Chapter 24

“The course of true love never did run smooth.” William Shakespeare 

It is now August 1st, a rainy Saturday morning, about two weeks after Liz went 
to see Luke, and they both promised to keep each other informed if Lucky were to 
contact either of them. Laura's extreme depression continues to consume her. 
Luke has tried to get her out of the house to even just go for a walk, but she 
refuses. She persists in wandering around the house and sleeping very little. 
This morning Luke and Laura are sitting at the kitchen table, when there is a 
knock at the door. The door opens suddenly and he watches as Bobbie steps into 
the house and removes her sopping wet raincoat. 

Luke: Good morning Bobbie. Think it'll rain? 

She hangs her coat up in the hallway. Then steps into the kitchen. 

B: Oh, no. The weatherman said there was only a 30% chance of rain today. 

Luke: Apparently that 30% was directly over *you*. 

Bobbie laughs as she makes her way to the coffee machine. Laura barely 
acknowledges Bobbie's presence; she is busy moving the scrabbled eggs around on 
her plate. Luke and Bobbie exchange worried glances. 

B: Laura, those eggs won't do you any good just sitting on that plate. 

Laura looks up and gives Bobbie an angry glower. A part of Laura blames Bobbie 
for the state she is in, because it was Bobbie who burst her denial bubble. 

B: (softly) Still mad, huh? 

Laura tosses her fork onto the plate, gets up and storms out of the kitchen. 
Luke tries to catch her arm, but she pulls away as she passes him. 

Luke: (sighing) I'm sorry Bobbie. I should never have asked you to talk to her. 

B: Oh, don't worry about it. Better me than you anyway. 

L: How do you figure that? 

B: Well, I can go home. You'd be stuck with a depressed AND angry wife. Besides, 
it's not as if we were ever best buddies. 

L: True, but you two were at least somewhat civil to each other. I've never seen 
her like this. She won't eat or leave the house. She barely sleeps, and she 
cries all the time. 

Bobbie knows what she is about to say will irk her big brother, but she knows it 
needs to be said. Bobbie needs to get him to put aside his pride to get Laura 
the help she needs. 

B: (evenly) Luke, it's been a month. Maybe you should get her some professional 
help. 

L: (angry) She's not crazy Barbara Jean. 

B: (calmly) I'm not saying she is. But she is VERY depressed… 

L: (angry) Our daughter is dead. Our son has run off to God knows where. She has 
a right to be, don't you think? 

B: (curt) Lucas Lorenzo Spencer… STOP snapping at me. I'm *trying* to help, and 
you're not making it easy. 

L: (contrite) I'm sorry lil sis'. I know you're trying to help. 

B: (calmly) I honestly think that the BOTH of you need counseling. 

L: (almost a whine) Oh, Barbara Jean… I don't wanna sit in some group of 
depressed people crying about their woes. Then trying to compete to see whose 
life gets the award for being the “Suckiest”. It seems so pathetic. Like you 
just want to smack 'em and tell 'em to (loudly) “Snap out of it”. 

B: (half-smiling) If only it were *that* easy. 

L: (half-grinning) We could rake in the bucks, huh? 

B: Yeah. Luke, you realize it doesn't have to be a group? You could have private 
sessions with Audrey Hardy. 

L: Audrey, huh? 

B: She's very good. I think it would help Laura a great deal. 

L: She can't keep going on the way she has. (Thoughtfully) Yeah. All right. I 
guess I could consider it. 

B: (happily) Good! The two of you have an appointment Monday morning at 9am. 

He shoots her a glance and she smiles at him coyly, then stands up. He stands up 
and hugs her tightly. 

L: That was sneaky of you. 

B: I learned from the best. 

He releases his grip from around her then takes her face in his hand and kisses 
her on the forehead. 

L: Thanks. 

She stretches up to give him a peck on the cheek. 

B: You're welcome. 

She goes and gets her coat on then leaves. Luke picks up the plates, and begins 
to do the dishes. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alexis arrives at the dock on Spoon Island. Helena had called her yesterday to 
summon her to Wyndemere today. Alexis' emotions have been torn the last few 
weeks. She hates that she lied to Nikolas and that those lies drove him to 
Helena. Yet, she is also grateful that Lois and Brooke are now at home and will 
make full recoveries. Alexis has kept in constant touch with Ned since the 
incident. He has constantly told her how thankful he is to have a friend like 
her. This has only served to make her feel guiltier knowing that if she hadn't 
been his friend none of this would have happened. When she arrives at the house, 
Helena and Nikolas are waiting for her. 

