Disclaimer: I do not own General Hospital or any of its characters.
This story is based off of an idea of my friend, Venita's. I would also like to thank Stef for helping me along with the plotline! This story is also an alternate reality!
With that...I present to you, the first chapter of "Never Second Best". I hope you enjoy!
Numerous bruises still adorned Spinelli's forearms, abdomen, and face, each one of them varying in color, ranging from sickeningly yellow to inflamed bright red to a deep, grotesque purple. Along with that, his shoulder blade bore two swollen diagonal slit marks—scars resulting from the punishment of an attempt to revolt. Not to mention, his clothes weren't the most hygienic, and for that matter, neither was he. But after being held captive for a little more than two years, there wasn't much more to expect than that.
His hair lay in long, greasy clumps, tangled and impossible to manage. His face was splattered with dirt and caked over with soured sweat and dried blood; his normally smooth jaw bristled over with a short grimy beard. His shirt was frayed at the edges, his jacket was torn, and all of his clothing had built up a layer of filth and dust. He was a ragamuffin to say the very least—but still, despite the condition of his clothes, they had kept him warm even when the dungeon was brutally frigid. And even though he had endured trials of pain, both physical and emotional, and had been constantly humiliated, taunted, and tortured, at least he was walking away now…and that was all that mattered.
True, walking away hadn't been an option for Spinelli…but he had done it regardless. It had taken him close to two year and a half years to properly plan and to wait for the opportune moment, but he had finally escaped the hell hole his captor had created for him. A brick had conveniently wiggled loose from the wall that contained him. And when the guard came to feed him, Spinelli brought the brick forcefully over his head. Knowing that his true captor was at the time on a business trip (guards gossiped constantly), Spinelli slipped into his household, stole a couple hundred bucks, and fled to the nearest airport.
Ignoring the glares and grimaces of passers-by, he bought a plane ticket, and headed home to Port Charles. His thoughts were still fuzzy, polluted with negative memories, and poisoned with pessimistic thoughts of the future. How long would he remain safe before he was found again? Would he even try to find him? Why had he been kept alive for so long in the first place? Had Spinelli acted as leverage? Why didn't Jason attempt to find him when he went missing? And most importantly…how was Lulu?
Swallowing a lump that had formed in his throat, he sighed, reaching into his jacket pocket to retrieve the two items that had kept him clinging to life throughout the unrelenting chaos of the recent years. The first item was a note. Lulu had written it to him right before he had accepted the assignment. In it, was the promise that Spinelli would always have her heart…her undying, eternal devotion and love. It was weathered and tarnished and had become soft and yellow from being handled so much. Its lettering was smudged by Spinelli's fingertips…so much so, that it was difficult to read. And yet, the actual deciphering of the calligraphy was unnecessary as Spinelli knew every single word by heart.
And the second item, was a ring. Spinelli had bought it while he was on the assignment. It wasn't a humongous diamond, but the ring itself was delicate, flattering, and beautiful. Something that Lulu would no doubt love. He had intended to propose to her as soon as he returned from his job—of course, his plans had been delayed. But regardless, they remained unchanged.
So what does everyone think? I know it's a Spixie era right now, and trust me, I love Spixie too...but I hope there are still some old Spinlu fans like me out there! This is just the beginning and I promise that all questions will be answered eventually. :)
I would absolutely love your comments and to see if you guys are interested in reading more. I don't mean to bribe anyone, but cookies (sugar, chocolate chip, and oatmeal) will be given to those who comment. :D Thank you so much!
Next Chapter: The beginning.