chapter5
Chapter 5

It had been six months since the attack, and Emily had not fully recovered. Zander couldn't believe that Sorel would send one of his goons to invade his home and attack his fiancee. He had come home from work that night and discovered Emily lying on the floor of the loft, her body lay lifeless. He rushed her to General Hospital where she was admitted and doctors worked feverishly to keep her alive. She was badly bruised, and countless internal injuries from the intruders hand. Emily had spent a few days in ICU and another week in a private room. Her parents visited with her everyday and Zander sat by her bedside night and day. Sonny had arranged for extra protection at the hospital and at the loft. He knew this was a continuation of Sorel's plan to take him down. While Zander and Emily were trying so hard to work passed his past regrets, and now Sorel pulled them back in. They didn't think Sorel would try this again, he was just making his presense known to Sonny and Zander, and this certainly did the job. Sorel had put the fear back in Zander and Emily even from a prison cell.

Emily's parents were concerned more than ever now that this had happened to their daughter and they were even more angry with Zander for putting her in danger. And as if the attack wasn't enough, Zander started taking on more and more responsibilities for Sonny. Her parents had induced an arguement with him in the hallway of the hospital the night Emily was admitted to the ICU. He certainly knew and understood their concerns about the relationship between him and their daughter, this was not the time to have an all out drag out family fight. Zander was more concerned and worried about Emily.

Sonny had really taken Zander under his wing and was preparing him for a higher position in the organization. Emily of course was very worried and afraid at what this new position would bring into their lives as well as for their safety. Zander had been doing his best to protect her from Sorel, but after the attack that night, he was feeling guilty once again that he had let this happen to her. He should of been there, he should of known something like this was bound to happen. Sonny had tried his damndest to reassure Zander that the attack was not his fault, and that Sorel was going to pay the price dearly. Zander knew what Sonny had said he meant and he was not taking this attack lightly. Zander was trying his best to reassure his soon to be wife that he and Sonny would make sure Sorel paid with his life.

Zander had decided to let Emily sleep in this morning, he had drawn the curtains shut so she wouldn't be disturbed by the morning sun that had risen over the bay. Emily was still having nightmares a few times a week, but it had gotten better over the last month or two, there for a while she had been having them every night, once or twice a night. She would wake up in the middle of the night very afraid of what she had awoke from. She was not sleeping well at all, and Zander was trying to be there for her knowing how the nightmares frightened her so. He had made an appointment for her with Kevin Collins who was on staff at the hospital, she reluctantly went to see him. Kevin had prescribed a sedative for her so she could sleep through the night. They had been working on many issues but the attack had taken priority. Emily needed someone to talk to, and though reluctant at first to keep the appointment, she soon became comfortable with the sessions. Alan and Monica had become a part of her life once again at the request of Kevin. All three had been having sessions together for a few weeks now and Kevin had thought it best for them to work through their issues first before asking Zander to join them. Having Emily was the most important part of his life, and if this would help her resolve issues with the family, the attack and their relationship, he was more than willing to work with Kevin and her parents.

