CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

Emily sat down by Elizabeth's bed.
"I guess it's my turn to tell you how much we need you.   Truth is, I don't really know you that well.  All I know is that Lucky cares about you so much.  I can see the look in his eye.  All he sees is you, and it's been like that for the longest time.  I want to get to know you, when you wake up and get better.  I want to know the girl who stole
Lucky's heart and blessed it with love." She said with a smile, "I also want to know you for selfish reasons.  I want a friend.  It's a different life that I have from yours and going to you for help and advice is like something I dream for.  Please get better Elizabeth."
Emily sighed, and left the room.  Down the hall, she saw Lucky in a deep conversation with Luke.  Laura and LuLu had gone home. V had gone out for a while.  Emily looked around her and started to hate the place she was in.  She hated the fact that she was in a hospital because in her experience, they always tore the people you loved away from you.
"Hey." Nikolas said walking up, "You okay?  You seem kind of scared."
"I am." She said in a whisper, "What if Elizabeth does die?  How will that effect Lucky?"
"Do you truly believe that she will go?"
"I have a right to.  My dad died in a hospital, my mom died…"
Nikolas pulled her into a hug, "Let's get out of here, let's go to the gift shop or something."
"Okay." Emily said and they left.

"Cowboy, are you listening to me?" Luke asked, "Cowboy?"
"Dad, something's wrong."
"What, does your arm hurt?  What is it?  Do you need a nurse?"
"No, it's Elizabeth." He said running to her room. He looked in the room and saw a man in black over her.  The man jumped up and pushed Lucky and Luke away, enabling them to follow him.  Luke helped Lucky get off the ground, and he ran to Liz's side.  On the night table were flowers that Lucky knew weren't there before.  He
picked up the card and read it:

Our time will come,
I promise you this.
I'll be here soon and
We'll be together forever.

Chills ran down Lucky's spine as Luke took the card away from him.
"I'm calling Sonny.  You stay here with Elizabeth okay?   We'll come up with a plan, to get both of you safe."
Lucky nodded, and placed Liz's hand in his. He watched her silently, until Nikolas and Emily came, "Lucky, Luke told us what happened.  We saw him." Emily said.
"You saw the man who came in this room?"
"Downstairs.  We were outside and he was running.   Emily pointed out that he was all in black and it just clicked.  We didn't catch him though, he caught a ride." Nikolas said.
"So he saw you, both of you?"
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure…. We got pretty close." Nikolas said, "I was so close to getting him Lucky, but he was so strong and..."
"Nikolas, it's okay.  I'm just glad you're okay.  Has the police come with news of Audrey and Sarah?"
"Yeah, they say that they're looking into places just outside of Port Charles." Emily said.
"I'm sorry guys, but you need to step out of Ms. Webber's room for just a couple of minutes." Bobbie said.
"Okay." They said then left to sit with Luke and Sonny.

~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%~*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~

Laura came running in the hospital looking for Lucky, but saw Bobbie instead, "Bobbie!  Bobbie, what is it?  Tell me, what happened to Elizabeth?"
"I'm sorry Laura….. Elizabeth didn't make it.  She's dead."  Bobbie said whispering the last part.
Laura felt as though she couldn't breathe… 'Dead…. Elizabeth's dead…' the word rang through her head.  She rushed frantically through the rooms to look for Lucky, and found her son alone in an empty room.
"Lucky." She said trying not to cry.
"Mom." He whispered, then burst out into tears as his mother took him in her arms.
 

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
 

“Lucky, Oh, Lucky, how could this happen?” Laura asked her son.
“Mom…. I… I really don’t want to talk about how and why she…. She died right now, okay?”
“You’re right, I’m sorry.  I’m sorry.   I just… I just want you to know that I’m here for you, if you need me.   When you need me.”
“Mom…. This… this isn’t like when Aunt Ruby died.  Someone in my life important to me died, like Ruby, yes, but Elizabeth…. She was supposed to be the one I was going to spend my life with.  The one I was going to love forever, not miss her forever.  She’s… she’d dead now and all I’m left doing is missing her, and I don’t want to, mom.  I don’t want to miss Elizabeth.”
Laura took her son in her arms and comforted him, “Everyone will help you through this Lucky, I promise.”
 

