Dream a Little Dream

Chapter 17

Stefan Cassadine woke early Sunday morning. And it was wide awake, the kind that won't let you just roll over and go back to sleep. He hadn't gotten home from Alexis' and Cameron's home until 3:30. He looked at the clock. 7:45.

“Uuuugggggh!” he groaned. He felt sore and battered, like his body had taken blows last night as well as his spirit.

He lay there for a few minutes, trying to see if he'd fall back asleep. No luck. Damn, he thought, as he pushed off the bedcovers. He'd been hoping for a few more hours of oblivion, where he didn't have to carry the sordidness of last night in his mind. Seeing Emily and Nikolas in such a disgraceful state. Seeing the Quartermaines struggle with their hurt and anger. Seeing the grief in Laura's eyes, and the blank terror in Cameron's. And, worst of all, was the horror, humiliation and fury on Zander's face. He was so sensitive, and had been through so much in his young life already, could he recover from this cruel blow?

He stepped into the shower, and stayed a long time under the cool jets, to help clear his head. He shaved, then dressed, putting on jeans, a black t-shirt, and his motorcycle boots. Unless Alexis needed him, he figured he'd take a ride that day. He wasn't going anywhere near Wyndemere. Let Nikolas face the consequences.

After making the bed and straightening up, Stefan went into the kitchen to have a little breakfast before he left. He opened the fridge and realized, in all the drama lately, he'd forgotten to go to the grocery store. The milk was already getting lumpy. The eggs were long expired. No half-and-half. The rustic Italian bread in the breadbox had grown a green, furry coat. Only crumbs were at the bottom of the box of Cap'n Crunch, a treat his sister Kristina had introduced him to.

With a sigh, he dumped it all in the trash can, and tied up the bag. He picked up his black leather biking jacket and his helmet, checked for his wallet, phone and keys, picked up the trash bag and left, dropping the trash in the disposal chute at the end of the hallway.

* * *

Thanks to the hot tea with brandy Luke had made for her when they got home, Laura slept better than she thought she would. She was surprised to see that it was after 8:15 when she woke up. She was normally up early, getting ready for work at Deception and packing Lulu off to school. Even on vacations like this, she rarely slept past 7:30.

She took a quick shower, then dressed in simple black slacks and a striped button-down shirt. She combed her hair, then pulled the sides back into a barrette. She'd let it air-dry; she didn't feel like fussing today. A few flicks of waterproof mascara – she knew she'd cry today – and some lipstick, and she was ready. She headed downstairs.

Luke was already up, although not dressed, still wearing his favorite terry cloth robe, once navy now faded to denim blue, over a threadbare and faded t-shirt from Puerto Vallarta and gray sweatpants. He was unshaved. Laura was surprised to see him dishing up scrambled eggs and bacon to Lulu, who was munching toasted French bread spread with pesto.

Answering Laura's puzzled look, he said, “I went to Lesley's early,” he said. “I wanted her to hear what happened from one of us, as opposed to some gossiper. I told Lesley to send Brooke and Dillon home early, before word got out. The Qs can never stop the wait staff from talking. I also figured it might be comforting for you to have your girl around this morning.”

Laura hugged Lulu and kissed the top of her head. She reached out and stroked Luke's stubbly cheek. “Thank you,” she said, then sat down.

“No eggs for me,” she said. “I don't think I can eat a big breakfast.”

Luke took a few slices of the French bread out of the oven, then spread them with Laura's favorite – a smear of mascarpone cheese, topped with strawberry preserves. He set the plate on the table.

“Perfect,” Laura said, with her first smile of the morning, a faint one.

Luke filled a plate for himself, and sat between them at the round table in antique pine. They ate quietly.

“You heading out to Castle Greyskull today?” Luke asked.

“Yes, right after breakfast and cleaning up,” Laura said.

“Are you ready for it?” Luke said. “I don't want to be too negative, Angel, but you may not get what you want out of that trip. I hope you're prepared for that.”

“I know, Luke,” she said. “Right now, all I'm hoping for is to see something, anything, of the son I know and love. Last night, I couldn't recognize him. And maybe, just maybe, something I say can reach him.”

“You know Emily is going to be there,” he said. “Can you handle that?”

Laura rolled her eyes.

“As much as I'd like to slap some sense into her suddenly vacant head, I think so,” she said. “I'll have to deal with her sooner or later. Maybe today will be a good start.”

Lulu piped up.

“I want to come,” she said. Laura's eyes widened.

“Darling, I really don't think that's a good idea,” she said. “You didn't see you brother last night. He's in a pretty intense state.”

“I can handle him, Mom,” Lulu pleaded. “Please.”

