Shifting uncomfortably in front of the mirror, Elizabeth Webber made a very unlady like face at the reflection staring back at her. She looked ridiculous in the filmy white evening gown her Grandmother had insisted that she wear for the party that night. Along with very strict orders to stay away from the punch. God forbid she make a scene at the Quartermaine's party...again.
It would be an understatement to say that Lizzie hated going to the Quartmaines for their huge galas. Everything always had to be so...proper. And the harder she tried to be the perfect young lady her Grandmother not only expected, but demanded she be, the bigger of a klutz she became. In the end she always managed to embarrass her Grandmother and older sister Sarah.
Like that time she had tripped into that waiter, who in turn spilled his tray of sparkling cider onto Monica Quartermaine. Then there was the time at the Cassadine's that she thought by sitting in the corner could keep her out of trouble. Who knew that the poor chair she had chosen was just for show?
The only reason she hadn't lied to her Grandmother that she was too sick to go tonight was because the party was being held in honor of Lila's birthday. Out of all the Quartermaine's the older woman was one of the few that she actually liked. It was as though the woman could see past her klutzy ways to the real person Lizzie was inside. Plus Emily would be back from vacation, and it had been a while since she had been able to catch up with her friend. Perhaps once the dancing started they could slip out like old times.
But worse than the prospect of her making a fool out of herself, the party was also going to be where Sarah and AJ announced their engagement. Just thinking of her sister being stuck with that slime made Lizzie cringe. But Sarah couldn't be any happier. Saying that not only did she like AJ, but also this way it strengthened the partnership between the two families.
Ever since the death of their parents and older brother three years prior, the Hardy/Webber line was in its last years. And with no males to take the reins in their part of the Q and W railways, their family could lose it all.
Even then her only reply had been a very weak So. It wasn't as if the railroad had been kind to their family in the last ten years or so. In fact it was to blame for the majority of the deaths that the family had had to deal with. Wasn't that why they were living with their bitter Grandmother?
But no matter how much she pleaded with Sarah, Lizzie couldn't tell her sister the real reason she didn't want her older sister to go through with the marriage. Over the last three months AJ had cornered her on more than one occasion and had gotten way to fresh with her. Whispering words to her that she was sure she didn't want to know the meanings too. His hands seemed to multiply as she tried to escape his grasp. How was she supposed to explain that to her all too proper sister?
"Lizzie?" A soft knock broke her out of her thoughts as Sarah's voice came from the other side of the closed door. "Grandmother is waiting downstairs; we don't want to anger her."
Looking back at her reflection, Lizzie wished for once that her Grandmother would've picked out something a little more up to date. All the other girls were wearing shorter dresses now, without the chocking high collars. But her Grandmother was very strict when it came to covering up one's body. The old bat could go on for days about it.
"I'm ready." Picking up the matching shawl that was draped across her bed, Lizzie looked again toward the mirror and prayed for the night to be over soon.
~~~*~~~
The party was in full swing, or as in full swing a party could be with out any form of alcohol. Earlier that year the 18th Amendment had been passed, outlawing liquor. The WCTU, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union had won a long tiring fight to ban "The devil's brew' in every American's home and establishment. Saying that alcohol was the root to many of the problems that plagued America. So now instead of imported Champaign and smooth Malt Whiskey, hosts were forced to serve less appealing, and temper soothing beverages.
Standing to the side of the Quartermaine's massive ballroom, Lizzie silently congratulated herself on making it through the dinner with out endangering herself or her dinning companions with her horrible streak of bad luck. Everyone in her vicinity had walked away from the table clean and dry. Though there had been a close call when the piece of meat she was cutting almost flew off her plate, she had covered her mistake remarkably well.
People were gathered around Lila, offering hugs and best wishes. Sharing jokes and telling stories of how free spirited the birthday girl had been in her day. Lila was an amazing woman, no matter that she was bound to a wheelchair now, just watching the older woman live life to its fullest everyday was a joy and a treat. Listening for a moment for the safety of the shadows, Lizzie decided to give her best wishes later, when Lila wasn't so crowded.
