Silent Prayers Chapters 36-39 (end)

Chapter 36

“Ahhhh!” Stefan screamed, as he bounced on one foot and held the other in his hands. Jason walked up behind him and watched the retreating car over his shoulder. He then reached up and slapped Stefan upside the head. Having trouble balancing on one foot anyway, the added force to his head knocked Stefan to the ground.

“May I ask you what that was for?” He spit out.

“For being a doofus.” Jason replied. “Did you think scaring them half to death would help?”

“I was merely anxious to see if they were all in there and safe.” Stefan replied.

Lazily getting out of the van and squatting down in front of Stefan, Luke smiled. “What’s the matter Count? Did the big bad Quartermaine run over your little footsie?”

“I’m glad to see someone is being entertained by all of this.” Stefan returned.

“Emily! Emily!” Liz yelled. “Emily stop! Sto..” Liz was cut off as the car screeched to halt and she was tossed into the front seat.

“What is it?” Emily asked with panic in her eyes. “We’re supposed to be getting out of here. That’s what Nikolas said to do.”

Liz pulled herself up to sit right in the seat. “Yes, but you have us headed toward the house! We need to go the other way.”

Emily realized that she was right. “Okay, but we need to hurry.” Pushing the accelerator back down, she did a sudden U-turn.

Luke looked up as he heard the car coming back. “Well, this is a little luck, at least. Maybe we can get them to stop.” He said. Watching how fast the car was coming, he realized they weren’t planning on stopping.

“Hey Vlad, help me out here. They’re going to speed right by us.”

“What do you suggest Spencer?” Stefan asked, as he hobbled to his feet.

“You stand on that side of the road, I’ll get this side. When I say go, jump and try to get a handle on the trunk. Once they see us in the mirror, they’ll stop.”

“Won’t that be rather difficult to accomplish?” Stefan asked.

“Of course. That’s why two of us are trying. At least one of us is bound to land on the pavement or fall off.” Luke said grinning.

Stefan shook his head and looked to the sky as if it held some answer.

“Liz! I can’t see anything!” Emily yelled.

“Lights, Emily, lights!” Liz returned.

“Where are they?” Emily asked. Trying everything, she swerved back and forth across the road, windshield wipers swishing back and forth.

“No, that’s wrong.” Liz said. “Here.” Reaching over Emily to turn on the lights, she was jerked from side to side as the car swerved, and she bumped the brights on, just as they were nearing Stefan and Luke.

Shielding his eyes, Luke stumbled back from the road. “Wo..” He said.

“Go?!” Stefan asked, and jumped.

“Hey, Em, stop! It’s Luke!” Liz yelled, and Emily slammed on the brakes. Blinded by the light, misunderstanding Luke, and being all around nervous, Stefan ended up landed on the hood, his face pressed to the windshield. Finding herself staring straight into his eyes with only glass between them, Emily began to yell at the top of her lungs. Jason ran over, and nearly knocked down Liz, who was exiting on the passenger side. He crawled in the car and calmed Emily down.

“It’s okay, Em, it’s just Stefan. He’s scary, but he won’t hurt you.” Jason said soothingly.

“Oh, thank goodness it’s just you guys!” Emily exclaimed, and threw her arms around Jason. They both turned at the knock on the glass.

“If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, Ms. Quartermaine, could you please turn off the wipers?” Stefan asked.

Jason laughed, and turned them off, laughing harder as they came to a stop hitting him on the head.

Helping, well, more like pulling, Stefan off of the hood, Luke slapped him on the back. “Remind me to tell the boys how ridiculous you looked when we get them back.” He said, then turned serious. “Girls, I’m glad you’re both safe.”

“Thank you Mr. Spencer, but Lucky is still in there.” Liz said. “He went to distract Daniel for us, and then Nikolas took of to the house after him”

Seeing they were rather distraught, Alexis pulled them both over to the van they had came in. “Why don’t you girls sit tight in here with me, okay?” She asked. “Luke, Jason, Laura, and Stefan will go get the boys.” The girls nodded, and got in.

