SOS Message Board: SOS Message Board -> Port Charles

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Cassandra woke up and looked around the unfamiliar room. She sighed as she got out of bed. She pulled on some shorts and a tee shirt and pulled her hair back into a ponytail. Not hearing any noise, she walked towards the kitchen and saw the cook. “Where is everyone?”

“Alexander left early this morning. He said he will be back soon. Would you like some breakfast?” The cook asked.

Cassandra nodded politely. “Yes please.”

The cook served Cassandra some toast, fruit and a glass of orange juice. “Alexander said you are not to leave the premises. He wants to talk to you when he gets back.”

Cassandra looked out the window. “Yes ma’am. I will not leave.”

---

The doors to the 5th Floor Nurses’ station open up, showing Michael Corinthos III stepping off the elevator. He slings his backpack over his shoulder and makes his way to the desk.

“Hi, excuse me miss?” Michael says to the pretty nurse working on the computer. “I’m looking for someone who works here. Maybe you can help me.”

“Michael?” says a voice behind him.

Michael turns around and is surprised to see Elizabeth. “Umm..hi.”

“Aren’t you supposed to do be in school?” she asks.

“Yeah….but I had something to do.” Michael turns away and rolls his eyes. Michael hasn’t really liked Liz since he found out she cheated on his cousin Lucky. “Maybe you can help me,” he says. “I need to talk to someone….about my mom.”

Liz’s stomach drops. It’s no secret she hates Carly. Carly’s always putting her nose in things that don’t concern her. Hell, she still blames Carly for meddling in her relationship with Jason and Lucky. “Well Michael if you want to talk to me you can.”

“No offense Elizabeth, but you’re not someone I would talk to about my mom. Is Dr. Winters around?” Michael says looking around, anxious to find someone other than Elizabeth.

“I can leave a message for her to call you if that’s what you’d like.”

“Yes, that’s good.” Michael hands her a piece of paper with his number on it. He walks to the elevator and steps on. He keeps the doors from closing and says, “Thank you Nurse Webber….Elizabeth. This is really important to me.”

Liz smiles at Michael and says you’re welcome. She picks up the phone and begins calling Lainey.

Back inside the elevator, Michael tosses the hair from his eyes and sighs. “I hope mom understands what I’m trying to do.”

---

The role of Serena Baldwin will now be played by Ambyr Childers (ex-Colby, AMC).

Serena dumped her books on her bed and shook Maxie awake. “Wake up, it’s like eleven! Don’t you have summer class or something?”

Maxie punched her pillow. “Or something.” She mumbled into her pillow. “Why are you waking me up?”

“Hunter hasn’t been in class in a week. He won’t answer my calls or my texts. I stopped by his dorm room and Jack said he is gone. All of his stuff is packed up and gone. Apparently he’s been gone almost a week. He never told me he was leaving.” Serena tosses her phone on the bed. “In fact, he told me he was going to stay in Port Charles for the summer.” Serena said angrily.

Maxie pushed herself up into a sitting position. “Why do you care about that loser anyways? Do I have to remind you how he acted the second your back was turned and he was with that brunette tramp? Mind you, this wasn’t the first time he’s done that. So he left, just let it go. You’ll get over it. All guys leave. Trust me.”

Serena wasn’t buying it. “No Maxie, not all guys leave. Hunter and I had something special. You wouldn’t understand.”

“I wouldn’t understand.” Maxie snorted. “Please Serena. I have the real deal before. Your relationship with Hunter was about as special as receiving a gift from your boyfriend…that he gave to his ex. Hunter was a loser with a complex who hit on girls right before your eyes! Wake up! That is not something special. It’s lame.”

Serena laid down on her bed and focused on a mark on the ceiling. She stayed like that for a long time. “Maybe you are right.” She said slowly. “Maybe I should let it go.”

“You should.” Maxie wasn’t being mean when she said, “I hate to say this, but everyone gets dumped sometimes. It happens. Maybe his plan was to go home early and not tell you. It has happened to the best of us, we just have to move on.”

“I know.” Serena rolled over and let her blond hair fall into her face. “I just have never been dumped like this before. I don’t want to cry any more though, you know?”

“Crying over a guy is so lame anyway.” Maxie said confidently. “This summer we will have an awesome time! Think of all the guys we will meet! In no time you will be saying Hunter who?” Maxie laughed. “I can’t believe I have to go to summer school, but so be it. At least you will be here with me.” Maxie lay back down. “I’m going back to sleep, ok?”

---

Alexander walked through the front doors of the mansion that he and Cassandra were currently living. He has a lot of things on his mind and he didn’t need Cassandra giving him a hard time. He made his way into the kitchen where he figured she might be. Looking like a little girl lost, she sat there eating her breakfast. He nodded to the cook. “Can you excuse us please? I need to talk to Cassie.”

Cassandra whipped around in her chair, happy to see Alex. “Alex, where have you been? I was getting worried about you. You have been gone a long time.”

Alexander sat down next to her. “There is no need to worry, I’m fine. Did you sleep alright?”

“Just fine. Where did you go this morning?”

“I had some business to attend to in Port Charles. Everything is good now.” He smiled tenderly at her. “Everything is just fine.

Cassandra still looked worried. “Did you? You know…. Did you see?”

Alex wiped his hand across his brow and frowned, cutting her off. “Cassie, you know I hate it when you ask me these questions. You know you aren’t supposed to yet you continually ask. What do you think will happen when the day comes when I am not here to protect you? You don’t want a repeat performance, do you?”

Cassandra shook her head and whispered. “No. I’m sorry.”

Alex picked her up and hugged her tightly. “I’ll always protect you…remember that.”

Cassie smiles, tucks her hair behind her head and walks out the room. Alex takes a cup of coffee from the counter and walks out to the terrace overlooking the water. A devious smile forms on his lips.

---

Next...on Port Charles
- Ric continues to hide something from Alexis
- Anna receives another cryptic call
- Dillon returns studying abroad and runs into Maxie

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The next morning…..

Alfred walked into Nikolas’ living room and announced, “Master Nikolas, a Mr. Jason Morgan is here.”

Nikolas looked up from his desk and shook his head. “If he’s here to see Carly, tell him she’s unavailable. She’s not feeling well today.” Nikolas said as he went back to his work.

“Too late, I’m already here.” Jason said, walking past Alfred. Nikolas nodded and Alfred left the two men alone. “Is everything alright with Carly? Michael called me last night and asked me to come out here. He wouldn’t tell me what was wrong. Is it the baby?”

“The children and Carly are fine. Carly’s not feeling well today so she is not up for visitors, even you Jason. Michael and Morgan are having breakfast and will be leaving for school soon. If you want to come back later to see Michael you can.” Nikolas replied stiffly, trying to usher Jason out of the room.

Jason stared at him blankly. “No. I think I’ll stay. Michael called me again this morning. I came all the way out here to talk to him and I am not leaving until I do.”

Nikolas leaned back against the arm of the couch. “Jason, we are going through an extraordinarily difficult time right now. I am asking you to respect that and leave us alone.”

“I don’t think so.” Jason said as Michael came running into the room. “I thought I heard you Jason. Nikolas, Jason and I will be right outside and I will be right back to get Morgan.” Michael said as he led Jason out of the living room and outside. “Thanks for coming so quickly Jason.”

“Yeah buddy, anytime. What’s going on?” Jason asked, concerned.

Michael sighed and looked out in the distance to where the horses were. Then he started talking and didn’t stop. He told Jason that Carly was constantly depressed. She barely talked to him or Morgan. Most days one of the servants got Morgan ready for school and Morgan was confused, thinking that he did something wrong. She cried all the time and almost never left the nursery. Michael also told him that Carly looked awful, that she doesn’t eat anything; she looked like she lost a lot of weight and never went outside. Then last night, she freaked out and scared Morgan.

Jason sighed. “I’ll go talk to her. I’ll see what I can do.”

“I know if anyone can help her, it’s you.” Michael confided. “I have to go get Morgan so we can go to school.”

Jason tells him to give Morgan a hug as he walks in the castle with him. They walk up the stairs together and Michael points to the nursery where they can hear Carly singing softly. Jason opens the door and sees Carly, holding Victoria. Carly doesn’t even look up until Jason calls her name several times. “Jason, what are you doing here?” Carly asked, confused.

“I, uh, just wanted to see how you have been.” Jason said as he closed the door behind him. “I haven’t seen you for a while.”

“I’m taking care of the baby. I have to make sure that she is ok.” Carly looked up at Jason and smiled.

Jason was shocked at her appearance. Her blonde hair was unkempt and looked greasy. She was wearing sweats that didn’t fit, they hung off of her. “Isn’t she beautiful?”

Jason sat down on the bed across from the rocking chair. “Yes she is…just like her mother.” Jason looked uncomfortably around the room. “Carly, look why don’t you take a shower and get dressed and you and I can go for a walk? It’s a nice day out and I think Victoria would like to go outside. I always liked to take Michael out for walks when he was Victoria’s age.”

Carly shook her head. “No Jason, I can’t leave. This is the twins’ room and I have to protect them.” Carly protested, shaking her head. “I’m not leaving Victoria alone for a minute.”

“It’s a nice day and Victoria needs some air. So do you. When was the last time you and I went out? Hell, when’s the last time you went out at all? Jason asked her. “Why don’t you give me Victoria and you go take a shower? She’ll be ok for while you get ready.”

Carly let her hair fall, covering her sleeping baby. She looked at Jason, tears in her eyes. “I can’t Jason. I can’t leave her. Why can’t people just leave me alone!” Carly flared.

