| Subject: Chapter 9 |
Author:
Becca
|
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
Date Posted: 10:09:56 02/24/01 Sat
In reply to:
Becca
's message, "The Path of Thorns" on 09:58:31 02/24/01 Sat
Chapter 9
**Penthouse 4**
Everyone looked at Lucky with utter shock. Sonny cleared his throat, speaking first, “Lucky, did you just say you think . . .”
“Elizabeth and Landon should get married, yes,” Lucky replied, a regretful smile on his face.
“Lucky I don’t . . . I don’t really think that is possible,” Liz finally managed to get out.
“No matter what is possible or isn’t possible it has to be done.” Liz began to speak again but Lucky held up his hand and continued, “It won’t be real, I don’t mean that . . .I just mean, once you agree we’ll let Landon in on it. It’s a ruse. If Helena thinks you and I couldn’t be together, that you don’t want me, you want Landon, then you won’t be a threat.”
Liz shook her head, “Wouldn’t a nice long engagement be better?”
“Just about anything would be better. It would have been better if I was never kidnapped, it would be better if Helena Cassadine never existed, it would be better if I wasn’t so obviously in . . . attracted to you,” Lucky corrected himself, knowing this wasn’t the time or the place to confess his true feelings.
“Lucky, I CAN’T marry Landon, I just can’t.”
“Why not? It is not like it’ll look unreal, you two have been dating a long time, long enough to make it look legit,” Lucky said, noticing the uncomfortable look in Liz’s eyes. “Why all of a sudden are you acting like you can barely stand to hear his name?”
Liz looked away, feeling all the emotions she was trying to supress welling up inside of her.
“Why were you so upset when you first got here?” Lucky asked, his mind flashing back to the look on her face earlier. “Elizabeth, what happened.”
“Landon and I are over Lucky, that is what happened, we broke up today . . .”
<<<Liz stood behind the counter, daydreaming about Lucky kissing her for the hundredth time that week. She was so lost in her thoughts she hadn’t even heard the door open or notice that Landon was standing right in front of her until he called out her name.
“Liz!”
She blinked a couple of times, forcing a weak smile at her boyfriend. “Landon, what are you doing here?”
“Looking for you. We need to talk.”
Liz looked at him in shock and worry, having learned that when they needed to talk it usually wasn’t good. “Why?”
“I was out running with Tony this morning, and we got to talking. I realized that you and I haven’t exactly been on the same page these last few days, heck weeks. At first I thought everything felt strained because of Lucky, but I think it runs deeper. It’s something we need to talk about,” Landon said calmly, brushing his blonde hair out of his eyes. “Can we?”
“I’m working.”
Landon looked around the empty diner, frowning as he noticed one of the other waitresses sitting, bored, at one of the tables. “Missy, can you take care of everything while Liz and I go talk?”
“Sure,” the waitress named Missy said. “Take your time.”
“Come on,” Landon said, motioning for Liz to follow him upstairs. Once they were in his room he grinned widely. “How’d you like the excuse this time?”
Liz shook her head, “Good one.”
“I know,” Landon smiled. He moved to Liz and kissed her on the neck.
Even though this was just a scheme by Landon to get some alone time with Liz, which he did often, Liz really felt like they needed to talk. “Landon what are you doing?”
“Well, I thought we were going to . . .you know,” he murmured. “Isn’t this how it usually happens?”
“Don’t you think we really do have problems to discuss?”
“Sure, don’t all couples?” he asked as he moved to face her, his hands roaming her body thoughtfully. “I don’t think it is so much a major problem as we just need to reconnect. And I know of a great way to connect.”
Liz gently pushed him away, smiling sadly. “Do you really think that is the answer?”
Landon frowned, standing upright in disappointment. “Answer to what Liz? Is something bothering you?”
“Well . . .” Liz sighed. The truth was she was beginning to doubt if she should try to work things out with Landon or break it off to pursue something with Lucky. In that one kiss with Lucky she felt more urgency and passion than all the time she and Landon made love. Staying with Landon would, in the end, most likely hurt everyone, Landon, Lucky, and herself. She owed it to herself to see if Lucky could be the man for her.
