Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with General Hospital. I also borrowed some lines from the episode on Dec. 22/06, which I got from a transcript on TV megasite.
A/N: I think Spinelli is sweet and he was a great friend to Lulu, but am I the only one that sees nothing romantic between them? Seriously I just can't get behind a romance b/w them. I hope the writers don't go there, just like I hope they don't go there with Logan. Then again, I don't have a good track record for writers writing shows the way I like them. That can't be a good sign. Please writers just put Dilu together and I'll never ask for anything else again.
To Choose Life
Chapter 21
As dawn broke and sunlight permeated through the curtain I climbed out of Dillon's bed quietly, careful not to wake him. I redressed quickly and slid the rings off my finger. I placed them on his nightstand and stared at him for a moment. He looked so hot bathed in the sunlight's gentle glow. I ached to be with him. Last night his touch had reminded me of just how much I love him, but I knew better. He didn't love me and I had to accept that, so I left the room.
As soon as I emerged outside I opened my cell phone and called the one person who would be there for me no questions asked.
When he arrived, I climbed into the car just as the tears began to cascade down my face. "You look like shit," Lucas muttered.
"Thank you," I cried.
"What happened?" he demanded. "Do I need to go in there and kick Dillon's ass?"
"He told me he loved me," I sobbed and met Lucas' concerned gaze.
"Remind me again why that's a bad thing."
"He's on the rebound from Georgie. Look what happened last time," I muttered, motioning to my expanded waist.
"I'm sorry Lulu," he said, as he pulled out of the driveway.
"I slept with him again," I confessed.
Lucas turned and looked at me again, worry etched into his face. "Did he take advantage of you?"
"No, he was as sweet as always," I explained.
I cried quietly while Lucas drove through the busy streets of Port Charles. Lucas pulled into a parking lot. "I'll be right back."
I nodded as I sunk into the seat and fell apart. Lucas arrived with popsicles. "I couldn't think of any other way to cheer you up."
I remembered all the times he bought me popsicles to cheer me up when we were kids. "Where do you want to go?" he asked.
"Anywhere, but Port Charles," I announced.
"That can be arranged," he said before putting the car in gear and driving out of the parking lot.
Lucas merged onto a highway and I smiled as Port Charles was barely recognizable in the mirror.
"How has your pregnancy been going?" Lucas asked.
"Fine considering the stress I've been under."
"That's not good Lulu."
"Why can't I escape from Dillon?"
"Do you want the simple answer?"
"I want the honest answer."
"Well overlooking the fact that he got you pregnant, he was your first love. They are not easily forgotten."
"I don't want to hurt anymore," I admitted.
We drove for what felt like hours and then we got lunch and ate in the car along the waterfront. I leaned over and rested my head on my cousin's shoulder. Lucas had always been there for me and today was no exception. "I'm sorry Dillon hurt you," Lucas whispered.
"I just wish our child wasn't going to be in the middle of it."
"Well I will always be available to baby sit my little cousin."
"You know I'm going to have to take you up on that. You can even be an honourary uncle."
Lucas smiled. "I am going to spoil the hell out of this kid."
XXXXX
When we finally returned to Port Charles it was well after dark, but it had been a much needed trip out of the city. He parked the car in front of Carly's and led me up the front steps. I opened the door and met Carly's, Nikolas' and Lucky's very concerned gazes. "Lulu where were you?" Carly demanded.
"Dillon called like 18 times asking people if anyone knew where you were," Nikolas explained.
"Lucas and I took a road trip," I said.
"Dillon made it sound like you were kidnapped. He was terrified. Why didn't you take your cell phone?" Carly asked.
"It died," I muttered. "What's the big deal? I was with Lucas."
"We were worried sick," Lucky said.
"What happened last night?" Carly asked, obviously picking up on what my brother's were missing.
"Nothing, it was a wonderful night," I lied.
Carly cocked her head to the side. "I have told enough lies in my life to be able to tell when someone is lying to me."
"Fine, I'd like to get out of town for the week."
"Lulu, it's almost Christmas," Nikolas exclaimed.
"I can visit some of the other hotels and make myself known," I said to Carly. "I'll fly back for Christmas eve," I promised.
"What happened?" Carly questioned.
"Nothing."
"Lulu?"
"I slept with Dillon, okay? I fell into the trap of vulnerability and we slept together again. Now I don't want to be around him. Is that clear enough?"
"Did he take advantage of you?" Lucky demanded.
"No. It was mutual. Carly, please? I need to set some boundaries now."
"All right, I'll fly you out first thing in the morning," Carly agreed.
"Are you sure you should run from this?" Nikolas asked.
"If I don't, Dillon's going to want to talk about it and I'll end up doing what he wants because I still love him."
"Lulu has a point. Dealing with Sonny, I know what its like to need to set boundaries," Carly agreed.
"Thank you," I said before dropping onto the couch and burying my face in my hands.
Lucas came over to me and touched my shoulder. "I'm going to go. Call me if you need me okay?"
"Thanks Lucas. I really appreciate you being here for me today."
"Anytime," he said gently.
