's name had Lasha been spilling to anyone with an ear to listen? He wonders just what she told Anna about Nikolas. A voice at last breaks into his consciousness. Nik: UNCLE! (when finally Stefan turns to him) Are you deaf? Stefan: Ah, good morning Nikolas. I'm sorry, my mind was elsewhere. Nik: Obviously. Stefan: You're up early for a Sunday. Nik: (expectantly) It's the Sunday before Christmas. Stefan: So it is. Nik: So...? Stefan: (still dazed a bit from daydreaming) Yes? Nik: Well aren't we going to church? Stefan: Church? Nik: Yes, that's the tradition isn't it? Stefan: (suddenly focused) Yes, of course it is, but there isn't a church here for us. Nik: Actually, there *is* a Russian Orthodox church that I found. I thought we'd all go. Stefan: All? Nik: Yes, you, me, Alexis... (embarrassed) and Robin and her mother. Stefan: Robin? Do I know this person? Nik: Yeah, you introduced me to her mother a few weeks ago at the Outback, remember? I found out later that she's the mother of a new transfer student in my premed class, Robin. Stefan: Robin Scorpio? Nik: Yeah, do you know her? Stefan: I remember her from the Nurse's Ball. This young woman is your friend? She has an unsavory past as I recall. Nik: (annoyed) So? That's really none of anyone's business. Stefan: You're right, of course. Nik: I thought you'd be pleased, since you've been so interested in Mrs. Scorpio. Stefan: (cringing at the sound of her married name) Well, yes, I just am... surprised, that's all. Why would they want to go to services in Russian? Nik: Well, that's why I'm up early. I thought we'd go to the one that's mostly in English. Would that be alright? Stefan: (somewhat disapproving) It breaks the tradition somewhat. Nik: Yes, but isn't the sacrifice worth it if we can introduce our friends to our culture and history a bit? Stefan: (knowing he's being manipulated, and amused that Nikolas is so dogged) What exactly are your feelings for this young woman, Nikolas? Nikolas doesn't answer right away, but slabs some butter on a croissant. Stefan: (teasing) Well? Wait just a moment, is this the "friend" with whom you went to see Macbeth last night? Nik: (still looking away) We spent some time together, yes. Stefan: (smirking) Ahhh. It all comes together now. I must say, any young lady even half the woman of Anna Devane would be worthy of you Nikolas. I take it she is a delight, if you've taken such interest in her? Nik: (blushing, he puffs up to mask his insecurity) She's the first girl who's my intellectual equal that I've gotten to know since we came to Port Charles. She transferred here from Yale 2 weeks ago to be around her mother more. I take it you know the whole story there. Stefan: Yes, Ms. Devane and I have discussed it. So she will be here permanently then? Nik: I hope so. Stefan: (smiling) I'm sure you do. Nik: Don't act so smug, Uncle. You are desperately "in like" with her mother. Stefan: (innocently) What makes you say that? Nik: Because I saw that look in your eye. When you introduced us, I noticed it. I haven't seen you stare like that at a woman, since... well, not for a while. Just how close are you with Mrs. Scorpio? Stefan: We are friends. Anything more is not your concern. Nik: But *my* interest in her daughter is yours? Stefan: Nikolas, you forget that we are not equals. You are still a child. Nik: (slamming his orange juice glass down with annoyance) Uncle, when will you realize-- Just then, Alexis breezes into the room. Alexis: Just in time for a breakfast brawl I see. Stefan: Nothing of the sort (offering his cheek for her kiss). Alexis: A good way to head off to services. I assume we're going to mass in a few hours? Despite the fact that we're not exactly in Kansas anymore, I think I've passed an Orthodox church before in the car. Nikolas (pulling away from her grip on his face while she kisses him) Actually, we're going very soon, because we're going to the English service. Alexis: Helena would roll over in-- Stefan: She's rolling regularly I'm certain. Besides, Nikolas wanted to bring an American friend, so we thought it would be polite. Alexis: (smiling as she puts a scone on a plate) An American friend? Do tell, Nikolai. Nik: (rolling his eyes) Actually, I'll have you know, that she does speak a little Russian. She's been studying it at Yale. Her mother speaks fluently. She was some kind of spy during the Communist days. Alexis: Oh yes, those Communist days of yore. In the dark ages, right Nikolas? Nik: I didn't mean that, I just-- Alexis: I know, I know. So this woman was a spy? (to Stefan) You approve of this? Stefan: The woman is Anna Devane. Nikolas' friend is her daughter Robin. Alexis: Aha. (irreverently) The child of the dreaded Robert Scorpio. He was a spy too, right? Wait, I thought Anna was an art thief in her pre-respectable days. Stefan: Enough Alexis. Alexis: Right, right, you two are both smitten by these women, so of course, the past is forgotten. What was I thinking? Stefan: (forboding) Do you really want to continue this conversation, Alexis? Alexis: Just teasing, just teasing. My goodness, have some coffee and lighten the mood. (she sighs and munches on a banana) So, here I am, thinking it would be a traditional family day, and now I'm feeling like I need a date. (mocking) You two certainly are making the most of our Lord's birth. Nik: I am not making the most of anything. I'm merely introducing a friend of mine to our culture. Alexis: Mm hmm. That's so beautiful. A veritable ambassador of exiled Russian hospitality. Stefan: You know, Alexis, you've been spending far too much time with that rock and roll goon of yours. You've become most unattractively flippant. Alexis looks at him with laughing eyes over her coffee cup as she takes another swig. Alexis: So shall I dig up some lace veils to bring for your friends? They may not know the custom. Nik: Oh yeah... Stefan: That's a wonderful, idea. Thank you. Alexis dabs her mouth with a napkin and reaches for another scone, when she notices that Stefan and Nikolas are looking at her, waiting for her to leave the table. Alexis: Oh, I should do that now, shouldn't I? Stefan: We'll need to leave presently. Alexis: A woman's work is never done. Nikolas rolls his eyes. Alexis leaves the room, laughing to herself, and Stefan looks relieved. The two men's eyes meet in an unspoken communication that is universally shared between men in the presence of a woman who is acting... well, like a woman. Nik: She's been like this ever since Grandmother's funeral. Stefan: Like what? Nik: Cheerful. Stefan: She has become rather... brazen. Nik: So do you think I look ok? Stefan: I would have gone with a darker shirt, Nikolas. Nik: Well, that's predictable. But I'm not asking what you would have gone with. Stefan: Very well then, you look fine. Nikolas stands up and fiddles with his tie. Stefan rises and plants himself in front of a small mirror over a flower stand. Nik: (getting very close to Stefan) Do I smell ok? I used this new aftershave. Stefan: (sniffing with seriousness) Fine. Do you think I look... how do they say it... stuffy? Nik: (giving him the once-over) Well, do you mean, more stuffy than usual? Stefan: Thank you, that's a lot of help. Alexis rushes back in the room with 2 off-white lace veils and is throwing on her coat as she speaks. Alexis: Wow, this is really serious. I haven't seen you two primp like this in years. She throws her own beautifully woven lace veil on over her hair and nudges Stefan out of the way so she can use the mirror to pin it in place. Alexis: You know it's bad when a woman can't even get at the mirror. Not that it matters for me, unless I'm hoping to bedazzle the priest. She turns to look at both of them. Alexis: You both look very upstanding. Too bad we're picking up some other women, or I'd look like the luckiest girl in town. Nik: Can we just leave? Alexis: Alright. (to Stefan, as they follow Nikolas out the door) Well, for once, I actually am pleased by your choice of dates. Stefan: Well, that's a relief. God knows what fanciful story we'd be in for otherwise.