“Because we care about you! You’re scaring your other children. Remember? Michael and Morgan? Michael called me crying because he’s afraid you’re going to hurt yourself” Jason paused as he let the words sink in. “He is worried about you and so is Morgan! When was the last time you paid any attention to them? You have other children besides Victoria and John that need you! I understand that you’re going through pain right now. Going through the loss of a child is something no one should ever go through. But you have to go on Carly. You are the closest thing to a mother that Spencer has. You have a lot of people counting on you, needing you to be well.” Jason said tearing up.

Carly started to cry in uncontrollably. “What do you expect of me Jason? Do you know what it is like to watch your child die? No! So don’t tell me…” Carly stopped yelling when Victoria started crying. She put her up on her shoulder and started shushing her and patting her lovingly on her back. “It’s all right Victoria. Mommy got a little mad at Uncle Jason.”

Several moments passed before Jason spoke again…angry that Carly seemed to forget the pain he was in when Sam’s daughter died. “Come on….it’s just a walk Carly. It’s a first step. Please.” He held out his hand to hers. “I promise you that Victoria will be safe and that we will stay in sight of the castle here. We’ll just go out in the gardens.” Carly looked like she was wavering and he said, “Do you trust me?”

Carly looked torn. She looked at her daughter and she looked at Jason. Finally she stood up and handed her daughter to Jason. “Why don’t you go downstairs and I will meet you in twenty minutes. Ask Alfred or Nikolas to get the stroller ready, ok.”

“Ok.” Jason held Victoria and smiled. “I know your Mommy says twenty minutes Victoria but she really means thirty. She’s never on time.”

Carly laughed. “Oh shut up Jason!” She punched him lightly on the arm. For the first time in a long time, she almost looked happy.

---

Next…on Port Charles
- Michael skips school and goes to GH
- Cassandra is curious about Alexander’s time away
- Serena is worried about her boyfriend; Maxie doesn’t make it any easy for her
- Something washes up on the Port Charles shore.

---

Elizabeth walked up to the bar at Jake’s and ordered a beer. She was in the mood to hang out with Emily. Things at the hospital were so tense and everyone was walking on eggshells. Elizabeth needed a friend tonight because she felt so strung out she thought she was going to snap. Finally Emily walked through and threw herself on a chair.

“Hey Coleman, I’ll have what she is having and a shot of tequila.” Emily said. “It’s been one of those weeks.”

“Tell me about it.” Elizabeth smiled at her red haired friend. “Coleman, you may as well pass the bottle to us.” Coleman smiled and left the bottle on the bar. “How have you been Em?”

Emily scowled. “Work is ugh and I don’t really feel like talking about it. How are things at the hospital? Everyone was be freaking out.”

Elizabeth downed her shot and shook her head. “You could say that again. It’s like if someone does something wrong we are going to be fired. No excuses, no second changes. It’s like they’re just looking for a reason to get rid of us to cut the budget. It sucks.”

“I’m glad my parents aren’t here because Alan would be stressing so much. And he doesn’t need another heart attack.” Emily said, taking a swig from her bottle. “We decided not to tell Alan and Monica about it.”
“That’s a good idea.” Elizabeth pushed her hair out of her face in frustration. “Emily, you should have seen Nikolas when I went to go confront him. It was like he was a different person. He was so cold and arrogant. Like he could care less. It was like talking to a brick wall. He is not the Nikolas that we knew when we were growing up that’s for sure.”

“Do you think Carly has something to do with this? Maybe she told him to pull funding.” Emily commented.

“I don’t think so.” Elizabeth said as she shook her head, “As much as I dislike Carly, I get the feeling that this is all his idea. Bobbie could be out of a job when she gets out of jail, and I don’t think that Carly would do that. For as many faults that Carly has, she loves her children very much. What would happen if something were to happen to one of her kids? She would never forgive Nikolas for this, never.” Elizabeth said vehemently.

“You have a point.” Emily replied. “She probably doesn’t even know. She’s been cooped up on that damn island ever since….well…you know. Laura would be so ashamed of Nikolas.”

Elizabeth laughed sarcastically. “Let’s just say that when I talked to him, it was clear that he was not the Nikolas we all love.”

“Why do you say that?”

“He seemed to forget that I had two miscarriages. He didn’t even flinch when I mentioned it. Seriously Em, He is getting to be angrier with each passing day. I have never heard him be so…so, rude and cold. He was so smug that I wanted to slap him.” Elizabeth paused to take a shot and grabbed some chips. “But that wouldn’t be the right thing to do.”

Emily looked astonished. She couldn’t believe that this man that Elizabeth was telling her about was once someone she loved. “I can’t believe that Nikolas is acting like this. Maybe I should go see him.”

Elizabeth finished off her beer. “It won’t help. I think he’s past the point of caring.”

---

Carly couldn’t breathe. She looked into the crib and saw that Victoria was asleep. She felt relieved for that but she lost John. Where was John? She ran down to her and Nikolas’ room and looked to see if Nikolas had John in there. Nikolas wasn’t there and Carly ran for the stairs. Panic flew through her as she almost fell down the stairs in her hurry to find her baby. She found Nikolas in the study but the baby wasn’t there.

“Where is he Nikolas, where is my baby?”

“Victoria is asleep. You just put her down and I thought you were going to take a nap yourself.” Nikolas said, standing up from behind his desk. “Is she ok?”

Carly looked at Nikolas fretfully. “I know Victoria is fine. It’s John. Where is he? I can’t find him and I thought he was with you.” Carly wrung her hands.

Nikolas hurriedly walked around the desk and grasped Carly by the arms. He spoke quietly. “Carly, John is gone. You know that.”

“Nnnnoooooo!!!!” Carly screamed, backing away and pointing her finger as Nikolas. “No don’t you say that. My baby boy is alive and you took him away didn’t you? Tell me where he is!” Carly’s voice kept rising until it was almost a scream.

“Carly its ok.” Nikolas said soothingly. “I miss him every single moment of every single day. But you have to accept the fact that John is gone.” Nikolas walked forward with his arms out to hug Carly but she backed away.

“You’re lying!” Carly hysterically yelled, as she knocked over a tray of drinking glasses and a pitcher of water. “He’s out there somewhere. I need him. Give me back my baby!”

“Mommy?” Morgan’s voice could be heard over the sound of breaking glass.

Carly whipped around, tears streaming down her face. “Morgan?” she whispered.

“Mommy you’re scaring me.”

Nikolas leaned over. “Morgan, your Mom is just a little upset, that’s all. She’ll be all right.” Nikolas looked over at Carly who was feverishly wiping her eyes and forcing a smile onto her face. “See, your Mom is ok.”

“I’m ok.” Carly told Morgan. “Why don’t I take you upstairs and you can tell me about your day. Maybe you and I can play a game or something.”

Not looking convinced, Morgan turned around, Carly following him. Nikolas sank onto the couch, his head between his knees.

---

“Well well, how goes it brother in law?” Luke asked Noah as Noah stepped up to the bar at the Haunted Star. “How is Barbara Jean?”

Noah asked for water with lemon, making sure he doesn’t take a drink. “Bobbie is doing really well. Hopefully she will be able to come home within the next month or two.”

Luke slid the glass over to Noah, “That’s what I like to hear.” He looked up and saw Mac walking towards them. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t the former commissioner? I hope you aren’t here to shut us down. I haven’t down anything wrong.” Under his breath he muttered, “Yet”

Mac sat down on a bar stool. “You can relax Spencer. I’m not here on official duty. I’m just here to enjoy a drink tonight.”

“In that case what’ll it be? I’ll make sure to charge you double and water down your drink.” Luke said with a twinkle in his eye.

“A beer would be great.” Mac said. Luke opened a beer and gave it to him. Mac swallowed some and asked, “What’s going on?”

“Well Lucy and that Dr. Hayward are canoodling in the corner. I have to say that I will always have a soft spot for my Lucy Coe.” Luke said as he raised his glass in Lucy’s directions. “The wife’s at home sulking because I am here tonight. Someday that woman will be the death of me.”

Mac looked around the casino. “Speaking of the Quartermaines, I am surprised that Brenda didn’t move in there. She always seems to end up there. But Robin says she moved into the Metro Court.”

“Hush now. Don’t give her any ideas.” Luke said. “I would not have all of Alice’s attentions if Brenda moved in.”

Noah looked over at Mac, “I haven’t talked to Patrick in a few days. How is Robin?”

“She’s unhappy but I think she is glad that her mother is here. We are just trying to be the best support system we can be.” Mac replied.

“It’s such a shame.” Luke commented. “I have watched that little sprout grow up and face everything she has. She must have gotten her courage from Anna because she sure didn’t get it from her father.”

Mac half scowled. “Thanks a lot Luke.”

“Oh come on. I meant your no good excuse for a brother. Where is the secret agent Aussie anyway? I haven’t seen or heard from him in a few months?”

“He was called away on some mission with the WSB. He’s been in and out of contact since then,” Mac says finishing off his beer. “Hit me with another one.”

Luke handed him another beer. “I would say it’s on the house but I would be lying. It’s true. Anna has more courage than any woman I know except Laura. I am not talking down on my old friend Robert. There is a difference.”

Noah’s pager went off and he looked at it. “Ah, ok. I have to go. Thanks Luke. Mac.”

Luke shivered. “I could never be a doctor. Way too much work.”

Noah says his goodbyes to his friends and heads out. Luke takes out a box of cigars and offers Mac one. The two sit back and light their cigars, relaxing as GH comes to a close.

---

Next…on Port Charles
- Nikolas is irritated when Jason drops by for a visit
- Jason reaches out to Carly

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Elizabeth stepped off the launch and started to walk up the path towards Wyndemere. She was equally furious and disappointed in Nikolas and in herself. She should have come to see him sooner. She should have tried to reach out to him. Instead she wrapped herself up with her own life. Her relationship with Blake Barrington has stalled, and she’s been focusing on work and Cameron. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Nikolas on his horse racing across the field. She quickly altered her path and made her way to the fence surrounding the field.

