Still kissing Emily, Nikolas backed her up against a nearby wall. He
pressed his body against hers. It took Emily a second to comprehend what
was going on. She pushed against Nikolas but he kept his lips glued to
hers. She hit him over the head with her purse and finally Nikolas lifted
his head. He stared down at her lips as Emily stumbled back. Getting her
balance back she jumped at him, attacking him.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
Nikolas grabbed her by the shoulders and held her still. "Hey, hey, I'm
sorry but thanks. You saved my life."
"What?" Emily said.
"There were these guys." Nikolas lied. "I owe them some money, they were
looking for me, and I kissed you so they wouldn't see me. Thanks."
Last night Nikolas decided to change his plans. Taking his place as the
Cassadine heir wasn't that important and after seeing Laura he knew he
wasn't ready to meet with her face to face. The only thing on his mind was
the hatred he felt for Lucky Spencer. Lucky had everything that was
supposed to be Nikolas's. And Nikolas was going to fix that by taking
everything that was his. Starting with his girlfriend.
Emily wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and glared at him. "I don't
care if they were going to *shoot* you, that's no excuse for grabbing and
kissing me or anyone else!"
"Why?" He folded his arms and grinned. "Because you liked it?"
"W-what?" Emily stammered. "Look, just don't ever come never me again."
"Maybe we should start over. My name's Nikolas." He stuck out his hand.
Emily stared at his hand. "Like I'm going to tell you my name."
"Come on. Let's not walk away mad." He said softly and reached for her.
Emily stepped away from him. "Come near me again and I'll have you
arrested."
"All that because of a little kiss…" Nikolas tilted his head to the side.
"I assume you aren't in a relationship then."
"Of course I am." Emily quickly said. "Why am I even telling you this?"
"I just assumed because of the way you reacted. I guess your boyfriend
isn't fulfilling your needs. I mean the way you kissed me back…"
"I did not!" She denied. "Lucky's keeps me satisfied, thank you."
"Lucky?" Nikolas laughed. "His name's Lucky?"
"Yes, what's so wrong with—no," Emily shook her head. "I'm not going to get
into this with you. Stay away from me."
Emily turned and quickly walked away. Nikolas called out with laughter in
his voice. "Hey, you still didn't tell me your name."
Emily's encounter with Nikolas left her disoriented. She couldn't believe
his audacity and she couldn't keep his deep brown eyes out of her mind. She
walked through the town blindly, thinking about how mad he made her. She
forgot about meeting with Lucky at the PCU campus and found herself outside
the Cassadine Inc. building. Making a quick decision she went inside.
Elizabeth was typing up a letter for Carly when Emily walked up her desk.
Emily waited until Elizabeth looked up expectantly at her. "Yes?"
"Is Carly in?" Emily asked.
"Do you have an appointment?" Elizabeth immediately asked.
"No but if Carly's in, I want to have a quick word with her." Emily folded
her arms.
Elizabeth sat back in her seat. "I'm afraid if you don't have an
appointment then I can't let you go in."
"She's in there right?" Emily pointed at Carly's closed doors. "And I bet
she's not busy either. She'll want to see me."
Elizabeth cocked an eyebrow. "You say that now, I let you in, Ms. Cassadine
gets upset, and it's my butt on the line. I don't think so."
Emily rolled her eyes. "Just buzz her and let her know that Emily
Quartermaine is here."
"Why don't I just schedule you an appointment? I think she has some time
free later in the week." Elizabeth pulled out her copy of Carly's book and
waited for Emily to answer.
Emily held up a hand. "Never mind, I'll just go in myself."
Elizabeth jumped out of her seat. "Wait!"
But she was too late. Emily had already opened the doors. Carly looked up
in surprise. Emily walked in. "Hi."
"I'm sorry. She doesn't have an appointment and she wouldn't let me
schedule on." Elizabeth glared at Emily.
Carly had already came around her desk to lay an arm around Emily's
shoulders. She could tell that something was wrong with the girl. "That's
fine."
"I should have called first." Emily said as Carly led her to a seat.
Instead of taking her seat again, Carly leaned against her desk and studied
Emily.
"Do you need me for anything?" Elizabeth asked.
"No." Carly shook her head without taking her eyes off Emily. She waited
until Elizabeth had closed the doors behind her before speaking. "What's
going on? Are you sure that everything's all right with you and Lucky?
Because he may be family but if he hurt you, I'll take care of him for
you."
"No, I…this guy!" Emily spat out and jumped up out of her seat. Carly
watched as Emily paced angrily through Carly's office.
"I guess you don't mean Lucky then. What guy?" Carly inquired.
"This guy off the street just grabbed me and kissed me." Emily said.
"What street where you on again?" Carly asked.
"I don't remember. It was just he made me so mad." Emily clenched her fist.
"A strange guy pops out of nowhere and kisses you? Yeah that would make me
mad. How was it?"
"I don't know. It was okay." Emily waved her hand. "It was short, he
*claimed* he needed a cover from some guys he owed money too."
"Oh, never get involved with a guy who borrows money." Carly advised.
Emily stopped in her tracks to stare at Carly. She placed her hands on her
hips. "I'm not going to get *involved* with him. Hello, I'm *engaged*."
"I know that." Carly shrugged. "Okay, so what happened after he kissed
you?"
"I hit him, we started to argue and I told him if he ever came near me
again I'd have him arrested." Emily joined Carly on the desk.
"All that for a little kiss?"
"He said the same thing." Emily narrowed her eyes.
"Was he cute?" Carly had to ask.
"I guess," Emily shrugged, "he had nice eyes, long hair though."
"You noticed his eyes?" Carly nudged her slightly.
Emily nudged her back. "What are you doing?"
"Trying to help you out. You've been acting weird for days now and today
you finally seem like you snapped out of your funk."
"By encouraging me to think about my attacker?" Emily covered her face with
his hands.
