bThe NEW Marvel /b
IBy Clover/i
IbChapter 4/I/b
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
b** October 31 **/b
Finally, the day of the masquerade arrived.
Caroline obviously was going with Micah.
All the Buchanan's had gotten rooms, at the hotel where the Masquerade was being held, to get ready in. Caroline, Kelly, Rachel, and Jessi had gotten a suite, which Jessi and Kelly would be staying in tonight. Micah, who'd become good friends with Joey, Kevin, and Drew was letting the guys get ready in the suite, he had gotten for the weekend, where Caroline and he would stay tonight, since it would be so late once the ball ended. Bo and Nora had a room. Clint and Vicky had their own room as well.
Caroline, Kelly, Rachel, and Jessi had all arrived at the room at the same time, four hours before the party would start, costume bags in hand, and a small bag of jewelry, makeup, hair accessories, shoes, and masks.
They hurried into the room. Before now, they had no idea what each other were going to be, and now it was time for the unveiling. Caroline actually had her hair under a hood on her sweater.
Kelly pulled out her dress out first, "I've decided, on the classic, Sleeping Beauty."
She pulled out a pink dress, which was narrow, it had long sleeves, which hooked to her middle finger. The skirt was long, and was a little bit full.
Jessi went next, "I have decided upon, the traditional, but always very beautiful, Cinderella."
She revealed an icy-blue dress, tight bodice, and full, shimmery, skirt.
"I've decided just to go as a lady in waiting for Maid Marian. Truthfully, I couldn't think of anything!" Rachel laughed as she pulled out a dark green dress, with long sleeves, and a lace front.
"Wonderful!" Kelly exclaimed, "Alright, now it's your turn Caroline, whom have you chosen?"
"Well, I have decided to go with a newer version, of sorts." First she pulled off her hood to reveal her long, no longer blond hair, which was a stunning dark brown, and full of ringlets, "I've decided to go as Belle."
"Oh my god! You really dyed you hair!"
"Are you kidding? Hell no! Girls dye their hair to get it my color. This is a wig. Besides, I'm not supposed to dye my hair when I'm pregnant. Now I'm going to take a shower, I feel disgusting." She told them, stepping into the bathroom.
b** 10 minutes later **/b
Caroline came out in a robe, drying her hair. She brushed through it, then pulled it up into a hairstyle which would hide it under the wig.
b** 30 minutes later **/b
Kelly had her costume on, just not done up yet.
Caroline slipped on her hoopskirt complaining, "Ok, why on earth did women subject themselves to this?"
"I have no idea." Jessi grumbled, as she slipped her sparkling icy blue dress over her head, "Hey! Give me a hand! I'm stuck!"
Caroline and Kelly rushed over and pulled down the dress, and buttoned up the long row of buttons, which held on the tight, form fitting bodice, which accompanied all their dresses. It looked good on Jessi's 17-year-old body. [I know, the age isn't right. But I need her to be older! I can work with her more that way.]
"You look great in this." Caroline complemented.
Jessi looked down and smoothed out the skirt, "I guess . . . Come on. Let's get you into that dress."
She helped tie the hoopskirt on, and knotted the laces.
Kelly picked up the yellow satin dress off the bed. Caroline held out her arms and they pulled the dress on her, then buttoned up the back.
"God, this feels a bit tight." Caroline complained.
"Well, you're like four and a half months pregnant." Kelly summarized, "But you do look terrific, you are just starting to get a little heavier, like you should be. What are you wearing now, a six?"
"An eight." She told them gloomily.
"See, you've only gone from a four to an eight. It's not that much!" Rachel assured her.
"I know, you're right." Caroline went over to the mirror and pulled the wig on, carefully arranging her hair. Ready for Kelly to form into the rest of the look, while Caroline did her own makeup.
Jessi had her hair done by Kelly too, while Caroline did her makeup. Kelly left a few golden blond tendrils hanging down into Jessi's face.
Kelly did her makeup, while Caroline and Jessi buttoned Rachel's costume, and put one of those stupid hats they wore on her head, and pinned it on.
Then they got out the shoes and accessories.
A gold crown and a diamond necklace for Kelly.
Ice blue gloves that went a few inches above the elbow, a black choker, and pearl earrings for Jessi.
An emerald pendent and a pair of matching earrings for Rachel.