"Oh and one other thing, please no one tell Dillon where I've gone. I don't want him to find me."
"Fair enough."
Lucas left and my brothers offered me some words of support. I told them I was fine and hugged them both goodbye. Nikolas made me promise to be back for his Christmas eve dinner, then they left.
Carly brought me a glass of water and sat down beside me. "What's the whole story?"
"He told me that he loved me," I confessed.
"That's bad?"
"He's on the rebound from Georgie. I will not be that girl again. This was the outcome last time," I said as I pointed at my stomach. "I don't want our child to be hurt because I let him in and years down the road he resents us and leaves."
"Well, at least you know what you want. Make sure you don't let him get the upper hand. I remember when I was vulnerable to Sonny, he would use that to his advantage and I'd always cave and then I would always get hurt."
"This child has to be number one now. I probably would cave with Dillon if I didn't have this child to think about."
"I'm sure it will all be worth it when you hold this little one for the first time."
"I hope so," I said, as I rubbed my hand across my stomach and felt the baby kick in response. "I'm going to go to bed. I'll see you in the morning."
"Good night Lulu," Carly said gently.
"Night."
XXXXX
The next morning, I packed quickly before Dillon could show up. I left my cell phone off so he wouldn't call. Jax drove me to the airport and gave me a rundown of some information about the hotel I'd be visiting. He seemed excited about the trip I was taking. I assumed it was because Carly told him to keep me happy.
I got on the plane and sat down in my chair. I suddenly breathed a sigh of relief. I had escaped him. That sense of relief allowed me to drift off into a peaceful sleep.
The plane arrived at my destination safely and then I was taken to the hotel I'd be staying at. I was greeted at the front desk. "You must be Ms. Spencer."
I nodded. "Yes, I'll be staying here for the week so that I get to see how things are run."
"Well we have your room all ready for you."
"Thank you," I said gently, before the bellboy led me to my room. The room was huge and I had a great view from my window. I was excited about my little vacation and especially excited that I could avoid Dillon.
XXXXX
The week passed by quickly and I was able to avoid all calls from Dillon on my cell, and there had been many. I had actually accomplished a lot at the hotel and felt very confident about my return to Port Charles. Well except for having to face Dillon. Every night that I'd gone to sleep my mind flooded with images of our night together. I could still smell him, taste him and feel his skin on mine.
I was getting larger and larger by the day. It was now extremely obvious that I was pregnant, especially with the long black sweater I put on for my trip home.
I had climbed off the plane at the airport and went directly to General Hospital where they were celebrating Christmas Eve. I loved that I wouldn't fit into the elf costume.
I emerged from the elevator and saw all the children getting ready for Santa. "Aunt Lulu," Cameron exclaimed, as he bounded towards me. I lifted him up and kissed his cheek. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Cam. Did you miss me?"
He nodded before touching my belly. "Baby."
"That's right. I am having a baby. That baby is going to be your cousin, just like Spencer."
"Mommy's having a baby."
"Mommy is having a baby and that baby is going to be your brother or sister."
Cameron giggled as he tightened his hold on my neck and hugged me tightly. "Santa," he shouted, as Dillon approached us in his Santa costume. I peaked around him and saw Georgie dressed as Mrs. Clause. That made me burst out laughing.
"Lulu can I talk to you?" he asked.
"I am spending time with my nephew," I muttered.
"Can we please talk about last week?"
"Probably not."
"Why?"
"I'm not in the mood. I'm exhausted from my flight and I just don't feel like doing this."
"We need to discuss what happened."
"Not tonight."
"Can I at least borrow you after this?"
"Dillon I'm so tired."
"Aunt Lulu's tired," Cameron affirmed.
"Thank you Cameron," Dillon said.
"You and Georgie decide to give marriage another go?" I asked, as I looked at her dressed as Mrs. Clause.
"Funny, but no. We are still over."
"That's sad."
"Stop avoiding. I want to give something to you."
I pressed my hand into my forehead. "Dillon…"
"Please?"
"I don't know. I'll talk to you later. You are needed right now."
Dillon groaned and I backed up to where my brother and sister in law were standing. "Are you okay?" Lucky asked with concern
"I'll be fine. So where's Nikolas?"
"Didn't you hear? Tonight is Spencer's acting debut," Lucky said.
"Is it now and why aren't we there supporting him?" I asked.
"It's cold out," Elizabeth said.
"Well I think maybe I should join them."
"Are you just trying to avoid Dillon?" Elizabeth asked.
"Would I do something like that?"
"Lulu you have to face him. Tell him how you feel," Lucky insisted.
"I love Dillon. I do but we would never work. He is still in love with Georgie and I don't want to be his rebound. This child deserves better."
"So do you," Elizabeth said softly, before wrapping me in an embrace. I allowed my brother and sister in law to comfort me, as I reminded myself why I couldn't have Dillon.
I handed Cameron back to Lucky. "I'm going to go watch Spencer act."
"Okay. We'll see you tonight."
I waved goodbye and began to head towards the elevator. I made eye contact with Dillon and his eyes plead with mine not to run. "Lulu," my aunt Bobbie exclaimed. "Honey, how are you feeling?"