Elizabeth waited impatiently for Nikolas to at least make eye contact with her. But he refused and ignored her. She knew that he was aware that she was there. She finally called out to him. He looked over at her, sighed heavily and rode his horse over to her.

“If you are here to try to talk me out of what I did yesterday, you wasted your trip. Nothing will change my mind.” Nikolas informed her coldly.

Elizabeth said simply. “It’s a beautiful day and I thought I would come visit you. How’s Victoria?”

“Why do you ask?” Nikolas questioned. “And don’t lie to be Elizabeth. You haven’t come out here before and I know you aren’t here to ask about Carly.”

Elizabeth stared back at him. “Nikolas, I am worried about you. This move that you made, I just don’t understand it. Talk to me Nikolas; tell me what’s going on with you.”

Nikolas got off his horse and tied the reins around the fencepost. He took his gloves off stared coldly at Elizabeth. “I find it highly arrogant of you to inquire about me and my child the day after I took away the funding of the hospital. To make a trip all the way over here under the false guise of checking on myself and my daughter, when both you and I both know what your true motives are is disgusting. You don’t care about me or Carly or Victoria. You are worried about yourself and whether or not you’ll have a job tomorrow.”

Elizabeth was taken aback and felt slightly insulted. “That is so not true Nikolas. I am concerned about you! I don’t understand why you would make such a callous decision. You know how much the hospital counts on Cassadine funding. So yes….it’s part of the reason why I came over here, but I am worried about you. When was the last time you talked to Lucky or Alexis?”

“That is none of your business Elizabeth.” Nikolas snapped. “I don’t need to run my decisions my Lucky or Alexis or anyone else for that matter.”

“Why did you do it? Why did you take the funding away?” Elizabeth pushed her hair away from her forehead in frustration. “Do you know how many people need our care? Who need chemo, or dialysis or emergency care? What about Robin, have you even thought of her?”

---

Thomas stood at the bar at MetroCourt drinking a Scotch and observing the crowd around him. He laughed to himself at the way he flustered that poor Quartermaine girl the other day. What were they thinking sending that girl his way? He was an international businessman and he didn’t do business with young girls like that. In fact, he ate them for lunch.

“Excuse me, but have you seen Lucy Coe yet?” Brenda asked the bartender. The bartender shook his head. “Ok, can I have an apple martini then?” The bartender handed Brenda her drink as she threw her hair over her shoulder.

Thomas looked at the bartender, “Put the lady’s drink on my tab.” Thomas looked down at Brenda and smiled his beautiful smile. “My name’s Thomas. Thomas Cain.”

Brenda quirked an eyebrow at him. “You didn’t have to buy my drink. I am perfectly capable of doing that on my own.”

“When I see a beautiful woman I am compelled to buy her many things. A drink is just the start.” Thomas said smoothly.

“Wow….what an original line.” Brenda said sarcastically.

“How about a name?”

“How about not?”

The bartender leaned over, “Brenda, Lucy just stepped off the elevator.”

Brenda smiled broadly to the bartender. “Thanks. And thank you Tim for the drink.”
“You’re welcome Brenda.” He said as she walked towards Lucy. Thomas then leaned over to the bartender. “Tell me I haven’t lost my touch?” He watched as the two friends hugged and kissed each other on the cheek. “She’s not…”

The bartender smiled and shook his head. “No, no. She’s not….That’s Brenda Barrett. She’s a former model. I hear she used to be involved with two of Port Charles’ biggest players. She left town after a few years ago. No matter what amount of success she’s had in her life, she’s still one of the nicest people I know.”

Lucy looked at Brenda’s drink, “That looks so good. I am going to have to have one. Oh it is so good to see you! I have been so busy lately and I have to tell you about the new doc I am dating. And who was that devilishly handsome man at the bar talking to you?”

Brenda waved her hand dismissively. “Oh just some guy. He bought me a drink. No big deal.”

Lucy leaned past Brenda to get a better look at Thomas. “Let me tell you this, if I didn’t have David, I would make a run for him. He’s gorgeous!”

“Anyways….” Brenda said, smoothing her hair back away from her face, “I wanted to talk to you about something. I wanted to do a fundraiser for the pediatric wing at the hospital. And I need your help.”

“Oh I feel so bad for Carly! I don’t even like Carly but to lose a child, of course I will help. Whatever you need.” Lucy said as she gratefully accepted her drink.

Brenda leaned forward. “Lucy, it’s as much for Robin as it is for Carly.” Brenda went on to explain what was happening with Robin’s baby. “So I thought you could be the mistress of ceremonies and I could help you work the phones to get donations. It would be like the Nurse’s Ball.”

Lucy grasped Brenda’s hands and smiled a tear filled smile. “You were always the best friend a girl could have. Of course I will help.” Lucy took a long swallow of her drink. “Now, it’s time for girl talk because I have so much to fill you in on!”

---

Back at Wyndemere, Nikolas’ patience with Elizabeth was being tested. Nikolas narrowed his eyes. “This has nothing to do with Robin.” Nikolas replied with a cold anger that Elizabeth hadn’t heard in years.

“Oh, this is rich Nikolas. Just rich.” Elizabeth paused to deliver her blow. “Not only is she HIV positive but her baby……” Elizabeth dropped the rest of her statement. Even though they’re all friends with Robin, Elizabeth cannot violate Robin’s confidentiality by talking about her medical condition to Nikolas. “There are many people who count on that money Nikolas. We have one of the best pre-natal care facilities on the East Coast, how can we maintain that without your backing? What is this going to do for people like Robin? What has Robin ever done to you?”

Nikolas didn’t even flinch. “Like I said, this isn’t about Robin.” He said slowly and articulately.

“So what is this about Nikolas? To show us that you have the power? That you can do this? What is it!” Elizabeth demanded.

“I lost a child Elizabeth! Do you know what that is like?” Nikolas yelled.

Elizabeth yelled back, “Did you just have the nerve to ask me what it is like to lose a child?! I lost two children and I could have died if it wasn’t for the staff at GH. You aren’t the only one to have gone through this!”

“How dare you equate your miscarriages to actually watching your child die! You never got to see your children Elizabeth,” Nikolas said, his anger becoming replaced with pain. “You never got to bond with your son, worried for weeks on end if he would make it. To think that things would be ok only to have him die in the end. So excuse me if I think my pain is just a bit greater than yours.”

Elizabeth was speechless. Never in her life would she expect Nik to say what he just said to her. Never in her life did she think Nikolas could be capable of being so rude.

Nikolas raised his hands in anger and clenched his fists. He tried to regain his composure and managed to force some words out. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some paperwork that needs to be completed. Alfred will show you out.”

“I have never been so disappointed in someone in my entire life. Before I leave I want you to think about this. What will happen if Victoria gets sick and needs to go to the hospital, where will you take her Nikolas, where?” Elizabeth turned and stalked away. “Give me a call when the man I once called a friend returns.”

---

Next…on Port Charles
- Elizabeth recounts her visit with Nikolas to Emily
- Morgan witnesses Carly breaking down
- Luke, Noah and Mac enjoy drinks at the Haunted Star

---

It was early morning and Patrick and Robin were lying in bed. Patrick had been awake for hours but he didn’t want to wake Robin. They had talked late into the night. Finally they just held each other for hours without speaking until they drifted off to sleep. But today was another day and they had to face it together. But for the moment, Patrick wanted Robin to have some peace.

Patrick quietly slipped out of bed and threw on some sweats. He slipped out of the room and called the hospital to inform them that he and Robin would be taking some vacation time. He went downstairs and stoically started the coffee and cut some grapefruit. He wanted to have breakfast ready for Robin when she woke up. As he got her breakfast prepared, the severity of their situation hit him like a tidal wave and he crumbled in despair.

After several moments of indulging in his misery, Patrick heard a knock on the door. Wiping his tears, Patrick went to answer it. “Anna. What are you doing here?” He asked and stepped aside to let her in.

“Brenda called me and said that Robin might need me. Is she ok? Did something happen to the baby?” Anna asked, concerned.

“Come in and let me get you some coffee. Robin’s not up yet and I’m not going to wake her up yet.” Patrick ushered Anna into the kitchen and poured some coffee for her. He grabbed a cup for himself and sat down across from her. He took a sip and told Anna what they had found out.

Anna had tears in her eyes. “My God, why does this have to happen to my Robin? Hasn’t she had enough pain in her life? Tell me she’s going to be all right.”

“She will be all right. If the amniotic band attaches to the baby then the baby may not be. And it depends on where it attaches. If it somehow attaches close to the heart, well the baby may have to have heart surgery.” Patrick said in a monotone.

“I will talk to David and see what he knows about this. He has always loved Robin and I will make sure that if anything happens with the baby that David will be the surgeon who will take care of him or her. What else can I do Patrick?” Anna asked.

“Thank you. Just be there for Robin.” He paused and took a sip of coffee. “I can hear her moving around right now. Do you want to bring up her breakfast for her?”

Anna stood up and thanked Patrick. Before she grabbed the tray, she leaned down and kissed Patrick’s cheek. “Everything will work out. We just have to have faith.” She wiped her tears and went up the stairs to the master bedroom. Knocking on the door, she called, “Robin, it’s me.”