Scanning the room for Emily, Lizzie great sigh when she spotted her friend with Nikolas Cassadine. The two where laughing softly with one another, whispering occasionally into one the other's ear. Smiling softly at the happy expression on her friend's face, Lizzie couldn't help but feel how alone she was. She just didn't fit in with these people, who knew what to say and when to say it. Maybe if they were still back home in Denver Colorado things would be different.
Home. She hadn't had a real home since she and her sister had lost their parents and brother. Having to say goodbye to the only people they had ever known, to move to the East Coast. It's when her streak of bad luck started. Never in the ballrooms back in Denver did such horrible things happen to her, and if they did she wasn't reprimanded for days on end.
Looking back to Emily, Lizzie knew that her friend wouldn't be escaping with her tonight. Taking another look around to make sure that neither her Grandmother or sister were watching, she made her way to the large patio doors on the far wall.
No one paid her any attention as she weaved her way to her destination. It was a special talent she had learned early on when she had moved to Port Charles. To blend in. It was actually something very easily attained, as long as you weren't tripping into the waitstaff, or breaking chairs.
Walking past the refreshment table her steps halted as she eyed the already poured glasses of red punch. She knew she should keep going that the red liquid would only bring her trouble. But she was thirsty, and since she was going outside... why not. Taking a glass and napkin off the table, Lizzie slipped out the doors and into the warm June night.
The crickets sounded like a symphony, their chirps eased some of the stress that was knotted in Lizzie's stomach. If there was one thing she liked about the East Coast was the nights. In Colorado, no matter what time of the year it was, nights could still get a little chilly. But here she could escape outside at night without the need of a light jacket.
Walking down the familiar walk that was lit up by torches, Lizzie stopped and let out a small giggle. Good old Reginald had set up the croquette set. Setting down the punch, Lizzie picked up a mallet and ball and made her way to the lawn.
Taking a few swings, Lizzie lost herself in the game that she didn't hear the approach from behind. It wasn't until a hand reached out and took her by the elbow that she knew she was no longer alone. With a startled gasp she spun around and right into AJ Quartermaine's chest.
"Lizzie what a surprise to bump into you out here." His breath caressed her ear; his intention of seduction made her stomach churn.
"I-I thought I was alone." Stepping back, she tried to walk away from him and his steady stare. AJ had always been able to make her skin crawl.
"You don't have to leave." With a sickening smile he latched onto her other arm. "I just wanted to...talk."
Trying to yank her arms away from his grasp, her heart started to pound into her chest when AJ's hold tightened harshly. "I was just going back."
"If I didn't know better I'd think that you didn't like me Lizzie." His lips were twisted into a sneer as he took another step closer.
Her mouth had gone dry as she tried to free herself from his hold. 'Bumping' into AJ wasn't anything new, he usually always found a way to corner her. But usually after a few words she'd be on her way. 'Like him?' No she didn't like him, in fact just being in the same room with the Quartermaine heir made bile rise in her throat. Call it instinct, but instead of seeing the charming young man everyone else did, she saw a snake. AJ was dangerous, and right now she really wished she hadn't left the safety of the ballroom.
When she didn't speak, AJ dropped his hands and took a step back. "Aren't you going to congratulate me on my up coming marriage to your sister?"
Taking the opportunity to put some distance between their bodies. Lizzie retreated a few steps back. Her eyes darting to the walkway, trying to determine if she could get past AJ and into the house without him touching her again. "Congratulations." The words felt bitter in her mouth. How could this man in front of her be the Grandson of someone as sweet as Lila? And her ever so perfect and proper sister actually wanted to marry this fool?
AJ narrowed his eyes at her, as the corner of his mouth curved. "How about a kiss to celebrate?"
As soon as the words here out of his mouth Lizzie started to stumble backwards as her feet refused to co-operate. When his hand darted out to grab her to him, she ducked and ended up on her rear end on the lawn, with AJ towering above her. His laughter chilling her to her bone as he stalked forward. "Why are you being such a prude Lizzie? All I want is just a little kiss. We are going to be related soon."
Trying to climb to her feet, Lizzie contemplated screaming on the top of her lungs. But wouldn't that just be another great Lizzie moment. Not only would she mortify her Grandmother and sister, but ruin Lila's birthday. She couldn't do it. Not if it meant having to see that disappointed look in everyone's eyes again.
