The Space Between

Chapter Nine: Revelations

Felicia paused outside the half-opened door, looking intently at the figure lying motionless on the bed. She could sense the despair radiated from the room and she sighed, unsure on how to proceed at that moment. Her girls were still little and she hoped they would never have to deal with the situation that Gia was going through. She smiled down at Georgie and Maxie, who were clutching their presents in their hands, and she felt comforted when they grinned back at her. "You girls ready?"

"Yes Mom. We know what to do. Right Georgie?"

Her youngest simply smiled and nodded.

Felicia straightened her shoulders, bouncing into the dark room as she opened the door. "Hello there sunshine."

Gia turned her head, wiping at the moisture on her face and attempted a smile. One that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Well, hello. What is all this?" She glanced around the room, watching as Maxie opened her closed curtains, letting in some light. Georgie was climbing a chair in an attempt to put an arrangement of flowers in the empty vase on the hospital table. Gia looked at Felicia pulling out some Styrofoam plates from a huge paper bag, she had carried in.

"This is your very own cheering up party my dear." Felicia grinned her way, winking as she started to pull out Tupperware from inside the seemingly bottomless bag. "The girls wanted to see you. I guess they missed their babysitter.

Georgie climbed to Gia's side, kissing her cheek and handing her a folded piece of paper. "This is from all of us Gia. See." Her small finger pointed to a bunch of scribbles that lined the bottom of the page. "This one is Maxie…you can actually read it. And that's me. That one is Lulu and that crazy squiggly one is Michael."

Gia smiled, despite the welling in her eyes and kissed the little girls head gently. "Thank you Georgie. This is sweet." She pushed her body up to sit straighter, forcing the dark thoughts that were plaguing her mind away. She wanted to have a good time.

"Thank you too Miss Maxie. Come here and give me a hug." She reached out and squeezed the small child gently. Then looked up at Felicia. "Felicia…"

"It's okay kiddo. It's my pleasure. You know how much my girls and I love you. It's the least we could do. Right girls?"

"Right!"

"Yep!"

"Girls why don't you just help yourselves first and have a seat at the table while I catch up with Gia, okay?" She watched as they began to fill their plates with food before turning to her young friend. "How you holding up sweetie?"

Gia shrugged. "Not well I guess." She shook her head and pointed to her lifeless legs. "Crippled and all."

"You are not crippled Gia."

"Oh come on Felicia." Gia snapped, then sighed and lowering her voice, she continued. "I can't move my legs. I may never do so. What do you call that?"

"Self pity."

Gia looked away. "I'm entitled. I lost everything. My legs. Lucky."

"You sent Lucky away remember? He wanted to stay here with you."

Gia snorted. "Yeah. That's why he gave up so quickly."

"That's not fair Gia. He loves you. Spencers don't love easily and when they do, they don't stop either." Felicia glanced at her girls and then back at the desolate girl next to her. "At least you remember your life Gia. You remember loving Lucky and what that felt like for you. Your mind isn't a blank."

Felicia's words filled her with shame. Here she sat, moping while her friend couldn't even remember who she was. She couldn't even begin to imagine how scared and alone Carly must feel. In her heart, Gia knew her legs would one day work, that she would some day walk again. Even if her mind told her she was wrong, she had hope. Carly might never remember. Ever. "That was low Felicia."

"Whatever works kiddo."

The door burst open and Taggert ran in, stopping short at the sight before him. Felicia smiled at him as he froze in place.

"What's up Taggert."

"Felicia." He turned to the girls. "Hi there sweeties."

"Hey Taggert."

"Hello Taggert!"

He smiled as he watched them eat and then turned to his sister and his…friend?…partner…? "Um…I was wondering if I could have a minute with my sister?"

"Of course. Make sure she eats some of that." She pointed at the mound of food and then holding her hand out to her girls she said. "Come girls, we're gonna go get some dessert for Gia." She turned to Taggert and grinned. "Be right back partner."

Taggert stood staring at the door for a long time, that same disoriented feeling that was always there when he was near Felicia returning. Gia cleared her throat and he turned his attention to her, shaking images of blue eyes out of his head. "Hey. Sorry." He moved over to her side, bending to give her forehead a kiss. "How are you feeling baby?"

"Same. What the heck was that about?"

"What?"

"Felicia's your partner?"

"Oh. Long story. I don't want to go into it now. There's more important things to talk about."

