Chapter 16

The docks were the last place Lucky liked being, but he had to go to the island to see Nikolas. LuLu moved into Wyndimere on her 15th birthday. She thought it would help Nikolas believe her words were not hallow sentiments to ease his pain. Luke actually thought it was a good idea. He had this crazy notion that Nikolas might try to take his life rather than fight the pain. Nothing seemed to comfort him over the last five years; Elizabeth's death was like a big gapping hole in Nikolas' heart. Until three nights ago, Lucky started to wonder if Nikolas had secretly carried a torch for Elizabeth all these years. At least, Audrey's confession explained the pain Nikolas felt at the loss of Elizabeth. She was a Cassadine like him, they were kindred spirits. It was this bond that was slowly destroying Nikolas. Day by day he was withering into an empty shell. Emily accused him of loving Elizabeth, kicked him out of Wyndimere, then divorced him. She no longer resented him for it, and eventually signed the castle back over to Nikolas and moved out. Unfortunately, there was still a strain between them when they were in the same room. Lucky's thoughts keep going back to Audrey's confession and a wave of panic over took him. He felt like he couldn't breathe by the time the ferry reached the docks at Wyndimere, everything began to spin, and he fell to his knees sick to his stomach. "Woe, Cowboy, your going to have to get a handle on Cameron starting Kindergarten. It's what kids his age do, you know that." Luke bellowed. He bent down to grab Lucky's arm and get him to his feet. Nikolas ran to Lucky's aid and helped him also. "Are you sick, because Cameron started school this week?" he asked in disbelief. "Separation anxiety isn't make believe." Lucky gasped weakly. "Let's get him inside. Are you on duty? Because you need a stiff drink to settle your nerves." Luke commented as they walked him to the house. "I came out here to see how your doing." Lucky told Nikolas. "I've already suggested he get a place in town so we can be more of a family." Luke said. "I know your both right." Nikolas admitted. Luke and Nikolas hauled Lucky into the study and put him on the sofa. Above the fireplace behind Nikolas' desk was an oil portrait of Elizabeth. She looked life like and his wave of panic hit him again. "I feel closer to her in here." Nikolas explained. "I'm sorry I can't explain it any better than that." Luke nodded and said, "It's OK you don't have to explain. It's an extraordinary painting of her." Nikolas felt relieved that he wasn't asked to explain himself. However, he was very concerned about Lucky falling apart over Kindergarten. "He was the one who was suppose to be good at that stuff." Nikolas thought.