Giving Alexis a grateful smile through the van window, Laura turned to the others. “Well, we are far enough from the house, at least, that they shouldn’t have heard too much.”

Luke nodded. “Right, so let’s go get our boys.”

“Lucky!” The voice called again. Feeling his heart nearly drop out of him, he slowly turned around. He stared into the eyes of Helena Cassadine, and gave her an evil glare. Then his eyes traveled down to the little girl still persistently calling his name. “Lulu?” He asked, in a hoarse whisper. Dropping to his knees, he held his arms out. “Lulu, come here darlin’”

Leslie Lu tried to run to him, but Helena held her back by the shoulders. Lucky looked up at her in shock, and noticed slightly that Daniel had the same expression.

“Once again, Daniel, your plan has failed, and you’re lucky, no pun intended, that I’m here to back you up.” Lucky looked at them both, his head spinning. Somehow, he had come to think of Helena as someone who wouldn’t stop him from leaving, someone who would be a friend. His face turned to horror as he now saw her pull out a knife.

“Why don’t you put the gun down, Lucky?” She said absently. “It might serve in your sister’s best interest.

Shaking, Lucky placed the gun on the floor and stood back up. Helena looked over at Daniel triumphantly. “Well, Mr. Forst, how do like that? I overheard you conversation in here, and it appears I have done what you couldn’t. I put the fear back in his eyes.”

“Well, Helena, you’ve bested me this time, but it won’t last my dear.” He said, and looked down at Lulu. “Hello Leslie Lu, come here my sweetie.” Lulu made no movement, and Helena wouldn’t have let her, anyway.

“I don’t think so, Daniel.” She said. “Little Leslie Lu will be quite fine with me, as well Lucky and Nikolas. Did you really think I’d let you take over the Empire? Your not even blood.”

Daniel glared at her. “Don’t do something you will regret, Helena.”

“I already have.” She replied. “I’ve let you live far too long.”

Lucky moved closer to Helena while she was engrossed in her conversation with Daniel. He sent Lulu a reassuring smile. Squirming in Helena’s grasp to get to her brother, Lulu knocked over the desk chair next to her. Startled by the noise, Helena let her guard down. Daniel pounced on her in a second, twisting the knife out of her hands.

“Lulu, come on!” Lucky yelled. Lulu ducked under Helena, and ran to Lucky, but was stopped as Daniel grabbed her dress and pulled her back. She screamed and started to cry. Panicked by the situation, Lucky grabbed the gun again. Daniel smiled at Helena, with Lulu in one hand and the knife in the other.

“Like I said, my dear, it won’t last. I have the upper hand once again.” He said. They both looked up startled when they heard Lucky’s voice.

“No! Neither one of you wins this time.” He had the gun pointed at Daniel, his hand shaking hard. Daniel frowned at the look in his eyes. They were frantic, and nearly unstable..

Chapter 37

This time was different than when Lucky had the gun pointed at him before. It had just been for insurance then that he would be able to leave. Now, Daniel thought, he might just go through with it. “Let my sister go.” Lucky said, bringing his other hand up to the gun as well to steady himself. He still shook, and his voice came out strangled. “I’m tired of this. You hurting me and my family. But it’s going to be over soon.”

Helena backed herself up against the wall, taking the situation in with wide eyes. She needed to get herself out of this, before her son and Luke showed up, which they surely would.

“Lulu, come here kiddo.” Lucky said softly, holding a hand out to her. Daniel looked at both of them, and then let go of Lulu. She ran over to Lucky and hid behind him. “It’s okay, sis. It’s all okay now.”

Alexis reached over and turned off the radio no one was paying attention too. She got up and climbed into the back, next to the girls.

