Chapter's 7-12

Chapter 7

A couple of weeks had past and Lucky and Liz were spending more and more time
together The letters from Slick to Ruby had stopped just like that and Lucky
felt a tiny lull in his heart but he enjoyed hanging out with Liz. He was
readily falling in love with little Hallie. Well you know what kind of love
I mean. He still questioned Jen's motherhood to her child but he figured he
shouldn't push Liz. Liz was enjoying the time she spent with him. It was
easy to confide in Lucky or laugh with him but she still wasn't able to tell
him the entire truth of her past. The e-mails sometimes long sometimes short
just kept going back and forth.

To: Cowboy78
From: Slick EW52

Dear Cowboy,

I was thinking about this the other day but I think that everyone no matter
who they are has this perfect person for them. I don't know it's just this
thing that popped into my head. I believe in perfect love, true love, it
exists. I might not believe in love at first sight though I think people
have to become best friends first. What are your thoughts?

luv
Slick

To: Slick EW52
From: Cowboy78

Dear Slick,

Love huh getting to the touchy subjects aren't you there Slick. If you would
have asked me a month ago I wouldn't have said I didn't even believe in love.
Love was this distorted image in my mind. You see the way a kid learns
about love is from his parents and let's just say my parents weren't the most
model couple. Now they are I guess you could say but I don't know. I never
thought after something that went down with my parents that love could
possibly exist. Lately I don't know I think that love but I have no idea
about the perfect love stuff your talking about. I believe in getting to
know you kind of love. I believe that if they can be your best friend and
you can talk it's perfect. Love is like some unexplained mystery and it
should be natural. I guess I've always seen it like that, I just haven't
found it yet.

luv
MM

Lucky headed out of the door on the way to meet Liz at the park to talk.
Talking had become a daily thing for them. It wasn't a big deal where they
had to have a picnic but it was more of a devotion that had towards one
another.

"Hey Lucky what's shakin'?" Liz said as she walked up to Lucky. He was
sitting on a bench and he just smiled at her. "Ahh a loss of words I would
say a Spencer first."

"Never have seen my sister have you." Lucky said.

"So what's been happening?"

"Nothing much in the past 24 hours I've seen you. Are you feeling better?"

"Yeah, I mean I had this dream the other night Ruby was telling me that I'd
always be with her no matter what. Then she told me table 5 needed some
water."

He laughed. "Sounds like the old Rub. No offense Ruby you were young at
heart."

"Sorry to druge up old memories of it."

"Sometimes you need to remember things."

"Do you ever wish that some people could live forever?"

"All the time. They do though in memories. Did anyone ever tell you, you
sure ask a lot of questions."

"That's the best part about me."

"There are a lot of good parts about you."

"Oh compliments that means somethings up. What is it?"

"Nothing is up."

"Lucky I've been talking to you everyday for the past month.

"I find this a backwards way of you asking me to ask you if something's
wrong."

"Lucky come on you know me."

"Do I? Do you know I feel I don't know a thing about you."

"Really because I feel as though I know you inside and out."

"There are some things you don't know about me."

"Like what?"

"Things Elizabeth."

"Why don't you tell me? You've listened to me whine about my life and how I
miss Ruby now it's my turn."

"Look you don't need the burden."

"Come on Lucky. I need it I love keeping busy."

"My parents and I had the best relationship. I mean I learned about love
from these people, these people were my entire life my only family. We were
on the run from the time I was about 2 until I was 11 and we came to Port
Charles. My first real home. Things were great until I was around 15."

"It's because I came to town."

"Not because you came to town because I found out the most horiffic thing in
my life. I found out my father raped my mother."

"Luke? That doesn't sound like Luke."

"That's the same thing I said. Then I confirmed it. But I was so angry and
nobody was there for me to talk to."

"What about Em and Nikolas?"

"Emily was mooning over Nikolas and he didn't feel like a brother then."

"So what happened."

"I ran away. That was my solution for everything. That's what I was taught.
The thing was my brother actually came after me I mean who kind of were on
okay terms because of this things that happened it made us bond but to tell
you the truth I couldn't come home until two years later. I realized that I
can't live in the past. I have to learn to move on."

"That's what your father told me."

"It's good advice. He gave it to me and I gave it right back to him after
Ruby died. He even learned to except Nikolas."

"Why wouldn't he?"

"For the same reasons I didn't in the beginning. He's a Cassidine but he's
part Spencer I mean my mom's part anyway."

"Seems like a great guy. He hated me in the beginning. He was dating Sarah
and then he dumped her."

"They weren't right together."

"You knew them together?"

"Yeah before I left I guess you could say I had a crush on her."

"The guys always have crushed on Sarah. The tall blonde."

"Actually after your sister I realized I liked petite brunettes."

"Really well something is definitely wrong now that your complimenting me
this much."

"You know I really meant what I said back there Elizabeth I don't know you at
all."

"Lucky you know plenty about me."

"Tell me."

"I came from Boulder-"

"Not stuff like that stuff like the stuff I told you."

"Lucky look my life is one big circus and if I start giving aways the tickets
to the circus soon everyone will be able to see the circus and I'm not ready
for that."

"Just know that I'll be here waiting to see it anytime." Lucky said while
grabbing her hand.

"It's good to have someone there for me. So what are you doing today?"

"Since you have told me your life story we'll do whatever you want."

"Shopping."

"A guy wanting to go shopping?"

"Not me but you."

"Okay the insults were back to reality."

"No I mean it's just that um don't punch me okay but you have a gorgoues body
and I'd hate to see it hidden in goacho pants or jeans that should have been
destroyed in the 80's."

"I'm sorry I've just been busy with doing busy things."

"Come on just go shopping with Emily and find you a couple of outfits and I
promise I'll leave you alone."

"What about you?"

"What about me?"

