Chapter 3:

The Next Day in English class.

"Elizabeth?" Lucky asked.

"Lucky." she said.

"About the other night whatever I did to offend you-"

"Look Lucky it wasn't you okay I--I just had to run an errand."

"Oh because I thought that you-"

"Lucky it's okay you don't need to apoligize or anything let's just leave
this alone and forget about it okay?"

"You got it. So basically the rest of the evening you are attmitting to
having fun."

"Fun I wouldn't use that word but if you must then okay."

"I know you wanted to say it was the best experience of my life. So you busy
tonight we could hang out again."

"I'm sorry I can't I have so much work to do and my schedule is all booked
up."

"Then another time."

"Sure."

Lucky starred blanky at her the rest of class not paying any attention to the
teacher. Later their teacher paired them off for an English assignment and
he chose Lucky and Liz to be in a pair. They had to compare the sterotypes
of teens in the world today using entertainment references.

"Looks like I'm in your schdule now."

"Looks like you are Lucky."

"So do you want me to pick you up at your place and we can go to the library
or-"

"You know what I'll meet you at the library we could also rent old movies
from the 90's and compare steriotypes."

"Your house or mine."

"Better make it yours I have a pigsty."

"Elizabeth Webber Miss Neat Perfectionist has a pigsty? I don't believe it."

"Look I never said I was perfect."

"You know what I have to go in couple of minutes I just rent a couple of
flicks and drop by your place tomorrow say around 9 am and we'll start a
movie marathon."

"But Lucky-"

"No buts, I gotta go but I'll find out your address later."

"But-"

Before she could say anything he left and she was left frustrated. She was
thinking about Hallie and how she could not let Lucky know about her.
Everything in her life that she had loved had been taken away, Ruby, her
grandmother, and her sister. Nothing since then had ever been the same.
Sure she had plenty of money and support from her parents. She'd never love
anyone more than Hallie, Hallie is her life and everything vauluable so much
in fact she often kept Hallie to herself. Too many question too many painful
memories of how she came to aquire Hallie but she knew that she had to
protect her. She got into her car and drove back to her house to write Ruby
another letter.

Dear Ruby,
I can't believe you let a whole pass without writing me. I half expected a
letter in my mailbox when I came home. I still miss you terribly. I did
something I never thought I could do. I met this guy and I actually thought
about him and me as a couple. I know me, meeting a guy. Actually 3 years ago
you would have believed this but me now I didn't even know how I did it
myself. But I hope he understands I just want to be friends. I have to
protect my princess from everyone. I know I shouldn't shut people out but I
have all of these things in my life and as soon as I let another person get
into my life all of these things will become non-existent and oh my god I'm
babbling in a letter. I never thought I'd stoop that low.

luv
"Slick"

She was in a letter writing mood so she decided to e-mail the Mystery Man

To: [email protected]
From: Slick [email protected]

Dear Mystery Man,

    Thank you. Those are the only words I can express to you. Yesterday
when you were talking with that rape victim I could relate with her. Thank
you again. For so long I've been feeling like this half of a person and you
made me feel almost whole again. I still need to work on it. Everyone tells
me hey you'll get over it someday well I wish someday was here. I'm at this
point in my life where I have to chose my career, I'm thinking artist. Being
an artist and showing everyone my work is my life long dream. In fact your
probably the only person I've ever told that. I tell everyone else it's a
hobby. At least I'm moving on. There's this guy, he is the first guy I've
let into my life and let me tell you I can't believe he would look at me
twice. I look like a commercial for wool garments. It's a very bad
picture:) I better stop babbling to you but thanks for reading.

Sincerly,
        Slick EW52

P.S. By the way why did you become mystery man?

Elizabeth then started to research a history project on the internet.
Lucky on the otherhand decided to take a break from behind the counter at
Ruby's and surf the net. First he checked his e-mail at his MysteryMan
e-mail adress. He read the letter and found himself smiling. He could
picture this perfect person saying all of these things. He decided to write
back so powered by her light hearted look on life.

To: Slick [email protected]
From: [email protected]

Dear Slick,

Funny I don't think I've ever read a letter that pervoked me to response with
just thank you or hope your life gets better. To tell you the truth I'm glad
you wrote to me. I've never recieved anything like that. It made me feel
like I was finally doing my job. But you have to ask me the hardest
question, why did I become this Mystery Man. My aunt well my great aunt she
was the best lady in the universe. A few years back my world came tumbling
down on me but she was always there for me. The only person in my family
that I would actually talk to. Then it happened she was gone. She went
away. I can't even express in words how that made me feel. But eventually I
moved on and decided help people like she did. I know I could never give
advise like her or be her but just by knowing that I can make a difference a
mark in someone's life just gives me some kind of satisfaction. I guess
that's why I want to be him. Now that I've practically spilled my life story
it's your turn to reviel more if you would like to continue to chat. E-mail
me at [email protected].

