Part 20: Entering Dangerous Ground Lucky and Lizzie are sitting outside on the steps, looking up at the stars, talking. Lizzie: …I just can't wait till summer. Just another week until we're free. Lucky: Until the shackles return next September. Lizzie: Let's not think about that now, please. Lucky: Yeah, okay. Lizzie realized just then that she was playing with her necklace. It was unintentional. She looked at the little gold colored heart and looked at Lucky. Lizzie: Remember when you gave me this? Lucky: The gold heart… yeah, the night of the school Valentine dance. Lizzie: You told me you would do anything for me that night. Lucky: I would and will. Why, do you need something? Lizzie: No… *shakes her head* Lucky, do you love me? She looks into his eyes and waits for a response. Lucky: Yes, I do. I love you, Lizzie. Lizzie: You're not just saying that? Lucky: No, trust me, I am totally not lying to you. Have I ever lied to your before? Lizzie: No. Lucky: So, you see? Lizzie smiles as she leans in and kisses him on the lips. When she pulls away, she says, "I love you, too." They hug each other for a moment, when Lizzie gets up and says, "Come on, let's go for a walk." Lucky: A walk? *moans* I'm tired. Lizzie: I thought you'd do anything for me? Lucky groans as he stands. Lucky: Well, yes I did, and I never make a promise I don't intend to keep. So, where are we walking? Lizzie: Just around the block… Lucky: Okay, but after that I should probably get to Mercy. I want to see how my mom's doing. Lizzie: Okay. Lucky and Lizzie walked away from the house. *^* Luke and Venus drive out of the airport and get onto the highway. Luke: So, where you going? Venus: I'm not sure. I just need to go somewhere and think. Luke: If you need any help, call me. Venus: Thanks for the offer. They left it at that and stayed silent the rest of the car trip. *^* Xavior walks along the docks, looking at the stars. He had been so busy looking up, he had failed to notice where he had arrived. He looked around and saw that it was the exact same place Emily had pushed him into the water. He sat on the edge of the dock and looked into the water. Nikolas: Nice night, isn't it? Xavior turned to see him and immediately stood up. Xavior: Nikolas? What the hell are you doing here? Nikolas: Just walking around. Xavior: Well, walk somewhere else, I'm occupying this part of the docks and unless you want a repeat of that night… Nikolas: That night, right, when Emily pushed you into the water… Xavior: Go to hell, better yet, just go. Nikolas: You know, Xavior, when I found out you were my brother, I didn't exactly want to welcome you with open arms. Xavior: Good, I definitely didn't want to. Nikolas: But even with all the reasons to hate you, I still jumped in. Xavior: You jumped in? What the hell are you talking about? Nikolas: Xavior, how much about that night do you really remember. Xavior: Just that because of a fight with you, I ended up at the bottom of the docks and then in a coma. Nikolas: Ever wonder exactly how you got out? Xavior: Well, I… uh, well… All right, you are obviously very eager to tell me something… so spit it out. Nikolas: After you stumbled back off the docks and into the water, I gave Emily my cell phone so she could call the police. Xavior: Oh bravo… Nikolas: AND THEN… please stop interrupting… I jumped in after you and pulled you out. Xavior: Wait a second… You… Nikolas: Saved your butt? Yes. Xavior: Well, I supposed I owe you thanks. Nikolas: You bet you do. Xavior: But… Why? It did not seem as if you could stand me, so… Nikolas: I was angry that night, yes. How could I not be? You turned out to be everything I was supposed to be. Then, you taunted me. Xavior: I suppose I'm supposed to apologize for that? Nikolas: Look, your not making this easy. Xavior: What easy? Nikolas: Xavior, whatever out differences… We are brothers. Xavior: By blood only, nothing more. Nikolas: I think back to a year ago… You know what the relationship with my family was like then? Lucky and I could not be in the same room without needing to attack each other, I never spoke to Laura, I was apart from OUR sister, Leslie Lu, and OUR grandmother. Xavior: Yeah, you're one big happy family now remind me, though, was this BEFORE or AFTER everyone found out you were a Spencer? There's no room for a Cassadine kid in the Spencer fold, you of all people should know that. Nikolas: I understand it, now. It can be changed. Xavior: Who says I want it changed? What brought on this whole brotherly need anyway? Nikolas: The explosion at the hospital. Xavior: What about it? Nikolas: Ever since I got out of that building, I've been thinking about how much family means. Xavior: You actually consider me family? Nikolas: Yes, now I do. I don't know how I came to this, but I do. I'm sick of fighting. Xavior: Well, what do you expect between Spencers and Cassadines? I'm leaving. Nikolas: Just let me say one thing. Xavior: And what is it you would like to tell me? Nikolas: Be careful of your grandmother. She'll do anything to keep you in control. Xavior: *scoffs* Thank you, I'll watch my back. Good night. Xavior walked away and Nikolas shook his head. He was wondering why he ever bothered. It was