N- Looks that way. Even Grandfather came. Of course Helena, Stefan and Katherine aren't here.

A- Don't look now, but Helena just walked in.

N- Ooh, fun.

They can hear Luke and Helena in the background.

L- Welcome, Helena.

H- Luke, nice to see you.

L- So where'd ya like to sit? In the back so ya can make a quick exit after killing someone?

H- I think I'll go join my niece and her friend.

Helena walks over to Alexis and Ned's table.

H- Alexis, Mr. Ashton.

N- Mrs. Cassadine, wonderful to see you again. Please do call me Ned.

H- And call me Helena. I insist.

A- Good evening, Aunt Helena. Please sit down.

Alexis kisses Helena on each cheek.

A- Exceptionally well, thank you.

Luke walks up to them.

L- Mind if I join ya? No? Good. So, Mama Cass, what's up? Get tired of that heathen, Grecian paradise? Or did ya just miss me?

H- I needed a change of scenery.

L- Paradise got boring, huh? That's a shame. Hey, Ms. Davis. Haven't seen your pretty face around the docks lately. Did ya desert me?

A- Not quite. I prefer to converse with individuals of my own intellectual caliber.

L- I'm hurt that you'd insult me like that. You've just broken my heart. I thought we had fun.

A- I'm surprised you understood what I just said. You might have had fun; I was bored senseless.

L- So ya decided to hook up with a Quatermaine? Doesn't surprise me. You're all a bunch of blood-suckers.

N- Thanks. Alexis, would you like to dance?

A- (gratefully) Sure.

The song is "At the Beginning" by Donna Lewis and Richard Marx.

We were strangers, starting out on a journey
Never dreaming, what we'd have to go through
Now here we are, suddenly I'm standing
At the beginning with you

N- You and Luke have an interesting relationship.

A- Let's not ruin the evening by talking about Luke. How was your year?

No one told me, I was going to find you
Unexpected, what you did to my heart
When I lost hope
You were there to remind me
This is the start

N- Could've been better. But I've got you, so I'm happy. How was your's?

And life is a road and I wanna keep goin'
Life is a road now and forever a wonderful journey
I'll be there when the world stops turning
I'll be there when the storm is through
In the end I want to be standing
At the beginning with you

A- OK. You made it worthwhile

He pulls Alexis closer to him

We were strangers, on a crazy adventure
Never dreaming, how our dreams would come true
Now here we stand, unafraid of the future
At the beginning with you
N- It's almost midnight. Happy new year.

A- Happy new year.

N- (grinning) Do you know what they say about dancing?

A- No, but I'm sure you're going to tell me.

And life is a road and I wanna keep goin'
Love is a river and I wanna keep flowin'

N- They say that it's the vertical expression of a horizontal desire.

A- I thought that was only about the tango.

N- We can tango. Mind if I kiss you?

She looks over at Helena.

A- Not at all.

He kisses her.

A- How's Helena look?

N- Livid. What about Edward?

A- The same. I'm about ready to leave. You?

N- Sure. Let's go say good bye.

A- Or, in my case, good riddance.

A- Aunt Helena, I must be going. Happy new year.

H- Good night, dear. Be careful. Accidents do happen.

L- G'night, ya two lovebirds. Alexis, the pleasure was all mine.

A- I'm sure. Good night.

N- Good bye, Helena. Hope to see you soon. Happy new year, Luke.

A- (whispering to Ned) Luke disgusts me.

N- I don't blame you. On to my family. (to the Quatermaines) Good night, everyone. Happy new year.

A- Happy new year.

Lila- Good night, dears.

A- Lila, nice to see you again. Good night.

N- Night, Grandmother. Bye everyone.

Everyone said good bye and Ned and Alexis left.

N- Do you mind if I escort you to your room again, counselor?

A- Please do.

N- So, did I win the bet?

A- Hmm...she was there, but I won't hold that against you.

N- Good.

A- You won.

N- What do I win?

A- Come on, it's in my room.

N- Where is it?

A- Excited, aren't we?

N- I like presents.

She takes his coat and puts it over a chair. She is apprehensive, but ready. She walks to him and takes his hands.

A- Close your eyes.

She puts her arms around his neck.

N- I think I like this.

A- Open.

The minute Ned opens his eyes, Alexis kisses him. He eagerly responds and lets his hands move up and down her back. They find her zipper and he slips her out of her dress. Ned takes her hair clip out and runs his fingers through her hair. Alexis starts to undo his shirt buttons...and this is the part where you use your imagination.