And yellow gloves that went just a bit above the elbow and gold earrings for Caroline.
After accessorizing and putting on their shoes, they critically looked at themselves in the mirror. Finally they slipped on their masks, which covered their eyes, the string, which held the masks on, was hidden beneath their hair.
"God, you look so different with brown hair!" Kelly exclaimed once more.
"There's definitely going to be no one who recognizes you." Jessi agreed.
"That's the idea. But, at least you guys will know it's me!" Caroline told them cheerfully.
Just as they finish getting ready, there was a knock at the door.
Jessi opened it and the guys came in one at a time. First came Kevin, who was dressed as Robin Hood, green from head to toe, except for his huge white shirt and tights.
Then Joey came in, who was dressed as the scamp Will Scarlet, a white shirt, a vest and tight pants and tights.
Drew followed him, dressed as Little John, basically the same thing.
The three had planned this, but not let anyone in on it.
Finally, last but the best looking, Micah. His blond hair was slicked back. He had on obvious tights under the tight black pants he was wearing. A large white shirt, a gold vest, and a blue jacket with tails, which was bordered with the same gold color fabric as the vest. The human version of the Prince/Beast.
Needless to say, they all felt very uncomfortable. [To quote the movie "Robin Hood, Men in Tights" in their minds, I"You've got to be a man to wear tights!"/I] And felt very lucky that they would be wearing masks, so no one could recognize them.
"You all look great!" Caroline exclaimed.
"You look quite beautiful." Micah complemented, taking her hand and kissing it.
Caroline couldn't help but blush.
Kelly, Rachel, and Jessi look at the other three expectantly.
After a long moment Kelly finally exclaimed, "Well how do we look you brutes?!"
Joey jumped, "Oh, you look amazing, I was . . . uh . . . left speechless by your beauty."
"Same here!" Kevin agreed.
"Oh yeah, you look lovely." Drew added.
"Nice save." Jessi told her brothers and cousin sarcastically.
"Should we not be going?" Micah asked, trying to avoid the obviously impending argument.
"Right!" Joey agreed, silently thanking his cousin's beau.
"My lady." Micah offered her arm to Caroline, which she accepted.
Joey, Kevin, and Drew did the same.
Kelly took Joey's arm, Rachel took Kevin's, and Jessi took Drew's.
Kelly and Joey led the couples to the elevators.
On the way down, the guys made comments about Caroline's hair.
"You know, I almost didn't recognize you." Joey confessed.
"Oh yeah. You look great, but why did you do it?" Kevin questioned.
"You dorks, it's a wig. I'm not allowed to dye my hair when I'm pregnant. It's bad for the baby." Caroline explained simply.
Then the elevator dinged, signaling that they'd reached their floor.
The double doors were opened and the four couples looked into the ballroom full of people in costume. Some of the couples stuck out. The King and Queen of Hearts, King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, Friar Tuck, Maid Marian, a Jester, and Asa, who though he had come up with the party, refused to wear a costume, except he was wearing a cowboy hat.
Kelly and Joey, and Caroline and Micah went right to the dance floor and started dancing. Rachel, Drew, Kevin, and Jessi went their separate ways.
Jessi stood on the sidelines, contentedly watching her cousin dance.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
II swear by the moon and the stars in the sky
And I swear like the shadow that's by your side
I see the questions in your eyes
I know what's weighing on your mind
You can be sure I know my heart
'Coz I'll stand beside you through the years
You'll only cry those happy tears
And though I make mistakes
I'll never break your heart/I
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jessi could tell how happy Caroline was, but she was still a bit jealous of her cousin's very good fortune. Suddenly, a dark haired, muscular, stranger, dressed as Prince Charming walked towards her, even though he was dutifully masked at his eyes, it was very obvious that he was very handsome. He had dark brown hair and eyes, and his skin was a tanned olive color, making him look like dark prince.
Her breath was caught in her chest, and her heart was in her throat.
He stopped right in front of her. Never even speaking, he offered her his hand, which she readily accepted, but was taken aback at the tingling sensation that went down her spine when her hand met his.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
IAnd I swear by the moon and the stars in the sky
I'll be there
I swear like a shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
For better or worse, till death do us part
I'll love you with every beat of my heart
And I swear
I'll give you every thing I can
I'll build your dreams with these two hands
We'll hang some memories on the walls /I
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jessi's heart pounded wildly in her chest. She'd lost the ability to think. She was filled with emotions, she had never even imagined existed.
