(31 Mar 1997)
Background for this story: It's two yearsinto the future (from 1997). Spring has cometo Port Charles in a big way, flowersare everywhere.
Chapter 1
"Mommy! Catch us!"
"Catch us, Mommy!" In the middle of thePort Charles City Park, two little boys race precariously past theblanket on which Stefan and Katherine sit.
"Aren't they adorable?" Katherinecoos.
A woman swoops down and scoops the boysup. "Catch you? I caught you, now whatam I going to do with you?" she cackles menacingly. "Maybe a little .. . tickle?" The woman is tall with chin length brown hair. She isdressed for the season in jeans cutoffs and a yellowT-shirt.
She is instantly recognizable toKatherine. "Lucy?"
Lucy Coe sets down the two boys andsmiles stiffly. "Oh! Hello, Katherine.
Stefan, you are lookingwell."
Stefan's eyes move to the twins and backto Lucy. "Are they . . .?"
"Yes."
"I didn't know you werepregnant."
"Stefan, Katherine I want you to meet mysons, Daniel and Jacob."
"They look just like him," Stefancomments.
"Don't they though? If you will bothexcuse me I have to be running." Lucy takes each of the boys’hands and walks away.
"I didn't know she was home," Katherinestates.
"Neither did I."
~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>~>
Later that afternoon at the cemetery Lucysits alone.
"Happy birthday, my darling." She runsher hand over the cool marble headstonebearing the words 'Kevin Collins, Known by few, but touchedmany.'
"I couldn't stay away. The boys aregetting so big. They ask about you. Oh Doc!You shouldn't be here! You should be with our sons and me. I'mhome for good now. Itfeels right somehow. Now all I have to do is get thetruth."
There is a whispering through the willowtrees.
"I know, I know! I can hear you now,'Leave it alone Lucy! Let it go! It won'tbring me back.' But Kevin, you were taken from me, from ourchildren and it isn'tright." Lucy sighs and arranges the flowers on his grave."I promise you he'll pay."And from her pocket she withdraws a small medallion and leaves itburied among the flowers.
Once she is gone, there is anotherwhispering through the trees and the voiceis louder this time. "Oh, Lucy. . . . "
Chapter 2
(01 Apr 1997)
Luke's Club
.
Lucy takes a deep calming breath andopens the door. Seeing Luke and Sonny havetheir backs to her, she raises her voice. "Hey! What's a girl gottado to get a table in thisdump?"
Sonny and Luke's heads swivel around sofast it's a wonder they don't get whiplash."Lucy?!"
A slow grin spreads over Luke's wearyface. "Hot Damn! Luce! You're home."He swings over the bar and whirls her around.
"Yes, I am." Lucy flutters her eyelashes."Miss me?"
"Hell yes!" Sonny exclaims as he kissesher cheek.
"Well, good. I've missed you likecrazy."
Luke rings the bell behind the bar."Drinks for the house!!" He takes Lucy'sarm. "Come on darlin', let's go in back."
"Just one minute there, Spencer." MacScorpio holds up his hand. He opens hisarms to Lucy. "Welcome home."
"It's good to be back." Lucy hugs him andsmiles. "I have a couple of big favorsto ask the three of you. But you'd better have a couple ofdrinks first."
The group settles in the back room. "SoLucy? What's the scoop?" Sonny asksas he props his feet up on the coffee table.
"I should start from the very beginning,"Lucy begins.
"Ah, a very good place to start," Lukecontinues.
"When I left Port Charles, I didn't knowI was pregnant."
Mac breaks in. "What? You had ababy?"
"Even better," Lucy smiles mysteriously."I had twins."
There is a moment of silence before thethree men break out cigars. "Where arethey?" Luke asks, looking around as if he expects to see them popout ofnowhere.
"Well Luke, I've made it clear to themthat they cannot hang out in bars untilthey're five." She laughs at him and continues. "The favor I needis that, since I have nofamily, I would like for the three of you to beGodfathers to my boys. I know it wouldhave made Kevin very happy."
"Lucy, I doubt the Doc Shrink would behappy with me being a godfather," Sonnysmiles.
"Ok, so he'd be thrilled with Mac andgrumble about you and Luke." Lucy can'thelp but laugh at the thought of Kevin'sreaction. "I'd like to have a housewarmingparty after I get unpacked. With you guys, andof course Laura, and anyone else we canthink of."
