Chapter 22   Nik wonders absently if he could die from frustration. With each agonizing minute of this seemingly pleasant dinner, he swore he was going to explode. The impeccably prepared dinner tasted like sawdust in his mouth. It wasn't Rina's fault, Nik reminds himself, she's innocent in all of this. She is a wonderful person, the perfect hostess, excellent company, but if she called Stefan his uncle one more, he swore he was going to burst into flames. And if he didn't explode, the hypocrisy was going to choke him, smother him. This is why he chose to live on another continent for the past seven years. He couldn't stand perpetuating the lie. Not for the title, not even for his safety, it was preposterous. He downs his Ouzo in one gulp, momentarily distracted by the burning feeling as it courses down his throat. Maybe if he drank enough, it would dull the fury that's churning in his stomach. Meanshile, Stefan watches Nikolas like a hawk, and each time Nikolas gets close to revealing anything through a sarcastic remark, he sends his son a warning look. Finally Nikolas falls completely silent and focuses his attention on the sawdust on his plate and the burning liquid in his glass. When the tense meal comes to a close, Stefan reaches over to his new wife, and squeezes her hand. "Would you mind leaving us alone, Corrine?" Corrine casts a worried glance towards Nikolas. She knows a volcano about to erupt when she sees it. But one look in Stefan's certain eyes, and she rises. "I think I'll go for a walk around the gardens. Come and join me when you're through?" "I would like that very much," Stefan replies, kissing her hand before she goes. "You were exceedingly rude during dinner, Nikolas. I realize today was a difficult day for you, but I expect better manners from you." Stefan's tone is scathing. "My wife deserves to have her first meal at home be a pleasant one." Nikolas clenches his teeth and continues to stare at his drink glass. "Then perhaps you should reconsider your practice of keeping your wives in the dark." "My relationship with my wife is not your concern," Stefan retorts imperiously. "I expect you to conduct yourself properly around her, and give her the respect her place in my life demands." "When you disrespect her by lying to her?" Nikolas slams his empty glass on the table as he stands up. "I will not be a part of your lies. Never again! Perhaps it would be better for everyone if I returned to Greece." "You know that isn't what I want!" Stefan exclaims, rising to face his son. "And you also know that I have excellent reasons for keeping your paternity a secret. I want you to remain in Port Charles, I want more than anything for us to rebuild our relationship. We've come so far in the last few weeks." "And the price for keeping secrets is our relationship," Nikolas proclaims. "I thought I could do this, Father. And I have tried. But I will not stand by and watch you ruin another marriage with lies. I will not be a party to them." "What are you saying?" Stefan asks, fear plain on his face. "I'm leaving," Nikolas answers, surprising even himself. "What you do in your marriage is up to you, but I don't have to watch. Goodbye, Father." ................ At the guest cottage, Nikolas packs a suitcase as old painful memories fill his mind. Flashback 1999 "Nikolas, I know this will come as a tremendous shock to you, but I think you deserve to know. This secret has been eating away at me month after month." Laura paused to stifle a sob. "I can't do it anymore. I can't keep this secret however much Stefan wants me to. I just hope after all is said and done you can forgive me, and most of all, that you can forgive Stefan for keeping this last secret." She took his hand and squeezed it to stress her point. " Believe me, he did it to keep you safe from Helena. He only did it because he loves you so much." "What is so awful that you think I won't be able to forgive?" Nikolas asks. "I can't imagine a secret that's worse than all the others you and Uncle have kept from me. And each time I've found a way to forgive both of you." "I know, your capacity for forgiving us even when we don't deserve it is one of your finer traits." Laura reaches out and brushes a lock of hair off his forehead. "God, I wish there was a way to make this easier for you." "Please, just tell me what it is." Laura licks her lips, giving Nikolas a sidelong glance. "Stefan is... your father." Nikolas sits back, looking completely confused. "What do you mean, he's my father? We've been through this. I know Uncle thought he was my father, but the DNA results were conclusive. I'm Stavros' son. There's nothing I would want more than for Stefan to be my father... and in all ways that matter, he is." "Stefan IS your father," Laura repeats, this time in a firmer tone. "Biologically." Laura's words don't compute. "I don't understand. How could it be that Stefan is my father?" "When it came out that Stefan was your father, we became concerned about what Helena might do," Laura explains. "Your father became convinced that if Helena truly believed you were his son, she would have you killed. So we rigged