“Hey Em.” AJ said to his sister, “Mom called me and told me that she wanted me to pick you up instead of Reginald.   What happened?”
“Someone I know just died.” Emily said softly.
“Em… are you okay?  Do you want to talk to me about it?” Emily looked surprised at his offer, “Don’t you have to make plans with grandfather to steal Michael from Jason or something?” she asked bitterly.
“Can’t we just forget all the stuff that’s been going on and just talk? Em.. you’re my sister… I care about you.”
Emily nodded and sat down.
“So, do you want to tell me who you’re friend is?”
“Elizabeth Webber.”
“The waitress at Kelly’s?”
“Yeah.”
“I didn’t know that you two were close.”
“We aren’t…. I mean we weren’t.  I keep doing that.  I keep forgetting that she’s gone and it’s done and that she’s never coming back.”
AJ placed his hand on her shoulder to calm her down,
“We weren’t close.  The only time I got to know her was when we drove her home and even then, she didn’t talk with me.  I’ve told her that she was my friend, but having her here in the hospital, made me feel that I missed out on being friends with a great person.  And I feel awful about it. “
“Emily, don’t feel awful that the timing just wasn’t right.”
“When she was in a coma, I told her.  That I wanted her to be my friend, that I needed her to be my friend… I wonder if she even heard me.”
“She did, I’m sure of it.”
“I’m not even the one you should be concerned about AJ.   Lucky was her best friend, he was so in love with her….”
Tears fell down Emily’s eyes and she couldn’t help but sob.  AJ took her in his arms and stroked her hair,
“C’mon Em… I’ll take you home.”
“Okay.” Emily said then saw Nikolas, “Take Nikolas with us too?  I don’t think that he wants to go home just yet.”
AJ nodded, but said, “Grandfather wouldn’t approve.”
“It’s mom’s house.” Emily reminded as she signaled Nikolas to join then.
“How’s Lucky?” Emily asked Nikolas.
“He’s with Laura.  She should be able to help him.”
“Good.  We’ll come back tomorrow, let’s go.” Emily said.  Then the three of them stepped on to the elevator as the doors closed behind them.
 

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

Sunday is gloomy
My hours
Are slumberless
Dear as the shadows
I live with are numberless
Little white flowers
Will never awaken you
Not where the black culture’s
Sorrow has taken you

Laura sat silently in her house.  LuLu was upstairs sleeping peacefully.  She remembered the first day that Lucky brought Elizabeth
in, and all the days that she came to talk to her after that.   The sunlight shone through to where Laura was sitting, when the door
opened, she stood and called, “Lucky?”
“Sorry darlin’, he’s still at the hospital.” Luke said.
“Oh… Luke, I’m worried about Lucky.  I’m really scared of what he might do.”
“Cowboy won’t do anything he knows is wrong.”
“Not in his state of mind, he won’t.  Luke, he just lost his best friend, someone who was a soul mate to him.”
“I know.  But Cowboy would know that Elizabeth wouldn’t want him to hurt himself.” Luke told her.
“Let’s hope so.” She answered.

Angels have no thoughts
Of ever returning you
Wouldn’t they be angry
If I thought of joining you?
Gloomy Sunday

Emily sat in the backseat of Reginald’s car.  She stared out the window to her right and sighed,
“You okay?” Nikolas asked.
Emily turned to her left to face him, “I’m okay.   Just worried about Lucky.”
“We all are.”
“But they don’t know what happened, like we do.  I mean, sure, people knew that Lucky and Liz were best friends.  They were
everywhere together.  But only a few people knew that they actually had feelings for each other.”

Gloomy Sunday
With shadows I spend it all
My heart and I
Have decided to end it all
Soon there’ll be candles
And prayers that I say I’ll know
But let them not weep
Let them know
That I’m glad to go

Lucky stared out the window, then looked down in his hand which held a single rose.  He smelled it, then started to twirl it,
absently.  He turned away and slowly stood up and left to go to the hospital rooftop.  Up there, Lucky could see all of Port
Charles.  He could see Luke’s Kelly’s and the park.
Thoughts crossed his mind of ending everything right then and there.   But Emily and Nikolas then interrupted Lucky.
 

For death is no dream
And in death I’m caressing you
With the last
Breath of my soul
I’ll be blessing you
Gloomy Sunday

“Hey.” Emily greeted him with a hint of sadness in her voice.
Lucky put on a happy face, or at least he tried, “Hey.   Your parents know that we’re going on this trip right?”
“Yeah, they totally understand.”
“Okay.  You two can back out right now, you know.”
“We know, and we’re not going to.” Nikolas told his brother.
“Okay.  Just get your stuff in the jeep down at the parking lot and I’ll be there soon.”
“You’re not going there just yet?”
“I have to take a few moments to be by myself.”
“Okay, we’ll see you down there then.”
Lucky gave Emily a quick hug, then watched them both leave the roof.

Dreaming, I was only dreaming
I awake and I find
You asleep in the deep of my heart
Deep….