At the mention of Laura, Luke's faceturns stormy and he suddenly leaves theroom.
"Lucy, I know you weren't here. But Lukeand Laura split up. She's gone to Switzerland."
"Luke let her take his kids toSwitzerland???" Lucy is incredulous.
"No, Laura left Lucky and LuLu here,"Sonny says.
"I've got to go talk to him." She standsup.
"No. Lucy let him be. This isn't easy forhim."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Outside Luke Spencer gulps in the nightair. He sits on a bench overlooking thewater. "It's supposed to get easier. I'm supposed to be able to havea conversation about herwithout wanting to snap something in two." He liftsthe bottle of vodka he'd snagged on hisway out, to his lips and takes a pull.
The wind whips up off the water...."Luke, its time. . . let go..."
"What?" Luke turns around to find Lucystanding beside him. "What did you say?"
"I didn't say anything. But I am sayingI'm sorry." She sits next to him. "Whathappened, Luke?"
"She lied to me one too many times,babe."
"What about Luke?"
"Stavros wasn't Nikolas' father. Stefanis."
"Oh God. How do you know?"
"She went to him. They had a verypassionate conversation where she confessedshe still cared for him. That their love was one not even Icould change." He tries totake another drink, but Lucy takes the bottle fromhim.
"Oh Luke! I am so sorry. I'm sorry Iwasn't here for you."
"Nothin' you could do,Darlin'."
"And she left the kids?"
"She had no choice. I told her if shetried to take my son or my daughter awayfrom me I would first tell the world what a conniving, lying whoreshe is. Then go straightto Helena and tell her that the grandbaby she loves somuch isn't Stavros'. Then I'd tellNikky, how his beloved uncle is really Daddy!"He runs his fingers through his hair. "I know, I'm a bastard.But how else was I supposeto keep her from taking my kids?"
"You were right Luke! If I were you Iwould have done the same thing! Anythingto protect my boys. ANYTHING!" She takes his face in herhands. "Don't youunderstand? She's the bastard, she's the one that threwaway yourlife."
Luke blinks and suddenly he seems morelike his old self. "You're right, darlin'.I couldn't let her take my kids. She sees them, though. Oncea month Bobbie takes themto Switzerland."
"You and Bobbiereconciled?"
"Yeah after Stefan gave her the boot forwife number two, Katherine."
"I wondered. See, I saw them in the parkthis afternoon."
"How about if we go inside and play somepoker?"
"I'd better warn you, I'm much betterthan the last time."
"I don't doubt it darlin', I don't doubtit."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
On a different celestial plane. Two menmeet over Port Charles.
"She made Sonny a Godfather????" Theolder man is incredulous.
"Yup! Like Sonny needed any help!" Theyoung man with long hair smiles.
"Luke too?!?!?!"
"Uh-huh! But don't worry, she made Macone, too."
"Oh that's veryreassuring."
"One thing worries me."
"Only one?" The older man askslaughingly.
"Luke. He's still not movingon."
"He needs to move on to findhappiness."
"You try and tell himthat!"
"Uh-uh!! No way! I couldn't tell himanything before, and I'm not going totry now."
Lights flash in the sky. "Time togo."
The young man smiles. "Just onemore."
"Not enough time."
"You told me there's always time!" Andthe young man holds out his arms and tumblesoff the cloud.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 3
(01 Apr 1997)
The Lighthouse. "Danny! Honey! Please putSigmund down!" Lucy finishes puttingflowers on the table and looks back to where her sons areplaying. Carefully walkingover to the side table Lucy sneakily picks up thecamera and takes severalpictures. Daniel is on one side and Jacob on the otherof an indulgent Sigmund.The boys keep petting him and talking to one another in their ownspecial twin language.
The door bell rings and she moves toanswer it. "Luke! Lucky! Hey guys! Comeon in!" The Spencers enter, Lucky carrying a bottle of wine anda bouquet of flowers, andLuke carrying LuLu.
LuLu squirms to be let down. "A ducky!"And runs over to Sigmund.
Lucy smiles, "A girl after my own heart."Turning to Lucky she hugs the youngman warmly. "How are you Lucky?"
He shrugs, "Pretty good. Dad let me drivethe pink monster over here." He gestures with the flowers. "These arefor you."
"Thank you very much. Let me take yourcoats." The doorbell rings again.
"Just one second." She opens it to findMac and Alexis.
"Alexis! It's so good to see you!" Thetwo women embrace. "Come in!"
