Chapter 21
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October 2000
Summary
Luke is on trial for Stefan's "death." Laura attends. The verdict returns with "not guilty." Lucky reunites with his father and mother. He confesses his memory lapses and what Helena has done to him. He says he will go to Kevin for help. He tells Luke that his dislike for his actions was not all Faison, and while it's hard to have him as a father, he loves him.
Lucky wants to reconcile with Elizabeth, but she remains unsure.
Zander is arrested, thanks to Lucky and Nikolas. Emily begs Alexis to represent him.
10-1/12/2000
Lucky told Nikolas that he believed that Helena was behind his brainwashing. Lucky had his first session with Kevin and gave him a piece of paper with Helena's trigger phrase written on it. Kevin suggested that Lucky was already on the road to recovery simply by recognizing that something was wrong. Lucky said that Kevin was helping him. Elizabeth was hopeful that Lucky would get the help he needed from Kevin. He thanked her for not giving up on him.
"Lucky, you are my friend, and I won't give up on that. I want you free from Helena's control; beyond that, I can't give you any more guarantees."
"I'll wait. I realize you aren't ready to trust me yet. I'll settle for friendship for now."
Scott offers to lend Laura enough cash to buy "Deception" so she can turn the company back into a thriving business. She doesn't want to rely on her ex-husband, who recently got her estranged husband off a murder charge. She goes to the PH to present a business proposition for Sonny.
After using the catchphrase "protect your queen," Helena is unpleasantly surprised to find Lucky in a highly rebellious mood.
Holding a garrote to the throat of Helena's unconscious grandson, Luke orders his old nemesis to reveal what she's done to Lucky. Helena warns that any attempt to deprogram Lucky will trigger homicidal tendencies planted by post-hypnotic suggestion.
November
Summary:
The IRS tries to take the Ice Princess away from Luke, thanks to Helena.
Juan gets terrortital. Emily stands by Zander, and he agrees to testify against Sorel. Sorel is unhappy that Alexis is helping Zander. He accuses Sonny of using Zander to bring him down. Sorel issues a warning. Sonny issues one back.
Laura decides to buy Deception. Sonny backs her under the condition Carly gets a position.
Lucky rents a room at Kelly's.
At Kelly's, Lucky hands Elizabeth her birthday gift. She was surprised he remembered. Lucky gave her a card with the words free get out of Port Charles. She asked what the card meant. Lucky said he wanted to take her to New York City. Elizabeth told him she wasn't ready. Lucky needs to focus on his mental health, and she needs to feel secure.
After using the hall shower, Lucky stood outside his room with just the towel around his hips. He tried the door to find it locked. He was jiggling the doorknob, and his towel dropped to the floor just as Elizabeth appeared. She looked away. "You planned this, didn't you?"
Lucky smirked and said, "Do you like what you see?" He explained he had been locked out, and he guessed his towel wasn't tied tight enough. Elizabeth brought the passkey. He tried to kiss her, but she stopped him. "I have to get back to work."
Lucky gave Elizabeth a copy of his key. "Just in case I get locked out of my room again."
"Lucky, Kelly's is downstairs; if you lock yourself out, they have a spare."
"What if Kelly's is closed?"
Elizabeth chuckles, and Lucky wears her down. "Okay, I'll take your copy. I have a key to Kelly's. Hopefully, you have your cell phone or coins for a pay phone. We aren't joined at the hip. I live at my studio." Lucky grins and leans in for a kiss. She pulls away and tells him her shift starts in about 90 seconds.
Lucky explained to Nikolas that Elizabeth still doesn't trust him, but he's patient.
December 2000
Summary:
Stefan is alive and blames Helena for keeping him hostage
Laura and Carly clash. Laura wants to bring back the Face of Deception and has a model in mind. Carly disagrees and has a different model in mind.
Lucky continues to get help from Kevin.
Lucky and Elizabeth reconnect. She wants to take it slow.