MM

He sighed and turned off the computer. He could just picture himself lost
traveling around the world lost. He couldn't take it. He had to get out and
take a walk. He ran around Port Charles until he reached the gym. He sat
behind a soloflex lifting weights heavier and heavier.

"Have some aggression burn off?" a voice asked him

"Elizabeth what ae you doing here?"

"What your the only person who can exercise?"

"No that's not what I mean-"

"I was kidding Lucky."

"So this is what you do with you time off."

"To tell you the truth I had some aggression to work off."

"Another thing we have in common."

"How is it everytime I talk with you I feel as though you hitting on me."

"I probably am."

She laughed "Well while were here why don't we break up the English
assignment."

"Why can't we work on it together?"

"I just don't have time for something like that."

"I thought you whole life was full of homework."

"Look Lucky, I don't have time for friends or anything else. I have
proirities in my life "

"Oh and like I don't."

"What do you do all day Lucky, what things do you have to worry about?" Liz
said satrting to raise her voice.

"Look I may not look like it but things have happened to me that you wouldn't
even believe your not the only one who is busy I have school, other friends,
3 jobs, and I have to deal with your comments now too?"

"I'm sorry Lucky I didn't mean it that way I just want to make things clear"

"Elizabeth you can't just use your books and your logic for everything. You
have to learn to let loose."

"I can let loose plenty. I'll show you how much tomorrow were are going to
do this project my house at 9:00 am be there or be a rectangle."

"Square."

"Whatever!" she yelled as she excited the gym.

"I hope I didn't break her" said as he continued to pump up.

Chapter 4

It was 8:45 am the next day. Liz was putting on her make-up and he hair was
still in curls. Her top wasn't even on yet and the doorbell rang. She ran
and expecting Jenny to pick up Hallie but instead there stood Lucky.

"I-um" Lucky said as he turned around quickly as Liz slammed the door on his
back I guess. She ran inside and found her top sitting on the bed and taking
curlers out. She ran into Hallie's room and told her to be very quite and
she just nodded while playing tea party. She ran back to the door and flung
it open and saw Jenny and Lucky conversing.

"Hey I'm sorry Lucky I just wasn't expecting you so early." Liz said eyeing
Jenny.

"Hey it's perfectly fine Jenny here was just telling me that she came to pick
up her daughter."

"Her daughter yes her daughter Hallie." Liz said quickly eyeing Jenny again.

"Liz is she ready?" Jenny asked.

"Yeah let me just go get her Lucky why don't you come in and sit in the
living room." Liz said.

Lucky came in and sat in the living room and then Liz ran to get Hallie and
Hallie left with Jenny behind Lucky's back while he sat on the couch. Liz
came back into the room and spied pictures of Hallie with her and her best
mom awards. She quickly hid them and then put down the pictures as Lucky was
busily trying to find the video Liz said she rented for thier project.

"Um so do you have any idea where you put them."

"Oh what a dope I am I put one in the machine and I bascially have the rest
in my video closet."

"Arranged in alphabetical order I see."

"So it just makes it easier you know to find the video I want."

"You sure have a lot of Seasme Street videos."

"Those are for Hal when I baby-sit her."

"Oh. Um well what movie do you want to start with."

"How about Never Been Kissed with Drew Barrymore."

"I've seen it before."

"Me too so should we watch another."

"Actually I've seen practically every movie invented."

"I have too."

"So why don't we talk about what we want to do for our project."

"Well I was thinking about Never Been Kissed and how towards the end she
describes everyone the guy who every girl goes to school with, those
beautiful girls, the geeks well it got me thinking we should create this
video kind of describing them or something you know."

"Voice overs like an entire movie Liz your a genious but we're going to need
more people to pull this off."

"Who do you have in mind?"

"I have two friends that I think can help."

"I tholught I was your only friend."

"Actually one is my brother and the other well we've known each other since I
was about 14."

"Four years your most comminted relationship huh Spencer."

"That sounded like a mocking tone Ms. Webber." Lucky said opening the door
for her.

"Where exactly are we going to get your friends? And it was supposed to be a
mocking tone Mr. Spencer."

"We're going to the pier."

"Who lives on the pier?"

"The only way to my brother's house is by boat."

"Your brother is Nikolas Cassidine?"

"Yeah heard of him?"

"He used to go out with my sister Sarah."

"Your sister was Sarah Webber. No wonder your so good two shoes."

"What is that supposed to mean."

"Your so controlled and so much like Sarah almost too perfect."

"Don't ever talk about my sister like that."

"Where is old Sarah."

"She past away last year."

"Liz I'm sorry I didn't mean what I said."

"You didn't know how could you?"

"Look it's not like I didn 't like Sarah. I had the biggest crush on her and
then she turned out to be less mysterious then I thought."

"Sarah mysterious? I don't think so. I used to have the same opinion like
she was perfect." Liz said while getting out of the car. "I also used to
hate her for it but now I just couldn't picture the past 3 years without her."