“I hope you both realize this is the end of it all. Daniel and Helena will got to prison for the rest of their lives, and this time tomorrow we’ll all be safe and sound at home.” She said. Emily and Liz nodded at her.

“I can’t imagine growing up this way.” Liz said. “Do you think Lucky had to feel like this all the time?”

“No. No, I don’t.” Alexis said. “The Spencers’ life was probably more hectic than we care to imagine, but I think that it suited them just fine. They moved a lot, and yes, their lives were in danger. But it was just a big adventure to all three of them. They’ve spent some time apart lately, but you can always see the connection between them. They got through everything for each other, and that’s a feeling that can only make you happy.”

She got smiles from both girls, and then changed the subject. “By the way, there is something I’ve been wondering about. We came in this van, and the other one is at the hotel still. Just where in the world did that car Lucky and Nikolas drive here come from?”

The girls looked at each other, thinking the same thing. Yep, Lucky loved adventure all right. Catching on, Alexis gasped, but then all of their faces broke out in a grin.

Nikolas crept up on the house, and jumped out of his skin when a hand suddenly came down over his mouth. He looked up into the eyes of Luke Spencer, who silently brought a finger up to his lips, and then let go of him. Turning around, he saw Laura and Stefan with him. They followed Luke up to front of the house, where, after scanning for a little bit, Luke walked right through the front door. They were in a spacious, empty room. Walking into the center, Luke knew this wasn’t a man to try and sneak around. He had to be faced. Bringing his hands up, he cupped them around his mouth. “Daniel Forst, you have a visitor. Get out here now, and you better bring my unharmed son with you.”

Everyone looked to the door when they heard Luke Spencers’ voice echoing down the hall. Lucky glanced at Helena and Daniel, and then crouched down next to his sister.

“Lulu, I need you to do something for me. I want you to run out the door and go to daddy. Can you do that?” He asked. Lulu nodded. Lucky smiled, and kissed her on the cheek. “You’re so brave. I love you.” Lulu ran to the door. She turned back and looked at Lucky again, and then left to find her daddy. Lucky turned back around, and raised the gun again. “What kind of monsters are you? Competing for some stupid place at the head of a family, and using children to get it?” Moving closer, he stood over Daniel, who was crouched on the floor from his struggle with Helena for the knife. “You are the poorest excuse for a human being I have ever seen. You hurt others for your own pleasure, and that’s disgusting. Only someone made of pure evil could do that.” Lucky swallowed hard. “But you still can’t make me afraid of you. You know what you’re seeing right now? Hate. Hate for a man who is so empty hearted and cruel inside that even if he destroyed everyone and everything in sight he still wouldn’t be happy. Hate for you. You don’t deserve to live.” Daniel leaned back on his elbows as far as he could as Lucky came ever closer, and kneeled beside him. Smiling distantly, yet triumphantly, he pressed the end of the gun against Daniel’s forehead. “The fear is in your eyes, now, Daniel.” He whispered in his ear. “I win.”

No longer trembling, Lucky took the knife from Daniel and placed it on the desk. Turning his eyes to Helena, they clouded over. “For awhile I trusted you.” He said, and shook his head. “For awhile.”

Helena looked at him with a saddened face. “Sometimes a person will go to great lengths after a goal they desire, and then push it away when they realize they just might accomplish it. I don’t expect you to understand, Lucky, I don’t myself.”

Lucky looked at her with his mind racing. He just didn’t know what to make of her. “You’re right, I don’t understand. But I also think I don’t want to.”

They all jumped as the door was knocked in, and it fell to the floor along with Luke. He jumped up quickly, and engulfed Lucky in a hug. He finally pulled back, and wiped a hair out his son’s face.

“You okay Cowboy?” He asked.

Lucky nodded, and then got a strange expression on his face. “You know, the door was unlocked. You could have just turned the knob instead of knocking it off its hinges.”