Lucky walked through the bottom floor, and slowly made his way into a private room.  The second door in the room led to the
parking lot where Em and Nikolas were waiting for him.  He slowly made his way towards the bed and picked up the body, and
left through that door, and into the jeep without anyone seeing them.  Nikolas started the car, as Lucky got himself settled in the
backseat.  From in front of him, Emily flashed them both a reassuring smile and then popped in some music.

Darling I hope
That my dream never haunted you
My heart is telling you
How much I wanted you
Gloomy Sunday
Gloomy Sunday.
 

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

Lucky woke up and looked around him.   Emily was sleeping soundly in the passenger seat while Nikolas continued to drive.   The music of Sarah McLachlan filled the car.  Lucky shifted in his seat and looked down at his lap.
There she was.
Her head resting on his lap, and her hands safely on her stomach.   He gently stroked her cold damp cheek, as Nikolas sadly watched from the rearview mirror.  Nikolas then pulled into a small diner,
"Nikolas, what are you doing?"
"We have to get lunch Lucky.  And go to the bathroom and get some rest."

"What about-?"
"She'll be fine.  You know that she won't wake up." Nikolas said parking the car.
"But what if someone sees her?"
"Okay, then one of us will stay behind."
"I will." Emily said waking up.
"Thanks Em." Lucky said as both he and Nikolas left the car.
Emily sighed and took off her shoes.  She was scared out of her mind about being on this trip.  But for one thing, she didn't mind being away from her family.  She just hated lying to them.

~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~

"So you just let Lucky leave like that?" Laura asked her husband.
"Well, Laura, angel, it was necessary.  You know that, I know you do."
"What I know is that My son is away from me, this home, and we can't look after him.  I mean…. What if we never see him again?  What if that was the purpose of this trip?"
"He is with Emily…. And Nikolas is also with them."
Laura's eyes brightened, "You asked Nikolas to look over our cowboy?"
"It seemed like he was the only one Lucky would talk to." Luke said as Laura hugged him,
"Thank you." She said.
Just then LuLu came running down the stairs,
"Momma!  Momma!  It's so sunny outside, can Lucky and 'Lizbeth take me to the park?"
Laura's eyes filled up with fresh tears.  Luke picked up his daughter and said, "Honey, Lucky and Lizzie are… well, they'll be busy for a while.  Why don't you let your old pop take you, huh?"
"Okay, I'll race you upstairs!" she said.
"Okay." Luke said, then quickly kissed his wife, squeezing her hand.  He ran after LuLu around the kitchen, then brought her upstairs.
 
 
 

"Are you sure this is the right thing to do?" Nikolas asked Lucky.
"Yeah.  She would want this, I know it." Lucky said.
"Okay, well, here we are." Nikolas said pulling into a little cottage.  Surrounding it were trees, everywhere and to the right was a mountain, a waterfall, and a river.  The house itself wasn't bad.  It had a front porch and a back porch and a balcony too.  Nikolas sighed and looked at his friends.

~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~

A man walked aimlessly through the streets.
"She'd dead.  My angel is dead." He kept saying.
"Excuse me sir, are you okay?" a man asked him.
Angry, he threw him into an alley and let his anger out on this stranger.  After calming down, the man left the alley, with the man on the ground, dying.
 

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
 

Nikolas opened the door to the cottage with Emily right behind him,
“It’s beautiful here.” She told him.
“I know… Are you hungry?  It’s almost six.”
“I’m okay.  I’m actually going to watch the sun set.  It’ll help calm me down.  I’m shaking like crazy.”
“Yeah, I noticed.” Nikolas said, then handed her his jacket, “Here.  It might get cold.”
“Thanks.” She said, then left through the back door.
 

Back in the car, Lucky finally unbuckled his seatbelt, then reached over to unbuckle hers.  He softly stroked her hair,
“We’re here.  We’re here Elizabeth.”
Slowly her eyes began to open.
“Hey sleeping beauty.  The drugs help you sleep?”
She nodded, closing her eyes again.
“What were they?” she finally asked, opening her eyes again.
“It’s something you had to take.  Doctor’s orders. You did come out of a coma just a day ago.”
“Yeah, I was there… I remember.” She smiled.
“Well, okay.  Let’s go in, huh?”
“Uh huh.” She said as Lucky helped her get out of the car.   As soon as she got out and felt the cool air, she couldn’t help but start shivering.  She was suddenly so cold.
“Elizabeth, what – what’s wrong?  You’re shaking.  Stop shaking.” He said holding her up so that she wouldn’t fall.
“I’m so cold Lucky, so cold.” She said and with that, Lucky swept her off her feet and brought her inside.
 

