Chapter 7
Laura was prepping herself for Griffin's negative reaction to her lie while walking to his office. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door. She heard Griffin call out, "Come in!".
Laura walked in and greeted the good doctor. "Good Morning, Griffin."
Griffin motioned for Laura to sit. "So, Laura, I visited Kevin this morning. He told me something very interesting. He said that he was excited to get a visit from his GH companion this morning. I was confused and I asked him who he was talking about. He told me Laura Spencer is a volunteer at GH's companion program and you were assigned to be his companion. Now, Laura, I haven't been in Port Charles as long as you have, but as an active doctor here, I don't recall being informed on a companion program. Care to explain?"
Laura closed her eyes and began to explain what transpired. "I desperately wanted to just hold his hand and tell him how much I love him. No one was around and he was asleep. I thought if I could just go in, hold his hand, whisper to him, and leave it would be no problem. He wouldn't see me and I could tell MY HUSBAND that I love him. I was just about to leave when he woke up and pulled on my hand. He asked me what I was doing in the room and I made up some type of lie so he wouldn't become overwhelmed. He had no idea who I really am to him. Please. Let me continue with this farce."
Griffin observed Laura as she was relaying her story. She seemed so desperate and so in love that she would do anything just to spend time with Kevin. Griffin only wishes to find someone who loves him that selflessly and desperately as Laura loves Kevin. Griffin got up and knelt in front of Laura. He said, "Hey, its okay. I understand. It's fine. You can keep it up. I'll alert Kevin's nurses to our story so they won't give anything away."
Laura embraced Griffin tightly. "Thank you so much. For everything."
Griffin patted Laura's back. "It's no problem. Just so you know, if this was any ordinary patient I might not have been so lenient. But since it's Kevin and you, well, I think I can pull a few strings. The both of you are legends not only in this hospital, but in this town. You deserve some type of happiness."
Laura smiled gratefully.
Laura walked into Kevin's room feeling relieved and excited. Although the Kevin lying in this bed wasn't fully the man she loved, he was at his core the man she married. "Good Morning Kevin. How are you feeling?", announced Laura as she walked into the room.
Kevin sat up and grinned. "Better since you're here. I love working in a hospital, but man do I hate being a patient in one."
Laura pulled a chair next to Kevin's bed. She replied, "Well, glad I can be of some assistance. How are you feeling? You had major surgery yesterday."
Kevin bobbed his head. "So, so. It sucks not knowing what happened the last two years. Hopefully you can help me fill the gaps. Anyway, enough about me. Tell me about you. The last I heard about you, you were on an adventure with Luke searching for Lucky. And found Elizabeth's son Jake alive on Cassadine Island."
"Well, I moved back to Port Charles. I missed many years with my kids and grandkids because of my recovery in Paris."
Kevin nodded. "Oh, yes. You had Psychomotor Dissociative Disorder. Is everything going alright with that? Have you been having checkups and such?"
Laura smiled at Kevin's consideration. Even being in the unknown, he still cares about her wellbeing. She replied, "Good as new. Thank God."
The two talked about everything, from their favorite color to their favorite season. They watched the Price is Right and tried to play along with the contestants. The two laughed like everything was back to normal. After Kevin made a humorous comment about a contestant, Laura laughed her legendary belly laugh. Kevin watched her eyes light up and smile curve upward. He swore the room got brighter by watching her smile. He felt something. He felt like he felt this way before.
"What?", Laura asked when she noticed Kevin watching her.
"Nothing. Its just that you have a beautiful smile."
Laura blushed and grabbed his hand. She squeezed it in gratitude. Kevin looked down at the hand that grabbed his own and noticed two rings: presumably an engagement ring and wedding band. "Are you back with Luke?", he questioned.
"What? Where would you get that obtuse idea?", responded Laura in confusion.
Kevin replied, "Your rings."
Laura looked down and cursed herself internally. She forgot to take her rings off before visiting Kevin. "Um. I guess you could say I'm married, but my husband isn't fully present", she replied.
"Is he dead?", asked Kevin.
"Somewhat", Laura muttered under her breath. "It's very complicated. Very, very complicated."
