| Chapter Twenty Three Nikolas shook Lucky awake Christmas morning. "Lucas get up its Christmas," he said. Lucky rolled over and gave him his who cares look and tried to go back to sleep but Nikolas wouldn't let him. This day was going to be different because he had a surprise for his brother. Lucky finally got up and got dressed. He complained that Nikolas always woke him the same way every year and this day meant nothing to him any more. Nikolas just smiled a knowing smile and the two of them headed down to see what surprises were in store for them. Lucky was nervous and tried to tell himself things were going to be different. He just had to be good and not anger Stavros. Helena passed out the presents and Lucky watched the family open their gifts. Lucky painted each one a painting but only Stavros left his untouched. Helena glared at him but she wasn't going to change his mind. Helena's painting was of her favorite spot in the garden. She smiled at the boy and said, "I love it, Lucas and you can open your gift now even before we are done opening ours." She looked at Stavros when she said those words. He just sat there glaring at the boy. "I don't like the way he is looking at me," Lucky thought to himself. He opened the presents in the same order as every year: Helena, Nikolas, Stefan, Alexis, and then his parents. He knew the game that was coming and he hated it. He got good enough to guess who got him what. Stavros always picked out some kind of toy that could have gotten him hurt or killed. Lucky opened the first gift from his parents and noticed it was first addition set of the Hardy Boys books. He knew instantly they came from Alexis. The next one was a chemistry set and from the sounds the others made, he knew Stavros gave that to him. Helena picked it up and looked at disdainfully. "Luke must be crazy giving a boy your age a gift like this," she said placing the gift out of his reach. Lucky knew that was his clue not to pick that one. The next one was from Stefan. It was a lap top computer with an Internet hook up. Helena gave him sheet music and more sketchpads but it was Nikolas' present that got him. It was a large poster of Han Solo and the Falcon. Also taped on top of the framed poster was a figure of Han. He couldn't help but smile. He looked at the others in the room and smiled. "Thanks for your presents and I am glad to be able to live with you. I hope I'm not too much trouble I try not to be. I have already made my choice on what gift I can keep from my parents. I chose this one," Lucky said holding the picture. Stavros jumped and yelled. "You what? I don't believe you. Your are too old for toys like that and you should stop daydreaming so much," he said grabbing the picture and throwing it across the room. Lucky watched it crash to the floor. He waited for what was bound to come next. "You are nothing but trouble. You say the same words every year and nothing changes. You are worthless and nothing," Stavros yelled and then with out warning, slapped him hard across the face. Stavros then grabbed him and picked up by his shirt and dragged him into the den. He slammed and locked the door. He repeatedly hit Lucky and didn't stop until Stefan crashed through the door and grabbed his arm, but it was Helena that said, "Stop it, Stavros. I want you in my room, now. Stefan, you and the others take care of Lucas and because of Stavros' out burst, Lucas can have all but one present from his parents. I don't like the chemistry set," she said and followed Stavros from the room. Lucky was huddled in a ball in the corner of the room. He was rocking back and forth. He didn't look at anyone and he barely made any sounds. Stefan got on his knees and gently touched Lucky's cheek. Lucky tried to move away but Stefan's voice stopped him. "Lucas. He's gone," Stefan said. Lucky suddenly reached out and grabbed Stefan's neck. He held on for dear life and Stefan picked him up and carried him to his room. Lucky was silently crying. Alexis went to get a cold wash rag and the first aid kit. They cleaned him up and placed Lucky back into bed. Nikolas gathered the gifts and put them in a corner of the room. Stefan told the others to leave them and he stayed with Lucky for the rest of the day. He watched him sleep and wondered how much more he could take. Chapter 24 Return to Cassadine Revenge |
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