"What are you doing?" Carly had barely said hello before Jax shot out the
question.
"Right now? I'm getting out of my car outside of Cassadine Inc." Carly told
him.
"Work, work, work." Jax grumbled. "That's all you do."
"It's what I like to do." Carly told him cheerfully. Actually it was all
she did lately. With no Jason and no Sonny around she discovered she had a
lot of free time left with nothing to do. Jax occasionally would try to
fill in that time. So far they'd had two dinners and a lunch together.
"Forget about work today. I'm kidnapping you. You and I are going to have
fun today."
"Play, play, play. That's all *you* do." Carly tossed back.
"I manage to make time for both work and play, thank you. You need to also.
Get thee back to thy penthouse and get changed. We're going hiking."
"No." Her tone told him that there was no reason in even bothering to
convince her to go hiking.
"Ok, no hiking… How about bunjee-jumping?"
"Try again, Jasper, and by the way? I'm now outside my office."
"I've got one more up my sleeve." He promised her. "It's a beautiful day
out, let's go sailing."
His suggestion was greeted with silence. "Carly? You still there?"
"Yeah, I was just thinking that you finally came up with a good idea."
Carly glanced at Elizabeth. "Cancel everything for today. I'm taking the
day off."
"Yes ma'am."
"Jax? I'll meet you down at the marina in an hour."
~*~*~
"Ok, how did you know I needed this?" Carly asked as they came back into
the marina later that day.
"Everyone needs a day of sailing. I could tell that you've been wound up a
little tightly lately. Last night you only laughed at one of my jokes." Jax
said.
"That's because I only found one of them funny." Carly smirked.
"You need to find a sense of humor." Jax said. He reached out and pulled
out the ponytail holder Carly had been using to hold her hair back.
As her hair was whipped around her face by the wind Carly shouted, "Jax!"
She pushed at his chest and knocked him on the deck. She covered her mouth
to stifle her giggle at the sight of him sprawled out on the deck. "Sorry!"
She extended her hand to help him up. He grumbled as he took it. "No, you
are not."
On the final word he pulled her hand hard and she fell on top of him. He
rolled over so that he looked down at her. He grinned. "And now we're
even."
"Get off me you nut." Carly squealed.
"No I like this. You at my mercy. You can't escape, my pretty." Jax leered.
"Ew! Don't ever leer at me again." Carly laughed. "Help!"
"No one's around to help you now." Jax said menacingly. Carly tried to
squirm away just as Jax started to tickle her.
"Jax! Stop!" She said between giggles. "Stop! Stop!"
He chuckled and rolled off of her. She sat up and brushed her hair out of
her eyes. She glared at him. "You are so going to get yours."
He got to his feet and let her up. He grinned at her. "Admit it, you have a
better time hanging out with me than you ever had with Quartermaine or
Corinthos."
Carly turned her back on him. "You know absolutely nothing."
Jax wrapped his arms around her and murmured into her ear. "I know more
than you think. They both made you miserable. I make you laugh. Big
difference."
Suddenly the mood had shifted from light and playful to something else. Not
liking the way this was going Carly murmured, "Jax, don't. Okay?"
It was quiet for a very long time before Jax finally cleared his throat and
took a step back. Carly turned around to face him. "Jax, I'm sorry but…"
"It's, it's fine, really." Jax said. He looked away for a moment then when
he looked back he was smiling. "But don't think I'm giving up that easily.
I'll just let it go for now. I'll try again next week."
Carly smiled and impulsively hugged him. "I'll think about it."
He tapped her lips with his finger. "Do more than think about it, dream
about it."
Carly rolled her eyes. "Oh, Jax."
~*~*~
"Your daughter sure works fast." Amy waved a newspaper in Barbara's face
the next morning at the hospital.
Barbara frowned and pushed the newspaper out of her way. It was too early
for Amy. Actually any time was too early for Amy. "What are you talking
about?"
"This!" Amy shoved the newspaper at her. "Not even a week after she and
Jason break up and she's already moving on. Looks like those rumors are
true."
Barbara grabbed the paper from her and stared at it.
"I guess Jasper Jacks is just helping her get over her 'broken heart'." Amy
smirked.
There it was in black and white on the society page. A huge picture of
Carly and Jasper Jacks on a boat, smiling at each other, wrapped in each
other's arms. There was a blurb about the countless dates the two had had
over the past week and how just last week Carly had been engaged to Jason
Quartermaine and their appearance at the Nurses Ball together. Barbara
frowned, is this why she and Jason broke up? And if so, why didn't she tell
anyone?
Barbara looked up at Amy who was waiting for her response. "Do you mind if
I keep this?"
"Go ahead." Amy said cheerfully. She thought about the other copy she had.
"Thanks." Barbara muttered. Just as she was about to walk off Amy caught
her by the arm. "Hey, have you heard the latest about Karen Wexler?"
Barbara shook her hand off. "Amy, really. I don't have time for gossip."
Amy frowned, disappointed. This was really juicy stuff. She'd already
spread it around as much as she could. She spotted an intern that she'd
heard once asked out Karen. "I wonder if he knows?" She murmured then set
off to tell him.
Barbara didn't even notice her leave. She was mentally going over Stefan's
schedule. If she was correct, this was his day to be at the hospital. She
hoped she could catch him alone in his office.
~*~*~
Karen frowned as she entered the break room. The other day when she thought
she was being watched she chalked it up to nerves and lack of sleep but now
she knew she was being watched. And talked about too. Every time she saw
Amy Vining, Amy stared at her funny then whispered something to anyone who
happened to be standing near her. Something was going on.
Karen narrowed her eyes and looked around. Chris and Jason were inside but
as soon as she walked in Chris stopped talking. Jason avoided her and
wouldn't look in her direction.
"Are you going to stand there all day?" Eve asked behind her.
Karen jumped slightly. "Oh sorry."
Eve squeezed in past her and sat down, pointedly ignoring Chris. She pulled
out a newspaper and began to read. Karen took a breath before crossing over
to her locker and removing her purse. She glanced over her shoulder and
caught Chris looking at her. He quickly ducked his head and tried to read
the newspaper with Eve. Eve scowled at him and moved away.
That was it, she decided. Pulling her purse strap over her arm, she turned
and announced to the room, "I'm leaving now guys. You can now go back to
talking about me."
She stormed out of the room. Chris looked at Jason guiltily, "I guess we
weren't as subtle as we thought."
Jason glared at him. "I told you I didn't want to talk about her."
"If I'd known her purse was in here I would have checked it." Chris
murmured.
"Chris." Jason growled. "Shut up."
"I can't believe you're helping Amy spread that gossip." Eve shook her
head.
"And I can't believe you're actually talking to me." Chris said. "You are
talking to me, right?"
"Karen's not going drugs." Eve said simply, ignoring his question. "I
thought you were her friend, you should know her better than that."