Surprised at their sudden entrance Nikolas asked, “What’s wrong?
“She won’t stop shivering.  She’s freezing to death.” Lucky said getting her into the bed by the fireplace.
“Yeah, Em’s got the chills too.” He replied.
“No, Nikolas.  This is one of the side effects of her pill.  She’s really cold.”
“I’ll get blankets.” Nikolas said running up the stairs.
Lucky tucked her in, then realizing she was still shivering, threw off the covers and went into bed with her.  He wrapped his arms tightly around her,
“Shh… Shh… it’s okay, it’s okay.” He told her, rubbing her arm.  He held on to her shivering body as Nikolas came down with blankets and placed them on top of Lucky and Liz.
“We’re okay… it’s okay…” he told her soothingly, “Just sleep.”

~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~

“How is she?” Emily asked taking her place in front of the fireplace.
“She’s asleep.” Lucky said from the bed.  He was sitting up in bed still having his arms wrapped around Elizabeth.
“Sorry about the food, but it was what we bought at that take out.” Emily said.
“And that was how long ago?” Lucky asked with a smile.
“Very funny.” Nikolas told Lucky, “So have you been in contact with your father?”
“No, my computer is not hooked up yet, and I don’t want to bother to tonight.  I’ll let him fret tonight and I’ll explain tomorrow.”
“So, we’re settled for the night?  We’ll discuss everything tomorrow?” Emily asked.
Nikolas nodded, then said goodnight and left to his room.   Emily picked up her plate, and placed it in the kitchen, then left to go to her room.
Lucky was left and he kissed Elizabeth’s forehead,
“Goodnight.” He said, finally able to sleep tonight, with Elizabeth in his arms, and alive.

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

It was past noon and the four teens sat down at the couches.   Elizabeth sat up in bed, after being instructed for bed rest.  Lucky sat at
her feet while Nikolas and Emily scattered around them.
“So, does your father know anything?” Emily asked.
“Just yesterday a man was killed.  Dad doesn’t think it relates, but he told me just for conversation sakes.”
“Do you know how long we're going to stay here?” Elizabeth asked.
“Well, I don’t think that’s an issue.” Nikolas said.
“Why not?” Liz asked, confused at what Lucky, Nikolas and Emily understood.
“Everyone in Port Charles thinks that Lucky left down because you died.  They think that Emily and I went with him for support.”
“Oh.” Liz said looking at Lucky, “So everyone still thinks I’m dead?   Even gram?”
Lucky paused a bit, “Elizabeth… Audrey and Sarah… they’ve been reported missing.”
“What?!”
“Do you remember when we were looking for them?  Before we got shot at, you couldn’t find them?”
“No.” Liz said quietly.
Lucky exchanged looks with Nikolas.
“So your dad’s looking for the man in black still?” Emily asked,
Liz opened her mouth to ask who he was, then changed her mind,
“Elizabeth?” Lucky asked watching her the whole time,
“I don’t want to know, I don’t want to know.”
“Baby, I think you should.  I think we should talk about what happened.   Maybe it’s time.” Lucky said.
Nikolas and Emily made excuses to leave.  Nikolas went to his room, while Emily went to the balcony.  After they left Lucky asked,
“You don’t remember what happened?  At all?”
“I remember being with you… and then not.  We went home to Gram’s.”
“Someone called and when you hung up we were shot at.”
“Yeah, you got hit.” Liz said looking at Lucky’s arm.
“So did you.” He said taking her hand.
“There was a note left from the house and it got me thinking that you were in trouble.  Dad says that Benny saw a man in black before
we got hit, while we were walking.”
“But are you sure?”
“I saw him for myself Elizabeth.  That’s when I knew that you were in danger.  This man was determined to get you and I couldn’t let
that happen.  So that’s why dad, Sonny, and V thought up this plan.  If people thought you were dead, than, well, so would he.”
“So they know that I’m alive?  Who else?”
“Aunt Bobbie and Emily’s mom.  They had to hide you in the hospital.”
“Wait, wait, wait.  So you’re telling me that people like your mother and sister think I’m dead?”
“They know you’re dead.  Your funeral is today.”
“Oh god…. How did your mother react?”
“She tried to comfort me but I knew she was hurting inside.”
“Lucky, why is this man doing this to be.  I didn’t do anything to anyone, I swear it.”
“I don’t know Elizabeth.  I’ll keep you safe thought, I promise.” He said, holding her.

~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~

Emily stood at the balcony and stared at the envelope in her hand.   When she was watching the sun set yesterday, she found this in
Nikolas’ jacket.
It was from Sarah.
She sighed knowing that reading it would be wrong, but she head to… she needed to.   She tore off the envelope and unfolded the
paper.  The stationary was roses and silver lining, just like Sarah.

