Alexis's Penthouse
Alexis sank onto the couch and covered her face with her hands. "This really isnt a good time, Sonny." Sonny ignored her and sat on the other couch. "Stefan certainly seemed agitated. From the looks of it, so are you." Alexis put her hands down and sat back. "I don't know what you're talking about. He's my brother, and we are perfectly at ease with one another. We were going to have dinner together, and simply realized that neither of us had much of an appetite tonight." Sonny looked at her speculatively. "Not for food anyway." She glanced over at him, then did a double take as she caught his meaning. "Sonny Corinthos that is downright disgusting. Stefan is my brother!" Sonny tilted his head. "From what you've told me, there is a serious possibility that he is not." Alexis stood up and paced. "Well the jury is still out on that, so please stop entertaining such ridiculous ideas." Sonny shrugged. "Look, I know sexual tension when I see it. It was pretty thick in here." Alexis laughed shakily. "Maybe when its between you and someone like Carly. But you certainly couldn't see it in me." Sonny folded his arms. "I can see it in you, and I have seen it in you." Alexis stopped her pacing. "Wh..what? That's absurd." Sonny stood up also. "Alexis…are you going to look me in the eye, and deny that you werent experiencing sexual tension both times I stayed here overnight?" Alexis's eyes became as huge as saucers. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Finally, she was able to manage, "I plead the fifth."
Sonny looked satisfied. "I'm not going to say anymore about what happened between us. I didn't pursue it at the time because I knew that it would have destroyed our friendship, and most certainly our business relationship. You mean too much to me for us to be about sex. Let that be the end of it. But, I am going to say this. If it's true that Stefan is not your brother, then don't be afraid for sex to enter the relationship. What you two have together is very strong and intimate. I think sex would probably enhance the relationship." Alexis took a deep breath and resumed her pacing. "I'm not having this discussion. Please do not use the words Stefan and sex in the same sentence, or even in the same paragraph. The DNA results will not be in for another two weeks, I do not want to be making myself crazy over possible incestuous thoughts in the mean time. Please, please, please lets just drop this."
Sonny looked at her thoughtfully. "I don't think he is your brother." She stared at him. "What makes you think that?" Sonny shrugged. "Well, it'd be like if someone came up to me and told me that Carly was really my sister. I would know it couldn't be true because…well, I don't think it's the natural order of things for one to be attracted to one's sibling. Whether you know that person is your sibling or not. I dunno, maybe its one of those fate things." Alexis smiled tightly. "Oedipus was fated to fall in love with his mother." Sonny winced and waved his hand. "That was fiction. A really…twisted bit of fiction. You know what I mean, Alexis." She sighed and shook her head. "I can't believe you're saying these things to me. Every time we talk, its like you open up the door to my soul and describe back to me what you see there. So what are you doing here anyway?" Sonny sighed and paced around. "Well, Alexis. It looks as if you aren't the only one with long-lost sisters popping up from nowhere."
Port Charles Grille (a few days later)
Kristina and Jake sat down at their table. She glanced up at him, then swiftly back down. His blue eyes held such depths. She felt like she could drown in them. She grabbed the flower vase and rearranged it with the candle holder. Then she switched them back. "Kristina?" Jake said softly. She looked up again, and saw the light of humor in his eyes. She laughed. "I'm sorry, Jake. I don't really do this all the time. But I guess I do it more often when I'm nervous." She started to grab the flower vase again, but Jake captured her hand in his and held it there. He gazed at her. "Why are you nervous?" She wanted to pull her hand away. Because you cause me to melt inside every time I look at you, she thought. Because I'm not used to my heart being so vulnerable so quickly. This is only our second date for goodness sakes. Aloud, she said, "In another week some tests results will come in that are very significant to my family. I guess I can't stop thinking about it." He looked concerned. "Test results? Is your health in jeopardy?" She smiled reassuringly. "No, no, nothing like that. I can't really go into it." Jake smiled in relief. "I won't pry. I'm just glad that nothing is wrong with you." She laughed. "I can assure you that my health is in no danger." Except my heart, she thought silently.