H: (warmly) Why, my dear, you're just in time. 

N: (seriously) Yes, Alexis, I'm glad you're here. I know this won't be easy for 
you, but Grandmother felt it best that we present a united front to Uncle. 

A: I see. 

Alexis wants to ask, “A united front for what”, but she knows she will soon find 
out. They enter the house to see Stefan seated in the formal chair by the couch. 
He does not turn to look at them. He knew they were coming and the purpose of 
their visit days ago. Nikolas and Helena move into the room and stand by the 
table. Alexis lingers by the door. 

N: Uncle, I need to speak with you. 

Stefan stands up and turns to face them. His angry gaze falls upon Alexis, and 
she wishes she could crawl into the woodwork. He then glowers at his mother, 
before casting a loving eye upon Nikolas. 

S: Nikolas, it's good to see you. I trust you have been well. 

N: (angry) I'm here for one reason, Uncle. 

S: And what would that be? 

N: To throw you out of Wyndemere. 

S: (looking at Helena) Your grandmother's suggestion, no doubt. 

H: (smiling smugly) Actually, it was his. He realized that a prince should not 
have to give up his house so a weakling can continue to live in comfort. 

Stefan has to fight back the urge to walk over and throttle her. He then turns 
his full attention on Nikolas. Seeing him stand along side Helena and idea of 
her influencing him is turning Stefan's stomach, more than he would have thought 
possible. 

S: Nikolas, may I speak with you privately? 

N: No. 

S: Niko…

N: (angry) You've done enough talking for one lifetime. I will hear no more lies 
from you. However, to show you that I am not completely ungrateful to you for 
having raised me… I will see that you want for nothing the rest of your life. 
You can live in the Summerhouse if you wish. 

S: That is generous of you. 

N: The summerhouse notwithstanding, you are to never set foot in any other 
Cassadine residence or business. I believe that is the punishment you gave 
Alexis when she betrayed you. 

All eyes turn to her, and she swallows hard. She and Stefan can see the torment 
in each other's eyes. Alexis feels powerless to do anything to stop this. 
Nikolas returns his gaze to Stefan. 

N: (coldly) One last item… I *never* want to see you again. Do you understand 
that? 

Stefan's jaw stiffens to hold back a scream, and he nods slowly. 

N: Good. (Turning to Helena) Grandmother, I'll be ready for my lesson after 
lunch. 

H: (sweetly) Of course, my dear boy. We'll continue the training that your 
father would have wanted you to have. 

Nikolas then runs upstairs, and all eyes follow him. Helena then looks at Stefan 
and sneers. 

H: (Mocking tone) What's the matter, Steffy? Mummy told you a day like this 
would come. You didn't believe me then. Maybe you believe me now? 

S: You will pay for this mother. 

H: That's what you said then, too. (Cocking her head) After you regained 
consciousness. And like then, you are too inadequate for the task. I think it's 
because you actually believe that deep down I *must* love you. After all, I am 
your mother. 

S: Any illusion I had of your love for me was lost long ago. 

H: So you say, but I know my son. Deep down you believe that I could love you. 
That if I could love Stavros, then I must be capable of loving you. (Disgusted) 
You took after your father's ideas of love. He thought he loved Kristen, but I 
didn't let that last long. You two are so alike in that way. You've always been 
the romantic, always believing that someday you would find someone foolish 
enough to love you. Deep down you never believed the curse I placed upon your 
head that night. Well, you'll have plenty of time to contemplate it now. You're 
fortunate that Nikolas still has a soft spot for you in his heart. I would have 
preferred to punish you as I did then. Only this time your father wouldn't be 
here to save you. 

S: You missed your chance mother. 

Stefan turns on his heel and walks to the door, and stops. He scowls at Alexis, 
who now has tears running down her cheeks. He returns his eyes to Helena. 

S: Just so we're clear… This isn't over. Nikolas will see you for who you truly 
are, then *he* will make you pay, too. 