Dear Nikolas,
    As I’m writing you this letter, I’m listening you our song, thinking of how wonderful we were and how bad I screwed up.  I
guess now you know that Liz was raped and despite what you must think of me, I do not think that she deserved it.  I
certainly don’t think that she should be unhappy the rest of her life.  God Nikolas, she’s my sister!  Maybe she gets to me, but
I do love her.  And maybe I was selfish, but who isn’t?  I know that you were for a while.
    This doesn’t sound like an apology note, but it is.  You light up my world, my life, Nikolas.  And what we have feels so
right that I know meeting you was not wrong.  I don’t regret it.  I’m sorry for all the things I did and said; they were out of
the love I had for you.  The thought of losing you.  Please think of what I said,
                                                                                            Missing you more,
                                                                                                            Sarah Webber

Emily sighed.  All the thoughts of being with Nikolas vanished as she realized that Nikolas was going to indeed go back to Sarah.
 

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

Emily went through the family room to get to Nikolas.  She waved to Lucky and Liz who were happily talking.  She knocked on the door,
"Nikolas?  It's Emily. Can I come in?"
He opened the door, "Hey Em."
"I, uh, brought your jacket back.  Here." She said handing it to him.
"Thanks." he said, closing the door as she walked in. She nervously sat on his bed,
"Em, what is it?  What's the matter?"
"Here.  This was in your pocket.  It fell out." Emily told him taking out the envelope from Sarah.
"Oh, thanks Emily." He said taking it, "… It's open.  I don't remember opening it."
"I know… I, um, I lied.  I found it in your pocket and I read it."
"You read this?"
"Yeah… Nikolas, I am so sorry.  I didn't know it was from Sarah until I opened it."
"It's okay Emily, really."
"No, I shouldn't have read it.  It was stupid of me."
"Emily, what did you really come here to talk about?"
"I wanted to know if you were going to get back together with Sarah." Emily said quietly.
"Oh."
"Oh, what?"
"I'm just surprised you asked."
"I mean Sarah's a friend and I was just wondering for her." Emily lied.
"You're lying." Nikolas said in his head.  He sighed out loud,
"I haven't even read it yet."
"Oh, then, well, I should go."
She turned to leave, but Nikolas said, "Em, I know why you really asked."

~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~

"Lucky, what would you have done if I had died?" Liz suddenly asked.
Lucky ran his hand through her hair, "I'd probably kill myself." He said seriously.
"Lucky, you don't mean that, I mean -- "
"No, I mean it." He said softly stroking her cheek, "Elizabeth, I can't imagine living in a world without you.  I can't see me without you by my
side, and I don't want to.  You mean everything in the world to me.  I will never sleep peacefully unless I know that you are safe, alive, and
know that you are everything for me."
"You promise?"
"Yeah, I love you."
"Mmmm… that's music to my ears."
"You like that don't you?"
"Uh huh." She said as Lucky kissed her forehead.
"I love you." He said then kissed her temple.
"I love you." He kissed her eyelids.
"I love you." Her nose,
Liz stopped him and held his head in her hands,
"I love you too." She told him then kissed him on the lips.

"I don't know what you're talking about Nikolas, I just told you why."
"No you didn't.  You just lied to me."
Emily grew silent… "I like you Nikolas, a lot."
Nikolas sighed, "I know you do."
"Oh."
"Oh, what?" he asked her this time.
"I think that I should go.  I need some air.  Call me when dinner is on?" she turned and opened the door, but Nikolas shut it immediately and
turned her around and kissed her.
 

"Lucky, you said that my funeral was today?"  Liz asked.
"Yeah, something everyone's going to attend."
"Oh, come on, I'm not that famous in Port Charles.  I barely know everyone."
"Well, they're coming anyway."
"Oh.  If we weren't here, would you have given a speech about me?"
"I was suppose to.  But since I'm here, my mom is."
"Oh?"
"I wrote her what to say.  There was a time that when I saw everyone mourning, I was swept in the moment and believed that you were gone."
"Lucky -- "
"So I wrote it, because, well, who cares why."
"Can I hear it?" she asked.
"You need to get your rest.  Sleep was what I heard my Aunt Bobbie say."
"Lucky, please?"
"Okay, okay. I'm going up to the front of the church, and I stand at the podium, and I start off my saying, Elizabeth was the best thing that
ever walked into my life.  I know that I had my mother, my father, and LuLu and Nikolas, but somehow, in a way, that wasn't what I was looking
for.  I felt empty until Ruby died and she sent me Elizabeth.  She always kept me on my feet, always wanting to see her more, to see her
every day, as much as I possibly could.  Who knew that that could have turned to love……"

(In Port Charles, Laura stands in front of everyone and reads….)