“It's not you handling him I'm worried about,” Laura said. “It's him handling you. Lulu, you've always been a blunt force in his life. You never let him get too hung up on the prince stuff. But right now, he's in Full Metal Prince Nikolas mode. You've never seen that.”

“Then maybe I'm just what he needs to come off his cloud,” Lulu said. “Come on, Mom. Together, we might be able to reach him.”

“I don't know,” Laura said, hesitating to make a decision. “Luke?”

Luke sat silently thinking for a minute, chomping on a piece of bacon.

“Laura, after Helena and Stavros went to their just reward, I made a promise that I would not interfere in Lulu's relationship with her brother,” he said. “And I've kept that promise. You understand Nikolas better than me, so you have to be the judge of whether or not Lulu goes with you. But, if you decide yes, you have to make a promise to me. I need you to promise that if Nikolas gets mean in the way only a son of Stavros can, and starts flinging up the past in your face, that you get Lulu out of there immediately. I will not have her subjected to that. You stay and fight it out if you want to, but Lulu is on the boat tout de suite. Lulu has to agree to it, too. If you can't do that, then I can't let her go.”

Laura looked at both of them, thinking. Then she said, “All right, Lulu. Maybe you can help. But I'm going to be the judge of whether or not you stay. What your father says goes for me, too. If I tell you to go, you go and not one word of argument. You fight me on it, and you're grounded the rest of your time here. No going out with the gang, no phone, no sleepovers at Gran's, no computer, and lots of chores. Capisce?”

Lulu nodded. “Capisce,” she said. “Pinky shake on it?”

* * *

Sam was mixing the pancake batter in Gia's kitchen. Elizabeth had fried up some bacon, and had put it in the oven to keep warm. Gia was setting the table. The champagne and orange juice were in the fridge, ready to be mixed up into mimosas. She went to her china cabinet and got out the Lalique Bacchus flutes that had been a housewarming gift from her mother.

Gia had already gotten her revenge for the short-sheeting, sneaking in after Sam and Elizabeth had fallen asleep, and putting their bras in the freezer. Just before waking them up, she had slipped the bras back into their bags. Hearing their squeals as frozen underwire hit their skin was sweeeeeet.

“Payback's a bitch!” she laughed from her room.

“And so are you!” Elizabeth shouted back.

Showered and dressed, they were now getting breakfast ready. Robin and Karen would be there shortly.

“I wish Mary could have been here this weekend,” Sam said.

“I miss her, too, but the spiritual retreat she went on with some other war widows might be the best thing for her,” Elizabeth said. “Maybe it'll give her what she needs to put Connor's death behind her and move on.”

“We'll have to think on who we can fix her up with when she's ready,” Gia said. “She's too shy to find someone on her own.”

The doorbell rang. Robin was at the door, in jeans, Birkenstocks, and a Nurses' Ball 1999 t-shirt.

“Karen didn't come with you?” Gia asked.

“Karen's not coming,” Robin said. “Listen, guys, something really big happened last night ...”

Robin told them of Zander's discovery of Nikolas' and Emily's betrayal, the ugly scene in the Quartermaine parlor, and Lucky's calling Karen after Zander had shown up plastered at Vagabond.

“She's still there, she's staying until Zander wakes up and she can check him out,” Robin said. “Then Cameron will take him home. The poor guy.”

“He'd built all his dreams and future plans around Emily,” Gia said. “And to have them come crashing down around him ... in such a disgusting, public way ... My God, that must have been hell for him!”

“The poor Quartermaines,” Robin said. “They were so happy. Jason was home, healthy and safe. The party was going beautifully – Michael was probably locked in the attic. They probably thought the worst was behind them, and then, pow!”

“I can't believe Emily would do this!” Elizabeth said. “She's always been so straight, ever since she had that trouble in high school, first with drugs and then with that Juan jerk. She seemed to have gotten past that, and settled into being an adult, going to med school and happy with Zander. I'm pretty pissed at her right now, to be honest. She needs a good shaking. Or slapping.”

“I never thought Nikolas would do something like this,” Gia said softly. “When we were together, he was all about honor. He was loyal to his friends. I trusted him with my life, which is something considerable considering Psychogranny was still around, and his dad had somehow reappeared. What the hell happened to him? Thank God I got out before he became what he apparently is now – someone Psychogranny would be proud of. Bitch is probably leading the cheers in Hell right now.”

“I don't know Zander, but it sounds like he's going to need a lot of love and support,” Sam said. “I hope he has it.”

Robin nodded.

“He does,” she said. “His dad, Cameron, his stepmom Alexis and his sister Kristina. God, poor Alexis. She's caught right in the middle of this, between Zander, whom she loves like her own son, and Nikolas, her nephew. She and Stefan left right after Zander screamed out of there, and Cameron took off after him. They didn't stay to back Nikolas up. I don't think even Cassadine loyalty would make it possible for them to defend something so indefensible.”