"So tell me, Jake. When are you heading back to Pine Valley?" He raised one eyebrow. "Already anxious to see me leave? I seem to have that affect on women." She gave him a skeptical look. "I find that hard to believe. And no, I am not anxious for you to leave. I just assume you'll be going home for Christmas." Jake leaned back. "Yes, I will, I fly out tomorrow. But I'll be back before New Years, and staying a lot longer than I anticipated. This consulting project has branched out to other sections of the hospital. ICU is in dire need of more security. People walk in and out of that place like it's a hotel. The doctors seem to be frustrated by the current method of scheduling. A few other things I wont bore you with." Kristina shook her head. "No, its interesting. You seem to know a great deal about hospital administration." Jake shrugged. "Well, my father is the administrator at Pine Valley hospital. He's taught me a lot."
Kristina was about to ask him about his family, when someone said her name. Startled, she looked up, and saw Carly Corinthos standing beside her. "Kristina, I need to speak with you." Kristina shook her head. "Carly, I'm busy, as you can see." Carly looked away, and then back again. "Please. The opening of the club is in a little over a week." Kristina got the feeling that this was about more than the club. "Jake, if you'll excuse me for a moment." He smiled benignly, but his eyes showed his concern. He remembered her telling him about Carly.
Kristina stood up, and indicated that they should go over to the bar. "So what's up, Carly?" Carly cleared her throat and folded her arms. "Look, I want to apologize about my behavior last week. Alexis is not my favorite person right now, and you know my feelings about Angel. I guess finding out that you had connections to both women just sorta set me off. I'm sorry for taking it out on you." Kristina smiled ruefully. "I accept your apology, Carly. And I do understand where you're coming from. You're feeling vulnerable about your relationship with Sonny. First Angel makes no bones about the fact that she wants Sonny for herself. Now you two are getting a divorce, and it also appears as if he and Alexis have something going on." Carly raised one eyebrow. "Appears?" Kristina laughed. "I may not have been around my sister very long, but I am getting to know her pretty well. Yes, she is attracted to Sonny. I don't think there's a heterosexual woman on earth who's heart wouldn't beat faster around him. But Alexis is an intelligent woman. For one thing, she knows that Sonny still loves you deeply, and for that alone she wouldn't touch him with a ten foot pole. But even if you weren't in the picture, Alexis knows that a relationship with Sonny would be a complete disaster." Carly sighed. "I understand what you're saying, Kristina. I agree that intellectually, Alexis knows it wouldn't work out. But attraction does funny things to people. I should know, I've made some pretty terrible decisions based on it." Kristina shook her head. "You can't keep measuring people by your own yardstick, Carly." Carly's lips quirked. "But it's the only one I've got." Kristina laughed. "Okay, lets just agree to disagree about Alexis. Otherwise we could be here all night, and frankly I'd rather spend the evening with Jake." Carly raised her eyebrows. "Jake is the hunk you were sitting with?" Kristina nodded. "I'm sorry I pulled you away from him. Why don't we set up a meeting for tomorrow to go over the opening of the club and your performance?"
General Hospital
The four Cassadines sat in the outer waiting room of the DNA specialist. Alexis glanced at Stefan out of the corner of her eyes. She had been avoiding him since that time at her apartment, burying herself in her work. When she had finally seen him again, at Christmas, she had felt very self- conscious, hoping he wouldn't suspect the weirdness going on in her head. She forgot all about that for a while, when Kristina made her announcement about her new performing contract at L&B records. Alexis and Stefan had both been stunned at first. Once Alexis got over the shock, she was happy for Kristina also, knowing that Ned would take good care of her. Stefan had congratulated Kristina, somewhat reluctantly she could tell. He told her that he hoped she dazzled the masses as her mother had done years before. Kristina had been obviously grateful for his approval.
Stefan's reaction to Nikolas's own announcement had not been as restrained. He was quite upset at the idea of Nikolas continuing his PR work, especially in light of the possibility that Stefan would have to step down as head of the Cassadine empire. Nikolas had assured him, with steely determination, that he would take control of the empire some day, but not now. He wanted to prove to himself that he could make it on his own first, before he took on such immense responsibilities. He explained how he wanted to have confidence in himself, and never doubt his business decisions. After much discussion, Stefan agreed to keep running the holdings until Nikolas felt he was ready.
When Kristina, Nikolas and Gia had left, Alexis hugged Stefan and thanked him for his support of the two younger Cassadines. Stefan had pulled away, and smiled bitterly. He joked that he was trying to make a habit of reacting to any given situation in the exact opposite manner that Helena would. It gave him satisfaction that Helena would be furious at the current turn of events. Alexis had wanted to talk to him some more, but felt completely inhibited. She left, greatly frustrated at her inability to cope with this mess.
