"What do I want?" Nikolas asked as he thought over his
answer. I want a kiss. No, he couldn't say that. She might slap him. She wasn't
ready yet. "I want to know what you are doing up here."
"That is it?" Emily asked disappointed. She hoped for a more romantic
request.
"It will do, for now." Nikolas swung the bag of food near her face enticing
her with the aroma.
"You don't play fair. I am looking through old boxes." Emily answered. She
wasn't sure how much she should tell him. She had invited him to help, but
now…. It seemed so silly.
"For?" Nikolas asked holding the food above her reach.
Emily couldn't resist the look in his beautiful brown eyes. Something in
them made her trust him. "My father."
Nikolas studied her face. She wasn't kidding. "You think he is in one of the
boxes?" Nikolas asked with a smile.
Emily glared at him, less than amused. "I am looking for letters or
something." Emily said softly.
Nikolas knew not to tease her. This was too serious, too personal. "What
prompted this?"
Emily looked down. He thought it was a bad idea. "Brooke went to live with
Ned. But my father, I didn't have that option. I don't know him. I don't
remember him. I just…. It is like a piece is missing." Emily stumbled as she
tried to explain herself.
Nikolas placed his fingers under her chin and lifted her head. When her eyes
met his he moved his hand to caress her cheek. "I know. I understand. Can I
help?" Thinking over his own life, he knew he could help with more than just
the boxes.
--
V couldn't believe what she heard. Ned didn't often ask for help. As she
constructed her response she saw the look in Ned's eyes change.
Of course she wasn't going to help. She no longer lived in Port Charles.
"You need to get back to Simon?" Ned asked masking the hurt in his voice.
V didn't say anything. She didn't know how she could.
"You came to give me a hug. You came to make sure I was all right. Now you
are going back." Ned sounded defeated. It seemed like everybody he counted on
was no longer around.
"Ned, I…." V started. She didn't know how to continue.
--
Sonny looked at the hurt in Carly's eyes. Realizing he caused the sadness he
winced. "Carly, I…." He began.
"Cut the crap, Sonny. Tell me who she is." Carly demanded.
Feeling uncomfortable with the situation Mike headed towards the door. He
was curious about the same thing. However, he didn't feel right watching them
fight.
"Stay." Sonny commanded. "You should hear this too."
Mike nodded and moved back into the room.
"She was my wife." Sonny admitted finally.
Carly looked back at the picture. "She isn't Lily."
"No, she isn't. We were married before I met Lily." Sonny tried to look into
Carly's eyes. Their expression was the best barometer for Carly's feelings.
However Carly just stared at the picture in her hand.
Mike looked shocked. "You never mentioned her before. Why bring her up now?"
"I didn't bring her up. You broke into my home and took the pictures. Now I
am answering questions about them. I didn't invite you to look at my photo
album. You intruded."
Mike looked hurt. Sonny was right. "Where is she now?" He asked softly.
~~~~~~~