Who was this mystery man, her Prince Charming?
At the same time, the Dark Prince [Ias he shall be referred to until we get his name/I] was also amazed at what was happening. When he'd spotted her across the room, something inside of him changed, everyone else in the room had faded away, and he immediately had made his way to the lovely Cinderella.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
IAnd when just the two of us are there
You won't have to ask if I still care
`Coz as the time turns the page, my love won't age at all
And I swear by the moon and the stars in the sky
I swear (and I swear) like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
For better or worse, till death do us part
I'll love you with every beat of my heart
And I swear /I
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jessi was lost in his deep brown eyes, they seemed to bore into her very soul.
The Dark Prince was entranced by her hazel eyes
What on earth was she doing to him? He'd been pulled to her, like there was some force, trying to make them meet. Whatever it was, it had worked.
He danced her out to the terrace.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
II swear (I swear) by the moon and stars in the sky
I'll be there
I swear like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
For better or worse, till death do us part
I'll love you with every (single) beat of my heart
I swear, I swear, oh... I... swear... /I
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
They stopped there, breathing hard, because of the manner their hearts were beating.
The Dark Prince finally spoke, "I am Prince Nikolas Cassadine." [IOne more thing, I've also aged Prince Nikki a bit, here he is 18 as well. Why? Because I can have more fun then!/I]
"I'm Jessica Buchanan, you can call me Jessi." She replied.
"Call me Nikolas."
"Where on earth did you come from?" Jessi implored, wondering if maybe he'd fallen from heaven or maybe someplace darker. If he had, she didn't care if he was the devil himself, she was fully trapped within his snare.
"Well, Greece. But my father and I moved to Port Charles New York this year. I didn't really like it there. So I'm going to be living here and attending classes at the University."
Jessi looked at him skeptically, "You're a prince? And from Greece?"
Nikolas laughed, "I know it sounds unbelievable. But I assure you it's true."
Something dawned on Jessi, "Did you say Port Charles?"
"Yes, why?"
"My cousin just moved here from there!"
"Oh, does she know the Spencers?"
"Only Luke. He's her Uncle. Would you believe he threatened to kill her?"
"I got the same welcome from my, well I guess he's my step-father. He's wife, Laura Spencer, is my mother."
"You have got to be kidding me! That is SOOO weird!"
"What's your cousin's name?"
"Well, Caroline Leigh Buchanan, but she while she was there, Carly Roberts." Jessi informed him, then decided to find out a lot more about this, Nikolas, "So, why'd you decide to move here?"
"Well, my cousin Alexis is friends with another lawyer here, Nora Buchanan, I guess that you'd be related to her too. Anyway, I'm going to be staying with them." Nikolas explained.
"Nora is my Aunt. Caroline's step-mother." She told him shocked.
"So you're the Jessi they were talking about."
"That would be me!"
"Why don't you tell me more about you." Nikolas prodded, wanting to know all he possibly can about this beautiful creature in front of him.
"Um, I'm one of the only Granddaughter's of the family. Actually, there are only two of us. So Grandpa, my dad, Uncle Bo, my cousin Drew, and my brothers Kevin and Joey are very protective of Caroline and I. You should have seen how mad they were when they found out Caroline was . . ." Jessi realized she was about to say something she shouldn't, and that she'd said something else she shouldn't have earlier, so she decided to tell him the OTHER thing they were mad at her about. "That she was moving in with a guy she'd just met the week before, and had been staying with while they were all worried about her."
"What does your family do?"
"Well, my mother and father own and run the Banner. My brother Kevin works there as a reporter. Joey's a photographer. Uncle Bo's the commissioner of the police. And Grandpa is a cranky but sweet, very rich, Texan, who runs the family business."
"What does Caroline do?"
"She spends her days with Micah, her boyfriend, mostly. Or shopping. It's not that she can't do things, she's very, very smart. It's just that she just got off a bad relationship, she's pregnant, and Micah's well off too. There isn't really a reason for her to. She never went to college. She's only 19."
"Oh, I guess I can understand that. I don't really need to go to college I already know what I'm going to do."
"What's that?"