"In the month that I've known you I don't think I've seen you wear more than
two pairs of pants."

"I've been busy."

"Taking my excuses?"

"Of course. I'd take the excuses of a lovely woman anyday. So I offer but
this in return I promise to buy new clothes but right now I gotta head for a
job."

"Fine but only because you complimented my excuses."

"Thank you."

She recruted Emily to come shopping with her as she chose some new outfits.
They spent the entire day shopping until they hands were loaded with
packages. Emily taught Liz about the sahde of make-up to wear until it was
perfect. Liz looked in the mirror, she never looked better in her life. She
winked at herself and dialed Lucky's # on the phone.

Chapter 8

"Hello" he said.

"So what are you doing tonight sailor." Liz said.

"Getting shipwrecked wanna come along."

"Lucky."

"Come on Elizabeth don't be such a prude."

"Fine, I could ner decline a challenge just let me run a few errands and I'll
meet you at Luke's at 7."

"If your late I'll start without you."

"You better not." she said as she left. Lucky stayed on the bench looking
around. He saw a bunch of mothers and fathers playing with thier children
and he couldn't help but wonder about fatherhood. He shrugged it off and
cursed himself for havin such thoughts. He thought today was the day he
could get through to Elizabeth, something in her past was haunting her and he
was determined to find out. Meanwhile Elizabeth set out to pick Hallie up
from daycare.

"Wow Mommy you look so pretty."

"I'll never be half as pretty as you."

Mommy did you see Lucky today?"

"Yes I did honey."

"I like Lucky."

"I like him too."

"Since we both like him he should be my daddy."

Liz sighed and kneeled down to Hallie's level.

"Sweetheart it doesn't work that way you see grown ups fall in love and get
married. That's how Lucky could be your daddy and Lucky and I aren't in
love."

"What's love?"

"This kind of love isn't like the way I love you it's this feeling you get in
your stomach everytime you see this person and an aching in your heart when
your not with them. Though my heart does ache when I'm not with you."

"When can we tell him that your my mommy?"

"Soon, we just have to trust him first."

"I trust him."

"I know you do but you see a long time ago I learned that trust comes with a
price and trust for mommy is very hard."

"Okay. Can I sleep over at Jenny's?"

"I called her earlier and she said she had A Bug's Life just for you also her
little cousin Kerry is visiting so you can play with her."

"I'm glad Jenny's my nanny."

"If she wasn't here I don't know what I'd do but remember tomorrow we're
going to take our yearly trip."

"Mommy I don't want you to be lonely tonight so call Lucky and go out with
him."

"Sweetheart for you imformation I am going to go talk with him tonight-"

"Yes!"

"But we aren't in love silly."

"Yes you are you just don't know it."

"Your a silly goose you know that?"

"Mm-hmm" she giggled.

Liz dropped Hallie off and she made her way to Luke's she picked one of her
new outfits a purple tight tank top with a short black mini-skirt. She felt
half naked she hoped Lucky liked it.

"A gin and tonic please." she said to the bartender.

Lucky entered and searched the room for Elizabeth. He was astonished by her
new appearance and stood there with this wide open fish face look until he
told himself to get a grip and nerviously walked up to her.

"Starting without me?" Lucky asked as he sat down.

"Better catch up."

"Scotch on the rocks."

The bartender gave them their drinks.

"Down the old tube." Liz said.

"You actually know what a drink is? That completely surprises me."

"I used to be the bad girl in my day."

"Tell me about it."

"Later."

"Come on Elizabeth."

"You are the only person that I haven't had to tell to call me Elizabeth, not
Liz or Lizzie, those names are save for Hal."

"Hal's really important to you."

"She's everything. She's like my life."

"Almost as if she was your daughter."

"Well tonight I have to pretend as though nobody but you, me, and these
drinks exist."

"Why do you want to forget everything?"

"I think I deserve the break."

Liz certainly let loose that night. She was drunk like a light and Lucky had
to carry her up her stairs. She thanked him and before he knew it she kissed
him. It felt, well, really nice to Lucky. He couldn't imagine stopping but
he had to, he felt as though he was taking advantage of her in her drunken
state. He pulled away while she kissed his neck.

"Elizabeth."

"Yes, Lucky." she said while playing with the buttons of his shirt.

"I think this is a mistake."

"What I'm not attractive enough for you?"

"Trust me your very attractive."

"Then what's wrong?" she said while she pushed him onto her bed and got on
top of him.

"Elizabeth, no you are obviously drunk and I don't want to take advantage of
you."

"I don't mind."

"You will mind."

"No I won't I promise." she said as she kissed him and he again pushed her
way.

"Your not thinking staight right now."

"You think you know me so well don't you."

"I've been there."

"Where?"

"Lost like you. I better go."

"You know what Lucky." she said as he was walking out.

"What?"

"For one night in my life I wanted to forget everything why won't you let me?"

"You won't let yourself."

"You say you don't know me well your right. I've been letting myself forget
for the past 3 years of my life."

"What are you hiding from?"

"Everything."

"Elizabeth you can't live your life closed, you have to open up a little."

"I can't it's too hard to trust anybody."

"I know it is but as soon as you do things become a lot better."

"This coming from Mr. I have to run away from home. You didn't know how
Lucky you were I would have given anything to trade places. You had a happy
home life."

"Everything was based on a lie."

"So what? I wanted what you had for one day of my life. You couldn't except
your mother's rape your afriad that your a rapist too."

"I think I should leave before we both say things we regret."

"I think you should too."

"I hope this doesn't change anything."

"I'm sure it will, I made the mistakes."