"I am her friend," Chris said defensively, "it's just that…"
Eve rolled her eyes and turned her attention to Jason. "What about you? You
seriously don't believe she's on drugs and stealing them from the hospital,
do you?"
"Well, I would like to believe it's not possible." Jason said. He thought
back to Karen's behavior lately. He thought about the way she focused all
her attention on him after she broke up with Jagger, the way she'd had
Carly followed and secretly photographed just to prove herself right…Karen
was acting so out of character anything was possible. "As doctors we do
have an easier access and the temptation…"
Eve made a noise in disgust and threw her newspaper down. "I can't believe
you two. I'm the only one in this hospital that actually believes in
Karen."
She stomped out of the room slamming the door behind her.
"Good going, Jason. First time she acknowledges me in weeks and you go and
ruin it." Chris grumbled. He reached for Eve's discarded newspaper and
began flipping through it.
"I think you were doing a pretty good job of that yourself Chris." Jason
shot back.
"Um, Jason, have you seen today's paper?" Chris asked in a strange voice.
"No? Why?"
"For your own good, don't." Chris said as he started to fold up the paper.
Jason narrowed his eyes, "What's in there that you don't want me to see?"
Chris checked his watch. "Whoa, look at the time. I have to go do rounds.
I'll just take this with me."
Before he could move Jason quickly grabbed the paper from him. Realizing
that he couldn't hide it from Jason any longer, Chris muttered, "Check the
society page."
Jason frowned but he quickly found the right page. Once he saw the picture
and read the accompanying article he stared at it for a moment before
laughing.
Chris just stared at him. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm great." Jason told him.
"You saw the picture right? Carly and that Jasper Jacks guy?" Chris said.
"Yeah and? What Carly does with her life is none of my business anymore."
Jason said casually.
"I get that but…it's only been a few days and look at how she's already
moved on. It doesn't upset you, just a little bit?"
It pissed him off but he wasn't about to tell Chris that. He spread his
hands out and shrugged. "Even if it did, what could I do about it?"
"So what was with that laugh just now? Relief?" Chris joked lightly.
Jason shook his head. He'd been laughing at what Sonny Corinthos must be
going through if he'd seen the paper. Jason briefly wondered if he liked
being used also. Jason shrugged. "Sometimes you have to laugh at life."
~*~*~
"Did you see this? Did you know about it?" Barbara slammed the newspaper
down on Stefan's desk.
"Hello to you too darling." Stefan said calmly as he removed his glasses
and placed them on his desk.
"What?" She shook her head confused until she realized the way her just
storming in there had looked. He'd already been gone for the day when she
woke up and the first time she sees him, she rants at him. She swept around
the desk and placed a kiss on his cheek. "I'm sorry, good morning Stefan."
"Now what is the problem?"
"Did you know about Carly and this Jacks guy?" Barbara pointed at the
paper.
Stefan took his time replacing his glasses and scanning the society page.
Once down he put the paper down, folded his arms, and looked up at her.
"No, this comes to as much of a surprise to me as it does to you."
"Do you think this has to do with her break up with Jason?" She asked. "She
was seeing Jacks and Jason found out about it?"
Stefan sighed. "Didn't I tell you not to pry into Caroline's affairs. If
she *was* seeing Jacks then or if she is now seeing him, it is none of our
business."
Barbara dropped into the chair on the other side of the desk. "I know that.
I just…I'm getting a bad feeling about all this."
"There's nothing to worry about Barbara." Stefan said soothingly. "And if
you must worry do not take this to Caroline. She won't appreciate it even
though you do mean well."
"Stefan, could you…" Barbara looked at him hopefully.
"I will talk to her." Stefan picked up the phone and dialed Carly's private
line. "Caroline, please meet me at General Hospital. Yes. Fine."
He hung up then looked at Barbara silently asking if she was satisfied. She
smiled gratefully. "Thank you darling."
She leaned across the desk and gave him a quick kiss. "I have to get back
to work. I'll see you later tonight. And again, thank you."
~*~*~
Sonny walked into the dressing room at the Paradise just as the last line
of "Happy Birthday" was sung. He smirked. Right on time, he thought. Pop in
with my gift and avoid the singing.
The 'girls' turned around to see who'd just entered and they all squealed
when they saw Sonny. Two rushed over to him. One grabbed the gift he held
and the other took his hand and led him over to the group.
"How are my girls?" He smiled.
"Hi Mr. Corinthos," They replied in unison.
Sonny walked over to the woman in the center of the group. Her blonde hair
was pulled back in a ponytail. She had obviously been getting ready for the
night when the girls sprung the birthday party on her because she wore a
T-shirt over her g-string and bikini top and her face was half made up. He
bent down to brush his lips across her cheek and said. "Happy Birthday
Sarah."
She grinned at him. "Thank you, Mr. Corinthos."
He liked her. She was different from most of the women who worked for him.
She was younger. And unlike the ones who claimed they were only stripping
to pay for school, Sarah Webber actually was. He tended to look out for her
because she gave off this air of innocence. He had a feeling that's what
made her a top draw to the club also.
"I think Tammy has your gift, she grabbed it so fast."
"No opening gifts until after the cake is cut." Tammy said coyly.
"We can open his right now. I'm sure he's busy and I don't want him to have
to wait." Sarah said quickly.
"Sonny can wait five minutes." Tammy huffed, showing off her close
relationship with Sonny by using his first name. Behind her Hannah rolled
her eyes. Tammy could be too much sometimes.
"But—" Sarah started to protest but Sonny cut her off by flashing a smile.
"I don't mind waiting." He took a seat that one of the girls gladly gave up
to him.
"Great." Tammy beamed, happy to have her way. She past Sarah the knife and
instructed her to cut the small cake that someone had brought in.
While Sarah began slicing up the cake and handing pieces out, Hannah sidled
up to Sonny. She pushed a girl out of a chair and said down. She said. "If
you let Tammy's head get any bigger she won't fit in the door."
"Ignore her." He advised.
"This is all your fault." She continued. "You should hear the way she tries
to boss us all around. And after she found out I went with you to the
Nurses Ball she made my life a living hell. She's made it very clear that
she has dibs on you."
Sonny grinned and ignored Hannah's warning. "So how goes the 'Zander
quest'?"
Hannah got a far away look in her eyes. "He sent more roses. Tammy was
insanely jealous."
"Roses again? That's all."
"It's incredibly romantic." Hannah grumbled.
Sarah came up with a slice of cake. She offered one shyly to Sonny. "Would
you like some cake?"
Not sure how to politely decline Sonny began. "Uh…"
"He's watching his waistline." Hannah said helpfully. "I'll take that,
thanks. I can do a few extra crunches if I have too."
"Oh."
"It's okay, Sarah." Sonny told her.