"Like what for instance?" Gia smiled when Taggert took her hand. "What's going on big brother?"

"You're going home tomorrow."

Shocked, Gia stared at him in disbelief. "What? When did..?"

"The doctor just told me. They figure there's not much more they can do here for you. The swelling will go down on its own and until then, you can have outpatient therapy."

Conflicted about what she should be feeling, Gia simply nodded. She hated this place but at least here she wasn't the only sick person. She wasn't…different. "Well, um, it'll be nice to sleep in my own bed I guess." She smiled at her brother and tilting her head, she narrowed her eyes at him. "There's more, isn't there?"

"Yeah."

"What now? You win the lottery or something?" She giggled at his face but cut it short when his expression got serious. "What is it Marcus?"

"It's about Lucky."

Gia stilled, her breathing stopping as her brother voiced what she saw in his face.

"He's back, baby."

Lucas glanced around the crowded penthouse and smiled. He never understood how any of this people ever became friends. He glanced at his uncle and Stefan arguing in the corner. Okay, so not all of them were friends. But he still found it amusing the melting pot of different personalities and lives that stood around him. All here for his sister. He smiled at that and turning back to the chessboard, he moved his rook and seized Mike's queen. "Check mate."

"How did you…" Mike frowned at the board. "You're cheating."

Shari sat on the back of Lucas' chair and laughed. "Some say that board games are the instrument of the wicked."

Lucas laughed, stood and patted Mike on the shoulder. making his way over to the punch bowl. He shook his head hearing Mike complaining about "rigged games" and worked his way around the crowd, catching snatches of conversations as he passed.

"So we're walking in, right? And there is this picture, blow up picture over the bar…"

"…the weirdest stuff happening in this town, I mean only Port Charles would have talk of vampires…

"Come on Juan. Five bucks says it don't happen. No way that wedding goes off…"

"I told you already you weren't welcomed here. This family is none of your business

Cassadine."

Luke's angry voice caught his attention and Lucas paused, pretending to be observed in the painting on the wall above his head. His back was to his uncle and Stefan as they argued quietly.

"Caroline…"

"Ceased to be your concern when you walked away without looking back. Don't push me Stefan. You won't like what I do if you don't stop."

"Don't play protector Luke. You've tormented Caroline ever since she first came to town."

Lucas stood motionless waiting for Luke's retort only to be surprised by his response.

"I love Caroline, more then you or anyone else will ever understand. I was there when she was born. I was the first person to look at her beautiful face and I was the last person she saw before we had to give her away. It tore my heart out and for years I felt that loss, believe me."

Lucas sensed his uncle moving closer and strained to hear what was said when Luke lowered his voice to barely above a whisper.

"I will never forget what it was like to give up a piece of my heart. The shame in knowing I couldn't do right by my own family. And I will burn in hell before I let you turn that girl's life upside down just so you can ease your own conscience."

"She's my daughter Luke. It doesn't matter whether you like it or not. She is part of me. I have a right to be in her life."

"Like hell you do."

"What's going on over here?"

Lucas turned at his mothers voice, watching her approach the two men who from the looks of it where about to get into a fist fight. Forcing his feet to move, he passed by them quickly and sat on the stairs. His ears rang, flooded by everything he just head. He watched his sister across the room, smiling cautiously at Zander, and their eyes meet for a second.

Lucas rubbed his now throbbing head with his free hand while taking a gulp of warm soda as he did. His eyes drifted to Carly standing near her husband, smiling happily. What the hell was he supposed to do now?

"Okay Spencer. Spill"

Lucky turned from the view of the city to look at his best friend's worried face. He took a long sip from his glass, postponing the interrogation he knew was coming. "Nothing to spill, Emily." He nodded at Zander who stood behind Emily and received a sympathetic smile in return. "I needed some time alone to think things over. Now, I'm back."

"I see. What about the souvenir?"

Lucky shook his head, confusion on his face and when his questioning eyes meet Zander's, the other answered, "I think she meant the extra body you brought with you. You know, the girl." Zander pointed behind him, into the room filled with people.

"Vanessa? She's just-- she's a friend."

Emily snorted. "I bet."

"What the hell is that supposed mean?"

"Guys--"

Emily crossed her arms. "Forget about Gia already?" She flinched at her own words, seeing the hurt that crossed Lucky's face.

