Chapter 64 & 65
GH2005.64 Ned and Lois Anniversary Chapter
A special thank you to my little sister, Trix, for writing this chapter. And without further ado...
Ned rocks Rendi back and forth gently, soothing her with the sound of his voice. He marvels again at how small, how fragile she is. She's their last baby. A part of him regrets knowing he will never have a son, while a larger part rejoices in the five miracles they have. He lays Rendi down in her crib, and quietly walks out of the room. Ned walks down the stairs of his and Lois' beautiful Brownstone, and moves into their kitchen. He spies Gloria coming in the back. "Gloria, just in time." He smiles, and places a kiss on her cheek.
She pats his arm lovingly, and steps back. "So, you've got her fooled?"
Ned smiles. "Oh yeah. Lois actually believes that after five children, practically adopting my little brother, and ten years of marriage, I've forgotten our anniversary."
Gloria chuckles ruefully. "You don't know the half of it. She was mumbling something to me about your being busy, and it not being totally your fault, but that she was going to kill you later." She smiles at him. "You're lucky you're surprising her. I get the feeling what she had in store for ya wasn't gonna be pleasant."
"Of that, there is not a doubt in my mind." Ned gives his mother one last peck on the cheek, then walks back upstairs to the bedroom he and Lois share. He moves into the room silently, watching her for a moment.
Lois folds clothes, her shoulders slumped. How could he forget? Ten years, and he never once forgot. She feels tears burning at her eyes. She had been so damn sure he was planning something. But she had woken up today, and he'd said nothing. Lois creases one of his shirts, shoving it roughly into the drawer. She jumps when his arms go around her waist.
"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you." He nuzzles her neck softly.
One shoulder lifts in a half shrug. "Ya didn't scare me. Just a little startled, that's all." She giggles softly as his mouth plays at the spot behind her ear.
"Have I told you lately how much I love you?" Ned whispers into her ear.
"That sounds like a song lyric." Lois tries not to let him get to her. She's still angry that he forgot their anniversary.
"I'd write it for you, if someone hadn't already beaten me to it." He smiles against her hair.
"Oh, really." She turns in his arms. "And just what else would you be willing to do for me?"
"Anything. In fact, today I have a special surprised planned." Her expectant look, that of a child at Christmas never ceases to amaze him.
Lois looks into his eyes. Then she smiles. A small, happy contended smile. "You didn't forget, did ya?"
"Forget what?" Ned looks genuinely baffled.
Lois smacks him playfully on the arm. "Our tenth wedding anniversary!"
"Oh, that ." Ned starts chuckling at the look on her face. "Of course I didn't forget!" He moves in close to her, placing his hands on both her cheeks. "How could I forget the best day of my life?" He inclines his head slightly. "No, rephrase. How could I forget the day, that led me down the long road less traveled with you? That day, gave me other days, that have healed the tattered edges of my soul." He smiles into her eyes, and kisses her once, gently on the lips.
"It's times like these I remember why I married you." She whispers it against his cheek.
"And here I was under the impression it was the latest revenue from L&E." He kisses her neck one last time. "And now Sweetheart, it's time for you to get dressed. We have a magical day ahead of us."
She looks at him, eyes wide, biting her bottom lip to keep from screaming. "Where we goin'? Who's watchin' the girls?"
"Not telling, and your mother with Dylan's help." He delights in the frustrated look in her eyes.
"You won't relent, and tell me where we're goin', will ya?" She thins her lips.
"Nope." He smiles smugly.
Lois sighs deeply. "Fine, let's get outta here then."
With a smile, Ned puts and arm around her. "You'll enjoy it, I promise."
"Oh, Nedly, of that I have no doubt." She smiles wickedly at him. He swallows deeply. That smile always meant good things were about to happen .
"Oh, Nedly, let's ride the Cyclone first!" Lois pulls his arm, dragging him unresisting to stand in line for the old, massive, rickety rollercoaster.
"Would we ride anything else?" He smiles down into her eyes.
She giggles like a child, and throws her arms around his neck in wild abandon. "Of course not!"
A short ten minute wait later, and they're boarding the Cyclone. Both feel the same feelings, the same sense of nostalgia they feel every time they visit this place. It's full of magic, and for them, love. Ned takes Lois' hand in hers, kissing the palm as they reach the top of the first drop. "I love you Lois Marie!" He screams it to be heard over the
rickety coaster.