"My brother and I never got along for the longest time then I think we both
realized how petty we were being. By then I had left home and he took me in
secretly. Later when I left town her managed to track me down and I helped
him with this detective thing."

"Detective thing?"

"My friend was in trouble let's just say that."

"I'm sorry but I'm glad you found peace with your brother."

"Well we're hear."

Lucky knocked on the door and Nikolas answered as Emily peeked through behind
him.

"Hey Nikolas, this is-"

"Elizabeth Webber." Nikolas said.

"I wasn't sure if you'd remember me." Liz said.

"Of course I remember you Sarah's kid sister. Liz-"

"Actually it's Elizabeth now." Liz said.

"Elizabeth this is Emily." Nikolas said as he stepped out of the way to let
them in.

"Hi Emily I think you were in some of my classes in high school."

"Yeah, I remember you. Wow I remember your complete 180 one day you wore
skits and this low shirts and then-"

"You could barely see a square inch of me."

"Yeah."

"You used to dress like that?" Lucky asked.

"Yes I did." Liz said.

"Where was I when all of that happend." Lucky asked.

"You ran away from home you big baby." Nik said.

"Ha! Ha! Anyway um we need a favor. We're making a video and we're
inlisting your help."

"Em do you have anything planned?" Nik asked.

"Nothing." Em said.

"Let's do it." Nik said.

"We're in." Em said.

"Great thank you so much for doing this it won't take that long.." Elizabeth
said rushing out the door.
They all looked her confusingly. "Come on you guys the gargoyles are
starting to look alive."

They laughed and left for Liz's house.

"Wow Liz you have a great place. It's so neat how do you do it?" Emily
asked.

"She has a schedule for everything." Lucky commented.

"Well at least I don't do things on whim all of the time." Liz said.

"You've known me for one day how could you know that about me." Lucky said.

"How could you know that about me?"

"It's pretty obvious with you little planner and you telling me every two
seconds that your busy. You must think every guy hits on you."

"I never said that I thought that Lucky I'm just-"

"So," Nik said trying to break the tension. "Could you guys tell us what to
do for this project."

"Yeah the project well we were thinking-" Liz said.

"To do a kind of montage to different types of high school groups."

"Hey brainstorm why don't we put on a fashion show. It's perfect and it's
better than just a video."

"How are we going to pull that off."

"With my model connections." Emily chimmed in.

"I'm not going to parade around in some model clothes like a piece of meat."
Lucky said.

"If Lucky doesn't do it I won't either." Nik said.

"Not even for me Nikolas?" Emily cooed as she stroked his chest with her
hand.

"Sorry Lucky I can't help you on this one anymore." Nikolas said.

"Um, looks like it's 3 to 1 what do you say."

"I say I get to chose your outfits." Lucky said.

"If I get to chose yours." Liz said.

"Deal but you owe me."

"Deal." Liz and Lucky shook hands and Emily and Nik held each other smiling
at Liz and Lucky.

"Well let's head down to the studio and borrow some clothes and the camera."
Emily siad.

"Why do we need a camera?" Liz asked.

"Cameras don't lie, mirrors do." Emily said.

"Okay well I'll grab my video camera and we can go. Thanks again you guys."
Liz said.

"We should thank you, we had nothing else to do today." Nikolas said.

They all headed out the door and they made it to Emily's studio. They
decided on fashioning, the typical geek, average person, cool guy, cool girl,
dark and mysterious, and also the couple that will never and won't ever break
up. Oh and the groupies too.

"Okay um Nikky?" Lucky asked.

"Don't call me that Lucky." Nik said.

"Fine, but I'm feeling very ungenerous today so you and Emily will be the
geeks, the average, and dark and mysterious."

"Hey we're yours to work but I'm not sure Elizabeth over there will be up to
being the cool girl." Nik said.

"Hmm your right." Lucky said as he began to glance over at her again. It
was as if she was in slow motion an the way she laughed with Emily was enough
to send him to heaven but he shook thoughts from his mind. He couldn't think
of her like that.

"I see possiblities for her though. It's not that she isn't pretty but Laura
Ashley is way out of style."

"You know about Laura Ashley?"

"Hey I'm not that dense of a foriener."

"Hey Nikolas did Ruby ever tell you about a person she called Slick. This
girl keeps on sending Ruby letters, 2 so far, and I don't know she's just-"

"She just gets right inside of your skin."

"Yeah. There is this person on the internet, a girl she knows me it's all a
big strange ordeal."

"It's called life and decisions you have to make."

"I'm 18 I'm supposed to be free and drinking sleeping with tons of girls."

"I think you've had your fair share of life for now."

"Well I guess we better get started."

