A Teenage Runaway

Alex Garcia stared blindly at the paperwork in front of him. He knew what he was getting himself into, but still it seemed unimaginable. In less then 24 hours he was going to be a father. A father. The words rang in his head. Could he really do it? Did he have what it takes to be a parent? And the biggest worry of them all: Could he really be a parent to a girl of just 15? Alex shook his head and whispered to himself. "You have to do this, Alex. You can't break your promise to that young girl. You'll never forgive yourself if you do." He sighed as he thought back to theri first meeting, two short months ago. He had been sitting at his desk working on some paperwork when his partner, Taggert and come in with a young girl in handcuffs.
"Hey, Alex, looks like we have another teen prostitute gracing our streets."
"Another one? Where do they all come from and why do they come here?" Taggert shrugged.
"I don't know. Anyway, when you're ready we'll be in room 4."
"Okay." He replied, turning his attentions back to his work. After several minutes he finally finished the last section of his paperwork. He stood up, stretched and headed for the interrogation room. As he opened the door slightly he could hear Taggert badgering the girl.

"I'm losing my patience with you, young lady." Taggert said. "This cute act of yours isn't going to help you. Now tell me your name."
"Taggert, why dont' you let me try to talk to her?" Alex said, entering the room. "Go get yourself some coffee." With those words Alex shot Taggert a look that clearly said 'leave now'. Taggert shrugged his shoulders and looked over at the girl.
"That's a good idea. But a word of advice young lady. If you think I'm bad you don't want to get my partner here upset. Okay?" The girl didn't look up or respond.
"Whatever. She's all yours, Alex." And with that he strode out of the room.

Garcia walked over to the side of the table where she was sitting and sat on its edge. He waited a few moments before speaking. "My partner says you're a prostitute. Is that true?"
"No." Her voice sounded very small and very, very scared.
"Oh, I got you to talk. Listen, I need to know your name. You already know mine. I'm Detective Alex Garcia. I want to have a conversation with you, but I can't if I don't know your name. Will you please tell me that much?"
"Which name? My real name or the one that they gave me."
"Both."
"Well, the name that they gave me is Jaime. Jaime Peters. But my real name, the one my parents gave me is Victoria...well, Vicki. Vicki Lane."
"Which name do you want me to call you? Jaime or Vicki?"
"Vicki."
"Okay, Vicki, who are 'they' and why did they give you a different name?" He asked.
"'They' are the people from the orphanage. They gave me that name because they felt that it would be easier on me to have a fresh start."
"A fresh start? From what?"
"The death of my parents. They both committed suicide. My dad when I was 9 and my mom when I was 10." Alex was momentairly stunned. Both parents committing suicide? It seemed unreal, but if was true this girl had certainly been through a lot. Especially for someone so young. He knew, almost instantly that this girl was no prostitute. But how did she get here and why did she come here? He needed that information from her.
"Vicki, how did you get to Port Charles and why did you come to Port Charles?"
"The school I went to gave me a job in the office and everytime I got a paycheck I saved it. Then, when I had enough money, I bought a bus ticket. I don't know where I was planning on going, but I had to get away from Plattsburgh. The peopel at the orphanage are bad. They neglect us older kids in favor of the babies who have a better chance of being adopted. The only friend I had there was 18 and she graduated high school and left. I tried to stick it out but I just couldn't. Anyway, Port Charles just looked like a nice town so I got off the bus. If I had known that I would be arrested for standing on the street I never would have gotten off the bus."
"Don't worry about that. I'll handle it with my partner. As a matter of fact, let me talk to him now. I'll be right back."

Vicki just shrugged as Alex headed out of the room.
"....Anyhow, Alex is in with her now and I think it's a sure thing." Taggert said to Dara. Alex walked over to them.
"She's not a prostitute. She's an orphan."
"How do you know? Did she tell you that?" Dara asked.
"Yes. She did. She ran away from an orphanage in Plattsburgh."
"We have to send her back, you know."
"No. First I want to check out the place. Make sure its up to standard. She says that the older kids are neglected in favor of the younger ones and I believe her."
"What should we do in the meantime, Alex?" Taggert asked, snidely.
"Keep her here tonight."
"In a holding cell?" Dara asked.
"Not exactly. I mean, if I pay for it out of my own pocket, can we send her to the Port Charles Hotel for the night? Her clothes are soaked through and she looksl ike she hasn't had a decent night's sleep in days." Dara sighed. She knew that Alex was feeling paternal towards the girl and she wasn't sure it was such a hot idea.
"Fine." She said. "But she's back here first thing in the morning. Am I clear, Detective?"
"Very. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to tell her." With that he turned and left. Taggert looked at Dara very confused.
"What just happened here?" he asked.
"I don't know. It seems that Detective Garcia is feeling paternal towards this girl. I just hope those feelings don't hurt him or her."