"Hey Tammy," Hannah shouted and waved her fork in Tammy's direction, "is
Sarah allowed to open her gifts yet? You know, like any other grown up?"
Tammy glared at her and snapped. "Yes, she can."
"Then toss the boss's gift over here." Hannah directed.
The small box was passed over until it came to Sonny. He extended it to
Sarah who slowly took it. She'd heard from the other girls that the boss
always gave gifts out for birthdays and the holidays. She'd only been
working for him for a few months so she hadn't been expecting anything. And
she knew it couldn't be anything too nice. She turned the box over in her
hands.
"Open it." Hannah urged.
Sarah tore into the package. She gasped when she saw the gold anklet. It
probably didn't cost that much but to her it was beautiful. She squealed
and impulsively hugged Sonny. He hugged her back then checked his watch.
"I'm sorry but I have to go. I hope you have a great birthday." He said.
Clutching the anklet to her and grinning, she nodded. "Thank you!"
Sonny started to go for the door. Hannah jumped up. She grabbed her purse
and ran after him. "Wait up a sec!"
Sonny turned. "What is it?"
"I know that this is probably a bad idea but just in case you actually get
back together with that woman, you might want to know about this." She said
as she dug around in her purse.
"Know about what?"
"This!" Hannah pulled out the page she'd torn out of the paper. She thrust
it at him.
Seeing only the title Sonny groaned. "I don't want to see the society page
Hannah. I don't care who went where last night."
"Oh yes you do. Look." She held it up and pointed at the picture. "Look!"
Sonny grabbed the paper and stared. He muttered. "Son of a bitch."
~*~*~
Carly knocked briefly at the door to Stefan's office before slipping in.
Stefan was on the phone and glanced up once. He frowned slightly then
smiled. He wondered if she realized that the man-style suit she was wearing
was very similar to his own. Her long hair was held back with two clips and
she was wearing stilettos but other than that they could have been twins.
Carly took a seat in front of the desk, crossed her feet at the ankles and
waited for him to finish his conversation.
"I've told you before and this is the last time, I have no comment on the
Dr. Wexler story. Next time please consult the hospital PR director."
Stefan said smoothly and hung up.
Carly raised her eyebrows and looked at him expectantly.
"That was yet another tabloid calling to inquire whether or not Dr. Karen
Wexler is using drugs. If this gets out any further we'll have several
lawsuits on our hands from her past patients." Stefan filled her in.
Carly nodded. "I overheard some people in the elevator talking about this.
I can't believe that she would knowingly operate on patients high and even
go so far as to steal pills from the hospital. It's so sad."
Something in Carly's tone made Stefan look at her more closely. She smiled
back.
"What are you going to do about this?"
"The board can't afford the lawsuits that may come up nor the bad
publicity. So we're going to have the doctor investigated, see if there is
any truth to these rumors and then take action from there."
Carly uncrossed her legs and leaned in. "If you like I can get my man on it
for you. He's fast, he could have all the information you need in two to
three days."
Stefan frowned. There was something about her eagerness to help. She knew
more about this Wexler situation than she was saying. He wouldn't doubt
that she was behind it all. Rather than push her on it, he would accept her
help. He nodded slightly. "Thank you Caroline, I would appreciate that."
"So what was with the big summons, Father?"
Stefan pulled out the newspaper that Barbara had left and handed it to
Carly. "I wanted to talk to you about this."
Carly took the paper and laughed. "Ok, you don't really care about this so
let me guess, Mother put you up to this?"
He nodded. "She was concerned."
"Concerned?" Carly scoffed. "Spare me my mother's concern. The last time
she was 'concerned' she confronted Helena and got smacked across the face
for her trouble."
"She what?"
"She didn't tell you about that?" She frowned.
"She told me about seeing Helena but she didn't tell me that my mother
dared to strike her." Stefan's expression was thunderous.
Carly shrugged. "You'd have to ask her why she didn't."
Stefan took a deep breath. He would deal with Helena and her actions
towards Barbara later. Though he originally called Carly down to talk about
the newspaper picture he also wanted to tell her about Irena's story.
"You can also tell her that I am not seeing Jax romantically. He's just a
friend." Carly swore.
"A friend who had something to do with your break-up with Jason?"
Carly's eyes darkened. "No, that was something else entirely."
"I never thought Jason was suitable for you," Stefan began.
Carly laughed. "You never think anyone is good enough for me."
"As your father it is my privilege." Stefan smiled gently. "Just like the
way you think no one is good enough for me."
Carly smiled. "We have to stick together, you know."
"Of course."
"Would you like to have dinner with me tonight? Just the two of us at
Caroline's." Carly suggested.
"That would be nice. I don't have anything planned for tonight."
"I wanted to talk to you about Deception. Instead of putting one of our
people on it, I want to run it myself. I want to give it my personal
attention."
"We'll discuss it at dinner." Stefan nodded. "Before you go, I want to tell
you about-"
He was interrupted by Carly's cell going off. "Just a sec." She pulled out
her phone. "Yes? Elizabeth? I'm already here."
She hung up and grinned at Stefan. "The results are in."
~*~*~
"Wait, wait!" Laura called out as she hustled Lulu in the door. They'd just
gotten home from grocery shopping when Laura heard the phone ringing. "I'm
coming!"
She rushed over to the phone, dropped her packages and snatched up the
phone. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said breathlessly,
"Hello?"
She listened for a moment. "Are you sure? But I thought we had to wait a
month. So when should we come in? Right now? Okay, I'm on my way."
"Who was that?" Lulu asked as she shrugged out of her coat.
"The hospital. The results are in. Don't take off your coat, honey. I'm
going to have to run you to your grandmother's."
"But Mom." Lulu whined. She didn't want to get back in the car and go all
the way to her grandmother's place. "The ice cream's going to melt if you
leave it out."
"Ok honey, run next door and see if Louise is home and doesn't mind
watching you for a little bit. I'll meet you there as soon as I put the ice
cream away." Laura grabbed the bag containing the ice cream as Lulu ran out
the front door. In the kitchen she hit the speeddial. "Luke?"
"Yeah darlin'?"
"The results are in. I'm on my way to the hospital." Laura told him quickly
as she tossed the ice cream still in the bag into the freezer. "Lulu's
going to the neighbors. Do you know where Lucky is?"
"He's right here." Luke called out. "Time to get our butts to the
hospital."
Lucky hopped off the barstool. "I'll have to meet you guys there, I have to
make a stop first.
"Cowboy's going to meet us there. Where are we meeting?"
"Dr. Eve Lambert's office." Laura told him.
"Mom!" Lulu came in through the back door. "She said it was alright."
"Great. Luke, I'll see you there."
~*~*~
Helena slowly replaced the phone receiver. She tapped her finger against
her lips. It would seem that she'd been lied to. The DNA results were back.
When she questioned whether or not they would be reliable because they were
so early she was told that a week was the standard amount of time. So
Stefan and Carly thought to stop her from planning anything. She smiled
slightly. Obviously they knew nothing about her.