"With me your never in trouble Elizabeth." he said as he left.

she slammed the door and just sat on the couch starring at the walls until
she saw herself in the mirror. Whoever it was, it wasn't her. She went to
the bathroom and took off her make-up and fixed herself a pot of coffee. She
couldn't believe she got drunk and for what. She almost risked Hallie seeing
her. She promised herself a long time ago Hallie would never see her be the
old Elizabeth. She need some cheering up so she decided to go on the
internet. As soon as she got on she got IMed by Cowboy78.

Cowboy78: I had a feeling you'd be on right now.
Slick EW52: Hey.
Cowboy78: That sounds like a sad hey. Tell me what's wrong?
Slick EW52: Let's just say tonight wasn't my night. I let drinks cloud my
judgement.
Cowboy78: It's happened to me before too. You'll get over it your not one
to let that stuff get in your way.
Slick EW52: I made a fool of myself in front of my best friend. He'll never
forgive me.
Cowboy78: A him? Should I be jealous?
Slick EW52: LOL! I needed that cheering up. He's the first real best
friend I've ever had besides you. Also you came first so your best friend #1.
Cowboy78: Good because I hate being jealous. Look if this guy is smart
enough to be considered your best friend he won't let you go. Trust me.
Slick EW52: The funny thing is I do. Besides my sister and my duaghter your
the only person I trust.
Cowboy78: What about your other best friend?
Slick EW52: It's hard for me to trust people in real life. I guess it
easier because I don't know who you are.
Cowboy78: I've been thinking about it and I was wondering and please decline
if you don't want to but would you like to meet?

Elizabeth starred at her computer screen. She didn't know what to do she
trusted this guy but she couldn't believe it. She was told all kinds of wild
internet stories and she wasn't sure what she wanted to do. While Liz was
panicking Lucky was pcing back and forth. More than anything he wanted to
take that back and inside the jealousy for her other best friend raged. He
got to touch her to consule her but what was he doing he was leaving her
alone. Then his mind flashed to Elizabeth and his heart sank. He wasn't
being her good friend. He decided to let her rest for the night and he would
visit her tomorrow.

Slick EW52: I think I'd have to think about this for a while. I mean I like
the relationship the way it is no offense I don't feel the need for us to
meet quite yet.
Cowboy78: I was thinking the same thing but I typed that out before I
thought. Thanks for being honest.
Slick EW52: Probably one of the most honest things that I'll do.
Cowboy78: Your a good person don't ever doubt yourself.
Slick EW52: I must tell you this I won't be on the next two days or so. I
have to visit the grave of my sister.
Cowboy78: I understand. Leave her a rock on her grave for me. If you liked
her she must have been terriffic.
Slick EW52: Thanks Cowboy. I needed that.
Cowboy78: Well I'm off to bed it's been a long night I hope I made you feel
better.
Slick EW52: More than you'll ever know.
Cowboy78: Dreams of Gold.

Chapter 9

Liz entered Luke's club with Hallie

"Luke!" she yelled he peeked his head around the corner and picked up Hallie.

"Well if it isn't the princess herself and lady Bethie. What are you two
fine ladies up to this early in the morning?" He noticed a saddened look on
Liz's face. "hey Calude take the little munchkin out back will ya?"

Hallie left with Claude as Luke and Liz sat down.

"Bethie my young babe what seems to giving you the blues."

"It's the aniversary Luke."

"Of Sarah's death. I'm so sorry Bethie."

"It's okay I'm fine with it just a little sad you know? Anyway I'm taking
Hallie up there for two days remember the cabin?"

"Quite well. Ruby showed me where that cabin was and I'm sure she and your
sister are watching over us right now."

"I wish they would have last night."

"What happened? Does this have to do with the apple that came from my tree?"

"Yes as a matter of fact it did. Let's just say I was over served and to
make a long story short I hit on your son."

"That would explain the vampire look today." He said pointing to her
sunglass. "But on the hitting on my son part you go girl. Finally a girl
with enough spunk to hit on my son."

"Luke it didn't turn out nicely. Let's just say I said some things I didn't
mean."

"It doesn't matter sugarplum my son likes you and he cares about you. He
would never throw that away for something like that. He's done some pretty
stupid things in his life too."

"I just want to forget last night."

"Don't we all wish we could forget nights but we can 't and we just learn to
live for the now."

"I like that, live for the now thing. I have a daughter Luke and everyday
that I look at her I want to be this perfect mother for her."

"Nobody is perfect. We're all humans Bethie, thats what makes life so much
fun. Now scidaddle so I can see you two princesses as soon as possible."

"Did anyone tell you Luke that your the best advice giving club owner?"

"Everyone tells me I am the best."

Liz gets Hallie and they both leave Luke as they drive up to a cabin where
Sarah was buried on a cliff nearby.

Lucky stands pounding on Liz's door yelling her name but no answer. He
called earlier but all he got was the answering machine. He hopped in his
car and made his way to Luke's, maybe his father knew where she went.

"Dad! Dad!"

"Hold your horses there Cowboy what's the rush."

"Do you know where Elizabeth is?"

"Bethie? She left Cowboy."

"Where is she?"

"I don't know if I'm at liberty to say."

"It's really important dad I need to talk with her."

"Cowboy she's spending time with the princess and doesn't need to be
disturbed."

"Dad if I ever ask you for one thing in my life please I need her dad."

He saw the distress in Lucky's eyes and handed him the address of the cabin
and Lucky sped off in his car. Elizabeth had reached the cabin and unloaded
all of their things. Jenny had too come along to help look after Hallie if
Liz got too emotional to take care of her. Liz stepped out onto the cliff as
Lucky was driving up to the cabin. Jenny told him where Liz was and she and
Hallie giggled about how silly they were. Elizabeth smoothed out the
tombstone letters and said

"Hey Sarah. I can't believe a year ago you were with me helping me understand
things. I may have neve shown it but you were the best sister anyone could
ever have. After you died mom, dad, and steven lars were killed in Bosnia, a
random killing. I know Gram's death was hard on you and don't worry because
I don't blame you for anything in fact I thank you."