Elizabeth agreed after presuation from Emily to be the cool girl and half of
the best couple for their video. Emily readily enjoyed being super geek she
said it gave her a chance to wear clothes she would never to dare. They
voiced over certain parts with captions. Now when it came to the perfect
couple part after many many arguments they decided on a caption of song.
Emily chose outfits out for everyone and they were set for rehersal. Well
this wasn't any ordinary fashion show. The went to various areas of the
campus and took shot so more like modeling. Lucky was wearing a tight white
ribbed t-shirt with dark denim jeans. He gave the cool guy look starring
away from a tree. Liz behind the camera noticed a sparkle in his eyes when he
looked into the camera and smiled. His blue eyes just eluminated and starred
into her soul. She felt confused and just shook off her feelings. As soon
as Lucky's session was over Liz's startedd. They put her hair in waves
around her face some bangs slightly touching her eyes. She wasn't
comfertable in the revieling clothing Emily had shown her but they finally
decided on a long black tube top dress with a shall to cover up her bare
arms. At first Liz was stiff but soon she started to loosen up and go with
the flow of things. Lucky took some amazing shots of her blowing kisses,
just plain giggling, and the best part about her, her smile. It light up the
entire campus especially Lucky. He couldn't stop smiling when she did. She
just had this certain quality about her. Emily and Nikolas noticed the
tension between those two and they could see some kind of special flame that
burned inside each. Both stubborn to the max and they both had tempers that
could blow off houses but they each possesed a certain gentle kindness that
made them special. To each other. We'll skip over an Em and Nik geek
description and head on over to favorite couple. Liz and Lucky decided to
wear evening gowns and dance to a song. It would be perfect. Just pciture
them when they went to the church that's the outfits they wore. As they
danced to the music Liz relaxed and let Lucky lead.

your just to good to be true.
can't take my eyes off of you

They sauntered around the room twirling and laughing. Elizabeth had never
had so much fun.

you'd be like heaven to touch
I wanna hold you so much

Liz settled her arms around Lucky's neck and let herself sway to the music.
She closed her eyes and pictured a beautifully decorated ballroom filled with
fog, her and Lucky.

at long last love has arrived
and I thank god I'm alive

Lucky gazed into her flue yes. He wondered how long he could deny the
attraction he was building up for Liz but he had his internet friend to think
about. She seemed all too perfect. Besides Elizabeth expressed cleary how
she doesn't want a relatioinship. He twirled her once again and she stumbled
a little and almost feel but he cuaght her in the perfect dip pose.

Your just too good to be true
can't take my eyes off of you

And that's how it was for the whole afternoon they couldn't keep their eyes
off each other and they were fighting the growing attraction.

Chapter 5:

Liz and Lucky head back to her place in order to pick up the bag they left
there. Lucky parked the car as Liz headed into the house. She found Jen and
Hallie inside playing.

"Lizzie!" Jen said as Hallie ran into Liz's arms.

"Hey baby how was your day?" Liz asked.

"Good mommy Jen let me eat ice cream."

"Yummy honey. You look tired you want to go to bed." Hallie nodded her
sleepy head and asked Jen to get her ready for bed.

"Sorry Lizzie I gotta go work late tonight."

"No problem thanks Jen for watching her."

Jen and Hallie left the room as Lucky walked in. Liz had seemed to forget
about him as she spun around quickly with a panicked look in her eyes.

"Um your bag where do you think you left it?" Liz said frantically searching
for it.

"You trying to get rid of me?" Lucky asked.

"No, of course not I--I just um kind of um-" Liz said scratching her head as
Jen came back.

"She wants you to tuck her in Lizzie." Jen said as she saw Lucky.

"Hallie's here?" Lucky asked.

"No, um Jen's pet squirrel Harriet." Liz said. trying to cover.

"Yeah a squirrel. Harriet." Jen said.

"Well I found my bag and I think I'll just go now." Lucky said.

"Why don't you stay for coffee Lucky." Jen said trying to set Liz and Lucky
up.

Noticing the uneasy look on Liz's face Lucky declined the offer and politely
left the room.

"Lizzie what's wrong with you? That perfectly hunky guy was in your
apartment and he is so smittin' on you." Jen said.

"Is it me or you always let your mouth get ahead of you." Liz said.

"Okay, Okay I know but you have this great guy looking at you the way Fred
looked at Ginger, Ricky at Lucy, Danny at Sandy (Grease), Luke at Laura-"

"Luke and Laura?"

"Do you live in a shell they're daytime's hottest couple throughout the ages."

"Jen how many times do I have to tell you soap operas aren't real life."

"Come on Liz this guy is obviously crushing and I see that glint in your
eyes."

"Well it just so happens that I like someone else."

"Spill."

"You know that radio show on PCU radio Mystery Man."

"You know Mystery Man?"

"Kind of he's sent me an e-mail. I've just been so busy today I haven't had
time to write back."

"Hate to break it to you but internet talking leads to trouble."

"At least your realistic about that."

"Well Ms. Party Pooper I have got to go to work but call me later and if I
find you slaughtered in this apartment I'll make sure Hallie grows up to hate
men."

"Thank you."

"Bye."

"Bye Jen."