The doctor called the four Cassadines into his office. Without further delay, he opened up the file and relayed the results. "The DNA from the sample of hair closely matches the samples taken from Kristina and Alexis. It also matches the sample taken from Nikolas. However, there is no match at all with your sample, Stefan." There was silence in the room, and the doctor continued. "I also tested your four samples with each other. Alexis and Kristina are full siblings, and they both have common DNA with Nikolas. Stefan also has common DNA with Nikolas, but none at all with Alexis and Kristina. To sum up, Stefan is related to only one person we sampled, and that would be Nikolas. Any questions?" No one spoke up. "Well, how about I give you some time alone while I run up to the lab." The doctor left the room.
Alexis privately felt a weight lifted off her shoulders. She had been unable to get the conversation with Sonny out of her mind. Nor had she been able to stop thinking of how she had felt when Stefan had sat so close to her. It had been torturous. Now she could rest easy in the knowledge that her feelings had not been warped and perverse. Not that she was planning to act on Sonny's suggestion. She still thought of Stefan as a brother and friend. The idea of making love to him was completely absurd. Just as the idea of having sex with Sonny had been absurd. Not something to be acted upon. Simply shoved into a corner of her brain. Alexis was startled out of her reverie by Stefan's voice. "What is on your mind, Natasha?" She looked up and stared into his eyes, her own were wide and anxious. Reminded of how easily Sonny had been able to see her emotions there, she quickly looked around. Nikolas and Kristina were also gazing at her, as if wondering her thoughts. Alexis cleared her throat. "Actually, I was just wondering what was on your mind, Stefan. You are the one most affected by this news."
Stefan narrowed his eyes, as if he didn't believe her. Then he shrugged. "I've had a few weeks now to think about this revelation. I am glad to know the truth. So many questions are now answered." There was a pause, as Alexis scrutinized the calm and collected expression on Stefan's face. Now she was the one who didn't believe him. There was something going on under the surface there. But this was apparently not the time to go into it. Later she would corner the lion in his den.
Alexis sank onto the couch and covered her face with her hands. "This really isnt a good time, Sonny." Sonny ignored her and sat on the other couch. "Stefan certainly seemed agitated. From the looks of it, so are you." Alexis put her hands down and sat back. "I don't know what you're talking about. He's my brother, and we are perfectly at ease with one another. We were going to have dinner together, and simply realized that neither of us had much of an appetite tonight." Sonny looked at her speculatively. "Not for food anyway." She glanced over at him, then did a double take as she caught his meaning. "Sonny Corinthos that is downright disgusting. Stefan is my brother!" Sonny tilted his head. "From what you've told me, there is a serious possibility that he is not." Alexis stood up and paced. "Well the jury is still out on that, so please stop entertaining such ridiculous ideas." Sonny shrugged. "Look, I know sexual tension when I see it. It was pretty thick in here." Alexis laughed shakily. "Maybe when its between you and someone like Carly. But you certainly couldn't see it in me." Sonny folded his arms. "I can see it in you, and I have seen it in you." Alexis stopped her pacing. "Wh..what? That's absurd." Sonny stood up also. "Alexis…are you going to look me in the eye, and deny that you werent experiencing sexual tension both times I stayed here overnight?" Alexis's eyes became as huge as saucers. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Finally, she was able to manage, "I plead the fifth."
Sonny looked satisfied. "I'm not going to say anymore about what happened between us. I didn't pursue it at the time because I knew that it would have destroyed our friendship, and most certainly our business relationship. You mean too much to me for us to be about sex. Let that be the end of it. But, I am going to say this. If it's true that Stefan is not your brother, then don't be afraid for sex to enter the relationship. What you two have together is very strong and intimate. I think sex would probably enhance the relationship." Alexis took a deep breath and resumed her pacing. "I'm not having this discussion. Please do not use the words Stefan and sex in the same sentence, or even in the same paragraph. The DNA results will not be in for another two weeks, I do not want to be making myself crazy over possible incestuous thoughts in the mean time. Please, please, please lets just drop this."