Lucky walks up at this very moment.

"I thank you for giving me the best gift in the world. I thank you for
giving me Hallie. They wanted to ship her off to some foster home but since
you wrote down I got custudy of her they gave her to me. I know I'm not the
world class mother but I love her to pieces. She reminds me of you more and
more everyday. She's smart and she has your beautiful blonde hair. I've
been lying again to people I really care about in fact you know him his name
is Lucky Spencer. He and I are best friends well I still hope we are. He
loves Hallie too but I told him that she was Jenny's daughter and not my own.
Not as though I'm asshamed of Hallie I just don't want to share her with
anybody else. She asked me yesterday about daddies. I told her Lucky
couldn't be her daddy. He would make a wonderful father but he's my best
friend. Anyway I miss you and I came here to show you I can be strong for
both of us. I know I can't bring you back by going back in time that night
in Kelly's. If I would have arrived 3 minutes earlier you'd still be here
with me helping me. Sometime I don't think I can get the hang of being a
mother but God help me I love her."

"I think your a terriffic mother," Lucky said and she whipped her head
around shocked. He went over to Sarah's grave. "I'll watch her Sarah so you
can enjoy your time up there. I do love your little girl and your sister is
the best friend I could ever ask for. In a way I'm kind of relieved that
Elizabeth is Hallie's mother it seemed like she actually thought so kind of
touch and go there. This makes her more of a sane person. I'm sorry I
wasn't there for you but I promise to be there for your family."

Elizabeth left a stone on the grave for Cowboy78 and stood up.

"Lucky I want to explain."

"Not yet not here not now. It's Sarah turn to talk to us, if you listen close
enough you can hear her." he said while putting his arm around Elizabeth.
She leaned her head on his shoulder and a wind picked up as the gentle breeze
touched them both. They smiled and both walked towards the cabin. Liz
opened it up and Hallie bounced into Lucky's arms.

"Lucky!" she yelled.

"Mm it is my little princess. I've missed you so much."

"Have you come to play with us this weekend?"

"Especially you. How about you go get the twister game and we'll play or we
can make a snowman or go sledding whatever you want?"

"You spoil her." Liz said as Hallie ran to go get her things.

"It's because I love her."

"You do don't you?"

"Yeah I do."

"Look Lucky-"

"Liz let's just concentrate on fun today okay?" Lucky said as Hallie came
back into the room.

Elizabeth smiled halfway and watched as Hallie and Lucky pranced around.
Jenny came up behind Liz with hot chocolate.

"Lizzie did you tell him?"

"He walked in on my conversation with Sarah."

"He understands and he'll forgive you or else he wouldn't be here right now."

"He did promise Sarah he'd watch over me."

"There you go. Now get your butt out there. I'm taking a taxi home
compliments of you I don't think you need me here anymore."

"Thanks Jen."

"Just promise me that little girl is going to be okay when she grows up and
she'll know about her mom."

"She will."

"I'm not talking about Sarah Lizzie, I'm talking about you."

Jenny picked up her things and left. Liz stood inside watching from the
window until Lucky and Hallie came in.

"We built a snowprincess mommy."

"Just like you sweetheart. Why don't you get cleaned up and ready for bed?"

"Okay."

Hallie left.

"Lucky all I can say is sorry I didn't mean to desieve you like that but you
have to understand some things."

"It's not that I'm frustrated with the lying Liz it's you not trusting me. I
trust you with things I would never tell other people and you act is if I'm
really another friend. You say I'm your best friend but you don't really
mean it."

"I do Lucky it's just hard for me to trust people or let people in."

"Tell me about it Liz instead of explaining it to me."

Hallie burst through. "I'm ready for a tuck in."

"You are, are you? Well young lady I'll read you a story and then your going
straight to bed. Will you be here when I get back Lucky?"

"Always."

Chapter 10

Liz walked into Hallie's bedroom and tucked her in. She came back into the
dining room and found Lucky sitting with his back to her starring at the fire.

"My grandfather used to tell me how mesmirizing fire was."

"It is."

"I know Lucky I have some explaining to do but I really want to apoligize for
my behavior last night."

"That was my fault I shouldn't have let you drink that much."

"Like you could stop me."

"Yeah that's true." he said as he laughed.

"Where do you want me to start?"

"With Hallie."

"Okay well after Nikolas and Sarah broke up she went on this rampage of
landing every guy she meet."

"I bet you didn't know I had a crush on her."

"That doesn't suprise me Sarah was perfect. We didn't get along at all she
was the down to earth one the perfect daughter with the perfect skin perfect
hair. I was the wild bad one the one the parents didn't even want."

"You've got to be kidding me."

"A lots happened since then."

"I guess I should have never skipped town."

"Well I guess you could guess what happened after Sarah became reckless."

"Hallie was born."

"Yeah my parents died earlier in Bosnia so my grandmother agreed to help.
Then she died."

"I'm sorry Elizabeth. I always remember her as the kindest person."

"Yeah she was. Sarah couldn't deal with everything that was happening around
her so I ended up taking care of Hallie with Ruby's help. Now that lady
certainly knew how to quiet Hallie. She loved her from the start."

"It sounds like Ruby."

"Yeah she was there for us always. Then the unthinkable happened."

"Sarah?"

"We found her in Ruby's kitchen with a bottle of sleeping pills and a note
next to her."

"I'm so sorry Elizabeth."

"I don't have anymore tears to cry about it. I know she's in a better place.
The funny thing was she seemed to be getting better. I couldn't face Ruby
after it."

"Elizabeth she would have understood."