Zander was getting more involved with the organization, which also brought fear issues into their relationship. Sonny had asked him to take on more responsibilities at the warehouse, and to work with Jason on a few business matters. Zander sat at the kitchen table since the early morning hours working on coffee orders for the week. He couldn't believe all the paperwork that came along with his new position, and he had been working night and day for the past 2 months. As Zander took another sip from his coffee cup, there was a knock on the door. Rick opened the door as he got up from the table. "Zander we need to talk.." Alexis said as she came into the apartment. Glancing over towards the bed to see if Emily was still sleeping, Alexis noticed her laying there so peaceful like. "Sorry, didn't know she would be still asleep....I'll come back at a better time. " Alexis said as Zander sat down again at the table in the kitchen. "No, don't go Alexis, we can talk here at the table. He said as he moved the paper work so she could sit. What's on your mind?" "I wanted to update you on the Sorel situation.." she said as she opened up her satchel. According to documents Sorel signed when he confessed, there were a few little things I wanted to clear up before I closed this case." Zander couldn't believe it had been almost a year since Sorel confessed to having Ted Wilson murdered, and there was still a few loose ends to be tied up. "Like what...he asked as he looked over the paperwork Alexis handed him. These look to be in order..." "Are you sure, there isn't anything that maybe he forgot to tell us or that you can remember about that night in the motel room. Zander we need to be sure, so look over it carefully." "No, Alexis there is nothing more that I can add to this." Zander replied as he handed back the documents. "Okay then, I guess this is case is finally closed... she said as she closed up her satchel. How are you guys doing? " "Well, besides the fact that Emily is still having nightmares about the attack and worrying about me working for Sonny, everything is just peachy." he said with an attitude. "Well, Sonny will make sure nothing happens to you two. You know he protects his own and the ones he loves, and I believe that you two qualify in that department." She said as she got up from her seat. "I'm sure everything will be fine now, I'm just worried about Emily. She has been through so much over the last 12 months, and I just want to be there for her." Zander said as he looked over at her lying so peaceful in the bed across the room. "Well, I gotta get going, I got an appointment at the PCPD with Dara, so we can close this case. And before I forget to tell you, there is still no proof that Sorel had anything to do with the attack on Emily. I was hoping to have better news for you, Zander." Alexis said as Zander opened the door for her. "I expected as much. Sorel has gotten away with so much, I'm just glad that I was able to help put him away for killing the undercover cop. I'm sure Sonny will take care of Sorel and his organization in due time, Alexis...in due time." Zander said as she walked out the door and turned to face him again. "Rick would you walk Ms. Davis down to her car." he said as he heard Emily calling from inside the apartment. As Rick and Alexis started down the stairs, Zander closed the door and quickly ran to Emily's side.

As he embraced her, he noticed that she was trembling and very shaken about something. Trying to console and comfort her with the touch of his hand, he noticed her eyes were filling up with tears. He wiped the tears from her cheek as he looked deep into her brown eyes. Without saying a word, he had calmed her down yet again from the nightmares that haunt her so. As he watched her drift back to sleep, he couldn't help but think how much both of them have endured over the last year. It was no wonder she had these nightmares and the fear of Sorel. Once he thought she had finally fallen asleep, he quietly got up from the bed and started to walk towards where he was working in the kitchen. "Zander..." she softly said as she felt him leave her side. Don't leave me..." "Oh, honey..I'm not gonna leave you...never." He said as he rushed back to her. "Could you lay with me a while.." she said as she moved over so he could lay down beside her. Zander did as she asked and went to lay down with her. Lying face to face, he took her in his arms and held her so close and Emily wrapped her arms around his waist and layed her head softly on his chest. She knew that everything would be okay now..Zander was here and he would make everything alright....he always did.

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After Alexis left the loft, she drove down to the PCPD for her meeting with Dara. Everything had been going as she had hoped..for all who were involved. She couldn't help but think how this case against Sorel had such reprecussions for so many people, including herself. It was because of this case that she and Ned had split up, and it put such a wedge between him and the Quartermaines. They never understand why she had to defend criminals like Sonny Corinthos and Zander Smith, and why she associated with the darker side of Port Charles. She had discussed the reasons till she was blue in the face with Ned, and there was no compromising this time. It had been three months since the break up and the last she had heard Ned was on tour with the band. She missed him terribly but she knew that this time he was gone for good. No matter how much they loved each other, her job still stood in the way of them being together.

All she needed to do was drop off the documentation that Zander had approved on Sorel's case and she could head home. As she made her way into the police station, she couldn't help but remember the night Zander was released, the night of the shooting. The memories still haunted her after all this time and no matter what she did to bury them, they returned. If it wouldn't be for Sonny...no, she is not going to think about that night. It was all over, the whole ordeal could be put behind her. Sorel was in prison, Emily and Zander were relatively happy, Sonny and Carly had the new baby and she...well she had her work. She was going to go back to her life she once knew....a life without Ned.

The desk Sergeant showed Alexis to the interrogation room where Dara had been waiting for her. The two discussed the case documentation that she had been carrying with her, and Dara proceeded to make notations about the conversation on her steno pad. Dara was not going to give Sorel a legal loophole for him to slip through. She wanted every conversation recorded on video and audio, and all the documents done in triplicate. There was no way Sorel would weasel out on this one.