But she did love Landon. They were friends and lovers, he was someone she had honestly pictured a life with. He was charming and handsome and they fit together, they made sense. But he never made her feel the way Lucky managed to just by looking at her.
“Oh God Liz, why is everything always so damn difficult with you?” Landon grumbled as he sat on his bed. “Just tell me what is wrong.”
“It’s not you Landon it’s . . .”
“Lucky,” he cut off her, his voice low and angered. “It’s Lucky, isn’t it?”
“What?”
“Don’t lie to me Liz, I can see the way you were looking at him at the picnic. And trust me, he looks at you the same way, it’s the way I look at you. But we are brothers, I guess we have the same taste, right?”
“Landon, it’s not like that. True, Lucky has stirred certain feelings in me but . . . we haven’t been all that in sync with each since before Lucky came to town.”
“He’s been here a week Liz! Rather six days. You are going to throw away our relationship and friendship because of some six day long flirtation?” Landon yelled.
“I do not want to throw away our friendship, I’d never want to lose that. But we haven’t really been a couple in months, and you know that. God, all of a sudden you want to have sex. Do you even remember the last time we did it? Three months ago Landon. And when was the last time we actually went out on a date, did a couple like thing? What relationship? You and I both know we are only together because everyone expects us to be.”
“Right, right, all those expectations. If you broke up with me it would probably be awkward around my folks, so you stick with me because you have family issues and you really dig mine. But hey, they have another son now, and for bonus points he turns you on, so dump me, get with him and still be in my parents good graces.”
Liz looked at him harshly, “You know it’s not like that. Why do our problems have to be about Lucky or your parents. Why can’t they be ours alone.”
“Because this has never been a relationship about just us. It was about trying to get one up on Sarah or Nikolas, it was about my parents thinking you were this perfect girl I should look at as more than a friend, it was about Gina and Emily and Sly and everyone else. I should have known you didn’t love me, not as much as you loved the idea of us and our pathetic circle of friends.”
Landon began to pace in front of his dresser, unable to look at Liz.
She felt both rage and sadness listening to his ranting. “You are so full of crap Landon. I do love you, I always will. But is it my fault that I’m not in love with you?”
“No, it’s never anybody’s fault who they fall in love with. It wasn’t Emily’s fault that she fell in love with my cousin when we were fourteen, it wasn’t Sarah’s fault she fell in love with my brother, and now it is not your fault you fell in love with my other goddamn brother. No, it is my fault to trust you. With Emily, we were just kids, and with Sarah I always thought she had a thing for Nikolas. But you. I trusted you Liz, I loved you more than anything. And this is the thanks I get? I thought you were different, when people said you were just this bratty girl when you first showed up I defended you. Maybe they were right, you are just a . . .”
“Don’t say it Landon, don’t say something you’ll later regret. We have been friends a long time, don’t throw it away because you are hurt. I never said I was in love with Lucky, but I owe it to myself to find out if I can be. Don’t make me out to be the enemy here, because I still want our friendship.”
“I can’t even look at you right now,” Landon hissed as he stormed out of the room and probably out of the diner.
Liz collapsed on the bed, frozen for a moment. Did that really happen? Did she and Landon just break up?
She grabbed the phone and quickly dialed, after a few rings a familiar greeting met her ear, “Hello? House if insanity, how may I help you?”
“Emily, I need to see you.”
“Sure Liz, what’s wrong? You sound terrible.”
“Landon and I . . .we just broke up.”>>>
**The Docks**
Nikolas paced the docks, his eyes landing on Helena’s yacht. He had to restrain himself from rushing the yacht and finally ending Helena’s reign of tyranny. Mainly because he knew he’d chicken out in the end and probably put everyone in danger.
He still wasn’t one hundred percent certain that Lucky was telling the total truth, but what he did know was that whatever Lucky’s involvement with Helena was, it wasn’t voluntary. And it had to end.
“Nikolas,” someone called out from behind him. Nikolas whirled around defensively, studying the stranger with apprehension.
“What do you want?” he hissed, recognizing the man as one of Helena’s assistants. “Shouldn’t you be out there with my grandmother plotting her next nefarious deed?”