Nikolas sat staring at the chessboard laid on the table. Across from him
Andreas waited patiently for Nikolas to make his next move. Nikolas picked
up the chess piece and slowly moved it forward. He looked up at Andreas
expectantly.
Andreas closed his eyes and shook his head. "No. I have told you before.
This is chess *not* checkers."
Exasperated, Nikolas swiped his hand across the table and knocked the chess
pieces to the floor. He stood up angrily. "I didn't want to learn this
stupid game in the first place."
Helena came up behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders. She
whispered in his ear. "Calm down, my prince."
He rolled his shoulders back. "Who was that on the phone?"
"The hospital. The DNA results came back in."
"Three weeks early?" Nikolas said, his eyes wide. He sat back down,
stunned. This was what he'd been waiting for. But it was too soon, he
thought, too soon.
"We do not have time for this, Nikolas. You must change into something that
befits your title." Helena ordered him. "Go."
Once Nikolas disappeared into his room to change, Helena picked up the
phone.
"The results are back early. Are you ready in case I have need of you?
Excellent."
~*~*~
"Screw you Lucky Spencer." Emily ranted as she swept around her room
removing everything that reminded her of him. She paused. "No, wait, screw
you Lucas Lorenzo Spencer Junior!"
It had been almost a week and still no word from Lucky. Carly had told her
that she'd talked to him a few days ago but it obviously didn't do any good
because he still wouldn't call her. And she wasn't about to search the
Spencers' place and Kelly's for him. She was desperate but she didn't want
to look that desperate.
At first she was devastated but now after a night of thinking and thinking
about it, she was royally pissed off. She couldn't believe that he would
throw it all away over a stupid mistake. One lousy mistake.
"Forget you too, buddy." She muttered as she picked up a teddy bear that
he'd given her a few Christmases ago.
"Forget who?" Lucky said from the doorway.
Emily turned around and just looked at him. She whispered. "Lucky?"
"Hey baby." He smiled weakly.
Emily narrowed her eyes, glanced down at the bear in her hands. Not
thinking twice she whipped the bear at him, hitting him square in the
chest.
"Hey!" He rubbed the spot she hit him in. "What was that for?"
"What was that for?" She repeated. "What was *that* for?"
"Yeah…"
"You think you can just ignore me for a week and then just waltz right back
in here thinking everything will go back to normal? Yeah, I screwed up
Lucky but I didn't deserve what you did to me. If you didn't want to see me
again you could have just called and told me. Not leave me going crazy
wondering what the hell is going on!" Emily shouted.
Lucky crossed the room and took her into his arms. She buried her face in
his chest. "I'm sorry, baby. After you told me about Nikolas I just--"
"I know." Emily's voice was muffled against his chest, her anger
momentarily forgotten about. "That was all my fault."
"I didn't mean to take so long and then Carly told me about what he did to
you."
Emily gasped. "She told you?"
"Yes. Why didn't you tell me?" He asked gently. "That would have made all
the difference."
Emily shook her head. "I was embarrassed. I couldn't tell you that."
He cupped her face between his hands and stared into her eyes. "I thought
you knew that you could tell me anything. I want you to feel free to tell
me anything, okay?"
Emily took a deep breath. "I saw Nikolas the other day. I told him to stay
away from me."
Lucky closed his eyes. "Good. That's better than what I did to him."
"What did you—" Emily stopped herself. She didn't want to talk about
Nikolas. Not when she was in Lucky's arms. She wrapped her arms around his
waist and leaned her head back on his chest. "So what took you so long?
Still trying to figure out if you can trust me?"
Lucky shook his head. "I just had to get some things clear in my head. And
actually I came over because the DNA results are in and I need to go with
me."
"Yes, of course."
He smiled crookedly at her. "I thought you were mad at me."
"I am." She nodded. "But I know what this means to you and I won't let you
go through this alone. When do you have to be there?"
Lucky looked at his watch. "Right now actually. We'll have to hurry."
~*~*~
"I assume this is…everyone?" Eve glanced around at the group of people
assembled in her office. On one side sat Helena Cassadine. Next to her
chair stood Nikolas and behind them stood Andreas. On the other side sat
Luke and Laura Spencer. In the middle where Stefan and Carly Cassadine.
"Actually, Lucky said he would be here soon." Laura spoke up. She glanced
at Luke who'd been staring down Helena. "He will be here right?"
"That's what he said." Luke murmured. He placed a comforting hand on her
leg. She smiled gratefully in his direction.
Helena said, "It does not matter whether he is here or not, the rest of us
are and we would like to know the results. Now."
Carly grinned evilly. "Sounding a little anxious to proven wrong,
Grandmother."
"Caroline." Stefan murmured. There was no need in antagonizing her now.
The door to the office opened and Lucky and Emily appeared. "Sorry we're
late."
He made his way over to the Spencer side of the room. Carly smiled briefly
at the sight of them reunited. Emily made sure that she didn't make any eye
contact with Nikolas though she knew he was staring at her. Lucky on the
other hand glared at him, clearly telling him to 'stay away'. Luke got up
and offered his seat to Emily.
Eve cleared her throat. "We're all ready now? No one else is expected?"
"This is it doctor." Stefan said.
"Well, then." Eve pulled out the results she'd read earlier. Twice to make
sure she didn't miss anything. "According to this Nikolas is not the son of
Stavros Cassadine."
Carly expelled the breath she hadn't known she'd been holding and jumped up
with her fist in the air. "Yes! I knew it!" She looked around her and saw
everyone staring at her.
"Sit down Caroline." Stefan gritted out. Though he felt as relieved as she
did, he knew better than to act out like that.
"I am so sorry." She swore as she took her seat again. "I have no idea what
came over me."
Nikolas stared at the floor trying not to show any of them how he felt. How
could this be? If he wasn't Stavros's and Laura's son, then who was he? A
soft sob brought his head up. Laura was cradled in Luke's arms crying.
Lucky was trying to help calm her down while Emily just stared across the
room at him. He met her gaze and then she quickly turned her attention back
to Laura.
"This cannot be." Helena said stiffly.
"It is so, Mother." Stefan said.
"Excuse me." Eve said softly but no one paid any attention to her.
She slowly rose, pointing at Stefan. "You did this. You changed the
results. This is Stavros's son."
"Excuse me." Eve said again, this time a little louder.
Carly faked a yawn. "Can it, Grandmother. It's old and you're upsetting
Laura."
"I said, excuse me!" Eve had to shout to get her voice heard. Everyone
turned his or her attention back to her. "Thank you. I wasn't done. Though
the results say he is not a Cassadine they did come back positive for Laura
Spencer."
Laura frowned through her tears. "What—what does that mean?"
Eve told her simply. "It means he *is* your son."