He opens the door and walks out, followed by Helena's mocking laugh. Alexis is 
staring at Helena. 

H: Come now Alexis, dry those tears. Because of Nikolas, you have a place in 
this family once again. I would think you would be happy. 

A: No, I'm not. 

H: Oh, well. 

A: What do you plan to do now? 

H: I think now I will enjoy torturing Steffy with the thought of me undoing all 
of what he taught Nikolas. And since he has neither Laura nor Katherine, 
unworthy peasants the both of them, and his pride will prevent him from talking 
to you… He will slowly drink himself to death. Well, that's what I hope he'll 
do. I had the summerhouse fully stocked with his favorites. 

With that said, Alexis leaves, hoping to catch up to Stefan. 

Helena smiles to herself. 

H: (to herself) I'm not quite through with you yet either, Natasha. 

She then turns and walks upstairs to her grandson's room. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stefan is sitting on the launch back to the pier. He rubs his beard as his mind 
slips back in time.

****
 
It is nighttime; an eight-year old boy sits at a desk in a dimly lit study. He 
is adding the finishing touches to a watercolor and ink landscape that took two 
days to perfect. He smiles as he signs his name. He knows his father will be 
proud of the work he has done. The door opens and his mother enters the room. 

H: (sweetly) What are you doing, Stefan? 

S: (happily) I'm waiting for father to come home. I have a drawing for him. 

Helena crosses the room to stand next to the young Stefan. As she looks at the 
painting she barely hides a sneer. 

H: Well, you must have worked a long time on that. 

S: (proudly) Yes, I did. (Looking at her and smiling) I'll make one for you, if 
you'd like. 

H: Oh, no. I think I'll just take… this one. 

She yanks the drawing off the desk and holds it over her head. Stefan stands up 
and tries to reach for it, but he is not tall enough. 

S: No! Mother please! 

Helena steps away from him, then backhands him across the face. The force of the 
blow causes him to fall to his knees. The rings she wears on that hand instantly 
leave raised welts and scratches on his cheek. He puts his hand to his face and 
swallows hard to choke back the tears. Tears that, as he knows all too well, 
will only make her angrier. 

H: (unfeeling) You've been a naughty boy, Steffy. Confess to me your wrong 
doings, and I may not throw this in the fire. 

She is now studying the painting. He slowly stands up, but can not bring himself 
to look her in the eye. The thought of the painting, that he worked so hard on 
for his beloved father, being destroyed banishes all thoughts of being coy or 
lying to her. 

S: (slowly) I took dinner to Alexis, when she was being punished. 

H: (seethingly) Why did you do that? 

S: She hadn't eaten since yesterday morning. She was hungry. 

H: (accusingly) And you felt sorry for her? 

Stefan nods his head ever so slightly. Even though he had received numerous 
lectures from her about not having pity on anyone. How that was a sign of 
weakness, and good leaders never showed weakness… He couldn't help himself. He 
couldn't stand to see the little cousin he cares for so much crying in pain from 
hunger. A hunger brought on by an unjust punishment for a minor offence. 

H: (Scornfully) You are pathetic. Why can't you be more like your brother? 
(Proudly) Stavros is strong and resolute. (Disdainfully) You are not. You are 
feeble and softhearted. (Sentimentally) I love your brother. *He* is the son I 
always wanted. (Abhorrently) You were a mistake that was only allowed to live 
because your father begged and pleaded for me not to get rid of you like the 
others. I would have done it gladly, too. I should have, because look what a 
wretched little mollycoddle you turned out to be. 

Little Stefan is trying with all his might not to cry at his mother's hurtful 
words. Words that are meant to cut him to his very core, and do. A core who's 
shell is still thin and easily penetrable by Helena's cruel taunts. A shell, 
that after tonight, will be harder than before, and continue to harden 
throughout his life. It will serve him well where is mother is concerned, but it 
will prohibit others from getting too close to him. 

H: Your punishment for your willful act of disobedience is three-fold. First…

She walks over to the fireplace and tosses in the painting. 

S: NO!!! 