"Tired," I answered gently.
"You don't look so well."
"Christmas is the hardest time without Mom. She should be here. Christmas is her favourite time of year."
"You know, your mom also was very lucky, because she also had a family who made sure she didn't miss it," Aunt Bobbie said gently.
"Yeah, but I'm -- I'm starting to figure out why my dad always bails on Christmas. I mean, I -- I've always known, but now I think I understand. For him, Christmas is synonymous with my mom. And everything that she loved and everything he loses when she's gone. I mean, even the Christmas angel. That's what he called her -- Angel. And it wasn't a nickname, like Cowboy or Gumdrop. It's -- it's real. She was an angel. And without her, he's -- he's incomplete."
"I know, honey. Luke has always pretended to have no use for Christmas. And he's always said things like "It's cheesy, it's commercial, and it's sentimental." But you know something? When we were growing up, every year, he always made sure I had a present, even if he had to steal it."
"Stealing presents -- yeah, that sounds like my dad."
"So before he left this time, he gave me something for you. They wouldn't let your mom have this at Shadybrook. But Luke wanted you to keep it for her," she said as she handed me a small velvet box.
I opened it and felt my heart drop in my chest. "This is my mom's engagement ring."
"And Luke knew that your mom would want you to have it."
"No -- this is a symbol of their love."
"So are you, sweetie. And that's why your dad wants you to keep it for her."
The tears burned my eyes as she wrapped me into her embrace. "I miss her so much."
"I know sweetheart, but she is still alive in your heart and that is what matters. Do you want to join me for Michael and Morgan's pageant?"
"I think I just need a little time alone."
"Okay, Merry Christmas and I'll see you later at Nikolas' dinner."
I nodded. "I'll be there."
As soon as she slipped onto the elevator, I snuck away from the group of people so I could be alone. I stared at the delicate jewelry that sparkled on my finger and brushed away the tears that cascaded down my face.
Once I was alone down an empty corridor I sunk onto the floor and buried my face into my hands, as I remembered just how much I missed my mother.
I cried for quite a long time before I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up to see Dillon crouching beside me. "What's going on?" he asked with extreme concern.
I lifted my hand so he could admire the ring on my finger. He took my hand in his and eyed the jewelry for a second. "Did you get engaged?" he teased.
"It's my mother's engagement ring. My dad sent it for me."
"That's really sweet," he said, as he let go of my hand. "Your Mom would be happy you had it."
"I miss my Mom."
"I know."
"I just want her to be here and there is nothing I can do."
"Come on don't cry, it's Christmas."
"It's not Christmas without Laura Spencer."
"Well its Christmas in there," he said, as he touched my belly. "Come on Lu, show our child how happy Christmas can be."
"I don't feel happy."
"I have something for you that might cheer you up." He reached down and helped me stand up. He then led me towards the elevator. We stepped inside and Georgie followed us in. I began to feel like I was suffocating.
"So you're engaged?" Georgie spat, as she looked at my ring.
"What?" I exclaimed.
"Well Dillon you didn't take long. Or did Lulu persuade you? Guess you got what you wanted all along. Just because you're pregnant doesn't erase everything you did. You are a slut."
"Georgie enough," Dillon shouted.
"We're not together anymore, so you can't tell me what I can and cannot say. I don't believe you," she said angrily. "You bought into her crap. You better watch it Lulu. Dillon has a way of disappointing you when you need him most." Then she stepped off the elevator.
"I am so sorry," Dillon apologized.
"You don't have to apologize for her. I understand her anger. I can't say I blame her."
"She can take it out on me, but I will not tolerate her taking it out on you," he said.
"It's fine Dillon." I followed him out to his car. "Where are we going?" I asked.
"It's a surprise."
"I hate surprises," I muttered.
"No you don't."
"Well I should. Look at my track record for surprises," I muttered, looking at my stomach.
"How is my baby?"
"Active. She likes to kick every time I want to sleep."
"A hell raiser just like her mother."
I smiled. "You better watch your back because once there is two of us…"
"I'll be in heaven."
"Don't do that."
"Do what?"
"Don't make me want to forget that we can't be together."
"Why can't we?"
"You don't love me."
"I beg to differ."
"Dillon, last week was fun. It was nice, comforting…"
"It was sex."
"Yes, we slept together and that can't happen again."
"Why can't you let me in?"
"Last time I let you in Dillon my heart shattered. I am still putting back together the pieces."
"So let me help you."
"We're not doing this. I will not do this. We're not getting together."
"Just like that?"
"Dillon, you want to be with me because Georgie broke your heart…"
"That's not true. I want to be with you because you light up my life."
"We're not doing this," I reiterated more firmly.
"Fine I won't pressure you."
He stopped the car in the middle of suburbia. "What are we doing?"
"I bought this for you," he said as he handed me a set of keys. I followed his gaze to the two storey home he was parked in front of.
"What?"
"I bought you a house, for you and our child."
I sat there speechless for a moment. I had no idea how to respond to what he'd just said.