Lesley is taking a nap after her morning sessionwith Dr. Navare. Laura sits on the couch of their rented house goingthrough the boxes the clinic sent over. She opens one box and findsthe pictures of the Spencer family, especially of Laura and Lucky. Asshe looks through them she remembers what their lives were like atthe time. Who they were pretending to be. What happened to make themgive it up, go on the run again and assume yet another identity. Sheknew that the Cassadines had kept tabs on them, but she didn'trealize how closely they were watched until now. There were photos ofthem in every life they had assumed except one, Beecher's Corners.There were no pictures of Beecher's Corner's. Laura made a mentalnote of that omission as she replaced the pictures back into thebox.
She opened another box. It struck her as odd thatthe clinic had packed Nikolas' photos separate from the Spencer's.And now that she thought about it. His photo's were displayed awayfrom the Spencer's in Lesley's room. She felt a pang of guilt overthe symbolism. She wonders if he will ever forgive her. She slowlytakes out a photo album and opens it. There are the officialphotographs. Made yearly on his birthday. He looks stern and somberin each. But then there are the informal ones, caught in spontaneousmoments. Nikolas, marked age five, riding a pony. Age two, on themarble staircase in the main hall. Laura smiles at this one,remembering Stefan's tale of him running up and down the staircase.Age three, being held by a teenaged Isabella. Another, age ten,running along the beach. An introspective eleven year old, sitting ona bench at the cove, gazing out to sea. A soulful fifteen year oldreading a book in the rose garden. Tears silently fall onto thephotos as Laura learns more of her son's childhood. Laura turns thepage and gasp. It is the last photo that shakes her to her core. Theage under the photo is marked as six. Nikolas' face isexpressionless. Helena stands behind him with her hand gripping hisshoulder. She reminds Laura of a vulture hovering over a dying animalwaiting for it's meal.
Laura sobs uncontrollably- Oh God! What have Idone? How could I do that to you?
Laura clutches a picture of Nikolas to her andbreaks down. Lesley hears her and comes out of the bedroom to sitwith her.
Lesley- What's wrong Laura?
Laura hugs her mother tightly, and Lesley strokesher hair.
Laura- I left him with her! I left our son withthat monster. How could I do that?
Lesley- Don't cry Laura, there was nothing else youcould do.
Laura- Yes, there was! I could have taken him withme. I could have told Luke the truth. I could have fought forhim.
Lesley- Why didn't you?
Laura- I was afraid. God help me, I was afraid Iwouldn't be able to see Luke again if I too Nikolas with me. I toldmyself I would go back for him.
Lesley- But you didn't.
Laura- No I didn't. And I didn't tell Luke abouthim either.
Lesley-Because you were afraid he would getkilled.
Laura- Yes! If Luke knew the Cassadines had hisson, he would have gone after him. And Luke would be have beenkilled. I couldn't let that happen.
Lesley-And you never tried to see him?
Laura looks guilty- Once, it's my fault mother.It's my fault they did this to you. After Stavros died Helena warnedme if I ever tried to see Nikolas again, she would kill the people Iloved. When I tried to see him she ordered your death. I'm so sorry,it's because of me that they hurt you.
Lesley-No! It's not your fault for wanting to seeyour son.
Laura- I still want to see him. But it's too late.I've made so many mistakes with him, he'll never forgive me now.
Lesley- If you love him fight for him. He's yourson.
Laura- I do love him and I want him in my life.
Lesley- The we should pack and go home.
Laura-But it's not safe, Helena is...
Lesley- Are you going to let Helena to keep youfrom him again? Stand up to Helena and anyone else who tries to keepyou from your son.
Laura-But what about Luke? I was hoping, now thathe knows the truth about being Nikolas' father, he would change hisattitude towards him. Maybe without me there, they can work it out.Besides, he thinks it would be better if we stay here.
Lesley- What about Nikolas? How long are you goingto let him think you don't care about him?
Laura- Your right. No more excuses. It's time Ifight for my son. And this time no one will keep me from my son.
Lesley- Good, I'll start packing, while you makethe arrangements.