"…… I always thought that I knew what love was.   I loved my parent, my sister, and brother, my family."  Laura looked to her family sitting in
the front pew.  Luke, LuLu, Bobbie, Amy, Ruby and Lesley had flown in too, "But I never knew that there was a different love for the one that I was
going to be with for the rest of my life.  That's how much I needed her.  I needed her in my life, and I hated when we fought that all I
wanted to do was take her in my arms and kiss her to make it all better, but I couldn't.   She didn't know that I loved her then."  Laura looked
around the room.  The Quartermaines sat in the middle of the church, looking sad and thinking how could anyone do this to a child.  Mac and
Felicia sat with Robin and Jason in the back.  V sat with the Jacks brothers; Laura sighed and continued,
"God brought us together, I know it.  I know that we had a reason for being who we were, and I will cherish that forever……"

(Back to Lucky and Liz in the cottage.)

"……But what I don't understand is that God took my angel away from me, when I know that we should have had all the time in the world to be
together.  And all I know is that I love her.  Even in death."
 

His lips tasted so good and it was what she had been dreaming of, but after being swept off from passion, and clicking out of her dream, she
pushed Nikolas away,
"You had no right to do that!" she said, then ran out of the room.
She ran straight out of the house, and knelt down by the water, trying to stop her own crying
"Hey little girl, why are you crying?" a voice asked.
 

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

"Hey little girl, why are you crying?" the voice asked.
Emily suddenly got mad, "I am not a little girl, and what right do you have to ask?"
"I was just concerned.  It's not everyday that I see a beautiful girl run out of a house crying."
"Leave me alone."
"Fine, but you can't say that I didn't care."
"Why do people have to care so much?  They only hurt you end the end."
"Maybe that's the way you see it now, because you've never had someone that kept you safe from that."
"I used to."
"Well, since I'm going to obey your orders, I'll see you around." He said.
"No wait.  She stood up and for the first time, saw him closely.  He was beautiful.  His black hair was blowing in the wind.  He wore a shirt
that was buttoned halfway and loose pants.
"I'm sorry for blowing up at you, it'd be nice for some company." She said.   He sat down with her again,
"Did something happen?"
"Something.  I'm still trying to figure it out.  It's hard to."
"I know, I've been there."
"So… you came out fine, that must be hope, huh?"
"How would you know that I'm not some psycho who's out to kill you and your friends?"
"You're too… I don't know…"
"Beautiful?"
"Talk about being full of yourself… but yeah.   Hey, how did you know that I stayed with friends?"
"Don't worry, I'm not a killer, I saw you guys pull up yesterday."
"You live nearby."
"Yeah, I live close."
"Emily!" a voice called.  She turned around, and saw that it was Elizabeth.   She stood up immediately and ran to her,
"You're not suppose to be walking.  In bed, right now."
"I came to tell you it's dinner.  And besides, Lucky said that it was okay for me to get you." Emily raised an eyebrow,
"Okay, I told him that it'd be okay, see?" she said turning around, showing Emily that she was fine.
Suddenly the boy ran and grabbed Elizabeth and swung her around in a hug.  When he put her down she exclaimed, "Jay Jay!"
"Hey Lizzie, you look good, I almost didn't recognize you!  What is this about staying in bed?"
"She was shot, and had surgery and then in a coma, don't you think that she should be in bed… Jay Jay?" Emily said smiling.
"Jason is just fine." He told her.
"Jason, here, was actually one of my friends I knew for a long time." Elizabeth said,
"Jason, this is Emily."
"Hi." Emily said, "We already met." Em told Liz.
"Oh, well, Jay, why don't you come inside, I want you to meet Lucky -- "
"Her boyfriend." Emily supplied, "And Nikolas."
"His brother." Liz finished.
 
 

Nikolas and Lucky sat at the table upstairs waiting for Liz and Emily to come.  They could hear a man's voice, so they stood up the second they
came up. Elizabeth went up to Lucky right away, back into his waiting arms,
"Lucky, this is Jason.  He's an old friend that Emily found.  Jay, this is Lucky, and that's Nikolas."
"Hi." He said.
"Hey, you joining us?" Lucky asked.
"Yeah, Lizzie insisted."
The five sat down and ate and talked.  All through dinner, both Nikolas and Lucky were nervous.  Lucky didn't like how Jason and Liz were close,
and Nikolas didn't like the way Emily looked at him.