"If he had really been all that bad you would be down at the police
department having him brought in on charges. Instead you're here with me
venting." Carly shrugged. "He got to you, huh?"
"He ticked me off. He started talking about Lucky…Lucky, oh my god!" Emily
jumped up.
"What is it?"
"I'm supposed to be meeting Lucky on campus. I'm late!" Emily squealed. She
started to dash for the door.
"Call me and we'll set up a real lunch okay?" Carly called out.
Emily ran back over and grabbed Carly's hand. "Listen, do not say a word to
Lucky or Jason about this. Lucky would, I don't know, go out and look for
the guy and I'm scared to even *think* of what would happen then."
"I promise." Carly swore.
"Thanks." Emily smiled gratefully.
~*~*~
The next morning Carly walked into her office and was slightly surprised to
see Helena sitting behind her desk. Carly raised her eyebrow and quietly
closed the door behind her. She crossed the room and placed her briefcase
on the desk. She looked over her shoulder at her door and then back at
Helena.
Helena slowly stood up and said with a small smile. "Don't be angry with
your little secretary-slash-guard dog. She was on break when I came in."
"Elizabeth doesn't go on breaks." Carly said simply.
"Really?" Helena asked softly.
"Why are you here, Grandmother?" Carly sighed. She didn't have time for a
go-around with Helena. Growing up on the island Stefan and Alexis tried to
shield her from Helena. Carly always knew that Helena resented the fact
that she was born female and that her mother was a teen-age hooker. But
that didn't stop Carly from trying to form a relationship with the powerful
woman that most of her family hated. She felt drawn to her. For a short
time she and Helena became close until Stefan stepped in and put a stop to
it.
"I can't visit my darling granddaughter?" Helena walked around the desk.
She and Carly exchanged air kisses. Carly took her seat behind the desk and
studied her suspiciously.
"You have an agenda, you always do." Carly shrugged. "What is it, Helena?"
"I was in town—"
"Visiting some friends, right?" Carly smirked.
"And I thought it would be nice to stop in and see you." Helena finished.
"Right. Well, don't be a stranger, Helena. I'll see you in about…two years.
Is that okay?" Carly said in dismissal.
"We've never been close have we?" Helena said.
"Two weeks when I was eight." Carly said softly. "And then my father
informed me you tried to have me and my mother killed while she was still
pregnant."
"That was all in the past." Helena said with a smile.
"The past, right." Carly pressed her lips together.
"I mean, you have less use for that woman than I do." Helena laughed.
"That may be but she's still my mother." Carly said.
"Of course." Helena looked down at her. "Everything is well with you, my
dear?"
"Yes." Carly said irritated. "If this is your yearly grandmother concern,
can it wait until I'm in a better mood?"
"I trust your parents are…fine." Helena continued.
"Why don't you swim out to Wyndemere and see for yourself?" Carly said.
"And that little doctor person I heard you've become engaged to? I haven't
met him yet."
"And you never will."
"I'm only looking out for your welfare." Helena said.
"I don't need your concern. I can take care of myself and my father is
always there."
"Yes but your father is being distracted my your trollop of a mother. He
won't be there to look out for you." Helena took delight in seeing Carly's
hand curl into a fist.
Carly closed her eyes. "Be that as it may, I would rather depend on my
secretary before I ever look to you for help."
Helena shrugged delicately. "Fine, never say I never offered my help."
She started to walk towards the doors. She looked over her shoulders. "I'm
staying in the harbor for a while. Stop by and we'll have tea."
"Of course, Grandmother." Carly said with faux sweetness. She blew her a
kiss. "I love our visits. Do come again."
Helena smiled and let herself out. Carly waited until she was sure she was
gone before buzzing Elizabeth. "Did you let my grandmother in here?"
"No ma'am." Elizabeth said quickly. "I had no idea she was inside until she
came out."
Carly rubbed her forehead. "Did you leave your desk?"
"Yes, but it was only for a moment." Elizabeth said.
"Next time, lock my doors when you leave your post. I don't want *anyone*
getting in here when I'm gone."
"Anyone?" Elizabeth questioned.
"Anyone except my father and Al." Carly corrected. She disconnected and
then began to search her desk. Helena could have gone through her desk
while she was waiting for Carly to show up.
~*~*~
That afternoon at General Hospital Jason handed a file to Barbara. She
said. "I was looking for this."
"I wanted to check in on Mr. Smith." Jason shrugged.
"How is he?" She asked.
"He's doing well." Jason nodded. "Much better since the surgery of course."
"Of course." She hesitated. "How is Carly? I haven't seen her much and
she's just a little upset with her father and me."
"Actually, I'm really not sure. I haven't spoken to her lately."
"Well when you do, tell her to call Stefan. She's too stubborn to pick up
that phone and so is he." She started to move away. "Oh and don't let her
know it was my idea. She'll never do it then."
A low wolf whistle came out of nowhere followed by. "Hello Nurse Spencer."
Barbara smiled flirtatiously as the whistler came into view. "Dr. Ramsey.
That is *not* appropriate behavior in a hospital."
"Who cares about being appropriate?" Chris laughed. He wrapped an arm
around Barbara's waist. "How about we just stop with all the games and run
off to an island paradise together?"
She removed his arm and patted his cheek. "That's sweet but you are aware
that I'm old enough to be you're…aunt?"
"Never stopped me before." He leered.
"Dr. Ramsey. Behave." She admonished before walking away. Knowing that he
was watching she swayed seductively as she went.
Chris chuckled and shook his head. "What a woman."
"Watch yourself." Jason warned him. "Stefan Cassadine might not like you
flirting with his ex-wife."
"It's harmless flirting." Chris shrugged. "But what I wouldn't give to find
out if she'll live up to it…Don't you ever wonder? Wait, what I am saying?
You've got the daughter."