Andreas sighed, he knew this would be difficult. “I don’t have much time, but there is something important I must tell you.”
Nikolas stood defiantly, not really wanting to trust the man. “What?”
“I’m in love with Alexis.”
Nikolas chuckled before returning to his previously stoic state, “Wonderful, I’m sure she finds you as vile as I do.”
“Because of that, I need to leave Mrs. Cassadine’s employ.”
“And what?” Nikolas queried him; “You need my help? If you didn’t already know, Helena is like the mob, you do not just leave her employ, as you called it, not without dying.”
“I don’t think that is exactly accurate sir.”
Nikolas rolled his eyes, “Always with the manners I see. How do you think I could possibly help you?”
“I know Helena kidnapped Lucky and has had contact with him his entire life. If I could find information to incriminate Helena I’ll deliver it to you in exchange for my protection until she is sufficiently locked away,” he whispered, not wanting to take a chance.
“Kidnapping charges that will stick? That can send her away for a very long time . . .how do I know this isn’t a ruse? Maybe Helena has sent you fishing to see what I know.”
“Because I’m about to tell you what her plans for Master Spencer are . . .that is if you want to know.”
Nikolas flinched, still a bit unsure, but now about what exactly was going on. “He’s working for her?”
“Not exactly. He’s not doing anything of his own free will, if that is what you mean. And his intentions are pure; he does want to know you and his family, that he hasn’t lied about. You see Madame has a way of controlling Lucky, she has many ways in fact, and she’ll use each and every one until she gets what she wants.”
“And what does she want?” Nikolas challenged, feeling the rage boiling under his cool demeanor. The fact that Helena not only took an innocent little baby but has been one of the main controlling influences in his life, and now is a terrorizing force was too much. He hated the fact that he even shared the same last name as her, and Nikolas was determined to stop her for once.
Andreas leaned forward, dropping his voice even lower. “What has she always wanted Nikolas? When it comes to the Spencers there is only one thing Helena could ever want . . . revenge.”
~*~
She watched as the man in the suit whispered something to Nikolas before walking off. She had heard the entire first part of the conversation, but couldn’t hear what he said then. In frustration she stepped out of the shadow, walking away from the docks she looked out at the young man, noticing how his shoulders were hunched in frustration.
She whipped out her cell phone and hit one of the speed dial numbers. “Hi, it’s me. I need you to get me all the information on the Spencer family that is out there. Also, find me anything you can on one Lucas Lorenzo Spencer Jr., he grew up in Italy, near Rome I believe . . . thanks.”
V returned her phone to her purse and walked off, determined to figure out what was going on with the Spencers and the Cassadines, wondering if this is why she had been sent to Port Charles again.
**Tony’s Apartment**
Tony handed Landon a glass of water and sat down on the couch next to his friend. “You going to tell me what is wrong or do I have to beat it out of you?”
“Oh god Tony, everything is falling apart,” Landon groaned, placing the water on the coffee table.
“What is?”
“Me and Liz. We had this huge fight and she told me she loved me.”
Tony looked at Landon with confusion. “Isn’t that usually a good thing.”
“Yeah, she loves me, but she’s not in love with me. I think she is attracted to Lucky.”
“Is that much of a surprise Landon? He’s smart and charming, not to mention incredibly good looking.”
Landon shot Tony a look of anger, “Thanks, that really helps.”
“Well maybe if you let me finish . . . of course she is attracted to him. Just like you are attracted to Sarah, it doesn’t mean she’s in love with him.”
“Tony, she said she owed it to herself to find out if she could be.” Landon put his head in his hands, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. “How’d I lose her man? How? I loved her so much, I would have done anything for her . . .”
“Maybe you didn’t. Could it be that you are so angry not because you are in shock, but because you knew this would happen, but you didn’t think it would be Liz who broke it off?”
“What?”
“I’m a psych major, but I’m also your friend, I like to think your best. Because of that I have been offered some insight that I don’t even think you pick up on. Not once was I ever under the impression that you thought what you had with Liz was forever.”
“Maybe, maybe not . . .but to lose another girl to someone I’m related to . . .why can’t I catch a break?” Landon asked openly.