the DNA results....." All the air leaves Nikolas' lungs. "You... you and Stefan faked...." Laura grabs Nikolas' hand and squeezes it, willing him to believe her. "Yes, we did it to keep you safe, Sweetheart. Don't you see? We did it because we loved you. Helena would have had you killed." In an instant, Nikolas' shock evaporates and his face hardens as he wills the tears away. No tears, no sadness. Never again. He will never let them hurt him again. This was the final betrayal. "So you thought you were doing me a favor by making me believe that the man I wanted to be my father more than anything in this world, wasn't my father. Of course, that would be my parents' logic." To Laura's horror, she sees him withdraw into himself until all that's left is a bitter shell. She tries to reach him again in vain. "Nikolas, we did it because we loved you. We had to protect you at all costs." Nikolas extricates his hand from hers and crosses his arms in front of his chest protectively. "Of course you did," Nikolas states in a dead voice. "That's what you always do. Lie lie lie. All to protect me. And I am supposed to be grateful." "Oh God," Laura had whispered under her breath. "Do you have any idea how I hate the idea of hurting you like this? Maybe it would have been better if I hadn't told you...." Nikolas fixes her with a look of pure hatred. "It's a little late for that regret, isn't it?" He stands up, and when she tries to grab hold of his arm, he wrenches away from her violently, sending her to the ground on her knees. "DO NOT TOUCH ME." Laura starts to cry. "I just wanted you to know the truth, Nikolas! I didn't want anymore lies. Please! You have to understand." He takes several steps away from her. "The only thing I understand is that I can't count on either of my parents to tell me the truth. Because next week, one of you will probably come to me and tell me yet another lie. I feel ill, I don't even want to look at you." He had been so furious that day. His whole world had been torn apart in the space of just a few minutes. Lie upon lie upon lie until he didn't know what was true anymore. Who loved him and who didn't, who lied, who spoke the truth, and who, if anyone, he could trust. So he had fled, but not before foolishly proposing marriage to Robin and ruining the most precious friendship of his life. Nikolas closes the lid to his suitcase with a snap. Time to move on, before the lies gain a choke hold on his life again and destroy what is left of his self respect. He loves his father more than just about anyone on this planet, but it is obvious there are things they would never agree on. Taking one last look around the guest cottage on Spoon Island, Nikolas closes the door along with a chapter in his life. There truly is no way for him to go home again. ......................... The sun is setting in the gardens when Stefan finds Rina. Squaring his shoulders resolutely, he steps in front of her to make himself known. Rina shades her eyes from the setting sun and looks into her husband's troubled face. "You and Nikolas fought." Stefan joins her on the bench. "Yes, I'm afraid so. What does one do when you disappoint your child? I fear I have failed him, yet again." Rina places a comforting hand on his arm. "Is it something you can fix?" "I don't know, it might be too late..." He takes her hand and folds it between his. "But I have to try to correct my mistakes, so I can be a man he can respect." "More importantly, you have to be a man YOU can respect," Rina points out gently. "Don't be so hard on yourself. From time to time, we all make decisions we regret." "I have spent many years concealing things," Stefan begins, "With the excuse that I was protecting him from harm. But if I am completely honest with myself, I have to admit my motives are not so pure. I wanted things for him, things he couldn't have otherwise. I wonder what you will think of me if I tell you." Seeing the torment on her husband's face, Rina seeks to ease it. She touches her hand to his cheek. "I can tell this is difficult for you, Stefan. You don't have to tell me." Stefan kisses the palm of her hand and forces himself to go on. "You are making it easy for me to take the coward's way out. But Nikolas is right in this. You are my wife, and you deserve to know the truth." "I'm listening." "Nikolas isn't my nephew." Stefan pauses to see the surprise register on Rina's face. "He is my son." Rina sits perfectly still as she digests the information. "I don't know what to say..." She swallows hard, trying to gain her bearings. "I'm stunned. Is this what you and Nikolas argued about?" Stefan nods sadly. "It has been a sore point between us for many years. I felt it necessary to keep his paternity a secret since his birth, because of my mother's intense hatred of me. That and the fact of Nikolas' birthright as Stavros' son. To make a long story short, I did it to save his life." Stefan rises from the bench to look out over the flowers. "But now that he is a grown man, the reason has become an excuse for a weak man's decision. And Nikolas hates me for it. I believe he sees his birthright as a noose about his neck."   