"Like I said, watch yourself." Jason glowered angrily at him.
"Okay, okay." Chris held his hands up in surrender. He wasn't about to get
into a fight because of reckless remark. And mess up his hands and face? He
wasn't crazy. "I'm sorry."
"What did Ramsey step into this time?" Karen Wexler arrived behind them.
"He opened his mouth." Jason muttered.
"About Carly." Chris shrugged.
Karen raised an eyebrow. "And for that you were going to beat him up? Jeez,
I should be dead then."
"She gets away with it and I get threatened?" Chris frowned.
"Karen doesn't get away with it either." Jason stared her down. "I wish you
both wouldn't talk about Carly."
"Hey, I'm not saying anything bad. I think she's pretty damn hot. You're
lucky, man." Chris slapped him on the back.
Karen snorted. "Well I think you can do much better. Hell, you have."
"Oh God, your five minute romance in high school." Chris rolled his eyes.
"As an ex it's my obligation to look out for him." Karen impulsively
reached out and rubbed Jason's shoulder. She smiled to herself when he
didn't move away.
"I wish all exes thought that way." Chris looked mournfully as Eve Lambert
passed them by. "Eve, how about we go out for some martinis?"
Eve didn't even stop to look at him. Chris shook his head. "I'm a fool."
"But you gotta try." Jason nodded. "Good luck."
"I could use it." Chris grinned before taking off after Eve.
"It is kind of sweet that he still has hope." Karen admitted. The hand that
was on his shoulder moved to play with the hair at the back of his neck.
"Maybe I shouldn't have either."
"Karen…" He grabbed her hand. He held it firmly between his.
"She makes you miserable Jason. I've seen it." Karen said softly.
"You've maybe seen me at a few bad moments but it's not like that all the
time." He smiled gently. "Carly and I…she's good for me and I'm good for
her. I love her, Karen."
"She uses you, Jason. She's not marrying you, she's collecting you."
Jason sighed and shook his head. He absentmindedly rubbed his thumb across
the back of Karen's hand. She took a step forward so that they were a
breath away from each other. She touched his check softly and murmured.
"Jason…"
"Ahem." They both turned to see Carly staring at them with her arms folded.
"Hello."
"I should be going. I have patients to check in on." Karen slowly moved
away, deliberately letting Carly know that she wasn't scared of her. "I'll
see you later, Jason. Goodbye Carly."
"Dr. Wexler." Carly said coolly. Karen strode away and Carly glanced at
Jason.
"Now Carly," Jason began to explain.
"Did I say anything?" Carly said. "I thought I was meeting you here for
lunch. That was today right?"
Jason looked at her, confused. "You aren't upset about what just happened?"
"That?" Carly gestured towards the direction that Karen went in. "Wexler
isn't my cup of tea but if that's what you're attracted to…So where do you
want to eat? Caroline's? Something place else?"
Jason grabbed her arm and pulled her close to him. She smiled at him but he
continued to stare at her. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"
"That you and Dr. Wexler are having an affair? Yes." Carly said
matter-of-factly.
"Carly!" He said shocked. "I am not—"
"Jason, honey, listen…" She caressed the side of his face. "I won't be
angry if you and Dr. Wexler are sleeping together. I understand if you have
pre-wedding jitters or want to sow some wild oats or something. I'm willing
to share. Just understand that anything that happens before the wedding is
fine but when the ring goes on your finger you belong to me and I won't
share my husband. No other women, Jason, do you understand me?"
"Carly, you're crazy." He said. "I am not sleeping with Karen. I don't want
to. I love *you*."
"Of course you do." Carly smiled. "Now lunch?"
"Do you understand what I'm saying? I have no desire to cheat on you. Why
would I want to sleep with anyone else?"
"I don't know." She shrugged. "Experimentation? Fulfill a fantasy? And it's
not really cheating if I know about it before hand."
"I don't understand you sometimes." Jason shook his head.
"Some people would say that's a good thing." She smirked.
"This isn't funny. You're telling me to cheat on you."
"I'm just letting you know it's okay if you want to. I may not be giving
you exactly what you need." She rubbed the back of his neck. She could tell
that the concept was bothering him. It probably had to do with the way his
parents cheated on each other left and right.
"If that was the case then I'd tell you what I wanted. I don't want to turn
to outside sources." He suddenly narrowed his eyes and looked at her
suspiciously. "You aren't…you aren't doing that are you?"
"Oh of course not." Carly lied easily. He was obviously not ready for the
truth and wouldn't understand about her and Sonny. "You fulfill my every
need, baby."
He still looked at her oddly. She sighed. Why won't he just let it die?
"Instead of Caroline's, let's get Chinese."
"Carly…"
"Look, you don't like it? Fine, I won't bring it up again. Just remember if
happen to…kiss her, you don't have to feel guilty. Unless of course we're
married and then you better get out of the country." She grinned up at him.
"Now Chinese or what?"
He pinched the bridge of his nose. "You…Chinese is fine with me."
~*~*~
"I'm disappointed in you, my prince." Helena's voice carried to Nikolas as
he entered the small room he rented. Her manservant was nowhere in sight.
"How are you disappointed in me?" Nikolas asked. He knew he should be
worried that he found this woman in his room waiting for him. He was a
little unnerved by the fact that she knew where he was staying and that she
was able to get in.
"Number one, I gave you all that information and so far you haven't done
anything with it and number two, I told you to cut your hair."
"You keep ragging on my hair." Nikolas jumped on the last comment because
he knew she was right. He was wasting time. He grabbed a pair a scissors
and hacked at his hair. It fell on the floor at his feet. "There."
Helena clicked her tongue and reached into her purse. She pulled out a
handful of bills and thrust it at him. "Go to the barber, have him clean
that up, and buy yourself a decent suit."