"When I turn 25, I take over our Empire and become The Cassadine. My Uncle is holding the title for me, until I reach 25. My father would have been The Cassadine now, but he died when I was a baby. I was raised by my Uncle on the family compound, which is on our island in Greece. My Grandmother, Helena, was there as well. But she is a cold, heartless woman, who wants nothing more than to be able to control me, she is a terrible person, if she ever comes near you, tell me. If it weren't for my Uncle staging a coup when I was a boy, she would have raised me. And I would have grown up unloved, and cold, just as she is. My mother left me, when I was just a baby. To return to Spencer. The only good thing that came of that was my half-sister, Lulu. She's why I came back. She needed my bone marrow because she was dying of Leukemia. And I guess my half-brother, Lucky. Even though we don't get along at all."
"Wow. That's a complicated life."
"I guess. I don't know any other way. Tell me more about you."
"Um, I'm 17, a senior in High School." She looked at his masked face, "How old are you? You act so maturely . . . but I know you're under 25. So, what are you, 20, 22?"
"I'm only 18."
Jessi smiled, "Do you have a girlfriend?" she was personally shocked at how forward she was being.
Nikolas was surprised at the question, but quickly answered, "No, I don't have a girlfriend. Do you have a beau?"
"Not anymore."
Nikolas took her hands, "Is that so . . ."
"Uh-huh."
Nikolas leaned down, and kissed her tenderly.
Jessi responded happily.
b** A bit before midnight **/b
Jessi and Nikolas returned to the main room, a little flustered, they'd been out on the terrace all night, alone, together.
They make it back, just in time for Joey to get up on the makeshift stage.
"All right now! Thanks for coming everyone. I hope you have a great time. But the bewitching hour is fast approaching, so it's time to unmask yourselves!" Joey announced, "Now, on the count of 5, everyone take off your masks, 1 . . . 2 . . . 3 . . . 4 . . . 5!"
Everyone took off their masks and looked around.
It turned out that the King and Queen of Hearts were Clint and Vicki. King Arthur and Queen Guinevere were Todd and Blair. Friar Tuck accompanied by Maid Marian was Andrew and Cassie. The Jester was Hank. Nora and Bo had gone as the Sheriff of Nottingham, and a lady in waiting.
Micah and Caroline stayed around for 20 minutes, talking to people, then Micah pulled Caroline outside.
"Where are they going?" Drew asked Kevin, who was the closest with Micah. Kevin and Micah had talked a lot, and become good friends.
"He's going to do something very surprising." Kevin answered vaguely.
"Which is . . ." Joey prompted.
"Ask her to marry him."
"What?! So soon?" Drew questioned shocked.
"They relationship has always progressed rapidly." Kevin replied.
"Well, isn't that giving them too much credit? I mean, they've only known each other what, a month?" Joey insisted.
"Joey, if it's love, it shouldn't matter how short a time you've known each other. Beside. You really have to be amazed by him. You know how insane Caroline can get sometimes. And how insecure she is. Plus, she's four and a half months pregnant with some other guy's kid. I really got to admire the guy for being willing to raise the kid."
~*~
The night had a bit of a nip to it, but Caroline and Micah didn't notice.
The sky was full of stars, and music drifted out onto the terrace through the open doors.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
IThere used to be a graying tower alone on the sea
You, became the light on the dark side of me
Love remains a drug that's the high and not the pill
But did you know that when it snows
My eyes become large
And the light that you shine can't be seen? /I
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Micah spoke "Caroline, I wish to ask something of you."
Caroline, who was looking up at the moon spun around, "What is it?"
"I have never felt about anyone, feelings so strong, wonderful, and amazing as I do for you. You know about my family, yet you still live with me. And I hope, you love me, as much as I love you."
Caroline looked into his eyes, "I do love you. With all my heart."
"And you know that I will love your baby, as much as I love you."
"You will?"
"Of course." Micah pledged, "What I wish to ask you is, will you do me the honor, of marrying me, and becoming my wife?"
"Oh my . . . You want to marry me?"
"More than anything in the world. Please, say yes."
Caroline smiled, "I will . . ."
Micah's face lit up, "You will?!" he picked her up and spun her around.
Caroline laughed, "Yes, I'll marry you!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Please, I want replies, I know it sounds pathetic, but I live for feedback, good or bad! I need to know what you think so I know where to go with this.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
IBy Clover/i
IbChapter 4/I/b
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
b** October 31 **/b
Finally, the day of the masquerade arrived.