Liz closed the door and went over to change into her PJ's. She looked in on
Hallie sleeping peacefully. She came down next to her and watched her
breath. Every little breath so precious. She stroked her blonde curly hair
and sighed.

"Hal I know I haven't been a good mother and I know other people can do
better but I love you so much that I can't imagine anyone else taking care of
you. Maybe that's why I don't want anyone close to me. Your the only one I
have left. The only one I have left to really depend on. Don't get me wrong
Jen's great but she doesn't feel like family. I promise you now Hal, I'm
going to be better. I'm going to get better at this."

She kissed her and left for her bedroom. She starred at the blank screen and
began to write.

To: Cowboy78
From: Slick EW52

Dear MM,
    I wrote MM and I'm thinking that commercial with the new crunchy
M&M's and how the M&M is eating that guy. I know it sounds strange I can't
help it. Sorry it took me so long to respond I've been busy. I know I sound
like this total dork right now and I'm rambling. Then I'm thinking that
message center commercial with the girl who talks with that old man on the
internet. I hope your not an old man. I'm 18/F. I'm just curious as to what
you are it' not like I'm stalking you or anything like that. Okay well let's
go on to more random subjects shall we? Have you ever really looked at Port
Charles I mean looked at it. There's something that draws a person here it
has this charge of energy that's like a bone to a dog or something you know?
I don't know no matter where I've been going or if I don't want to be here I
know I'll be back here. It's where I learned how to live. It's my home.
I'm beating around the bush that was my way of saying nice weather. I need
to ask you how can you do this day in and day out? How can you be the
mystery man helping people without going insane crying about their problems
or how they feel.

    It's a lot to think about but you'll answer it well.

From,
Slick EW52

Lucky turned on the computer and quickly clicked on his mail button.

"Junk, Junk, more junk, Slick EW52. Hmm." He says. He reads the letter and
can't help but smile.

To: Slick EW52
From: Cowboy78

Dear 18/F,

Rest assure I'm 18/M. You can ask the people who work at the PC radio
station. That's all they will say about me. I have to remain a mystery.
You sure ask some tough questions. Umm I just have this really high
tolerance for this stuff. I mean when your life is more messed up than the
person who your giving advice to than everything is fine. I can't fathem
what life is like for that person you kind of rid yourself of the guilt
carried on from this. You realize you can't take this stuff home I mean it's
wrong to act that way. I'm not a psycho if that's how I'm conveying this to
be but I've learned how to deal at a very young age. From the time I was 2 I
learned how to go on the run. I stayed in one place when I was 11 for a
while. Four years, then I couldn't deal with some information and I left.
But I found my way back here. I found my way back to it all. Your right
this town does suck you in. It'll never let up. I know wherever I go I'll
be back here. Here you have to face problems. I don't know. Ahh I have
finally thought of a question for you besides a request for you to scan your
artwork why do you want to be an artist.

Sincerly,
MM.

P.S. Why is your sc Slick EW52?

He turned off the computer and scratched his head. He was tired from arguing
with Elizabeth the entire day but he still couldn't shake how beautiful she
looked

*Flashback*

(This is the entire chunk I left out Liz and Lucky are both flashing back)

"I don't know Emily. I know I let Lucky pick out the outfit but it just
doesn't seem right on me."

"Liz that outfit looks perfect on you."

"Em-"

"No buts Elizabeth Webber just go out there and wow the guys."

To Lucky and Nik

"What taking her so long?" Lucky said pacing.

"What I have learned from dating Emily is that girls sometimes take a long
time getting dressed."

"Nikolas, you are a foreigner."

"I hope what you picked out is un-Laura Ashley."

"Please do I look like I'd let Laura Ashley throw up on her."

Liz walks into the ballroom where the guys were peering out nervously. Lucky
looks up and is totally astonished. His mouth is wide open Liz couldn't help
but smile at his cute face.

"Well look at Ms. Webber that dress certainly suites you." Nik said.

"Thanks Nikolas. What do you think Lucky?" Liz said looking hopeful

~Lucky~

What did I think she asked me what I thought. She looked like the most
beautiful angel ever to walk the planet. I thought she looked beautiful
before but it was like the world stood still and I could only see her.

~Liz~

His reply took a while. I suppose he had to think about it. His astonished
face frightened me but I relaxed when he told me I looked beautiful. Not
that I didn’t get reassurance from Em or Nikolas but Lucky his opinion really
matters. He took me in his arms and glided me onto the floor.

~Lucky~

She felt so soft in my arms. The song was perfect. We were in sync like one
thought was going through our minds. she felt so right and fit perfectly in
my arms.

~Liz~

I was floating along with him. He took me around the room. I didn't want to
lead I wanted him to call the shots. I could feel my face go red.

~Liz+Lucky~

It was like heaven on earth.

*End of flashback*                                 
                                       
       
Liz and Lucky both found solace in their sleep tossing and turning over their
attraction their feelings. Lucky had a shift the next morning at the
daycare center. As soon as Hallie saw him she jumped into his arms.