Chapter 23 A long silence stretches with Rina continues to ponder Stefan's revelation about Nikolas, while Stefan stares out morosely at the flowers. Finally Rina speaks. "The way I see it, you had an clear choice to make," Rina replies. "Keep the secret and keep him safe, or tell all and risk his life. I don't know many parents who would have chosen differently. I've met Helena only once, but I can see how she obviously despises you. What mother arrives at her son's wedding just to ruin the day for him? And from the stories I've heard told about her, she's more than capable of murder. Did you really have a choice?" Stefan turns to face Rina again. "Are you saying it doesn't rankle that I kept this monumental secret from you? Is it possible that I have married a saint?" "You're trusting me with it now," Rina points out, coming to a stand beside him. "Yes, I would have preferred knowing about Nikolas all along, I won't pretend that it isn't a shock, and that it doesn't affect me. But your family is a complicated one, Stefan. You couldn't be sure that I would comprehend the danger your mother poses. How can I be angry when you were doing it to protect Nikolas?" Stefan envelopes her in an embrace, pressing her face against his chest and closing his eyes. "Every day I wake up grateful to have you in my life, Corrine. What have I done to deserve you?" "Plenty. You've accepted me without questioning my past for one. How can I hold you to a different standard?" Rina wraps an arm around his waist. "And I will keep your secret as long as you need me to." Stefan kisses the top of her head. "Thank you. Now all that remains is to repair my battered relationship with Nikolas. I wish I had a inkling of how to approach him." ........................... Giving a small smile to the launch operator, Emily hops on board. As the trip to Spoon Island gets underway, she gazes out at the shimmering water and marvels at the beauty of the night. What a day it had been Taking a new job, making major life decisions. And now finally, she would be coming to some sort of resolution with Nikolas. Good or bad, by the end of the night they wouldn't be circling each other anymore. ........................... From his suite at the Port Charles Hotel, Nikolas makes a call. "Yes, Robins. I'm having the jet fueled now and I should be arriving by late morning. Would you please inform the staff to make the necessary arrangements, and make sure Sophia is told?" Nikolas smiles. "No, no need to wake her. I'm certain the news can wait. Yes, I know she will be delighted to see me, as will I. Until tomorrow." .......................... Stefan makes his way down the darkened path to the guest cottage after leaving Rina back at Wyndemere. The time is overdue for this conversation with his son. He should have ceded control years ago, when they first had this argument. If only he hadn't been so afraid to trust that Nikolas with the responsibility of the secret. Stefan has no allusions about it, giving up control of the secret would be the most terrifying moment of his life. But it's necessary, both for Nikolas' wellbeing and happiness, and for their relationship. It was time to repair the damage done all those years ago. The door to the cottage comes into view, and he's surprised to find it open. As he approaches, he hears Emily's voice clearly. "What do you mean, he's left?!" Emily exclaims. "Where has he gone?" "I'm sorry, Ms Quartermaine. I can't tell you anything more," The kind servant answers. "All I know is Mr Cassadine instructed us to pack up his belongings immediately, but he didn't say where he was going. He said he'd be contacting us at a later time to tell us where to ship his things." ......................... Reclining in the leather backed seat of the jet, Nikolas closes his eyes. Despite his obvious exhaustion and his attempts to clear his mind, sleep escapes him. He wonders absently, if with time, he will develop his father's insomnia. Thinking of his father reminds him of the last time he left Port Charles. The night Laura dropped the bomb on their relationship. One would think he would appreciate her honesty. But not this time. No matter how many times he goes over that day, he always comes to the same conclusion. He would have been happy living in ignorance. Their argument had been violent.... the worst they've ever had. He had said awful things to Stefan. They might have been truthful words, but they were cruel. FLASHBACK At Wyndemere, when he saw Stefan after his conversation with Laura, the rage bubbled up like an erupting volcano. Lies, everything in his life was built on lies. Stefan didn't love him enough to claim him as his son. He'd rather lie. Nikolas was angrier than he'd ever been in his life, angrier than he ever imagined he could be. Stefan had taken one look at Nikolas and seen the truth in his eyes. A look of terror had flitted across his face for a millisecond before he'd quickly covered it. Then Stefan had reached for Nikolas and asked him what was wrong. Nikolas wrenched himself away from Stefan so violently that he knocked Stefan off balance. "Don't