Alexis left the PCPD and headed for home. She made her way up to the penthouse and as the elevator doors opened Johnny was standing there to greet her. She motioned to him that she wanted to see Sonny as she walked towards his penthouse. Johnny hurried past her and opened the door as he announced that she was there. Sonny was working at his desk while Carly sat at the dining room table giving the baby his bottle. Alexis noticed that Carly was not in an ear shot of the conversation she was about to have with Sonny. He had always expressed his feelings very clearly about Carly staying out of his business dealings, even before this ordeal with Sorel. They spoke quietly about the situation as Carly became more curious about what was going on in the other part of the room. "Would you like me to leave so you two can talk business.." Carly said as she sat patting the baby on his back. I'll take him upstairs and try to put him down for his nap." She said as headed for the stairs. "Thank you Carly, but you really don't have to go...really." Alexis said as she took off her coat. "No...I do..I can see that this is business and it is important, so I 'll go." she replied as held the baby close.

As Carly made her way upstairs, Sonny watched his wife holding his child as she stepped out of sight. "Now, what did Dara say about the documents.." Sonny asked as he walked over and sat on the sofa in the living room. "Well, things look like it's a go, everything seems to be in order. Zander had nothing else to add to the statements Sorel had made and Dara seemed to be happy to finally have the evidence to prove what Sorel had said to be true." She said as she followed Sonny and sat on the edge of the table that sat in front of him. "How are Zander and Emily doing?...He has been reporting in every day but I haven't heard from him in a while." Sonny asked as he noticed Alexis was wringing her ring finger on her left hand where her engagement ring used to be. "They are doing as well as can be expected, I guess." she said as she became more and more fidgety. "Alexis, talk to me..what is it? Ned? " Sonny asked as he reached for her hands. He noticed her hands were like ice and that she really needed someone to talk to. "Sonny, it's nothing..really." She said as he held her hands tightly. "Alexis, come on....something is bothering you, what is it?" he replied as Alexis started to get up from where she had been sitting. "Alexis..sit." "Okay, I'm sitting." "Now tell me what is bothering you so that it makes you so jittery." "Ned." "What about him, I thought you two were finished." "We are, well at least he is..I on the other hand am having a hard time letting go. Letting go of the shooting, letting go of my fears, and letting go of Ned. Sonny I am a wreck, I can't sleep..I am so bogged down with work right now that I don't have to think about the past. But I am constantly reminded about it. I just don't know what to do, and Sonny... I am supposed to be a strong and independent woman, I should be able to handle this, right?" Alexis said as Sonny sat there and listened intently to her rant. "Alexis, we have all been through an ordeal with the shooting and Sorel's trial....give yourself a break. You have been trying to do everything for everybody....you need a break, Alexis." With that said Alexis picked up her coat and her satchel as she headed for the door. "Alexis, are you going to be alright..." Sonny said as he saw her out. "Yeah, I'll be fine..I'll see ya tomorrow." She said as Sonny watched walk across the hall.

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Another week had passed and Emily was seemingly getting better. She and Elizabeth had gone to the studio for a photo shoot and had gone shopping for new outfits. Zander definitely had seen a difference since Emily had been spending practically everyday with Elizabeth. He didn't mind that she was out and about, as long as she stayed close to the guards Sonny had placed as protection for both of them. She had complained a few times about the guards, but she knew she needed to have them around. Zander and Sonny weren't taking any chances with Sorel's men still walking the streets of Port Charles.

Things seemed to be progressing nicely in Emily's sessions with her parents, and Kevin had asked Zander to attend the session next week. He wasn't looking forward to being in the same room with Emily's parents for an hour, but he would endure the session for Emily. His work for Sonny was progressing nicely as well, and Sonny had been planning on sending him on a short business trip with Jason. Zander wasn't sure how Emily would take the news that he would be gone for a day or so, and how she was going to react to the fact that she would have to stay in Port Charles and not come with him. He had asked Sonny not to send him along, but he insisted. Zander knew just from the conversation that Sonny was adamant about him going with Jason. Sonny had been counting on him, he couldn't say no.