Caroline obviously was going with Micah.
All the Buchanan's had gotten rooms, at the hotel where the Masquerade was being held, to get ready in. Caroline, Kelly, Rachel, and Jessi had gotten a suite, which Jessi and Kelly would be staying in tonight. Micah, who'd become good friends with Joey, Kevin, and Drew was letting the guys get ready in the suite, he had gotten for the weekend, where Caroline and he would stay tonight, since it would be so late once the ball ended. Bo and Nora had a room. Clint and Vicky had their own room as well.
Caroline, Kelly, Rachel, and Jessi had all arrived at the room at the same time, four hours before the party would start, costume bags in hand, and a small bag of jewelry, makeup, hair accessories, shoes, and masks.
They hurried into the room. Before now, they had no idea what each other were going to be, and now it was time for the unveiling. Caroline actually had her hair under a hood on her sweater.
Kelly pulled out her dress out first, "I've decided, on the classic, Sleeping Beauty."
She pulled out a pink dress, which was narrow, it had long sleeves, which hooked to her middle finger. The skirt was long, and was a little bit full.
Jessi went next, "I have decided upon, the traditional, but always very beautiful, Cinderella."
She revealed an icy-blue dress, tight bodice, and full, shimmery, skirt.
"I've decided just to go as a lady in waiting for Maid Marian. Truthfully, I couldn't think of anything!" Rachel laughed as she pulled out a dark green dress, with long sleeves, and a lace front.
"Wonderful!" Kelly exclaimed, "Alright, now it's your turn Caroline, whom have you chosen?"
"Well, I have decided to go with a newer version, of sorts." First she pulled off her hood to reveal her long, no longer blond hair, which was a stunning dark brown, and full of ringlets, "I've decided to go as Belle."
"Oh my god! You really dyed you hair!"
"Are you kidding? Hell no! Girls dye their hair to get it my color. This is a wig. Besides, I'm not supposed to dye my hair when I'm pregnant. Now I'm going to take a shower, I feel disgusting." She told them, stepping into the bathroom.
b** 10 minutes later **/b
Caroline came out in a robe, drying her hair. She brushed through it, then pulled it up into a hairstyle which would hide it under the wig.
b** 30 minutes later **/b
Kelly had her costume on, just not done up yet.
Caroline slipped on her hoopskirt complaining, "Ok, why on earth did women subject themselves to this?"
"I have no idea." Jessi grumbled, as she slipped her sparkling icy blue dress over her head, "Hey! Give me a hand! I'm stuck!"
Caroline and Kelly rushed over and pulled down the dress, and buttoned up the long row of buttons, which held on the tight, form fitting bodice, which accompanied all their dresses. It looked good on Jessi's 17-year-old body. [I know, the age isn't right. But I need her to be older! I can work with her more that way.]
"You look great in this." Caroline complemented.
Jessi looked down and smoothed out the skirt, "I guess . . . Come on. Let's get you into that dress."
She helped tie the hoopskirt on, and knotted the laces.
Kelly picked up the yellow satin dress off the bed. Caroline held out her arms and they pulled the dress on her, then buttoned up the back.
"God, this feels a bit tight." Caroline complained.
"Well, you're like four and a half months pregnant." Kelly summarized, "But you do look terrific, you are just starting to get a little heavier, like you should be. What are you wearing now, a six?"
"An eight." She told them gloomily.
"See, you've only gone from a four to an eight. It's not that much!" Rachel assured her.
"I know, you're right." Caroline went over to the mirror and pulled the wig on, carefully arranging her hair. Ready for Kelly to form into the rest of the look, while Caroline did her own makeup.
Jessi had her hair done by Kelly too, while Caroline did her makeup. Kelly left a few golden blond tendrils hanging down into Jessi's face.
Kelly did her makeup, while Caroline and Jessi buttoned Rachel's costume, and put one of those stupid hats they wore on her head, and pinned it on.
Then they got out the shoes and accessories.
A gold crown and a diamond necklace for Kelly.
Ice blue gloves that went a few inches above the elbow, a black choker, and pearl earrings for Jessi.
An emerald pendent and a pair of matching earrings for Rachel.