~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~

After dinner, Emily and Jason were on the balcony, "Is this Nikolas guy the problem you were talking about?"
"Why?"
"Well, he couldn't keep his eyes off you."
"Maybe, you're just seeing things.  I think you were."
"Well, is Lizzie happy?  Tell me, please."
"I haven't known her for that long, but yeah.  I'd say that she's pretty happy, don't you see the way she looks at Lucky?  Those two are definitely in love."
"Well, than she owes me a portrait."
"Excuse me?"
"When we were young, Lizzie didn't believe that anyone would love her, so I made a bet with her that someone would fall in love with her, and
if she lost, she'd have to paint a portrait of me.  And if she won, then I'd do one of her."
"Oh, you're an artist?"
"No.  I knew that Lizzie was going to lose, so I just said that."
 

"You're back in bed until tomorrow afternoon, okay?"
"Lucky, even people in hospitals are let out to walk around."
"Well this isn't a hospital, there are no doctors to help you if
something happens, and I don't want anything to happen to you." He told her.
"I know." She said, "I love you for that." She said giving him a kiss,
"Goodnight." She said falling back into bed, as Lucky sat on the couch, watching her,
"Goodnight."
 

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

Lucky and Emily stood together laughing while decorating the upstairs floor of the cottage,
“You know Lucky, I have never seen you this happy in my entire life… even with me.  Liz must be doing some number on you.”
“Well, her making me happy is the easy part.  I think this night will be… much harder.”
“Whatever you have planned, I’m sure it’ll be great.”
“You know Em, I’ve been meaning to apologize to you.  I mean, I know that you were my best friend a long time ago.  I’m not sure
now, but I’m sorry for not being there for you.  I know you’ve had it tough living with the Q’s.”
“I’m okay Lucky, thanks for asking.  And about being best friends… you are still mine.”
“Well, good.  What time is it?”
“It’s a quarter to five.  What time are you planning on starting this?”
“When Elizabeth wakes up.”
“That means that I should be getting out of here soon.”
“Yeah, and Nikolas.  Maybe you should do something together.”
“I’d rather not.  You know, he may not want to.”
“Emily, what’s wrong?” he asked.
“Something happened between us… And right now, I don’t want to see him, or be with him.”
“Did he hurt you, did he touch you?”
“No, no, nothing like that.”
“Sorry.  It’s my Spencer reflexes about the Cassadines.”
“It’s okay.” Emily replied, “I might actually go look for Jason.”
“Emily, you haven’t even known him for five minutes, I’d rather you be with Nikolas.  You’d be safer that way.”
“But he’s Liz’s friend.  You trust her don’t you?  She trusts him Lucky.”
“I know, I know.”
“And besides, I talked with him before he met you and he helped me.  A lot actually, and I think that I need to thank him.”
“Whatever suits you, just be careful, okay?  I have a bad feeling about tonight.”
“But you and Liz are going to be fine.”
“Not about me and Liz, well… maybe a little, but I feel like something’s gonna happen.”
 
 
 
 

Back in Port Charles, a man in black crept up into the window of the Spencer home….
“Luke, my boss is going to kill me if he ever found out that I was in on this.”
“What if he decides to give you a medal Ms. Ardonowski?  Will my name be on your lists of thank you?”
“Where are they Mr. Spencer?”
“Who?”
“I think she’s trying to ask you where Liz is.” Sonny supplied.
“Look, both of you.  Stop it.”
“We’re just trying to help.  Now, did you get any information from the PCPD about this Marc character?” Luke said.
“Yes.” V pulled out a folder.  “Umm… His father is in a mental institution… he’s at Ferncliffe…”
“Hey, maybe he met Ms. Bensen.” Sonny said.
V shot him a look; “His mother is raising him, his sister, and brother, both younger than he is.  His mother is on medication.”
“What else?”
“Well, Mr. Snoit himself has been arrested for assault, stealing, and stalking.”
“Bingo!  He’s known for stalking.”
“Where is he now?  School’s out, did he go somewhere?” Sonny asked.
“Florida.  He took a trip to Florida with his mother and siblings.”
“Well, that’s saintly ain’t it?” Luke said.
“We’re back to knowing nothing.  Zippo. What do we do now?” V asked.
“Well, having my son and Lizzie far away gives me some comfort.  A little cottage in the woods could do them some good.”
The threesome continued to talk as the mysterious man walked away.

At six, Elizabeth woke up to find the house empty and dark.   She turned on the lamp to find a note from Lucky, to put on a dress and
go upstairs.  She also found another note that made her stomach turn.

I have your family close to me, but I want you closer Elizabeth.   Come to the bridge alone and you can have them back.