"You know what Emily? Last time I looked you weren't my mother so let it go."

"Are you serious?"

Lucky averted his gaze, sipping at the punch, wishing it was something stronger. He could have used the liquid courage right then. "Let it go, Emily."

"Let it go?! Let--what?…you disappear for weeks, no word except some stupid note you left for your brother…and now, you're here…with some strange woman none of us know! But hey I should just not ask questions, is that right?!" Emily felt Zander's hand on her arm and turned to him. He stroked her hair gently as he spoke over her shoulder at Lucky.

"You're right man, it's not any of our business." He stopped Emily's protest, giving her shoulder a squeeze and motioned to the door. "Baby, why don't you go check on Carly?" She took the hint and nodded, leaving them alone. Zander took a deep breath, surveying the view of the lighted city. It was peaceful up here, the sounds of the city, muted. He could see Lucky from his peripheral and waited patiently for him to start to talking.

Lucky pinched the bridge of his nose, attempting to relieve the headache that was gnawing in the back of his head. "Thanks man. I owe you one."

"Just one? I think you're indebted for life, pal. That girl would have kept you out here all night until she got what she wanted."

Lucky's face broke into a smile and he bowed slightly at his friend. "How can I ever pay you back, oh great one?"

"Money will do."

Lucky laughed, shaking his head. "I missed you guys."

"Yeah. Well, you could have called." Zander held up his hand to ward off any oncoming defense. "I'm not judging you man. You know I'd be the last one to. But we were all worried. Sonny had half his crew scouring the freaking country looking for you. Your Dad and Mom hired a PI. It would have helped if you had called once but--", he glanced over and shrugged, "you didn't. So nothing to be done. You're home. That's all that matters."

After a minute, Zander shivered and glanced over at Lucky. "Okay, dude. I'm all for brooding and all that but you think we can do this inside. It's damn cold."

"What? You can't take the cold? Mr. 'Running from the law' Smith?"

"Shut up Spencer."

"I think you're going soft, man."

"Dude." Lucky glanced at him as Zander pointed to the penthouse behind. "I live with Sonny and Carly." He gave Lucky a knowing look.

"Oh yeah." He clamped a hand on his friends shoulder and guided him inside. "You're so my hero, man"

Their laughter drifted into the room and Emily glanced up, seeing that smile on Lucky's face again, she forgot all the questions and worries for that moment. She walked over to them, kissing Zander soundly on the mouth before turning to Lucky and throwing her arms around his neck. She squeezed hard. "I'm sorry. I missed you and I'm glad you're back."

He returned the affection, kissing her temple softly. "I missed you too."

Emily nodded into his shoulder, sniffling quietly. Her best friend was home. That was all that mattered. For now.

Her eyes drifted over once more to the two people in the middle of the room. They stood together, hands touching and she watched her head lean against his shoulder as she laughed at some joke. Vanessa shook her head, her eyes shifting between the door and her hosts. She needed to get out of here. This was not the place to be. If anyone found her here…

They'd find Caroline.

That couldn't happen.

She placed her glass on a nearby table and slowly made her way to the door. Pausing to grab her coat and purse, she felt a presence behind her and jumped, whirling around to face the person. Her eyes meet deep dark ones and she smiled nervously. "You scared me."

Nikolas smiled. "I tend to do that."

"Oh no. I meant-- I wasn't expecting you there."

"I see that you are leaving." He motioned to her things and she glanced down. "Will my brother be going with you?"

She looked up at him, confused. "Your brother?"

"Yes. Lucky."

She gapped at him for a moment before recovering. "You're Lucky's brother?"

"Yes, I am."

"The Prince guy?"

Nikolas choked back a laugh though his eyes shined with amusement and his voice betrayed his control. "Yes. I am-- the Prince guy."

"Wow. Well, you're definitely not what I had expected."

"I beg your pardon?"

Vanessa leaned against the edge of the desk behind her and took in the hunk before her. "I mean, I figured you'd be --"

"Older?"

"Uglier."

Nikolas laughed at her honesty. "That was unexpected. Did my brother describe me as unattractive?"

"Not at all. I just-- well for one you don't look like Lucky-- why don't you look like Lucky?"

"We have different fathers."

"Oh. That makes sense."

"Is my brother unattractive then?"

"What?! NO."

Nikolas chuckled. "You seemed to think I was going to be so perhaps you thought I would resemble my brother."