Sonny looked at her thoughtfully. "I don't think he is your brother." She stared at him. "What makes you think that?" Sonny shrugged. "Well, it'd be like if someone came up to me and told me that Carly was really my sister. I would know it couldn't be true because…well, I don't think it's the natural order of things for one to be attracted to one's sibling. Whether you know that person is your sibling or not. I dunno, maybe its one of those fate things." Alexis smiled tightly. "Oedipus was fated to fall in love with his mother." Sonny winced and waved his hand. "That was fiction. A really…twisted bit of fiction. You know what I mean, Alexis." She sighed and shook her head. "I can't believe you're saying these things to me. Every time we talk, its like you open up the door to my soul and describe back to me what you see there. So what are you doing here anyway?" Sonny sighed and paced around. "Well, Alexis. It looks as if you aren't the only one with long-lost sisters popping up from nowhere."
Port Charles Grille (a few days later)
Kristina and Jake sat down at their table. She glanced up at him, then swiftly back down. His blue eyes held such depths. She felt like she could drown in them. She grabbed the flower vase and rearranged it with the candle holder. Then she switched them back. "Kristina?" Jake said softly. She looked up again, and saw the light of humor in his eyes. She laughed. "I'm sorry, Jake. I don't really do this all the time. But I guess I do it more often when I'm nervous." She started to grab the flower vase again, but Jake captured her hand in his and held it there. He gazed at her. "Why are you nervous?" She wanted to pull her hand away. Because you cause me to melt inside every time I look at you, she thought. Because I'm not used to my heart being so vulnerable so quickly. This is only our second date for goodness sakes. Aloud, she said, "In another week some tests results will come in that are very significant to my family. I guess I can't stop thinking about it." He looked concerned. "Test results? Is your health in jeopardy?" She smiled reassuringly. "No, no, nothing like that. I can't really go into it." Jake smiled in relief. "I won't pry. I'm just glad that nothing is wrong with you." She laughed. "I can assure you that my health is in no danger." Except my heart, she thought silently.
"So tell me, Jake. When are you heading back to Pine Valley?" He raised one eyebrow. "Already anxious to see me leave? I seem to have that affect on women." She gave him a skeptical look. "I find that hard to believe. And no, I am not anxious for you to leave. I just assume you'll be going home for Christmas." Jake leaned back. "Yes, I will, I fly out tomorrow. But I'll be back before New Years, and staying a lot longer than I anticipated. This consulting project has branched out to other sections of the hospital. ICU is in dire need of more security. People walk in and out of that place like it's a hotel. The doctors seem to be frustrated by the current method of scheduling. A few other things I wont bore you with." Kristina shook her head. "No, its interesting. You seem to know a great deal about hospital administration." Jake shrugged. "Well, my father is the administrator at Pine Valley hospital. He's taught me a lot."
Kristina was about to ask him about his family, when someone said her name. Startled, she looked up, and saw Carly Corinthos standing beside her. "Kristina, I need to speak with you." Kristina shook her head. "Carly, I'm busy, as you can see." Carly looked away, and then back again. "Please. The opening of the club is in a little over a week." Kristina got the feeling that this was about more than the club. "Jake, if you'll excuse me for a moment." He smiled benignly, but his eyes showed his concern. He remembered her telling him about Carly.
Kristina stood up, and indicated that they should go over to the bar. "So what's up, Carly?" Carly cleared her throat and folded her arms. "Look, I want to apologize about my behavior last week. Alexis is not my favorite person right now, and you know my feelings about Angel. I guess finding out that you had connections to both women just sorta set me off. I'm sorry for taking it out on you." Kristina smiled ruefully. "I accept your apology, Carly. And I do understand where you're coming from. You're feeling vulnerable about your relationship with Sonny. First Angel makes no bones about the fact that she wants Sonny for herself. Now you two are getting a divorce, and it also appears as if he and Alexis have something going on." Carly raised one eyebrow. "Appears?" Kristina laughed. "I may not have been around my sister very long, but I am getting to know her pretty well. Yes, she is attracted to Sonny. I don't think there's a heterosexual woman on earth who's heart wouldn't beat faster around him. But Alexis is an intelligent woman. For one thing, she knows that Sonny still loves you deeply, and for that alone she wouldn't touch him with a ten foot pole. But even if you weren't in the picture, Alexis knows that a relationship with Sonny would be a complete disaster." Carly sighed. "I understand what you're saying, Kristina. I agree that intellectually, Alexis knows it wouldn't work out. But attraction does funny things to people. I should know, I've made some pretty terrible decisions based on it." Kristina shook her head. "You can't keep measuring people by your own yardstick, Carly." Carly's lips quirked. "But it's the only one I've got." Kristina laughed. "Okay, lets just agree to disagree about Alexis. Otherwise we could be here all night, and frankly I'd rather spend the evening with Jake." Carly raised her eyebrows. "Jake is the hunk you were sitting with?" Kristina nodded. "I'm sorry I pulled you away from him. Why don't we set up a meeting for tomorrow to go over the opening of the club and your performance?"