---

Emily opened the door to her office and threw her purse down. She was frustrated and angry after her meeting with Thomas Cain. On the drive to the office she kept going over the meeting with him and kept trying to pinpoint where she lost control of it, when he got the better of her. Emily went to her desk and turned on her laptop. She checked her email there was one from Tracy and one from Elizabeth inviting her to Jake’s later if she wanted to go. She quickly responded to that one, saying that she would meet her there at eight. However, she didn’t want to open the email from Tracy solely because she didn’t want to have to tell her what a mess she had made of the meeting. Emily had wanted everything to go smoothly and clearly it had not.

Swallowing her pride Emily opened the email. Emily was just starting to write a response to Tracy asking for a meeting early the next morning when there was a knock on her door. “How did the meeting with Thomas Cain go?” AJ asked. “Is he going to do business with us?”

“We still have a few things to iron out.” Emily responded easily. She leaned back in her chair and regarded AJ. There was no way she wanted AJ to know how badly she had failed that day.

“Like what?” AJ asked interest piqued.

---

“Come in.” Robin’s muffled voice could be heard. As Anna opened the door Robin asked, “What are you doing here?”

Anna set the tray down on the nightstand and sat on the bed. “Brenda called me last night and said that you might need me. Patrick told me what is going on and I am here to help. If you want to scream at the world, if you want to hit me for being a bad parent to you or just cry, I want you to do it. I love you Robin and so does your father and Mac.”
Robin looked away, miserable. “I can’t even feel anymore. I just have this awful feeling that if I get out of this bed that this band will attach itself to my baby and my baby will die. I just…I….” Robin broke out in tears.

Anna moved over and wrapped her arms around her daughter. “It’s ok Robin. From what Patrick told me, you have to go on living as if this hasn’t happened. And you do need to eat some of this nice breakfast that Patrick got together for you.” Anna picked up the tray and laid it on the tray. “See, he even did the grapefruit right.”

Sighing, Robin reached for the spoon. She ate a couple bites and drank some milk. “Mom, I can’t eat. I am just so sick about this.” Robin threw the spoon down in disgust.

---

Emily’s announce with AJ was beginning to grow. She purposely avoided seeing him or Tracy after her failed meeting with Thomas yesterday. It’s too bad she couldn’t avoid them at work too.

“You know as well as I do that this was just a fact finding meeting, a meeting to see if our companies could mesh well together.”

AJ walked into her office and sat down, clearly very curious. “So what did you think of Cain? When do you meet him next?”

Emily shook her head, “I don’t know. That’s Tracy’s decision, not mine.” Emily said coldly.

“Emily is there something that you aren’t telling me?” AJ begins to suspect something may have gone badly. “Did you mess up this meeting? Because if you did I will guarantee you that Tracy will have your head on a silver platter. She made you the project manager and she expects results.” AJ warned.

Emily sighed and glared at AJ. “For the record, I did nothing wrong. And mind your own business. Grandfather has faith in me and that is the important thing….”

AJ cut Emily off. “No Emily, the important thing with Grandfather is ELQ. It’s in his blood. If you succeed, then you get the glory. If you fail than you are nothing in his eyes. Look at me.”

“Exactly AJ, look at you. No matter what you’ve done to try and make yourself better, you STILL feel like you are second place. Jason is still the golden child and you are like the child starving for attention. You will never be number one in Grandfather’s eyes or even in father’s eyes. Now get out of my office and leave me alone!” Emily lashed out.

Slowly AJ stood up. He stood in the doorway and watched Emily for a long time. “You know you were always looked at as the good Quartermaine. Little saint Emily, the little orphan girl who could do no wrong. Grandfather and Grandmother always saw you as the one Quartermaine…besides Jason, who could do no wrong. You don’t have an ounce of Quartermaine blood in you, yet you just proved how much of a Quartermaine you really are. You’re just as cold and heartless as the rest of us.” With that AJ walked away leaving Emily to stare after him with a cold fury in her eyes.

---

“Robin, you have to. And you have to stop this pity party. The world is not against you. It’s a bad set of circumstances but sweetie, you are strong and you need to think positive.” Anna said sternly. “Wallowing in misery will do nothing for the baby. You need to go about the rest of your pregnancy just like you normally would have.”

“Your mother is right.” Patrick said from the doorway. “The band may never attach. I did some research on the Internet and also called Kelly. It may never attach itself. But you have to go through your daily routine or the baby may suffer in different ways. The very least we have to do today is go for a walk.”

Robin shook her head. “No. I am not getting out of this bed. I feel safe here.”

Anna picked up the spoon and almost force fed her daughter. “Get over it Robin. You have to deal with the circumstances. Get in the shower and take a walk. It’s the very least you can do.”

“I said no. Just leave me alone.” Robin replied, anger in her voice.

“Robin if you don’t finish this grapefruit and take a shower, I will force feed this to you and throw you in the shower myself. You know I can do it.” Anna demanded.

Scowling Robin finished her breakfast. Without a word she got up and went to the bathroom. Anna and Patrick shared a look. “Thank you Anna.”

“Patrick, I love my daughter with all my heart.” Anna said, standing up and walking over to him. “Call me if you need me.”

---

Next…on Port Charles
- Brenda rebuffs Thomas Cain’s advances
- Brenda and Lucy put their heads together
- Liz attempts to change Nikolas’ mind about pulling hospital funding

---

Hunter and his friends were sitting at a banquette at the View when Maxie and Serena arrive. Serena had begged Maxie to come, even though Maxie really didn't want to. All she wanted to do was relax, and be thankful she didn’t have to do any jail time. Plus, she really didn't like Hunter and the guy, Jack that they wanted to hook her up. He just wasn't Dillon and try as she might, she couldn't stop thinking about him. When Hunter notices Serena and Maxie there, he moves over to allow the girls to sit down and orders them beers. Serena leans in for a kiss as Maxie starts to talk to the guys that are there. Maxie isn't interested in any of them, but at least it’s better than just sitting there not doing anything. Serena snuggles up closer to Hunter, who Maxie has decided is a loser. Bored, she watches the dance floor.

It's not that busy at the View that Thursday night. After about a half hour Hunter excuses himself to go to the bathroom. Seeing her opportunity, Maxie says, "Serena, I need another drink. Come with me."

Both girls get up and walk towards the bar. "Thank you so much for coming with me tonight Maxie. I'm sorry you and Jack didn't hit it off." Serena comments.

Maxie huffs, "Talk about a loser with a capital L. After about a half hour, he tried to unhook my bra. Lame, as if I wouldn’t reject him. Hello? This is me we’re talking about. Here. You should be happy that I agreed to come with you. But whatev. These things happen." Maxie steps up to the bar and orders a cosmo for her and Serena. "How are things with you and Hunter?" She asks as they aimlessly walk around.

Serena shrugs. "I don't know. Sometimes things are really good. Sometimes not so much. He will blow me off at times and not call me. I was happy that he called me yesterday to meet him here. At least he didn't do the typical guy thing."

"You mean the call an hour before and expect you to be there at their disposal?" Maxie laughs knowingly. "I stopped doing that and have now turned it around and do that to guys. I know I am a bitch but I don't care."

"I really like Hunter, Maxie. He is a good guy. You'll see." Serena confides.

“Yeah….sure.” Maxie was watching the dance floor. For several moments she didn't say anything. "Serena, if Hunter is such a good guy, who is that girl he is dancing with? He looks like he is about to screw her right now!"

The two of them give Hunter and his dance partner the evil eye. Neither one of them notice the gorgeous black haired man turn around and head for the dance floor.

---

Alexis sat on the sofa with her legs curled up underneath the afghan as she waited for her husband to return home from the office. She had already fed the kids and herself and now she waited, like every other night the past few weeks. Ric had been spending most of his time at the office instead of at home with her and the kids. She could understand if he had a heavy case load, but the workload at the office had been a little light for both of them. Him cheating never crossed her mind .... okay maybe once or twice ... but since his last slip up, he was doing really good up until a month ago. She had confronted him last week about his late night office hours, and he just brushed her off and gave her the excuse he had been working on a case. She didn't pry, but knew that whatever case he was working on didn't pass over her desk first, which made her all the more suspicious.

The grandfather clock in the hallway struck 10 and she was beginning to worry, he promised he'd be home by 5. Two hours late….AGAIN. She called the office, no answer. She tried his cell phone, no answer there either. She called the PCPD and asked for him there, he was not there either. She looked up when she heard a car pull up outside and she caught a glimpse of the headlights. "Finally ....." she mumbled to herself as she rushed to the front door to greet him ... and to give him a piece of her mind. She heard the jingle of his keys and the turn of the knob but opened the door before he could.

"Where have you been?!" she snapped when he stepped into the house.

"Well, hello to you too." He replied as he removed his coat, hung it up on the coat rack, and sat his briefcase down at the door.

"I have been worried sick about you. I called all over, but got your voice mail. Are you going to tell me where you've been?"

"If you give me half a second to think, I would fill you in on all the details." He remarked as he went to the wet bar and poured himself a shot.

"You're half second is up." she quickly snapped back as she followed him from one part of the room to the next.

Ric just rolled his eyes at her and sat down on the sofa. Alexis was getting annoyed with his games and laid into him about his whereabouts. "So who is she?! Someone at the office? I bet it's that young intern ... isn't it?"

Ric gave her a dumbfounded look. "I'm sleeping with anyone, but you sweetheart."

"Don't give me that, Ric! You're spending a few extra hours every night the last few weeks with someone. Who is she?!"

Ric laughed. "I'm not cheating on you, Alexis. Paranoid, much? It's work related."

"I'm sure it is." She rolled her eyes at his excuse. "I want to know what's going on Ric."

Ric sighed in defeat. "I'm working on a case. It's a case that I can't tell you about. You have to trust me, Alexis."

"Yeah right, trust you? You, Ric. Really. How many times have I heard that before and you always ended up in some mess that I had to come in and clean up?"

