"The Course of True Love..." Part Thirteen "The course of true love never did run smooth." William Shakespeare The following morning Alexis is cradling the phone on her shoulder as she is trying to put on her make up. She has been put on hold, and is waiting for Helena answer. Alexis is becoming increasingly frustrated at the way Helena is using her, toying with her really, and making her wait is just part of the game. H: So, what news do you have of our Ms. Bell? A: Good morning to you, too. H: We shall dispense with the pleasantries this morning. Tell me. A: Well, the rumor mill is saying that Katherine and Jerry flew to Las Vegas to get married. H: Ahhhh. Anything else? A: "They" also say she *might* be pregnant, but it's not confirmed. Invitations for a party in their honor were sent out this morning. Apparently, Jerry's parents are thrilled their wayward son is finally married. Settling down as it were. Clearly, they have no concept of Katherine's history of using wealthy men to accommodate her lust for shopping. H: (after a long pause) In your experience with Katherine, do you think she would get pregnant to force a man into marriage? Alexis is becoming uncomfortable, not sure of where Helena is going with this line of questioning. A: I really don't know her that well. H: Certainly, in your study of her background for Stefan, you learned enough to make an educated guess. A: (thinking) She's had plenty of opportunities in the past, but she never did take *that* particular course of action to secure a place in a man's life. H: You do think she would, though, don't you? A: I would not put it past her. H: Hmmmm. Very well. I'll expect a full report when you return from the party. A: (slowly) I wasn't invited. She hates me, remember? H: I have every confidence, you'll find a way to be there. Good day, Alexis. Helena hangs up before Alexis has an opportunity to protest. Liz is lying in bed, thinking of the wonderful time she and Lucky had at the dance. She was the center of attention last night. Everyone was admiring the dress she wore, and whispering about what a cute couple she and Lucky made. Liz enjoyed the fact that, for once, people were telling Sarah how *great* her sister is. Even though she and Sarah had become closer after the rape, Liz still felt that people loved Sarah more. Sarah was still the "good" sister. Liz then banished her jealous thoughts, and thought more about Lucky. Just then the phone rang. Liz: (yelling) I'LL GET IT, GRAM! A: (yelling) DON'T BE TOO LONG, DEAR! Liz: Hello. Lucky: Hi! Sooo, did I wake you? Liz: No, I was awake. I want to thank you again for last night. I had a great time. Lucky: I was calling to tell you the same thing. You looked… great in that dress. You never did tell me how you could afford a dress like that on what Ruby pays you. I mean, I've seen you work… Liz: Hey, I get the big tips. But lets just say my fairy Godmother came through for me. Lucky: Oh, is THAT why we had to be home before midnight? Liz: Yup. Or your car would have turned into a pumpkin, NOT that it would have that far to go. Lucky: Hey, don't dis my ride. I just got it. And at least I don't have to borrow my "Gram's" car, like other people I could mention. Liz: Yeah… Sarah IS pretty pathetic. They both laugh. Then they scramble for something else to say, so they can keep talking. Before they can Audrey calls to Liz, through the bedroom door. A: Liz! I need to use the phone. Liz: O.K.!! I gotta go. Lucky: I'll see you later at Ruby's. Bye. Liz: Bye. Jasper Jax is at Brenda's house. He is visibly upset. She is sitting on the couch her right leg tucked under her. J: I can't believe he ran off and *married* her. I know they were spending a lot of time together, but… B: (playing with her sleeves) Maybe they love each other. Jax is only half listening to what Brenda is saying. He is pacing back and forth in Brenda's living room. He and his brother have always been at odds, all their lives it seems. Jax is sure that marrying Katherine is just another one of his brother's ploys. J: Oh, Please! My brother is incapable of being "in love" with anyone. He selfish and self-centered… But, then, as I understand it, so is she. B: (she continues to play with her sleeves and gestures aimlessly, as only Brenda can, while she talks) Maybe they're perfect for each other, then. Although, I can't see her enjoying living in a jungle. But maybe she's tired of Port Charles and city life. Who knows? Maybe he's finally ready to stop running around the world and put down some roots. Jax's mind is racing trying to figure out his brother's or Katherine's possible motives for marrying