"I love ya too Nedl-y-y-y-y!" Her voice gets shriller as they plunge down to the bottom, hands still clasped firmly together, hair whipping in the wind.
"Tell us another one Grandma!" Jette sits next to Brandi on the floor, begging for more from their beloved Grandmother.
"Oh, I don't know if I have any stories left!" Gloria looks over to Brooke, silently pleading for help.
Brooke shrugs her shoulders, in that insidious manner 9 year olds have, and sits down next to Dylan. "Sorry Gram. Dylan's taking up the music lesson's in Pop's absence." She smiles crookedly at her. "Ya do want me to learn my music, right?"
Rolling her eyes at her Granddaughter, Gloria looks over to 7 year old Brie. "Whatcha doin' Sweetie?"
Brie turns her chair away from the computer to face her Grandmother. "I'm looking up the latest stock tips from Wallstreet."
"Wallstreet?" Gloria purses her lips. "Wouldn't you rather be playin' some alien zombie game or somethin'?"
Brie smiles at Gloria in a patronizing way no 7 year old should know yet. "I'll do that later Gram. After the market closes." With that, Brie turns back to the monitor.
An ear piercing wail echoes through the room. Jette looks up at Gloria solemnly. "Rendi's hungry."
Smiling, Gloria heads upstairs. Halfway up she hears Dylan calling. "You need any help Gran?"
"No Brat. You just stay down there, and help Brooke with her music." Gloria walks into the nursery, and takes Rendi's howling body into her arms. "Your mommy and daddy are gonna owe me big time for this."
"Where are we?" For the fifth time in five minutes, Lois pulls at Ned's hands where they rest over her eyes.
"I told you, I'll let you know in a minute." He plants a kiss on her temple. "Have a little patience."
"As you very well know, patience is not one of my virtues " His snort of understatement earns him a playful elbow to the ribs"
"Okay, okay, we're here." He removes his hands from her eyes, and points her forward.
Lois gasps in pleasure. "Ohmigod Nedly " She turns and faces him. A joyous smile splits across her face. "You're the best." She throws her arms around his neck, and they both fall against the bar at the Buffalo Hotel they met in so many years ago.
"Virgin Mary Louie." Ned speaks in between the kisses Lois is planting on his face.
Her eyes light up as she focuses on the bartender. "Louie?" She turns
back to Ned. "He still works here?"
"Yep." He smiles, and kisses her nose. "In fact, he's the one I talked to when I set this whole thing up."
"What whole thing?" Her voice is filled with childlike wonder.
"You'll see." He moves her so she's sitting on the same stool she had been before. Ned hops upstage, and whistles loudly. Lois' laughter can be heard, as the "Idle Rich" files on stage. Ned takes the microphone while the guys set up. "Hello everyone." The lounge is completely empty, except for Louie and Lois.
"Hey Eddie, there's no one here!" Lois yells, her voice still bright with laughter.
"That was what I had to set up." He grins disarmingly at her.
Lois finds herself swept away in this moment, this time, feeling herself being transported to that first magical night. "Nobody sets stuff up like you set stuff up baby. Play for me!"
"That's the general idea." He smiles again, and turns to the guys in the band. A signal from him, and they begin the strands of "Seventh Son". As the night wears on, several more selections are played, from "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" to "The Only One I Love" ending beautifully with "Just Because". Ned hops down off stage, sweating but energized, and into Lois' loving embrace.
"That was great baby!" She lets him get a sip of water, then throws her arms around him. "God, this is incredible! This is the best present I've eva' gotten!" She kisses him, running her fingers through his hair.
Ned runs his hands up and down her back, his lips coming into contact with her cheek, his five o'clock shadow rasping against her jaw. "You ready to go upstairs Sweetheart?"
She pulls back and looks at him for a moment. Then her eyes get wider. "You didn't "
"I did." He smiles at her.
"The same one?" She can't believe this.
"The one and only. The very first room we ever made love in. Fitting it would be where we spend our tenth wedding anniversary." He lets his knuckles brush gently down her jaw.
She puts her arms around his neck again. "Who knew we'd make it this far?"
"I knew. And you knew." His smile lights the room. "When it all comes down to it, neither of us ever really had a choice in the matter. We're magic together Lois. Anything we touch is magic, if we touch it together."
Lois pulls his face down to hers, kissing him deeply, intensely, this man she loves more then life. Her husband.
Rendi, Jette, and Brandi are sound asleep. Gloria comes downstairs to see Brooke, Dylan and Brie in the exact same positions she left them in. "Okay guys, come on, let's get to bed."