The sounds of footsteps approaching shook Alex from his reverie. He looked up to see Dara and Vicki approaching him. He smiled at the both of them nervously. Dara approached him, "A word please, Detective". She said as she motioned for him to move out of ear shot of the girl.
"What's up, Dara?"
"Are you sure about this? It's not too late to back out you know."
"NO. I will NOT do that to her. The orphanage may have passed inspection, but I think Vicki's claims are true and I am, under NO circumstances sending her back there." Dara smiled.
"Spoken like a true parent." She said. "If you ever need any help with her, feel free to call."
"Thank you, Dara."
Just then the doors to the courtroom opened and Justus stepped out.
"Judge Golden is ready." He said.

Alex nodded at him then turned and walked over to Vicki who was sitting quietly in a corner, looking very young in a blue dress that Bobbie had helped her pick out. He looked at her for a second then held his hand out to her.
"Are you ready?" He asked? Vicki nodded as she looked up with tears in her eyes. "What's the matter?" He asked quickly.
"Nothing." She said. "It's just that you are the first person who's cared about me in a very long time."
"It's you and me now. No one is going to leave you alone again." Vicki looked up at him and smiled. She stood up and together they entered the courtroom.

When they got inside, Alex looked around the room, surprised at the amount of people that were there. In the short time that Vicki had been in Port Charles, she had made many friends and charmed many people. The thought made him smile. 'Maybe now she'll find a real home and family.' he thought to himself. Alex guided Vicki to the table where they were to sit. They had just gotten to their seats when the bailiff walked in. He cleared his throat and then began the proceedings.
"All rise. Court is now in session, the honorable Judge Golden, presiding." Judge Golden walked in, went to his bench, sat down and quickly looked over some papers. Then he looked up at the people in the courtroom and smiled.
"Be seated." He turned and looked at Alex and Vicki with a friendly smile. "Miss Lane, it is my understanding that Detective Garcia wishes to become your adoptive father and that you wish to become his adopted daughter. Is this true?"
"Yes, your honor." She said. Judge Golden smiled at her politeness. He picked up some documents then cleared his throat.
"Well, it seems to me that all the appropriate papers have been signed already. Are the witnesses here?"
"Yes, your honor." Justus and Dara said in unison.
"Very well. I will ask Detective Garcia, Mr. Ward and Ms. Jensen to come up and sign the last papers." Alex squeezed Vicki's hand gently as he stood up and headed over to the bench with Justus and Dara. After what seemed like forever, the papers were signed and it was official. Alex Garcia and Victoria Lane were father and daughter. The judge turned and addressed Vicki directly.
"Miss Lane, now that Detective Garcia is your father by all legal rights, do you wish to take his last name?" Vicki smiled hesitantly.
"Yes, I would, but I would like to make Lane my middle name, if I could."
"Certainly. I am pleased to announce that Victoria Marie Lane is now the lawful daughter of Alex Garcia and from this day forward will go by the name Victoria Lane Garcia." Everyone in the courtroom applauded. "Detective Garica and Victoria, I offer you my sincere congratulations. May you both be able to become a family and not get into too many father/daughter fights." The crowd laughed softly at that. The judge smiled once more then rapped his gavel. "Court is adjorned." Judge Golden got up and left the room.