Zander had spent most of the day with Jason going over plans for their trip. On his way back from Sonny's penthouse, he ran into Lucky on the docks. He and Elizabeth had been planning their wedding for a few months now, and the big day was coming up fast. Emily was so excited about helping Elizabeth plan the wedding, she had bride magazines scattered throughout the apartment. Zander could see the look in Emily's eyes when she had wedding plans on her mind. He noticed that she would get all excited at the sound of church bells, or when she walked past the bridal shop on Main Street. Zander felt at that moment as he was talking to Lucky, that it was time for he and Emily to plan their own wedding. Emily was doing so much better, and he knew that planning her own wedding would help her so much more. He and Lucky talked a little while on the docks and then said their goodbyes. Zander had been so grateful for Lucky's help with Emily over the past year, it wasn't surprising that the two of them had become friends.

Zander continued on his way down the docks towards home, as he approached the alley he noticed that Sonny had posted another guard. He must be expecting something or else he wouldn't of asked for tighter security. Zander approached the landing of the stairs and one of the guards had come to greet him. They chatted for a bit and then Zander headed up the stairs. He had beaten Emily home which for once was a good thing. Usually once she was home, he couldn't nothing done. She was good at keeping him distracted from his work, and he needed to make a few calls before he left with Jason in a few days. Zander was only home about an hour before Emily walked in with her hands carrying bags from every store on Main Street. Once she was in the door, she dropped the bags on the chair in the living room and removed her coat. She noticed that he was sitting at the kitchen table working on some documents as she walked over and stood behind him. She leaned over his shoulder and kissed him on the cheek as her arms draped over his shoulders. "So, how was your day..hon?" she said as he felt her warm breath on his neck. "Fine and how was your day of shopping with Elizabeth, did you buy out all the stores?!" he said as he noticed all the shopping bags on the chair in the living room. "Of course!...we are girls ya, know....we do love to shop!" she said as she smiled from ear to ear. "I can see that, and I am so glad you are enjoying the time you spend with Elizabeth." he said as he turned himself to face her. "Zander I love spending time with Elizabeth, it is just like it used to be, ya know shopping, girl talk, and just having some fun for a change." she said as he grabbed her and pulled her down to sit in his lap. "You are keeping close to the guards, aren't you?" he said as the conversation turned serious. "Yeah, hon...of course I am. Actually you can't miss 'em...but I'm not complaining, because I know I need to have them." "Yes you do and it will always be that way, Em...are you ready for this? Bodyguards, staying out of business deals and such..are you willing to deal with all of this?" Zander said as he took her face in his warm hands. She was wondering why such a serious tone from him all of a sudden, what had brought all this on. "Okay, spill it.." she replied as she got up off his lap. "Spill what?...There's nothing to spill..I'm just asking my bride to be if she had a problem with living a lifestyle that was so dangerous. Anything wrong with that?" Still not sure where this was going, she played along to humor him. "Zander, I will be your wife whether you work on a fishing boat or whether you are the largest crime boss of the state of New York. I love you and I always will." she said as she ran her fingers through his black hair. This was why he loved her so, she was honest and so devoted to their love and relationship. She loved him no matter what happens she will always be there for him. Emily had walked around him to get a soda from the refrigerator behind him. "Want one?.." she asked as she showed him the bottle of soda in her hand. "Sure, thanks.." he said as he reached for the soda. "So what brought all this on about bodyguards and stuff.." she asked as she walked into the living room and sat down on the sofa. "Well, I ran into Lucky today down on the docks..and...well, we were talking about his wedding day..and well, it hit me..." he said as he sat down beside her. "What hit you...tell me..." she said as she turned and leaned agains the arm of the sofa. "Ya know..our wedding..." he answered as he took a sip from the soda bottle. She could of swore he said their wedding, but just to be sure she asked him again. And he answered the same as before. She couldn't believe what she was hearing, cause they haven't talked about wedding plans or getting married in quite a long time. This whole deal with Sorel had reall been top priority. There was a moment of silence, as she set her soda on the coffee table. "You're serious, aren't you?" she asked as she moved closer to him. "Yes I am...Emily, I want you to be my wife more than anything. I have you as my friend...as my lover...and now I want you as my wife." he said as he turned to her and cupped his hands around her face. I want you to be a part of my life for all time, for eternity. I want to stand up before God and promise to love you, to cherish you, and to be faithful to you for as long as we both shall live." As he said those words to her, he could see that her eyes had filled with tears of joy. "Zander...I want that too. I have wanted that for so long, and for us to be joined as one before all of our friends and family. Okay, maybe not family..she said with a grin. But most definitely our friends." He was so relieved to her say those words, he wasn't sure that she would be up to having a big wedding, with friends and family. But from the way she was talking she was up for just about anything. Zander moved closer to her and kissed her softly on her moistened lips. She was the most beautiful thing he has every laid eyes on, and he wanted to savor every precious moment he had with her. His kiss turned passionate and it had deepened as he wrapped his arms around her and held her close.