General Hospital
The four Cassadines sat in the outer waiting room of the DNA specialist. Alexis glanced at Stefan out of the corner of her eyes. She had been avoiding him since that time at her apartment, burying herself in her work. When she had finally seen him again, at Christmas, she had felt very self- conscious, hoping he wouldn't suspect the weirdness going on in her head. She forgot all about that for a while, when Kristina made her announcement about her new performing contract at L&B records. Alexis and Stefan had both been stunned at first. Once Alexis got over the shock, she was happy for Kristina also, knowing that Ned would take good care of her. Stefan had congratulated Kristina, somewhat reluctantly she could tell. He told her that he hoped she dazzled the masses as her mother had done years before. Kristina had been obviously grateful for his approval.
Stefan's reaction to Nikolas's own announcement had not been as restrained. He was quite upset at the idea of Nikolas continuing his PR work, especially in light of the possibility that Stefan would have to step down as head of the Cassadine empire. Nikolas had assured him, with steely determination, that he would take control of the empire some day, but not now. He wanted to prove to himself that he could make it on his own first, before he took on such immense responsibilities. He explained how he wanted to have confidence in himself, and never doubt his business decisions. After much discussion, Stefan agreed to keep running the holdings until Nikolas felt he was ready.
When Kristina, Nikolas and Gia had left, Alexis hugged Stefan and thanked him for his support of the two younger Cassadines. Stefan had pulled away, and smiled bitterly. He joked that he was trying to make a habit of reacting to any given situation in the exact opposite manner that Helena would. It gave him satisfaction that Helena would be furious at the current turn of events. Alexis had wanted to talk to him some more, but felt completely inhibited. She left, greatly frustrated at her inability to cope with this mess.
The doctor called the four Cassadines into his office. Without further delay, he opened up the file and relayed the results. "The DNA from the sample of hair closely matches the samples taken from Kristina and Alexis. It also matches the sample taken from Nikolas. However, there is no match at all with your sample, Stefan." There was silence in the room, and the doctor continued. "I also tested your four samples with each other. Alexis and Kristina are full siblings, and they both have common DNA with Nikolas. Stefan also has common DNA with Nikolas, but none at all with Alexis and Kristina. To sum up, Stefan is related to only one person we sampled, and that would be Nikolas. Any questions?" No one spoke up. "Well, how about I give you some time alone while I run up to the lab." The doctor left the room.
Alexis privately felt a weight lifted off her shoulders. She had been unable to get the conversation with Sonny out of her mind. Nor had she been able to stop thinking of how she had felt when Stefan had sat so close to her. It had been torturous. Now she could rest easy in the knowledge that her feelings had not been warped and perverse. Not that she was planning to act on Sonny's suggestion. She still thought of Stefan as a brother and friend. The idea of making love to him was completely absurd. Just as the idea of having sex with Sonny had been absurd. Not something to be acted upon. Simply shoved into a corner of her brain. Alexis was startled out of her reverie by Stefan's voice. "What is on your mind, Natasha?" She looked up and stared into his eyes, her own were wide and anxious. Reminded of how easily Sonny had been able to see her emotions there, she quickly looked around. Nikolas and Kristina were also gazing at her, as if wondering her thoughts. Alexis cleared her throat. "Actually, I was just wondering what was on your mind, Stefan. You are the one most affected by this news."
Stefan narrowed his eyes, as if he didn't believe her. Then he shrugged. "I've had a few weeks now to think about this revelation. I am glad to know the truth. So many questions are now answered." There was a pause, as Alexis scrutinized the calm and collected expression on Stefan's face. Now she was the one who didn't believe him. There was something going on under the surface there. But this was apparently not the time to go into it. Later she would corner the lion in his den.