you dare touch me! You know what's wrong, you've lied to me again and again and again, and now you have the audacity to wonder? Come on, Laura must have told you . She wouldn't leave you in the dark." Stefan fought to control the rising panic, clearly shaken by the rage emanating from Nikolas. Dear God, Laura told Nikolas everything, just as she had threatened to do weeks ago. They had fought violently, and he thought he'd convinced her to keep the secret. Instead, she'd blind sided him. Stefan gripped the back of a nearby chair for dear life. "What... what did she tell you?" Nikolas paced angrily in front of Stefan, shaking his head in disbelief. "Everything, about faking the DNA results under the guise of protecting me from Helena. But even that reason rings false, because if that where the case, you would have told me. You would have trusted me with the secret. So why lie?" Nikolas stopped dead, his shoulders sagging in defeat. "There can only be one reason... you're ashamed of me. You hid it because you didn't want me to be your son. You wanted the money and the title." "NO! That's not true, Nikolas." Stefan took a furtive step towards him, wanting so much to comfort his son. But everything in Nikolas' posture screamed hands off, so he refrained from touching Nikolas. "You... you are everything.. EVERYTHING to me. Every action I have taken since you were born, was for you, was because I loved you. And when I look at the strong intelligent self-assured man you've become, I couldn't be more proud..." Nikolas covered his ears to block out Stefan. "LIES! It's ALL lies! How can I believe a single word out of your mouth when you can't even admit to the most basic truth between us?" Nikolas took a deep breath to steady himself and stared directly in Stefan's eyes. "If you have any feeling for me at all, you will tell the truth now. About why you faked the DNA results. About why you don't want to claim me as your son. The real reason. If you don't, I'll walk out that door this minute and you'll never see me again. Your precious Cassadine heir will be gone forever." "I wanted to protect you from Helena." When Nikolas started to turn away, Stefan stopped him by grabbing his shoulders. "That is the truth! Nothing means more to me than your safety. NOTHING! I would do anything, kill for you, die for you, and yes, even forsake my right to you to keep you safe from harm." "No, you gave up your right to call me son for a fortune," Nikolas maintained stubbornly. "The Andross trust, I should have realized it then. Especially after Luke Spencer found a way to pillage it. Then Alexis told the truth." Fighting to keep the tears at bay, Nikolas lowered his head. "You never would have let the truth out, would you?" Forced with the shameful truth, Stefan's eyes glittered with tears. "It's true, I didn't want the truth to come out," He whispered hoarsely. "But not for the reasons you say, but because your safety was at stake. It still is." There was complete silence between the two men who stood only a few feet apart but were now separated by a gulf of betrayal so devastating, there was no way to bridge it. Silent tears rolled down Stefan's face as he stood quaking with fear and sadness. Fear that he'd lost his son forever, and sadness for the pain he caused both of them. All he could do was watch helplessly as his son crumbled before his eyes. Nikolas stuffed his knuckles in his mouth to keep from crying out as tears that hadn't fallen up that point drenched his face, his grief so intense his shoulders shook with silent sobs. His father didn't want him, never wanted him. Unable to bear the agony Nikolas was in, Stefan reached out to touch his son's shoulder. "Nikolas..." Nikolas flinched violently and moved out of range. "Don't...don't touch me. I couldn't bear it," He begged in a childlike voice. Forcing himself back under control, he took several deep breaths. While his tears slowed, they wouldn't cease completely despite Nikolas' best efforts. Finally he said in a small voice, "I don't believe what you say anymore. You would tell any lie to suit your purposes. I can't trust you." Stefan shook his head sadly. "I know of no way to convince you, Nikolas. But I speak the truth. Helena would not hesitate to destroy me through you. I couldn't allow her use you as a vessel for my destruction. Not when I could protect you." Nikolas shook his head disbelievingly. "You know what? Even if that were true, it still wouldn't be your decision alone. I am an adult now. You have been perpetuating lies about my identity, about my destiny. Don't I get a say in this? Why not come to me and let me participate in the decision?" Not having an answer, Stefan was silent. So Nikolas pressed on. "What about what I wanted? Didn't the fact that I wanted a father more than anything in the world make any difference to you? When I stood in front of you and told you that all that is good in me comes from you... that nothing made me happier than being able to tell the world that you're my father?" He watched tears bathe Stefan's face as his words tore at his father's heart. "You'd rather I live an empty life as