"Almost done here Gram." Brie smacks the side of her monitor. "Come on you stupid piece of junk. Computers are supposed to be beyond the garbage in garbage out theory of yesteryear."
"Brie, let it go Honey, and go to bed." Gloria walks over to the computer, and starts to turn it off.
"No!" She visibly restrains herself. "I'm just gonna turn the monitor off, so I can come back to it tomorrow, okay?" She does so, and gets up.
Gloria sighs. "Fine dear. It's your computer, after all." She turns to Brooke and Dylan, who are both heavily absorbed in the music sheets in
front of them. "And you two, don't you wanna sleep at all tonight?"
A chorus of monotone "no's" greeted her query.
"Tough, put down the music, and get to bed." Gloria gives her sternest look.
Brooke grumbles slightly, but does as she's told. Dylan stretches, then starts to get up. "Y'know Gran, I'm practically an adult "
"Don't pull that on me." Gloria walks over to his smiling face, takes it between her hands, and kisses his cheek softly. "Get to bed Brat."
"Yes ma'am." Dylan kisses her cheek, and heads upstairs.
Gloria plops down tiredly on the couch. "Oh ya, they owe me big for this "
Ned turns off the last light in the hotel room. He lights the tenth candle, and turns the CD player on low. "Lois, everything okay in there?"
"Everything's great. Nedly, this nightgown is ." Her voice cracks a little. "It's exquisite."
He watches as she walks out of the bathroom wearing his only tangible anniversary gift to her. Her nightgown. The gown he'd had made for her out of Jax's parachute. The chute that "brought my baby home" he remembers telling her. It had been destroyed, from the knees down years ago. But he had it repaired when he found it last month. It was now knee length, but she looked . He smiles. Exquisite. She looks exquisite.
Turn out the lights and close the door
Put your head on the pillow let me keep ya warm
I wanna run my hands across your face
Ya lyin' beside ya still the perfect place
He takes her face between his hands, and kisses her with all the love, all the passion he's felt for her in the last ten years. She responds in kind, pulling his entire body closer to hers. As close as she can.
We're still goin' strong
So glad that you came along
Ya babe in every way
You're still beautiful to me
I just - have to say -
You're still beautiful to me
(it's been a long time baby)
Lois drags her nails gently across Ned's bare shoulders, following their path with her mouth. She feels his mouth press against her collar bone, having slid the strap of her nightgown down her arm already. She smiles ruefully. He always could move before she even knew he was there.
Lay back baby - close your eyes
Let me do everything your heart desires
When I think of the years makin' love to you
There still ain't nothin' I'd rather do
There's something I can't deny
You sure know how to move this guy
Ya babe in every way
You're still beautiful to me
Ned runs his hands through Lois' hair, reveling once again in her touch, her scent, her taste. These things he's known for so long, knows so well, yet never cease to amaze and excite him. Lois. His wife. The mother of his children. The woman who brings him peace.
I just - have to say -
You're still beautiful to me - can't ya see
Still feels good - still runs deep
When you get close babe - I still get weak
'Cause in these arms - is where you belong
We're still goin' strong - so glad that you came along
Hey babe you're still number one
Lois turns Ned towards the bed, and gently but firmly pushes him onto it. She moves on top of him, straddling his waist, her movements bringing a smile to his face, remembrance of that long ago night. They kiss again, reaffirming everything they already knew. They've had a long strange trip 'til this point. And while they know it's far from over, they can't help but feel proud and joyful at having made the journey in the first place.
Oh can't ya see - you're still beautiful to me
You'll always be so beautiful to me
Ya babe in every way - you're still beautiful to me
Previously on GH2005.....
*Mac places his other hand on Evan's shoulder and smiles at him. "You
were young, and experienced a great loss, no one can blame you for the
decisions you made. I'm happy that you feel confident telling us now.
I'd like to meet my grandson; is that possible?"
Choking back his tears of relief, Evan nods. "Her parents let me see him
whenever I want. Mom said that they were more than willing for you and
Felicia to meet Ian. We can go anytime you want."
Felicia sighs. "Grandma..who'd a thought? Well, I'm dying of curiosity.
I think we'll make this trip ASAP!"
*Nikolas' fist collides with Scott's jaw at the last statement. Scott
returns an expert punch to Nikolas' stomach and throws him against the
elevator wall. "Don't mess with grownups, junior; you could get hurt."
He hits the emergency release button and strides out of the elevator.