As soon as he was gone people started coming over to them with kind thoughts and congratulations. Lila Quartermaine approached them with a big smile. "Alex, I hope you won't think us rude, but, Edward and I have grown quite fond of Vicki in the time that we've known her, and you know that we've always liked you."
"I know, Mrs. Quartermaine. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Anyhow, we just couldn't resist. Edward and I, along with the rest of the family put together a little luncheon back at the house in your honor and in Vicki's honor." Vicki smiled as she walked over to Lila.
"Thank you, Lila. That was so sweet. You didn't have to do that."
"I know that dear. We wanted to. You and Emily have become very close friends. You're part of the family now." she paused, trying to decide if she should make a joke or not. She decided she should. "Although I'm not sure how many people would willingly become Quartermaine's anymore." Alex and Vicki laughed. Alex put his arm around his new daughter and smiled down at her.
"I'm guessing you want to go?" He asked, already knowing the answer.
"Can we?" She asked, excitedly.
"Of course. Let's go."

Writers Note: I want to give Garcia a love interest and since no one on GH really fits with him, I'm making up a character. Her name is Jennifer Quartermaine, she's Tracy's daughter, but Alan and Monica were the ones who raised her. She's 25 years old and she and Garcia were supposed to be married but she called off the wedding when he moved to L.A. since his return they haven't spoken at all.)

Alex and Vicki arrived at the Quartermaine house a bit later than everyone else. Alex had wanted to have some quite time with his daughter. He had given her a gold locket that contained pictures of her birth parents. He had found the pictures in an envelope she had been carrying the night they met. He knew that the pictures and her parents meant the world to her and that she would love it if she could always keep them close to her heart. She had looked up at him with a bright smile and said in a voice barely above a whisper: ''Thank you...for understanding and for becoming my father...'' he didn't know how but he was smitten by this young girl....
”Come on! Emily and Lucky and Lizzie are probably wondering where I am!'' Vicki cried. Garcia shook his head and looked at Vicki.
''What? Oh, I'm sorry. I was just thinking - -''
''Of anything good?''
''Of the look on your face when I gave you that locket.'' Vicki smiled as she fingered the locket.
''It means a lot to me. Thank you.''
''You're welcome. Now, are you ready?''
''Yes!'' Garcia laughed and walked into the house with Vicki. As soon as they walked in the door, Emily and Lucky came over to them and dragged Vicki away to be with their other friends. It seemed to him that Lucky Spencer had been spending a lot of time with Vicki and he wasn't too sure how he felt about it. Sure, he was a good kid and never got into any major trouble, but, he was an awful lot like his father. And the last thing Garcia wanted was Luke Spencer being a major force in his daughter's life.

''Looks like you've got quite a beautiful daughter now, Alex.'' A familiar voice said to him. Garcia felt his whole body tense. It was her. The woman who broke his heart and her own, and yet, he was still desperately in love with her. Slowly turning toward her he tried to put on a fake smile but was failing miserably.
''Jennifer. It's been a long time.'' (God, she's beautiful, he thought to himself) ''You, uh, look great.'' Jenn smiled at him as she walked toward him.
''Thank you. She's a very pretty young girl. You'd better keep an eye on her with the boys. It appears that she's holding court with both Nikolas Cassadine and Lucky Spencer.''
''I know, I was just thinking about that.'' Jenn looked at him and cleared her throat before speaking.
''Alex, I have to apologize to you.''
''What for?''
''For breaking the engagement and for acting like a child. The truth is, I never got over - -''

She couldn't finish her statement because Vicki, who had been watching the scene came over to see why Alex looked so upset.
''Are you okay?'' she asked him. Alex laughed quitely and nodded.
''I'm fine. This, is a good friend of mine, I'm not sure if you met. Her name is Jennifer Quartermaine.''
''I think we met once.'' Vicki replied, with a smile.
''We did, but I was introduced as Jenn, not Jennifer.'' Alex nodded. Vicki looked from Alex to Jenn and immediately deduced most of the situation. Not thinking that the question would be painful to either of them she asked them ''Were you two boyfriend and girlfriend?''
''Yes, we were.'' Alex responded. ''But we're just friends now.''

Vicki nodded as he answered her but out the corner of her eye she saw Jenn's face fall. Something was definitely up, she thought. Maybe Emily would know a little more. Wanting to find out more, she quickly excusesd herself and ran off to find Emily.
''Em? Can I ask you something?''
''Sure, what's up?''
''What exactly happened between Alex and Jenn?'' Emily looked Vicki for a second and then answered her.
''You'd better sit down, we might be here for awhile.''