"C.J.!" she yelled.

"Hey my princess. Miss me."

"Mm-hmm. I told my mommy about you the day before yesterday and she said she
wants to meet you."

"I would love to meet her too princess."

"Also yesterday my mommy's friend had to pretend to be my mommy and we ate
ice cream."

"Sounds like fun."

"And also I heard my mommy talking about getting a squirrel."

"Getting a squirrel? My friend has a squirrel maybe I can ask her about
getting one."

"Goody."

"So princess Hallie are you ready for some tea."

"Yep."

They play tea and as Lucky glances over something just clicks in his mind
that familiarity with Hallie again.

"Hey I have a surprise for you I'm going to be staying the whole day today."

"Yeah!" Hallie danced around.

"That way I can meet your mommy."

"My mommy doesn't like boys."

"No does she like girls?" Lucky think Hallie's mom is well you know.

"Not like that silly. She doesn't like it when boys talk to her. She gets
mean."

Lucky found that pretty odd and decided he'd definitely better stay. Liz
walked into the room as Hallie was one of the last kids left. Lucky was
behind a puppet show when Liz looked at her daughter. She looked very
delighted with the show and for the first time in a long time she showed a
genuine smile. Lucky got up and he saw Elizabeth.

"Hey." he said confused.

"Hey Lucky. Hallie come her baby."

"What are you doing here?"

Liz stood there frozen she didn't know what to say. Suddenly Sandy yelled,
"Hey Lucky Norrman wants you to take him to the bathroom."

"Just a second Sandy. Look I'll be right back Princess just wait here so we
can say goodbye."

Lucky left and took Norman to the bathroom

"Hallie honey I need you to do me a favor."

"Sure mommy."

"You can call me Lizzie for today."

"Wow. Like a grown-up."

"In fact whenever you see Lucky call me Lizzie okay?"

"Okay mommy I mean Lizzie."

"Thank you sweet pea."

Lucky then came back into the room

"So what are you doing here?"

"Oh I'm here to pick up Hallie Jen's busy so I'm baby-sitting."

"Oh. Sorry I'm just curious. I can't believe this little princess that I've
been looking after is the same Hallie. She's a great kid."

"Thanks. I can't believe your the amazing C.J. I practically haven't been
able to have this girl talk about anything else."

Hallie glances back and forth at Lucky and Liz. She really liked Lucky and
she knew her mommy liked Lucky. Lucky certainly liked his mommy. If they
got married Lucky could be her daddy.

Hallie said, "C.J. Lizzie and I are going to eat come with us."

"I don't think so Hal."

"Please C.J."

Lucky glanced up at Elizabeth and she looked a tiny bit hopeful

"No come on please come with us Lucky," Elizabeth said.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm positive." Liz said.

"Well if you insist all right then let me just check out and we'll go."

Lucky leaves and Liz turns to her daughter.

"Thank you honey." she says as she kissed her forehead.

Chapter 6

Recap: Lucky agrees to have lunch with Hallie and Liz.

Lucky comes back to them "What would you guys like to eat my treat."

"Lucky you don't need to pay for us in fact I insist my treat." Liz said.

"How about Dutch Miss Stubborn."

"Fine dutch."

"Well Halserz what would you like to eat?" Liz said.

"Cheese fries mom-Lizzie."

"Well young lady you have my heart because cheese fries happen to be my
favorite." Lucky said while picking her up.

"Can I Lizzie?"

"Sure hon just make sure you have your veggies and fruits with those cheese
fries." Liz said smiling.

"Your car or mine?" Lucky asked.

"Your car is fine." Liz said.

They got into the truck Hallie inbetween the both of them. Lucky turned onto
an oldies radio station and before Liz knew it her daughter and Lucky began
to sing after watching them she decided to join in and it was trio of
singing. Then before you knew it they arrived at Luke's to get the best
cheese fries.

"Are you sure this place is appropriate for kids?" Liz asked.

"Don't worry the back office our own private dining area." Lucky said
smiling slyly. They each took one of the Hallie hands and walked in Luke was
there to greet them.

"Well if it isn't my son and he's dining with two gorgeous ladies and who
might this little princess be."

"I'm Hallie." Hallie said.

"You look just like your mother. Do you remember me?" Luke said while Liz
started to panick. She didn't want Lucky to know the truth.

"Jenny right Luke Jenny Harriet." Liz said while gritting her teeth. Luke
smiled and caught her drift.

"Just like old Jen. Hey Princess why don't you go into the back room with
Lucky while I talk with Bethie."

"Who's Bethie?" Hallie asked.

"Lizzie."

"Oh."

"Go on little darling, son go wreastle up some cheese fries for this little
chunk or sugar." Luke said and Lucky took her to the back where Luke's
office was.

"Bethie want to tell me what's going on."

"No?"

"Bethie."

