Disclaimer: Unless it is needed otherwise, this disclaimer is to cover the entire story—from the first word until the last period. All characters and locations are property of ABC/Disney—unless they were never mentioned on Port Charles before October 3, 2003—then they are my property—as is the entire idea of the story.
A/N: I had a free afternoon and this just popped itself out for you all to read. I'm still uneasy about this story—I know the ending and I just have to keep telling myself it's going to be ok. Anyways—everyone please PLEASE enjoy this story. Until next time—ya'll are truly the best—PCGirl.
PC: 2022
Oof
"Come on—you can hit harder than that."
Ooof
"Is that the best you've got in you?"
Pow
"I've felt you hit me harder than that when I read your diary when we were ten, Katrina—now seriously hit me."
Bam
"Ouch—ok, now that's what I was talking about," grinned Eddie as he looked at his sister and held onto the punching bag for another hit.
Bam
"I—I think I've had enough for one night," she said as she took off her gloves and rested her hands on her knees, looking up at him after a moment, "So how did I do?"
"I think if something comes up, and you don't get distracted then you will definitely be able to defend yourself."
"And what if I get distracted?"
Eddie came over and put a hand on her shoulder, "You won't—trust me. Now let's go up to the apartment and get changed and head to the house for dinner," he said as he guided her to the circular stairwell that led to his new apartment.
He and Kate had been high school graduates for a whole week now—and as a present to Eddie he was given the old apartment above the gym as his new home—which made it easier for Rafe to stay home for a few extra hours in the morning and spend time with Alison and the baby—Gregory Samuel Kovich.
Kate's graduation present—well, that it was a little pricier—a two month trip across Europe with Tara—something that had been in the works for a year and a half, and the girls had to push their father's into agreeing with. There were stipulations, of course—starting with the itinerary had to be written in stone last December, and to all people they met along the way they were to introduce each other as Katrina Barrington and Tara Locke—if Rafe had someway of making their passports and visas say the same he would have done it.
Katrina was more than ready to get out of her father's eye for a few months, but she had confided in her brother—her best friend since the moment she was born—that she was scared if something happened to them, if somehow they were found out and attacked, that she would have no way of defending both herself and Tara. Eddie had been giving her defense lessons every free moment he could get—and he couldn't have been more proud of her now than ever.
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"Hey Da," said Danny as he heard his dad's voice on the other end—an ocean away, but as close as next to him at the moment.
"Hey—Rafe just called me," smiled Ian.
"Yeah? That was quick—I just got back from being over there."
"Is it safe to talk?"
"If you are asking if Christina is here—no, she's out shopping with Lucy."
"Like mother, like daughter, huh?" laughed Ian.
"Yeah—so is there going to be a problem with Kate mailing it from England when she gets there in a few days? I'm just scared that if I had it in my bags and they were searched she'll see it."
"No problem—it'll probably get here by the end of the week then. So you're ready to pop the big question, huh?"
"I've never been more sure of anything in my life—I think I was ready the first time I kissed her in New York. Wow—that seems like a lifetime ago now."
"Yeah, well I—I can't wait to see you two again," said Ian, suddenly at a loss for something better to say.
"Me too, Da—only a few more weeks until I finally get to show her Ireland, and finally get to ask her if she'll be my wife."
"I know your Mom would be proud of your choice—though she might have something to say about Julie being her biological mother."
Ian laughed, "I think it's the fact that Lucy is her adopted mother—either or isn't the best choice, is it?"
"Nope," laughed Ian. "Well, I'll let you go—I'll call you when the package gets here. Bye Daniel."
"Bye Da."
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Caleb stood next to the wet bar, twirling a pen on the black marble as he listened to the person on the other end of the phone, "Yes, that's fine. And--," he stopped what he was going to say as he heard footsteps coming around the corner, "And tell your boss I will agree to this interview as long as my family is not brought up—is that clear?" he said as he turned to smile at Livvie walking in holding their little girl in her arms. He gave a smile and hung up the phone, "Hello Miranda," he said taking her from his arms.
"Dada," said Miranda as she locked her arms around his neck tightly—she had the darker hair and ocean blue eyes of Caleb—opposite of what he had always pictured Amelia to look like as she grew up.
Miranda was growing up so quickly it seemed—too quickly if anyone asked what he thought. It had seemed just yesterday they brought Tara home from the hospital, and in just a few short years she would be out on her own—completing her dreams and living her life to the fullest.
"Who was on the phone?" asked Livvie politely.
"A music magazine wants to do an article entitled, 'Whatever happened to Stephen Clay'. I was just making sure they agreed to my demands," he said rubbing Miranda's back as she finally pulled back and smiled at him, causing him to smile back, "Hey Princess."
"I was worried you were calling one of the hotels in Europe—you've been making a lot of calls there."
"Just want to make sure everything is safe for Kate and Tara—the last thing we need is either of their lives in jeopardy," he said bouncing Miranda softly and getting her to giggle lightly.