"Well no. It's true that most of the times if one brother is gorgeous, which Lucky is, the other tends to be plainer."

"I see. That is not the case this time then?"

Vanessa snorted. "Um…no."

They stood in silence for a moment.

"What is the other reason?"

Vanessa blinked and stared at him.

"You said 'well for one…', what is the other reason that you believed I would be ugly as you put it?"

"Oh. Right. Well…it's just plain mathematics."

It was Nikolas' turn to stare at her blankly.

"Think about it, what are the chances a girl will meet a real life prince? And what are the chances that if she does, he'll be a hottie?" She sighed, shaking her head at him. "Apparently I need to rethink that whole concept."

Chuckling, he nodded at the door. "Would you consider staying? My brother seems to enjoy your company and I'd like him to stay around."

Her eyebrow rose and she smiled slowly. "I was planning on moving on. Besides, I don't even know your whole name. Why would I consider anything?"

He laughed again and offered his hand. "Well, perhaps we should make proper introductions then. Hello, I'm Prince Nikolas Cassadine. Everyone calls me Nik. It's a pleasure making your acquaintance."

She took his hands, sparks shooting up her arm. That wasn't a good sign. "Nice to meant you Prince. My name is Vanessa. No one calls me Nessa. Now, about this prince thing…"

Lucas took a swig of the beer he'd sneaked out of the kitchen. His mind reeled from his earlier discovery and he needed to numb his panic some. He had to tell Carly. He knew that. He also knew that now wasn't the time. She needed to remember before he made a revelation this big.

"I think you're a bit young for that."

Lucas turned to see Alexis behind him and smiled ruefully. "Don't rat me out. I'm only having one.' He took another sip as he muttered, "I deserve this one."

Alexis wrapped an arm around his shoulder, concern sketched on her face. "What's going on?"

He sighed, shaking his head and handing her the half-empty can, sitting down. "Nothing. I'm just worried I guess."

"About Carly."

Lucas nodded. "She's got a lot on her plate."

Alexis smiled, taking the seat next to his own and pushed her shoulder into his, and waited until his eyes met hers. "You're sister is strong. She can take anything."

"I hope so."

"Besides, she's got Sonny. He loves her. I've never seen anything like what they have. Whatever comes…they'll pull through."

Their eyes drifted over to where Sonny stood, his eyes on his wife as she spoke. "His gone, isn't he?"

Alexis laughed. "Completely." Sighing, her own gaze drifted to Johnny, watching his smile turn into a laugh. "That's something I've never…"

Lucas glanced at her. "What?"

"Nothing."

Alexis caught his sad, understanding smile and her heart broke at his words. "Love doesn't come in the shape you expect. Believe me. I know."

There was a secret there she could tell, some long held pain and fear. An idea sparked in her mind, and she stared at the wonderful, sweet boy next to her, seeing him more clearly then she ever had before. Whatever it was, he wasn't ready to talk so she took his hand, squeezing it gently, then returning her gaze to the crowd inside. "Life sucks."

"Ain't that the truth."

"You guys are the sorriest, saddest bunch I've ever seen."

Juan and Shari walked around behind them, smiling sadly in their direction.

"You said it." They turned to see Mike next to them. "Thing is, the two of you still have a chance." Taking the seat on the armchair, he paused, staring over at his son before turning back to them. "You only get one chance to do it right. Make the right choice. If you don't you'll spend the rest of your life regretting it."

Juan felt Shari tense, her eyes stuck on Mike and he felt that uneasiness return. Her eyes seemed riveted to the older man's face.

Mike looked down at his hand, playing with the well-worn gold ring on his finger before showing it to Alexis, tears glistening in his eyes. "Adella gave me this ring on our first anniversary. We hadn't been able to afford any expensive ones when we got married so we had kept a promise to buy each other one after a year." He paused, his face twisted into disgust and a mirthless laugh escaped. "I gambled my money away the day before our anniversary. She didn't care though. She loved me enough to forgive anything."

He looked up at the group before, almost reeling away at the pity on their faces. Except for Shari. His eyes stayed on her angry face and something in it felt familiar. He forced his eyes away, looking into nothing. "Everyday I wish I had made different choices."

"Did you love her, Mike?"