Tony placed his hand on Landon’s back, rubbing it softly, smoothly. “Hey, it’s not the end of the world. There are plenty of people in the world, and you probably don’t have any more secret brothers to worry about.” Landon laughed softly at the joke. “And you know what? There are many experiences left that you haven’t even begun to try. The world is open and free to you now Landon. This isn’t a time to mourn, it’s a time to celebrate the opening of new possibilities.”
“Really?” Landon asked, looking into his friend’s eyes.
“Really.”
“Thanks, thanks,” Landon whispered as he leaned closer to Tony, wrapping his arms around him in a hug. “You seem to be the only person I can count on anymore.”
“I’m glad,” Tony said, his hand resting on the back of Landon’s head. They broke from the hug, looking into each other’s eyes.
Landon saw it coming but had no idea how to stop it. It was as if everything was moving in slow motion. He saw Tony leaning forward, brushing his hand on Landon’s cheek softly, almost lovingly. He saw the look in the man’s eyes, and he felt it. It was a simple kiss, soft, quick, and totally unexpected, leaving Landon more confused than before.
“Tony?” he asked simply, unsure of what else to say.
“Oh gosh, I’m sorry Landon. I just . . . I shouldn’t have done that. I totally misread the situation,” Tony said in embarrassment as he rose from the couch, pacing the living room of the tiny apartment nervously. “I should never have done that.”
Landon wiped his lips before turning his attention back to Tony. “What? Kissing me . . .or kissing a guy?”
Tony looked at Landon with regret. Regret for not telling his friend his secret sooner, regret for being such a coward, regret for the look in Landon’s eyes.
“For kissing you Landon. I’ve kissed guys before,” Tony confessed, still pacing.
“So . . .so you’re gay?” Landon muttered, having trouble comprehending all of this.
“Yes and no . . .I’ve had girlfriends before, but I’ve also been with guys.”
Landon nodded his head, studying the top of his sneakers in confusion, “And you kissed me? Do you think I’m gay?”
Tony sat down next to Landon, shaking his head emphatically, “No, I don’t . . .”
“But you kissed me Tony, you had to think something!”
Tony motioned for Landon to calm down. “All the time I’ve known you I didn’t think you were anything but a straight guy. I didn’t become your friend because I was trying to get a date or anything. The first time I had any inclinations to do anything was just now. It was wrong for me to do, but at the moment . . .at the moment, as I looked into your eyes, it felt right.”
Taking a deep breath Landon rose to his feet, trying to figure out if his legs were steady enough. “I can’t say that it was totally . . . I’m not gay, I don’t think so . . .No, I’m not. Gosh, I’ve slept with Liz. I even slept with Sarah last Christmas . . .”
Tony looked up at Landon in shock, “You cheated on Liz? You slept with Sarah?”
“Dude, everyone has slept with Sarah, it’s no big deal.”
“I’d like to think Liz would think it is,” Tony said sympathetically.
“What? You come out to me so now you’re a freaking woman?” Landon shot, instantly wanting to take his words back.
“No, normally I’d be on your side. But you come here moaning because Liz is attracted to your brother and may want to explore it, but tells you first. When all the while you’ve been walking around with the memory of screwing HER sister? That’s low man, lower than anything I’d ever do.”
“So kissing me and making me wonder isn’t low?” Landon grumbled, not even aware of what he was saying anymore.
“Landon chill out,” Tony sighed. “If you’ve never had any attraction to other guys before, it is not going to happen out of the blue because I kissed you . . . you haven’t, have you?”
“I don’t know . . . what’s it like . . . like when you get a . . .when I see a hot girl? Is it different?”
Tony rubbed his eyes tiredly, “I really don’t feel like teaching you about Gay life 101, it isn’t any different than your straight life buddy. And since you have to ask what it is like, frankly, it means you aren’t.”
“Yeah, well . . .” before Landon could say anything else the telephone rang.
Tony reached over to pick it up, “Hello.”
“Tony, hi, this is Liz. Is Landon there?”
“Yeah, hold on,” Tony held out the phone to Landon. “It’s for you, it’s Liz.”
With a frown Landon took the phone, “Yeah?”
“I’m so glad I found you. Can you come over to Sonny’s penthouse right away, we need to talk.”
