| Chapter Seventeen Helena was right. Lucky shut down and didn't move for weeks. Stefan and Alexis took turns sitting in Lucky's room playing a jazz CD over and over. The doctor treated his back, but left his psychological problems up to them. Stefan was worried that Lucky wouldn't wake up in time for Christmas. Not that it mattered. Stefan tried to remember a holiday that Lucky had enjoyed. He couldn't think of one. Christmas came and went that year. Lucky was placed on an IV to keep him fed and as time passed, even Helena was worried that things had gone to far. The Cassadines acted as if nothing was wrong on the outside. Nikolas had put Lucky's presents in his room. He even visited Luke and Laura and lied about how he was doing. They didn't know when or if Lucky would ever wake up this time. Stefan hadn't moved from Lucky's side in days, following Christmas. He was tired and about give up. Helena had made excuses for his absence at New Years. Nikolas walked quietly into the room and sat beside his uncle. "Uncle Stefan, Lucky isn't going wake up, is he?" Nikolas asked him. "He will but it is going to take time. Your father went too far this time," Stefan said. "No, my Uncle Stavros went too far. My father is waiting for my brother to wake up," Nikolas told him. Stefan looked at the ten-year-old in shock and asked, "Who put that idea in your head?" "Stavros told me at Christmas," Nikolas said, and handed him the card he got from Stavros. Stefan read the card and went cold. He looked at Nikolas and said, "Yes, I'm your father but Nikolas, I never wanted to lie to you. Your grandmother ordered me not to tell you," Stefan went to his knees and pulled Nikolas close. "I know and I understand. I wouldn't have if I haven't seen what they do to Lucas. I'm glad you are my father and not Stavros. I would love to be able to call you father but I guess that isn't allowed," Nikolas said to him and hugged Stefan back. "Your right but unlike Lucas, you can see me everyday. Don't ever think that I don't love you. I love you and Lucas with all my heart. You are my son by blood and Lucas is my son by heart," Stefan said. "Laura knows doesn't she?" Nikolas asked. "Yes and don't hate your mother. She never told you because that is what they wanted. She has been thought a lot with you and Lucas. She is a strong woman and very brave. I love her but I know she belongs to Luke," Stefan said. "Dad. I love you," Nikolas said. Stefan smiled and pulled Nik to him again. They both sat and waited for Lucas to wake up. Alexis arrived just before midnight and joined them. Stefan gave her the card and she read it. Alexis looked at Nikolas who was sleeping in Stefan's arms. She mouthed the words, "Is everything all right?" Stefan nodded his head and sat holding his son, with the knowledge that Nikolas knew the truth and understood. The word dad ran thought his mind and cherished it. He was determined to give Luke the same feeling. He just didn't know how yet, but he had hope for the first time in years. Lucky didn't come around until a week after the New Year. He had to stay in bed for a month. He only remembered part of what happened and Stefan was glad, because the truth was even too much for him. Lucky opened his presents but didn't care about missing Christmas. He was playing with the toys that were supposed to be from Luke and Laura. Stavros entered the room and demanded that they be turned over. Lucky didn't fight him and just placed the toys in Stavros' arms. He watched him walk away trying not to cry. Lucky wished with all his heart that Stavros would die and Helena would change. Maybe when that happened, his parents could get out of prison and come home. He laid his head back into the pillow and cried. Chapter 18 Return to Cassadine Revenge |