GENERAL HOSPITAL #004

Evening…Port Charles boardwalk…

Laura Spencer found herself on the waterfront, staring out across the harbor at the Haunted Star; a relic from her past. Lulu had done a remarkable job turning the luxury yacht into an upscale club, but for Laura, going to the Haunted Star brought back bitter memories from the past.

As she found herself wrapped in memories, a familiar voice brought her back to reality.

"Penny for your thoughts," the warm friendly voice of Robert Scorpio said as he walked up to Laura.

Laura smiled at the old friend from her past. They hadn't seen much of each other due to different the paths their lives had taken over the past nearly 35 years they had known each other; their common link being Luke.

"Hello Robert," Laura said to Robert.

The lines of age had seasoned Robert's appearance, but he still had the suave swagger she remembered from the past.

"It's good to see you Laura," Robert said as the two hugged each other. "But I'm surprised that old ark still floats," Robert said with humor in his voice as he too looked out across the harbor at the Haunted Star.

The sound of the docks, which seemed to be the same after so many years, added to the esthetic they were sharing.

"Those were mostly good times," Laura said wistfully, as she thought back on distant times. "Is it strange to say that I miss them?"

Robert shook his head as they held hands; two friends looking back on life.

"Not at all," Robert said with charm. "Although those two years Luke and I thought you were gone forever (when she was held on Cassadine Island by Stavros) were very trying between Luke and I."

"Yes," Laura interjected, "Luke told me about the falling out between the two of you because of…because of Holly. But," Laura added with a smile, "It all worked out for the best. So what about you," Laura continued. "I hear that your daughter Robin and her husband Patrick and their daughter have left Port Charles for good. I can't believe you want to be too far from them."

Robert nodded his head.

"All in good time," Robert told her. "But before I check out, there are somethings I need to wrap up. What about you," Robert said as they unclasped hands. "Given any thoughts about joining Luke on what Tracey calls a vision quest?"

Laura shook her head.

"No," Laura replied softly. "Luke needs this time to himself. Besides," Laura added, "I have children here in Port Charles, and grand-children too, that need me…so I too will stay for now."

Robert nodded his head. He was about to say something but stopped, because they would have been ill tempered words aimed at one of her sons; Nicholas Cassadine.

"Well," Robert said as prepared to leave Laura to her thoughts, "it was good seeing you again Laura. We should get together for dinner sometime."

Laura smiled at Robert, and then he turned and left her to her memories.

And as Laura walked along the boardwalk, she made her way towards a park bench and sat down to take it all in. She sat for what seemed to be about a half-hour when, finally, she decided to leave. She was about to leave when suddenly someone sat down on the bench next to her.

"Please stay," the man said. "I've been waiting until you were alone to approach you Laura; but don't be afraid."

The man, who was wearing a jacket with a hood drawn over his face, slowly pulled the hood back and then Laura gasped at who she saw…

Continued…