She took a deep breath, knowing what she had to do and changed into a black and grey dress and slowly walked upstairs.  She
gasped at the sight.  There were candles everywhere, and balloons, and streamers.
“So, how many points do I get?” a voice asked.
“20.  And adding that up to the ones you already have… that’ll be infinity.” Liz told him.  He leaned in and kissed her softly on the
lips.
“You taste good.” Lucky said, then led her to the table by the balcony.  He sat her down and said, “Surprise.”
“I think you’re a little late for that.  But this is wonderful.” She looked at him as he sat down, “Any reason?”
“For what?” he asked.
“For doing this.”
“Do I need one?”
“Well, no.”
“Then eat up.”
Liz smiled and started eating.

~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~

“… So from then on I called him Blue Jay, and he called me Dizzie Lizzie.”
“Or just plain Jay Jay and Lizzie.”
“Yeah.  I moved away when I was twelve, so I never saw him again.”
“You’re really happy now that you have.”
“I’m only happy because I’m with you.”
“I love you.” Lucky said.
“I love you too.” Liz said, almost automatically.
“Would you like to dance?”
“I’d love to.”
He led her into the middle of the room and held her close and softly sang in her ear,
“Someday, when I’m awfully low, when the world is cold, I will feel the glow, just thinking of you and the way you look
tonight…” He twirled her, then dipped her.  They laughed.
“You’re a good singer, have I ever told you that?”
“Once or twice, maybe.” Lucky said kissing her.  She kissed back.  The kiss was intense and they both felt like nothing was holding
them back.  His hands tightened at her waist bringing the kiss deeper.  He pulled back and stared onto her eyes, “I never thought that
I’d feel like this.  After what that pig did to me on Valentine’s Day.   I thought that no one would ever be that close to me ever again.
That I’d never heal.”
“And how do you feel now?” he asked.
“I want you to hold me forever.  I want you to kiss me forever.  Lucky, it took a long time, but maybe I’m finally better.  I don’t think
about the rape when I’m with you at all.”
“Then what do you think about?”
“I think about being with you and only you.” She said.  He caressed her cheek then pulled her into another kiss.

Some place, Emily and Jason sat at a bridge, looking at the water.
“I was always sad as a child, that’s why Lizzie called me blue Jay sometimes.   She could always cheer me up.  It made her feel better
about her life if mine was happier.”
“What did you call her?”
“Dizzie Lizzie.” Jason said with a smile, “I knew an Emily once.” He said.
“Oh, you did?”
“Yeah… she broke my heart.”
“I promise you… this one won’t.” They smiled at each other, then continued to talk.

~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~%*~

I haven't slept at all in days
 It's been so long since we have talked
 And I have been here many times

I just don't know what I'm doing wrong

 What can I do to make you love me
 What can I do to make you care
 What can I say to make you feel this
 What can I do to get you there

Nikolas laid in bed, awake, not knowing when he’d fall asleep.   He still had to figure out his feelings for Sarah and his for Emily.
When did everything change in his life, making everything so messed up?  He missed her. He missed her laugh and her warmth and
her gift in making him smile.  He missed her.

 There's only so much I can take
 And I just got to let it go
 And who knows I might feel better
 If I don't try and I don't hope

Elizabeth opened her suitcase and took out a pair of jeans and a white shirt.  She put them on, then grabbed her blue sweater.  She
bent down over Lucky, wanting to kiss him, but knowing that that could wake him up.   She left her note beside him, and then left the
house.

What can I do to make you love me
 What can I do to make you care
 What can I say to make you feel this
 What can I do to get you there
 

 No more waiting, no more aching
 No more fighting, no more trying...

Elizabeth walked down the deserted streets, making her way to the bridge that she was suppose to be at.  She had stolen Lucky’s
pocketknife, just in case.  She was going to be fine, she told herself, she had to get back to Lucky soon.
 

 Maybe there's nothing more to say
 And in a funny way I'm calm
 Because the power is not mine
 I'm just going to let it fly...

Jason held Emily close to him then said,
“Wait here, I want to go get you something.”
“Okay.”
“Wait here okay?  Don’t move.”
“Okay, I promise.” Emily laughed.  After a couple minutes, Emily noticed that someone was coming towards her…
“Elizabeth?”

What can I do to make you love me
 What can I do to make you care
 What can I say to make you feel this
 What can I do to get you there

Elizabeth stood there, frozen.  Behind Emily, she saw a dark fugure, and her sister and grandmother.

 Love me...
 
 

the songs are "What Can I Do" the corrs and the song that Jax and Brenda danced to in the theatre, "Way you Look Tonight" by Frank SInatra