Lesley kisses Laura on the cheek and goes to pack.Laura calls the airport and makes reservations, then she calls theclinic. Nurse Gretna answers.
Laura- May I speak to Dr. Navare please?
Nurse Gretna- I'm sorry, he's with a patient rightnow. It's a delicate matter and he can't be disturbed.
Laura- I see...This is Laura Spencer. I was justcalling to inform him than my mother will be returning to PortCharles tonight.
Nurse Gretna- Tonight? That's rather sudden.
Laura- Yes, it is, but it's for the best.
Nurse Gretna- I'm sure Dr. Navare will want to talkto you before you leave. Are you planning on keeping your afternoonappointment?
Laura- Yes, of course, we will be there.
Nurse Gretna- Fine, we will see you this afternoon.Good-bye.
Nurse Gretna hangs up the phone and immediatelypicks it up again. She anxiously calls the Port Charles number. Shetries to remain calm as she waits for the answer. Finally she getsthrough.
Gretna- There's a problem, they are leaving forPort Charles............tonight, but her last appointment is in anhour........Yes, I'll try......Understood.
Nurse Gretna hangs up and takes a deep breath. Forthe second time in the past six months, she is afraid for her life.The first time was when Stefan took Lesley out of the clinic and nowshe is leaving again. Her employer did not forgive easily, even thosethings that were beyond control. She can not fail thisassignment.
**********************************************************
Lucky watches Stefan and Nikolas for a few minutesand turns to leave. He notices the paternity test results laying inthe floor and thinks his dad must have dropped them. He picks them upand reads them. He is startled by Stefan's voice beside him.
Stefan- May I see those?
Lucky hands over the results without a word andleaves.
Bobbie- You need to get that hand looked at, yourbleeding.
Stefan doesn't seem to hear her. He is staringintently at the papers in his hand.
Bobbie- Stefan?
Miranda- Stefan? Are you alright? I'm going to callAlan.
Stefan- I do not understand. I changed the originaltest results myself. I know that Nikolas is Luke's son.
Bobbie- Are you sure of that?
Stefan- Of course, I am sure. Do you think I wouldhave put Nikolas through the trauma of finding out about Luke, if Ididn't believe it were true?
Bobbie- No, I'm sorry. I wasn't accusing you oflying. Obviously there was a mistake made, either with the originaltest or with this test.
Stefan- Or Luke deliberately falsified thisone.
Miranda- Or someone else changed the original testbefore you did.
Bobbie- Who would do that?
Stefan- Helena.
Miranda- Helena.
Bobbie- Why would Helena change the results? Andwhy would she want Stavros' son passed off as Luke's.
Stefan- Because he is Laura's son and she hatedLaura. She hated the idea of Laura being the Mother of the Cassadineheir. She considered her unworthy and her bloodline tainted. IfStavros was not the father, then Helena was to dispose of thechild.
Bobbie- My God! Would she have killed her owngrandson just to punish Laura?
Miranda- Obviously you don't know Helena, or youwouldn't doubt it. She couldn't stand him until Stavros died. Then hebecame her little prince.
Bobbie- And Stavros would have allowed this?
Stefan- My brother was a ruthless man, Barbara. Herefused to see Nikolas until he was sure he was his son.
Bobbie-That's terrible!
Miranda- Still I can't believe she didn't punishyou for changing the results back.
Stefan- She didn't punish me, because she wasn'tsure which one of us did it. At any rate this is all conjecture. Wewill have to run yet another paternity test.
Miranda-The question is how do we secure LukeSpencer's cooperation.
Their discussion stopped when hospital maintenancecame it to replace the window. Alan came in shortly after they did.He examined Stefan's hand and told him he would need stitches.Miranda volunteered to stay with Nikolas while Stefan was beingtreated. Bobbie went with Stefan and Alan. After they leave, Mirandawalks into Nikolas' room.
Nikolas watches the maintenance personnel replacethe window and clean up the mess as he reflects on the newestrevelation. He has mixed feelings about it. On one hand he isrelieved not to be Luke's son. On the other hand he is angry that hisuncle lied to him yet again. He wonders if anyone in his life iscapable of telling the truth. He also wonders when the next bomb willdrop. What will be the next secret revealed? Miranda smiles at him asshe enters his room. The maintenance crew finishes and leaves.