"If you don't mind, tell me about him. Since I don't know anything about myself the last couple years, let me hear about your life."
"Well, we met by pure coincidence. I was looking for a cryptographer online and anonymously we got in touch. We met up for lunch and we bonded right away. He was my go to for advice on a plethora of things. He was a very selfless friend. We fell in love and got married, but life got in our way and a happy ending doesn't seem like its going to happen right now", Laura told Kevin with a sad tone of voice.
"Cryptography. I remember just starting how to learn how to decipher codes. Is your husband good at it?", asked Kevin.
Laura nodded. "He's pretty good. He had loads and loads of books. He's really intelligent. And kind and sweet. And funny", Laura said. "Oh! I'm sorry. We should be talking about you! Not him. This is about us getting to know one another."
"Do you miss him?"
"Yes. Very much so."
"I'm sorry Laura. I do hope things work out between you and him. You deserve happiness", said Kevin.
Laura replied, "You deserve happiness, too. You are a good man, Kevin. Trust me. You did a lot of good in the two years you forgot." She noticed his oxygen wire was tangled and went to untangle it. "Oh! Let me help you!"
"Well, maybe what I need to be fully happy is right under my nose", whispered Kevin.
LuLu unlocked Kevin and Laura's house and guided Victor inside. She watched as Victor wondered around looking at pictures of Kevin's life that he had no idea about. "Is this your mother?", Victor asked looking at a picture of Kevin, Laura, and Spencer in France.
"Yes", LuLu responded.
"She's very beautiful. You look like her."
"Thank you. One of the compliments in life I don't mind hearing."
Victor smiled. "I can see why Monk fell for her. Beauty wise, I mean. Who is this young chap?"
LuLu replied, "That's my nephew, Spencer Cassadine. My mother's illegitimate son, Nikolas's son."
Victor questioned, "You said that Monk and Laura are raising him. Why? Is Nikolas an unfit parent?".
LuLu frowned. "No. Unfortunately, Nikolas was murdered by his own uncle who now lives in Port Charles without paying for his crimes."
"Oh Gracious! That's horrible. I am so sorry, Miss LuLu." Victor pulled LuLu into a hug.
"Thank you. You should know that Kevin was great during that time. He helped not only my mom, but Spencer and I get through the loss. Actually, Kevin saved my mom's life. Literally."
"What do you mean?"
LuLu motioned for Victor to sit with her on the couch. She grabbed his hand and said, "Victor, Kevin took a bullet for my mom. My brother's killer, Valentine, aimed the gun at my mom and right before he pulled the trigger Kevin jumped in front of my mom and took the bullet. For the rest of my life, I will be forever grateful and indebted to your son for protecting one of the most important people in my life. You have an amazing son, Victor. He has your soulful, gentle eyes. And your warm, inviting aura. I know you say you gave him nothing, meanwhile, you made him into the man so many love and adore."
Victor was choked up with emotion. He knew is son was a good man, but he didn't know how amazing his Monk would turn out being after everything he went through in life. "Thank you. My son is very brave. He has been from a young age. If you don't mind, could you tell me more about Monk's life today? I know I won't be able to talk to him about it, but I want to know the Monk your mother and your family fell in love with."
LuLu smiled. "Sure. Get comfy. I have so much to tell you."
Victory laughed.
"Well, Kevin was made to be a grandfather. My father isn't a present figure. I love him, but he misses out on a lot of things because he craves adventure and the unknown. Kevin is the perfect grandfather. He goes to all the grandsons' sport games and he attends every ballet recital of my daughter's. He plays with them and takes them to Kelly's for lunch when he has free afternoons. He took in Spencer. He's raising a little hellion. But Spence adores him. They are thick as thieves. He gives the best advice. Now, I'm a Spencer. That means we don't take advice from others well. But Kevin, he tries to get me to listen. During my custody case for my daughter, though I didn't listen, looking back Kevin gave great advice and didn't hold it against me that I was practically ignorant to him when he was just trying to help. He's the father figure in my life that I never thought I needed. He keeps our family calm. But the best part of Kevin is how much he loves my mother. I haven't seen my mom smile so much in a long time. He was her friend first, then it turned to something more, especially after he took that bullet for her. She dug it out of him and saved his life. They compliment each other really well. My mom is truly a free spirit, but because my father was a larger free spirit, my mother had to tone back. She had to become the responsible one, who followed rules and strictures. With Kevin, she can be free. She still has rules she wants Spencer to follow, but she's alive again. Your son brought so much joy into all of our lives. Thank you, Victor, for Kevin."