"I couldn't face her Lucky I felt as though it was my fault. It took me
about 10 theropy sessions to say it wasn't my fault. Well after she died I
didn't have anyone to talk or support me. I had plenty of money from
everyone's death it was crazy but money didn't matter all that mattered was I
take care of Hallie. It took so long for the judge to finally let me have
her then I got custudy of Hallie. I didn't want a stranger to take care of
her. I'm relieved she never got to know her mother before she died so she
doesn't suffer."

"What about you Elizabeth? Haven't you suffered?"

"I'm fine."

"You can't carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Let things out."

"Speak for yourself it's like you carry the universe on yours if you have to
take care of me. I dont need to be taken care of. Lucky I have priorites
and things in my life I'd like to keep private."

"Aren't I your best friend?"

"Don't lay a guilt trip on me."

"I'm not trying to I'm just saying you can tell me anything."

"Maybe I can but I don't feel like it. God you just pry into people's lives
Lucky."

"I can't help it I'm concerned about you."

"I know you are but you can't protect everyone from everything. I have to
learn to deal with this on my own."

"It's not bad to accept help."

"What about you? Your carrying the biggest chip and so willing to let people
in but when it comes time to it you shut down."

"I do not. I've been honost with you."

"This has nothing to do with honesty."

"You lied to me."

"Don't turn the tables again. Besides I was doing it to protect Hallie. I
didn't want her to be disappointed."

"She could never be disppointed in you Elizabeth. You love her, your her
mother."

"I've never acted like it."

"I've seen the way you look at her and she looks at you. Your her mother in
every sense but your also young and in college. You got to go out and be
young."

"It's hard besides when was the last time you did something young."

"Nobody said life was easy and I act young sometimes. I'm still dealing."

"I just can't right now I just need time to think. Unloading this all was
not what I wanted to do in one night."

"Anything else."

"There is one more thing that I'm not ready to tell yet."

"You don't trust me?"

"I've never learned to trust anyone completely. It's a flaw."

"I don't think so. It's hard for me to trust to."

"Maybe one day we both can trust."

"Maybe."

"I hope that person is you."

"Me too."

"Best friends?"

"Today, forever."

"I'm glad Lucky I don't think I could have made it without you."

"Made it through what?"

"The aniversary of Sarah's death. Thank you for taking care of Hallie."

"She's one of the best."

"So how did you find me?"

"Who else but my father."

"Agh Luke. Remind me to have a chat with him. Thanks again for being here
for Hal."

"No problem."

"So do you forgive me?"

"I was never mad at you."

"I just have never had a friend like you. I mean Jen's great but she doesn't
understand."

"I know what your talking about. You do the same thing for me how come you
can't see that?"

"I guess I didn't know what a friend was until I met you."

"Are you tired."

"Not at all."

"What would you like to do?"

"How about just talking?"

"Sounds good."

"Does that come with dinner."

"Ribs and cheese fries sound good? There my favorite from Eli's."

"Mine too!"

"Do you think they will deliver up here?"

"If we leave a big tip."

"My treat."

"Good then let's order."

They ordered the food and recieved it and started to eat by the fire. Lucky
noticed Liz was very careful not to get sauce on herself.

"Do you always eat ribs like that?"

"Like what?"

"Like if they touch your face you'll spontaniously combust."

"I just don't want sauce on my face."

"Ribs are supposed to be messy."

"Do I raelly want to look like you when you eat ribs?"

"Better than how you look."

"Fine I'll do it your way only because I'm a nice person."

"Thank you."

She starts to eat ribs and gets sauce all over her face.

"How's that?" she asked.

"That's worse than me."

"You dork." she said as she threw a cheese fry at him.

"I can't believe you just did that."

"Believe it."

He held a fry in his hand waiting to throw it at her.

"You wouldn't" she said.

"I would."

"Not before I can again." she said as she threw more at him.

"That's how it's going to be?" she ran around the room shrieking as he came
after he with cheese fries. He grabbed her and lifted her up in the air. He
lost his footing and they both fell on the couch laughing. Lucky ends up on
top of Elizabeth. He notices all the sauce on her face and he begins to wipe
it away. He stares into her eyes and goes slower at wiping.

"Get it?."

"Uh yeah."

He brushes her hair back and she licks her lips. Lucky sighs and gets up off
of her. Liz taps her fingers on the couch and gets up.

"Crunch time, let's talk."

"About what?"

"About everything. I just need to unwind in a conversation tonight."

"You see I have this theory that every person in the universe is looking for
an everlasting conversation."

"Aghh Holden Caulfield from the Catcher in the Rye."

"I'd give anything to have one date with that guy."

"Why?"

"Cause he's real. He doesn't act like someone else. He's individual."

"Sounds like you two have a lot in common."

"What about you?"

"Would I go out with Holden?"

"No, are you looking for the everlasting conversation too?"

"Of course who isn't. To tell you the truth I think I've found it there's
this girl."

"I didn't know you were dating anyone."

"I'm not actually see we've never met."

"You've never met her?"

"Well it's hard to explain."

"Well that can be your secret from me."

"When all of our secrets come on let's promise no more secrets."

"Good idea."

"So no tell me have you found the perfect dream man?"

"Kind of. He's the hero type I like that kind of guy."

"That surprises me your so independent."

"I know it's a secret wish. Don't tell anybody though. What about you?"

"I need a girl who needs some dependency and I don't know the way it feels
when I hold her. It'll just feel right."

"Are you sure your a guy you seem to good to be true?"

"I think your the one who's too good to be true. I'm your average guy."

"You are not Lucky. Your more than that. No one else would have been okay
with me."

"I learned from what happened between me and my parents it's that they really
care about me and I care about them. Nothing would ever change that and if I
let go of the anger then I can learn to move on. Your reasons were valid. I
also see the glimpse of Elizabeth wanting to be a normal kid."

"What makes you say that?"

"Your change of clothes and style."