"AJ please stop you're scaring me."
"All I want is just a little kiss, not your virginity." At his chiding, the fear that was pounding through her body was instantly replaced by anger.
"Well I don't want to kiss you; I don't even want you anywhere near me." Lifting her chin slightly she didn't flinch when the smile faded from AJ's face and a dark scowl took it's place. "I feel sorry for my sister--." The rest of her words were cut off when AJ sprang toward her. Wrapping an arm tightly around her waste and pulling her close. Caught off guard, Lizzie didn't have time to turn her head when his lips came crushing down on hers.
With a quick kick to his shin, AJ howled in anger as he let her go. Not wasting a second of her precious freedom, Lizzie turned and ran for the woods that surrounded the Quartermaine estate. If she could just get to the trees everything would be fine.
Not getting more than five feet from him, Lizzie felt a harsh tug on her hair, making her fall to a heap to the ground. The air was knocked from her chest, as her body fell in an ungraceful heap. One minute AJ was crouched behind her, his first tangled in her hair, the next his body was pressing hers into the moist lawn. Fighting with everything she had, her knee flew up catching him in the crouch.
Slipping out from beneath him, her heart threatening to break her ribs, Lizzie made it to her feet again. Tears were blinding her vision as her brain clutched into the need to escape the man who was withering on the ground. But her first stopped was stalled when his hands clutched onto her ankle, nearly making her fall flat on her face.
Hearing AJ's angered growl from behind again, her eyes scanned the area and rested on the abandoned croquet mallet just feet away. If only she could reach it. Her hand reached out until her fingers were securely around the wooden handle.
Without a second thought, Lizzie swung the mallet back catching AJ square in the face. The sound of breaking bone met her ears, but instead of AJ breaking his hold on her limb her only held on tighter. Shifting for better aim, she swung again. This time connecting with the side of his head. The blow knocked AJ's head to the side and his fingers loosened around her ankle.
Jumping from the ground, Lizzie dropped the mallet to the ground. The sounds from the house drifted down from the house, reminding Lizzie that at any moment anyone could come upon them. Staring down at AJ's motionless body, she felt a choking panic rise in her chest.
It would be an understatement to say that Lizzie hated going to the Quartmaines for their huge galas. Everything always had to be so...proper. And the harder she tried to be the perfect young lady her Grandmother not only expected, but demanded she be, the bigger of a klutz she became. In the end she always managed to embarrass her Grandmother and older sister Sarah.
Like that time she had tripped into that waiter, who in turn spilled his tray of sparkling cider onto Monica Quartermaine. Then there was the time at the Cassadine's that she thought by sitting in the corner could keep her out of trouble. Who knew that the poor chair she had chosen was just for show?
The only reason she hadn't lied to her Grandmother that she was too sick to go tonight was because the party was being held in honor of Lila's birthday. Out of all the Quartermaine's the older woman was one of the few that she actually liked. It was as though the woman could see past her klutzy ways to the real person Lizzie was inside. Plus Emily would be back from vacation, and it had been a while since she had been able to catch up with her friend. Perhaps once the dancing started they could slip out like old times.
But worse than the prospect of her making a fool out of herself, the party was also going to be where Sarah and AJ announced their engagement. Just thinking of her sister being stuck with that slime made Lizzie cringe. But Sarah couldn't be any happier. Saying that not only did she like AJ, but also this way it strengthened the partnership between the two families.
Ever since the death of their parents and older brother three years prior, the Hardy/Webber line was in its last years. And with no males to take the reins in their part of the Q and W railways, their family could lose it all.
Even then her only reply had been a very weak So. It wasn't as if the railroad had been kind to their family in the last ten years or so. In fact it was to blame for the majority of the deaths that the family had had to deal with. Wasn't that why they were living with their bitter Grandmother?
But no matter how much she pleaded with Sarah, Lizzie couldn't tell her sister the real reason she didn't want her older sister to go through with the marriage. Over the last three months AJ had cornered her on more than one occasion and had gotten way to fresh with her. Whispering words to her that she was sure she didn't want to know the meanings too. His hands seemed to multiply as she tried to escape his grasp. How was she supposed to explain that to her all too proper sister?