"Robin and Jason were right behind us."Mac says, taking Alexis’ lightweight jacket. "Are these yourboys?" He asks as Daniel and Jacob, bored withtormenting the ducky stand just behindtheir mom.
"Yup. Danny, Jake, can you guys sayhi?"
"Nope," Danny replies.
"Hi," Jacob compliesquietly.
"Actually if you all could makeyourselves at home for a minute, I want toget the boys their bath. We're running awee bit late." At Mac's nod Lucy takesthe boys upstairs.
Robin Scorpio and Jason Morgan enter thelighthouse.
"Hey Jason!" Luke calls. "What took youso long?"
"We got stuck behind these slow pokes onthe way here!" Robin laughs. "Where'sLucy?"
"Giving the twins their baths," Alexissays as she pours Mac a drink.
"Twins?!?!?!" Robin isstunned.
"I bet she wouldn't object to a littlehelp," Mac hints.
Upstairs. "Lucy?"
"ROBIN!!" Lucy gives her a damp hug. "OhRobin! You look spectacular!!"
"So do you!! Now who are these oh sohandsome young men?" She looks around Lucyand sees two little boys splashing wildly.
"Daniel and Jacob." Lucy smiles, "Rightnow they are playing their favorite gamecalled get Mommy wet."
"Sounds like fun! Want some help, guys?"Robin makes a splash in the water andthe boys laugh.
Back downstairs, "I need to use a phoneand call Sonny." Luke says. "Lucky watchyour sister." He heads into the office. Before picking up thephone Luke notices a filelabeled "Cassadines: Confidential"
"Oh Lucy darlin', what have you gotyourself into?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 4
(01 Apr 1997)
At the lighthouse, the party is in fullswing. People have spilled out onto theporch as the night cools down. Tony and Bobbie had arrived late,and were now talking withGail. On a chaise lounge, Daniel, Jacob, and LesleyLuare sound asleep under the watchful eyesof the adults. Lucy standsat the doorway. "I really should take them up to bed." Shesays softly.
"Why don't you take one and I'll take theother?" Luke suggests.
"O.K." Lucy picks up a very sleepy Danielin her arms. He stirs a little.
"Hush. It's Ok, sweetheart. Don't wakeup, stay asleep my precious." Lucy croonshim back to sleep.
Luke does the same with Jacob. UpstairsLucy motions to Luke to put Jacob on his bed as she lays Daniel down.After tucking them in, she turns on a nightlight and they back out of the room. "It's really funny, Luke,there not as scared ofthings that go bump in the night as I am." She hugs=herself.
Luke puts an arm around her. "You knowbetter that anyone about monsters underthe bed, darlin'. They're not afraid because you've never giventhem anything to be scaredof." He sighs, "Which is why I want to know what youare doing with a file the size of 'Crimeand Punishment' on Cassadine."
Lucy stiffens. "Do you always go throughthings that aren't yours?"
"When they concern my friends and peoplewho could have them erased." Luke easesher into her study.
~~**~~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Downstairs, Gail, Tony, Bobbie and Macare sipping coffee. "I can't believe shewants to live here again," Bobbie wonders. "You'd think there wouldbe too manymemories."
"That's probably why she wants to behere, Bobbie," Gail answers. "What betterway to hold onto Kevin and his memory, than raise his childrenin this house?" She looksaround the living room, "It's almost as if he neverleft, the easel, the paintings, and thephotos. A few things have been added, butnothing was taken away."
Mac looks concerned. "Is ithealthy?" Gail chooses herwords carefully. "Yes. This is the first home Lucy everreally had, it's natural she would wantto share it with her sons. But at somepoint she will have to let go of Kevin and move on with herlife. She's still young.Holding on to this house might be hard if she falls inlove again."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Outside, in the night, two men meet againover Port Charles.
"Hmm... Sounds like she's getting intotrouble," The young man says.
The other man can't help but smile. "Ifshe weren't then I'd be worried. Butthere is only so much I can do from here to protect them," Hesighs.
"Trust Luke. He's been able to protecther in the past."
"I don't want to trust him!" the olderman smiles sheepishly. "I know, I know,I'm sorry. It's just that the idea of placing her life and thelives of my boys in Luke'shands doesn't sit easy with me."