"Look Luke I just don't want people to know. I mean Jenny's old enough to
have a child she's my sister's friend and Hallie I often tell her stuff about
her real mom and she's still not old enough to understand what happened."

"Bethie I learned a long time ago that you can't sit around in life. You
can't shake a stick at the stars you have to move on."

"It's just not time yet Luke. It happened two years ago I mean everything
happened then."

"One day your going to have to let this all out and that little girl in there
is going to want to learn about her mother."

"What am I supposed to tell her Luke. That her mother died because she
couldn't handle it."

"If that's the truth."

"Her mother was such a strong person Luke she was everything she was my rock
through these years and now she's gone."

"Hey come here." Luke gave her a hug but Liz couldn't cry. She was tired of
crying but inside she still hurt.

"I just want the hurt to go away."

"Confide in someone. In fact my son Lucky is a good listener."

"Lucky?" Liz said and laughed.

"You don't like my son."

"Luke do you see the way we argue. It's insane we're complete opposites I
like my life ordered and he likes complete insanity."

"That's how his mother and I are and let me tell you we couldn't be happier."

"How is Laura?"

"Don't try and change the subject. Talk to Lucky. Just talk to him." she
turns to walk away but her averts her attention back. "Bethie at Kelly's
when you worked there did you know anyone named Slick?"

"Ahh you found out my secret."

"Your secret?"

"Yeah Ruby calls me Slick because I dropped so many plates. Why?"

"Talk to my son about why. In fact leave the Princess with me tonight we'll
ice skate and she can play with my little girl LuLu. A sleepover as a matter
of fact. You and my son need to have a big talk."

"Luke you better not be playing matchmaker."

"How well do you know me? Anyway I hope you realize Ruby will always love
you."

"I know, I would visit her but you know."

"Hmm you will."

"Thank Luke I think I'll try your offer but I don't promise results."

She walked back to the back room as Luke sighed.

"I hope you'll be all right Bethie."

She came in as Lucky set down hot cheese fries.

"Dig in Ms. Webber." Lucky said.

"Thanks. Um Halserz remember that nice man outside?"

"Yes Lizzie."

"He would like to take you ice skating tonight."

"Ice skating?"

"Do you remember him from a while back."

"I remember him giving me ice cream."

"You young lady have a one track mind. Then after you can sleep over at the
Spencers with Lucky's little sister LuLu. Does that sound like fun?"

"Yeah a sleepover that sounds like way fun mommy."

"Mommy?" Lucky said

"She calls me that sometimes." Liz said.

"So little munchkin have the key to the house?" Liz asked.

She held up the key that was around her neck.

"Good honey as soon as your ready Luke will take you to his house and you can
have some fun. Make sure you get your PJ's."

"Your not coming?"

"Nope I gotta talk to Lucky here."

"Oh okay." she said while she giggled.

"What's so funny?" Lucky asked.

"Katie says that when two people have to talk they get kissy faces."

"Honey Katie is wrong." Liz said. "I think you've had enough cheese fries
for one night huh?"

"Uh-huh."

"Uggh" Liz said as she lifted her up. "Time to go to Luke. Ready?"

"Uh-huh."

Liz took her took her over to Luke and she gave him Hallie. She kissed her
good-bye and went back to Lucky. She knew she could trust Luke and there
must be some reason why she must talk to Lucky.

"So what was that all about Elizabeth?" Lucky asked.

"What?"

"My dad taking Hallie."

"There old friends."

"Hallie's mom and my dad."

"Uh-huh. You wanna take a walk."

"Yeah ."

The ended up at the fountain where Elizabeth was raped. She sat down on a
bench and was about to fall apart when Lucky took her hand. She couldn't let
go it felt so good next to her skin.

"Luke told me that I needed to talk to you."

"Talk to me."

"This sounds silly doesn't it. I mean we're practically strangers."

"My dad once told me once you dance with someone they aren't strangers
anymore."

"Sounds like Luke."

"I am a listener. When I need to be whenever I can it's just some things I
can't. My Aunt Ruby had this gift of helping everyone. She was the best
listener."

"Was?"

"You don't know don't you."

"Know what?"

"Ruby died a year ago Elizabeth." he said while tightening the hold on her
hand.

"Your kidding right."

"No I'm not."

"Oh my god! Oh my god! I can't believe this." Liz said standing up. Lucky
wouldn't let go of her hand.

"Liz I know how it feels to lose her."

"No you don't know how I feel don't think you know how I feel. I thought
she'd always be there for me forever. I never got to say sorry."

"She meant the world to me. For a while I was estranged from my parents and I
thought whatever came out of their mouths were lies but Ruby was the one
constant. If I came or went she'd always be there."

"I just miss her."

He puts his arm around her and let's her cry on his shoulder.

"What are you sorry for Elizabeth."

"I can't tell you."

"Elizabeth you can't spend your life pushing people away like this."

He let go of her hand and put his hands on his face.

"You don't know what it's like to be me Lucky. You don't know what's
happened to me. Since the day we meet you just uggh. You think you know me.
You don't know me."