a prince." "That's not true!" Stefan protested. "But don't you see that's exactly what you've relegated me to? I can't trust the man I love more than anyone else in this world? Who claims to love me just as much? Do you realize how empty that makes me feel? If I can't trust you, I can't trust anyone." Nikolas let out a scream of frustration. "I can't take this, I can't! Not anymore. I can't live with these lies!" Devastated by Nikolas' words, Stefan reached out for him, pleading for him to understand. "You have no idea how much I longed that the truth could come out! How it choked me sometimes..." "Stop!" Nikolas raised his voice again. "I don't want to hear it, because it's a lie! You didn't. You were a coward! If you truly wanted the truth out, you would have found a way." Stefan helplessly held a hand out to Nikolas. "Tell me how I can make this right. How I can make it up to you." Nikolas gave an hysterical laugh. "Oh, as if there is any way to make this right?! You are either insane or stupid." He began pacing as he attempted to assimilate the shocking news he'd been given. But every time he tried he would look over at Stefan and the rage and grief would threaten to overwhelm him. It became increasingly clear to him that he couldn't stay and remain whole. Already he could feel the truth and the lies destroying him. Escape was the only option. "Do you really want to prove how much you love me?" Nikolas asked finally. "I would do anything to prove it to you," Stefan vowed. "Then don't try and stop me from leaving. I'm leaving Port Charles and I'm never coming back." Nikolas stopped in front of Stefan and gave him a cruel smile. "And guess what you'll get in return? I'll give you everything you wanted. I'll be your Cassadine heir, your nephew in every way. I'll be your dirty little secret. As far as I'm concerned, my father is dead." Back in the present, Nikolas remembers how stricken Stefan had looked at that moment. In a sick sort of way, he had felt satisfaction at hurting Stefan so completely. No longer was he Stefan's puppet to be manipulated at will. Instead Stefan was at his mercy. He only saw Nikolas when Nikolas allowed it. The only relationship they had had since was one dictated by Nikolas, and it was limited to business only with Stefan being more of an employee than anything else. To Stefan's credit, he had handled it with remarkable grace and restraint. Ironically Nikolas' flight from Port Charles had brought Stefan and Alexis together again, for the first time ever they acted like sister and brother. And so Stefan had kept his promise, proving his love and devotion by accepting his banishment from Nikolas' private life. At no small cost to him, Nikolas knows. Stefan hadn't been able to hide the longing completely. Nikolas had caught glimpses of it from time to time. Like when they finished their business, and he would look up from his paperwork to catch Stefan staring at him hauntingly. A couple times the look had upset Nikolas so much that he'd sent an icy glare back at Stefan to force him to look away. Then there were the few times that Stefan had tried to lengthen his visit beyond business, hesitantly inviting Nikolas on some excursion he'd planned. Always Nikolas refused without hesitation. Nikolas opens his eyes and gazes out the small window of the airplane into the pitch black nothingness of the night sky. He and Stefan had come full circle. He is tired of the same lie ruling and ruining his life. Maybe it is time now to change the rules.   Chapter 24 Wyndemere. Stefan stands at the window looking out over the water, lost in thought. In an effort to stave off feelings of panic and despair, his mind pours over every detail of his recent conversations with Nikolas. Why hadn't he considered the possibility that Nikolas would leave? Filled with despair, Stefan covers his face with his hand. Mrs Lansbury appears at the doorway, interrupting Stefan's private torture. "Mr Cassadine, Mrs Spencer and her daughter are here to see Master Nikolas. I thought I should inform you..." "Thank you, Mrs Lansbury. You were correct to inform me of her arrival. I will explain his absence myself." His feelings of helplessness evaporate instantly at the news and his eyes get a steely glint. "Bring them in." A moment later, Laura and Lulu enter the living room escorted by Mrs Lansbury who stands off to the side, waiting for instructions. Stefan's voice is polite and friendly, but his eyes glitter with anger when he locks his gaze on Laura. "Mrs Spencer, Miss Spencer, your visit comes as a surprise. I was not informed that you planned to visit." Laura smiles hesitantly. "I hope us visiting on the spur of the moment isn't too inconvenient. Lulu was so anxious to see her brother again, I took the chance that he might be home this morning. Lulu, you remember Mr Cassadine?" Stefan smiles graciously at Lulu, noting that small shy child that so charmed him years ago has now grown into a poised young lady. "You have grown into a beautiful young lady, Miss Spencer. It is a pleasure to see you again. I'm sad to say Nikolas isn't here at the moment, but perhaps you'd like