"Lizzie?" A soft knock broke her out of her thoughts as Sarah's voice came from the other side of the closed door. "Grandmother is waiting downstairs; we don't want to anger her."
Looking back at her reflection, Lizzie wished for once that her Grandmother would've picked out something a little more up to date. All the other girls were wearing shorter dresses now, without the chocking high collars. But her Grandmother was very strict when it came to covering up one's body. The old bat could go on for days about it.
"I'm ready." Picking up the matching shawl that was draped across her bed, Lizzie looked again toward the mirror and prayed for the night to be over soon.
~~~*~~~
The party was in full swing, or as in full swing a party could be with out any form of alcohol. Earlier that year the 18th Amendment had been passed, outlawing liquor. The WCTU, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union had won a long tiring fight to ban "The devil's brew' in every American's home and establishment. Saying that alcohol was the root to many of the problems that plagued America. So now instead of imported Champaign and smooth Malt Whiskey, hosts were forced to serve less appealing, and temper soothing beverages.
Standing to the side of the Quartermaine's massive ballroom, Lizzie silently congratulated herself on making it through the dinner with out endangering herself or her dinning companions with her horrible streak of bad luck. Everyone in her vicinity had walked away from the table clean and dry. Though there had been a close call when the piece of meat she was cutting almost flew off her plate, she had covered her mistake remarkably well.
People were gathered around Lila, offering hugs and best wishes. Sharing jokes and telling stories of how free spirited the birthday girl had been in her day. Lila was an amazing woman, no matter that she was bound to a wheelchair now, just watching the older woman live life to its fullest everyday was a joy and a treat. Listening for a moment for the safety of the shadows, Lizzie decided to give her best wishes later, when Lila wasn't so crowded.
Scanning the room for Emily, Lizzie great sigh when she spotted her friend with Nikolas Cassadine. The two where laughing softly with one another, whispering occasionally into one the other's ear. Smiling softly at the happy expression on her friend's face, Lizzie couldn't help but feel how alone she was. She just didn't fit in with these people, who knew what to say and when to say it. Maybe if they were still back home in Denver Colorado things would be different.
Home. She hadn't had a real home since she and her sister had lost their parents and brother. Having to say goodbye to the only people they had ever known, to move to the East Coast. It's when her streak of bad luck started. Never in the ballrooms back in Denver did such horrible things happen to her, and if they did she wasn't reprimanded for days on end.
Looking back to Emily, Lizzie knew that her friend wouldn't be escaping with her tonight. Taking another look around to make sure that neither her Grandmother or sister were watching, she made her way to the large patio doors on the far wall.
No one paid her any attention as she weaved her way to her destination. It was a special talent she had learned early on when she had moved to Port Charles. To blend in. It was actually something very easily attained, as long as you weren't tripping into the waitstaff, or breaking chairs.
Walking past the refreshment table her steps halted as she eyed the already poured glasses of red punch. She knew she should keep going that the red liquid would only bring her trouble. But she was thirsty, and since she was going outside... why not. Taking a glass and napkin off the table, Lizzie slipped out the doors and into the warm June night.
The crickets sounded like a symphony, their chirps eased some of the stress that was knotted in Lizzie's stomach. If there was one thing she liked about the East Coast was the nights. In Colorado, no matter what time of the year it was, nights could still get a little chilly. But here she could escape outside at night without the need of a light jacket.
Walking down the familiar walk that was lit up by torches, Lizzie stopped and let out a small giggle. Good old Reginald had set up the croquette set. Setting down the punch, Lizzie picked up a mallet and ball and made her way to the lawn.
Taking a few swings, Lizzie lost herself in the game that she didn't hear the approach from behind. It wasn't until a hand reached out and took her by the elbow that she knew she was no longer alone. With a startled gasp she spun around and right into AJ Quartermaine's chest.
"Lizzie what a surprise to bump into you out here." His breath caressed her ear; his intention of seduction made her stomach churn.
"I-I thought I was alone." Stepping back, she tried to walk away from him and his steady stare. AJ had always been able to make her skin crawl.