Nikolas stared at the money hesitantly before taking it. He shoved it into
his pocket. "Okay, you did what you came here for. Thanks."
Helena pressed her lips together. "You know that's not why I came. I came
to check up on you and look what I find? You living in this dump when you
should be taking over the Cassadine Empire. Why are you denying your
birthright?"
"I'm trying to get this all together in my head." He shrugged. "I saw my
mother once but I couldn't bring myself to go to her. She was with her
family…"
"Are you not a part of her family?" Helena said softly. "No matter, you can
talk to your mother *after* you take back what is rightfully yours, my
prince."
Nikolas raised his hand. "Could you not call me prince? It's strange."
"It's who you are." Helena said. "Tomorrow, you will begin to take your
place. You have wasted enough time already."
Nikolas nodded slowly. She was right. He was dragging this out. He was
letting his hatred for Lucky Spencer overshadow his true goals. Of course
that didn't mean he was going to give up on the girlfriend plan. He could
do both at the same time. "Okay, tomorrow, I will see what I can do."
Helena walked over to him and grabbed his face between her hands. "That
does not sound like the confidence a prince should have."
He took a breath and said. "Tomorrow I *will* take my place."
She squeezed his chin. "Perfect. Do not disappoint me again or else I shall
have to go with my alternate plan."
"Plan?" Nikolas questioned. "What are you talking about? This is about me."
"Of course it is." She cooed. "I'm just looking our for you and your
interests."
~*~*~
Emily restlessly flipped an old magazine as she sat in the waiting room
later that afternoon. She was nervous about this appointment. She'd
actually forgotten about it yesterday when the stranger kissed her but when
she finally met up with Lucky it came back to her. Emily threw the magazine
back on the coffee table and bit her lip. She stared at the closed door.
She was right on time but it looked like the appointment before hers was
running long.
The door finally opened and when Emily saw the couple emerging she jumped
up. She needed to hide, quick!
Kevin and Alexis Collins walked out still talking to Dr. Newman. Kevin had
his hand protectively resting on Alexis's stomach. Dr. Newman said. "Come
back and see me again in a few weeks but like I said before things are
right on schedule. Everything seems to be—"
"Seems?" Kevin jumped on the word. "What do you mean seems?"
"Is, I mean, everything *is* normal right now." The doctor quickly
corrected.
"Kevin, stop bothering the doctor." Alexis softly chided him.
"I get this with many first time fathers, it's no bother." She smiled.
"It's—Emily?" Alexis noticed her trying to sneak away. "What are you doing
here?"
"Alexis? I thought it was you." Emily mustered up a smile. "I think I'm in
the wrong waiting area."
"Where you here to see Dr. Newman?" Alexis asked.
"Dr. Newman?" Emily repeated and slapped her forehead. "Oh my god, I *am*
in the wrong waiting area. I was supposed to meet my mother…I've been so
scatterbrained lately that I must have gotten all turned around and came in
here by mistake. I had no idea! Thanks for letting me know. Bye!"
They watched as Emily quickly darted away. Dr. Newman spoke first. "Well. I
think I hear my phone ringing." She went back into her office.
Alexis looked at Kevin. "I wonder…"
"What do you wonder?" Kevin asked as he rubbed her stomach. She brought her
hand up to cover his.
"Monica Quartermaine's office is at least two floors above this one and the
other side of this building. There's no way Emily could have been that
mixed up."
"Obviously she didn't want anyone to know that she had an appointment
here."
"Do I seem like a gossip?" Alexis frowned.
"No, of course not." He assured her. "Now you don't have anything pressing
to do right? Your niece isn't trying to run you ragged is she?"
"I wish you'd give Carly a chance."
"Only when she gives me one." He said.
"You two are like children." Alexis shook her head.
"Uh-huh." Kevin murmured. "If your schedule's free how about I take you
home and give you a nice massage?"
"Massage?" Alexis looked at him out of the corner of his eye. "Isn't that
how I ended like this?"
He laughed softly and covered her mouth with a slow gentle kiss. Alexis
cupped the back of his head and returned the thorough kiss.
Down the hall Emily watched the embracing couple, hoping that they would
move from in front of Dr. Newman's office soon. She only had to wait a few
minutes more before they did actually leave. Once they were gone she went
into the office.
She slid into the chair across from the doctor. "I'm sorry for running out
like that it's just—"
Dr. Newman held up a hand. "There's no need, I understand."
Emily took a deep breath. "So…"
The doctor reached into her desk. "I have the test results back."
Emily nervously twisted her engagement ring. "And?"
"And." She paused before smiling broadly at Emily. "You are not pregnant."
"Oh thank God." Emily slumped down into her chair. "I knew I did the right
thing coming to you. I took two tests, one said I was, the other said I
wasn't. I was so confused and scared."
"It's understandable that you were frightened. A girl your age. You didn't
have to go through this alone. Did you tell Lucky?"
"No. Of course not." Emily immediately said.
"Oh…"
"Now it's not like that. This baby would have been Lucky's. I'm *not* like
that." Emily swore.
"I didn't say you were." Dr. Newman tried to backpedal. "It's just that you
two are engaged and it's seems strange that you would keep this from him."
"I wanted to be sure before I said anything." Emily looked at her hands. "I
love him but I didn't want to lay this on him. It would have been such a
burden. We're so young…I…"
She reached across the desk and patted Emily's arm sympathetically. "I
understand."
"Now I have nothing to worry about." Emily grinned with happiness.
"No you don't. Just try to be more a little more careful so you don't have
any more of these scares." The doctor advised.
Emily nodded solemnly. "Of course. I will be even more careful from now
on." She rose to go. "And Doctor Newman, you won't forget what we discussed
the last time?"
"I will not say a word to your parents."
Emily said. "Thank you. They would only flip if they knew that I thought I
was pregnant."
"Surely they realize that you're sexually experienced?"
