State #1 Maine: Arcadia National Park Part 1

Trina smiled as she sat back and just let the wind blow back her hair. She looked over at her boyfriend and smiled, thinking how adorable he looked as his eyes stayed glued to the road as he took another exit. They were trying to stick to the back roads because it was more scenic that way. Trina didn't know how long they'd been on the road, but so far it was heaven. Just her and Spencer. No one else to interrupt them. It was a dream come true.

"So, where are we going again? Maine?" Trina questioned, just knowing that Spencer had some kind of plan. He wouldn't just start this trip without one, right?

"Okay, okay. The first stop is going to Arcadia National Park in Maine. I even have a room booked at the Claremont Hotel. We should be there soon. Don't worry," Spencer reached over to run a hand through her hair. Clear adoration was in his eyes and Trina felt all of her worries melt away.

"I'm not worried. I just wanted to know where we were going and where we'd be staying. You answered both of those."

"I thought drowning ourselves in nature would be good for us. We can hike, go kayaking...bird watch, star gaze, anything you want," Spencer grinned, remembering all that he had read about Arcadia National Park.

"Sounds romantic," Trina smiled, looking forward to all of it. "Is that all we're doing in Maine?"

"Probably not. While we're here, we'll look up more stuff that we can do. I may have planned Arcadia myself...but for the rest of it, we can plan together. I want this trip to be one of your dreams, Trina. I want to do things that you'll enjoy."

"What about you? I mean, I don't want you to neglect your enjoyment either. That'd be no fun."

"Not to worry. We'll get into things I like too. Even though...I'm not really sure what I'd like to see. Is that horrible?"

"You mean, you've never sat down and thought about what part of the country would interest you the most? What you'd want to see or experience?"

Spencer just shrugged. He knew it was strange, but then again, he grew up never having to contemplate and dream about what he wanted, because all he had to do was sneeze and people would give him every and anything they thought that he may want...when all that he really wanted was his father's attention and love. His presence...but that was something that had been lost to him for quite some time and he couldn't get back. Sighing, he shook his gloomy thoughts away and forced a smile.

"When you're a Cassadine Prince, you don't really dream like that, because people just give you what they think you want, and if you grow up like that...you just assume and never dream and plan for anything. So, I never really thought about what I'd want to see or experience."

Trina frowned, feeling sad for her boyfriend. He had grown up with all this money and privilege...yet he had never dreamed of traveling like this. Of experiencing the world outside. It was definitely time to change that. She placed a hand on his thigh and smiled. "Well, that's going to change. When we plan our next move, I want your opinion on what we'll do next. I want you to choose at least two things that sound at least interesting to YOU. Alright?"

"Trina...this trip is about…"

"Us. Not just me, but you and me. We're in this together Spencer, in every sense of the word. I want this trip to reflect that."

"Ok. You know what...I do know one thing I want to do while we're in Maine."

"What is that?"

Spencer grinned happily. "Oysters! I want to eat fresh oysters, right out of the shell! Maine is known for that!"

Trina laughed happily, glad that Spencer had picked something to look forward to, even if it was just food. "Ok. Oysters it is! Maybe you'll even find a pearl to give me."

"Baby, they already harvest any pearl out before consumption...but if I find one, it's yours! I promise."

…..

They finally got to the hotel. Feeling exhausted from the long ride, they checked in and were quickly shown to their room. To Trina's surprise, there was only one queen size bed, a big-screen TV, a dresser, a desk, and a mini fridge. Trina would love to explore the hotel more fully, but it had been hours stuck in Spencer's car, and even though she caught a nap every now and then, she was ready to lay down in bed….but who would get the bed and where was the other to sleep?

"Spencer? There's only one bed?" Trina stared, tired and confused.

"I know," Spencer yawned, tired himself. "I should take a shower babe. All the dirt from the road is caked in my hair and skin."

"Spencer...what of the sleeping arrangements?" She felt silly for asking, but she didn't want to assume anything and she didn't want to seem like a child either.

"Aren't we sharing?"

Trina blinked. Was he serious? They hadn't even...made love yet. They almost had, but that was months ago on the Haunted Star. She still remembered that night. She had been so scared after nearly being thrown overboard and she felt the need to be close to Spencer. She had felt so safe in his arms as if no one could hurt her and that feeling had led to wanting to be even closer in a way that she had never been close to him before. But all that was over now. She no longer felt that need...but then again...she did. She desired Spencer...more than she had ever desired anything in her life...but she didn't want to push herself on him. How could she keep herself from doing that if they were sharing the same bed?

"Um...do you want to share?"

"I don't mind it. I mean...it wouldn't be the first time that we were on a bed together."

Trina blushed, again remembering that one time. "I know...it's just that...it's different now. No one's trying to kill us and...well...I don't want to assume that you want me like that when you might not and…"

Spencer frowned, realizing where Trina's thoughts were going. He went to her and gently cupped her face with gentle hands. He kissed her long and deep and pulled away to stare into her eyes. "Baby, I'm not going to lie. I do want you. I really really want you. Maybe more than you know. You're not making any assumptions. In fact, it should be me in fear of making assumptions. I just went and booked this room without even asking if it was ok that we shared a bed. I'm sorry…"

"No, don't be. I...I want to sleep in the same bed as you...be near you as much as possible. I just wanted to make sure that you wanted it too."

"I do. But right now, we are both so exhausted and in need of sleep, alright?"

"Alright...you know...let's go to sleep now. We can shower when we wake up," Trina smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You look like death warmed over."

"Gee, thanks," Spencer laughed before claiming Trina's lips in a lingering kiss. He pulled away when his phone buzzed. "Gah, that might be important. Should I ignore it?"

"You better not. It could be Esme calling about Ace. I'm going to go slip into bed and start nap time now. You take care of that phone call," Trina pecked his cheek one more time before turning to the bed.

Not wanting to disturb Trina, Spencer stepped out into the hall and answered his phone. "This better be good."

"It's your Uncle Martin. I just thought that you'd want to know that Esme has been arrested."

"What? Already?"

"Yes. The police deemed the evidence admissible in court. Now she's cooling her heels in jail. I'm surprised she's not blowing up your phone to make bail."

"She knows that I'd never pay it for her. What about Ace? Where is he?"

"Children's Services has him in their care for now, but your cousin Sam and Dante are trying to see if they can get custody. I don't see why not. Sam is family."

"Poor Ace. I feel so bad, but...this had to be done. I couldn't let Esme keep getting away with her crimes and to know that she won't ever bother me and Trina again….that's more than I had ever dreamed."

"I just thought you should know what's going on here. I'll keep you updated on all developments."

"You do that. Thank you, Uncle Martin," Spencer smiled before hanging up and dancing a little jig in the middle of the hallway. He returned to the room to find that Trina was fast asleep. Happy, Spencer slipped in next to her and kissed her cheek. Esme had done so much damage to Trina. She had drugged her and had almost sent her to prison and other horrible crimes to not only Trina but his friends and family. Finally, she was getting what she deserved and he was not sorry for his part in making justice happen!

"It's over, baby. The bitch is finally going down. She's never going to hurt anyone we love ever again."