Vicki wander through the halls of PCH aimlessly. She was waiting for Emily to meet her, and for some reason, Em was late. As she walked, she started thinking about the last time she had spoken to Lucky Spencer. He had told her that he had to ask her but then Alex had walked in and Lucky had to leave. She was so absorbed in what she thought that she didn't even realize that she was about to bump into someone until it was too late.
"Hey! Careful! Oh, Vicki? Are you okay?" Vicki looked up and blushed form embarassment.
"Nikolas! Oh! I'm so sorry. I was lost in thought and --"
"Hey, don't worry about it. What were you thinking about?"
"Alex...my dad..."
"Still trying to get used to calling him that?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"I think you'll get used to it."
"I think so too. It's been a strange transition for the both of us."
"I can imagine." Vicki then spotted Emily and Lucky at the far end of the hall.
"Oh, there's Em. I need to talk to her. Want to come?"
"No. I have a study date in the library."
"Oh. Well, have fun."
"Yeah, loads." Nikolas said with a smile. Vicki laughed as she said good bye and headed off down the hall.

"And I was going to ask her then, but then Garcia came and I had to go."
"So, ask her now. Emily said. Lucky just stared at her.
"Now, infront of all these people? No way." Just then Vicki came up to them.
"Ask who, what?"
"Nothing." Lucky said. "Listen, I've got to go, but can you meet me at Kelly's later on? You could have dinner at my house." Vicki's heart began to pound.
"Sure. What time?"
"5:00?"
"I'll be there." Lucky smiled at her.
"Great. Well, I have to go. Bye."
"Bye." Emily and Vicki replied in unison as he walked out of the building. As soon as he was going Vicki turned to Emily.
"Where were you at 2:00?"
"Counseling Lucky. He needed some advice."
"About what?"
"Can't tell you." Emily said with a smirk.
"Why not?"
"Because, I've been sworn to secrecy. Vicki groaned.
"Whatever. We'd better get to your house before someone yells at you."
"Good idea."

Several hours later Vicki walked hesitantly into Kelly's. She didn't know why, but she was really nervous. Lizzie looked up as she walked in and smiled at her. "Heya Vicki. What's up?"
"Not much. Lucky asked me to meet him here. He said he gets off at five."
"He does. But he's not here right now. Ruby had him make a delivery for her. He should be back any second now. In the mean time, hop on a stool and talk to me. I am so bored I could die." Vicki laughed as she walked over to a stool and sat down. Lizzie was *always* "so bored" she could die. It was very amusing.
"So, how's the family thing working out?" She asked.
"Pretty good. Alex is a really great father. He's strict, but not too strict and he is *always* there when I need him."
"He's also really hot."
"LIZZIE!" Vicki looked at her, shocked. She had never thought of him in that way.
"What? It's the truth."
"We're not going to go there."
"Whatever. Oh, Lucky's back. And I'd better get back to work before Lucky has to save me from being fired yet again."
"I'll talk to you later."
"Later."

Just then Lucky walked up to her. "Hey Vicki. Have you been here for awhile?"
"Just a few minutes actually. I was having a very...ah, amusing conversation with Lizzie."
"An amusing conversation with Lizzie? I don't even want to know." Vicki smiled, remembering the part about Alex being "hot".
"No, I really don't think you'd be too interested."
"Anyway, ready to go?"
"Yep."
"Great. Let me tell Ruby I'm leaving and then we're out of here."
"Sounds good." Lucky went and disappeared in the back. After a few seconds he came out.
"Let's go." They walked out of Kelly's and headed toward the Spencer house.