Emily laughed. "They still think I'm twelve years old."
pressed his body against hers. It took Emily a second to comprehend what
was going on. She pushed against Nikolas but he kept his lips glued to
hers. She hit him over the head with her purse and finally Nikolas lifted
his head. He stared down at her lips as Emily stumbled back. Getting her
balance back she jumped at him, attacking him.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
Nikolas grabbed her by the shoulders and held her still. "Hey, hey, I'm
sorry but thanks. You saved my life."
"What?" Emily said.
"There were these guys." Nikolas lied. "I owe them some money, they were
looking for me, and I kissed you so they wouldn't see me. Thanks."
Last night Nikolas decided to change his plans. Taking his place as the
Cassadine heir wasn't that important and after seeing Laura he knew he
wasn't ready to meet with her face to face. The only thing on his mind was
the hatred he felt for Lucky Spencer. Lucky had everything that was
supposed to be Nikolas's. And Nikolas was going to fix that by taking
everything that was his. Starting with his girlfriend.
Emily wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and glared at him. "I don't
care if they were going to *shoot* you, that's no excuse for grabbing and
kissing me or anyone else!"
"Why?" He folded his arms and grinned. "Because you liked it?"
"W-what?" Emily stammered. "Look, just don't ever come never me again."
"Maybe we should start over. My name's Nikolas." He stuck out his hand.
Emily stared at his hand. "Like I'm going to tell you my name."
"Come on. Let's not walk away mad." He said softly and reached for her.
Emily stepped away from him. "Come near me again and I'll have you
arrested."
"All that because of a little kiss…" Nikolas tilted his head to the side.
"I assume you aren't in a relationship then."
"Of course I am." Emily quickly said. "Why am I even telling you this?"
"I just assumed because of the way you reacted. I guess your boyfriend
isn't fulfilling your needs. I mean the way you kissed me back…"
"I did not!" She denied. "Lucky's keeps me satisfied, thank you."
"Lucky?" Nikolas laughed. "His name's Lucky?"
"Yes, what's so wrong with—no," Emily shook her head. "I'm not going to get
into this with you. Stay away from me."
Emily turned and quickly walked away. Nikolas called out with laughter in
his voice. "Hey, you still didn't tell me your name."
Emily's encounter with Nikolas left her disoriented. She couldn't believe
his audacity and she couldn't keep his deep brown eyes out of her mind. She
walked through the town blindly, thinking about how mad he made her. She
forgot about meeting with Lucky at the PCU campus and found herself outside
the Cassadine Inc. building. Making a quick decision she went inside.
Elizabeth was typing up a letter for Carly when Emily walked up her desk.
Emily waited until Elizabeth looked up expectantly at her. "Yes?"
"Is Carly in?" Emily asked.
"Do you have an appointment?" Elizabeth immediately asked.
"No but if Carly's in, I want to have a quick word with her." Emily folded
her arms.
Elizabeth sat back in her seat. "I'm afraid if you don't have an
appointment then I can't let you go in."
"She's in there right?" Emily pointed at Carly's closed doors. "And I bet
she's not busy either. She'll want to see me."
Elizabeth cocked an eyebrow. "You say that now, I let you in, Ms. Cassadine
gets upset, and it's my butt on the line. I don't think so."
Emily rolled her eyes. "Just buzz her and let her know that Emily
Quartermaine is here."
"Why don't I just schedule you an appointment? I think she has some time
free later in the week." Elizabeth pulled out her copy of Carly's book and
waited for Emily to answer.
Emily held up a hand. "Never mind, I'll just go in myself."
Elizabeth jumped out of her seat. "Wait!"
But she was too late. Emily had already opened the doors. Carly looked up
in surprise. Emily walked in. "Hi."
"I'm sorry. She doesn't have an appointment and she wouldn't let me
schedule on." Elizabeth glared at Emily.
Carly had already came around her desk to lay an arm around Emily's
shoulders. She could tell that something was wrong with the girl. "That's
fine."
"I should have called first." Emily said as Carly led her to a seat.
Instead of taking her seat again, Carly leaned against her desk and studied
Emily.
"Do you need me for anything?" Elizabeth asked.
"No." Carly shook her head without taking her eyes off Emily. She waited
until Elizabeth had closed the doors behind her before speaking. "What's
going on? Are you sure that everything's all right with you and Lucky?
Because he may be family but if he hurt you, I'll take care of him for
you."
"No, I…this guy!" Emily spat out and jumped up out of her seat. Carly
watched as Emily paced angrily through Carly's office.
"I guess you don't mean Lucky then. What guy?" Carly inquired.
"This guy off the street just grabbed me and kissed me." Emily said.
"What street where you on again?" Carly asked.
"I don't remember. It was just he made me so mad." Emily clenched her fist.
"A strange guy pops out of nowhere and kisses you? Yeah that would make me
mad. How was it?"
"I don't know. It was okay." Emily waved her hand. "It was short, he
*claimed* he needed a cover from some guys he owed money too."
"Oh, never get involved with a guy who borrows money." Carly advised.
Emily stopped in her tracks to stare at Carly. She placed her hands on her
hips. "I'm not going to get *involved* with him. Hello, I'm *engaged*."
"I know that." Carly shrugged. "Okay, so what happened after he kissed
you?"
"I hit him, we started to argue and I told him if he ever came near me
again I'd have him arrested." Emily joined Carly on the desk.
"All that for a little kiss?"
"He said the same thing." Emily narrowed her eyes.
"Was he cute?" Carly had to ask.
"I guess," Emily shrugged, "he had nice eyes, long hair though."
"You noticed his eyes?" Carly nudged her slightly.
Emily nudged her back. "What are you doing?"
"Trying to help you out. You've been acting weird for days now and today
you finally seem like you snapped out of your funk."
"By encouraging me to think about my attacker?" Emily covered her face with
his hands.