Nikolas watches him walk out and smiles coldly. "Do not underestimate
the Cassadine, you could end up dead."
*Lucy walks into the lighthouse carrying her mail. Once inside she flips
through the letters quickly. "Junk, Junk, ohhh new Wyndam's catalog,
Bill, Bill, hmmm, what's this?" She opens the letter marked pictures
"don't bend" and let's out a scream. Serena runs into the room and takes
the picture that Lucy holds in her shaking hand. The picture is of Lucy
and Serena feeding Siggy, but the caption is what has Lucy
terrified.."We are watching you."
Serena throws the picture down and takes Lucy's hand in hers. "Don't
worry, Lucy, I'll call Daddy."
Scott pulls Gina to him as he begins to unbutton her blouse. "You're so
tense." He kisses the nape of her neck and begins to plant soft sensuous
kisses down the lower part of her back when his cell phone rings. "I
have to take this, only family has this number..Baldwin.. Calm down, by,
what? I'm on my way."
And Now on to our new chapter...
GH2005.65 Extended Family
Scotty yells roughly into the phone. "I don't give a damn how busy you
are; I want two officers over here now." Slamming down the receiver, he
watches Gina and Serena try to calm down a very shaken Lucy Collins.
"You doing okay, Luce? Want some water or juice? I can try and call
Kevin again.."
"No, don't call Kevin. He'll rush back here when there isn't anything
that he can really do. Oh Scotty, I'm scared. I mean, how long has this
person been watching me? It's just so creepy. I can't even describe the
creepiness of this." Placing her hands on her stomach she closes her
eyes.
Rushing to her side, he kneels next to her. "Lucy, talk to me. Is there
something wrong with the baby?"
"Babies..." She whispers back.
"Twins?? Congratulations, now are you and the babies okay? Let us take
you to the hospital."
Placing a hand on her father's shoulder, Serena gives him a stern look.
"Stop it. You are upsetting her worse, Daddy. Lucy, I'm going to get a
glass of water for you. Just relax, and Daddy, take a deep breath."
Gina studies the pictures and shudders. "Lucy, I really don't think you
and Serena should stay here by yourselves."
Walking in the door, Cassidy looks at Lucy with concern. "Lucy, what's
the matter?"
Rushing over to her sister-in-law, Lucy hugs her tightly. "Cassidy,
thank you so much for coming over. I was wondering if you'd mind
terribly staying here for a few days while Doc is out on tour. It'd give
us a chance to catch up, and I can't wait for you to meet Serena.."
Tears fill her eyes, as she begins to choke up. "I can't lose this
pregnancy. Oh God, Please tell me I won't lose these babies too."
Cassidy hugs her tightly and stroke her hair. "I'm here, Lucy, and I'm
not going anywhere. Please tell me what's going on so I can help."
Scott picks up the phone and dials the hospital. "I need Dr. Scanlon
please... Dr. Karen Scanlon, I forgot about the army of Scanlons working
there now. Karen? I need you to come over to the lighthouse. We've had a
little scare and I think Lucy needs to be looked at."
Karen cradles the phone and asks worriedly. "Dad? What kind of scare?
Has something happened to Lucy?"
Scott lets out an exasperated sigh. "Honey, I can explain everything as
soon as you get here. Look, she's really jumpy and I don't think that's
good for the babies. If you'd come over and check her out, well I
wouldn't feel so damn helpless. "
Karen: "I'm on my way, Dad."
Hanging up the phone, she approaches her husband. "Joe, I know you're
scheduled off now, but Dad just called and he needs me over at the
lighthouse. Any chance you can cover for me?"
"Is there something wrong with Scott or Serena? Nevermind, I know Scott
well enough to know you haven't a clue yet. Frank has the kids still,
I'll just call and ask him to extend his Uncle services a little while
longer." He kisses her cheek. "Now beat it, we both know how cranky
your father gets when he's kept waiting."
Cassidy rocks with Lucy as she looks up at Scott and Gina. "I want to
see those pictures."
Gina hands the pictures to Cassidy and walks over to Scott. "Look, I
really think we should call Kevin. He's trained in criminal profiles,
and while I can give you my assessment, it won't be nearly as accurate
as Kevin's."
Scott looks over at Lucy, who's trembling next to her sister-in-law.
"No, not until Karen gets here and takes a look at her. Lucy was adamant
about keeping Kevin out of this, and while I know he'll bite my head off
later for listening to her, I can't allow Lucy to get anymore upset than
she already is. She has to try and calm down, and an argument over
calling Kevin isn't going to accomplish that."