Stone Cates rests one hand on Kevin'sshoulder. "I understand. I didn't likeJason very much either. But like you said, there is only so muchwe can do from here." Andthe two men fade into the night.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 5
(02 Apr 1997)
"Listen to me Darlin' I didn't get achance to read that file, but judging byyour reaction I'd say you got the goods on the Cassadines." Luketries to light hiscigar.
"Not in my house you don't," Lucy glaresat him. "Anyway you're sort of right.I got a great deal of information regarding them." She sitsbehind her desk and playswith the folder. "Question is, when do I use it?"
"You don't. Darlin' people have beengoing after that family for years, and they'restill here. Don't make your kids orphans."
"Luke, let me make this simple for you.Stefan Cassadine murdered Kevin. I knowit, I can feel it. Just because his death was ruled anaccident doesn't meananything. He lured him into Cassadine Inc. and whenKevin found out something,he was killed." Lucy stands up and begins to pace. "DidI ever tell you about the night Kevindied?"
At the shake of Luke's head Lucycontinues. "I was sound asleep down the hallwhen I woke up screaming from anightmare. It was of Kevin. I tried calling hisoffice and the phone rang and rang. Igot very frightened and went to the buildingand found it engulfed in flames. Noteven the fire department had gotten thereyet. I knew he was inside. I could feelit. So I ran in. Though the flames and upthe stairs three flights. When I got tohis office, there was a wall of firebetween his door and me. I kicked it in and found Kevin slumpedover his desk. He wasbarely alive. Somehow we made it down the stairs andout on thelawn."
Lucy shudders and takes a deep breath,then continues. "He wascoughing so badly he couldn't speak. All he said was 'thetheorem, Stefan trickedme,' then the man I loved more than anyone on thisearth died in my arms."She whirls on Luke. "And you expect me to walk away? Toforget that I am all alone because ofthat man and his lies? Forget that myboys won't ever know their father? The hell with you, Luke Spencer!I am not going to forgetit and walk away. Stefan Cassadine is going to pay.And pay for the rest of hislife."
"Lucy, I understand. I know what it'slike to blame them, to want them to payfor ruining your life. But darlin' if Stefan is the murderer youthink, then he would haveno trouble killing you and your boys."
"If you understand, then help me." Lucytouches his arm. "Please?"
"I know I am going to regret it. Butok"
"Yes!!" Lucy kisses hischeek.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Trust Luke! He'll protect her!" Kevinmimics. "Yeah right!"
"You can't read his thoughts Kevin. Iknow what Luke is thinking and you shouldstill trust him." Stone crosses his arms.
"Well I know what Lucy is thinkingwithout reading her thought and I'm worried."
"Listen Kevin, between the two of us weought to be able to keep them safe."
~~*~*~~*~~*~~*~~**~~*~*~*~*~*~~*~~*~~*~**~**~**~~*~~*~~*~**~*~~*~~*~*~*~
Chapter 6
After all the guests have left, Lucystands alone in her living room. She isdressed in a yellow silk nightgown and matching silk robe. Sheis picking up the straystuffed animals and putting them in the toy box underthe window seat. She is so lost inthought that when the doorbell rings shejumps out of her skin.
"Who is it?" she asks before even lookingout.
"Stefan Cassadine." Comes thereply.
"Stefan? What are you doing here?" Lucyasks as she opens the door.
"I needed to talk to you." Stefan stridesinto the room. "Lucy? What are youdoing back in this house?"
"Well, I was planning on going to sleep.. . " Lucy hedges.
"With the insurance policy from Kevin'sdeath you and the boys could afford anew house."
"Stefan, where I live is really none ofyour business. I repeat. What do youwant?"
"May I sit down?"
"Yes. Can I get you something? Brandy?"Lucy offers.
"Thank you." Stefan sits on the couch andunbuttons his jacket. He surveys theroom and remarks softly. "You haven't changed much."
"Quite the contrary, I have changed agreat deal." Lucy hands him a brandy glassand Stefan swirls the smoky liquid. She raises her own glass tohis. "To . . . What shouldwe toast to?"
Stefan thinks for a minute. "Newbeginnings?"
"To a new beginning." Lucy and Stefantoast. (All the while Lucy is thinking 'Thebeginning of the end for you, Stefan.')
Stefan sets down his glass and turns toface Lucy. "I came here tonight in hopesof establishing a civil relationship. If you are determined tolive in Port Charles itwould be beneficial if you and I were to be at leastcordial to one another."