“Why there?” Landon wondered.
“Just come Landon, it’s an emergency and we need to speak to you. I’m fine, so don’t worry, just hurry.”
He took a deep breath, “Fine, I’ll be there as soon as possible. Bye.”
As Landon hung up the phone Tony smiled, “What was that about?”
“Liz needs to speak with me at Sonny’s penthouse. It sounded important so I better go.”
“Cool,” Tony got up to walk Landon to the door. He grabbed his friend’s shoulder before he could leave, “Are we alright? I didn’t totally ruin our friendship and all, did I?”
Landon smirked at Tony, “Nah, we’re cool. Only, I’m bummed now, I was all set to hook you up with Gina. At least it explains why you weren’t flirting with Sarah on the fourth, she was really wondering why her charms weren’t working on you.”
“No, I still like girls, I’m an equal opportunity man. I just didn’t dig Sarah in the least. Now Nikolas on the other hand . . .”
Landon groaned in disgust, “Dude . . .”
Tony smiled, “Just kidding, I’m not into stuffy Prince types anyway.”
**L&B**
“Sly, I really like this new group. What are they called?” Emily asked as she sat on the couch, listening to the newest release by one of L&B’s artists.
“Sly is in the back mixing something, what are you doing here bellowing for him anyway?” Dylan asked as he sauntered into the room, smirking at Emily.
“Oh gosh, Satan’s minion actually made it to work. Color me surprised,” Emily sneered.
“You know Cuz, I have developed a theory on your hatred of me.”
Emily rolled her eyes, “You mean, you were actually thinking?”
Dylan smiled, sitting across from her. “Would you care to hear it?”
“Not particularly, but I have a feeling you’ll tell me anyway.”
“Glad you see it that way Emily,” Dylan noted. “Now, have you ever heard the phrase, there is a thin line between love and hate?”
“Yes, you incredibly annoying crap weasel.”
“Watching reruns of Friends again I see,” Dylan smirked before continuing. “Anyway, that is what your problem is. You really are totally taken by me, infatuated, and dare I say in love. But that scares the crap out of you cause we are like supposed to be cousins or something, and you are all in love with Eckert, and all that jazz. But come on Em, just say the word and we’ll have a go at it. I’ll show you things you never knew existed. Come on, come on Emily . . .”
Before he could say another word her fist collided with his jaw, sending him flying over the back of the chair. Emily stood over him, smiling proudly.
“No CUZ, I hate you because I hate you. If there was any doubt in my mind that I shouldn’t hate you, your absurd, sexist, and disgusting little diatribe here erased it from my mind. If you ever look at me again I’ll kick you so hard you won’t be able to piss!” Emily said sharply before turning on her heels and marching back to the studio where Sly was.
“Damn bitch,” Dylan cursed, rubbing his jaw while still on the ground. He heard the door open and groaned, hoping it wasn’t Ned.
“What the heck happened to you?” Maxie asked with a chuckle as she stood over him.
“You know, with you standing over me and all, I can see right up your skirt Max,” Dylan noted with a smirk.
“Pig!”
**Penthouse 4**
Landon looked at the expectant faces in the room. Carly was on the edge of her seat, almost in hyper excitement mode. Sonny was shaking his head, a bad feeling in his stomach. Maria couldn’t take her eyes off of Lucky, worry washing over her face. Liz was standing by the window, not looking at anyone.
Lucky, he was looking at Landon in the eyes, his gaze not wavering, despite the pretty bad bruise on his eye and the idea he just proposed.
“Ok, I’m waiting for one of you to say this is a joke,” Landon said calmly.
“Keep waiting then, this isn’t a joke,” Lucky said harshly. “Listen, if I thought there was anything other way I’d do it. The idea of Elizabeth marrying you, after what happened to day . . .”
“You told him?” Landon asked in anger.
“Yeah she told me, seems we have a more honest relationship in a week than you have had in years,” Lucky retorted. The pain he was feeling momentarily subsiding. “This is the only way it will work. Helena has to be stopped, and Elizabeth has to be protected. There is no other way man, I don’t want her marrying you.”
“Then why don’t you marry her?” Landon asked, staring ahead blankly, trying to play cool.