Victor pulled LuLu into a tight hug. He whispered in her ear, "Thank you. I am so happy that he's happy. Thank you for giving him the family he deserved all this time."
LuLu responed, "If my mom was here, she would talk about how much he completes us. We Spencers always need someone to hold us down. When it was just my mom and dad decades ago, it was my grandma, Lesley and Aunt Ruby. Later, my mom was the enforcer. She held us down and let us have a home in Port Charles. Now, it's Kevin. He fills the hole we didn't know was open."
Victor grinned. "I can't wait to meet her."
LuLu said, "I can't believe you lived in Port Charles for some time and never crossed paths."
Victor asked, "What is she like? I mean, I have heard the legend of Luke and Laura. But what is Laura like?"
"Why don't you ask me and find out?", questioned Laura from the front door.
LuLu and Victor turned towards the entry of the house and saw Laura set her purse down before walking over to the couch and joining them. Laura stretched out her hand and introduced herself, "Hello. I'm Laura, Kevin's wife. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Victor smiled and shook Laura's hand. "Nice to meet you as well, Laura. I'm Victor, Kevin's father. I must tell you that you are more beautiful in person. Your pictures are lovely, but the human form is breathtaking."
Laura blushed and said, "Thank you. Now I know where Kevin gets his flirting skills from."
"Did you visit Kevin?", asked LuLu.
Laura responded, "Yes. Griffin was fine with the GH companion act. Kevin and I had a really nice time. I wish I could act normal with him, but this is so much better than having to ignore him completely."
"What act?", asked Victor.
"That I am volunteer at the hospital and that I was assigned to be his hospital companion while he is recovering," said Laura.
"Did Monk buy it?", questioned Victor.
Laura nodded. "Yes. Thank God. But he saw my rings. So, he thinks I'm married to another man."
LuLu asked, "What did you tell him?"
Laura responded, "Just that it is a very complicated situation. He bought it and we moved on from that topic. But, anyway, Victor it's a pleasure to meet you."
Victor smiled. "Like wise. Your lovely daughter was telling me all about how Monk has been a blessing to you and your family's lives. But, by the pictures I have seen of Monk with various people in your family, it seems you have been a blessing to him. Thank you for making my Monk so happy."
Laura pulled Victor into her embrace. "Thank you for your amazing son."
Kevin was laying in his hospital bed finishing up the only good thing General Hospital serves: raspberry ice cream. He was watching some program on the History Channel about the Holocaust when someone knocked on his door. "Come on in. I'm decent."
"Hello Monk."
Kevin looked up and saw his father for the first time in many years. He noticed Victor looked the same, but aged. He still had the same youthful twinkle in his eyes, but Kevin could sense his father was nervous. The father and son haven't talked in years. Victor pushed Kevin away, something Kevin never understood. "What are you doing here, Victor?"
Victor took a step towards Kevin's bed. "Someone reached out and told me that you had major surgery. I thought it was time to visit you. Check up on you."
"Why?", asked Kevin in a short tone of voice.
Victor took a step back. "You're my son. I care about you."
"Really? I may have some memory loss, but I do remember you distanced yourself completely from me. I wanted to help you after Mary died, but you were so insistent that you didn't need your own son. I wouldn't have minded one bit to take you with Lucy and I to Paris with Serena. But, no. You didn't want anything to do with me. Your own son. We missed many years together, Victor, and we finally formed a bond. We had a real father son relationship, but you were the one who quit on me. So, don't come marching in here and saying you care about me because I am your son", said Kevin sternly.
"Monk, I'll leave but I really need to explain to you what happened. Please. I swear I will leave if you really want me to, but please let me explain my side."
Kevin rolled his eyes but nodded.