Luke laughed loudly, and hugged his son again, joined this time by his wife and daughter. When they looked up, Nikolas and Stefan had Daniel on his feet, with his hands tied behind his back. Lucky scanned the room for Helena. Not there, and the other door was wide open. He sighed. Maybe it was best this way.

“Good job, Vlad. Any sign of Mommy Deadliest?” Luke asked.

Stefan shook his head. “No, but she couldn’t have gotten far. I’ll search the grounds.”

“Good.” Luke said. “Lucky, Nikolas, why don’t you both go with your mother and sister and let the girls know you’re okay.”

“Luke, aren’t you coming. I want us all out of here.” Laura said.

“I’ll be along in a minute, darlin’.” Luke said. The boys, Laura, and Lulu headed out the door for the van, and Stefan went off to look for Helena. Once he was sure everyone was out of sight, Luke stared at Daniel and took a step forward.

“Well, Mr. Forst, I think it’s about time we had a little chat.”

Chapter 38

Luke glared at Daniel for a long time before speaking. “You’ve gotten away with far too much for far too long.” He said, as he lazily pulled out a cigar, lit it, and placed it haphazardly in his mouth. Smiling dangerously at Daniel, he continued. “But that’s all over now.”

Daniel smiled back at him, amused. “And who says it’s all over?” He asked. “No jail cell could keep me detained for long.”

Luke’s smile turned to one of disgust, as he grabbed Daniel’s collar in his fist and pushed him against the wall. Moving till he was just inches from his face, Luke blew out the smoke from his cigar. Daniel coughed and turned away, but Luke roughly pulled his chin to face him. “Listen to me you bastard. If you ever even think about my son in that devil warped mind of yours, you won’t live to regret it.” Stepping back, Luke took a long draw from his cigar, and then looked back at Daniel. “You better hope jail can hold you, because it’s the only place you’ll be safe. Cause if you ever step foot outside of it, I’ll kill you before you can finish your first breath of fresh air.”

“You’ll be the one to regret all this.” Daniel breathed. “Maybe not today, but soon.”

“And maybe not tomorrow, but soon, and for the rest of my life, right Scarlet?” Luke asked irritated. “Well guess what darlin’, I really don’t give a damn. Now let’s get going, the Port Charles Police Department has a bed waiting on you to warm it.”

Luke walked over and grabbed Daniel by the arm to lead him out, and Daniel resisted. Fed up with him, Luke responded by pushing him to his knees and holding the lit end of his cigar to the back of his neck. Daniel yelled out in agony. Luke leaned down to whisper in his ear. “Haven’t been convinced yet?” He asked, as he pushed the cigar further into his skin. Daniel’s face contorted in pain and sweat poured down his forehead. Luke took pleasure in this. “Now I want to know that you’re going to be a good boy and do what Papa Luke says. Are you going to be a good boy?” Daniel remained silent, so Luke twisted his arm as well. “I’m waiting for your answer.” Luke said through gritted teeth. “Are you going to be good?” Daniel nodded, and Luke pulled the cigar away from his neck. Dropping the cigar to the floor and stomping it out, he then pulled Daniel to his feet and pushed him out the door.

Outside the house, Lucky stared back at it. Jason, Laura, and Nikolas stopped and watched him. Laura walked to stand behind him, and laid a hand on his shoulder. Lucky turned and smiled at her, enveloping her in a hug.

“It’s all over now mom.” He whispered, his joy pouring through in his words.

Laura smiled at him as she pulled back and took his face in her hands. “Yes it is.” She said. “You beat this, and I’m so proud of you.”

Lucky reached up and closed his hand around one of his mother’s. “No, we beat it.” He said, as he looked up at the others. His eyes rested on his precious little sister in his brother’s arms before looking back at his mother and grinning. “We all beat this, together.”

Laura couldn’t hold the tears back, so she wrapped her arms around her son again, and then led him back to the car.