“Zander's already had it so hard,” Elizabeth said sadly. “First his brother killing himself, then his dad going into that depression. Zander felt all alone in his sadness and anger. It caused a lot of trouble and hurt for him. I hope to God he can stand up to this. He deserves a hell of a lot better than what he got from Emily and Nikolas.”

* * *

The Quartermaine staff knew what to do that morning. They served breakfast in respectful silence. Cook made a delicious meal – eggs Benedict, flaky croissants, dainty fruit cocktails. It was his own way of conveying sympathy.

Alan, pale and drawn, sat at the head of the table. Monica was still puffy-eyed from crying herself to sleep in Alan's arms. She sat next to him, often reaching for his hand for comfort.

Michael sat next to Monica, quiet and sad. He liked Zander a whole lot, and was sad he wouldn't come around anymore. Morgan was still upset and cranky, so Carly had Leticia give him breakfast upstairs. Morgan had latched onto Zander from the beginning, and Zander had treated Morgan like a little buddy, often coming over to play or swim with him while Emily was studying ... or said she was studying. It had taken AJ a good hour to rock him back to sleep after Morgan had heard the angry shouting by Zander.

Jason sat next to Alan. He was still reeling from seeing his sister, who had always been so level-headed and good-hearted, sink so unremorsefully low. He remembered being told of her rough times, of how she'd been a brat, but he thought, like everyone else, she'd grown out of it. No one had seen it coming, he thought. In my dream, I'd been so perceptive. I could cut through people's bull like a knife. I wish I had that for real. Maybe I could have stopped this mess.

AJ sat next to Michael, across from Carly. After seeing how the scene had upset the boys, it took all of AJ's persuasion to keep her from going out to Wyndemere right then and snatching Emily bald.

Ned was absent, having gone to pick up Brooke after Lesley had called and told him that Luke had conveyed to her what had happened. He would take her out to breakfast to talk things over. Tracy was also not there, picking up Dillon at Lesley's and taking him to brunch at the Lady Jane Plaza. Justus was sitting next to AJ, thankful that Edward and Lila had not been there to witness last night's fiasco, and also Tracy wasn't there to give her postmortem. Skye sat with Lorenzo, who had showed up with a big bouquet for Monica.

“I'm surprised you came back,” Monica had said to him, with a weak laugh. “I thought you'd grab Skye and run off to Vegas or something after last night.”

Lorenzo kissed her cheek gently. “We're going to be family, Monica,” he said. “And family sticks together. After Luis, this is a walk in the park.”

“You've got yourself a winner, Skye,” Monica whispered to her stepdaughter. Skye squeezed her hand in thanks.

No one talked through the meal, other than thanking the servants or asking someone to pass the orange juice. After Alice served the coffee, Monica spoke up.

“I guess we might as well deal with this now,” she said. Carly let Michael stay at the table. He might as well learn how to handle this from the start. But before going down to breakfast, she'd told him to keep quiet and just listen if the subject of last night came up.

“I'm still in shock,” Jason said. “I can see how no one saw this coming. Emily put up one hell of a facade. I just don't get why they did it this way. If she was unhappy with Zander and had fallen for Nikolas, she could have just broken up with Zander. Considering all the scandals we've lived through, it would have been nothing.”

“To be honest, she was creeping me out last night,” Carly said. “It's like she was hypnotized, or brainwashed or something. She had no clue of what she'd done, only that things weren't her way and we weren't falling to our knees in honor of her twoo wuv.”

“Carly told me about it, I missed most of it and am kind of glad I did,” AJ said. “It scares me. Emily's always had an independent streak in her. She'd never go along with something like this before. Any other guy tried to put her up to this, she'd have told him to stick it where the sun don't shine – or worse. But put her and Nikolas together, and she's totally all about him and doesn't think of anything or anyone else. I hate to say this, but the way she is now, she could chuck med school, us, her friends, if Nikolas said to.”

“I remember talking with a psychology professor about destructive relationships once,” Lorenzo said. “Forgive me if I'm out of line, but this sounds like what he'd call co-dependent behavior, with a heaping dose of narcissism on both sides. They're addicted to the melodrama they've created, because it puts them at the center of it all.”

“You're not out of line, Lorenzo,” Alan said. “You're one of us now, God help you. And what you say makes a lot of sense. We had troubles with Emily when she was younger, and we worked through it. Or, I guess, we thought we did. She seemed so well-adjusted, so driven in her studies, so stable with Zander.”

“Maybe that wild streak she always had, first with the drugs, then with that Juan creep, came out again,” Justus said. “Maybe things were too good, and she got bored, restless and frustrated.”

