PART SEVEN
- Alexis' House -
The next morning, Elizabeth rolled out of bed early. She wasn't used to waking up without smacking the alarm over and over, but this morning, it was the loud argument in her head that shook her awake before dawn.
Reaching over to her bag she pulled out a scrap of paper and a half a pencil that she'd found at the bottom of the bag. Smoothing the paper with the palm of her hand she picked up a magazine that she'd borrowed from Alexis' coffee table and began to sketch.
She hadn't really thought of a subject, just drawing the lines and curves that sprung from her subconscious. It wasn't always the best kind of art or even good ideas, but it did tend to tell her what was most on her mind.
Dark expanses and light slivers, a smile, a breath, her thoughts poured from her fingers onto the paper and just when she was ready to look at the complete drawing there was a soft knock on her door. "Elizabeth? Are you awake?"
Setting aside her drawing, Elizabeth swallowed to clear her throat before she slid off the edge of the bed. "Yes... I am."
"I'm leaving a package in the hallway here. Some clothes for you. I thought you'd like to take a shower and change before we start the day."
"Thank you, Alexis, I-"
"You don't have to thank me, sweetie... I'll explain more when you join me in the kitchen."
It was only a moment later, when Elizabeth heard Alexis retreating down the hall that she dashed to the door and opened it. True to her words, there was a bag in the hallway. Elizabeth picked it up and brought it inside, placing it on the bed.
When she opened it she shook herself in wonder. Far from hand-me-downs from Alexis, the items of clothing inside the bag were brand new. No tags were needed to explain. The pristine condition and even the smell of the clothes spoke volumes. They weren't from Wallymart or Kclub. These clothes were from a nice boutique in the most elegant part of town. In truth, Elizabeth had never been inside the boutique, but she'd spend hours outside staring into the windows.
Unwilling to wake up from this little dream, Elizabeth picked out a blouse and skirt and the appropriate underthings and dashed into the bathroom.
-Alexis' House Living Room-
When Elizabeth stepped into the living room she stopped short. Alexis wasn't alone. Standing beside her at the window was Nikolas. Before Elizabeth could say something to him she noticed the slightly taller, darker figure standing beyond Nikolas' shoulder. Stefan Cassadine was giving her a strange expectant look.
"Good Morning." Elizabeth was surprised that her voice actually worked.
"Good Morning, Miss Webber." Stefan stepped out from behind Nikolas and moved toward her.
Unsure of what else to do, Elizabeth met him half way across the room. "Mr. Cassadine." Elizabeth reached out her hand to shake his in greeting, but beyond the curious twist of Stefan's lips as he looked down at her extended hand, he made no move to take her hand in his.
Elizabeth's eyes darted over his shoulder toward Nikolas and Alexis, but before either could do or say anything, she felt her body enveloped in a warm embrace.
When she was safely back on her own feet again she could only blink up at Stefan in confusion.
Nikolas and Alexis stepped up on either side of them as Stefan took pity on the younger woman and explained. "Welcome to the family, Elizabeth."
- Port Charles Grille -
As they were shown to their table, Stefan held Elizabeth's chair for her, leaving Nikolas to walk to the other side and hold out Alexis' chair. Alexis saw the look her nephew gave his father and touched his hand to get his attention. When he looked at her she gave him a nudge and a smile. Shaking himself from his odd mood, Nikolas smiled and sat down beside her, putting himself between both women on one side of the table.
When Elizabeth received the menu she barely looked at the calligraphy and gilded script. "Really, Mr. Cassadine, I'd be just as happy at Kelly's or even McDonalds."
The elder Cassadine winced at the final option. 'I'm sorry, I did not mean to make you feel uncomfortable, Elizabeth. I just thought we should... celebrate."
"No, no," she blushed and looked at Alexis for help, "I wasn't complaining. I just... it's just... the Grille is expensive." Once the word was out of her mouth, Elizabeth cringed, completely embarrassed by her silly comment. Money wasn't an issue for Stefan.
Nikolas covered one of her hands with his on the table top. "We're both concerned about economy," he interjected, "now that I've quit my position at Deception to put distance between..." he looked away and it was Elizabeth's turn, taking their joined hands and pulling them into her lap to cover them both with her free hand. "We have the wedding to plan and a nursery to set up."
Stefan nodded, sharing a look with Alexis. They both noticed the tender touches between the two young people. "Nikolas," he turned back to the couple, drawing their attention away from each other and toward himself, "Nikolas explained that you're quite a talented painter."
"It's something I like to do when I have the opportunity." Elizabeth slid a look at Nikolas with a little stare.
Nikolas gave her a wink and turned to his uncle. "Last night, when you came to see me, did you happen to notice the painting of Lulu on my wall?"
Stefan considered the words for a moment. "Yes... I had been meaning to ask you about that." He met Alexis' curious gaze before looking back at Nikolas. "Quite impressive. It was almost as though the artist had a personal connection to..." he looked at Elizabeth and the high flush of color in her cheeks. "Is that one of your works, Miss Webber?"
"Elizabeth, please call me Elizabeth, and yes... I made that as a present for Nikolas."
Stefan shook his head slightly. "Remarkable." He gave Nikolas a smile and grew into a broad grin as he turned to Elizabeth. "That painting it quite remarkable, Elizabeth... I am truly impressed by your talent."
"Th-thank you." She felt the compliment all the wall to her toes. Stefan Cassadine was a well traveled man, one of taste and elegance. "That's very nice of you to say."
"My father," Nikolas gave her a grin, "means it. He's not one to waste his words." He saw the sparkling tears gathering on her lashes and before he could stop long enough to think about what he was doing, Nikolas lifted their joined hands and pressed a soft kiss over her knuckles. "You're very talented, Elizabeth. You should get used to people giving you compliments on your work."
"What she should get used to is disappointment." Katherine Bell walked up to the table and folded her arms. "What do we have here?" She looked from Stefan to Alexis to Nikolas to Elizabeth and back to Nikolas. "Elizabeth's going away party?" She almost looked hopeful.
Stefan was on his feet in a moment, standing between Elizabeth and Katherine. "You're not welcome here."
She waved her hand at the restaurant in general. "This is a public restaurant, Stefan. I can come and go as I like. I was only... stopping by to offer my genuine well-wishes for Elizabeth as she leaves Port Charles and to greet," she looked around the table, "my child's family... my own family by extension."
Nikolas glanced at Elizabeth, looking at her ring finger and then back into her eyes. The question was easy to read.
Elizabeth squeezed his hand and nodded. Here with support, they could do this.. and the sooner... the better.
Nikolas stood, continuing to hold Elizabeth's left hand in his. Stefan saw the movement from the corner of his eye and stepped to the side to help Elizabeth from her chair. The young couple stood there flanked by Stefan and Alexis and when Nikolas smiled at Katherine she was helpless to look anywhere else. "We are here to celebrate something, Katherine. But rather than someone leaving us, we are celebrating a new member of our family."
Katherine lifted her chin and gave Stefan and triumphant smile. "Well, Nikolas, I'm glad you finally came to your senses."
Lifting Elizabeth's hand to his lips, Nikolas placed a soft kiss to her finger. The movement drew quite a few curious gazes to the group. The glint of candlelight sparked off the Topaz set in white gold. "Elizabeth has agreed to become my wife."