Miranda- Hey, how are you feeling?
Nikolas- I'm fine. How is Katherine?
Miranda- She's working hard at her therapy. She'sstarting to get the feeling back in her legs.
Nikolas- That's wonderful!
Miranda- She will be walking in no time.
Nikolas- I hope so.
There is a few minutes of awkward silence.
Nikolas- Do you know where my uncle is?
Miranda-Stefan is getting stitches in his hand, butit's nothing serious. I told them I would stay with you until theyget back.
Nikolas- Thanks, but you don't have to. Despitewhat my uncle thinks, I don't need a baby-sitter.
Miranda- I know that. I just thought you might wantsomebody to talk to. I know what it's like to be cooped up in ahospital bed, remember?
Nikolas- That's right, you were caught in anexplosion.
Miranda- Yes I was. And I made the mistake ofshutting out the people who loved me. I hope you don't do that.Nikolas...How much did you hear?
Nikolas- You mean Luke's Spencer's display? All ofit. He's not my father after all.
Miranda- How does that make you feel?
Nikolas- Relieved! I hate him, I'm glad he isn't myfather. He acts like a jerk most of the time.
Miranda- More like an arrogant ass, if you askme.
Nikolas smiles- That's what Bobbie called him.
Miranda- Sounds like a smart woman. You seem tothink very highly of her. Even though she's a Spencer.
Nikolas- Bobbie's the most wonderful person I know.She's nothing like Luke at all. And she treats me better than Lauraever thought too.
She reaches for his hand and gives it a slightsqueeze, and caresses the back of his hand with her thumb.
Miranda-These past few months have been difficultfor you, haven't they?
Nikolas smiles - Someone used to do that to me allthe time. After one of grandmother's lectures, she would take my handand squeeze it like that to reassure me. But Helena exiled her. And Ihaven't seen her since I was little. I'm sorry, I shouldn't betelling you my family problems. It's just that you remind me of her.You even sound like her. How's that for coincidence?
Miranda- How would you like to see her again?
Nikolas- I would love it, but it's impossible.After my uncle's coup, he tried to find her and couldn't. Besides Idon't think she would want to see me. I said hurtful things to herwhen she left.
Miranda- I think she understands. Close your eyesNikolas and think about the last time you were at the covetogether.
Nikolas- How do you know about the cove?
Miranda- I'll explain, but first do as I say. Tellme what you are remembering.
Nikolas closes his eyes and thinks about standingon the bench at the cove. He is looking out to sea.
Nikolas- I was six. I wanted to know what was onthe other side of the sea. I wanted to know what it was like off theisland.
Miranda- There's a whole world out there Nikolas.And one day you will see it.
Nikolas- Isabella?
Nikolas opens his eyes in confusion.- I don'tunderstand. How did you know?
Miranda- I've had several plastic surgeriesremember?
Nikolas- Yes, but what does that have to do with...
Miranda- I never wanted to leave you.
Nikolas-....... Isabella?
Miranda- Yes,
Nikolas- Isabella! I can't believe it!
Nikolas grabs her and hugs her tightly.
**********************************************************
Amy is at the nurses station, updating a patientschart when Jake stops by. She is surprised when a rose is placed infront of her. She looks up into Jake's blue eyes.
Jake- Hello beautiful, We still on for tonight?
Amy- Sure, but can we move it up to eight? Sue wenthome sick and I need to cover for her.
Jake- Eight is fine. Actually that works out betterfor me too. Radiology has been swamped this week and I'm behindschedule. I better get going. I got to do a chest x-ray on thatCassadine kid, and I don't want to make the new boss mad.
Amy laughs- Yeah, you don't want to make him mad.(She leans closer and whispers) Because, I think he is mad enough asit is.
They both laugh at the joke and Amy can't believeshe has finally found the perfect man.
Tall, broad shoulders, muscular, dreamy blueeyes.
Jake- Well, I better get going. See you ateight.