“And she rebelled,” Monica said. “She couldn't have picked a worse time for it. I don't know what to do with her. Part of me is scared she will walk away with Nikolas, and isolate herself over at that gloomy castle, or worse, that island in Greece. But I just can't sit back and say, 'Whatever you want, darling, is fine with us.'”

“Do you think she'll come home today?” Skye asked.

“If she does, I don't want to see her,” Carly said. “Between the way she upset the boys, and what she did to all of us, I'd be too tempted to slap some sense into her. Hard.”

“Part of me hopes she does, part of me hopes she doesn't,” Monica said. “I want to try and reach her, get through to her. But, like Carly, I'd be too tempted to do something stronger – like lock her in her room and hire a de-programmer.”

“I wonder if Laura has seen them yet,” Alan said.

“She'll probably go over today if I know her,” Monica said. “Hopefully, she can get through to them. Laura's patient. But even her patience has an end.”

* * *

Stefan sat at a booth in a diner on state route 5. He sometimes came here for breakfast before going out on a ride.

Once he got there, he'd called Alexis. Cameron had left to bring Zander home. They'd slept a little, mostly from sheer relief. Ida had taken Kristina out right after breakfast.

He read the Sunday New York Times, even doing the crossword, to distract himself. It was working. He was so absorbed in trying to find the right words, that he didn't notice Anna Devane until she slid into the booth across from him.

“The answer for 27 down is 'peccadillo,'” she said. He looked up.

“Anna,” he said, blinking in surprise. “How are you? I'm sorry we didn't get to talk much last night. How did that last case work out?”

“The agents in the field are handling it,” she said. “I go to New York in three weeks for a follow-up.”

Anna first had met Stefan after she'd returned to Port Charles a few years ago, through Robin. She later called on Nikolas to help the WSB with a case through Cassadine International involving a global money-laundering ring. Nikolas brought in Stefan to help, with his long history and business contacts. Since then, they'd become friendly, having Nikolas and Robin as common ground. They understood losing love, too. Stefan told her about Chloe, and she told him about Duke and Robert.

The waitress came over. Anna ordered a western omelet, wheat toast, and coffee. Stefan ordered two eggs, over easy, with sausage patties and rye toast. “And more coffee, please,” he said.

“I'm surprised to see you out,” Anna said after the waitress left. “I thought you'd be over at Wyndemere.”

“No, I didn't think it wise,” he said. “Nikolas is completely unreachable right now, wrapped up in this ridiculous melodrama he and Emily have created, totally uncaring about the consequences of it. And, to be frank, I've had it up to here with the both of them. I need a break.”

He told her of his discovering their affair, and how he'd tried to shield Zander from it.

“I've been plagued by self-doubt ever since,” he said. “I wanted to force them to come to their senses, but instead all I did was give them a chance to create last night's disaster. I wonder if Zander can ever forgive me for that.”

“You did what you thought was right,” Anna said. “And I probably would have done the same thing. You are not to blame. Don't deprive Nikolas and Emily of their total responsibility for what they did. They need to face it, although it sounds like, from the way they were last night and what you told me, they're nowhere near doing so.”

The waitress came, bearing their breakfast the old school way, balancing the plates up her arm. They dug in.

“Where is Robin today?” Stefan asked.

“She went over to Gia's for breakfast with the girls – Elizabeth Webber, Karen Wexler and Sam McCall, you know her?”

“I am only acquainted with her through her work with the rescue squad with Lucky,” he said. “She's very fine at it and well-regarded by the staff. Other than that, I know nothing about her. But I don't think Karen will be there this morning.”

He told Anna about how Zander ended up at Vagabond, and how Lucky had sent for Karen to take care of Zander.

“Poor guy,” Anna said. “I hope he can get through this. He's young, and he's got a lot of life ahead of him. And he'll be better off without Emily. But I don't think he's seeing that yet.”

“No, he's not, and he likely won't for a long time,” Stefan said. “To mercifully change the subject, what are you doing out here today?”

“I have a do-nothing day,” Anna said. “Robin will be gone all day. After she leaves Gia's house, she said she was going to run over to the hospital to catch up on some work. She took Thursday off to go shopping with Sam and I. So I won't see her until later tonight.”

“And what does the 'nothing' of your do-nothing day entail?” he asked.

“Whatever I feel like doing,” she replied. “I felt like a good diner breakfast, so I'm here. After this ... who knows? I may see a flick, or wander down to the Waterfront District and spend the day at the book store, or go to Heather Webber's place and have a big, gooey piece of something sweet. Maybe all three. But I won't go home until tonight. If I go home, I'll just end up doing housework, and that totally defeats the point of a do-nothing day.”

“I have a suggestion,” Stefan said.

“What?” she asked.

“Come for a ride with me.”