each other. J: She's probably after his money. B: Well, Jax to be fair, she HAS money. Maybe he's the one after *her* money, OR Deception. J: That is possible, but he could do it without marrying her. B: We'll find out tomorrow at the party. When do your parents get in? J: (looking at his watch) They should be at the airport by now. That's another thing. My mother is so *thrilled* at the *idea* of Jerry being a married man and giving her a grandchild - Ugh! She's started in on me. (Impersonating his mother's voice) "Jasper, when are *youuu* going to find a nice girl? I'd like to see a grandchild from *youuu* before I go to my grave." If she keeps it up, *I'll* send her to an *early* grave. Brenda laughs at Jax's impersonation. Jax is suddenly aware that Brenda is in the room. J: What are you laughing at? B: YOU! I don't think you've heard anything I've said. J: (insulted) I've heard… (Guiltily) very little of what you've said. B: (laughing) I'm glad you can admit it. About the party… Is it formal, semi- formal, or what? J: (thinking) Ummmm, semi-formal. But you wear what ever you want. Listen, I gotta go see my parents. So, I'll pick you up at tomorrow at eight? They walk to the door and Brenda opens it. Jax steps out and turns around to look at Brenda. B: Yeah, sure. How long do you think it will last? J: (seriously) I give them six months. B: (laughing) I meant *the party*. J: Oh. That all depends on how long it takes Jerry and I to get into a knockdown, drag-out fight. B: I'm glad to know there'll be entertainment. J: Not too late. See you tomorrow. B: (waving) Bye. J: (smiling) Bye. Brenda shuts the door and heads upstairs to try on outfits. At Ruby's diner Liz and Lucky are busy working, when there is a lull in customers. They sit down at a table, and Lucky notices a gleam in Liz's eyes. Lucky: Uh, Oh. I'm not sure I like the look in your eye. Liz: (innocently) What? What look? Lucky: The one you have that says you’re in the mood for trouble. Liz: Me? Nooo. Lucky: Yes you. Tell me. What are you planning now? Liz: (smiling wickedly) Well, I heard there's a party tomorrow at the Port Charles Grille. Some sort of wedding reception, party thingy for Katherine Bell and Jerry Jax. Lucky: Annnnd? Liz: (looking around) I thought maybe we could crash it. Lucky: Are you nuts? Liz: Awww, come on Lucky. It'll be fun! I have that new dress, and it would be a shame to waste it on one lousy high school dance. Lucky: (insulted) Hey! I thought you had fun last night. Liz: I didn't mean it like that. I just meant… You know what I meant. So, what do you say? Lucky: No. Liz: No? Why not? Lucky: I'll give you two good reasons. First, they'll never let us in the door. Second, the minute they find us there, they'll toss us out. Liz: Sooo? Think of all the fun we'll have… Unless, of course, you're scared. Lucky: I am not scared. I just don't think it's a good idea. It'll probably be boring anyway. Liz: Yeah, right… Fine, if you're too chicken to go with me - I'll go by myself. Lucky: I am not *chicken*! (Thinks for a moment) O.K. I'll go with you, but if we get in trouble… Liz: Oh, stop worrying. Lucky: So, what time does the "big event" happen? Liz: I heard it starts at eight. I'll meet you there. It will be less suspicious that way. Ruby: I'm not paying you two to sit there and talk. There are things to do, you know. Liz and Lucky: O.K. They both stand up, Lucky goes to the kitchen and Liz starts wiping down tables. She has a self-satisfied grin on her face. Meanwhile at Wyndemere, Stefan is sitting at the table, tapping a card anxiously. Nikolas enters. He has been out riding. Stefan stands up abruptly. S: Nikolas, I need to talk to you. N: Sure, what's wrong? Stefan hands Nikolas the card. S: Do you know anything about this? Nikolas reads the card, and gets a sad look on his face. He wants to ask his uncle where he got the invitation from, but thinks better of it. N: No. I haven't spoken with Katherine in about a month. S: Does it surprise you that she would marry this man? N: A little. I know they were becoming friends, but I can't say that I thought she was in love with him. (Shaking his head) I can't imagine her just marrying him so suddenly. Unless there's a reason. S: I have no doubt there is. N: What? S: As rumor would have it, she's pregnant. N: Really? You don't think… S: I'm not sure what to think. But you can be certain I will find out. Stefan then walks upstairs. Nikolas goes to the phone to call Katherine, but remembers the conversation he had with her in the park. For Katherine's sake he would stay away from her, and knowing his uncle would get to the bottom of it anyway.