Stefan races to the fireplace to snatch it out, but Helena catches him. He tries 
to get away from her, to no avail. She holds him back and forces him to watch 
his work go up in flames, all the while she is laughing a baneful laugh to mock 
his pain. When it is nothing but ashes, she grabs him by the hair, and drags the 
now crying Stefan out of the study and through the house. She leads him to a 
room, where a man in a white coat takes him. The man places the squirming, 
terrified Stefan on a cold, steel, operating table, and then straps him down 
tightly. The man walks over to a cupboard, and prepares an IV bottle. 

H: (matter of factly) The second part of your punishment is to be… An 
experiment. (Condescendingly) Do you know about “Romeo and Juliet”? 

Stefan is so terrified that he can only nod his head. The man prepares Stefan's 
arm for the IV as Helena talks to Stefan. 

H: Well, I guess those tutors you so gladly share with Alexis are doing their 
jobs after all. Tell me, do you remember the drug Juliet took so she would 
“appear” dead? 

Stefan nervously nods his head again. He winces at the needle enters his vein. 
The man pulls a syringe from his pocket and hands it to Helena. She slowly, 
tauntingly displays the needle to Stefan. She seems transfixed by the air 
bubbles that bob from one end to the other as she moves it. 

H: Well, we have that drug, and it's antidote. Until now, we've only tried it 
out only on animals. *Most* of them have lived. But only if they receive the 
antidote in time. If they don't, do you know what happens? 

The mortified little boy shakes his head. 

H: (angrily) GUESS! 

S: (voice trembling) They die? 

H: (smiling) Yes, they either die or become mindless idiots. Not a big step for 
you is it? So tonight my simpering little son, you will be the first human to 
have the drug administered to them. Isn't that exciting? 

Stefan shakes his head; tears are streaming from his eyes. Even as an eight year 
old boy, he understands what his mother means to do to him. He just can't 
understand why. 

H: No? But this is science. Just think, if you live, you'll most likely get an 
“A” from your science tutor. (She laughs) 

S: (crying and pleading) No, mother. Please don't. I promise I'll be good. I 
promise. I'll be strong… like Stavros. I will. 

She grabs his face in her free hand, and sinks her nails into his flesh. The 
look of pure hatred in her eyes all at once terrifies and puzzles him. 

H: (hissing) You will *never* be strong like your brother. Don't you understand 
that? You don't have it in you. 

She releases her grip, but maintains her steely glance at him. 

H: Now, before I administer the drug… the third part of your punishment; I am 
placing a curse upon you. If you somehow manage to survive tonight…

Helena then looks Stefan in the eyes. She knows full well the impact her words 
will have upon his young mind. How impressionable a child's mind is to 
suggestions like the ones she is about to make. Hoping that he will carry her 
words with him through adulthood, even on a subconscious level, and end up 
sabotaging is own life. 

H: (coldly) You will *never* find happiness. You will *never* be happy no matter 
how you try. You will search your *whole* life for happiness that you will 
*never* find. You will *never* be *loved*. You will want love, search for love, 
but you will *never* have it. 

She pauses a moment to let her words sink in before she continues. 

H: Furthermore, no woman will *ever* love you. You are too weak and pathetic for 
any woman to love. Any woman you fall in love with will *always* love another 
man more than you. She will find *any* man to be more suitable than you. You, 
Stefan, are not deserving of love and happiness; therefore, no woman will want 
to make you happy. No woman will want to love you. 

Stefan is staring into his mother's eyes, taking in and believing every word she 
says. He has always loved and trusted her, even when she was callous towards 
him. Always telling himself that if he just worked harder to be more like 
Stavros he could win his mother's affections. He is now coming to the cruel 
realization that all his work was in vain. 

H: Ohhh, but my curse doesn't stop there. No, my curse is far reaching… I am 
that much stronger than you are, than you ever will be. Yes, Stefan, any child 
you have, think to have, or claim as your own… will turn on you. They will see 
how feeble and dull-witted you really are. They will rather be with *me*, than 
to live with you. I will take them from you and raise them the way I raised 
Stavros. (Almost hissing) I will take your children from you and I'll *beat* out 
any signs of weakness that I see in them. The weakness they will have acquired 
from you. I will take your children from you, and they will want to be with me… 
not you. Your children will not love you. No one will love you. Do you 
understand that you are and always will be too insubstantial for anyone to love? 
You will search your whole life for *someone* to love you, and you'll *never* 
succeed. That is my curse on you… (almost spitting the word) son. 