Sorel warns Carly and Sonny.
Alexis is a runaway bride.
Juan and Emily break up.
Alexis works a deal with the Feds, and Zander will be out by Christmas.
12/1-15/2000
Nikolas found Alexis and told her about Stefan. Laura showed up, and Nikolas introduced her to Gia. He told her to brace herself and said that Stefan was alive. Laura was amazed to hear that Stefan was alive. Nikolas told her that Helena had kidnapped and held Stefan and Chloe Morgan on a deserted island in the Mediterranean. Laura asked if she had framed Luke, and Nikolas nodded. Nikolas reminds Lucky that they must prepare for the war between Helena, Luke, and Stefan. Lucky went to pick up Elizabeth and told her about Stefan.
Laura was in her office at Deception when Amy came in. She asked how Laura was surviving Carly. Laura admitted to a few bumps and bruises. She was looking at a book of pictures of previous "faces of Deception." (Dominique and Brenda.) She asked Amy about them as she didn't know Dominique. Amy said Dominique had a fresh and innocent look, and Brenda's look was hot.
Carly joined the conversation, and they talked about what they wanted for their face of Deception. They agreed on the innocent look, but when Laura suggested Elizabeth, Carly gave reasons why she would be wrong for the job: She was too ordinary-looking, etc.
"Carly, what do you have against Elizabeth? She's beautiful and has a fresh face. She would be an ideal candidate as the Face of Deception."
"Laura, I have nothing against Miss Muffin Face; I don't think she's model material."
"I don't want to argue, but we both know that's not true. You don't like Elizabeth for personal reasons. Don't discount her professionally if you want to be a true businesswoman."
Carly asked Sonny if she could talk about Deception. He told her he wasn't interested. "Just like we don't discuss my business, we don't discuss yours." She asked him if he would give her his 1% Deception. He said no.
"Sonny, you won't believe this. We are launching the "Face of Deception" again, but Laura wants to ruin things by having Lucky's girlfriend as the new face. She isn't even pretty. Lizzy Webber isn't the right one for the job."
"What do you mean, Carly? Elizabeth is a beautiful young woman. I think she would be an excellent choice for Deception."
"Yeah, right. If I hadn't been forced to marry you to save your sorry ass, you'd be marrying weeping Elizabeth Webber in a couple of years. Is she still crying in your arms now that Jason is away? I guess the rumor of Lucky not being all there is true."
"Where do you get these crazy ideas? Why would I marry Elizabeth?"
Laura went to Kelly's to see Elizabeth. "Laura, how is life at Deception? Has Carly driven you mad yet?"
"Elizabeth, I have a decision to make as Carly and I will launch an ad campaign soon. I want you to be the new "Face of Deception." You would be perfect for the job."
"I would make a fool of myself; I'd freeze if I had to do personal appearances."
Lucky came in with Gia and Nikolas, who had overheard the conversation.
"Lucky, talk some sense into Elizabeth before she passes up on a chance of a lifetime. I'm trying to convince her to be the model for Deception."
"I think it's a great idea. Elizabeth, you should go for it. Didn't you used to want to be a model?"
"When I was twelve, but this is the real deal. Plus, with what happened with Emily over three years ago, I'm less interested in playing dress-up."
Laura says, "You could do it."
"I'm flattered by the offer, but I can't see myself doing it."
Lucky says, "Elizabeth, do this for my mother if not for me. She was good to you while everyone thought I was dead. LuLu would love to see your test shoot.
Laura says, "Lucky! Yes, it's true that I think Elizabeth would be a good choice for the Face of Deception, but don't bully her; don't use your sister as blackmail!"
Lucky dips his head, "I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I didn't mean it that way. You are beautiful, and I want everyone to see that."
Carly enters and hears Lucky's words. "Elizabeth, you are too plain for a spread worthy of Deception. No one would ever want to buy expensive products to look like you."