“Liz, you’re going to have nothing left of those jeans except thread pretty soon.” Alexis said. Liz looked down and realized she was furiously rubbing her hands back and forth on her knees. She folded her arms across her chest to stop herself, but found that was just to much of an inactive state for her to sit in, considering how worried she was. She looked up at Alexis, who gave her an encouraging smile, and Emily, who stared out the window for any sign of Nikolas. Liz just couldn’t stand it any longer.

“I’m going to wait outside.” She said, as she got up. Alexis was about to protest, but stopped herself. Both girls were on edge right now, with good reason, and arguing with them wouldn’t help.

Jumping out of the van and closing the door behind her, Liz brought her arms close to her as she shivered. It had gotten colder while they were waiting. She looked up at the sky, and smiled. The stars shone brightly. They were so pretty, she thought. She smiled wider then. She wasn’t afraid of the stars anymore. A wind blew slightly through the few trees that were around, making the leaves dance. Getting a familiar feeling in her heart, Liz turned and peered into the darkness. She heard someone coming from the field. The wind blew a little harder around her, but she didn’t notice. Her eyes were transfixed on another pair of deep blue. “Lucky!” She screamed as she ran forward.

Coming to the end of the field, Lucky had stopped and stared. There was Liz, his angel, looking right at him, and in him, to his soul. The wind played with her hair, and her whole face lit up as she hurried to him. Not realizing he held the same expression, he grabbed Liz around the waist and swung her around in the air. Her laughter rang through the night, and Lucky wondered if there could possibly be a more beautiful sound in the world. Finally, he set her down and looked at her.

“Hey.” He said smiling.

“Hey” She replied. They both laughed. So much had happened since they’d been apart, but both knew nothing had to be said. Somehow, they knew it all with out speaking any words. Liz wrapped her arms around his neck, and closed her eyes as she felt his lips softly meet hers.

Laura stood and watched her son and Liz with a mixture of pride and heartbreak. She loved Liz, and was happier than she ever imagined she would be that Lucky had found someone that made him so happy. At the same time, though, she couldn’t help but be saddened at the thought that her son was all grown up now.

“Um, I know you’re a mother and all, but I’m pretty sure they won’t appreciate it if they see that you’re staring at them.” Jason said from behind her.

Laura turned around and laughed. “You’re right, I was just taking a last glance before I face reality and the fact that my son doesn’t need me any more.”

Jason smiled at her sympathetically and put a hand on her shoulder. “He’ll always need his mother.” He said. “Just not in the same way any more.”

“Thank, you Jason. I know that, but I still haven’t accepted it yet..” She got a mischievous grin and motioned back to Lucky and Liz. “Just wait until that’s Michael." Jason got a look of dread on his face, causing Laura to laugh.

Opening the door to the van, Nikolas burst in and went straight to Emily, whose eyes widened and shone happily at the sight of him.

“Nikolas!” She cried, and threw her arms around him. Nikolas hugged her back. “Are you okay?” He asked.

“Of course I am, what about you?” She replied.

“Well, I’m fine, except for one thing.” He said.

“What?” She asked frantically.

Nikolas grimaced and exchanged an amused look with Alexis. “You’re choking me.”

Emily pulled back with her mouth opened wide. “I’m so sorry, are you okay?”

“I don’t know.” Nikolas said, rubbing his neck. “I think I need medical attention.”

Emily’s expression turned to one of irritation and she playfully slapped him on the arm. “You big bully, I was..” Emily was cut off as Nikolas grabbed her by the arm and pulled her into a kiss.

Alexis smiled at them as she exited the van. Outside, she found Luke slowly walking down the road, pushing a very angry looking Daniel in front of him. “Jason, could you do me a favor?” He asked, as he came to a stop in front of everyone.

“Sure, what is it?” He asked.

“Well, I want to spend a little time with my family, and I really don’t want Mama Cass’s sidekick present. Would you drive him to the next town so we can assure he will be properly supervised until we get him to Port Charles?”