to go with Mrs Lansbury into the kitchen while I speak with your mother in private for a moment?" Laura nods to give her permission and Mrs Lansbury steps forward and begins to usher Lulu out of the room. "I am so pleased you are here this morning, Miss Spencer," Mrs Lansbury says graciously. "I am trying out a new recipe for cookies and I need someone to test them..." Once Lulu is safely out of the room, Stefan's polite smile evaporates, quickly replaced by a look of pure venom. "What did you say to him?" He demands in a deadly whisper as he approaches her as a large feline would a prey. "What did you say to our son?" Laura backs up a bit, alarmed by Stefan's threatening behavior. But when it's obvious to her that he will continue to advance if she retreats, she straightens her back and holds her ground. "What happened?! Where's Nikolas?" He towers over her, his face only inches from hers. The fact that his voice is a low growl makes it all the more terrifying. "He's gone. Now tell me what you said to him. Tell me now, Lasha." Laura's throat constricts with fear. There have been only two other times that Stefan has terrified her like this. But this is the first time his anger has been directed at her without warning, without apparent provocation. "Nothing! I swear, Stefan. We didn't visit for long after you left us. We talked about Lulu and then he said he had appointment." Stefan searches her face for any sign of deceit and after a moment withdraws, turning his back to her. Laura breathes a sigh of relief. "Do you know where he went? Is he still in town?" "I have no idea. He had his belongings packed up last night. He didn't tell me where he was going." Stefan's voice is shaky and defeated. "I am not even sure if he is still in town." "I... I'm sorry, Stefan," Laura says, attempting to sooth him. "I know this must be distressing to you. Is there anything I can do to help?" Stefan's temper flares. "You have done enough, Lasha. Have you already forgotten the damage you caused the last time you tried to help? It has taken me FIVE years, five agonizing years of waiting patiently to even begin to have some semblance of a relationship with him again. I will not allow your presence to destroy the progress I have made." "I lost him too!" Laura retorts angrily. "He was as furious at me for telling him the truth as he was at you for withholding it. You're not the only one who lost him that day!" Stefan shakes with barely contained fury. "It is always about you, Lasha. How you feel, what you lost. When will it get through your dullwitted brain that I have ceased to care how anything affects you?" Laura steps back as if she's been slapped. "Clearly I was wrong to come here today. You're too distraught at what's happened with Nikolas to have a reasonable conversation with me. Perhaps when things calm down again we can sit down and sort some of this out. It won't do Nikolas any good to have us at each other's throats." "We will never 'sit down and sort anything out', Lasha. That would only be possible if I had any residual feelings of affection for you. That hasn't been the case for years." Laura stares at him in bewilderment, for the first time seeing the hatred he has for her clearly expressed in his eyes. The eyes she remembers once conveyed a myriad of feelings: love, kindness, anger, even hurt. But never hatred, even when he'd been furious with her. She shivers. "You aren't the same man, Stefan. You've changed." "Yes, I have." Stefan closes the distance between them again, his mouth only inches from her ear as he whispers, "Mark me and mark me well, Lasha. If I find out that you have done anything, and I mean ANYTHING, to compromise my relationship with Nikolas again, I will destroy you and everyone you hold dear. Not even the fact that you are Nikolas' mother will protect you." Silence descends on the room, punctuating the ominousness of the threat. Laura finds herself unable to move despite the urge to flee. So the two of them stare at each other, locked in silent combat. A cough from the doorway breaks the spell. "I'm sorry. I'm interrupting something important. I'll come back later..." Stefan breaks the staring contest to look up at his wife who is standing in the doorway, looking calm and unaffected in the obviously charged atmosphere. And contrary to her offer to go, she doesn't look like she's leaving anytime soon. "Corrine, there is no need for you to go. My guest was just leaving." Stefan graces her with a gentle smile and extends his hand to her, urging her join him in the room, which she does promptly. "This is Nikolas' mother, Laura Spencer," he says by way of introduction. Turning to Laura, he adds. "I believe we've finished our business." The message of dismissal is clear. Laura, now shaking from their explosive encounter, begins to retreat hastily. "Yes, I've overstayed my welcome... I should find Lulu and be on my way." "Next time you have the urge to visit Wyndemere, be sure to call first," Stefan says, fixing Laura with an fierce glare. "I wouldn't want you to go to all this trouble again for nothing." ............. Minnos, Greece Nikolas climbs the