"Oh, Stefan, what ever gave you the ideathat I don't feel cordial towards you?"Lucy pauses for a moment. "Not that horrid scene afterKevin's funeral? Stefan, Iapologize for that. It was the grief talking."
"No apologies necessaryLucy."
Lucy rests her hand on Stefan's. "I am soglad there are no hard feelings."
Stefan smiles. "Tell me about yoursons."
"They are my life. When I left PortCharles, I didn't think I had a reason togo on. Then one morning I woke up and found out I waspregnant, everythingchanged and I started looking at the world again."
"Where did you go on yourjourneys?"
"Oh, here and there. Ireland. Oh Stefan,it was so exquisite! The boys reallyenjoyed it." She lowers her voice a notch. "So did I! We stayed ona horse farm. I lovedevery second of it. I wish I could find a place to keephorses."
Stefan smiles at Lucy. "It is gettinglate, Lucy. Perhaps I should leave."
"Oh, I guess so." Lucy lets her face fallin calculation. "I must admit Stefanthis has been one of the loveliest chats I've had in a long time.I spend too much time withmy children. It's nice to talk to an adult."
"If you like, I can come again?" Stefanasks, almost against his will. Knowingthat being drawn to Lucy would lead him into places he should nevergo. But instantly her unnaturally somber face lightsup.
"Oh Stefan! Would you? I would enjoy thatvery much." Lucy purrs.
"Then I shall come again." Stefan risesand goes to the door, followed by Lucy.He turns and lowers his head to kiss her cheek.At that same moment Lucy turns her headand their lips meet. "I'm so sorry Lucy, that was totallyinexcusable. Forgive me." Stefan leaves thelighthouse.
Lucy wipes her lips. "Yuck! It's likekissing a dead fish! All I can say Kevinis that you had better appreciate this!!"
~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*
"Kevin! You cannot lock Lucy in acloset!" Stone holds onto Kevin.
"Is she out of her MIND?????" Kevinstruggles. "I'd let her out. Really, I promise."
"Kevin. You know the rules." Comes avoice a split second before Mary-Mae appears."You can't do it."
"Did you see that, Mae?" Kevin asksincredulously. "What is she doing?"
"What she thinks she has to. Now alleither of you can do is offer them a littlecounsel, but you cannot interfere physically."
"Da--."
"Kevin, don't finish that," Stonewarns.
"You're right. Both of you. It's justfairly frustrating." Kevin sighs. "I trusther. I know she will protect our boys, but him I don'ttrust."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 7
(02 Apr 1997)
Luke Spencer is sitting in front ofLucky's laptop computer when Luckycomes home.
"Hey Dad!"
"So Cowboy? How's life in thetrenches?"
"O.K. Dad, Sly and I want to go fishingthis weekend…."
Luke pulls his glasses off and frowns."You know this is the week youand Lu go spend with your mother and grandmother."
"I don't want to go."
"Lucky, we've had this conversation everymonth for the past two years.Your mother loves you and misses you."
"Dad! I'm almost anadult."
"Son, you ARE an adult. You've taken onmore responsibilities than twentyboys your age, and that's my fault. But on this onething we can't compromise."
Lucky looks at the carpet. "Yeah I know.Are you going to the club?"
"Yeah in about five seconds. Lu's asleepupstairs, she shouldn't wakeup for a while. Ruby left a roast in the oven, salad inthe fridge and ice creamin the freezer." Luke hugs his son and walksto the door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
LUKE'S:
Lucy and Alexis are sipping their drinkswhen Lucy broaches the subjectof Stefan.
"He came to see me lastnight."
"Stefan?"
"Yes. He wanted to bury the hatchet."Lucy mocks.
"Not between your shoulder blades Itrust?"
"He was under the impression that I hatedhim" Lucy smiles coyly.
"Now, wherever would my beloved cousinget an idea like that? But, Lucy,being alone with him? Is that wise?"
"Maybe not, but I suspect he would beeven more suspicious had I askedfor a chaperone."
"Quite true, but please, Lucy, becareful." Alexis advises. "I've seenwhat he can do when he's angry."
"Don't worry Alexis. Hey Luke!" Lucywaves Luke over with a smile. "Wantto join us?"
"I'd love to, but first I have a fewthings to take care of in back."In his office Luke sits down and places an overseasphone call. "Laura? It'sme. Listen, I was wondering if Lu and Luckycould stay with you an extra week thistime." Luke sighs heavily. "YesI know you want them with you all the time, but we bothknow that will neverhappen. Can they stay? Good. I'll make sure Bobbieknows. Good-bye." Luke begins to setdown the phone. "Stop your crying,Laura. You made your bed and lay in it with just abouteveryone." He replaces the phone on thecradle, the sound of her criesechoing.