He had thought about how he was going to spring this little trip on her and now was as good of time as any to tell her. He was laying with his back agains the arm of the sofa as she laid lengthwise in his arms as the darkness rolled in. Zander reached behind him and turned on the lamp that sat alongside of the couch. "Emily, I need to discuss something with you and I am not sure you are going to like it." he said hesitantly. She turned and looked at him with a puzzled look on her face. "What is it? What do have to tell me?...Zander you can tell me anything, you know that.." She said as she turned over on her stomach as they came face to face. He wrapped his arms around her as she felt his heart beating faster. "Well, Sonny needs me to go with Jason out of town for a few days. And believe me I tried to get out of it...honest...I talked to Sonny this afternoon about it, but he really needs me to go. Emily?" He asked as he noticed she was not paying attention to what he had said. "I heard ya, I was just thinking..." "Thinking?!....thinking about what?" he asked surprised that she could be thinking at this very crucial moment. "What I am going to do with a few days with out you?!" she said as she started to laugh about him being away for a few days. "How many people should I invite?" she asked as he was grining about her last snide comment. "Invite?..Invite for what?"...he asked. "To the wedding, silly...100..200..." "People?!.." "Of course people..." "I thought of a big wedding...you?" "Uh, before we get wrapped up in planning a wedding, what about me going on this trip with Jason?" he as she laid her head on his chest. "Well, if Sonny insists you go, then I guess you have to go. I'll be fine. There is so much stuff to do, I'll keep busy planning the wedding so I won't have to worry about you." "Oh so you're not gonna worry about me?...that's an understatment.." "Of course I worry about you...I worry everytime you go out that door. I worry if you go down the street for a newspaper. Zander I worry about you all the time, and this time won't be any different." she said as she softly kissed him on his cheek. "But you can't let Sonny down, he needs you and you have to go. I'll be fine. Rick is posted outside and I have body guards 24 hours a day...there's nothing to worry about."

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Lucky and Elizabeth's wedding drew closer every passing day. The girls had already gotten their gowns from the bridal shop, and had made arrangements for the alterations. The guys on the other hand had waited till the last minute to order the tuxs from the men's shop, and needless to say Elizabeth was not happy. They were specifically told to order them three weeks ago, but simply forgot. Men!

While Elizabeth and Emily had made plans with Gia to meet at the bridal shop that afternoon for the final fittings of the bridesmaid dresses, and the guys were supposed to go next door and order their tuxedoes. The girls had hoped they remembered. That morning Zander had made a few phone calls to Sonny to let him know where he and Emily would be for the afternoon. Emily of course had been with Elizabeth all morning going over final details for the wedding the following week. There was so much to be confirmed from the minister to the flowers that were to be delivered the morning of the wedding. But Zander could see such a change in Emily for the better, and he really loved to see her smile.

Emily and Elizabeth walked into the bridal shop as Emily's guards waited outside in front of the store. Lucky and Zander waited with them for Nikolas, who was late as usual. They waited only a few minutes before they noticed Nikolas and Gia walking down the sidewalk hand and hand. Nikolas and found something special in Gia, she was good for him. As they approached, Gia kissed him on the cheek and walked into the bridal shop to meet up with the girls. Nikolas continued on and met the guys down the street. Zander, Lucky and Nikolas walked into the men's shop and started browsing the tuxedos that hung on the racks along the back wall of the store. They all had decided to wear similiar tuxes and they knew what style they were looking for. Each of them chose a few styles to try on, and they all walked back towards the dressing room area. Not knowing what size he was, Zander tried on a few different size to be sure of the exact fit.