Laura said hopefully. "Luke?"
question.
"Right now? I'm getting out of my car outside of Cassadine Inc." Carly told
him.
"Work, work, work." Jax grumbled. "That's all you do."
"It's what I like to do." Carly told him cheerfully. Actually it was all
she did lately. With no Jason and no Sonny around she discovered she had a
lot of free time left with nothing to do. Jax occasionally would try to
fill in that time. So far they'd had two dinners and a lunch together.
"Forget about work today. I'm kidnapping you. You and I are going to have
fun today."
"Play, play, play. That's all *you* do." Carly tossed back.
"I manage to make time for both work and play, thank you. You need to also.
Get thee back to thy penthouse and get changed. We're going hiking."
"No." Her tone told him that there was no reason in even bothering to
convince her to go hiking.
"Ok, no hiking… How about bunjee-jumping?"
"Try again, Jasper, and by the way? I'm now outside my office."
"I've got one more up my sleeve." He promised her. "It's a beautiful day
out, let's go sailing."
His suggestion was greeted with silence. "Carly? You still there?"
"Yeah, I was just thinking that you finally came up with a good idea."
Carly glanced at Elizabeth. "Cancel everything for today. I'm taking the
day off."
"Yes ma'am."
"Jax? I'll meet you down at the marina in an hour."
~*~*~
"Ok, how did you know I needed this?" Carly asked as they came back into
the marina later that day.
"Everyone needs a day of sailing. I could tell that you've been wound up a
little tightly lately. Last night you only laughed at one of my jokes." Jax
said.
"That's because I only found one of them funny." Carly smirked.
"You need to find a sense of humor." Jax said. He reached out and pulled
out the ponytail holder Carly had been using to hold her hair back.
As her hair was whipped around her face by the wind Carly shouted, "Jax!"
She pushed at his chest and knocked him on the deck. She covered her mouth
to stifle her giggle at the sight of him sprawled out on the deck. "Sorry!"
She extended her hand to help him up. He grumbled as he took it. "No, you
are not."
On the final word he pulled her hand hard and she fell on top of him. He
rolled over so that he looked down at her. He grinned. "And now we're
even."
"Get off me you nut." Carly squealed.
"No I like this. You at my mercy. You can't escape, my pretty." Jax leered.
"Ew! Don't ever leer at me again." Carly laughed. "Help!"
"No one's around to help you now." Jax said menacingly. Carly tried to
squirm away just as Jax started to tickle her.
"Jax! Stop!" She said between giggles. "Stop! Stop!"
He chuckled and rolled off of her. She sat up and brushed her hair out of
her eyes. She glared at him. "You are so going to get yours."
He got to his feet and let her up. He grinned at her. "Admit it, you have a
better time hanging out with me than you ever had with Quartermaine or
Corinthos."
Carly turned her back on him. "You know absolutely nothing."
Jax wrapped his arms around her and murmured into her ear. "I know more
than you think. They both made you miserable. I make you laugh. Big
difference."
Suddenly the mood had shifted from light and playful to something else. Not
liking the way this was going Carly murmured, "Jax, don't. Okay?"
It was quiet for a very long time before Jax finally cleared his throat and
took a step back. Carly turned around to face him. "Jax, I'm sorry but…"
"It's, it's fine, really." Jax said. He looked away for a moment then when
he looked back he was smiling. "But don't think I'm giving up that easily.
I'll just let it go for now. I'll try again next week."
Carly smiled and impulsively hugged him. "I'll think about it."
He tapped her lips with his finger. "Do more than think about it, dream
about it."
Carly rolled her eyes. "Oh, Jax."
~*~*~
"Your daughter sure works fast." Amy waved a newspaper in Barbara's face
the next morning at the hospital.
Barbara frowned and pushed the newspaper out of her way. It was too early
for Amy. Actually any time was too early for Amy. "What are you talking
about?"
"This!" Amy shoved the newspaper at her. "Not even a week after she and
Jason break up and she's already moving on. Looks like those rumors are
true."
Barbara grabbed the paper from her and stared at it.
"I guess Jasper Jacks is just helping her get over her 'broken heart'." Amy
smirked.
There it was in black and white on the society page. A huge picture of
Carly and Jasper Jacks on a boat, smiling at each other, wrapped in each
other's arms. There was a blurb about the countless dates the two had had
over the past week and how just last week Carly had been engaged to Jason
Quartermaine and their appearance at the Nurses Ball together. Barbara
frowned, is this why she and Jason broke up? And if so, why didn't she tell
anyone?
Barbara looked up at Amy who was waiting for her response. "Do you mind if
I keep this?"
"Go ahead." Amy said cheerfully. She thought about the other copy she had.
"Thanks." Barbara muttered. Just as she was about to walk off Amy caught
her by the arm. "Hey, have you heard the latest about Karen Wexler?"
Barbara shook her hand off. "Amy, really. I don't have time for gossip."
Amy frowned, disappointed. This was really juicy stuff. She'd already
spread it around as much as she could. She spotted an intern that she'd
heard once asked out Karen. "I wonder if he knows?" She murmured then set
off to tell him.
Barbara didn't even notice her leave. She was mentally going over Stefan's
schedule. If she was correct, this was his day to be at the hospital. She
hoped she could catch him alone in his office.
~*~*~
Karen frowned as she entered the break room. The other day when she thought
she was being watched she chalked it up to nerves and lack of sleep but now
she knew she was being watched. And talked about too. Every time she saw
Amy Vining, Amy stared at her funny then whispered something to anyone who
happened to be standing near her. Something was going on.
Karen narrowed her eyes and looked around. Chris and Jason were inside but
as soon as she walked in Chris stopped talking. Jason avoided her and
wouldn't look in her direction.
"Are you going to stand there all day?" Eve asked behind her.
Karen jumped slightly. "Oh sorry."
Eve squeezed in past her and sat down, pointedly ignoring Chris. She pulled
out a newspaper and began to read. Karen took a breath before crossing over
to her locker and removing her purse. She glanced over her shoulder and
caught Chris looking at her. He quickly ducked his head and tried to read
the newspaper with Eve. Eve scowled at him and moved away.
That was it, she decided. Pulling her purse strap over her arm, she turned
and announced to the room, "I'm leaving now guys. You can now go back to
talking about me."
She stormed out of the room. Chris looked at Jason guiltily, "I guess we
weren't as subtle as we thought."
Jason glared at him. "I told you I didn't want to talk about her."
"If I'd known her purse was in here I would have checked it." Chris
murmured.
"Chris." Jason growled. "Shut up."
"I can't believe you're helping Amy spread that gossip." Eve shook her
head.
"And I can't believe you're actually talking to me." Chris said. "You are
talking to me, right?"
"Karen's not going drugs." Eve said simply, ignoring his question. "I
thought you were her friend, you should know her better than that."