"If he had really been all that bad you would be down at the police
department having him brought in on charges. Instead you're here with me
venting." Carly shrugged. "He got to you, huh?"
"He ticked me off. He started talking about Lucky…Lucky, oh my god!" Emily
jumped up.
"What is it?"
"I'm supposed to be meeting Lucky on campus. I'm late!" Emily squealed. She
started to dash for the door.
"Call me and we'll set up a real lunch okay?" Carly called out.
Emily ran back over and grabbed Carly's hand. "Listen, do not say a word to
Lucky or Jason about this. Lucky would, I don't know, go out and look for
the guy and I'm scared to even *think* of what would happen then."
"I promise." Carly swore.
"Thanks." Emily smiled gratefully.
~*~*~
The next morning Carly walked into her office and was slightly surprised to
see Helena sitting behind her desk. Carly raised her eyebrow and quietly
closed the door behind her. She crossed the room and placed her briefcase
on the desk. She looked over her shoulder at her door and then back at
Helena.
Helena slowly stood up and said with a small smile. "Don't be angry with
your little secretary-slash-guard dog. She was on break when I came in."
"Elizabeth doesn't go on breaks." Carly said simply.
"Really?" Helena asked softly.
"Why are you here, Grandmother?" Carly sighed. She didn't have time for a
go-around with Helena. Growing up on the island Stefan and Alexis tried to
shield her from Helena. Carly always knew that Helena resented the fact
that she was born female and that her mother was a teen-age hooker. But
that didn't stop Carly from trying to form a relationship with the powerful
woman that most of her family hated. She felt drawn to her. For a short
time she and Helena became close until Stefan stepped in and put a stop to
it.
"I can't visit my darling granddaughter?" Helena walked around the desk.
She and Carly exchanged air kisses. Carly took her seat behind the desk and
studied her suspiciously.
"You have an agenda, you always do." Carly shrugged. "What is it, Helena?"
"I was in town—"
"Visiting some friends, right?" Carly smirked.
"And I thought it would be nice to stop in and see you." Helena finished.
"Right. Well, don't be a stranger, Helena. I'll see you in about…two years.
Is that okay?" Carly said in dismissal.
"We've never been close have we?" Helena said.
"Two weeks when I was eight." Carly said softly. "And then my father
informed me you tried to have me and my mother killed while she was still
pregnant."
"That was all in the past." Helena said with a smile.
"The past, right." Carly pressed her lips together.
"I mean, you have less use for that woman than I do." Helena laughed.
"That may be but she's still my mother." Carly said.
"Of course." Helena looked down at her. "Everything is well with you, my
dear?"
"Yes." Carly said irritated. "If this is your yearly grandmother concern,
can it wait until I'm in a better mood?"
"I trust your parents are…fine." Helena continued.
"Why don't you swim out to Wyndemere and see for yourself?" Carly said.
"And that little doctor person I heard you've become engaged to? I haven't
met him yet."
"And you never will."
"I'm only looking out for your welfare." Helena said.
"I don't need your concern. I can take care of myself and my father is
always there."
"Yes but your father is being distracted my your trollop of a mother. He
won't be there to look out for you." Helena took delight in seeing Carly's
hand curl into a fist.
Carly closed her eyes. "Be that as it may, I would rather depend on my
secretary before I ever look to you for help."
Helena shrugged delicately. "Fine, never say I never offered my help."
She started to walk towards the doors. She looked over her shoulders. "I'm
staying in the harbor for a while. Stop by and we'll have tea."
"Of course, Grandmother." Carly said with faux sweetness. She blew her a
kiss. "I love our visits. Do come again."
Helena smiled and let herself out. Carly waited until she was sure she was
gone before buzzing Elizabeth. "Did you let my grandmother in here?"
"No ma'am." Elizabeth said quickly. "I had no idea she was inside until she
came out."
Carly rubbed her forehead. "Did you leave your desk?"
"Yes, but it was only for a moment." Elizabeth said.
"Next time, lock my doors when you leave your post. I don't want *anyone*
getting in here when I'm gone."
"Anyone?" Elizabeth questioned.
"Anyone except my father and Al." Carly corrected. She disconnected and
then began to search her desk. Helena could have gone through her desk
while she was waiting for Carly to show up.
~*~*~
That afternoon at General Hospital Jason handed a file to Barbara. She
said. "I was looking for this."
"I wanted to check in on Mr. Smith." Jason shrugged.
"How is he?" She asked.
"He's doing well." Jason nodded. "Much better since the surgery of course."
"Of course." She hesitated. "How is Carly? I haven't seen her much and
she's just a little upset with her father and me."
"Actually, I'm really not sure. I haven't spoken to her lately."
"Well when you do, tell her to call Stefan. She's too stubborn to pick up
that phone and so is he." She started to move away. "Oh and don't let her
know it was my idea. She'll never do it then."
A low wolf whistle came out of nowhere followed by. "Hello Nurse Spencer."
Barbara smiled flirtatiously as the whistler came into view. "Dr. Ramsey.
That is *not* appropriate behavior in a hospital."
"Who cares about being appropriate?" Chris laughed. He wrapped an arm
around Barbara's waist. "How about we just stop with all the games and run
off to an island paradise together?"
She removed his arm and patted his cheek. "That's sweet but you are aware
that I'm old enough to be you're…aunt?"
"Never stopped me before." He leered.
"Dr. Ramsey. Behave." She admonished before walking away. Knowing that he
was watching she swayed seductively as she went.
Chris chuckled and shook his head. "What a woman."
"Watch yourself." Jason warned him. "Stefan Cassadine might not like you
flirting with his ex-wife."
"It's harmless flirting." Chris shrugged. "But what I wouldn't give to find
out if she'll live up to it…Don't you ever wonder? Wait, what I am saying?
You've got the daughter."