He starts to kiss her but notices Audrey watchingthem. He settles on a quick peck on the cheek and leaves. As Amywatches him get into the elevator, Audrey walks over to her. Audrey-He seems like a very nice young man. Very handsome too.
Amy-He's great. I can't believe I finally foundsomeone. He's everything I ever wanted in a man. He's almost too goodto be true.
Audrey- I told you, didn't I. I told you somedayyou would find the right man. I'm glad for you.
Amy- Thanks Audrey.
Audrey- But do you think it's wise to keep flirtingwith Nikolas' guards?
Amy- He knows I'm not interested in them. I'm justhaving a little harmless fun. He's fine with it.
One of the patient call lights comes on.
Amy- That's Mr. Martin again, I better go see whathe wants this time.
Amy leaves to go to Mr. Martin's room. Audrey putsthe last touches on the nurses schedule before posting it. It didn'ttake long for the nurses to check it out. Rebecca Chase nervouslylooks for her name and smiles when she sees her schedule.
**********************************************************
Stefan and Bobbie are surprised to hear laughtercoming out of Nikolas' room.
Nikolas- But didn't it hurt when you hit him?
Miranda- Yes, but it was worth it. Somebody neededto put that man in his place.
Nikolas-I wish I could have seen it. All I heardwas him bellowing as usual.
Miranda-Are you sure you are okay with this?
Nikolas-Are you kidding? (Nikolas laughs) Now Idon't have to change my name to Lucas Lorenzo.
Nikolas turns serious when he sees Stefan andBobbie.
Nikolas- I'm sorry Bobbie, I didn't mean to insultyou. I know he's your brother. I was just telling Isabella about adream I had.
Bobbie- It's all right, I'm not offended. I guessit was silly, but at the time I had a serious case of hero-worship.But lately he's been acting like a complete ass. You seem to befeeling better.
Nikolas- I am.
Stefan-Am I to assume that you know aboutIsabella?
Nikolas-Yes, she told me. Isn't it great?
Stefan- Yes, it is wonderful to have her back inour lives.
Miranda looks at her watch- I'm afraid I need to begoing. But don't worry, I'll come back to see you. In the meantimeUncle Stefan and Aunt Lollie can entertain you.
Stefan follows Miranda out.
Bobbie- Aunt Lollie heh? Maybe you should tell meabout this dream.
Stefan and Miranda walk away from Nikolas' room.Stefan waits until they are well out of Nikolas' hearing before hespeaks to Miranda.
Stefan- There is one thing I do not understand. Youhave been in Port Charles for months now, why did you wait until nowto reveal yourself?
Miranda- I was afraid to. I didn't know if you werestill following Helena's command. And truthfully, if this hadn'thappened to Nikolas, I don't think I ever would have. You allowed meto be exiled remember?
Stefan- I was not prepared to make my move yet.Everything was not in place.
Miranda- I wish I could have seen the look on herface when she realized you won.
Stefan- Did I? I don't think so. A few months agoHelena escaped from the island. apparently she was faking herillness.
Miranda- I heard something to that effect.
Stefan- Would you consider moving into Wyndemere? Ithink it would be good for Nikolas.
Miranda- I don't think that would be a goodidea.
Stefan- I hope you will reconsider.
Miranda- I love you Stefan, but I don't trust you.You have been playing Helena's game for so long you are incapable ofbeing straight with anyone You have a reason for being here andwhatever it is, I don't want any part of it. I'm here for Nikolas,that's all. And I don't have to move into Wyndemere and give up myindependence for that.
Stefan- I see. What about Tom Hardy? Are you goingto reveal yourself to him?
Miranda- Why should I? You don't really expect meto claim kinship to that sanctimonious jerk do you?
Stefan- He is Steve Hardy's son.
Miranda- You know it would almost be worth it, justto see the look on his face when
he found out I was Steve Hardy's daughter. He wouldprobably wet his pants if he
knew how closely he is connected to theCassadines.
Stefan- No doubt.
**********************************************************
Laura and Lesley are lead into Dr. Navare's officeby Nurse Gretna.
Nurse Gretna gives Lesley a nervous look - Dr.Navare will be with you shortly.
She closes the door as she leaves them alone.