Emily, though. Her relationship with him, the way Emily said she thought Xavior might care about their mother. For a split second, Nikolas thought that could be him. Xavior was the old him, more or less. *^* Charles entered the driveway to the Quartermaine mansion to see ambulances and cop cars all over the place. Charles: What the hell? He got as close as he could and then rushed to the scene. The ambulances closed off and took off before he got a chance to see who was in them. Hopefully, it wasn't Stefan. He turned to see a Detective Garcia questioning Emily. Emily: I was coming down the stairs, when I heard a whole bunch of shots. I… I'm not sure what happened then, all I know is that I opened the door and I… I saw them lying on the ground. Charles went to her. Charles: Was Stefan one of them? Emily: *shakes head* No, it was Jason and Linus. Charles: *relieved* Thank God… Oh, forgive me, I am so sorry about what happened to your brother. Emily: Thanks. Charles: Do you have any idea as to where Stefan is? Emily: He told me he was going to get Nikolas for me. Charles: All right, thank you for telling me. I'm sure your brother will recover from this. Emily hoped he was right. Suddenly, Reginald came up to her. Reginald: Emily, your mother's looking for you. Everyone's leaving for the hospital now. Emily: Thanks, Reggie. Emily took off for the garage. *^* Laura sat up quickly to see her husband entering her hospital room. Laura: Luke. Luke: Hey, babe. Laura: Where were you? Luke: I had some business to take care of. Laura: Helena? Luke: *he couldn't lie* Yes. Laura: Luke, I want as little to do with that woman as possible. Luke: I know, babe, but I want to be sure she can't hurt us anymore. Laura: Gale Baldwin explained to me what happened. Do you know how Xavior is? Luke: Well, he's alive and out of the hospital. That's pretty much all I know. Laura: So, he's back with Helena. Luke, I have to get him away from that woman, I can't let my son be raised by… her. Luke: Laura, he pretty much already is raised. She's got him under her thumb good, I doubt it can be changed. Laura: But still, I have to do something. I have to try talking to him, try anything. I have to, Luke, and I there's only one way I can do it. Luke: How? Laura: With Stefan's help. *^* Brenda paced around the penthouse, wondering what was taking Jason so long. Suddenly, the phone rang. She was debating to herself whether she should pick it up or not. She decided, not. She didn't want to have to talk to one of his business associates, probably accidentally start some mob war. She needed his help now. So, she let the machine get it. She didn't pay much attention to the message, until she recognized the voice. Sonny: Jason, it's me, you should probably call back as soon as you can. I think Carly really needs to talk to you, this whole situation with Caitlyn has her crawling out of your skin. She needs your reassurance, that's all I'm saying. Bye. He hung up as Brenda stood there paralyzed. She couldn't move a muscle because of the shock. She had never expected to hear his voice again. *^* Alisha carries Zoe with her as she entered the emergency room of Mercy hospital. She went to the front desk. Alisha: Excuse me, could you tell me where Linus Quartermaine is? I'm his wife. Nurse: He was just brought in with Jason Morgan. You'll have to go to the waiting room, a doctor will come in to explain everything in a moment. Alisha: Thank you. Alisha held Zoe close to her as she headed for the waiting room. She hoped to God that Linus would be all right. *^* Julie sat in the bar, frustrated. She had dressed up in her sexiest dress, put on makeup and everything and not ONE man has hit on her the entire time. She's flirted, and then nothing. She looked around and wondered why every guy there seemed to be celibate. She's even hit on guys who already had dates, and not one of them went with her. Even the ones with dates less attractive then her. This was not a good night for her ego. Julie wondered exactly what she had done wrong to deserve this. Then, finally, a guy came up to her. Moreno: Is this seat taken? Julie smiled and said, "No." He sat down next to her and they started talking. *^* Luke looked at his wife, shocked. Luke: What the hell are you talking about? Laura: Luke, I told you, I want Xavior away from Helena and I think Stefan maybe the only one who can help me. Luke: Laura, I don't want you anywhere near that man. What makes you think Count Batty will help you, anyway? Laura: He knows his mother. Besides, I think he'll be willing to help. Luke: I didn't know you two were on such good terms. Laura: Luke, I have to do what I can and Stefan is my only choice. Luke: No he isn't… *shrugs, because he KNOWS he's going to regret asking this* I can help. Laura: You would really be willing to help. Luke: Yes… Laura: Even if it means Xavior living under our roof… Luke: Yes, okay. For you, I'll do it. Laura: *smiles* Thanks. This means a lot to me. Luke: Don't mention it. Suddenly, the door opened. It was Leslie, with Lulu. Leslie: *smiles* Hello, honey. Laura: Hello, mother. *Looks to Lulu* Hello, sweetie. Luke: Hey, *takes Lulu* my little girl. What are ya doing here? Lulu: Came