Lucky jumped to his feet, launching in Landon’s direction. He grabbed his brother by the collar, shaking his, “How dumb are you man? Is there anything inside that bleached blonde head of yours? If I married Elizabeth I’d be signing her death warrant. I have to make like she means nothing to me and she has to do the same. And the way she’ll do that is by marrying you. Understood?”
“I think I got it,” Landon grumbled, pushing Lucky off of him. “So how does this go down? Do we tell my . . .our folks?”
“Nobody except the six of us can know the entire truth. It’s to protect everyone else,” Carly perked up, smiling at Lucky.
“Do I have to propose? Cause, if this isn’t real, I’m not buying a ring.”
Lucky rolled his eyes, walking over to Carly. “Annoying little . . .” he grumbled under his breath. Carly handed him a tiny ring. “Here’s a ring. But don’t bother yourself, this isn’t real, you don’t have to get down on one knee or anything.”
“Fine dude, are we done here? Can’t you just fill me in on everything else at a later time. You do know where I live . . .jackass,” Landon added under his breath.
Lucky clenched his jaw, trying to control his rage, “We’ll be in touch. But nobody can know you and Elizabeth broke up. In public you have to pretend to be as happy as possible, like an engaged couple. Tomorrow night you’ll tell Luke and Laura the happy news and from there it’ll be common knowledge. OK?”
“Yeah,” Landon muttered, realizing he’d have to tell Tony something to make him believe that he and Liz were back together. “I’m outta here . . .Liz, want a ride?”
She shook her head but didn’t say anything. “Fine,” he said as he exited the penthouse.
Carly, realizing that Lucky needed some time alone with Liz, stood up and pulled Sonny towards Maria. “Why don’t we show you Jason’s penthouse now? Or, I guess it would be yours, huh?”
“Sounds like a plan,” Maria smiled at Carly as they three walked to the door. She stopped and looked at Lucky. “You are a good man Lucky, no matter what you think or feel, you are.”
“I’m not, really, but thanks for saying it,” he whispered, kissing her on the cheek softly.
Once they were gone Lucky walked to the window, placing his hand on Liz’s shoulder, squeezing it gently. “How are you holding up?”
“Just peachy, I have to marry one brother, when I can’t stop thinking about the other,” she said, trying to prevent herself from crying.
“It won’t be forever. Listen, once Helena is no longer a threat . . .”
“No longer a threat? Lucky, the Spencer and even some Cassadines have been trying to get rid of her for years. How arrogant do you have to be to think you can?”
Lucky touched her face softly. “Because nobody has ever been as determined as I am right now. And once we finally win, you and Landon will get the marriage annulled and you’ll be free to be with whoever you want.”
“Whoever I want?” Liz asked, getting lost in the intensity in Lucky’s eyes. They were so honest and real, she felt like she had known him her entire life just by looking into them, not barely a week. “Would that include you?”
“I’d hope so . . I know this is fast Elizabeth, and we barely know each other . . .but I’d give my life so you could have one. I’d do anything for you . . . I will protect you,” Lucky said emotionally, a tear falling from his eye.
“This is surreal . . .” she murmured as he leaned his face down, their lips meeting in an electrifying kiss that sent them both to a safe and pure place. Away from abuse and weddings, away the current misery of their lives.
“Elizabeth,” he whispered, taking her left hand into his gently. “I don’t want to do this but you better wear this.”
Liz frowned, wiping the tears from her eyes as Lucky slid the tiny ring on her finger. Sonny had sent Johnny out to find a ring and he came back with a very simple, tiny diamond.
“It’s really beautiful, Johnny has great taste,” Liz joked, trying to lighten the mood.
“You put it to shame Elizabeth,” he whispered, pulling her close for a fierce, protective hug. “Until the wedding, it would be best if we kept our distance from each other.”
“Lucky, I don’t know . . . I have an idea,” She said happily, pulling back and looking into his eyes. “We can see each other when you come to visit Maria. I’m living downstairs with my brother . . .Helena will never know.”
“That’s perfect,” Lucky murmured, trying to hide how much everything was killing him inside. It had to end or else he’d never make it.
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
| |
Feedback: 