Cassidy approaches them looking solemn. "Gina, could you possibly talk
to Lucy for a few minutes. I know you have training in mellowing people
out, and I don't think I'm in the best frame of mind to help her stay
calm."
Gina nods and walks away, leaving Cassidy and Scott looking at the
pictures.
Scott:"What do you think?"
"I think some psychos are taking pictures of Serena and Lucy, and that
I'll be staying on with them until my brother returns home." Her voice
is firm, as she watches him open his mouth to argue.
"I think it'd be best if I stayed here while Kevin's gone. What kind of
protection could you possibly offer them?"
Cassidy smiles sweetly. "If you honestly want to see what kind of
protector I can be, try sleeping over in my brother's home when he isn't
here. The decision has been made-- by Lucy. I will be staying here, and
you will be on constant call via your beeper and cell phone."
Standing outside Michelle's parents home, Evan takes a deep breath and
looks back at Mac and Felicia. "I'm so nervous."
Mac grips his son's shoulder and smiles. "We all are. Let's go see Ian."
The door opens before they can approach it, and a little boy with brown
hair leans in the doorway. An elderly woman stands behind him and smiles
at Evan. "Ev, is that really you?"
Running up to embrace her, Evan smiles happily. "Linda, yes it's me. I
can't tell you how much I've missed you."
Running her wrinkled hand over his face, the older woman's eyes fill
with tears. "I've missed you too. Bob was so thrilled hearing you were
coming that he made your favorite lunch."
Throwing his head back, Evan lets out a laugh. "Chicken and Dumplings?
He shouldn't have."
An elderly man, appears behind Linda and says gruffly. "Darn right I
shouldn't have. It's been nearly a month since you last called. Come
over here and give me a hug, son. It's been too long."
Mac watches Evan embracing the older man and fills a twinge of jealousy.
The bond between them is unmistakable. Suddenly all the years he missed
watching his son grow up weigh him down. Bob looks at Mac and Felicia
for the first time and waves them over. "Sorry about that. Rather rude
of us not to say hello sooner. I'll be damned, Mandy said Evan looked
like his Father, but the resemblance is uncanny."
Mac extends his hand. "Mac Scorpio, and this is my wife Felicia."
Felicia extends her hand and feels herself pulled into an embrace. "No
need for handshakes, Honey. We're practically family. Pleased to meet
you both."
Reeling from the anger built up inside of him, Nikolas Cassadine moves
through his tai chi movements swiftly. His focus in place, he doesn't
hear his sister approach. "Nikky? You ok?"
"How many times have I told you not to interrupt me when I am in the
middle of a session?!" His voice comes across harsher than he intended;
he immediately feels remorseful when his sister's face drops sadly.
"I'm sorry." She begins to walk away, when he calls out to her.
"Lesley Lu, I apologize. Please stay."
She walks towards him and takes a seat on the dock. He sits next to her
and for a moment neither says anything. "I'm a good listener." Her
words break the silence as she smiles at him lovingly.
"I know you are, Little Sister. I really wish that talking would make
everything better, but the truth is-- it won't."
Placing her hands on her hips, she scolds him. "You're the one who
always makes me tell you when something is bugging me. Why should you be
allowed to keep it all inside?! I know you think I'm just some child to
be patted on the head, but I'm eleven now, Nikky, and I'm worried about
you. Please tell me what's wrong." She places her hand on his knee and
gives it a comforting squeeze.
Emotions overwhelm him, as he looks at his little sister. He had failed
to notice just how much she had matured in the last few years, always a
precocious child, the concern in her big blue eyes break through his
reserve as he smiles at her sadly. "I am having a hard time knowing who
to trust right now, Lesley Lu. Some people that I gave my trust to, have
been deceiving me. I wasn't prepared for the deception."
"So, now you're kicking yourself because you didn't know that someone
was going to hurt you? Nikky, why are you beating yourself up over
something that you didn't even know about? Whoever hurt you doesn't
deserve your trust in the first place, But turning on the people who
care about you and beating yourself up isn't going to fix the problem. I
hope you realize and stop being so sad." Wrapping her arms around him,
she gives him a kiss on his cheek. "I can help you get your mind off of
things though. Want to teach me some more Tai chi?"
Squeezing her tightly, he laughs. "There is nothing that I would enjoy
more, Little Sister."
NEXT
HOME