“Of course.” Jason said, smiling. “I’m sure I can make it a very pleasant ride.”

Luke smiled back at him. “Don’t forget to save room for the Mistress of Evil.”

“I’m afraid that won’t be necessary.” Stefan said grimly, as he walked up to the group.

Luke’s eyes darkened. “Don’t tell me she morphed into a bat and flew off to her hide-out cave.” He said sarcastically.

“It would appear so.” Stefan said. “I’ve searched the grounds, and there is no sign of her anywhere.”

Sighing, Luke looked around at his family. Everyone was tired, this had been going on forever. “Well, we’ll have to save the sweet treat of cuffing Helena for some other day, then. Let’s head home.”

Jason began to stuff Daniel into the back of the car, but was stopped by Lucky.

“May I?” He asked. Jason stepped back and nodded. Lucky jerked Daniel’s still tied up arms roughly as he guided him into the car. Closing the door, Daniel yelled as it slammed on his finger. “Ew, sorry ‘bout that.” He said reopening the door. Daniel leaned over to say something to him, but Lucky quickly closed the door again, knocking him hard in the head. “My bad again.” He smirked.

Everyone else piled into the van. It was very crowded with everyone squeezed into it, but it really didn’t bother anyone. They were just happy to be going home, safely. Stefan was the last to climb in. He stood staring out into the night as the others settled themselves in.

“You’ll show up again, mother.” He said. “And I’ll be waiting for you.” Turing, he got in the van, and joined his family, which had grown greatly since the start of this adventure. Stefan smiled at this thought.

Chapter 39

Luke leaned back against the car smoothly, one hand in the pocket of his long dark coat, the other holding a cigar to his mouth. Beside him was his son, the spitting image of him, minus the cigar. They defined the image of men in black perfectly. As they looked on, a plane landed, and they watched the passengers piling off. After everyone else was off, two police officers escorted Daniel Forst off the plane, and came to a stop near the Spencers. Lucky grinned at him broadly.

“Taggert,” He spoke, not taking his eyes of Daniel, “I see a piece of trash littering the community. Could you take it away please?”

“With pleasure.” Taggert replied, walking from his police car parked next to them. He led Daniel to the car, giving him a helpful kick in the rear to get in. After slamming the door, he turned back to Luke and Lucky.

“I know we’ve definitely had our differences in the past.” He began. “But I promise you I will make sure that scumbag rots in jail for the rest of his life.”

Luke nodded. “I trust that you will.” He then turned to his son. “What do you say we get out of here?”

“I say great, if I can drive.” Lucky replied.

“Will you pay attention to the speed limit?” Luke questioned.

“Of course.” Lucky said seriously then turned mischievous. “That is, when the cops are around.”

“Now that’s an answer that makes me proud.” Luke replied, as he tossed the keys to him. Getting into the pink Cadillac, father and son pulled out matching sunglasses. Scanning the radio stations, Luke stopped on one playing blues, as he was pushed against his seat. He glanced over at his son and smiled at the foot holding the accelerator to the floor. Yep, his son made him proud, in more ways than one. Taggert looked up at the sound of squeaking tires and a roaring engine. According to the law, he should go after them, but he just smiled, and headed for the PCPD.

Nikolas smiled at his mother as he handed his little sister to her. “She’s amazing.” He said. “It must have been terrifying for her to be kidnapped by Helena, but she’s smiling right now like everything is right with the world.”

“Well, maybe that’s not too far off.” Laura said. “We came out of this triumphant, and without that silly feud.”

“Yeah, I admit I hated that we had to go through all that, but I still love how it brought me closer to Lucky, not to mention Emily.” Nikolas said, and paused as he looked at his mother. “And you.”

Laura grinned at him, and set Lulu down on the floor to walk her son to the door.

“Don’t forget to be at the dinner at eight.” She reminded.