While the boys were trying on tuxes, the girls were getting their finally fittings for their dresses. The assistant went into the back room to retrieve the dresses the girls had ordered. Each of the girls had their own private dressing room of sorts where they each waited for their dress to arrive. Elizabeth was the first to receive her dress from one of the assistance. She unzipped the plastic garment bag and removed the white sequenced wedding dress. She proceeded to undress from her street clothes so she could try on this beautiful gown that hung before her. The three girls had decided to match each gown as close as possible, right down to the color. Emily and Gia would be wearing an off the shoulder deep burgandy taffita tea length, while Elizabeth wore a white off the should fairly low cut gown with sparkling sequence bodice with a flowing skirt. As Elizabeth was trying to slip the gown over her head the assistant came in to assist her with zipping it up. Elizabeth noticed that the assistant had brought with her a full underskirt for her to try on with the dress. Once Liz had the gown adjusted and the underskirt tied snuggly around her waist, the assistant zipped up the back of the dress. Once she was all tucked into the gown, the assistant went into the other room to get the box Elizabeth would stand on so she could properly adjust the hem. While the assistant was out of the room, Emily and Gia came into the bridal room to see Elizabeth. The girls were speachless. Elizabeth was stunning in the wedding dress she had picked out. The assistant returned with the box and placed it in the middle of the room and offered to help Elizabeth step up so she could hem the dress. The assistant commented on how beautiful the girls looked in their burgandy dresses. It had been one of the happiest times of Elizabeth's life, she wanted to share this with her closest friends. Emily could see how happy she was, and wanted the same for herself. While she was there, she decided to go through some of the bridal dresses that hung along the wall. Elizabeth puzzled at what Emily was doing, she turned and asked her what she was doing looking through the bridal gowns. Emily had completely forgotten to tell her that she and Zander had set the date. All of the excitement about Elizabeth and Lucky's wedding, Emily was just to busy to think about her own.

As the girls were getting pinned and hemmed, the boys were looking very fine in their black and white tuxes. Lucky didn't want to wear any kind of bow tie or ascot with his tux, he wanted something simple. And Zander and Nikolas agreed, simple was the best way to go. Direct and straight to the point. The manager of the store assisted the boys with the hemming of the pant legs as well as a few minor adjustments across the shoulders. Each were a different body type, so it took a while to get the measurements. They had chosen a very nice black and white tuxedoe with a button up shirt that had a small black necklink at the top. Lucky had decided to buy the guys cufflinks to match the tuxes they would order as a thank you gift for being his best men. Lucky couldn't choose between Zander and Nikolas who would be his best man, so he decided both of them would be. It was really just a technicality of the wedding day. As long as he had his best friends there with him, that was all that mattered.

A short time later as the manager was taking the last of the measurements, the girls entered the store. The guys heard them from the back of the shop. How could they not hear them, the girls were laughing and giggling, it really sounded like they were having a good time spending the afternoon together. The boys had decided to buy the tuxes instead of renting them. They were sure they would get use out of them, there were two more weddings in the making. The girls had found their way back to where the boys stood all dapper in their tuxedoes, the boys knew the girls had noticed them because the laughing and giggling had suddenly stopped. The girls stood there in awe of the three handsome men that stood before them. As far as they were concerned the guys could wear those tuxes everyday of the week. It wasn't often that they guys got dressed to the nines, there wasn't many places in Port Charles where they needed to wear tuxedoes.

The girls were actually surprised to see that their guys cleaned up so well, and the boys noticed the smiles on their faces as they watched as the manager measured Nikolas's pant leg. This was the last measurement for the day, and the shop would call as soon as the tuxes were ready for the boys to pick up. The girls waited as the guys went back in the dressing rooms to change. While at the bridal shop Emily had decided on which dress she wanted to order for her own wedding, and the girls had decided to go with the same type dress but in a different color. It would make it so much easier then choosing a whole new dress, which would lead them back to choosing fabric, color, length and style.

The girls had decided to go for dinner after the alterations, but had thought it would be nice to invite the boys along. After agreeing where they would go for dinner, all of them headed back towards Kelly's. It was like old times, but different. Emily, Lucky, Elizabeth, and Nikolas had always been friends, and now Zander along with Gia rounded out their group. Over the past year, all of them had become a close knit group of friends.

Zander and Emily had discussed setting a date to get married, but had decided to wait a little while after Lucky and Elizabeth's. So they had decided on a Spring wedding the following year. It gave them plenty of time to make plans.

Chapter 6