"Out with the goucho pants and in with the mini skirts."

"Your learning quite well."

"You really like me better this way?"

"It doesn't matter how you dress Elizabeth really I mean anything looks great
on you. Your beautiful."

"Thanks Lucky. I mean it really." she said while placing her hand on his
knee. He took a hold of it.

"Well um it's getting late and I should really go to bed."

"Yeah I have some work to do."

"Well there is a spare bedroom in the back now that Jenny's gone."

"Thanks but I prefer couches."

"See the average guy would have wanted the room." she said as she sauntered
off.

Lucky took out his laptop and opened it up. He began to write.

To: Slick EW52
From: Cowboy78

Dear Slick,

Don't feel bad about the best friend thing. I have one too. She has
her ups and her downs but all together she's perfect. I mean your perfect
too but I actually interact with her on a daily basis. I can't describe her
except for this symbol she's like a ball of fire ready to explode but in a
good spunky way. Today she told me some truths that I needed to know about
her. It felt so good to finally realize that the sad glint in her eye wasn't
because of me but it was because of things that happened before. Tonight was
the first night I saw the glint leave. It's crazy reading people by their
eyes. I don't know I just feel things with my eyes but they convey the
deepest emotions. I can't wait for another one of your e-mails to arrive
ready to charge off of my comments.

luv,
MM

He closed his computer and tip-toed around the cabin. Hallie was tucked in
tighter than beans in a burrito. Her breaths came easily and she had a smile
a mile wide on her face. Liz was sound asleep in her room with the covers
half off. He crept in and pulled them on top of her giving her a kiss on the
forehead.

"Dreams of Gold Elizabeth." he whispered.

"You too Cowboy." she whispered in semi-conciousness. he wondered how she
knew his nickname but then he thought his dad must have told her or even
Ruby. He crept back onto the couch in the living room and found peaceful
sleep.

Chapter 11

Elizabeth woke up to the sunrise. It cascaded lights across her room. She
checked the clock and it was only 5 in the morning. She put on her robe and
wandered around the cabin. First into Hallie's room. She smiled at the
sight of her and carefully tucked her in more. Then she went out into the
living room. For a second there she forgot Lucky was there and then there he
was. She laughed at the sight of him with one leg on the floor and his mouth
hanging open. She chuckled and went to go make some coffee. She recalled a
weird dream she had last night. She was talking to Cowboy and he said Dream
of Gold. Live in person but she couldn't make out his face. All she could
see was that he had these amazing blue eyes. She sighed to herself and put
on a cup of coffee. She put some cream and sugar in it ans sat by the
windersill which was behind the couch watching the sun rise. She breathed a
sigh of relief. Lucky arose and watched her as her eyes were fixated on the
sun. He silently got up and came up behind Liz. He tapped her shoulder and
she jumped out of her skin.

"Sorry are you okay?" Lucky asked.

"I'm fine sorry I just am a little jumpy."

"Well um did you have the right amount of sleep?"

"Like a baby. What about you?" Liz asked.

"Great."

"Have you ever noticed how the sunrise and sunset are two completely opposite
things but their both so beautiful and so right together but they never get
to be together."

"I think they do. They do the entire day."

"You really think? I don't know I just can't see stuff like that. I'm more
of a pessimistic type of person."

"I think your pretty optimistic and some day you'll see stuff like that. Who
knows maybe you see it now and you just don't know it."

"Your the best you know that. I don't even have to tell you what to say and
you say it."

"It works both ways."

"That's what you keep telling me but I'll never believe you."

"I'll prove it to you. I promise."

"Well thank you for staying with me and Hallie and taking care of us."

"You've already thanked me. The question is are you okay? I know last night
was kind of emtionally dreaining."

"I'm okay with you here."

"Another compliment be careful my head swells easily."

"Don't I know it." Liz said as she laughed and turned her head away and
walked away from the sile. Lucky followed her to the kitchen and grabbed a
cup of coffee.

"You know I could take Hallie to go play some place if you want to go talk to
Sarah."

"I think it's about time I took Hallie to see Sarah's grave."

"She might not be able to comprehend the situation. Your the only mother
she's ever known."

"I know but I feel as though I owe it to her."

"I'll stand behind you no matter what."

"I think it's time that I show her."

After Hallie woke up Elizabeth took her to Sarah's grave. Hallie was
confused by all of this and she didn't understand what her mom was trying to
tell her.

"Honey this is the grave of your real mommy." Liz said.

"But your my mommy."

"I know sweetheart but she was your first mommy and then one day an angel
came down and took her up to heaven."

"Heaven? So is she an angel."

"Yeah she's an angel and everyday she's watching over you."

"Did you hear that Lucky I have my own angel?" Hal said.

"I sure did princess and you know what your growing to look more like her
everyday." Lucky said.

The three of them sat there for the longest time until Hallie became
restless. Liz decided it was getting cold so they all left inside.
Elizabeth packed up their things and loaded them up into Lucky's car since
Jen took her car.

"Thank for the ride Lucky."

"Spencer men don't leave woman stranded. Besides I'm sure you'll be generous
enough to chip in for gas."

"Quite the charmer aren't you."

"Don't I know it."

"Halzers are you ready?" Liz yelled.

"Yeah mommy!" Hal said as she jumped into Lucky's arms.

"Ump. Well my young princess why don't I load you up here in my car and
we'll be back home before you know it. Maybe in time to go out for dinner
and some ice cream after words." Lucky said.

"Okay." Hallie said as she was strapped in.

Elizabeth go in and they were off. Hallie feel asleep in the back and
Elizabeth once again noticed that Lucky had his laptop.

"Hey Lucky do you mind if I use your laptop. I need to check some mail."

"No problem."

"How advanced a built in phone."

"I'm a computer nerd."

"I would have never guessed."