“Are you serious?”

“Why not?” he said. “We'll take some country roads, look at the scenery, stop at flea markets – although I won't be bringing back antique sideboards on my Hog. We'll grab dinner, and come back.”

“I don't have a helmet,” she said. “And I'm not dressed for riding.”

“I'll go pick you up a helmet,” he said. “You go home and change – don't wear anything white. You'll understand at dinner. I'll pick you up in a half-hour.”

Anna laughed delightedly.

“Absolutely!” she said. “I haven't been on a bike in years. See you in a bit.”

* * *

Nikolas heard the motorboat pulling up to the landing. Wonderful, he thought. Here comes the first wave.

He and Emily had come straight to Wyndemere after leaving the Quartermaine estate. They had released their emotions in a marathon lovemaking session. He'd never been so blissfully spent. Just thinking about it made him want to run upstairs, snatch Emily out of the shower and make love to her again. To hell with whoever was coming to try and tarnish their true love.

The doorbell rang. The maid answered it. It was Laura, which was no surprise. But it surprised and angered him that she'd brought Lulu with her.

“Mother,” he said. “How are you this morning. Always good to see you, little sister.”

“The important thing is, how are you, Nikolas?” Laura asked, noticing the slight lump on his jaw from Jason's punch.

“Me? I'm fine,” he said with a shrug of the shoulders. “Last night wasn't fun, but at least it's done and over with.”

Laura stifled the urge to slap Nikolas. Over? Maybe for him and Emily, but not for Zander. Not for the Quartermaines. Not for her. For all of them, the effects were just beginning. Did none of them matter at all to him?

“If you came to rehash last night, Mother, spare your breath,” Nikolas said coolly. “I have no desire for that.”

Laura took a deep breath and sat down in an armchair. Lulu took the one next to her.

“In case you're wondering, I brought Lulu today so she could hear about everything from you first-hand, rather than having to deal with the gossips,” Laura said. “And I'm here to listen and understand. I had to hear your side of things.”

Nikolas was touched by her maternal loyalty, although her opinion of things counted not a whit with him. He and Emily were in love. They would be together. End of discussion.

“What do you want to know?”

“Everything. How it started, how it got to last night,” she said. “Just tell me.”

So he did. He told of helping Emily through her breast cancer scare, and how, the night of the costume ball, his love for her had rushed to the surface. He told of how he and Emily came together the next day, and of how they'd meet in secret. He told of Stefan's “cruel threats.” Laura's heart broke for Stefan, being caught in it like that, but said nothing.

“He was just making idle threats,” Nikolas scoffed, while Laura wondered silently how idle they really were. She knew from bitter experience that Cassadines do not make idle threats. “We were just going to carry on. I will not let Uncle dictate my life. He would have objected no matter how this had come about, you know. But then, last night, when Skye and Lorenzo announced their engagement, I was overcome with emotion. All I could think about was that day coming for Emily and I. I left so no one could see, and went up to the pool to clear my head. Emily found me there, and ... I couldn't resist. It had been torture staying away from her all night. Next thing I knew, light fell on us and there was Zander. You know the rest.”

Laura sat silently for a minute. Lulu longed to get in his face, but her mother had said to let her handle things.

“Nikolas, last night may be over for you and Emily, but it's not for a lot of people,” she said. “Have you thought about what today must be like for Zander? For Emily's family? For Stefan, Alexis and Cameron? How are you going to deal with the consequences?”

“Consequences? What consequences?” he said, puzzled. “Emily and I are in love. We are together. Everyone can either accept it or not. It is of no consequence to us.”

“Is it of no consequence to you that you and Emily have shattered Zander's life?” Laura asked. “He was completely in love with her, and was building his whole future around being with her. He was your friend, Nikolas! How can you say such a betrayal, and the effects of it, are of no consequence?”

“You act like I did this deliberately to Zander,” Nikolas said.

“You did! Every time you and Emily were together, you did it deliberately. Every day Emily stayed with Zander, it was deliberately. All she had to do, when she realized she loved you, was end her relationship with Zander as gently as possible.”

“It wasn't possible, Mother,” Nikolas said, a tinge of exasperation in his voice. “There would have been too many questions – from Zander, from Uncle, from you, from the Quartermaines. The timing wasn't right.”

“You're reducing your conduct down to a matter of timing?” Laura asked.

“What mattered was Emily,” Nikolas said. “With everything going on – med school, Jason coming out of his coma – she wasn't up for all the questions and 'loving concern' of her family. That came first.”

“And what made you think Stefan would object to your relationship?” Laura asked.

“I'm the Cassadine prince,” Nikolas said. “Uncle was always big into me marrying 'the right woman' – someone of royal or noble blood, preferably of his choosing. Yes, things have changed some since then. But I think if he saw how serious this is, the depth of our true love, his old ways would have returned.”