Carly pushed Elizabeth's buttons too far, forcing her to stand up and decide. "Carly, you never know when to give up. I was about to say no, but now I think a photo shoot is a good idea."
Carly grabs Gia and offers her the chance to be the new Face of Deception. She wants to do a test shoot tomorrow. Gia smirked, looked at Elizabeth, and said, "I'll be there first thing in the morning."
Laura says, "Fair is fair. I'm submitting my choice, and Carly is submitting hers.
12/16-31/2000
Sonny tells Carly he must go to PR on business. "I thought that was why Jason was there."
"Jason accomplished what he could but left and planned on traveling. I must finish what Jason didn't." Sonny returns home ahead of schedule. Sonny promises Carly and Michael he'll meet them at the hospital party following the conclusion of his business.
Sonny bails Zander out and tells Alexis he'll put him in a safe house until he's ready to testify.
At GH, Alan reads the Christmas story. Tony plays Santa again, and Elizabeth subs as Mrs. Claus and assists with handing out presents. Lucky follows as they exit the elevator. Lucky has made progress with Kevin and has moments of the Lucky she remembers. He extends his hand, and she takes it. Elizabeth is in a good mood.
"Elizabeth, I'm sorry for my behavior, and I never meant to hurt you or push you into the modeling job. "I'll support whatever decision you make."
Elizabeth laughs, "It's too late to say no now. I won't give Carly the satisfaction." Let me take you to Kelly's. I'll make some hot chocolate with peppermint sticks, and we can go from there. After finishing off a cup of hot chocolate, Elizabeth receives a hysterical call from Emily.
Zander embraces a tearful Emily as he's released from custody. Later, Zander, Emily, Alexis, and Sonny walk out of the police station straight into a hail of bullets.
At GH, Carly, Michael, and Johnny were at the Christmas party when they ran into the Quartermaines. Carly told them that Michael wanted to say goodbye to them. They were thrilled to see Michael again and thanked Carly for her offering. She lets AJ spend time with Michael.
Emily calls Elizabeth, interrupting a moment between Lucky and Elizabeth. Emily refuses to leave Zander's side. Sonny survives surgery. Elizabeth, Lucky, and Nikolas rush to support Emily.
January 2001
Summary:
Zander is out on bail. Emily grows closer to Zander. The family sends her to boarding school. The Grand Jury indites Sorel thanks to Zander's testimony. Zander jumps bail after learning the Quartermaines sent Emily away. He finds her at the boarding school, and they run away together. Nikolas informs his mother that Stefan faked his death, then is surprised when Laura reveals she suspected it from the start. Emily and Zander returned to Port Charles. Sonny posted bail for Zander again, and Emily moved into Kelly's.
1/1-20/2001
Gia and Elizabeth argued about the face of Deception trials. Gia told Elizabeth she was only being considered because of Lucky's mother. Elizabeth said Carly only asked Gia because she hated her.
Lucky told Nikolas to go easy on Gia, as she was probably nervous about the photo shoot, seeing how gorgeous Elizabeth was. Gia remarked that it took more than a button nose and a peaches and cream complexion to be a model.
Lucky reminds Elizabeth about her test shoot for Deception. Elizabeth says, "I don't want to disappoint Laura, but I don't think I'd make a good model."
Elizabeth went to see Laura and was greeted by Elton. Laura introduced her praises to Theo, the photographer. He studied Elizabeth's face and said he knew exactly how to shoot her. Laura said she knew he would and told her to wait and see how she looked and that she would have fun. Carly introduced herself to Theo, saying she loved his work. She says, "Poor Elizabeth, you should nap before your shoot; your eyes look puffy."
Carly showed Theo a picture of her choice, Gia. Theo said he was confused; he thought he was there to take photos. It wasn't up to him to make their decision for them. After he left, Laura and Carly argued. They finally agreed that the pictures would decide who should be the next "face."