"I am her friend," Chris said defensively, "it's just that…"
Eve rolled her eyes and turned her attention to Jason. "What about you? You
seriously don't believe she's on drugs and stealing them from the hospital,
do you?"
"Well, I would like to believe it's not possible." Jason said. He thought
back to Karen's behavior lately. He thought about the way she focused all
her attention on him after she broke up with Jagger, the way she'd had
Carly followed and secretly photographed just to prove herself right…Karen
was acting so out of character anything was possible. "As doctors we do
have an easier access and the temptation…"
Eve made a noise in disgust and threw her newspaper down. "I can't believe
you two. I'm the only one in this hospital that actually believes in
Karen."
She stomped out of the room slamming the door behind her.
"Good going, Jason. First time she acknowledges me in weeks and you go and
ruin it." Chris grumbled. He reached for Eve's discarded newspaper and
began flipping through it.
"I think you were doing a pretty good job of that yourself Chris." Jason
shot back.
"Um, Jason, have you seen today's paper?" Chris asked in a strange voice.
"No? Why?"
"For your own good, don't." Chris said as he started to fold up the paper.
Jason narrowed his eyes, "What's in there that you don't want me to see?"
Chris checked his watch. "Whoa, look at the time. I have to go do rounds.
I'll just take this with me."
Before he could move Jason quickly grabbed the paper from him. Realizing
that he couldn't hide it from Jason any longer, Chris muttered, "Check the
society page."
Jason frowned but he quickly found the right page. Once he saw the picture
and read the accompanying article he stared at it for a moment before
laughing.
Chris just stared at him. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm great." Jason told him.
"You saw the picture right? Carly and that Jasper Jacks guy?" Chris said.
"Yeah and? What Carly does with her life is none of my business anymore."
Jason said casually.
"I get that but…it's only been a few days and look at how she's already
moved on. It doesn't upset you, just a little bit?"
It pissed him off but he wasn't about to tell Chris that. He spread his
hands out and shrugged. "Even if it did, what could I do about it?"
"So what was with that laugh just now? Relief?" Chris joked lightly.
Jason shook his head. He'd been laughing at what Sonny Corinthos must be
going through if he'd seen the paper. Jason briefly wondered if he liked
being used also. Jason shrugged. "Sometimes you have to laugh at life."
~*~*~
"Did you see this? Did you know about it?" Barbara slammed the newspaper
down on Stefan's desk.
"Hello to you too darling." Stefan said calmly as he removed his glasses
and placed them on his desk.
"What?" She shook her head confused until she realized the way her just
storming in there had looked. He'd already been gone for the day when she
woke up and the first time she sees him, she rants at him. She swept around
the desk and placed a kiss on his cheek. "I'm sorry, good morning Stefan."
"Now what is the problem?"
"Did you know about Carly and this Jacks guy?" Barbara pointed at the
paper.
Stefan took his time replacing his glasses and scanning the society page.
Once down he put the paper down, folded his arms, and looked up at her.
"No, this comes to as much of a surprise to me as it does to you."
"Do you think this has to do with her break up with Jason?" She asked. "She
was seeing Jacks and Jason found out about it?"
Stefan sighed. "Didn't I tell you not to pry into Caroline's affairs. If
she *was* seeing Jacks then or if she is now seeing him, it is none of our
business."
Barbara dropped into the chair on the other side of the desk. "I know that.
I just…I'm getting a bad feeling about all this."
"There's nothing to worry about Barbara." Stefan said soothingly. "And if
you must worry do not take this to Caroline. She won't appreciate it even
though you do mean well."
"Stefan, could you…" Barbara looked at him hopefully.
"I will talk to her." Stefan picked up the phone and dialed Carly's private
line. "Caroline, please meet me at General Hospital. Yes. Fine."
He hung up then looked at Barbara silently asking if she was satisfied. She
smiled gratefully. "Thank you darling."
She leaned across the desk and gave him a quick kiss. "I have to get back
to work. I'll see you later tonight. And again, thank you."
~*~*~
Sonny walked into the dressing room at the Paradise just as the last line
of "Happy Birthday" was sung. He smirked. Right on time, he thought. Pop in
with my gift and avoid the singing.
The 'girls' turned around to see who'd just entered and they all squealed
when they saw Sonny. Two rushed over to him. One grabbed the gift he held
and the other took his hand and led him over to the group.
"How are my girls?" He smiled.
"Hi Mr. Corinthos," They replied in unison.
Sonny walked over to the woman in the center of the group. Her blonde hair
was pulled back in a ponytail. She had obviously been getting ready for the
night when the girls sprung the birthday party on her because she wore a
T-shirt over her g-string and bikini top and her face was half made up. He
bent down to brush his lips across her cheek and said. "Happy Birthday
Sarah."
She grinned at him. "Thank you, Mr. Corinthos."
He liked her. She was different from most of the women who worked for him.
She was younger. And unlike the ones who claimed they were only stripping
to pay for school, Sarah Webber actually was. He tended to look out for her
because she gave off this air of innocence. He had a feeling that's what
made her a top draw to the club also.
"I think Tammy has your gift, she grabbed it so fast."
"No opening gifts until after the cake is cut." Tammy said coyly.
"We can open his right now. I'm sure he's busy and I don't want him to have
to wait." Sarah said quickly.
"Sonny can wait five minutes." Tammy huffed, showing off her close
relationship with Sonny by using his first name. Behind her Hannah rolled
her eyes. Tammy could be too much sometimes.
"But—" Sarah started to protest but Sonny cut her off by flashing a smile.
"I don't mind waiting." He took a seat that one of the girls gladly gave up
to him.
"Great." Tammy beamed, happy to have her way. She past Sarah the knife and
instructed her to cut the small cake that someone had brought in.
While Sarah began slicing up the cake and handing pieces out, Hannah sidled
up to Sonny. She pushed a girl out of a chair and said down. She said. "If
you let Tammy's head get any bigger she won't fit in the door."
"Ignore her." He advised.
"This is all your fault." She continued. "You should hear the way she tries
to boss us all around. And after she found out I went with you to the
Nurses Ball she made my life a living hell. She's made it very clear that
she has dibs on you."
Sonny grinned and ignored Hannah's warning. "So how goes the 'Zander
quest'?"
Hannah got a far away look in her eyes. "He sent more roses. Tammy was
insanely jealous."
"Roses again? That's all."
"It's incredibly romantic." Hannah grumbled.
Sarah came up with a slice of cake. She offered one shyly to Sonny. "Would
you like some cake?"
Not sure how to politely decline Sonny began. "Uh…"
"He's watching his waistline." Hannah said helpfully. "I'll take that,
thanks. I can do a few extra crunches if I have too."
"Oh."
"It's okay, Sarah." Sonny told her.
"Hey Tammy," Hannah shouted and waved her fork in Tammy's direction, "is
Sarah allowed to open her gifts yet? You know, like any other grown up?"