And yellow gloves that went just a bit above the elbow and gold earrings for Caroline.
After accessorizing and putting on their shoes, they critically looked at themselves in the mirror. Finally they slipped on their masks, which covered their eyes, the string, which held the masks on, was hidden beneath their hair.
"God, you look so different with brown hair!" Kelly exclaimed once more.
"There's definitely going to be no one who recognizes you." Jessi agreed.
"That's the idea. But, at least you guys will know it's me!" Caroline told them cheerfully.
Just as they finish getting ready, there was a knock at the door.
Jessi opened it and the guys came in one at a time. First came Kevin, who was dressed as Robin Hood, green from head to toe, except for his huge white shirt and tights.
Then Joey came in, who was dressed as the scamp Will Scarlet, a white shirt, a vest and tight pants and tights.
Drew followed him, dressed as Little John, basically the same thing.
The three had planned this, but not let anyone in on it.
Finally, last but the best looking, Micah. His blond hair was slicked back. He had on obvious tights under the tight black pants he was wearing. A large white shirt, a gold vest, and a blue jacket with tails, which was bordered with the same gold color fabric as the vest. The human version of the Prince/Beast.
Needless to say, they all felt very uncomfortable. [To quote the movie "Robin Hood, Men in Tights" in their minds, I"You've got to be a man to wear tights!"/I] And felt very lucky that they would be wearing masks, so no one could recognize them.
"You all look great!" Caroline exclaimed.
"You look quite beautiful." Micah complemented, taking her hand and kissing it.
Caroline couldn't help but blush.
Kelly, Rachel, and Jessi look at the other three expectantly.
After a long moment Kelly finally exclaimed, "Well how do we look you brutes?!"
Joey jumped, "Oh, you look amazing, I was . . . uh . . . left speechless by your beauty."
"Same here!" Kevin agreed.
"Oh yeah, you look lovely." Drew added.
"Nice save." Jessi told her brothers and cousin sarcastically.
"Should we not be going?" Micah asked, trying to avoid the obviously impending argument.
"Right!" Joey agreed, silently thanking his cousin's beau.
"My lady." Micah offered her arm to Caroline, which she accepted.
Joey, Kevin, and Drew did the same.
Kelly took Joey's arm, Rachel took Kevin's, and Jessi took Drew's.
Kelly and Joey led the couples to the elevators.
On the way down, the guys made comments about Caroline's hair.
"You know, I almost didn't recognize you." Joey confessed.
"Oh yeah. You look great, but why did you do it?" Kevin questioned.
"You dorks, it's a wig. I'm not allowed to dye my hair when I'm pregnant. It's bad for the baby." Caroline explained simply.
Then the elevator dinged, signaling that they'd reached their floor.
The double doors were opened and the four couples looked into the ballroom full of people in costume. Some of the couples stuck out. The King and Queen of Hearts, King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, Friar Tuck, Maid Marian, a Jester, and Asa, who though he had come up with the party, refused to wear a costume, except he was wearing a cowboy hat.
Kelly and Joey, and Caroline and Micah went right to the dance floor and started dancing. Rachel, Drew, Kevin, and Jessi went their separate ways.
Jessi stood on the sidelines, contentedly watching her cousin dance.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
II swear by the moon and the stars in the sky
And I swear like the shadow that's by your side
I see the questions in your eyes
I know what's weighing on your mind
You can be sure I know my heart
'Coz I'll stand beside you through the years
You'll only cry those happy tears
And though I make mistakes
I'll never break your heart/I
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jessi could tell how happy Caroline was, but she was still a bit jealous of her cousin's very good fortune. Suddenly, a dark haired, muscular, stranger, dressed as Prince Charming walked towards her, even though he was dutifully masked at his eyes, it was very obvious that he was very handsome. He had dark brown hair and eyes, and his skin was a tanned olive color, making him look like dark prince.
Her breath was caught in her chest, and her heart was in her throat.
He stopped right in front of her. Never even speaking, he offered her his hand, which she readily accepted, but was taken aback at the tingling sensation that went down her spine when her hand met his.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
IAnd I swear by the moon and the stars in the sky
I'll be there
I swear like a shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
For better or worse, till death do us part
I'll love you with every beat of my heart
And I swear
I'll give you every thing I can
I'll build your dreams with these two hands
We'll hang some memories on the walls /I
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jessi's heart pounded wildly in her chest. She'd lost the ability to think. She was filled with emotions, she had never even imagined existed.