Luke wearily rests his head on his armsand drifts to sleep. "Luke?"A familiar voice reaches out to him. "Luke?" Again thevoice seems so distant."It's time to let go. Move on Luke." The voice is alittle clearer. "Can't change thepast."
"Luke?" Mike shakes his boss. "Lucy wantsto know if you're up to agame of pool."
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Tell her to rack em." Apart of Luke can still hearthat voice telling him to let go.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 8 ( Date: 03 Apr 1997 6:45:50PST)
At the Quartermaines. It's lovely morningand Lilah is sitting alone in the rosegarden when Reginald's voice announces, "Ms. Coe to seeyou."
"Lucy! Come here and let me see you!"Lilah holds out her hands. "Youlooks so lovely, like a breath of spring!"
Lucy is wearing a simple long dress in afloaty material of the palestgreen. "Lilah. How are you?" Lucy gives the older womana quick hug. "I broughtyou something from my travels." She reachesinto her bag and pulls out a thickenvelope, and hands it to Lilah."I ran into Ned and Lois in my travels."
"Oh? Really?" Lilah's soft face lightsup. "How are they? Happy? Howis my only great-granddaughter?"
"Lilah they are doing so well. My sonsand I spent a week with them.Brooke is growing like a weed and Ned and Lois are havinga great time. Lois sent aletter for you, it's in the envelope alongwith a million pictures."
"Would you read it for me dear?" Lilahpulls the letter out of the envelope.
"Sure," Lucy takes the letter and beginsreading:
Dear Lilah,
Ihad to write you to let you knowthat we are so happy here. Nedlyand I needed this time away. Youwere right, no Eddie Maine, noE.L.Q. Just our family. Enclosedare pictures of Brooke. She'sgetting bigger and biggereveryday. She's a regular whirlwind. Nedsays she gets its fromme.
"I have even better news. We're goingto have another baby. Ned isbeyond happy and so am I. I alsowant you to know that our childrenwill know you, your kindness,your optimism, and most of all what aloving heart you have. We want toname our second child Lilah if it's agirl. We are making arrangementsfor you to come and visit us in a coupleof weeks. Nedly misses you. So doI. I can't wait to see you again.
Lovewith all my heart,Lois
"They are happy, aren't they?" Lilah askssoftly.
"Deliriously." Lucy reassures the olderwoman.
Lilah takes Lucy's hand and squeezesaffectionately. "Thank you, my dear,this is one of the greatest gifts I've ever had." Shelooks up with a smallsmile. "Now what did you say about your boys?"
"I have twin two yearolds."
"That's wonderful! You must bring themover sometime."
"They'd love yourgardens."
"Then please do. It would be nice to havechildren playing around thehouse."
"If it would make you happy, thenconsider it done."
"Mr. Cassadine. To see you." Reginaldannounces from the door.
"Stefan! Do come and joinus."
"Lilah, lovely as always." Stefan turnsto Lucy, "Good to see you again,Lucy. I am sorry, Lilah. for interrupting, but I justwanted to leave a copy ofthe HOERTZ'S merger for Edward."
"You're on the E.L.Q board?" Lucy looksaskance.
"Yes, Ned sold me his stock. Now that Ihave delivered this I shouldbe on my way before Edward sees me. Once a month at themeetings is quite enough." Stefan smilescharmingly at Lucy. "I havesomething that might interest you. Why don't you and theboys join me on SpoonIsland for a picnic?"
"Sounds lovely Stefan. I'd bedelighted."
~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:
"Delighted? DELIGHTED?!?!? She has losther mind! I'll give her delighted."Kevin turns to his the woman next to him. "Would youlook at that?"
Dominique Baldwin laughs, the soundcarrying throughout Heaven. At Kevin'sglare she hastily apologizes. "I'm sorry Kevin, butreally. I think you worry too much abouther. Lucy is not stupid. Sheknows what a risk she's taking, but she's decidedcatching your killer istoo important to just let go."
"By helping to turn her into an honest,loving, remarkable person youmay have created a monster."
"Now you know how I felt when Scott wasgoing to marry Katherine Bell.And there's nothing we can do about it."
In unison they say: "Thisstinks!"