"Elizabeth I might have acted like that but I know for sure I don't know you.
Okay I know. But one thing I do know about you is that you shut people out.
I mean look at Hallie she sees you like a mother but you're shutting her
out. Yes Hallie no Hallie okay Hallie."

"How dare you talk about Hallie like that."

"You know what I know I'm out of line but I don't care that little girl.
Fine let's forget about Hallie for this second. I mean it took convincing
for you to even become my friend. You carry around this wall blocking
everyone making sure they don't get close."

"I do not put up walls. You do that."

"Me? I put up walls and how do I do that."

"You pretend to be someone your not Lucky. I can tell your not the stud you
make yourself out to be. Why are you so brave all the time? It's okay to be
sad."

"I only acted that way because I thought you were the most beautiful person
that I have ever met so yeah I pretended to be cool and sly but you know what
I'm myself now and all we do is argue."

"What did you say?"

"All we do is argue."

"Before that."

"U put up walls?"

"No after that."

"You just want me to say it."

"You know what your just like your aunt Lucky you listen. Thank you."

"For what?"

"For showing me something I didn't think I could see."

"No problem so now you actually trust me."

"Don't push it."

"So what do you want to do."

"Could you just sit here with me tell me stuff about her."

"You can fill in the blanks for me."

"I will." Liz said while leaning onto Lucky again.

"Well le'ts see when I first came here Ruby just cuddled me like a mama bear
to her cub. She had to give me a hug right away. It was the best hug I
could ever imagine."

"I got hugs like that from her too. It was like a warm toasty bed at night
or a cheery fire."

"I'm sorry that you had to find out like this."

"It's okay but I owe Ruby."

"You don't owe her anything Elizabeth that's the type of person she was."

"I wanted Hallie to get to know her."

"No offense to your friend Jen but it seems like your Hallie's mom more than
Jen."

"It's just um Jen's really busy with her job and everything."

"It's still no excuse to ignore your kid."

Liz started to breath heavy the stench of her rape 3 years ago was freaking
her out.

"Elizabeth? Elizabeth are you okay?"

"Let's just get outta here Lucky."

"Sure whatever you want."

They left and Lucky drove Liz to her car in the daycare parking lot.

"Thanks Lucky."

"Are you going to make it home okay?"

"You wanna come for coffee or something?"

"I might take you up on that offer."

"Good."

Lucky and Liz talked for hours about Ruby and shared stories about her. He
then decided it was late and went home. Elizabeth sighed as he left and
turned on her computer.

To: Cowboy78
From: Slick EW52

Dear MM,

Well that question is easy. Because it makes me happy. Art makes me happy
just by being behind a canvas I can see myself. I can be myself. Now your
curious about my screen name well my friend used to call me Slick because I
dropped plates a lot while I watrissed and EW52. Well EW that I'll keep a
scret but 52. AOL added that on but let's pretend that they number of ivy
league schools that wanted me. I don't know I don't make up cutesy little
remarks. I know I'm strange that way. I found out something today. My
friend past away. The thing was I wasn't thinking about her I was thinking
about myslef how my life wouldn't be the same. God, I'm selfish. I don't
know. Her friendship like rain was so natural and assuring. I just couldn't
imagine myself without her guidance. This isn't a cry for pity. My whole
life has been about pity. I hate it. I just don't know what to say.
There's this person who's been really understanding about it with me . He
talked and talked with me. It was a very sweet gesture I don't know he
scares me. Not in the he's a stalker but I can see myself letting him get
close to me. To tell you the truth your the closet person I've talked to.
All of two e-mail from you and I'm confessing all of this. I know it's crazy
but I just feel like I can trust you. So what about your sc Cowboy78. Tell
me about it.

luv
Slick EW52

Lucky slid to his desk and read his e-mail. He smiled it feel good she could
confide in him so.

To: Slick EW52
From: Cowboy78

Dear Slick,

I' glad you can find you can confide in me. I don't have much of a life
outside of this so confide in me in much longer sentences. My dad calls me
Cowboy just another one of his adlibs of life. It all started when I wore
his cowboy hat and it just stuck. It's like "squirt" or "buddy" life is
strange that way. Now the 78 I would like to say that's the number of woman
that find me attractive but AOL didn 't have enough spaces for that number.
Actually that's the number of different names I've made up over the years. I
hope I never have to go by another name but my own. I'm guessing EW is the
initials for your name but that's too obvious huh. Maybe your high school or
Jr. High or something like that. I'm sorry but I'm emotionally taped out
about now so I'm going to cut this message short but I'm going to write you
ore I promise or else my name isn't MM.

luv
MM

He closed his computer right and shut his eyes. He was able to have peace
and sleep finally. Finally.But what he stil wondered was the letters from
Slick. He should tell this Slick person. What a second Slick EW52 was his
e-mail buddy. Naw they couldn't be the same person. Immpossible.