Chapter 4

Alexis and Kristina were preparing lunch. They decided to treat the guys to lunch at home and as it seemed Kristina knew her way around a kitchen, Alexis left her to it. Cooking definitely was not a gift Alexis was blessed with and she was more than appreciative of those who were.

"Alexis, I'm going to go change into some street clothes. I'll be back down in a minute to finish lunch and could you turn the stove on in 5."

"Fine, you go on and I'll get the door." Alexis smiled softly and went to find out who was at the door.

She opened the door and questioningly peered at the woman standing there. As recognition of the woman slowly entered her consciousness Alexis grabbed the doorframe to support herself. Wild thoughts began running through her mind. 'Johnny, where are you? How did she get here? How did she find me? KRISTINA. Oh Kristina, please stay upstairs'.

"Hello, little Natasha? Aren't you going to invite me in?"

Helena Cassadine boldly walked past Alexis to stand in the middle of the room. Putting on her best courtroom demeanor, Alexis closed the door and turned to level a 'no fear, no nonsense glare at Helena. She focused on the mantra her mind was steadily chanting; 'stay strong, stay in control, you can do this, you can do this'.

"Excuse me, my name is Alexis Davis and I don't remember inviting you into my home."

"Did you think that just by changing your name you could hide from me? I've always known where you were. As long as you stayed out of my way I was willing to leave you alone. But, you broke the rules, didn't you, Natasha?"

Keeping her voice as cold as steel..."I don't know what you mean. I don't know of any rules where you are concerned."

Just the sound of Helena's voice was conjuring up all of the past fears and insecurities of her childhood. Alexis was staying on her feet by sheer force of will. She had not laid eyes on this woman in years and never intended to do so ever again. She quickly glanced toward the stairs, 'please Kristina, stay upstairs'.

"I've known all along where you were and I've kept my eye on John as well. What a coincidence life is, that it would bring you two together after all of these years."

"We are nothing to you, we want nothing to do with you. You have nothing to fear from us. Just go and leave us in peace."

"I think you know I can't do that now Natasha, dear."

"Alexis, did you turn on the stove?"

Alexis froze as she heard Kristina come down the stairs.

"Oh, excuse me, I didn't know we had a guest."

Before Kristina could introduce herself Alexis moved to stand between her and Helena. She shot a meaningful glance toward Kristina and turned back to Helena.

"My friend and I were about to have lunch. So, I'm sure you'll understand and be on your way."

"Your friend? How quaint. But, you and I aren't finished yet, are we?"

"I believe we are. You have nothing I want and I have nothing you want. I'd say that about finishes any business you may think you have with me."

Helena pulled a cigarette out and lit it as she stared at Alexis. Alexis saw the cold hatred once again and almost flinched. Recognizing that her mind was slowly losing the battle over her bodies reaction to Helena, Alexis visibly straightened her back and mentally reached down to that last reserve of strength she learned to keep for the unplanned events of life.

"Poor Natasha, you've let yourself forget what power I hold over you."

Turning toward the door Helena stopped upon reaching it and slowly turned back to face Alexis first, then let her eyes settle on Kristina.

"I see you also found the youngest little bastard as well. It will be such fun when the time comes to brand her just as you and little John were."

With that last parting shot, Helena turned the doorknob and walked out.

Alexis slowly slid to the floor as the last of her strength and consciousness left her.