{On the docks}

Nikolas:  “So how long will you be at the bank?”

Stefan:  “Oh, about an hour, assuming all goes smoothly.”

Nikolas:  “You don't sound too enthusiastic.”

Stefan:  “Well, meeting with bankers is always tedious. But as you know, there are certain affairs that need to be settled before we announce that you are not the Cassadine heir.”

Nikolas:  “Yeah, yeah.”

Stefan:  “But on a more cheerful note, I intend to ask your mother to accompany me on a walk in the park after the meeting. Would you care to join us?”

Nikolas:  “No, I’d like to, but I’m meeting Elizabeth to go shopping for a birthday present for Emily.”

Stefan:  “Oh. Well, your mother will be disappointed.”

Nikolas:  {Smiling} “And you?”

Stefan:  “I beg your pardon?”

Nikolas:  “Well, are you disappointed or relieved that I’m not joining you? You don't have to use me as an excuse to see Laura anymore. If you want to be alone with her, why don't you just come out and say it?”

Stefan:  “All right, Nikolas. If you must know -- yes, I relish the opportunity to be alone with your mother.”

Nikolas:  “You feel better?”

Stefan:  “Yes. {They both laugh} You know, since we've come to Port Charles, I’ve had precious few occasions to be alone with your mother, and most of those were under circumstances that I would prefer to forget. My intention today is to put all that behind us and simply enjoy each other's company.”

Nikolas:  “Good. You deserve it, both of you.”

Stefan:  “We're going to watch the ice skaters.”

Nikolas:  “Hmm.”

Stefan:  “I know that's something your mother enjoys.”

Nikolas:  “Yeah, it sounds like a great idea. Just don't forget to call, and don't stay out past curfew.”

Stefan:  {Smiling} “I’m happy you find this so amusing.”

Nikolas:  “Well, I’m aware of all the sacrifices you've made for me. And from now on, I just want you to enjoy your life as much as possible.”

Stefan:  “That's very generous, Nikolas. But if it meant that we could arrive where we are today, at this very moment, I would do everything exactly the same.”

Nikolas:  “Well, that must feel pretty good. Sometimes I wonder what life would be like if I’d have known you were my father from the start.”

Stefan:  “I know. But that -- that is all behind us now. What we must focus on is this moment and future moments.”

Nikolas:  “More time with Laura?”

Stefan:  “That, too.”

Nikolas:  “All right.”

Stefan:  “Enjoy your morning.”

Nikolas:  “See you later.” {Stefan leaves}
 
 
 

Sonny:  “You and Luke have been together for a lot of years. Maybe a little space would do you some good.”

Laura:  “I hope so.”

Sonny:  “Well, anyway, you know, I just came by to tell you about Lucky. If you or your children need anything, just ask.”

Laura:  “Thank you. {LuLu comes running down the stairs}  LuLu. Hi, honey.”

Sonny:  “That's not –“

Laura:  {She picks her up} “Ooh, my baby girl.”

Sonny:  “Last time I saw her, she was, like, this big.”

Laura:  “I know. Can you believe it? This is Mr. Corinthos. Do you remember meeting him?”

Sonny:  “Hi. You remember me? You didn't forget? Look at that. You got that -- look at that smile. It's just like your mom's. Well.”

Laura: {There's a knock on the door}  “Excuse me. {Laura opens it} Stefan.”

Stefan:  “Hello.”

Laura:  “Hi. Come on in.”

Stefan:  “I’ve come to take you to watch the ice skaters in the park. {He looks over and sees Sonny} Mr. Corinthos. I had no idea you had returned to Port Charles.”

Sonny:  “Surprise, surprise.” {They stare at each other}

Laura:  “LuLu, remember that picture you were working on in the kitchen? Can you go finish it for me? Thank you, sweetie. I'll be right there.”

Sonny:  “Bye. I'm at the penthouse. If you need anything, just call.”

Laura:  {Smiling} “Thank you.”

Sonny:  “Mr. Cassadine.” {He walks past them and leaves}

Stefan:  {Not pleased} “What did he want?”

Laura:  “Sonny's a friend of mine. He came here to reassure me about Lucky.”

Stefan: " ‘Lucky.’ Well, if Lucky has anything to do with that man, he's already in trouble.”

Laura:  “I’m not so sure about that. I think it's going to be ok.”

Stefan:  “Laura, last year Nikolas almost died at the club owned by your husband and Corinthos. People get hurt around that man. I don't want to see that happen to you.”

Laura:  “Sonny didn't have anything to do with that shooting. He has been good to my family. He's a friend.”

Stefan:  “Well, then obviously he was a guest in your home. Forgive me.”

Laura:  {Laughing} “It's ok. I think -- you know, you just have to understand that there are some people in my life that you may not like, and the same will be true of yours. It doesn't really make anybody wrong.”

Stefan:  “All right, then. From now on, those people you trust, I shall try to trust as well. {Laura smiles} I said I would try.” {Laura starts laughing}

Laura:  “Will you go get your mittens for me, honey? Thank you.” {LuLu runs off}

Stefan:  “There are few things more charming than a little girl bundled up for cold weather.”

Laura:  “You have such a good memory.”

Stefan:  “What?”

Laura:  “Asking me to watch the skaters.”

Stefan:  “Well, yes. You told me once long ago that it was something you enjoyed.”

Laura:  “We were on the island -- I think the south beach -- and I was telling you how much I miss Port Charles.”

Stefan:  “I remember it as if it were yesterday. As I do every moment we've shared together. {He stares at her} I want more of them, Laura.”