Helena moves around the table so she is standing by the IV tube. She slowly 
flicks the needle to release the air bubbles. Stefan is watching her every move, 
not wanting to believe she will actually do it. Not wanting to believe that she 
could hate him. Not being able to comprehend what he has done in his young life 
to warrant her hatred. 

S: (crying, pleading) No, mother. Please. 

H: (mocking) No, mother. Please. (Earnestly) Yes, Stefan. 

S: But why? Why? (Sincerely) I love *you*. I love you, mother. Why? 

Helena stabs the needle in the tube and pushes the plunger. She turns to him 
with pure hatred in her eyes. 

H: (seething) Because I *don't* love you. I *never* have and I *never* will. NO 
ONE will ever love you Stefan. You are not worthy of anyone's love. 

Those were the last words he heard before he drifted into unconsciousness. 
Helena's plan was to let Stefan stay under the drug so long it would cause long 
term, permanent damage, and she could be rid of him forever. Her plan was 
thwarted when Mikkos returned home just in time to save his son from that fate. 

****
 
Launch driver: Mr. Cassadine? Are you all right? Mr. Cassadine? 

Stefan lethargically returns to the present. His eyes are filled with tears that 
won't fall. His emotions are raw from the memory of his mother's curse, and how 
true it turned out to be. 

S: (flatly) Yes. 

LD: We're here. 

S: Thank you. 

Stefan steps off the launch and walks to, then enters a waiting limo. He thinks 
of Katherine and how much she loves him. Or did. Maybe it is too late. Maybe 
Jerry has taken her away from him for good. He remembers what Nikolas said to 
him. 

<< <<< N: I will protect Katherine and my cousins… they are better off with 
Jerry anyway. She's very happy with him. Probably because Jerry doesn't lie to 
her… I want to keep them far away from your lies, Uncle. Yes, my cousins will 
have a better life without *you*. >>>>>> 

Stefan wonders if his mother and Nikolas could be right. 

S: (to the driver) Have they found her? 

Driver: Yes sir, she appears to be on her way to the Outback. 

S: Take me there. 

D: Yes, sir. 

The limo pulls away from the curb.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jerry and Katherine returned yesterday from Europe. Jasper invited them to lunch 
to tell them some “exciting” news. At the Outback Jerry, Jasper, Brenda, and 
Robin are getting ready to have lunch. They are chatting while waiting for 
Katherine to arrive. 

B: I bought you a present. 

R: Really? 

B: Well, it's a belated birthday present. I didn't get it sent last November 
when you were in Paris. I'm *really* sorry. 

R: (smiling) Oh, don't worry about it. It's not late. It's just early for this 
year. 

Robin opens the pink and white striped box and it has six pairs of underwear in 
it. 

R: (delighted) Thanks! These are great. 

The boys exchange puzzled glances. Robin looks at the different colors. 

Jasper: (perplexed) You bought her *underwear*? 

B: Yeah. It's Victoria Secret's. 

Again the boys are exchanging looks, when Felicia walks up to the table. 

F: Wow. Those are great. Victoria Secret's, huh? I just love their underwear. 

Jerry: (looking from Jasper to the women) You girls are pulling our legs, right? 

B, R, & F: (flatly and shaking their heads) No. 

Katherine walks up to the table. 

K: Hi. Sorry I'm late. 

Jerry: Lois, what… how would you feel if one of these girls bought you 
underwear? 

K: That depends, what kind? 

F, B, & R: (all are smiling) Victoria Secret's. 

K: (excitedly) Oh! That would be great. I love their underwear. I can't fit into 
it right now (rubbing her belly). I'm stuck wearing “granny” panties now. 

F: (laughing) Oh, I remember *those* days. Speaking of which, you've really… uh… 
bloomed since we saw you at the 4th of July picnic. (Almost suspiciously) How 
far along are you? 

K: (flatly) Four months. 

Felicia's eyes widen, as do Brenda's and Robin's. Katherine knows exactly what 
they are thinking; she thinks it herself when she looks in the mirror. 