He brought his eyes to met Alexis'. "I still love her." The sound of glass hitting the ground brought his eyes back to the young girl next to Juan. She backed away, mumbling an excuse as she ran up the stairs and Mike's eyes followed Juan as he chased after her…

"Shari."

"Go away, please.

"No." Juan gripped her arm, twisting her to face him and seeing the tears in her eyes, he pulled her into a hug. She squirmed in his embrace at first but slowly she allowed his warmth to comfort her, wrapping her arms around his back.

"I'm sorry."

Juan shushed her, pulling away and kissing her forehead. "It's okay. I'm getting used to your weird outbursts that make no sense. It's part of what make me love you."

Shari bit on her upper lip, a habit Juan knew came from nerves, and pushed her hair away from her forehead. "I need to tell you something. But not here."

Juan studied her serious face and believing her tone, gripped her hand, and started down the stairs. "Then we're going home so you can tell me."

"So Mrs. Corinthos, still nervous?" Sonny wrapped his arm around his wife's waist, moving her away from the center of the room and toward a quiet corner where he could have her to himself.

She smiled widely, brushing a few curls away from his forehead. "I'm having a very good time, Sonny. Thank you for doing this."

His eyes studied her face when she turned to look out over the crowd. "I guess you were right."

"Hmm?"

"I guess I am important to these people."

He pulled her close, their bodies touching and Carly felt sparks shooting through her body when one of his hands caressed her back possessively. Her eyes met his, breath catching in her throat at potent desire there. She licked her lips, his eyes following her motion and she caught what sounded like a growl emanate from him.

Sonny grabbed the back of her head, flicking his eyes to hers before plunging his mouth on hers. Her body felt afire, trembling want rising and untangling through her, her mouth clutching onto his. Her mouth opened slightly and she tasted his need, letting it overtake her senses. Hands reaching for buttons and she fumbled as he pulled away, taking a step back.

She reeled from the sudden lack of him and stared at his stony face. Panicked she wondered what she had done to make him angry. "I'm sorry." She turned away, walking quickly into the crowd, hearing him call out to her. She needed to get out that place. She couldn't take his rejection. Not when all she wanted was to touch him, to feel him…to be the wife he loved.

"Carly."

He caught up to her, holding her from behind. "Stop. It's not what you think."

"It's okay. I understand. I'm not your wife."

"Damn it to hell. You are my wife." He whirled her around to face him. "I love you."

Before she could respond, they heard a startled cry and suddenly the entire room erupted into laughter and talking. Carly looked in the direction of the door, watching as everyone started to crowd around. She glanced at Sonny. "You better go see what's going on."

"Forget about that." He waved at the door, his eyes never straying from hers.

She shook her head, taking a step back when her eyes fell on the reason for the commotion.

"Jason." She heard Sonny say as he moved toward the crowd and her gaze remained on the figure surrounded by her family and friends.

A man stood out in the crowd, short trimmed blond hair and cold blue eyes that stared at her from across the room. She couldn't breathe, her heart racing, and she held a hand to her chest. Something was wrong. She saw Sonny greet the stranger, holding him tightly in a hug. Images flew across her mind…blood and pain…that night…something about that night…

Sonny turned toward her, a smile spreading across his face.

Sharp pain shot through her brain and she stumbled backwards, bending slightly from the ache that raced through her. She could feel the cold night around her…feel the sharp blade against her skin…taster her fear.

"Carly."

Sonny's voice was hollow, like an echo from a deep cave. He motioned to her, his hand stopping in the air, his face falling as he looked at her.

The stranger smiled and his voice, hollowed and deep, reached her. "Hello Carly."

Her cousin was at her side and he took her arm. "Carly, it's Jason." He started to pull her over and her mind suddenly raced with images. She bent, holding her head and screaming, "No. Don't! Get away from me!"

Her eyes closed….her world tilted…sharp cold pain burst in her chest and her hand covered it, gripping her shirt…she tried to breath…choking with fear…

Lucky felt a twinge in his mind as…something was wrong…but he held onto Carly…moving only when Sonny came to her.

"Baby…"

"Oh god." She flailed, reaching for him…if she could hold onto Sonny…she could make it through this.

"Carly…baby…" Carly fell against him and he held onto her, fear lacing his voice when he screamed behind him. "Someone call an ambulance!"

She felt Sonny's hands on her waist…his breath on her face and she gripped at his shoulders, whispering in his ear before losing herself in the pain and darkness.

"Don't let him hurt me."