Who was this mystery man, her Prince Charming?
At the same time, the Dark Prince [Ias he shall be referred to until we get his name/I] was also amazed at what was happening. When he'd spotted her across the room, something inside of him changed, everyone else in the room had faded away, and he immediately had made his way to the lovely Cinderella.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
IAnd when just the two of us are there
You won't have to ask if I still care
`Coz as the time turns the page, my love won't age at all
And I swear by the moon and the stars in the sky
I swear (and I swear) like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
For better or worse, till death do us part
I'll love you with every beat of my heart
And I swear /I
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jessi was lost in his deep brown eyes, they seemed to bore into her very soul.
The Dark Prince was entranced by her hazel eyes
What on earth was she doing to him? He'd been pulled to her, like there was some force, trying to make them meet. Whatever it was, it had worked.
He danced her out to the terrace.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
II swear (I swear) by the moon and stars in the sky
I'll be there
I swear like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
For better or worse, till death do us part
I'll love you with every (single) beat of my heart
I swear, I swear, oh... I... swear... /I
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
They stopped there, breathing hard, because of the manner their hearts were beating.
The Dark Prince finally spoke, "I am Prince Nikolas Cassadine." [IOne more thing, I've also aged Prince Nikki a bit, here he is 18 as well. Why? Because I can have more fun then!/I]
"I'm Jessica Buchanan, you can call me Jessi." She replied.
"Call me Nikolas."
"Where on earth did you come from?" Jessi implored, wondering if maybe he'd fallen from heaven or maybe someplace darker. If he had, she didn't care if he was the devil himself, she was fully trapped within his snare.
"Well, Greece. But my father and I moved to Port Charles New York this year. I didn't really like it there. So I'm going to be living here and attending classes at the University."
Jessi looked at him skeptically, "You're a prince? And from Greece?"
Nikolas laughed, "I know it sounds unbelievable. But I assure you it's true."
Something dawned on Jessi, "Did you say Port Charles?"
"Yes, why?"
"My cousin just moved here from there!"
"Oh, does she know the Spencers?"
"Only Luke. He's her Uncle. Would you believe he threatened to kill her?"
"I got the same welcome from my, well I guess he's my step-father. He's wife, Laura Spencer, is my mother."
"You have got to be kidding me! That is SOOO weird!"
"What's your cousin's name?"
"Well, Caroline Leigh Buchanan, but she while she was there, Carly Roberts." Jessi informed him, then decided to find out a lot more about this, Nikolas, "So, why'd you decide to move here?"
"Well, my cousin Alexis is friends with another lawyer here, Nora Buchanan, I guess that you'd be related to her too. Anyway, I'm going to be staying with them." Nikolas explained.
"Nora is my Aunt. Caroline's step-mother." She told him shocked.
"So you're the Jessi they were talking about."
"That would be me!"
"Why don't you tell me more about you." Nikolas prodded, wanting to know all he possibly can about this beautiful creature in front of him.
"Um, I'm one of the only Granddaughter's of the family. Actually, there are only two of us. So Grandpa, my dad, Uncle Bo, my cousin Drew, and my brothers Kevin and Joey are very protective of Caroline and I. You should have seen how mad they were when they found out Caroline was . . ." Jessi realized she was about to say something she shouldn't, and that she'd said something else she shouldn't have earlier, so she decided to tell him the OTHER thing they were mad at her about. "That she was moving in with a guy she'd just met the week before, and had been staying with while they were all worried about her."
"What does your family do?"
"Well, my mother and father own and run the Banner. My brother Kevin works there as a reporter. Joey's a photographer. Uncle Bo's the commissioner of the police. And Grandpa is a cranky but sweet, very rich, Texan, who runs the family business."
"What does Caroline do?"
"She spends her days with Micah, her boyfriend, mostly. Or shopping. It's not that she can't do things, she's very, very smart. It's just that she just got off a bad relationship, she's pregnant, and Micah's well off too. There isn't really a reason for her to. She never went to college. She's only 19."
"Oh, I guess I can understand that. I don't really need to go to college I already know what I'm going to do."
"What's that?"