"You don't have to leave." With a sickening smile he latched onto her other arm. "I just wanted to...talk."
Trying to yank her arms away from his grasp, her heart started to pound into her chest when AJ's hold tightened harshly. "I was just going back."
"If I didn't know better I'd think that you didn't like me Lizzie." His lips were twisted into a sneer as he took another step closer.
Her mouth had gone dry as she tried to free herself from his hold. 'Bumping' into AJ wasn't anything new, he usually always found a way to corner her. But usually after a few words she'd be on her way. 'Like him?' No she didn't like him, in fact just being in the same room with the Quartermaine heir made bile rise in her throat. Call it instinct, but instead of seeing the charming young man everyone else did, she saw a snake. AJ was dangerous, and right now she really wished she hadn't left the safety of the ballroom.
When she didn't speak, AJ dropped his hands and took a step back. "Aren't you going to congratulate me on my up coming marriage to your sister?"
Taking the opportunity to put some distance between their bodies. Lizzie retreated a few steps back. Her eyes darting to the walkway, trying to determine if she could get past AJ and into the house without him touching her again. "Congratulations." The words felt bitter in her mouth. How could this man in front of her be the Grandson of someone as sweet as Lila? And her ever so perfect and proper sister actually wanted to marry this fool?
AJ narrowed his eyes at her, as the corner of his mouth curved. "How about a kiss to celebrate?"
As soon as the words here out of his mouth Lizzie started to stumble backwards as her feet refused to co-operate. When his hand darted out to grab her to him, she ducked and ended up on her rear end on the lawn, with AJ towering above her. His laughter chilling her to her bone as he stalked forward. "Why are you being such a prude Lizzie? All I want is just a little kiss. We are going to be related soon."
Trying to climb to her feet, Lizzie contemplated screaming on the top of her lungs. But wouldn't that just be another great Lizzie moment. Not only would she mortify her Grandmother and sister, but ruin Lila's birthday. She couldn't do it. Not if it meant having to see that disappointed look in everyone's eyes again.
"AJ please stop you're scaring me."
"All I want is just a little kiss, not your virginity." At his chiding, the fear that was pounding through her body was instantly replaced by anger.
"Well I don't want to kiss you; I don't even want you anywhere near me." Lifting her chin slightly she didn't flinch when the smile faded from AJ's face and a dark scowl took it's place. "I feel sorry for my sister--." The rest of her words were cut off when AJ sprang toward her. Wrapping an arm tightly around her waste and pulling her close. Caught off guard, Lizzie didn't have time to turn her head when his lips came crushing down on hers.
With a quick kick to his shin, AJ howled in anger as he let her go. Not wasting a second of her precious freedom, Lizzie turned and ran for the woods that surrounded the Quartermaine estate. If she could just get to the trees everything would be fine.
Not getting more than five feet from him, Lizzie felt a harsh tug on her hair, making her fall to a heap to the ground. The air was knocked from her chest, as her body fell in an ungraceful heap. One minute AJ was crouched behind her, his first tangled in her hair, the next his body was pressing hers into the moist lawn. Fighting with everything she had, her knee flew up catching him in the crouch.
Slipping out from beneath him, her heart threatening to break her ribs, Lizzie made it to her feet again. Tears were blinding her vision as her brain clutched into the need to escape the man who was withering on the ground. But her first stopped was stalled when his hands clutched onto her ankle, nearly making her fall flat on her face.
Hearing AJ's angered growl from behind again, her eyes scanned the area and rested on the abandoned croquet mallet just feet away. If only she could reach it. Her hand reached out until her fingers were securely around the wooden handle.
Without a second thought, Lizzie swung the mallet back catching AJ square in the face. The sound of breaking bone met her ears, but instead of AJ breaking his hold on her limb her only held on tighter. Shifting for better aim, she swung again. This time connecting with the side of his head. The blow knocked AJ's head to the side and his fingers loosened around her ankle.
Jumping from the ground, Lizzie dropped the mallet to the ground. The sounds from the house drifted down from the house, reminding Lizzie that at any moment anyone could come upon them. Staring down at AJ's motionless body, she felt a choking panic rise in her chest.