“Nikolas, I don't know where you're getting that from,” Laura said. “Stefan has changed, and more than some. He's said over and over that all he wants is your happiness. And he's proven that. He welcomed Gia into the family with open arms when you two were engaged. If he was so hung up on bloodlines, do you think he would have accepted someone of a different race so easily? Maybe you liked the idea that somehow, you were defying him.”

“Besides, forbidden fruit is even sweeter,” Lulu said.

“Be quiet, Lulu,” Nikolas said dismissively. “You're too young. You know nothing of true love.”

“No, but I know a spoiled brat when I see one,” she shot back.

“Excuse me?” Nikolas said condescendingly.

“You heard me,” Lulu said. “For all you condescension, and talk of 'true love,' you're acting like some girls in my school. Every date has to lead to an epic romance. They're a bunch of drama junkies – not happy unless they're starring in their own amateur production of 'Romeo and Juliet' or 'West Side Story.' They try to suck everyone around them into their drama, because they can't be content with just being happy. Everything has to be a big thing, and revolve around them. They don't care who they hurt. You must be in your glory right now, having everyone thinking about you instead of their own lives. It's pathetic.”

“You're comparing me to a bunch of silly teenagers?!” Nikolas said.

“If the crown fits, wear it, Prince,” Lulu retorted.

“Did her father put her up to this?” Nikolas demanded, looking at Laura. “I thought he was over the old feud, but maybe he's not.”

“You know better than that!” Laura said. “Luke has not interfered in your relationship with your sister since Helena died, and he respected my decision to bring your sister here today. Lulu has a mind of her own, and opinions of her own. Maybe you should listen to them.”

Nikolas smirked.

“So you did come here to judge,” he said. “And you're in such a fine position to do so, considering your history. Let's turn the tables, shall we? How about when you bailed on Scott Baldwin to run away with Luke?”

Laura turned to Lulu.

“Lulu, go. Now,” she said. Lulu looked at her mother, asking with her eyes to stay.

“I mean it, Lulu,” Laura said sternly. “Remember your promise.”

Lulu turned and went to the door.

“You are just about the assiest ass that ever assed, Nikolas,” she said. “I can't believe you turned into such a jerk. Only a total skank like Emily deserves you right now.”

Nikolas turned red with rage. Lulu walked out. Then turned to crouch at the door, hoping to listen. Laura walked towards the door.

“I'm watching the window, Lulu,” she called. “I'm not leaving until I see you at the boat. Move!”

Lulu went, and stood not upon the order of her going. Laura watched Lulu run down the walk. She then reached for the house phone.

“Hello, Max? This is Mrs. Spencer. Lulu is coming down to the boat. Keep her there. Use the duct tape if you have to. Thank you.”

She hung up and whirled around to face Nikolas.

“Yes, let's compare,” she said. “Did you and Emily have Frank Smith after you when you made your choices? Did you wonder, each night when you went to bed, if a hitman would come and murder you in your sleep? Did you have your grandfather and great-uncles threatening to destroy your home and kill all the people you love? Did you have Helena letting you believe she'd killed your mother, and would keep killing your loved ones until you bent to her will? No! You were safe and smug here at Wyndemere, with servants and security. The only trouble you faced was dealing with us peasants and our unimportant feelings!”

“How can you say those things to me, after all you've done?”

“The difference between you and me is that I faced the consequences!” Laura said savagely. “I hurt a lot of people with what I did when I went on the run with Luke – your grandmother, Rick, Scotty, Lee and Gail, Amy, Bobbie, my friends. And they just didn't accept it and say that whatever I did was fine with them. I didn't have a castle to lock myself and Luke away in and say 'to hell with them all!' I'd lost their trust and respect. And I had to earn that back. And it wasn't easy. There was a lot of hurt, a lot of anger, a lot of cold shoulders, a lot of tears, and a lot of fence-mending I had to get through. But I did it. And, like it or not, Nikolas, you're going to have to, too.”

“Mother ...” Nikolas began.

“No!” Laura shouted. “I don't want to hear any more from you if all you're going to do is whine! You've turned into someone I don't know. My son would never step so callously on other people! He would never betray his friends! He would never be so selfish and cruel! You're better than that, Nikolas, and I hope to God you realize it before you destroy everything that matters. Tell Emily good-bye for me.”

Laura left. Nikolas watched her walk down to the launch, never turning back once. He went upstairs to Emily.

“I heard everything,” she said. “Are you all right? Maybe your mom is right. Maybe we should try to make things up ...”

“No,” Nikolas said. “We're not going to go groveling. You are too good for that, my princess. Everyone can either accept this, or not.”

Emily nodded.