"When I turn 25, I take over our Empire and become The Cassadine. My Uncle is holding the title for me, until I reach 25. My father would have been The Cassadine now, but he died when I was a baby. I was raised by my Uncle on the family compound, which is on our island in Greece. My Grandmother, Helena, was there as well. But she is a cold, heartless woman, who wants nothing more than to be able to control me, she is a terrible person, if she ever comes near you, tell me. If it weren't for my Uncle staging a coup when I was a boy, she would have raised me. And I would have grown up unloved, and cold, just as she is. My mother left me, when I was just a baby. To return to Spencer. The only good thing that came of that was my half-sister, Lulu. She's why I came back. She needed my bone marrow because she was dying of Leukemia. And I guess my half-brother, Lucky. Even though we don't get along at all."
"Wow. That's a complicated life."
"I guess. I don't know any other way. Tell me more about you."
"Um, I'm 17, a senior in High School." She looked at his masked face, "How old are you? You act so maturely . . . but I know you're under 25. So, what are you, 20, 22?"
"I'm only 18."
Jessi smiled, "Do you have a girlfriend?" she was personally shocked at how forward she was being.
Nikolas was surprised at the question, but quickly answered, "No, I don't have a girlfriend. Do you have a beau?"
"Not anymore."
Nikolas took her hands, "Is that so . . ."
"Uh-huh."
Nikolas leaned down, and kissed her tenderly.
Jessi responded happily.
b** A bit before midnight **/b
Jessi and Nikolas returned to the main room, a little flustered, they'd been out on the terrace all night, alone, together.
They make it back, just in time for Joey to get up on the makeshift stage.
"All right now! Thanks for coming everyone. I hope you have a great time. But the bewitching hour is fast approaching, so it's time to unmask yourselves!" Joey announced, "Now, on the count of 5, everyone take off your masks, 1 . . . 2 . . . 3 . . . 4 . . . 5!"
Everyone took off their masks and looked around.
It turned out that the King and Queen of Hearts were Clint and Vicki. King Arthur and Queen Guinevere were Todd and Blair. Friar Tuck accompanied by Maid Marian was Andrew and Cassie. The Jester was Hank. Nora and Bo had gone as the Sheriff of Nottingham, and a lady in waiting.
Micah and Caroline stayed around for 20 minutes, talking to people, then Micah pulled Caroline outside.
"Where are they going?" Drew asked Kevin, who was the closest with Micah. Kevin and Micah had talked a lot, and become good friends.
"He's going to do something very surprising." Kevin answered vaguely.
"Which is . . ." Joey prompted.
"Ask her to marry him."
"What?! So soon?" Drew questioned shocked.
"They relationship has always progressed rapidly." Kevin replied.
"Well, isn't that giving them too much credit? I mean, they've only known each other what, a month?" Joey insisted.
"Joey, if it's love, it shouldn't matter how short a time you've known each other. Beside. You really have to be amazed by him. You know how insane Caroline can get sometimes. And how insecure she is. Plus, she's four and a half months pregnant with some other guy's kid. I really got to admire the guy for being willing to raise the kid."
~*~
The night had a bit of a nip to it, but Caroline and Micah didn't notice.
The sky was full of stars, and music drifted out onto the terrace through the open doors.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
IThere used to be a graying tower alone on the sea
You, became the light on the dark side of me
Love remains a drug that's the high and not the pill
But did you know that when it snows
My eyes become large
And the light that you shine can't be seen? /I
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Micah spoke "Caroline, I wish to ask something of you."
Caroline, who was looking up at the moon spun around, "What is it?"
"I have never felt about anyone, feelings so strong, wonderful, and amazing as I do for you. You know about my family, yet you still live with me. And I hope, you love me, as much as I love you."
Caroline looked into his eyes, "I do love you. With all my heart."
"And you know that I will love your baby, as much as I love you."
"You will?"
"Of course." Micah pledged, "What I wish to ask you is, will you do me the honor, of marrying me, and becoming my wife?"
"Oh my . . . You want to marry me?"
"More than anything in the world. Please, say yes."
Caroline smiled, "I will . . ."
Micah's face lit up, "You will?!" he picked her up and spun her around.
Caroline laughed, "Yes, I'll marry you!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Please, I want replies, I know it sounds pathetic, but I live for feedback, good or bad! I need to know what you think so I know where to go with this.
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