steps to his villa with enthusiasm in his stride while the warm breezy air tousles his hair. Despite his weariness and the stress of the last few days, a genuine smile spreads across his face. An older woman, his housekeeper, opens the door for him before he can do it himself. "Welcome back, Mr Cassadine!. How was your trip?" "It's good to see you, Francessca, And my trips was as pleasant as could be expected, thanks for asking." Once inside, Nikolas eyes search out his target. "Where is Sophia?" Francessca smiles a warm smile. "Mademoiselle is feeding her pony as she does every day at this hour since you left. She will be tearing through the door in exactly two minutes..." Just as her words are spoken, a little dark headed body streaks through the back door and heads straight for Nikolas. "PAPA, Papa!!!" Nikolas is thrown off balance by the bundle of energy as it hits his stomach. "Sophia!" He exclaims, his arms immediately enveloping her and lifting her off her feet. Hugging her closely, he rains kisses all over her soft round face, until she is giggling with delight. "It has been too long." Her little arms wrap around his neck tightly, as a few tears are shed. "I missed you, Papa." "And I missed you," Nikolas returns, his own voice betraying a slight tremor as he carries her to the living room sofa. "I was wrong to leave you for so long. I'll try not to do it again, okay?" Sophia settles in her father's lap, making sure to place her head where she can feel his heartbeat. "I fed Sebastian every morning just like you taught me to," She states proudly. Nikolas strokes her hair and kisses her on the top of her head. "You've taken good care of him. Just as I knew you would." ......... Lunch time at Luke's Club Emily slides into a stool at the bar and gives Lucky a tired smile. "A basket of your cheese fries, extra cheese." Lucky's eyebrows go up. "That bad, huh? New job getting you down already?" He places a tall glass of plain iced tea on a bar napkin in front of her. "Nah, the new job doesn't start until tomorrow," Emily says before taking a long sip. "Give you a hint. You're related to him." "AHHHHH," Lucky replies with a knowing nod. "What's Nikky done now?" "The usual. He doesn't get what he wants and he takes off. You know what burns me the most about this? The guy barrels into my life like a heat seeking missile, turns it upside down, and then leaves again without so much as a goodbye!" Having vented her outrage, Emily deflates. "And I'm stupid enough to actually miss him." "I hate to say this about the guy... he's my brother and I'm even a bit fond of him, but he's not worth it." Lucky leans forward over the bar. "Over the years, I've seen him in action. Kiss the girls, have a roll in the hay, then dump them the next day without so much as a second look. That isn't the kind of guy you want to hook up with, Emily." Another customer gets Lucky's attention, so he's forced to retreat to make a drink for him. "I didn't even get that," Emily mutters under her breath low enough that Lucky can't hear. "So what kind of chump does that make me?"   Chapter 25 Mid afternoon Rina enters the conservatory to find Stefan staring out the window, deep in thought, his hand rubbing his goatee. "Still no word from Nikolas?" She asks, immediately sorry once the words leave her mouth. Too upset to speak, Stefan merely shakes his head. Rina comes up behind him and wraps her arms around his waist. "Maybe you should try and track him down?" She suggests softly. Stefan draws in a deep breath. "No... he would only be angered further if I sought him out. He will find me when he is ready." Rina detects fear in Stefan's voice. "You don't sound convinced. Why put yourself through this torment? " "You don't understand. Our relationship has been fragile for some time, and it is only recently that we've gotten close to mending our mangled relationship. He will not welcome my probing into his affairs." Stefan closes his eyes. "Much as I would like to find him, I must wait for him to come to me." Rina lays her head on his back and gives him another hug. "This must be very difficult for you. I don't know how you do it." "Patience is something I've always had in abundance. But this time..." Stefan sighs heavily. "This time I don't know how I will manage. I have worked too hard to lose all the ground I've lost." "Nikolas is very lucky to have you," Rina says, becoming wistful. "I wish I had had parents that cared half as much as you do for Nikolas." Stefan turns in her arms to look into her eyes. "You never speak of your parents." "That's because there is nothing to say," Rina answers with an almost imperceptible shrug. "They've been dead for some time." She grabs his hand and squeezes it tightly for effect. "But you.. you and Nikolas have time to make things right. Fight for Nikolas. He's worth it." ............................. The penthouse Emily is sorting a huge pile of mail at her desk. "Bill, bill.... junk." She drops the mass mailings into her trash can with flourish. The next few envelopes have her sighing heavily. "Great, more condolences...." The progress she's making on clearing her