He laughed. "I'm not that bad Alexis. Give me a little credit. I can't tell you what it is, just trust me. Please."

Alexis knew he was lying. There was something going on with him, but she would drop it for now. "All right. I won't pry, if you can't tell me what's been going on, then you can't tell me."

Ric took a sip from his glass and smiled. "Good. Can we put this to rest now?"

He sat and suckled on his drink hoping she'd let it be. He hated lying to her about this but he started this, he had to finish it. There was no turning back now, he had too much to lose.

"Yeah ... for now." she replied as she snuggled up to him on the couch.

"The girls in bed already?" he asked as the two sat together.

"I think so. Violet and I gave them baths after dinner. Do you want to sneak in and say goodnight?"

Ric put his drink down on the coffee table and stood up from the couch. "Yeah I think that's a good idea." He reached for her hand ...."Coming with me?"

Alexis took his hand and the two went to say good night to their children.

---

She was drop dead gorgeous with long brown hair and a body to die for. It was all on show too. She was a wearing tight black leather skirt and a white blouse tied so that it bared her midriff. Her black bra with the hint of lace was tantalizing. Black boots completed the look. Hunter wasn't sure, but he thought he saw a belly button ring that drove him nuts. She was dancing alone. She looked up then and Hunter saw them then. They were the deepest brown eyes challenging him to dance with him. Hunter had never seen her before but he immediately decided she was the hottest girl he had ever seen.

Completely forgetting about Serena, Hunter met the challenge. He walked over to her and started to move his body with hers. She flashes him a dazzling smile and blood starts to rush to certain parts of Hunter's body. "What's your name?" He shouts.

She twirls around and again smiles. Her hair, which was so soft and smelled intoxicating, lands on his arms and neck. "Call me Cassie," she said with a devilish grin.

Hunter pulls her closer and grinds with her. "Well Cassie, you are the hottest girl I have ever seen and I want you so much."

Wickedly smiling, she wraps her arms around him and continues to dance with him. "I know."

Confident, Hunter says, "Let's go."

Cassie turns around so that her back is to his front and she continues to move sexily down his body so that she can feel every part of him. He moves aside her brown hair and his lips almost touch her neck. This continues on for several minutes until she suddenly stiffens and moves away from Hunter. "Get away from me. Go! Go away now!"

Hunter looks confused as the dark haired man approaches. "What? Are you kidding me?"

"I believe the she told you to leave." A voice behind Hunter says.

Hunter turns around and behind this guy sees Serena leaving in tears. "Who the hell are you? She came on to me!"

"Just go!" Cassie's voice trembles, her eyes expressing the fear in her voice.

The man looks at Cassie. "It's ok Cassie. We'll leave." With that, the dark haired man and Cassie left the bar, the man holding on to Cassie's arm. With a sad smile, Cassie looks over her shoulder at a now furious Hunter. "Bitch" Hunter yells. She mouths “I’m sorry” to him before being pulled out of the door.

In the black Mercedes Benz, the man, Alex was furious. "You know I love you Cass, but you can't keep doing this! Can you imagine the consequences?"

Cassie was defiant. "Alex, I am not ashamed of this. I needed tonight and you know it! So do not give me the speech about consequences."

Alex turned the key to his car on and sighs. "Cassandra, when are you going to learn? People are always going to be watching us. Especially here in Port Charles." He pulls out and starts to drive to their home. "How could you do that to that guy?"

"I needed some fun."

Alex stared straight ahead, thoughts swirling through his head as he contemplated his beautiful passenger. His jaw was set. He knew what he had to do and he didn't like it. "Cassandra, just promise me you will not do this again, deal?"

Knowing what this meant, Cassie's voice trembled as she realized the enormity of her evening out. "Deal."

---

Next…on Port Charles
- Emily and AJ clash over ELQ
- Anna visits Robin & Patrick after learning of Robin’s condition
- Robin breaks down with Anna

---

Emily opened her briefcase and took it out. Thomas reached for it and started to flip the pages, glancing through it. When their drinks arrived, he took a sip and leaned back nonchalantly in his chair. “Tell me Ms. Quartermaine, you just joined ELQ, is that correct?”

“A few months ago Thomas. And please, call me Emily. It’s the family business and I felt that it was time I joined.” Emily replied, folding her hands in front of her.

“Hmm.” Thomas stared at her, his hazel eyes piercing hers. He tossed the proposal down on the table. “Tell me Emily,” He picked up his martini and coolly took a sip. “Why couldn’t Tracy be here today?”

Emily returned his gaze and held it. “Mr. Cain, this is my project and I think that you will find that it benefits both you and ELQ. I think...”

Thomas cut her off. “You think or you know? You should know what the benefits are as well as any consequences of this potential merger are Ms. Quartermaine. I do hope you know what they are but before we go any further, where did you get your MBA from?”

Stunned, Emily didn’t know how to answer. “My MBA?”

“You heard me. What school did you get your MBA from?” Thomas repeated slowly.
Emily gathered herself together, “I don’t have an MBA Mr. Cain, I have a medical degree. Up until a few months ago, I was studying to become a doctor. I have since decided to join the family company.” Emily replied trying very hard to stay in control.

Thomas let a quick smile flash across his handsome face. He was enjoying sparring with Emily and watching her become flustered. “So with your medical degree and limited knowledge of the business world you think that one of my companies should merge with ELQ based on what? How to properly get an IV into my arm on one try? Forgive me Ms. Quartermaine when I say that I don’t have much confidence in you.”

---

Dr. Kelly Lee walked out of the locker room and threw her stethoscope around her neck. She had a lot of patients scheduled for the day and she wanted to make sure that she could schedule an appointment with Dr. Ford. She was worried about Robin too and wanted to sneak over to her apartment during her lunch break if she could.

“Hey Kelly!” Lainey called to her, “Wait up.”

Kelly stopped and smiled as her best friend approached. “How are you Lainey? I’m sorry that I didn’t call you back last night but I was working on a proposal.”

Lainey regarded Kelly with a shrewd look. “I take it then that you haven’t heard the news.”

“What news?” Kelly asked as she started walking towards the elevators, Lainey following.

Lainey took a deep breath. “Word around the hospital is that Nikolas Cassadine walked into the board meeting and pulled the Cassadine money from the hospital. They are no longer funding the hospital.”

Kelly stopped short. “Are you kidding me? How can he do that?”

“He just walked in and did it. You know that the Cassadines are the hospitals largest benefactor. Now, almost half the money funding this hospital is gone.” Lainey explained. “I would be making sure your resume is up to date because we may be looking for jobs.”

Kelly looked stunned. “I just, I just can’t believe this. I know he is still grieving for the loss of his son, but what about the care of everyone else in the hospital? I just can’t believe this.”

Lainey hugged her friend, who was obviously despairing over the news. “Look, there’s Dr. Ford. Ask him what’s going on. Because everything I heard was rumor. Let’s go to the source and ask.” She paused, “Dr Ford, can we talk to you for a minute?”

Dr. Ford came over and said, “Drs. I only have a moment. What can I do for you?”

“Is this horrible rumor about Nikolas Cassadine pulling the Cassadine money from the hospital true?” Kelly asked fury in her eyes.

Dr. Ford sighed. “I’m not going to lie to you. Unfortunately it is true.”

---

At the PCU campus, the students are thrilled that school is ending a week early as a gift to 95% of the students getting on the Dean's List. Lucas stops by the Student Resource Center to pick up some information regarding some summer programs when he runs into Dante Brennan. The two exchange pleasantries and make their separate ways….

4 months earlier…..

Dante pulls Lucas into a passionate kiss with his right arm and he begins unbuckling Lucas' pants with his left. The room around them is a complete mess. A lamp his been knocked over, one of the tables have been broken, paintings and pictures have been knocked off the walls. After months of dancing around their attraction, they have both admitted they feel something for one another. And of course after a night of hard partying, the next step is to hook up right?

After leaving the club together, the two headed back to Harbor View Towers where Lucas is living. The moment they walked through the door, the boiling sexual tension EXPLODED. A drunken Lucas kissed Dante and pressed his back up against the wall, kissing lips, feeling on his chest and running his hands across the front of Dante's pants. Not wanting to allow Lucas to lead this experience, Dante takes control and picks Lucas up (Lucas' legs wrapped around Dante's waist).

They bump into tables, break the lamp and knock pictures off the wall as they make their way upstairs to the bedroom. Once upstairs, the two kiss more and spin around before falling onto the bed. Lucas pulls himself away from Dante in order to catch his breath and make sure Dante is really up for this. Dante reassures Lucas this is what he wants. Lucas strips down to his boxers, as does Dante. After admiring one another's physiques, they begin kissing again.

---

Emily was angered by this smug and conceited man across from her in his Armani suit who was speaking to her so condescendingly. “I have spent numerous hours studying the pros and cons of a partnership between our companies and I have outlined them in that proposal to you. If you would take a moment to look through it, you will see that I am right when I say that the merger will be beneficial to both of us.”

Thomas finished his martini and threw a fifty on the table. “If ELQ wants to do business with me, I want to speak to someone who is out of the intern program. I don’t care if your last name is Quartermaine. I won’t even consider this” He pointed to the proposal, “until I speak face to face with either Tracy or A.J. It was a pleasure Emily, but you should go back to the hospital.” Emily watched angrily as Thomas walked confidently through the lobby and pushed the button for the penthouse.

---

4 months earlier…continued…..

The anticipation of what's to come has the two as excited as ever. Lucas slowly pulls down Dante’s boxers, exposing his rock hard shaft and begins to get to work. Dante moans in ecstasy as Lucas does exactly what Dante wants. Dante’s body begins to tense up, he begins to become overwrought with euphoria, and Lucas removes himself at the right time. Dante pulls Lucas into a deep passionate kiss and returns the favor to Lucas.