"Like I said, watch yourself." Jason glowered angrily at him.
"Okay, okay." Chris held his hands up in surrender. He wasn't about to get
into a fight because of reckless remark. And mess up his hands and face? He
wasn't crazy. "I'm sorry."
"What did Ramsey step into this time?" Karen Wexler arrived behind them.
"He opened his mouth." Jason muttered.
"About Carly." Chris shrugged.
Karen raised an eyebrow. "And for that you were going to beat him up? Jeez,
I should be dead then."
"She gets away with it and I get threatened?" Chris frowned.
"Karen doesn't get away with it either." Jason stared her down. "I wish you
both wouldn't talk about Carly."
"Hey, I'm not saying anything bad. I think she's pretty damn hot. You're
lucky, man." Chris slapped him on the back.
Karen snorted. "Well I think you can do much better. Hell, you have."
"Oh God, your five minute romance in high school." Chris rolled his eyes.
"As an ex it's my obligation to look out for him." Karen impulsively
reached out and rubbed Jason's shoulder. She smiled to herself when he
didn't move away.
"I wish all exes thought that way." Chris looked mournfully as Eve Lambert
passed them by. "Eve, how about we go out for some martinis?"
Eve didn't even stop to look at him. Chris shook his head. "I'm a fool."
"But you gotta try." Jason nodded. "Good luck."
"I could use it." Chris grinned before taking off after Eve.
"It is kind of sweet that he still has hope." Karen admitted. The hand that
was on his shoulder moved to play with the hair at the back of his neck.
"Maybe I shouldn't have either."
"Karen…" He grabbed her hand. He held it firmly between his.
"She makes you miserable Jason. I've seen it." Karen said softly.
"You've maybe seen me at a few bad moments but it's not like that all the
time." He smiled gently. "Carly and I…she's good for me and I'm good for
her. I love her, Karen."
"She uses you, Jason. She's not marrying you, she's collecting you."
Jason sighed and shook his head. He absentmindedly rubbed his thumb across
the back of Karen's hand. She took a step forward so that they were a
breath away from each other. She touched his check softly and murmured.
"Jason…"
"Ahem." They both turned to see Carly staring at them with her arms folded.
"Hello."
"I should be going. I have patients to check in on." Karen slowly moved
away, deliberately letting Carly know that she wasn't scared of her. "I'll
see you later, Jason. Goodbye Carly."
"Dr. Wexler." Carly said coolly. Karen strode away and Carly glanced at
Jason.
"Now Carly," Jason began to explain.
"Did I say anything?" Carly said. "I thought I was meeting you here for
lunch. That was today right?"
Jason looked at her, confused. "You aren't upset about what just happened?"
"That?" Carly gestured towards the direction that Karen went in. "Wexler
isn't my cup of tea but if that's what you're attracted to…So where do you
want to eat? Caroline's? Something place else?"
Jason grabbed her arm and pulled her close to him. She smiled at him but he
continued to stare at her. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"
"That you and Dr. Wexler are having an affair? Yes." Carly said
matter-of-factly.
"Carly!" He said shocked. "I am not—"
"Jason, honey, listen…" She caressed the side of his face. "I won't be
angry if you and Dr. Wexler are sleeping together. I understand if you have
pre-wedding jitters or want to sow some wild oats or something. I'm willing
to share. Just understand that anything that happens before the wedding is
fine but when the ring goes on your finger you belong to me and I won't
share my husband. No other women, Jason, do you understand me?"
"Carly, you're crazy." He said. "I am not sleeping with Karen. I don't want
to. I love *you*."
"Of course you do." Carly smiled. "Now lunch?"
"Do you understand what I'm saying? I have no desire to cheat on you. Why
would I want to sleep with anyone else?"
"I don't know." She shrugged. "Experimentation? Fulfill a fantasy? And it's
not really cheating if I know about it before hand."
"I don't understand you sometimes." Jason shook his head.
"Some people would say that's a good thing." She smirked.
"This isn't funny. You're telling me to cheat on you."
"I'm just letting you know it's okay if you want to. I may not be giving
you exactly what you need." She rubbed the back of his neck. She could tell
that the concept was bothering him. It probably had to do with the way his
parents cheated on each other left and right.
"If that was the case then I'd tell you what I wanted. I don't want to turn
to outside sources." He suddenly narrowed his eyes and looked at her
suspiciously. "You aren't…you aren't doing that are you?"
"Oh of course not." Carly lied easily. He was obviously not ready for the
truth and wouldn't understand about her and Sonny. "You fulfill my every
need, baby."
He still looked at her oddly. She sighed. Why won't he just let it die?
"Instead of Caroline's, let's get Chinese."
"Carly…"
"Look, you don't like it? Fine, I won't bring it up again. Just remember if
happen to…kiss her, you don't have to feel guilty. Unless of course we're
married and then you better get out of the country." She grinned up at him.
"Now Chinese or what?"
He pinched the bridge of his nose. "You…Chinese is fine with me."
~*~*~
"I'm disappointed in you, my prince." Helena's voice carried to Nikolas as
he entered the small room he rented. Her manservant was nowhere in sight.
"How are you disappointed in me?" Nikolas asked. He knew he should be
worried that he found this woman in his room waiting for him. He was a
little unnerved by the fact that she knew where he was staying and that she
was able to get in.
"Number one, I gave you all that information and so far you haven't done
anything with it and number two, I told you to cut your hair."
"You keep ragging on my hair." Nikolas jumped on the last comment because
he knew she was right. He was wasting time. He grabbed a pair a scissors
and hacked at his hair. It fell on the floor at his feet. "There."
Helena clicked her tongue and reached into her purse. She pulled out a
handful of bills and thrust it at him. "Go to the barber, have him clean
that up, and buy yourself a decent suit."
Nikolas stared at the money hesitantly before taking it. He shoved it into
his pocket. "Okay, you did what you came here for. Thanks."