Elizabeth went to the photography studio and, while waiting for Theo, had a flashback of Tom, her rapist. Theo caught her off guard, and she jumped. She apologized, and he said nerves are good; it gives her energy. Gia and Carly arrived early and tried to disrupt Elizabeth's test shoot for Deception, but Lucky took a few good shots when the photographer left the room.
Elizabeth says, "Carly, I should know better than to think you would be mature enough to play fair, but then again, you pulled the fire alarm in my studio building because things didn't go how you wanted. Gia, you don't need Carly to fight your battles. This competition should be between us, not someone who feels threatened by a teenager."
Lucky snickers as Elizabeth turns on her heels and says, "Ladies, I'm leaving since my test shoot is complete, and I don't need to stoop to your level."
Lucky says, "Elizabeth, I'll stop by later to show you the proofs and maybe grab dinner at Kelly's."
Jason arrives back from his travels and calls Sonny. He lets him know he is safe and will follow up on Sorel. He walks silently through Elizabeth's studio. He surveys her paintings. He brushes his hands around the painting's frame. He bends over, searching for one that belongs to him. She promised to keep it safe for him. Elizabeth shuffles up the stairs to her studio, finishing her hot chocolate from Kelly's. Jason hears the key in the door and hides. Elizabeth shuts the door behind her and turns on the lights. Jason softly says, "Elizabeth."
Startled, she turns and smiles, "Jason." Elizabeth catches her breath. She's surprised, happy to see him, but still surprised. She didn't bother asking him how he got into her place. Either he kept the key she gave him or picked the lock. He knew how.
Jason smiles and thinks, "Beautiful." Instead, he says, "It's good to see you." They embrace.
"What are you doing here? Where are you staying?"
"I hope to stay here, but no one else can know where I am. I need your help. I need a safe place to hide."
"Lucky is on his way; he's decided he wants me back."
Jason drops his smile, "Please, it has to be a secret from now. You remember how he was the last time I was here. He told me to stay away from you."
Elizabeth hears Lucky's loud boots on the stairs. She whispers, "It's Lucky." Jason implores Elizabeth with his eyes. Elizabeth says, "Fine, follow me, but I want an explanation later." She leads him to the storage closet. "Now, wait here."
Lucky pounds on the door. In a sing-song voice, E-liz-a-beth, it's me, Lucky. Come on, unlock the door. I don't understand why you won't give me a key."
She rolls her eyes, looks behind her, counts to ten, and says, "One moment." Elizabeth opens the door.
"What took you so long to answer?
"I was in the bathroom. I'm about to begin sketching. Why don't I meet you at Kelly's in an hour?"
Lucky pulls her to him, "Are you still upset about the photo shoot? I know a way to make you feel better." Lucky tries to kiss Elizabeth, but she turns her head and gets wet lips on her ear. "The proofs will be ready in an hour. I'll pick them up and see you at Kelly's to review them. Relax, Elizabeth. I know you will be a star." He feels deflated but is sure Elizabeth will understand once she is the Face of Deception. She will see that he did everything for her. She'll remember their love, and they will be together again.
Elizabeth lifts the window shade and peers under it. She watches Lucky leave. She counts to ten and waits until he is out of view. "Okay, you can come out. You can stay, but I want to know why now. Why me?"
Jason explains the warehouse, and only Sonny knows, no one else. "Thank you for letting me stay. I need to be able to see who comes and goes."
"Okay, I'll tell people I'm painting and not to bother me. I'll make sure you have food and bring your newspapers."
Jason smiles, "Thank you."
Elizabeth is momentarily lost, sinking into his beautiful blue eyes, "You can count on me. I should go to Kelly's, or Lucky will send a search party. I'll bring back food later. There may be food in the fridge."
Elizabeth finds Lucky, and he shows her the photos from the shoot. He looks pleased, but she can only think of Jason back in her studio.