A/N Okay, this is short, and it might be boring...just kind of setting up the next part...which is trying desperately to form in my muddled brain.

I descend the main staircase and join the small party already in progress. Mike greets me first, and we are joined by Lesley and Bobbie. Nikolas is across the room with John in his arms, he's speaking quietly with a young woman I haven't seen before. Kristina and Cameron are reading a large book. I can't help but smile at the title. "Where's Waldo, Now?" Alexis is in a friendly discussion with Robin, Lucky and Liz. Moments later, out of the corner of my eye I see Robin approach me.

"I'm fine!" I blurt.

Robin's eyes go wide and she gives me a half smile. "Glad to hear it."

"Uh, my mother didn't send you over to make sure I was okay?" I feel like an idiot.

"No, but actually, Monica might have suggested I give you a once over. You look great I'll give her a glowing report tomorrow."

"Thanks…sorry if I freaked."

"Not a problem, I get it." She replies, to my raised eyebrow she adds. "You've been on your own a long time, its hard getting used to people caring about you."

"True, but you've always had people…"

"I know, but after living in Paris for so long, I got used to being on my own. Coming home was weird. Having people to answer to, even though I'm an adult---my uncle Mac, Felicia, my mom, and now my dad…they still care, it's great, but also sort of annoying."

I nod and grab a crab puff off a passing tray.

Robin looks back toward Alexis. "I haven't seen Ric…"

"He hasn't been around much lately. He's been spending most of his time with Sonny."

"Oh…that's probably a good thing…unless it isn't." Robin muses.

Most of the guests have departed. I say goodbye to Lulu and Bobbie, while Alexis speaks with Nikolas. I sink into a leather sofa and start playing absently with one of John's many new teddy bears.

"Miss Cassadine?"

It takes a second before I realize I'm being addressed. The young woman is looking at me expectantly. I look around for a moment then answer. "I'm Sam…Sam McCall."

"Oh, I am sorry, Mr. Cassadine said you were his cousin, I just assumed."

"I'm so not a Cassadine. But you don't need to be sorry, is there something I can help you with?"

"Could you be so kind as to direct me to the kitchen? I need to discuss Master John's diet with Alfred."

"He's five months old, isn't his diet rather limited at this point?"

"It's never too early for good nutrition."

"Right… The kitchen is through these doors, down the main corridor, swing a left by the statue of St. Peter and then an immediate right…or is it a left…I haven't been here that long myself."

"Thank you." She says uncertainly.

"Send up a flare if you get lost…someone will find you eventually." I joke. She stares briefly then departs.

"Is this seat taken?"

"Yes, I'm saving it for my mother." Alexis smiles and joins me on the sofa. We watch the nanny depart in silence.

"Did you get a load of those eyebrows?" I ask snidely.

"I sure did, and what about that accent? I went to Oxford with people from every corner of Great Britain, and I've never heard a dialect quite like that. I bet she's really from Pittsburg."

"You are not nice." I chastise.

"There's nothing actually wrong with being from Pittsburg. Okay, guilty as charged." She admits with a grin "I'm glad you are here Sam."

"Me too." I lean against her comfortably. "Could we have tea tonight? And maybe talk."

She hesitates briefly, thinks then says "I'd like that."

"Alexis?" Viola appears "I'm sorry to interrupt. Kristina insists she will not go to sleep unless you finish reading The Brave Little Seamstress to her."

"She's so spoiled." Alexis responds with a smile. "I'll be up in a minute Viola." She gets up with a sigh. "Earl Grey?"

"Sounds good, I'll bring it up to my room, see you in a bit."

To my surprise, Alexis leans down and kisses my forehead quickly before leaving for Kristina's room. And I don't hate it at all.

I find Nikolas standing in his room, with the baby held awkwardly in his arms. A mahogany sleigh crib is set up next to Nik's enormous bed.

"He won't break." I assure my nervous cousin.

"Are you sure?"

"Pretty sure." I approach slowly. "He's going to sleep in here tonight?"

"The nursery still smells like paint. I figured he'd be better off for the first few days in here with me."

"Definitely. See Nikolas, you're already making executive parental decisions."

"Are you mocking me?"

"No…maybe. You're doing great. You will be an awesome dad." Nikolas smiles. "I have a favor to ask, but please don't say anything to Alexis, 'kay?"

"Um, I'm not sure I can prom…"

"Oh, no, it's nothing like that. I've just, I've registered to take the GED next week, and I feel pretty good about most of it…but the science section is totally beyond me, could you tutor me? I know you have a lot going on, so if you can't it's totally okay"

"Sam, stop, breathe. I'd be happy to help, but why aren't we telling Alexis?"

"I…I…" I'm embarrassed again, "Please? I just…I don't want any advice or help from her on this…not in a bad way, just…"

"Okay, I understand. We'll start tomorrow after she leaves for work?" He suggests.

"Thanks! Nikolas, thanks for everything. If you need anything I'm down the north stairs, up the main staircase, in the south tower. Or you could call my cell." I give him a quick hug, amazed that only a few days ago I considered him a stranger.