When they got to the front door, Lucky stopped before opening it. He looked at her for a second and cleared his throat.
"Uhm, there was another reason why I asked you over for dinner tonight."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, and I uh, don't want to do this inside where everyone can hear. So, do you mind sitting out here for a few minutes?"
"No. Not at all. It's a nice night."
"Yeah, it is. Uhm, do you remember on Sunday I said I had something to ask you?"
"Yeah..."
"Well, I was wondering, if you'd want to go to the dance with me on Friday night." Vicki's heart was pounding furiously. She had had a crush on Lucky Spencer practically since the day she met him.
"I-I'd love to."
"Really? Great!" Lucky looked instantly relieved. He was about to say something else when they heard footsteps approaching. "My dad's home." He said. And as soon as the words were out of his mouth, Luke walked over to them.
"Am I interrupting something?"
"Nope. You know Vicki Garcia, right dad?"
"Certainly. Nice to see you again, Miss Garcia. Will you be joining us for dinner tonight?"
"Uh, Lucky invited me, if that's okay."
"That's fine." And with that he walked into the house. Lucky looked at her curiously.
"Does my dad scare you?" He asked.
"No..he just makes me a bit nervous. I know he doesn't like my dad."
"Oh. Well, he doesn't take his feelings for one person out on someone else."
"That's good." She said. Just then they heard Bobbie calling them into dinner. "We'd better get in there. You don't want to see my aunt mad." Vicki laughed.
"No? Oh, okay. Let's go."

Vicki's night at the Spencers flew by. After dinner, Lucky and Vicki had retreated into the kitchen to study for the english test they had in the morning. They had quickly gotten engrossed in Wuthering Heights and when Vicki looked at her watch again she was surprised to see that it was after 8:00. She turned to Lucky with a look of regret. "I really hate to do this, but its getting late and I still have things to do at my house before my dad comes home." Lucky turned and looked at the clock on the wall.
"Wow, it is getting late. Who knew that this book would be so interesting?"
"Certainly not me. I thought it was going to be so boring when Mr. Murty assigned it to us." Lucky smiled.
"That makes two of us. It's actually not that bad. Okay, why don't you get your things together and I'll walk you home." Vicki smiled, but tried to turn him down, out of fear of looking too obvious.
"Thank you, but you don't have to." She said.
"I want to. It's late and it's dark."
"Okay. Uhm, let me just go and say goodbye to your aunt and your father."
"Okay."

Vicki got up and headed into the livingroom where Luke and Bobbie were sitting having a quiet conversation. Vicki walked in and polietly excused herself.
"Sorry to bother you, Mr. Spencer, Miss Spencer. But I wanted to say thank you and goodbye." Luke looked up at her, chomping on his cigar and smiled.
"Miss Garcia, never ever call me "Mister Spencer". It makes me feel old. Just plain Luke will do fine."
"And you can call me Bobbie. Any friend of Lucky's is a friend of mine."
"Uh, okay. Anyway, thank you for dinner."
"You're welcome." Luke said. "And feel free to stop in here anytime you'd like." He added, being nicer to her than he usually would be because he sensed how much his son liked her.
"Thank you." She said as she turned to head back to the kitchen. As soon as she was out of ear shot, Luke turned to Bobbie and with a half grin.
"Imagine that."
"Imagine what?"
"My son is smitten with a Garcia." Bobbie groaned. She knew she would have to stop Luke's thoughts before he did something that ruined the relationship that was budding between Lucky and Vicki.
"Leave it alone, Luke. Let your son be happy." Luke held up his hands.
"Hey, I opened up my house to her, didn't I."
"Just see that you keep it that way." Was all she said.

About 20 minutes later Vicki and Lucky were standing outside of her apartment building. She turned to Lucky with a smile.
"Thank you for tonight."
"It was my pleasure. But, I was wondering if you'd like to do something with me tomorrow. Something *other* than study, I mean."
"Normally, I'd love too, but Emily and Jenn are going shopping to get Em's dress for the dance so I'm going with them with my dad to get *my* dress."
"Oh." Lucky said, looking disappointed.
"But, if you don't mind having dinner with my dad, you can come here for dinner tomorrow. Its my turn to cook."
"Really?" He asked, perking up considerably. "What are you making?"
"Lasagna."
"Well, I'd never pass up lasagna." Vicki giggled.
"Great! So I guess I'll see you in school tomorrow and then say around 6 for dinner?"
"I'll be here."
"Great."

The two stood facing each other, each wanting to kiss the other but not daring to make the first move. Finally Vicki opened the door to the apartment building and turned back to Lucky. "I'd better get inside."
"Okay. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night."
"Good night." She watched him leave then turned and went inside.