The two decide to do a bit more, but want to make sure they’re safe before they do it. Lucas reaches into his dresser and pulls out a roll of condoms. Dante hits the light as the scene fades to black….

Present day…..

Things have been more than awkward between Lucas and Dante since that night of extreme passion. Dante began to withdraw from Lucas, avoiding him in public and not taking any of Lucas’ calls. Lucas is no stranger to rejection, but truly felt Dante was a different person. He knows there’s a lot more to this than what Dante is letting on, and he’s determined to find out what it is. He refuses to be Dante’s dirty little secret.

---

Anger spewed from Kelly. “How could you let this happen Dr. Ford! I can’t understand why someone would do something like this that would potentially hurt so many other people! Last night, I researched and wrote up a proposal for funding for the neonatal unit. Mostly because of Robin and because of him and Carly! And he goes and does something like this, I’m sorry Dr. Ford for getting so angry but I am.”

“Unfortunately until we are able to acquire further funding I can’t even look into any proposals Dr Lee. Now if you will excuse me.” Dr Ford nodded and walked away.

Lainey looked at Kelly with sympathy. She knew where she was coming from. “Kelly, you know you are my best friend but right now, we can’t be yelling at the Chief of Staff. We have to think of ourselves too.”

Kelly sighed and punched the up button for the elevator. “I know. But if Nikolas Cassadine was here right now I would give him a piece of my mind.”

The door opened and Elizabeth walked out. “Hey guys. What did Nikolas do to make you so upset?”

Lainey sighed and looked at Liz. “So you didn’t hear either.”

Elizabeth shook her head as Kelly held the elevator door open. “Your ex brother in law took away the funding for the hospital.”

Elizabeth’s jaw dropped in disbelief. “Are you kidding me?”

Lainey shook her head. “I wish.”

Elizabeth is stunned to hear this news. “I haven’t spoken to Nikolas in a long time, but I’m sure there’s more to this. Let me talk to him. Maybe I can convince him to change his mind.

“I hope you can. Because if you can’t, there are going to be a lot of people adversely affected by this situation. A lot of really good people.” Kelly pats Liz on the shoulder and walks away, the only thing on her mind is how this will affect Robin.

---

Next…on Port Charles
- Ric’s behavior has Alexis concerned
- Maxie goes out with Serena for some fun
- Two mysterious characters arrive in Port Charles
- Serena’s boyfriend is unaware of who he’s dealing with

---

The elevator sounds at General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine steps to head to a board meeting. He looks around the nurses’ station and sees the young nurses laughing as if they haven’t a care in the world. Elizabeth sees Nikolas and goes over to speak to him.

“Nikolas hi. I’ve been meaning to come by and visit you, but you know how Carly feels about me.”

Nikolas’ attention is elsewhere and doesn’t seem to want to speak to Elizabeth. “Well that’s good,” he says sharply. “I haven’t been in the mood for visitors anyway.”

“Oh…well….how are you,” she asks, a bit taken aback by the tone in his voice. “How’s the baby?”

“Victoria is doing well…as well as she can be.” Nikolas checks his watch and mentions he needs to head to the board meeting, as he’s already running late. He excuses himself and takes off, leaving Elizabeth behind.

---

Mac stands up and glances over at Anna. Anna nods. "You did a really good thing by coming to us today Maxie. But you have to know something here. Yes you did a horrible thing when drugging those boys drinks. And I’m know you are going through a hard time. But you have to be held accountable for what you’ve done. I don’t know if I can help you the way I’d like to. However, though you did something illegal, you didn't kill Brandon Wexler. You weren't driving that car. You didn't push Brandon into the street."

Mac paused and Anna continued. "Yes Maxie, I agree. It was very courageous for you to come forward and I know how hard it was. Everything that your Uncle Mac has said is true. You didn't kill Brandon Wexler."

"I just, I feel so guilty because if it wasn't for me, this whole thing wouldn't have happened." sniffs Maxie as she pulls up the sleeves of her shirt and buries her head in her hands.

Anna lowers her voice, "You don't know that. It just may have been Brandon's time."

"Do you want me to call your mother, sweetie?" Mac asks.

Horrified Maxie shakes her head in fear. "No! Please don't Uncle Mac. I don't ever want my mother to know. I am too ashamed to for her to know I did this."

"Ok, Maxie. I won't. Anna and I have to go talk about a few things. We will be right back. I promise you, nothing bad will happen to you." Mac reassures her. Mac and Anna walk to the door and leave a devastated but somewhat relieved Maxie alone.

---

Lucky makes his way down to the docks after getting food from Kelly’s when he sees Sam crying on the ground. He immediately goes into protective mode, wondering if something bad has happened to her. He helps her up and asks what happened. Sam, afraid to reveal too much says she just had a bad moment. Lucky knows she’s lying but doesn’t let it be known he knows. Sam asks if he can take her home. Lucky agrees.

---

Anna and Mac walk into an adjourning room where they could talk about Maxie alone. Mac gets upset and tells Anna that again, he feels that he failed Maxie as a parent. Anna reassures him that he hasn't, that Maxie is an adult and he did a wonderful job raising her. She just doesn't think her choices through. Anna also comments that with Frisco out of her life, Mac did a more than wonderful job with Maxie. They just needed to do damage control now.

Mac leans against the wall and pushes his hair back. "Thank you Anna. I needed to hear that." He pauses before he continues, "But we have to do something. I mean, not like arrest her because a crime was never reported. But I get the feeling from Maxie that she wants to pay for this in some way."

"I agree." Anna says, starting to pace around the room. Both Mac and Anna are deep in thought when Anna raises her head. "I have an idea, and I think you will like it." She relates her idea and Mac nods his agreement. "Anna I think this will be the best think for Maxie."

As they start to head for the door, Mac stops Anna. "You know Anna. It feels good to not fight with you."

Anna smiles softly, "I know Mac. Family crisis makes every argument disappear."

---

Emily walked swiftly into the Metrocourt, her briefcase in hand. She had a meeting with a potential new client, Thomas Cain. ELQ wanted to discuss a possible merger with one of his companies. This was the first time that she was going solo as the project manager for ELQ. She was excited because Tracy had entrusted her with this project, even though she knew A.J. and Skye didn’t think she was ready for this, she knew she was. Over the past few months she had thrown herself into working at ELQ, sometimes working from 6AM and not getting home until midnight.

Emily walked up to the bar and asked where Thomas Cain was. The bartender pointed her to his table. She walked over, smiled, and held out her hand. “Good evening Mr. Cain. Thank you for meeting me. I trust you are finding your time in Port Charles to be eventful.”

“Hmmm, yes thank you.” Thomas murmured a hint of an accent in his voice. He looked up and acted surprised to see how young she was. “It’s Emily Quartermaine, correct?”
“That would be me. Would you care for a drink Mr. Cain?”

Thomas motioned for the waiter, “What will you have Ms. Quartermaine?” Emily asked for a sparkling water. Thomas raised an eyebrow at her. “The lady and I will have a martini, dry. One olive or two?”

Not wanting to get off on the wrong foot, Emily held up two fingers. “Thank you Mr. Cain.” She paused for a moment. How was your flight from New York?”

“It’s Thomas. Yes it was fine.” Wanting to get down to business, he folded his arms on the table. “Now I believe you have a proposal for me?” Thomas asked.

Emily opened her briefcase and took it out. Thomas reached for it and started to flip the pages, glancing through it. When their drinks arrived, he took a sip and leaned back nonchalantly in his chair. “Tell me Ms. Quartermaine, you just joined ELQ, is that correct?”

“A few months ago Thomas. And please, call me Emily. It’s the family business and I felt that it was time I joined.” Emily replied, folding her hands in front of her.

“Hmm.” Thomas stared at her, his hazel eyes piercing hers. He tossed the proposal down on the table. “Tell me Emily,” He picked up his martini and coolly took a sip. “Why couldn’t Tracy be here today?”

Emily returned his gaze and held it. “Mr. Cain, this is my project and I think that you will find that it benefits both you and ELQ. I think...”

Thomas cut her off. “You think or you know? You should know what the benefits are as well as any consequences of this potential merger are Ms. Quartermaine. I do hope you know what they are but before we go any further, where did you get your MBA from?”

Stunned, Emily didn’t know how to answer. “My MBA?”

---

Maxie lifts her blotchy face up when the door opens to her interrogation room. Mac pulls a chair up next to her and hugs her. Anna sits across her and smiles compassionately. Maxie takes a deep breath and asks, "So, what is going to happen to me?"

Anna folds her arms on the table, "Maxie, you will not be charged with any crime if that is what you are thinking."

"But I have to do something for all I have done!" Maxie interrupts.

"We thought you would feel like that," Mac said. "I want you to know something. You have our word that we will not tell your mother. You are an adult and if you want to tell her, you can."

Maxie breathed a sigh of relief as Anna went on. "Maxie, at the hospital there is a peer counseling hotline that you will be working. There are young adults that call in about a variety of problems. Everything from parent and sibling issues, drug and alcohol issues, sexuality issues which include everything from pregnancy to diseases to homosexuality and school issues. You will be trained on the hotline and I want you to work there throughout the summer and fall.”

“I also want you to begin going to therapy Maxie. It’s not a mandatory thing right now, but I do want you to go at least once a month, to talk about your feelings. You did what you did for a reason, and you need to work through it. I will be keeping up with how many hours you will be there."

"Of course I will do it. Thank you." Maxie dropped her head. "I'm just...just so sorry. Thank you so much Anna…dad.” Maxie grabs her purse and begins to head towards the door. Anna calls her name before she leaves.