Lesley- I don't like that woman.
Laura- Why not? She seems nice enough to me.
Lesley- She was always there when that womancame.
Laura- What woman?
Lesley- She was a bad woman. I didn't like her. Shewasn't like Stefan. She wasn't very nice.
Laura- My God... Helena? Helena came to see you?She knew where you were? Then....Then Stefan lied!
Lesley- Stefan didn't know about her. She said noremembering.
Lesley gets upset and starts to pace. She becomesextremely agitated. She stands and starts to pace then she starts tocry.
Lesley- No! No remembering.
Laura- What did she do to you?
Laura tries to calm Lesley but it is no use. Sheruns from the office to get help. Nurse Gretna goes into the officewith a syringe and is prepared to give Lesley a shot.
Lesley- No, I don't want that! Please don't doit.
Nurse Gretna- It's just a sedative to make you feelbetter.
Lesley-No.
Nurse Gretna corners Lesley and is about to giveLesley the injection when Laura and Dr. Navare return to the office.They speak simultaneously.
Dr. Navare- What's going on here?
Laura- What are you doing to her? Get away fromher!
Nurse Gretna- The patient is extremely upset, I wasjust going to give her a sedative.
Laura- No! Get away from her.
Nurse Gretna starts to give her the shot anyway,but Lesley fights her.
Dr. Navare- What do you think you are doing? You'renot allowed to prescribe for patients.
Laura grabs the nurse's arm holding the syringe.Dr. Navare physically restrains her. Seeing that she has lost, Gretnainjects herself. It only takes a couple of minutes for the drug totake effect.
Laura- Why?
Gretna- She does not forgive...
Gretna gasps for air and is soon unconscious. Dr.Navare calls for help and administers CPR. But it is too late. NurseGretna is dead. Dr. Navare calls for the orderlies who remove thebody from the office.
Dr. Navare- I'll have the syringe tested to seewhat was in it.
Lesley is still very upset and agitated. Dr. Navaregoes to a wall safe and opens it. He removes a medallion from thesafe and shows it to Lesley. When Lesley see the medallion sheimmediately calms and reaches for it. She clutches it in her handlike a talisman.
Laura- I don't understand. That's the Cassadinefamily crest. Why would that reassure her.
Dr. Navare- I can't answer that. Her 'nephew' gaveone to her. He left a spare with us, in case something happened tothe other one. She has had it the entire time she was here. Where isit anyway?
Laura- My husband took it away from her.
Lesley sits and stares at the Medallion. Sheappears to be catatonic again.
Laura- Mother! Don't leave me again. You've made somuch progress. You have to fight your way back to me.
Lesley- Not Luke's.
Laura- What? What's not Luke's?
Lesley- Your son, the dark one, Nikolas, he's notLuke's.
Laura- Of course he is. Stefan changed thepaternity test results. Of course Luke is Nikolas' father.
Lesley- No. He's not. She told me.
Laura- But Stefan said he changed the results. Helied? Are you saying Stefan lied
about changing the results?
Laura starts to cry- No! That's not possible. Lukehas to be his father. It can't be Stavros. It can't be. I was alreadypregnant. I had to have been.
Lesley- You weren't. She laughed about it. Shechanged them first and Stefan changed them back. At first she wasangry, but then Stavros died.
**********************************************************
Nikolas is sleeping when Amy enters his room. Sheis carrying his breakfast tray. He wakes up when she sets itdown.
Amy- I'm sorry, I didn't know if I should wake you.I hear you didn't get much sleep last night.
Nikolas-It seems to me, all I do is sleep.
Amy- Maybe I should have said restful sleep.
Nikolas frowns- I don't have to tell you about thedreams do I? I get enough of that from Dr. Baldwin.
Amy- Gail's a good therapist, give her achance.
Nikolas- I don't really have a choice.
Amy- At least I got some good news for you.
Nikolas looks at her skeptically- What?
Amy- Alan said he was going to move you to aregular room tomorrow. You know what that means don't you?
Nikolas-Yeah, I won't have spectators watching methrough that window.
Amy- It also means no more restraints.