“Now, there's something I've been meaning for us to do since we got out of bed this morning,” he said.

“What's that?”

“Get back in.”

* * *

Stefan and Anna enjoyed a glorious ride. The roads were pretty clear for a summer Sunday.

They rode into Skaneateles, a quaint, pretty town on the Finger Lake that shares its name. Grand Victorian homes flanked the streets. In the center of town was a park on the lake. They walked out to the end of the long pier, looking out over the water, the rolling hills and gorgeous homes surrounding it. They walked through the village, looking in shops. Anna bought a bottle of ice wine, and Stefan tucked it in the storage area on the bike.

They took back roads into Syracuse. It was late afternoon, so Stefan proposed an early supper before riding back. Anna laughed as they pulled up to the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Dozens of motorcycles lined the street around it.

They went in and got a table. Anna stared in fascination at the walls, crammed with license plates from all over the world, signed photos of blues artists who had performed there, murals, classic concert posters, and bumper stickers, including one that said, “I didn't do it; You can't prove it; Nobody saw me; The sheep are lying!” She nearly choked on her Saranac beer laughing at that one.

“The restrooms are even better,” Stefan said. “Graffiti is encouraged here, and toilet-seat philosophers leave their marks. I always liked the one that said, 'When life gives you lemons, add vodka.'”

Anna went off laughing again. They ordered – a half-rack of ribs with fresh-cut fries and hoppin' john for Stefan, a quarter-rack of ribs with mashed potatoes and gravy and Cajun corn for Anna.

Some bikers at the bar waved at Stefan. He waved back.

“Forgive me, Stefan, but this is the last place I'd expect a Cassadine to patronize, much less be at home with the clientèle,” Anna said mirthfully.

“That's why I like it,” he said. “Here, I'm just Stefan. We talk about our bikes, and where we take them. That's it. It's also the best barbecue I've had outside of Memphis.”

“How did you get into riding?” she asked.

“After my mother died, I'd had enough,” he said. “The Cassadine legacy felt like a millstone around my neck. It had cost me much of my life, and the woman I loved. And it was time to pass the torch to the next generation. So, I handed everything over to Nikolas. I stayed through the transition period. Then, I left. I spent more than a year traveling the world, with no greater responsibility than to check out of the hotel on time and make my plane. Then, when I came back to the States, I bought a car and spent almost two months just exploring. It was then that I developed a love for American food, barbecue in particular, and baseball. That time was incredibly liberating. The only reason I returned to Port Charles so soon was my family. When I returned, I wanted no part of my old life. I got my loft, went to work at General Hospital, and was mostly content, except for losing my sister Kristina. Seeing Sonny Corinthos go down in flames gave me no end of joy. One day, I was driving home and on impulse pulled into the Harley dealership. When I ride, that feeling of liberation comes back to me. And on a day like today, I thank God for it.”

Their dinners came, and they set to eating.

“Oh, my God!” Anna exclaimed with a mouthful of pork, Sensuous Slathering Sauce streaked across her cheeks. “This was worth the trip!”

After dinner, they set off for home, taking the direct route. It was evening when they arrived back in Port Charles.

“What now?” Stefan shouted over the engine.

“Want to go get a drink?” Anna shouted back.

“We'll go to my place,” Stefan replied. “I have a Riesling that you'll love!”

“Sounds marvelous!”

Anna looked around Stefan's loft. Like Alexis, he'd brought nothing from the Cassadine collection into his home. The only traces of his past were a few framed photos of Nikolas as a child on the Cassadine island in Greece.

He'd furnished the place eclectically. A large tufted black leather seat with rolled arms sat next to a Danish Modern couch. On the walls were photographs Stefan had taken in his travels. A sunset off Maui. Snowy Rocky Mountain peaks in Banff. A Paris marketplace. The Taj Mahal. A panoramic shot of Fenway Park during a game. Along with the classics, his bookshelves held travel guides, the Baseball Encyclopedia, and odd souvenirs. A rock from Nepal. A small sculpture or Rodin's “The Kiss.” A Johnny Damon bobblehead doll.

Anna lounged on the couch as Stefan opened and poured the wine. He sat in the leather armchair. He told stories of his travels that had Anna laughing in her glass. They opened a second bottle. His windows faced the river, but neither of them looked out to see the lights of Wyndemere.

Stefan had just finished a story about his cattle drive in Texas. His horse had been startled and threw him, unfortunately right onto a large, fresh meadow muffin.

“Oh, my goodness!” Anna gasped, laughing. “Well, Stefan, this has been a wonderful do-nothing day. But I think we're both a bit too tipsy to ride home. I'll call a cab.”

She got up, but tripped on the rug. Stefan caught her. She slowly straightened up. Their eyes locked on each other. Their lips followed.