Helena pressed her lips together. "You know that's not why I came. I came
to check up on you and look what I find? You living in this dump when you
should be taking over the Cassadine Empire. Why are you denying your
birthright?"
"I'm trying to get this all together in my head." He shrugged. "I saw my
mother once but I couldn't bring myself to go to her. She was with her
family…"
"Are you not a part of her family?" Helena said softly. "No matter, you can
talk to your mother *after* you take back what is rightfully yours, my
prince."
Nikolas raised his hand. "Could you not call me prince? It's strange."
"It's who you are." Helena said. "Tomorrow, you will begin to take your
place. You have wasted enough time already."
Nikolas nodded slowly. She was right. He was dragging this out. He was
letting his hatred for Lucky Spencer overshadow his true goals. Of course
that didn't mean he was going to give up on the girlfriend plan. He could
do both at the same time. "Okay, tomorrow, I will see what I can do."
Helena walked over to him and grabbed his face between her hands. "That
does not sound like the confidence a prince should have."
He took a breath and said. "Tomorrow I *will* take my place."
She squeezed his chin. "Perfect. Do not disappoint me again or else I shall
have to go with my alternate plan."
"Plan?" Nikolas questioned. "What are you talking about? This is about me."
"Of course it is." She cooed. "I'm just looking our for you and your
interests."
~*~*~
Emily restlessly flipped an old magazine as she sat in the waiting room
later that afternoon. She was nervous about this appointment. She'd
actually forgotten about it yesterday when the stranger kissed her but when
she finally met up with Lucky it came back to her. Emily threw the magazine
back on the coffee table and bit her lip. She stared at the closed door.
She was right on time but it looked like the appointment before hers was
running long.
The door finally opened and when Emily saw the couple emerging she jumped
up. She needed to hide, quick!
Kevin and Alexis Collins walked out still talking to Dr. Newman. Kevin had
his hand protectively resting on Alexis's stomach. Dr. Newman said. "Come
back and see me again in a few weeks but like I said before things are
right on schedule. Everything seems to be—"
"Seems?" Kevin jumped on the word. "What do you mean seems?"
"Is, I mean, everything *is* normal right now." The doctor quickly
corrected.
"Kevin, stop bothering the doctor." Alexis softly chided him.
"I get this with many first time fathers, it's no bother." She smiled.
"It's—Emily?" Alexis noticed her trying to sneak away. "What are you doing
here?"
"Alexis? I thought it was you." Emily mustered up a smile. "I think I'm in
the wrong waiting area."
"Where you here to see Dr. Newman?" Alexis asked.
"Dr. Newman?" Emily repeated and slapped her forehead. "Oh my god, I *am*
in the wrong waiting area. I was supposed to meet my mother…I've been so
scatterbrained lately that I must have gotten all turned around and came in
here by mistake. I had no idea! Thanks for letting me know. Bye!"
They watched as Emily quickly darted away. Dr. Newman spoke first. "Well. I
think I hear my phone ringing." She went back into her office.
Alexis looked at Kevin. "I wonder…"
"What do you wonder?" Kevin asked as he rubbed her stomach. She brought her
hand up to cover his.
"Monica Quartermaine's office is at least two floors above this one and the
other side of this building. There's no way Emily could have been that
mixed up."
"Obviously she didn't want anyone to know that she had an appointment
here."
"Do I seem like a gossip?" Alexis frowned.
"No, of course not." He assured her. "Now you don't have anything pressing
to do right? Your niece isn't trying to run you ragged is she?"
"I wish you'd give Carly a chance."
"Only when she gives me one." He said.
"You two are like children." Alexis shook her head.
"Uh-huh." Kevin murmured. "If your schedule's free how about I take you
home and give you a nice massage?"
"Massage?" Alexis looked at him out of the corner of his eye. "Isn't that
how I ended like this?"
He laughed softly and covered her mouth with a slow gentle kiss. Alexis
cupped the back of his head and returned the thorough kiss.
Down the hall Emily watched the embracing couple, hoping that they would
move from in front of Dr. Newman's office soon. She only had to wait a few
minutes more before they did actually leave. Once they were gone she went
into the office.
She slid into the chair across from the doctor. "I'm sorry for running out
like that it's just—"
Dr. Newman held up a hand. "There's no need, I understand."
Emily took a deep breath. "So…"
The doctor reached into her desk. "I have the test results back."
Emily nervously twisted her engagement ring. "And?"
"And." She paused before smiling broadly at Emily. "You are not pregnant."
"Oh thank God." Emily slumped down into her chair. "I knew I did the right
thing coming to you. I took two tests, one said I was, the other said I
wasn't. I was so confused and scared."
"It's understandable that you were frightened. A girl your age. You didn't
have to go through this alone. Did you tell Lucky?"
"No. Of course not." Emily immediately said.
"Oh…"
"Now it's not like that. This baby would have been Lucky's. I'm *not* like
that." Emily swore.
"I didn't say you were." Dr. Newman tried to backpedal. "It's just that you
two are engaged and it's seems strange that you would keep this from him."
"I wanted to be sure before I said anything." Emily looked at her hands. "I
love him but I didn't want to lay this on him. It would have been such a
burden. We're so young…I…"
She reached across the desk and patted Emily's arm sympathetically. "I
understand."
"Now I have nothing to worry about." Emily grinned with happiness.
"No you don't. Just try to be more a little more careful so you don't have
any more of these scares." The doctor advised.
Emily nodded solemnly. "Of course. I will be even more careful from now
on." She rose to go. "And Doctor Newman, you won't forget what we discussed
the last time?"
"I will not say a word to your parents."
Emily said. "Thank you. They would only flip if they knew that I thought I
was pregnant."
"Surely they realize that you're sexually experienced?"
Emily laughed. "They still think I'm twelve years old."