K: I know. I know. The doctor warned me that I would look two months bigger than 
I actually am my *whole* pregnancy. 

B: (astonished) Wow! Two months bigger? I guess by nine months… 

K: (short) Yes. I'll look like I swallowed a VW Bug. 

As Katherine sits down on the chair next to Jerry's, Brenda shoots Felicia a 
“Oops! What do I say now?” look. Felicia smiles, knowing all too well how 
fragile a woman's ego about her body image can become while pregnant. So she 
tries to say something truthful, yet encouraging. 

F: Well Katherine, part of that is because you're not very tall, so your body 
can only go out. And you *are* carrying two, so you'll stick out more than if 
you just had one. 

This does not have the desired effect, and Katherine stiffens. 

K: (bitterly) Thanks. 

Jerry recognizes her tone and body language and decides it's time to change the 
subject. 

Jerry: So, about the underwear. 

Robin holds them up to show them to a now smiling Katherine. The women go back 
to looking at and commenting on the underwear. They discuss G-strings, high-cut 
briefs, cotton vs. satin, and other underwear related topics. The boys go back 
to looking dismayed. 

Jerry: (to Jasper) What would you do if I bought you underwear? 

Jasper: Do you mean… before or after they rushed you to the ER to have it 
dislodged from your throat? 

The women look at each other, then laugh. 

F: (rolling her eyes) Men will never understand the importance of pretty, *new* 
underwear. You guys are probably wearing the *same* underwear you got back in 
the early '80's. 

Jasper: (lowering his pitch an octave to sound manlier) I'm a real man. I don't 
wear underwear. (Reaches over to lightly punch Jerry on the arm) What about you 
Jerry? 

Jerry: (“manly”) I'm more of a man than you, of course. I prefer not to wear 
underwear OR pants. Yes, I run about naked all the time. 

Jasper: (manly) Oh, yeah? Well…

B: STOP right there. Before you boys whip 'em out and compare sizes, why don't 
we order lunch. 

R: (looking embarrassed) THAT sounds good to me. 

Jerry: (smugly) No need for us to whip 'em out. I KNOW I'd win that contest. 

Jasper: (angered) I beg your pardon? You would NOT! 

Jerry: Ladies, I don't just call him my (winking)”little” brother 'cause he's 
younger. 

Jasper is rising out of his chair, his hands on his belt buckle. 

Jasper: I'll show you who's “little”. 

Jerry matches his brother's actions. Robin buries her face behind her menu. 
Katherine and Brenda exchange eyerolls. Felicia leans forward hoping to get a 
better look. 

K: Oh, STOP it! The BOTH of you just sit DOWN, and figure out what you want. 
(Shaking her head) I'm just grateful Mac wasn't over here. 

F: (laughing) It would be a testosterone-fest. We'd have to send them to the 
back room, for sure. 

The group orders their lunches. Brenda is smiling broadly at Jasper, who gives 
her a wink. 

Jasper: (to Katherine and Jerry) I want you two to come over to my penthouse 
after lunch. I have a surprise for you. I actually have several surprises for 
you. 

B: (giggling) Why don't you tell them about the *one* now. 

Jasper: All right. (To Katherine) Your next ultrasound is at the end of August, 
correct? 

K: Yes. (Puzzled) How did you know? 

Jasper: (winking) I have my ways. Well, I want you to cancel, because I set you 
up with Dr. Bernard Benoit in California. He has the latest technology. He does 
3D ultrasounds. You can actually see what the little nippers look like. I saw it 
on the Internet… It was very cool… Just like a photograph. 

Brenda is nodding happily in agreement. Katherine is amused at her girlish 
excitement. Jerry is happy his brother is so into becoming an uncle, but knows 
that it might not last. So he tries to temper his younger brother's excitement. 

Jerry: Jasper, that's a wonderful offer, but I'm sure the doctor won't let 
Katherine fly to California. He almost had a fit when we said we'd be flying all 
over Europe. Now that she's home, she needs to stay on the ground. 

Jasper: (smugly) I know. So he has agreed to be flown, with all his equipment, 
to New York City. I tried to get him to come to Port Charles, but he refused. 
You two can take a nice limo ride to the “Big Apple” and make a day of it. 
(Enticingly to Katherine) Shopping, Dining – Waddaya say? 