desk is interrupted when Rinaldo opens the door. "Emily?" Rinaldo's body effectively blocks the door. "AJ Quartermaine is here to see you. Should I let him in?" Emily bites her lip for a moment, then tosses the rest of the mail onto the desk. "Sure, send him in." Rinaldo moves aside, and AJ brushes past him. "Hiya, Em. I just wanted to pay you a visit before I go off to rehab." Emily pastes a smile on her face as she offers him a seat. "I wish you the best of luck, AJ. I'm sorry, I don't really have a lot of time to talk right now. I have some errands to run before I start work tomorrow." "Oh, that's right. Mom mentioned you got a job at the hospital wellness center. Congratulations. I'm sure you'll do great." "Thanks." Emily shifts uncomfortably in her seat. Being in the same room with him, knowing what she knows gives her a queasy feeling. "Is there something in particular you wanted to talk about?" Getting down to business, AJ sits forward, the picture of earnestness. "Actually, I was hoping I could see Michael before I went off to rehab." Before she can protest, he stops her. "I know, you made it pretty clear at Jason and Carly's memorial service that you wanted the family to back off. But since I don't know how long I'll be gone..." "What do you mean, you don't know how long you'll be gone?" "Mom didn't tell you?" AJ shakes his head. "Rehab is just the first stop, Em. I still have some jail time to do." Emily is stunned. "Wow, I had no idea. For how long?" "That's still uncertain. Anywhere from six months to two years." "Oh God." Emily puts a sympathetic hand on his knee. "This is awful. Why.. why didn't Mom tell me?" "Because it's too painful to talk about. I think she keeps hoping that by going to rehab, I'll avoid jail." AJ gets up off the couch and starts wander around the room. "This isn't all bad. Maybe this time I'll get my life turned around." He turns back to face Emily. "Which brings me back to Michael. I want to talk to you about his future." Her heart in her throat, Emily forces the words out. "What about his future?" "I think you should start adoption proceedings," AJ answers smoothly. "I've thought a lot about Michael in the last couple weeks. I even went so far as to talk to a lawyer." "You did?" Emily forces herself to swallow. She has the sensation of the world shifting on it's axis, but she's not sure what's happened. Does AJ know something? AJ walks over to the window overlooking the city. "My lawyer said the best way to protect Michael from any sort of custody bid by the family is for you to adopt him. I'm willing to do anything I can to make that happen. Would you go to the lawyers with me?" "Not that I'm not grateful for the advice, but why are you doing this? Going out of your way for Michael and me?" AJ turns his head and locks his gaze on Emily. "I think we both know why." ............................ Sophia snuggles under the covers of her large bed while her father brushes her hair off her face. "I don't want you to go, Daddy!" She pleads. "One more story?" "I have already read you two extra stories, Sweetheart," Nikolas chides gently, continuing to stroke her hair. If he's honest with himself, he could watch her sleep all night. How was he able to leave her for even a day, much less two weeks? "Sing me my song then," Sophia demands. Seeing her papa's warning look, she turns it into a plea. "Pleeeeeeze, Papa?" "Very well," Nikolas relents, not sharing the fact that he would have sung it to her anyway. It was THEIR song. His homecoming wouldn't be complete until he sang it to her. "Close your eyes." Once her eyes shut obediently, he begins to sing softly: Goodnight, my angel Time to close your eyes And save these questions for another day I think I know what you've been asking me I think you know what I've been trying to say I promised I would never leave you And you should always know Wherever you may go No matter where you are I never will be far away As Sophia becomes sleepier, she turns onto her side and sticks her thumb into her mouth. A melancholy smile touches Nikolas' face. She wouldn't be a baby for much longer.... Goodnight, my angel Now it's time to sleep And still so many things I want to say Remember all the songs you sang for me WHen we went sailing on an emerald bay ANd like a boat out on the ocean I'm rocking you to sleep THe water's dark And deep inside this ancient heart You'll always be a part of me Nikolas pulls the covers up over Sophia's tiny shoulders, letting his hand linger over her dark head. He is constantly amazed by how beautiful she is. He's been very selfish in his refusal to share his most precious gift with anyone, under the guise of protecting her. Goodnight, my angel Now it's time to dream And dream how wonderful your life will be Someday your child may cry And if you sing this lullabye Then in your heart There will always be a part of me As he finishes the last few lines of the lullaby, he comes to a decision. The lies must end. Not just his father's, but his as well. Someday we'll all be gone But lullabyes go on and on... They never die That's how you And I Will be *Song: Lullabye by Billy Joel