* * *

Courtney Matthews had heard about the Quartermaine party fiasco while out for lunch. Someone at the next table had been at Vagabond last night when Zander showed up, and heard Zander telling everything to Lucky. Courtney shamelessly eavesdropped.

Poor Stefan, she thought. That had to be hell for him. I'll call him tonight. He's probably with Nikolas today, working things through.

That night, she called his cell phone. It went right to voice mail.

“Stefan, it's Courtney. Look, word is already getting out about last night. I hope you're okay. Call me if you need anything, or want to talk. 'Bye.”

At the time of Courtney's call, Stefan was in his bedroom, tangled in Anna's dancer's limbs. The outside world was non-existent as he lingered over exploring her body with his hands and lips. He thrilled to making her arch her back and moan. And what she did to him was even more thrilling. They developed an amazing rythm as they moved together.

Stefan had lived a monastic life since he'd lost Chloe. He'd known it was time to move on, but never made the first step. Now, he found himself plunging in, and loving every thrust of it. The peaks Anna was taking him to ...

“Oh, God!” he groaned, as he reached the latest one, and, giving in to his passion, tumbled over. He heard her cries of ecstasy over the roaring in his head.

They lay together a while, slowly coming back, softly kissing from time to time. Then Anna noticed the clock. It was 10:43.

“Oh, dear,” she said. “I have to get home. Robin will be there soon, if she's not there already.”

“What will you tell her?”

“About this?” she asked, pulling on her jeans. “I'll just tell her we spent the day together going for a ride, and then we came back here for some wine. Robin ... was reminded of her father last night. She won't give up the idea that he'll just walk in the door one day, and we'll be a family again. I can't tell her about this now. It would just upset her.”

Anna went into the bathroom to check her face and comb her hair. Stefan got up, and went into the bathroom, too. His arms encircled her waist as he kissed her hair and neck.

“However you want to handle it,” he said. “But I hope you come back.”

Anna turned to face him, then kissed him long and softly.

“Then I will.”

* * *

Cameron sat by Zander's bedside all afternoon. He'd been put straight to bed when Cameron brought him home, save for a silent hug from Alexis. He was in the room Cameron and Alexis had set up for him. Once, they thought it was where Zander would bring Emily on visits and holidays after they'd married.

“He may have a terrible hangover, but if he rests and takes it easy, he'll be all right,” Karen had said. “Keep him on fluids, not much at a time, and don't let him eat much beyond toast and broth for the next day or so. Let him sleep if he wants to, just keep an eye on him. Call me if you need anything.”

Brian and Lucky had helped bring Zander down to the car. He was awake, but not up for talking. They said nothing on the ride home.

Zander had woken up once briefly, and had a small drink of water. Alexis had made chicken broth, and would bring it up with some aspirin for supper. She'd also called Ida, and asked her to keep Kristina for the night. Zander need rest and quiet.

Cameron remembered how he'd sat up with Zander when he was sick as a little boy. He looked much like that now, so young, so fragile. Less than 24 hours ago, they were all so happy. And now, could Zander be happy again? Or would he buckle under the pain? Cameron knew he had to be strong and steadfast. Thank God he had Alexis to help him bear this.

Zander stirred, and woke up slowly. He rolled over.

“Dad?” he said.

“Hello, Son,” Cameron said, with a soft smile. “How're you feeling?”

“Like total ass that's been run over by about ten trains,” Zander said, rubbing his face. “I don't remember much after ... I left. Was I at Vagabond?”

Cameron told him how Lucky had found him, and how he and Brian and Karen took care of him all night. Zander looked away.

“They shouldn't have bothered,” he groaned. “They should have just left me there with the rest of the trash.”

“You are not trash, Alexander, no matter how low you feel right now,” Cameron said gently. “Lucky, Brian and Karen are your friends. They think an awful lot of you, as do a whole bunch of other people, present company leading the pack. Last night was terrible, and you lost something very important to you, but there are a lot of other important things and people who care about you. You'll see that, in time.”

Zander let out a choking sob, then another, and another. Cameron knelt by the bed and hugged him gently, stroking his hair.

“Oh, God, Dad,” he moaned. “Emily! Emily! How could she do this?”

“I don't know, Son,” Cameron said. “And frankly, I don't give a damn about her. All that matters is you, and helping you through this.”

Cameron held him for a long time before Zander fell back asleep for several more hours. Alexis fed him a little broth when he woke up again, and gave him some aspirin. Zander fell promptly back to sleep. The next time he woke up, it was midnight. Cameron was still there, snoring in the easy chair he'd pulled up beside the bed. Zander's eyes filled with tears. He loved his dad so much. He couldn't give in to despair, it would destroy his father if he did. He sipped some water, then fell back to sleep.