Tammy glared at her and snapped. "Yes, she can."
"Then toss the boss's gift over here." Hannah directed.
The small box was passed over until it came to Sonny. He extended it to
Sarah who slowly took it. She'd heard from the other girls that the boss
always gave gifts out for birthdays and the holidays. She'd only been
working for him for a few months so she hadn't been expecting anything. And
she knew it couldn't be anything too nice. She turned the box over in her
hands.
"Open it." Hannah urged.
Sarah tore into the package. She gasped when she saw the gold anklet. It
probably didn't cost that much but to her it was beautiful. She squealed
and impulsively hugged Sonny. He hugged her back then checked his watch.
"I'm sorry but I have to go. I hope you have a great birthday." He said.
Clutching the anklet to her and grinning, she nodded. "Thank you!"
Sonny started to go for the door. Hannah jumped up. She grabbed her purse
and ran after him. "Wait up a sec!"
Sonny turned. "What is it?"
"I know that this is probably a bad idea but just in case you actually get
back together with that woman, you might want to know about this." She said
as she dug around in her purse.
"Know about what?"
"This!" Hannah pulled out the page she'd torn out of the paper. She thrust
it at him.
Seeing only the title Sonny groaned. "I don't want to see the society page
Hannah. I don't care who went where last night."
"Oh yes you do. Look." She held it up and pointed at the picture. "Look!"
Sonny grabbed the paper and stared. He muttered. "Son of a bitch."
~*~*~
Carly knocked briefly at the door to Stefan's office before slipping in.
Stefan was on the phone and glanced up once. He frowned slightly then
smiled. He wondered if she realized that the man-style suit she was wearing
was very similar to his own. Her long hair was held back with two clips and
she was wearing stilettos but other than that they could have been twins.
Carly took a seat in front of the desk, crossed her feet at the ankles and
waited for him to finish his conversation.
"I've told you before and this is the last time, I have no comment on the
Dr. Wexler story. Next time please consult the hospital PR director."
Stefan said smoothly and hung up.
Carly raised her eyebrows and looked at him expectantly.
"That was yet another tabloid calling to inquire whether or not Dr. Karen
Wexler is using drugs. If this gets out any further we'll have several
lawsuits on our hands from her past patients." Stefan filled her in.
Carly nodded. "I overheard some people in the elevator talking about this.
I can't believe that she would knowingly operate on patients high and even
go so far as to steal pills from the hospital. It's so sad."
Something in Carly's tone made Stefan look at her more closely. She smiled
back.
"What are you going to do about this?"
"The board can't afford the lawsuits that may come up nor the bad
publicity. So we're going to have the doctor investigated, see if there is
any truth to these rumors and then take action from there."
Carly uncrossed her legs and leaned in. "If you like I can get my man on it
for you. He's fast, he could have all the information you need in two to
three days."
Stefan frowned. There was something about her eagerness to help. She knew
more about this Wexler situation than she was saying. He wouldn't doubt
that she was behind it all. Rather than push her on it, he would accept her
help. He nodded slightly. "Thank you Caroline, I would appreciate that."
"So what was with the big summons, Father?"
Stefan pulled out the newspaper that Barbara had left and handed it to
Carly. "I wanted to talk to you about this."
Carly took the paper and laughed. "Ok, you don't really care about this so
let me guess, Mother put you up to this?"
He nodded. "She was concerned."
"Concerned?" Carly scoffed. "Spare me my mother's concern. The last time
she was 'concerned' she confronted Helena and got smacked across the face
for her trouble."
"She what?"
"She didn't tell you about that?" She frowned.
"She told me about seeing Helena but she didn't tell me that my mother
dared to strike her." Stefan's expression was thunderous.
Carly shrugged. "You'd have to ask her why she didn't."
Stefan took a deep breath. He would deal with Helena and her actions
towards Barbara later. Though he originally called Carly down to talk about
the newspaper picture he also wanted to tell her about Irena's story.
"You can also tell her that I am not seeing Jax romantically. He's just a
friend." Carly swore.
"A friend who had something to do with your break-up with Jason?"
Carly's eyes darkened. "No, that was something else entirely."
"I never thought Jason was suitable for you," Stefan began.
Carly laughed. "You never think anyone is good enough for me."
"As your father it is my privilege." Stefan smiled gently. "Just like the
way you think no one is good enough for me."
Carly smiled. "We have to stick together, you know."
"Of course."
"Would you like to have dinner with me tonight? Just the two of us at
Caroline's." Carly suggested.
"That would be nice. I don't have anything planned for tonight."
"I wanted to talk to you about Deception. Instead of putting one of our
people on it, I want to run it myself. I want to give it my personal
attention."
"We'll discuss it at dinner." Stefan nodded. "Before you go, I want to tell
you about-"
He was interrupted by Carly's cell going off. "Just a sec." She pulled out
her phone. "Yes? Elizabeth? I'm already here."
She hung up and grinned at Stefan. "The results are in."
~*~*~
"Wait, wait!" Laura called out as she hustled Lulu in the door. They'd just
gotten home from grocery shopping when Laura heard the phone ringing. "I'm
coming!"
She rushed over to the phone, dropped her packages and snatched up the
phone. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said breathlessly,
"Hello?"
She listened for a moment. "Are you sure? But I thought we had to wait a
month. So when should we come in? Right now? Okay, I'm on my way."
"Who was that?" Lulu asked as she shrugged out of her coat.
"The hospital. The results are in. Don't take off your coat, honey. I'm
going to have to run you to your grandmother's."
"But Mom." Lulu whined. She didn't want to get back in the car and go all
the way to her grandmother's place. "The ice cream's going to melt if you
leave it out."
"Ok honey, run next door and see if Louise is home and doesn't mind
watching you for a little bit. I'll meet you there as soon as I put the ice
cream away." Laura grabbed the bag containing the ice cream as Lulu ran out
the front door. In the kitchen she hit the speeddial. "Luke?"
"Yeah darlin'?"
"The results are in. I'm on my way to the hospital." Laura told him quickly
as she tossed the ice cream still in the bag into the freezer. "Lulu's
going to the neighbors. Do you know where Lucky is?"
"He's right here." Luke called out. "Time to get our butts to the
hospital."
Lucky hopped off the barstool. "I'll have to meet you guys there, I have to
make a stop first.
"Cowboy's going to meet us there. Where are we meeting?"
"Dr. Eve Lambert's office." Laura told him.
"Mom!" Lulu came in through the back door. "She said it was alright."
"Great. Luke, I'll see you there."
~*~*~
Helena slowly replaced the phone receiver. She tapped her finger against
her lips. It would seem that she'd been lied to. The DNA results were back.
When she questioned whether or not they would be reliable because they were
so early she was told that a week was the standard amount of time. So
Stefan and Carly thought to stop her from planning anything. She smiled
slightly. Obviously they knew nothing about her.