to see Mommy… *looks at Laura* I miss you. Laura: I missed you two sweetie. Come on, give me hug. Luke: Are you sure? Laura: Of course I'm sure. Luke handed Lulu over to Laura and she gave her daughter a great big hug. She was so glad to be alive. *^* Brenda sat on the couch, thinking about the phone message from Sonny. Lately, she actually hadn't thought of him that much. Now, though, she kept thinking about the times she shared with him. The good, the bad, everything. Then, the wedding night. ("He said to tell you it was a good ride…") That was possibly the worst moment in her life. Well, next to getting almost being murdered by Jax. Then, the door opened and Johnny came in. Johnny: Brenda, I just got a message. Jason was shot. Brenda: *stands right up* What? When? Where? Johnny: A little while ago at the Quartermaine's. Brenda: Oh my God. *^* Lark was watching TV when the phone rang. She picked it up and said, "Hello?" Frank: Lark, it's Frank. Lark: What is it? Is something wrong? Frank: Mercy's looking for more volunteers, so I wanted to know if I could sign you up. Lark: All right sure. Frank, should you be working right now, though? I mean, it has only been a day since Joe died. Frank: I have to, it's the only thing that can keep my mind off it. Lark: All right. When should I go over to Mercy? Frank: Maybe in the morning. It is getting kind of late. Lark: All right. Bye. Frank: Bye. They hung up. Lark wasn't exactly excited to go volunteering, but she didn't want to argue with Frank. She wanted to make things easier for him at this time. She was glad Julie was finally gone, but she considered that their breakup wasn't exactly easy for him either. At least in the long run, it was a good thing. *^* Julia was in her hotel room, when the phone rang. Julia: Hello? Brenda: Julia, I need to talk to you right away. Could you meet me at Mercy hospital, in the ER? Julia: All right. What happened, exactly? Brenda: I met my mother today. Julia: *realizing just how important this all was* I'll be right there. *^* Emily was sitting in the waiting room, daydreaming, when she heard a friendly voice. Nikolas: Emily? Emily looked up at Nikolas and jumped onto her feet to hug him. Emily: Nikolas, thank God you're here. Nikolas: How's your brother doing? Emily: The doctors are optimistic, but they're supposed to be with the family. Before my mother died, the doctors always seemed rather optimistic, even though I didn't really believe them. Nikolas: Don't worry, Emily, everything's going to be okay. Emily pulled away from him. Emily: Carly… I have to tell Carly. Nikolas: Want me to take you? Emily: Yes, please. Nikolas: All right. I just want to stop by mom's room quick, see how she's doing. Emily: All right. Emily followed Nikolas to Laura's room. *^* Helena watched as Moreno entered the living room. Helena: Hello, Mr. Moreno. Moreno: Mrs. Cassadine. I had George take care of the job you wanted done. Helena: Good. Pity, Stefan did not, how you American's say, bite the bullet. *Laughs* At least, by the end of tonight, he will still feel my wrath. Moreno: Right. Well, may I go home now, I have someone waiting for me. Helena: All right. Just let me congratulate you on a job well done. Jason Morgan has paid for his crime. Now, Stefan will pay for his and soon Charles will pay. Moreno: Charles? Helena: Pull up a chair and allow me to explain. Moreno wanted to get back home, but decided he might as well find out what Helena had in store for this Charles, and what her problem with him is. *^* Nikolas and Emily got into his car. Emily: Your little sister is so cute. Nikolas: I know. I'm glad I can be a part of her life now. As Nikolas started the car, Emily nodded. Emily: A lot has happened in the last year, hasn't it. Nikolas: It sure has. They took off and Emily kept thinking about Jason. Emily: Can I turn on the radio? Nikolas: Sure. Emily flipped the switch and turned the station. Only one seemed to come in. "…Miles high so am I Watching Jimi kiss the sky Salle diner becomes a blur With everybody jammin' Republicans begin to sin The batwings start a slamming" Nikolas tried slowing down for the light, but the car kept going. Emily: Uh… Nikolas, slow down… Nikolas: I can't, the breaks aren't working. Emily: What?! Nikolas: The breaks aren't working. "It's time to crash Losin' my mind, losin' my mind, losin' my mind Maybe it's a little late but it's time to crash" The car drove right through the lights, nearly getting hit by all the other cars in the intersection. "You drive me crazy" The car swerved as it turned the corner. Emily kept muttering "Oh my God," over and over again. Nikolas tried to think of something to do, but there was nothing. "Captain Billy Beemish Put a lamb up on a rack Thanks for coming Billy And we hope you're comin' back The castle will be waiting For the next bangers and mash Blanche and Marsha Reznick Put their marmite with their hash" Nikolas swerved again o the road, but it was too wide, and they started heading for a tree. Emily: *shrieking* LOOK OUT! The car crashed right into the tree. Emily and Nikolas were both knocked unconscious. "It's time to crash Losin' my mind, losin' my mind, losin' my mind Yeah it's time to crash"