The second she got into the apartment building she made a beeline for the phone. "I *have* to tell Emily!" she said as she waited for someone to pick up the phone. Finally Monica answered.
"Hello?"
"Dr. Quartermaine? It's Vicki. Is Emily in?"
"Yes she is. Hold on." Vicki heard Monica shouting for Emily as she waited for her to pick up the phone. After a few seconds Emily picked up the phone.
"Hello?"
"Em, I have got thee BEST news."
"What is it?!" She asked excitedly, sensing it was something big.
"Lucky asked me to the dance!" Before she even finished talking Emily screeched into the phone.
"Really?! Vicki that is AWSOME! I guess that means you're coming shopping with us tomorrow, right?"
"Right. Listen, I hate to do this but I have to go. I'll see you tomorrow in school."
"Okay. Bye!"
"Bye." They hung up and Vicki began to clean the kitchen.

A while later, Alex walked in and saw Vicki wearing a huge smile on her face.
"Something good happen today?" He asked.
"Dad, wait til I tell you about my day."

Emily and Vicki are walking about 2 feet behind Alex and Jenn inside Wyndhams. They are giggling like crazy as they hatch a plan to get A&J back together. At last Alex walks back to the girls and says, in his best stern voice that they had better keep up with him and Jenn or else.
"Come on, Dad." Vicki said.
"Come on what?"
"Nothing." Alex raised an eyebrow and walked back up to Jenn.

She looked over a him with a cute smile. "What?" He asked. Jenn laughed softly and shook her head. "What?" He asked again.
"Nothing. It's just that --"
"Just that what?"
"I know that look...you get this look on your face when you're trying to figure out something. I've really only seen it when you were working on a case."
"Oh. Well, I guess you can call figuring those two out a case." Jenn giggled.
"I'm surprised you haven't figured it out."
"What? You mean you know what they're up to?"
"I have a sneaking suspicion."
"Care to fill me in?" Jenn looked at him for a second, trying to figure out if he was kidding her. To her, the whole thing was obvious. Emily and Vicki were working on getting them back together. Not that she minded, of course, but she didn't know how Alex felt about the whole situation.
"I think that Emily and Vicki would like to see us get back together." Alex felt his hold body tense at the words. "Back together". It was something that he had wanted for so long but had been to afraid to go for. And now he was presented with the opportunity to do something about it and he wasn't sure if he had the guts. He knew he couldn't face another rejection. At last, he cleared his throat.
"You're probably right. You usually are when it comes to things like these. Uh, how do you feel about it?"
"Which part? The plotting or them wanting us together?"
"Mmmm, both."
"Well, the plotting...I don't really mind it because I know these girls will go out of their way to do what they deem to be romantic. And they are both old enough to know what romantic is. As for them wanting us to get back together....I can't say as I really mind..."
"Hold on a second, Jenn." Alex said as he turned to the girls. "Okay, you two. You obviously don't want to keep up with us so here's the deal. You go and look around for one hour. After that you come to the coffee shop where Jenn and I will be. Hopefully you'll both find dresses you like. Okay?"
"Okay!" The girls said in unison as they hurried off. Alex turned back to Jenn.
"Can I interest you in some coffee?"
"Sure. Thanks. Alex, what do you think of what Emily and Vicki are doing?"
"Uhm...I...." He stops, trying to think of what to say as they enter the coffee shop. "Let's sit in the corner." Jenn nods in agreement as they make their way over to a corner table. Once they sit down, Alex clears his throat and begins to speak again. "Jenn, there's something I've been meaning to ask you...well, not exactly meaning...more like wanting....and I haven't had the guts...."
"What is it?"
"Jenn, I love you. I always have and I probably always will. I don't know if you still feel the same but if you do, I'd like to give us another chance." Jenn gasps softly as she reaches over the table to take his hands.
"Alex, I love you, too. I was very stupid when I broke off the engagement. I honestly thought I was doing the right thing. I should have known it wasn't. I mean we were both in so much pain...." she stops, feeling the tears well up in her eyes. "But I'm willing to try again if you are." Alex removes his hand from hers and wipes away the tears from her eyes.
"This time will be better. We've both grown up. I love you and all that matters to me is that we put the past in the past." He smiles at her before continuing. "Jennifer Quartermaine, would you please go out with me. Again." Jenn laughs softly.
"Yes." He leans over and kisses her softly on the lips. When he pulls away she begins to giggle.
"What? What is it?"
"How do we tell the girls?"