Nikolas sat staring at the chessboard laid on the table. Across from him
Andreas waited patiently for Nikolas to make his next move. Nikolas picked
up the chess piece and slowly moved it forward. He looked up at Andreas
expectantly.
Andreas closed his eyes and shook his head. "No. I have told you before.
This is chess *not* checkers."
Exasperated, Nikolas swiped his hand across the table and knocked the chess
pieces to the floor. He stood up angrily. "I didn't want to learn this
stupid game in the first place."
Helena came up behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders. She
whispered in his ear. "Calm down, my prince."
He rolled his shoulders back. "Who was that on the phone?"
"The hospital. The DNA results came back in."
"Three weeks early?" Nikolas said, his eyes wide. He sat back down,
stunned. This was what he'd been waiting for. But it was too soon, he
thought, too soon.
"We do not have time for this, Nikolas. You must change into something that
befits your title." Helena ordered him. "Go."
Once Nikolas disappeared into his room to change, Helena picked up the
phone.
"The results are back early. Are you ready in case I have need of you?
Excellent."
~*~*~
"Screw you Lucky Spencer." Emily ranted as she swept around her room
removing everything that reminded her of him. She paused. "No, wait, screw
you Lucas Lorenzo Spencer Junior!"
It had been almost a week and still no word from Lucky. Carly had told her
that she'd talked to him a few days ago but it obviously didn't do any good
because he still wouldn't call her. And she wasn't about to search the
Spencers' place and Kelly's for him. She was desperate but she didn't want
to look that desperate.
At first she was devastated but now after a night of thinking and thinking
about it, she was royally pissed off. She couldn't believe that he would
throw it all away over a stupid mistake. One lousy mistake.
"Forget you too, buddy." She muttered as she picked up a teddy bear that
he'd given her a few Christmases ago.
"Forget who?" Lucky said from the doorway.
Emily turned around and just looked at him. She whispered. "Lucky?"
"Hey baby." He smiled weakly.
Emily narrowed her eyes, glanced down at the bear in her hands. Not
thinking twice she whipped the bear at him, hitting him square in the
chest.
"Hey!" He rubbed the spot she hit him in. "What was that for?"
"What was that for?" She repeated. "What was *that* for?"
"Yeah…"
"You think you can just ignore me for a week and then just waltz right back
in here thinking everything will go back to normal? Yeah, I screwed up
Lucky but I didn't deserve what you did to me. If you didn't want to see me
again you could have just called and told me. Not leave me going crazy
wondering what the hell is going on!" Emily shouted.
Lucky crossed the room and took her into his arms. She buried her face in
his chest. "I'm sorry, baby. After you told me about Nikolas I just--"
"I know." Emily's voice was muffled against his chest, her anger
momentarily forgotten about. "That was all my fault."
"I didn't mean to take so long and then Carly told me about what he did to
you."
Emily gasped. "She told you?"
"Yes. Why didn't you tell me?" He asked gently. "That would have made all
the difference."
Emily shook her head. "I was embarrassed. I couldn't tell you that."
He cupped her face between his hands and stared into her eyes. "I thought
you knew that you could tell me anything. I want you to feel free to tell
me anything, okay?"
Emily took a deep breath. "I saw Nikolas the other day. I told him to stay
away from me."
Lucky closed his eyes. "Good. That's better than what I did to him."
"What did you—" Emily stopped herself. She didn't want to talk about
Nikolas. Not when she was in Lucky's arms. She wrapped her arms around his
waist and leaned her head back on his chest. "So what took you so long?
Still trying to figure out if you can trust me?"
Lucky shook his head. "I just had to get some things clear in my head. And
actually I came over because the DNA results are in and I need to go with
me."
"Yes, of course."
He smiled crookedly at her. "I thought you were mad at me."
"I am." She nodded. "But I know what this means to you and I won't let you
go through this alone. When do you have to be there?"
Lucky looked at his watch. "Right now actually. We'll have to hurry."
~*~*~
"I assume this is…everyone?" Eve glanced around at the group of people
assembled in her office. On one side sat Helena Cassadine. Next to her
chair stood Nikolas and behind them stood Andreas. On the other side sat
Luke and Laura Spencer. In the middle where Stefan and Carly Cassadine.
"Actually, Lucky said he would be here soon." Laura spoke up. She glanced
at Luke who'd been staring down Helena. "He will be here right?"
"That's what he said." Luke murmured. He placed a comforting hand on her
leg. She smiled gratefully in his direction.
Helena said, "It does not matter whether he is here or not, the rest of us
are and we would like to know the results. Now."
Carly grinned evilly. "Sounding a little anxious to proven wrong,
Grandmother."
"Caroline." Stefan murmured. There was no need in antagonizing her now.
The door to the office opened and Lucky and Emily appeared. "Sorry we're
late."
He made his way over to the Spencer side of the room. Carly smiled briefly
at the sight of them reunited. Emily made sure that she didn't make any eye
contact with Nikolas though she knew he was staring at her. Lucky on the
other hand glared at him, clearly telling him to 'stay away'. Luke got up
and offered his seat to Emily.
Eve cleared her throat. "We're all ready now? No one else is expected?"
"This is it doctor." Stefan said.
"Well, then." Eve pulled out the results she'd read earlier. Twice to make
sure she didn't miss anything. "According to this Nikolas is not the son of
Stavros Cassadine."
Carly expelled the breath she hadn't known she'd been holding and jumped up
with her fist in the air. "Yes! I knew it!" She looked around her and saw
everyone staring at her.
"Sit down Caroline." Stefan gritted out. Though he felt as relieved as she
did, he knew better than to act out like that.
"I am so sorry." She swore as she took her seat again. "I have no idea what
came over me."
Nikolas stared at the floor trying not to show any of them how he felt. How
could this be? If he wasn't Stavros's and Laura's son, then who was he? A
soft sob brought his head up. Laura was cradled in Luke's arms crying.
Lucky was trying to help calm her down while Emily just stared across the
room at him. He met her gaze and then she quickly turned her attention back
to Laura.
"This cannot be." Helena said stiffly.
"It is so, Mother." Stefan said.
"Excuse me." Eve said softly but no one paid any attention to her.
She slowly rose, pointing at Stefan. "You did this. You changed the
results. This is Stavros's son."
"Excuse me." Eve said again, this time a little louder.
Carly faked a yawn. "Can it, Grandmother. It's old and you're upsetting
Laura."
"I said, excuse me!" Eve had to shout to get her voice heard. Everyone
turned his or her attention back to her. "Thank you. I wasn't done. Though
the results say he is not a Cassadine they did come back positive for Laura
Spencer."
Laura frowned through her tears. "What—what does that mean?"
Eve told her simply. "It means he *is* your son."
Laura said hopefully. "Luke?"