“I won’t, and yes, I’ll bring the girls too, and no, I won’t eat a lot beforehand and spoil my dinner.” Nikolas teased.

“You know, for being rather new yet at this mother son dialogue, you sure have your end down quick.” Laura said.

“What can I say, it just all seems to come out naturally around you.” Nikolas said, and gave his mother a hug and a kiss before he left, just missing Bobbie.

“Lulu!” Bobbie yelled, pushing her way past Laura into the Spencer house. She grabbed Lulu and hugged her tightly.

“She’s fine Bobbie.” Laura said smiling.

Turning to her not-so-dear sister-in-law, Bobbie spoke sincerely. “Laura, I’m so sorry. She was gone before I could do anything.”

“It’s all right. Helena plays deviously, we all know that.” Laura said.

“Well, for what it’s worth,” Bobbie replied, “I’m glad you’re home safe. And I do mean all of you.”

“Thank you, Bobbie.” Laura said. “We’re going to hold a celebration dinner tonight at the Port Charles Grill. I think we would all love it if you joined us.”

“I’d like that.” Bobbie replied. “I’ll be there.”

Lucky sat on the edge of the docks, staring at the water. From his hand dangled Daniel’s medallion. Looking at it, images flooded his mind, and he closed his eyes. He saw his mother and father running frantically, pulling him along from some unseen enemy. He saw Helena’s brother, Louis, holding him back, and taking him to Daniel. The picture of the man Daniel forced him to shoot sprung up next, causing him to cringe. He relaxed as his mind moved on to being reunited to his parents and coming to Port Charles. For the first time he realized how much this town meant to him. It was his first real home. It had brought him his first real friend, Emily, his first real love, Liz, and more family and friends than he ever dreamed of having. Growing up he always just thought his parents were all he needed, but he realized everyone else was immensely important to him too. These people that he had met and connected to in his new life had helped him overcome the things that happened to him in the old one. Opening his eyes again, he smiled. Taking one last look at the medallion, he let it slip into the water. He didn’t need it anymore.

Lucky looked up as a hand rested on his shoulder. He found Liz crouching down beside him, smiling. “Ready for the dinner?” She asked. Lucky nodded at her.

“I’ll always be ready for anything that you’ll be at.” Liz blushed as she stood, and pulled Lucky up with her. They found Nikolas and Emily waiting for them at the top of the dock’s stairs. The brothers each put an arm around the waist of their girl, and then their other arm on each other’s back. All connected, the four teens took off, a new air of acceptance and eagerness of the future following them.

A lone figure stepped out of the shadows below them, and watched them walk off. Moving over to where Lucky had sat, they reached down to where the chain of the medallion had gotten caught on a floating stick, and pulled it out of the water. Closing it tightly in one hand, the figure moved away again.

Glasses clinking, the smell of the finest gourmet food, and the sound of laughter filled the atmosphere at the Port Charles Grill that night. Lucky looked around at everyone happily. Some he knew better than others, but all them held a place in the wonderful life he just realized he had. Nikolas and Emily were laughing quietly next to him on his left. Stefan sat next to them, smiling at his nephew. Alexis was there with Ned, looking truly happy. His parents sat at the other end of the table, gazing into each other’s eyes. He took pride at the way they were as in love as they ever were. Jason was there, and had brought along Carly. He didn’t know her well, but she was family, and he hoped, no, knew, he would soon. She did display all the wonderful signs of a true Spencer. Next to her were his aunts, Bobbie and Amy, then Lucas and Lulu. Finally, on his right was Liz, who was his everything. He grabbed her hand and they smiled at each other. It was wonderful to have everyone there together, and for once forgetting their differences and just enjoying life.

Outside, the figure appeared again, peering in through a window. Enviously, they looked on, as the guests all talked and laughed as if it were the greatest night of their lives. Making a silent vow to themself, the figure backed away slowly, still casting backward glances at the happy gathering for as long as they could be seen.

 

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