“Maxie,” she begins with a serious tone. “I want you to understand how much trouble this will get your father and I into should this come out. I had to pull a lot of strings to get this done, and I don’t want you taking it lightly. If you screw up again, you will be held accountable for your actions. You’re an adult now Maxie, you can’t always run to your Mac to get you out of trouble. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Maxie nods her head. “Good, because I don’t want to ever have to do this again. You may go.” Maxie thanks Anna and Mac once again before heading out.

---

Back at GH, Nikolas enters the board meeting that is being held without him in attendance. He enters the room a little angry. Everyone directs their attention to him and seem a bit surprised to see him.

“Mr. Cassadine, we didn’t expect you at today’s meeting,” says one of the board members. “We assumed that you wouldn’t attend given your current family situation.”

“Of course you would assume instead of following procedure and actually contacting me. Nevertheless, I’m here and I have something important to say. So sit down.”

“Mr. Cassadine, you have no authority to—“

“As this hospital’s largest benefactor, I have the right to do anything I damn well please, now sit your ass down,” Nikolas says angrily.

The board member sits down promptly and allows Nikolas to make his statement.

“There is a reason why I have not been to these meetings lately, as I have been tending to a small child, born prematurely at this hospital. I would love to say this is a great hospital. But I cannot. I have witnessed firsthand the incompetence of the staff, management and it’s board members and I am not pleased whatsoever. You all know my family, the Cassadines, have invested a hell of a lot of money into this hospital, more money than any family in the history of this hospital. As the head of the Cassadine Family, I control the finances. I no longer wish to fund a hospital that encourages the kind of incompetence that I’ve witnessed.”

All of the board members begin talking amongst themselves and try to reason with Nikolas, but to no avail. “Effective immediately, I am withdrawing funding from General Hospital. I would prefer Cassadine money be used to at a place that will truly help people, and not be wasted the way it is here. Good day.”

Nikolas taps the table and heads out the door of the board room, leaving everyone stunned with his statements.

---

Next…on Port Charles
- News of Nikolas’ announcement makes its way through the hospital
- Emily drops the ball for ELQ’s latest acquisition
- Lucas doesn’t like being a dirty secret

---

Maxie stands outside the door of the police station. People were rushing past her but she ignored them. She was trying to gather her strength. She had to empty the guilt that was eating her alive for what seemed like forever. Every night she awoke to see Brandon's face looming before her. It would take her a long time to fall asleep again and thankfully, Serena was a heavy sleeper. Maxie shakes her head. She can do this. She opens the door and immediately bumps into Lucky, "Hey Lucky, have you seen my dad? It's really important."

Lucky looks down at Maxie, thinking that with her everything is always important. "Let me see if I can find him. I'll be right back."

Lucky walks down a hallway and Maxie starts to fidget. She watches the second hand on the clock and it barely seems like it is moving to her. Again, a picture of Brandon flashes before her eyes. "I can't do this." She turns and begins to run for the exit.

"Maxie!" Mac calls out, "What a pleasant surprise! I haven't seen you in such a long time. I'm so happy to see you." He walks over to her and gives his wayward niece a hug. "To what do I owe this pleasure? Need money for books or something?"

Maxie keeps her eyes downcast. "I have to talk to you about something really important. Can we go somewhere?"

Immediately Mac senses that Maxie is upset. He leads her to an empty office where they sit down. "Maxie are you ok? You know you can tell me anything. I will do anything for you, I love you like you are my daughter. I hope you know that."

"I do." Maxie takes a deep breath. "Dad, I did something really bad last year and I am so ashamed. I mean, this is really bad and I can't go on like this."

Mac immediately goes into a fatherly role. "Maxie, whatever it is, we can get over it. Just tell me what it is and I can help you."

Maxie flashes back to Dillon telling her why he’ll never be able to be involved with her. She drops her head into her arms and mumbles, "The night that Brandon Wexler was killed....I, I, uh, drugged Lucas and Dillon’s' drinks" Maxie took a deep breath. "And....because I did that...I caused his death." After she confessed, she burst into cathartic tears.

---

Alexis sat behind her desk and dialed Sam’s number again, and becoming very concerned about her eldest daughter. Again, the voice mail answered, and Alexis left yet another message.

“Sam, it’s mom. Please call me back as soon as you get this message. It’s important.” As Alexis hung up the receiver rather abruptly due to frustration, Ric peeked into her office.

“So you are here? I’ve been trying to reach you for a while now and you haven’t been answering the phone.”

“I’m sorry, Ric. I’ve been swamped with work and taking care of some things I need to care of. Have you heard from or seen Sam today?”

“Why?”

“Because I’ve been trying to get a hold of her all day and I keep getting her voice mail. I’ve tried her cell, and at home, and … and I’m getting worried.” Alexis said with worry.

“Sam’s a big girl, I’m sure she’s all right. She can take care of herself.”

“Exactly … that’s what I’m worried about.”

---

Sam reaches into her purse and sees her mother left her yet ANOTHER voicemail. You would think Alexis would get the hint the first 3 times she called. Sam waits around near the docks on Pier 9 for someone. Sam stares into the water and thinks about all the horrible things she’s done since returning from her “death” on Thanksgiving 2006. Lying, manipulating, stealing….not that it would be out of character for her to do so, but the fact that she did it to people she loves is what confounds her.

“You had better have a good reason for contacting me Samantha. I don’t take too well to being summoned.” Helena steps from the shadows glaring at Sam. “I have more important things to do than to meet with you.”

“I have spent the last year doing your bidding Helena. No more. I want my freedom, and I don’t care what I have to do in order to get it. I’m no longer your puppet, find another pawn. You hurt people. You tried to kill Carly and didn’t care that her unborn children, your great-grandchildren would be hurt in the process.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about Samantha.” Helena stares at Sam trying to read her.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about. You had me feed you information about Carly, and then you made your move. I know you’re responsible for Carly’s accident, and I’m going to help put you away.”

---

"I don't think I heard you correctly. All I heard was the night Brandon was killed." Mac's eyes started to show concern.

Maxie raises her tear stained face and sobbed. "The night of....the frat party where..Brandon...was killed.....I. um, I slipped.....a drug....into....Dillon and Lucas'.....drinks." Mac looks shocked as she continues, "I set them up so Brandon would walk in and see Dillon and Lucas about to you know and ....caused them to....fight...and Brandon..he, um, he ran...into the street! I’m so sorry dad. I was…I was just so angry with Dillon for breaking up with Georgie, and I was unhappy and I just….I’m so sorry!"


Mac turns into protective father mode. He smoothes Maxie's hair back and kisses her. He pulls her into his arms like he did when she was little and she cries all the tears that she has been holding in since the frat party. Once her sobbing starts to subside, Mac looks her in the eye. "Maxie, I will be right back. Do not say a word to anyone unless I am in this room, do you hear me?" Maxie sniffs and nods as Mac leaves.

Stunned to his very core, Mac walks quickly down the hall to Anna's office, unaware Anna has been trying to find out more from her WSB contact Charlie regarding the news he contacted her about. Mac and Anna still have yet to bury the hatchet, but this was a family issue and Mac needs Anna. He knocks twice and opens the door. "Anna,"

Anna cuts him off, "Mac, I'm busy here."

"I need you right now. It's Maxie….. and right now, you are the closest thing to a mother she has." Mac closes the door behind him and lowers his voice. "Anna this is serious. She just confessed to me that she drugged Dillon Quartermaine and Lucas Jones’ drinks at the party the night that Lucas’ boyfriend Brandon Wexler was killed."

Anna doesn't hesitate. "Let's go."

When Mac opens the door again, Maxie is seen seated at her chair, wiping her eyes and trying to catch her breath. She is relieved that Mac is back but jumps up in horror to see Anna behind him. "Uncle Mac, what is Anna doing here? I thought you said....everything...would be ok."

---

Back at the docks, Helena snaps her fingers. Suddenly two men appear and grab Sam. Helena walks over and grabs Sam’s dropped purse and begins to go through it.

“What are you doing? There’s nothing in there for you to….” Sam’s voice trails off as Helena pulls out a tape recorder.

“You silly bitch,” Helena begins, “Do you think I’m stupid?”

“That depends…if I say yes will I walk out of here alive?”

“Shut up. Did you really think I would incriminate myself on tape? As if I, Helena Cassadine would be stupid enough to fall for your ploy. If you want to play with the big girls Samantha, you had better learn more tricks.” Helena plays with the digital recorder in her hands before throwing it into the water. She then snaps her fingers for the guards to release Sam.

Sam takes this opportunity to fight off the guards. She low blows guards one, and connects with a punch to another. Sam goes to reach for Helena as she tries to escape and grabs nothing but air. Helena appears behind Sam and grabs her by the hair before pushing her into the wall and grabbing her throat with a knife pressed firmly against her neck.

“You’re going to get yours you evil wench,” Sam says gasping for air. “I’m going to take you down.”

Helena tightens her cold hand around Sam’s throat. “Better women and men than you have tried, and each time they fall short.” Helena lowers her voice to barely above a whisper. “It would take nothing….to have you, your mother or your sisters killed. You have no idea what I’m capable of. Juat ask your mother how I slit her whorish mother’s throat in front of her.” Helena stares at Sam as her eyes begin to fill with tears. She presses the knife closer against her throat and whispers a threat in her ear before walking away.

Sam begins trying to catch her breath and breaks down crying.

---

Anna walks over to Maxie and gives her a compassionate smile and hugs her tight. " ac did the right thing in coming to me. We are all family here." Anna leaned back and grasped Maxie's hands. "Ok, I want you to trust me here. I am going to do for you what I would do for Robin. You just have to trust me. Can you do that?" Maxie hesitates and nods. "When you are ready, I need you to tell me everything that happened that night."

