| Chapter Eighteen Stefan was working on some paper work when Lucky walked into the den. He looked around for Stavros and then went up to the desk. "Master Stefan. Can I ask you to get me something the next time you leave on one of your trips?" Lucky asked him softly. "Sure. I'll get anything you want. You know that I would. Just tell me what it is," Stefan said. "Nikolas' birthday is a week and I want to get him something. I don't have any money, but I am painting him a picture of his favorite place. I ran out of the color brown. I know I can only get new colors once every two months but that will be too late. Could you make an exception this time?" Lucky asked, not looking at Stefan once. "I'll get it, just give me the tube and I'll get your color," Stefan said to the boy. The eight-year-old smiled and quickly left the room. Stefan shook his head and closed his eyes. "He shouldn't have to beg for everything. I wish my brother was dead," Stefan thought. Stefan flew to the main land the next day and picked up some art supplies for Lucky and he was heading back to the copter when he ran across a poster of James Dean and Marilyn Monroe. He picked them up for Nikolas for his birthday. He was hoping Nikolas would like them. He realized how little he knew about his own son, and they lived on the same island. But with Helena around, a close relationship wasn't possible. Two weeks later Nikolas' birthday was celebrated in style. Lucky tried to look happy but it was hard for him to celebrate. Lucky dreamed of the day that he could have a party just like Nikolas. He wasn't even allowed to give his present to him until they were alone. Stavros wouldn't allow it and ordered Lucky to stay in the background so he wouldn't spoil the party. "I hate him. I hate him. I hate him," Lucky thought to himself but his face showed none of it. He was calm and polite to everyone at the party but inside, Lucky wanted to scream. "This isn't fair. I'm a person, too." Late that night, Lucky walked into Nikolas' room carrying the present he made. "Master Nikolas, I have your present. I wasn't allowed to give it to you until now," Lucky said, handing him the present. "I know and thank you," Nikolas said opening the present. The painting was the cliffs above the house. Nikolas looked up at Lucky and said. "I love it. You got our place down to the slightest detail. Thanks and I'll have it hung up tomorrow." "I'm glad you like it and happy birthday. Good night, Master Nikolas," Lucky said and headed to his room. Lucky noticed Stavros hanging around the door to his room and ducked into Alexis' room. She was sitting at her desk looking over some paper work. She noticed Lucky was breathing hard and looked pale. "Stavros is in your room," she said, without a second thought. "Yes," Lucky said softly. "You can stay with me tonight. Get your pajamas on and climb into bed," she told him. Lucky did what she said and he was fast a sleep in no time. Alexis joined him later that night and he moved closer to her. "You are such a sweet kid. I just wish Stavros would leave you alone," she said, brushing her hand through his hair. Lucky woke up the next day. He didn't feel too well but didn't say anything. Stavros had called him a baby and whiner too many times in the past few weeks. So, Lucky was just going to keep quiet and not cause any trouble. He hardly ate anything and he had trouble concentrating on his lessons. He was happy when the break was called. He just wanted to go to sleep. But that afternoon Alexis and Stefan were going to take the boys to the cliff for a separate celebration, for just the four of them. He went to get changed and as he turned the corner, Lucky ran into Stavros, who was waiting for him. "I have a question for you and I want the truth," Stavros said glaring down at Lucky. "What can I do for you Master Stavros?" Lucky asked him trying to think of a way out of this trouble. "You asked Stefan to get you more supplies didn't you?" He said moving even closer to the boy. Lucky tried back up but Stavros grabbed him hard by the arm and was about to strike him when Stefan walked up and grabbed his brother's arm. "Stavros, he asked for a single tube of paint. I gave the rest to him as a treat. He needed it to make Nikolas' present. He doesn't get any money to buy anything and you won't let us take him off this island. So, you should be mad at me not him. Lucas, go to your room and get ready for our outing. I'll handle my brother," Stefan said, pulling Lucky's arm loose from Stavros. The second Lucky was free he ran down the hall and quickly disappeared. Stefan watched him go and then turned to Stavros. "I don't get you. I know Luke killed our father, but its not like our father was nice to you and you know that. So, why do you care about Lucky? Or this all about Laura? You can't still think she loved you. She married you only because Helena said so and nothing more. Tell me Stavros, why do you beat a boy half your size and act as if he dirt? You don't love Lucas but at least treat him as person. Like you wanted to be treated," Stefan said to his brother. Stavros smiled an odd smile and then landed at sucker punch right into Stefan's ribs. He didn't expect the blow and went down hard to the ground. Stavros then kicked him in the same spot and grabbed Stefan by the hair. He was about to hit him again when Helena turned the corner holding Lucky's hand. She looked at the scene in disgust and yelled out. "STAVROS STOP! Let him go and tell me what this is about this time." Stavros just stood there not saying a word. Stefan was trying to get his breath back and when he, did he spoke up. "Stavros is angry that I gave Lucas some extra paint supplies. He needed one color to finish Nikolas' present. He asked nicely and explained the reason. He has been good and I thought he deserved a treat. My brother didn't think so," Stefan said getting up to his feet. "I have had it with you bullying everyone. Stavros, from now on Stefan decides what Lucas gets and what he doesn't. You keep out of it and if I see you push, yell, or belittle this boy ever again you are mine. You are still in charge of his punishments but you better have a very good reason to lay one finger on him or so help me god, I will make sure you were sorry you were ever born," Helena said getting right in his face. "Now, Stefan take Lucas and go on your little trip," Helena said handing Lucky over to him. Stavros was shoved down the hall by her and the two of them disappeared from sight. Stefan looked down at Lucky in shock, Helena never stood up for either of them before. He was wondering what his mother was up to. Stefan noticed that Lucky's breathing was off and smiled at him. "Don't worry about Stavros. I think my mother might have had enough and put a tight leash on him. I'll go see the doctor and you get ready for our outing. I'll met you in back of the house in five minutes," Stefan said. Chapter 19 Return to Cassadine Revenge |