Nikolas- Really? That's great! But I'm still havingthe dreams.
Amy- Nikolas, you will probably have those dreamsfor a while. We can't keep you restrained forever. Besides you needto move around, exercise those lungs.
Nikolas-I'll be glad just to get out of thisbed.
Amy- Just as long as you remember to take it slow.Now eat your breakfast.
**********************************************************
Lucky is sitting at the bar at Luke's club doinglast minute homework before school. He jumps up when Sonny walksin.
Lucky- Where's Dad?
Sonny- There's been a slight problem.
Lucky- They didn't refuse bail did they? It's badenough he had to spend the night in jail.
Sonny- By going after Cassadine, he broke theagreement. Dara Jensen wants to prosecute for both instances now.
Lucky- But Cassadine dropped the charges. Besidesthey even let murder suspects out on bail and Dad's just up onassault.
Sonny- On a police officer. They get uptight overthat kind of thing. But that's not it. Luke didn't help things whenhe shot his mouth off to the judge. Right now he's being held incontempt of court. They will reconsider bail in thirty days.
Lucky- Thirty days! What did he say?
Sonny- I would rather not say. I guess this wholething with that kid has him pretty rattled. You know, he could usethe time to cool off.
Lucky- I guess so. He's really upset that he's notNikolas' father isn't he?
Sonny- I think he's more upset about being playedfor a fool.
Lucky- But you didn't see Stefan's face when he sawthe results. He didn't know.
Sonny- I don't know about that. Cassadine is a hardone to figure. Did you get hold of Laura?
Lucky-Nah man, I don't understand where she couldbe.
Lucky glances at the door and is completely shockedby who walks in.
Lucky-Mom! What are you doing here?
He hugs here.
Laura-It's so good to be back with you.
Lucky- I know, but what happened? Why did youcomeback? Where's Grandma?
Sonny- Is everything okay?
Laura- She and Lulu are at the house taking a nap,before we go to the hospital.
Lucky-You didn't leave them alone did you?
Laura- Of course not, Ruby is with them. I need tospeak with Luke. Is he in the office?
Laura starts to walk toward the office.
Lucky- Mom, he's not there.
Laura- Then where is he?
Lucky looks uncomfortable.
Sonny-I'll let you two talk, let me know if youneed anything.
Laura- Thanks Sonny. Lucky where is yourfather?
Lucky- He's in jail.
**********************************************************
Tony knocks on the door of the apartment. He hasavoided this as long as he can. He still can't believe the mess hehas made of his life. He finds that he is dreading this more witheach passing moment. Finally Carly opens the door.
Carly-Tony! I can't believe you're here. Does thismean you're coming back?
Tony- This means we need to talk.
Tony walks into the apartment he shares with Carly.He takes the key off his key chain and hands it to her.
Carly- No! You can't mean it. Tony, we are going tohave a baby. You can't do this.
Tony- I plan to take full responsibility for thebaby. You will have my full support with it. But I don't think itwill be a good idea for us to be together.
Carly- We love each other.
Tony- No, I was just a way for you to hurtBobbie.
Carly- Maybe at first, but Tony, I fell in lovewith you.
Tony-I'm sorry Carly. I just don't think it willwork. I'm moving back to they brownstone. I need to pack a fewthings.
Carly-No! Tony don't do this.
Tony goes into the bedroom, gets his suitcases outof the closet and starts packing. Carly throws herself into Tony'sarms. He holds her back.
Carly- Please don't leave me! I won't let yougo.
She becomes hysterical.
Carly- You never loved, me did you? I was just someplaything to you! Someone who made you feel young and alive. Well,you are not just dumping me like this. I'm not Bobbie. I won't justslink away without a fight.
Tony- You used me. You lied to me. You made a foolout of me. I left my wife for you, and it was all a lie.
Carly- My love for you is not a lie!
Tony- It's over Carly! Accept it!
Carly- I will never accept it.
Tony reaches into the closet for his suits andCarly grabs his arm.
Carly- No! I won't let you!
Tony shoves her off him. She steps back and tripsover one of his bags. She falls and hits her head on the dresser.
Tony- My God! Carly!
Carly does not respond.