Katherine and Jerry exchange glances. Jerry raises his eyebrows and Katherine 
smiles at him. 

K: (to Jasper) I think that sounds nice. Thank you. 

Jasper: Good, then it's all settled. 

Katherine gets up from the table. Jasper looks concerned. 

Jasper: What's wrong? 

K: (laughing) One of my MANY daily trips to the bathroom. 

Jerry: (laughing) DAILY? How about HOURLY? 

Katherine teasingly grabs his head by the hair and shakes it as she passes by. 

Jasper: She goes a lot, huh? 

Jerry: Let me put it to you this way… There is not a toilet in Europe that she 
didn't pay homage to. 

Robin: (annoyed) Leave her alone. 

K: (over her shoulder) Thank you, Robin! 

R: I'd like to see you guys carry a bowling ball around on your stomachs, then 
see how much you'd have to go. 

Jerry and Jasper look at each other and smile. 

J & J: THANK God we'll never know! 

The group laughs and resumes their conversations. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stefan is standing in the hallway when Katherine exits the restroom. She looks 
into his tortured eyes and knows that something is wrong. She slowly approaches 
him, takes him by the hand, and leads him into Mac's office. When the door is 
shut and locked, they are standing close, and he tentatively cradles her head in 
his hands. They are looking so intently into each other's eyes, that neither of 
them speaks a word. She is trying to sort out what she sees in his eyes. It is a 
strange mixture of pain, anger, love, and desperation. 

K: (quietly) Stefan, what's wrong? 

He is longing to tell her all that has happened since the 4th of July, that he 
understands what happened with Laura. That he no longer needs or desires Laura. 
He wants to tell Katherine he was a fool to hurt her again, that he loves her 
and he needs her, but the words won't come, because the words of his mother's 
curse are echoing loudly in his head. The feelings he had as a forsaken and 
unloved eight-year-old boy are echoing in his heart, also. So, he gently pulls 
her to him and kisses her tenderly. She returns the kiss. After a few minutes, 
she pulls her lips away from his. The anguish in his eyes is causing her 
anguish, also. The tears are welling up in both their eyes. 

K: (softly, voice trembling) What's wrong? 

S: (hushed and hoarse) I must leave Port Charles. Come away with me, now. 

She knows something is terribly wrong. She wants to hold him and comfort him. 
Even after everything he's done to her, she still loves him and wants to be with 
him. Something in her has known that from the moment her eyes first locked with 
his that she would always love him. She wants, more than anything, to raise 
their children with him. She wants to say “yes” and go with him. Then she begins 
to think of the many doctors' appointments she has. Appointments she missed 
because she was in Europe. And she trusts the doctors that she has. Now is not 
the time to leave and find new doctors to care for her and the twins. 

K: (gently) I can't. 

After Nikolas' rejection of him this morning, and his mother evoking the memory 
of the night she made her rejection of him loud and clear, and the memory of 
curse she placed upon him; Stefan turns to leave without asking for an 
explanation. He assumes that his mother was right all along… he will never find 
happiness and he is unworthy of anyone's love. He turns back around and faces 
Katherine. Tears fall from his eyes as he reaches down and places a hand on 
either side of her stomach. 

S: (quietly) These are *my* children. *I* will raise *my* children. 

He leaves promptly, and Katherine looks after him, puzzled. She doesn't realize 
that those words were not meant for her as much as they were for the memory of 
his mother's curse. Once again his use of the word “My” in regards to “Their” 
children irks her. 

K: (to herself) Your children? Yours? Am I just an *incubator*? (Shaking her 
head, with pity in her voice) Oh, Stefan, what is wrong? 

Just then Jerry walks into the back and sees Katherine standing in the doorway 
of Mac's office with a far away look in her eyes. He can also see the concern in 
her face. 

J: Lois? Lois, what's the matter? Are you all right? 

Katherine slowly focuses on Jerry. 

K: Yeah. I'm fine. 

J: Lois, *something* has upset you. 

K: (evenly) Let's talk about it later, O.K.? 

J: (unsure) Yeah. Lunch is on the table. Let's get those babies some food, huh? 

K: (rubbing her belly and smiling) That sounds like a good idea to us.