"Let me set that up for you." He pulled over to the shoulder of the road and
then he got onto the aol screen and scrolled to guest. "There you go."

"Thanks Lucky."

"Your welcome. Although I find it very disapointing that you'd rather read
e-mail then talk to me."

She laughed as he made a pouty face. "See the computer doesn't have witty
comments so I know if I ever got into an argument with the computer it
wouldn't matter."

"So it's really because I'm so intelligent."

"If you want to think of it that way sure."

"I will."

"Good but I just want to let you know that I love talking with you. This is
just a time saver. Plus I'm waiting for an important e-mail."

"From who?"

"A guy I know."

"A guy huh?"

"Yes and don't you dare."

"What?"

"Say that I'm head over heels in love with this guy."

"I wasn't." he said as she made this I don't believe you face at her. "Fine
I was but I promise not to say anything about it again."

"Thank you very much sir."

She read the last e-mail Lucky sent and then proceeded to write.

To: Cowboy78
From: Slick EW52

Dear Cowboy,

I don't think your crazy for reading people with their eyes. It's
how I get to know a person. Tell me about your eyes. Maybe I could picture
them. People always tell me how they can read my eyes about how I feel. It
doesn't change the fact that I'm a good liar but I gave that up a long time
ago now I just lie to protect. I'm not proud of it but after visiting my
sister's grave I realize that it's wrong that I can't do that. I make this
promise for here and forever never to lie again. It only destroies lives.
The truth releases. I know you have strong beliefs about lying too. It's a
horrible topic. Let's get back to eyes. I'll tell you about mine. Their
blue, the dark blue that you can't tell their really blue. My grandfather
called me bray eyes. Blue and gray combined (insert here a duh to myself).
I think I underestimate people too much. It's my complex. I'm also very
complex (insert a slap on the head to myself for the lame joke). I must
depart to speak with my best friend. He's wondering what I'm doing on his
computer.

luv
Slick

Liz logged off and turned off the computer.

"So any interesting mail?"

"I got one from the guy if that's what your asking."

"So..."

"He's just insitful you know? He knows what to say to me. It's kind of
freaky."

"Sounds like a soul mate."

"Your promised."

"Now we're even in the lie department I guess."

"I'm never gonna hear the end of this am I."

"You have to pay the price." He turned his head to look back at Hallie.
"God she's such a great kid."

"She's the best. I wouldn't want any other one, for now anyway. If I do
have more I would want them just like her. I'm sure Sarah will help me in
that department."

"Well if you ever need a babysitter-"

"Whenver I do it's because we're going out or working."

"Oh yeah. Well she can come with us."

"Thanks but sometimes I just need a grown-up day kind of thing."

"I've had too much of adults my whole life."

"So that would explain your peter pan syndrome."

"Ahh yes Peter Pan always there to save the day but always a kid. I'm in be
young hyperdrive mode right now I'm sure the phase will pass."

"Same for me only I'm in hyperadult mode."

"See we balance each other out."

"Symbiotic I think it's called."

"I like that. I like us being symbiotic."

"Me too. Me too." Liz settling into her seat and watching the beautiful
scenery pass. Lucky glanced over once and a while and before he knew it she
was asleep. He smiled at Hallie and Liz sleeping at the same time. The two
women in his life peaceful. Life was just getting good.

E-mail My Heart Chapter 12

Liz awoke when the car jolted in her driveway.

"Are we home?" Liz asked.

"Yep your home. Need help getting inside?"

"Always the gentleman but no thanks I think I can manage."

"Come on Elizabeth I want to help you."

"Okay. I'll carry the bags inside could you wake up Hallie and take her
inside?"

"Of course."

Liz got out of the car and took in her bags while Lucky snuck into the back
and gentley shook Hallie.

"Hey Princess it's time to wake up."

"Lucky?"

"Yeah it's me you know what it's time for the pony express and the only perso
who has a ticket is named Hallie Webber."

"That's me." she giggled. Lucky got her out of the car and gave her a piggy
back ride racing all around the room while she giggled in delight. He didn't
even notice Elizabeth watching them. She leaned against the wall and smiled.
A genuine smile, one that she hadn't for a long time.

"Hey little lady time for you to get your play clothes on because I just
called Jenny and she wants to take you out to play."

"Oh goodie." Hallie said as she ran upstairs.

"She's really the best kid I've ever met."

"Thanks."

"Part of that has to do with you you know."

"I give more credit to Ruby. I wish she could have known Ruby. Life would
have been better that way."

"Life has it's way of playing funny tricks on you but you just have to roll
with the punches. So I'm dying of curiousity. Tell me more about this guy."

"What guy?"

"Oh come on you mystery interenet lover guy."

"Oh him? Nothing much to say about him. He's just your average 18 year old
male.

"You wouldn't e-mail him if he was just average."

"I don't know it's just the way he sees things I guess. I love it."

"You mean you love him."

"Now that I don't think so I mean I met him on the internet he could be
completely crazy."

"But you have to take chances Elizabeth or your life is going to end up
boring and unpredictable."

"Look at you for the last 3 years nothing has been unpredictable to you so I
think you have it in excess."

"Is that possible."

"Of course. Excess comes in many forms I have the excess form of common
sense but when friends persude me I can change into a different person."

"You got that right. Look at how you dress now."

"Does it look okay?"

"Does it look okay? Does it look okay? You could roast marshmallows over
your hot body."

"Lucky! I have a little impressionable girl upstairs."

"Sorry but I can't help it you do look terriffic."

"Thanks."

"Have you ever wondered what it would have been like if you hadn't had told
me about Ruby dying. Would we be friends?"

"Of course with your looks and my charm we'd be the same we are now."

"I just feel comfertable talking to you about certain things you know and I
just wonder if it was just by chance or maybe fate is finally giving me a
break."