Victor said, "I wanted you to be able to live your life without having to worry about your mentally ill, widowed father. I put you through so much as a child, especially with your mother. I also made you deal with Ryan all by yourself. I didn't want to burden you anymore that I already did. Monk, you are such an amazing man. I wanted you to finally be free from your nutty family and have a fulfilling life. You were and will always be my pride and joy. I wanted to give you something that you deserved: freedom. I know I don't deserve this third chance, but I would really appreciate it. I want to be here for you during your recovery."
"Where have you been living?", asked Kevin.
Victor knew this was Kevin's way of accepting his apology and trying to break the ice wall that has formed in between them because of their many years apart. Victor responded, "Beechers Corners Elderly Care Facility."
"Wow that's nearby. Do you like it there?"
Victor nodded. "Yes. It's very nice. They even have a Polka Night. So, I get to play my accordion that you so love."
"So love my ass. That thing caused my ears to bleed", joked Kevin.
"Excuse me. But the people at the facility love my accordion playing", said Victor laughing.
"Sure, they do. Have you been keeping up with your medication?"
"Yes, Doctor. That's one of the reasons I entered myself into the facility. They keep tabs on my medicine. I have taken all three of my pills everyday for the past 15 years like clockwork. How's Serena? I haven't spoken to her in ages."
Kevin replied, "She's doing great. She's finishing up law school. She came to visit last year because Lee Baldwin, Scott's father, passed away. We had lunch. She's great. Paris suits her."
Victor smiled. "She was always a great girl. She's going into the family business I see."
Kevin nodded. "Yeah, but I think she'll be more like Lee than like Scott. Thank God."
Victor laughed. "I see you still hate him."
"Yeah, but I have this sense that out of our rivalry I won. I don't know how. Maybe because I don't remember, but I feel like I won the prize that he could never get."
Victor knew exactly what Kevin was talking about: Laura. Victor knew he had to watch what he said around Kevin about Laura. "Well, Monk maybe in time it will come to you what you won."
Kevin agreed. "Hey, who told you about me being in the hospital? Was it Lucy or Mac?"
Victor replied, "No, it wasn't them. However, it was someone who thinks the absolute world of you. That's all you need to know."
"So, we have pictures and clothes all packed up for both you and Spencer. Tomorrow we'll pack up Spencer's room furniture and a couple other items around the house. We got a lot done today. Don't you think, Mom?", said LuLu.
"Yeah. We sure did", replied a distracted Laura.
LuLu sat next to her mother on the couch and said, "Mom, what's wrong?".
"I really hate this."
"What part? Kevin not remembering you, moving in with me, moving out of here? Which one?"
Laura yelled, "All of them!"
LuLu said, "Mom, calm down."
Laura replied, "I can't calm down. My husband doesn't remember me as his wife. I have to move out of our house with Spencer in tow. I hate that I keep counting on you to invite me to live with you when you should be living your own life with your husband and kids. I just want everything to go back to normal. I want Kevin to remember everything. I miss my husband. I hate having to move out of this house. It's like my marriage is over, but we're not divorced. I just hate this. I really hate this!".
LuLu hugged her sobbing mother. "Mom, everything seems like such a mess right now, but you can get through this. You are the strongest person I know. You made it through being married to Scott Baldwin, catatonia, the Cassadines! You can do this. You have me, Dante, Mac, Elizabeth, Bobbie, and now Victor to help you. I know Kevin doesn't remember your love story, but I know he'll be falling back in love with you in no time. You're special, Mom. Trust me. Just so you know, my favorite compliment is when people tell me I'm a lot like you. It's an honor."
Laura wiped her tears away. "I thought you hated that."
LuLu replied, "When I was young and sick of the world, I did. Everyone kept telling me how much I looked like you and acted like you. I hated it because one, you are a lot to live up to and two, I was scared to go crazy. But, look at you. You beat the odds. So, when people tell me I'm a lot like you, it is the greatest compliment ever. Now, come on. Wipe those tears away. You have another busy day of being Kevin's companion tomorrow."
Laura smiled and pulled her incredible daughter into her embrace once more.