Maxie almost falls into her seat. She looks at the floors and whispers, "Dad, Anna, I am so sorry. I never thought, never believed that when I....when I drugged their drinks....that it would end up like this. I didn't mean to kill him. You have to believe me,” wept Maxie. Mac kneels down next to her and starts to rub her back. She starts to recount everything that happened to Anna from the moment she arrived at the party to the moment Brandon was hit on the street. When she is finished unloading her story, she collapses back in her chair.

Mac stands up and glances over at Anna. Anna nods. "You did a really good thing by coming to us today Maxie. But you have to know something here. Yes you did a horrible thing when drugging those boys drinks. And I know you are going through a hard time. But you have to be held accountable for what you’ve done. I don’t know if I can help you the way I’d like to.”

The fear on Maxie’s eyes is evident as Port Charles comes to a close.

---

Next…on Port Charles
- Mac and Anna try to find a way to help Maxie
- An important acquisition for ELQ is in jeopardy after Emily’s meeting doesn’t go so well
- Lucky finds Sam at the pier
- Nikolas interrupts a board meeting with a major announcement

---

Kelly sat down next to Robin’s bed and Patrick’s chair. “Robin, I found something in your ultrasound.

“You found something, what does that mean?” Robin’s voice rose as she cut her off.
Kelly picked up the wand and put it on Robin’s belly. She maneuvered the wand to where a line appeared to be floating freely. “See this? This is a band of the amnion that has broken free and is now floating in your womb. Right now it isn’t attached to the baby or the umbilical cord. However, if it does attach, there is a very high possibility that your child will have abnormalities or deformities like a cleft palate, missing limbs or webbed feet.”

Robin burst into tears and Patrick held her as he struggled to hold back his own tears. “Oh my God, are you sure? Kelly, what can we do? What about Robin, is she going to be hurt?”

Compassion shown on Kelly’s face as she continued, “Robin will be fine, there is no danger to the mother. There is nothing that can be done here to prevent this; it is just a waiting game. I am 99% sure this is ABS, Amniotic Band Syndrome. I'll put in a call to see if we can get the machine you need to monitor your progress.”

A tear slid from Patrick’s eye, “How, how did this happen?”

Kelly explained, “There are several theories, but the one that most believe is that tissue ruptures and comes loose. We are very lucky in this case because we can monitor Robin and it may not attach itself. ”

“If I’m lucky?” Robin sobs, “If I’m lucky? My baby may have HIV and now may also have some sort of disabilities or abnormalities? Luck is never on my side Kelly.”

Kelly took a deep breath, “Well Robin, if the band attaches, we will go over your options then. I also want to know if I can have your permission to bring Dr Hayward in to consult with me because there might be heart problems for your child.”

Crying, Robin nodded. Kelly stood up, “I’m going to give you some time alone now. I will call the New York Hospital to get you in as soon as possible.” Kelly reaches out her hand and squeezes Robin’s and Patrick’s entwined hands. “I am here for you at any time. Call me or page me at any time if you ever have any questions.” Kelly closes the door behind her and sighs deeply as she hears Robin begin to sob in earnest.

---

Carly was sitting in the rocking chair in the nursery. It was the middle of the night. She was smiling down at her two babies, rocking them to sleep. She had just fed them and now they were yawning. She cherished this time with her sweet babies, when all was quiet and she could bond with her two babies. They were dark haired, blue eyed beauties. Looked just like the perfect combination of her and Nikolas. She drew back the blanket of one of her babies and started to scream…..

Three months earlier….

After the accident, Carly was in and out of consciousness for days. She was not only fighting for her life, but for the life of her babies. Nikolas finally swallowed his pride and asked Jason to bring Michael and Morgan to visit Carly. Even their presence didn’t help much. The doctors were working around the clock to help save her life. Finally, she awoke. Hours later she started to have labor pains. Carly was in premature labor.

Dr. Lee and other doctors worked for close to fifteen hours. Carly’s life was in danger and she was in danger of losing her children. Carly insisted that if it came to it, to save her children instead of her. Nikolas was desperate with fear. Elizabeth called Alexis to be with him. Nikolas feared that the curse of the Cassadines was upon him now.

The delivery of the first child was very difficult. It took several intense hours but finally Carly’s and Nikolas’ daughter was born. She was very small and immediately put into an incubator. Minutes later, their son was born. He too, was smaller and also incubated. Carly had passed out from exhaustion. Because the babies were so premature and undeveloped they were whisked away before Nikolas could have a chance to see them. Until the children developed more and gained more weight, neither Carly nor Nikolas would be able to hold them. They would only be allowed to view them through the incubator.

The next day, Carly was crying to see her children. Dr. Lee allowed her to be wheeled into the nursery. Carly cried into Nikolas’ arms at the severity of the situation. The babies were less than four pounds each. Their lungs weren’t fully developed yet and it was still touch and go on whether they would survive. Because Carly wasn’t yet out of the woods, she had to go back to her room after five minutes but she urged Nikolas to stay with them.

It was New Year’s Eve when everything changed. Nikolas and Carly were able to touch their babies through the glass of the incubator. They talked to the twins’ nonstop. Wanting to make sure their children knew their voices. They told them how much they were loved by family. They even talked about the plans they had for the children. Nikolas could see the fear on Carly’s face, but struggled to remain strong for her. How could he expect her to not be a wreck if he himself was one? He knew they had to remain positive.

Suddenly, one of the monitors went off. “What the hell is that?” Carly screamed. “What’s going on? Nikolas? Someone help us!!”A nurse ran in and demanded that Carly and Nikolas leave. Nikolas tried to walk Carly out but she refused. She refused to leave her children. Soon after Dr. Webber and Dr. Lee ran in and attempted to get Carly to leave while they checked on the children. Carly and Nikolas were pushed to the wall as everyone hovered over one of the incubators. Nikolas held onto a scared and sobbing Carly as he struggled to be strong. He prayed that everything would be all right. Nikolas could only the hissing of a machine and the sound of a flat line. It was the worst sound that he ever heard.

Time seemed to have stopped. Finally after close to an hour, Kelly looked at Carly and Nikolas. She lowered her head and a sad emotion crept upon her face. Carly collapsed to the floor, her eyes swollen from all the crying. Steven called the time of death. Kelly slowly walked over to the crying couple. “I am very sorry. We did everything we could but….I’m so sorry for your loss.”

The months that followed were unbearable. Nikolas was angry at the world and began shutting those who love him out. He internalized his feelings. Carly fell into a deep depression and only was happy in the presence of her children and Victoria Nicole, her new daughter that she desperately prayed would live. Finally Victoria's lungs were developed and she had gained enough weight. She was well enough to take home.

Carly and Nikolas struggled at first. They could not recover from the accident and the loss of their son. Carly suffered from nightmares and woke up screaming every night. Nikolas raged at the world and shut off everyone, including Lucky and Lulu. His entire being revolved around Carly and their children.

Present Day

Nikolas shook Carly awake. He heard her scream from the master bedroom. She now slept in the nursery to be closer to Lauren. “Carly? Carly wake up! You are having a bad dream.”

“Nikolas. Oh God, I was having the same dream where I was rocking the twins and John was gone.” Carly hurried out of bed to check on a sleeping Victoria. “Look at her Nikolas. I can’t believe we almost lost her. I can’t believe that John is gone. Every night I fall asleep and I lose him again and I can’t take it anymore!”

Nikolas struggled to hold back his tears. “Please Carly, come to bed with me. Let me help you.”

“I can’t leave the baby.” Carly wiped the tears off her face, “Unless?”

“Of course you can bring her.” Nikolas said as he watched Carly lift their five month old daughter out of her crib. Together they walked to the master suite where they settled down in the bed, Victoria in between them. They talked quietly for a while, but soon the conversation stopped. Neither Carly nor Nikolas slept much; they were too deep in thought. The only sound that they could hear was the sound of Victoria's breathing.

---

Jason was restless. He walked through the penthouse wondering what to do with his life. Life had changed in the last few months and he really didn’t know what to do anymore. It seemed so foreign to him not to have to report to Sonny anymore. The business was gone. His money, save for a few accounts in the Caymans and in Switzerland that couldn’t be traced were gone. The FBI even took his money from the legitimate business that he had with Sonny. For once, the FBI and the Port Charles police had beaten the mob.

Jason didn’t know where to turn next. He had tentatively made up with his family after Alan’s heart attacks. Before Monica and Alan had left for the clinic in Switzerland, he had made up with his father as best as he could. It felt good. He didn’t want to fight with anyone anymore he just didn’t have it in him. He liked to see Emily every week, but even she had changed since she started working at ELQ. She lost the innocence that was Emily. Everyone else was still the same.

“I just don’t know what to do.” Jason mumbled. He wanted to go see Carly and talk to her about things. But Carly had enough problems going on. Plus that would mean he would have to go to Wyndemere and he wasn’t exactly Nikolas’ favorite person. Nikolas couldn’t get over the fact that Jason could comfort Carly as well if not better than Nikolas could. Jason loved little Victoria as if she was his own. He almost wished he had a child to call his own. Now that he was out of the business, he could be a father. Of course, he needed a mother to go with that child and things with Elizabeth just didn’t work out.

Jason threw on a shirt and pulled on his leather jacket. He really needed to get a job. He needed to do something. He could always reopen his bike shop or work with classic cars. He always loved classic cars. He could buy some, fix them up and resell them for a profit. He would have to think about it. For now, he just wanted to go for a ride. He hopped on his bike, shifted into gear, and took off. A bike ride was the perfect way that Jason knew that could make all the tension go away.