"I guess you'll never know. Actually I think we were meant to be friends
forever."

"Best friends."

"Don't forget the forever part."

"You know best friend I've known you for about a month now and we haven't had
one of those tell all nights."

"Oh the famous tell all nights. What is a tell all night?"

"It's more of a girl thing. We stay up late vegging and we tell each other
our hopes and dreams for the future."

"Sounds great when?"

"How about tonight Jen's taking Halzers."

"Sure I just have to run a few errands and I'll be back here."

"Great."

"Sounds like a plan."

"See you around 7?"

"Yeah great."

"Okay."

"Okay well I'd better get going."

"Okay."

"Um I was wondering if you woud like to um I mean if I should um you know um-"

"What? What is it Lucky?"

"Should I um you know what nevermind."

"Lucky I know what your thinking you can't hide things from me we're
symbiotic remember?"

"It's nothing Elizabeth but I really gotta run I'm late already. Adios."

"Hasta la vista." Liz closed the door and sighed. She noticed Lucky left
his things there but by the time she got out of the door he was gone. She
went upstairs to make up the guest room for him and she decided to head over
to Lukes. There was still something on her mind. On the way she dropped
Hallie off at Jen's house and went on her merry way. Claude told her that
Luke was in his office. She opened up the door and she could hear music
drifting into the room and then she saw them. Luke and Laura dancing hand
and hand so lovingly. She hated to interuppt so she was about to leaven when
Luke noticed her.

"Bethie!" Luke yelled.

"Hey Luke nice to sese you again Mrs. Spencer. Sorry to intereppt."

"Call me Laura and you did no such thing." Luara said.

"Okay Laura." Liz said shyly.

"Well Bethie what brings you to my neck of the neighborhood." Luke said.

"There is something unfinished that I would like to get done." Liz said.

"Does this have to do with my son?" Luke said.

"Strictly Ruby." Liz answered.

"Anything." Luke said.

"Could you let me into her old room. I just need to connect with her spirit
for a second." Liz said. "I never got to really say good-bye."

"Sure here Bethie." Luke said as he handed her the keys.

"Liz if you ever need anything or if you want us to do anything just let us
know." Laura said.

"You already did it you gave birth to Lucky. He's the best friend I ever had
and will ever." Liz said as she left.

"You know sunshine I think it's time I let you in on a little something."
Luke said.

"I know that my boy's in love with that girl Luke. I can see it in his eyes
when he talks about her." Laura replied.

"You always knew things like that but there are some things you need to be
filled in on."

"Go ahead."

"Well our son a while back recieved letters addressed to Ruby and they were
from Elizabeth."

"He loved her then?"

"Ate up every word she wrote. He doesn't know it but right now he's been
e-mailing her back and forth for the past month or so."

"She's Slick. He told me about his internet love. I can't believe it's
Elizabeth."

"She doesn't know either their two totally clueless kids. It's amazing-"

"How two people so much in love can't see it. It took us a while to figure
out our love."

"Over 30 years."

"Maybe we should help them a long just a bit."

"Now that's my kind of thinkin woman."

"I like her the way she's changed Lucky just totally amazes me. The sad
flicker of fear is gone all that's left is the Lucky I once knew."

"He's here to stay. I just hope those two kids realize what they have is
beyond friendship."

"Of course it is, we just have to show them. Now how about that dance that
got interuppted?"

"Better make that 3 to make up for it."

"I like your thinking."

To Lucky he's in the radio station and a song is playing in the background
the on air sign flashes and once again he's on the air.

"Hey gang it's the Mystery Man here again. Miss me? Of course you all did
well I just had to help a friend with a personal crisis but if your ready I'm
back to stay. I'll be taking your calls this hour so don't hesitate. Any
problem anything you name it I'll solve." Lucky said in his radio vioce. He
continued into the afternoon helping people out with their problems.

To Liz

She stepped inside of Ruby's appartment. Everything was the same, nothing
had been touched. She touched the wooden table by where Hallie took her
first steps and the vase she always admired. The only thing was missing
besides Ruby was Ruby's smell. It was always this nice combination of sugar
and spice. She smiled to herself. She picked up the picture of her, Sarah,
Ruby, and Hallie when Hallie was about 6 months old. They all looked so
happy. She put the photo back down and started to look through the papers
that were left on the counter. Mostly old bills and such but then something
strange happened. A letter stuck to the bottom of a document fell out with
her name Elizabeth Webber clearly printed on it. She carefully opened up the
enveloped and read the letter.

Dear Slick,

If your reading this I'm probably dead or your sifting through my
things without my permission. I just want to let you and Hallie be taken
care of. I know the toll of both deaths already marked in your life has sent
you through an emotional rollar coaster but this is what I have to give you.
Before I do tell you what it is let me explain. You and Hallie and even your
sister became my family. It seemed as though everything was falling apart
then you 3 happened. Sarah and I are watching down on you both right now
keeping you safe. If their is one thing I've learned in life kid is that
family is everything. Also true love doesn't hurt. You'll know when your in
love because you'll finally feel whole Elizabeth and I can't wait to see
that. Years ago secretly I bought Sonny's half to Luke's Club and that is
what I bestow on you Elizabeth. My half of Luke's. In the envelope you'll
find the necessary papers. Good luck in life Elizabeth, take care of my
darling girl Hallie.

Love,
Ruby.

Elizabeth searched through the envelope and sure enough papers were in there.
She was astonished and shocked. She didn't know what to do. She ran out of
the room but she stopped in her tracks and blew a kiss to Ruby's picture. Her
mind was racing with a million thoughts. How could this happen to her? How
could Ruby give her so much? She checked the clock and didn't realize that
she spent hours inside Ruby's apartment. If she didn't hurry Lucky was going
to get to her house before she did.