"The Course of True Love..." Part Fourteen
"The course of true love never did run smooth." William Shakespeare
The next evening, Katherine and Jerry are riding in his jet back to Port
Charles. He is busy on the phone, and she is looking nervously out the window.
The flight attendant comes over and waits for Jerry to finish his conversation.
FA: Mr. Jax, the pilot wanted me to inform you that we will be landing in Port
Charles in twenty minutes.
J: Is the limo waiting for us?
FA: Yes, sir.
J: Thank you. That will be all.
The flight attendant walks back to the front of the plane. Katherine is
fidgeting in her seat. Jerry looks at Katherine, and smiles.
J: Hey.
K: What?
J: Are you all right?
K: I'm a little nervous, that's all. It's one thing to *plan* on facing everyone
you know to tell them that you're married and pregnant. It's another to actually
do it.
J: Yes, the movies we run in our heads are often better than reality.
K: I hope we can convince everyone we're in love. If Helena thinks for one
second that we're not…
J: Not to worry, I have every confidence *we* will pull it off. Remember I do
have my superpowers.
K: I can't believe your parents took the news so well.
J: I was a little surprised myself. Mother maybe our best ally in this. She'll
fall for this story all the way when I announce you're pregnant. She wants a
grandchild so bad she can practically taste the Gerber's… Well, you haven't
thrown up in the last (looks at his watch) half-hour. Do you think its all baby
related, or nerves?
K: Both. It does seem strange, how sick I am. I just can't believe this is
normal.
J: (smiling) I'm sure the Black Jack dealer would agree.
K: (rolling her eyes) That poor man. Do you think they'll be able to clean the
table?
J: No, Lois, I'm sure they had to burn it.
The phone rings, and Jerry answers it. Katherine returns to looking out the
window.
At the Port Charles Grille, people are beginning to assemble. Jane Jax has been
there for an hour supervising the decorations, the room set up, and,
reluctantly, the DJ Jerry and Jane had argued about this little point of the
party. Jane preferred a live band. Jerry said there was no time to audition a
band, so a DJ would do. Jane let Jerry have his way, only because she was so
happy he was finally settling down. Allan, Monica, Edward, Lila, A.J. and Emily
Quartermaine all stroll in. Followed by Ned and Alexis, Lucy and Kevin, Mac,
Felicia, and Robin, Justus and Dara, along with various board members and
employees from ELQ, Deception, and Jax industries. Amy Vining wanders in with a
big smile on her face. Jerry and Katherine felt, since she was the one spreading
the rumors, she might as well get her party information first hand, just to
insure accuracy. John Jax enters and begins shaking hands with everyone. Liz and
Lucky slink into the room, and quickly make their way to a corner.
Allan: Where do you suppose the happy couple is?
Monica: (annoyed) You know Katherine. She likes to make a big entrance.
Edward: I just hope they don't keep us waiting too long.
Lila: Oh, hush, Edward. You had no other plans for this evening.
Ned: (to Edward) What are you worried about? This is a Quartermaine dream come
true. A party with free food and booze. Let's just hope we can keep Junior away
from the latter.
Emily: (looking around) Where? I don't see a ladder.
They all chuckle at her. Emily turns red with embarrassment.
Alexis: Don't worry, Emily, I made the same mistake myself when I was your age.
Emily: Oh, thanks. Hey, isn't that Jason and Carly over there?
When they all turn to look, Emily slips away. By the time they look back, she is
gone. She spies Lucky and Liz in the corner and makes a beeline for them,
thrilled she'll have someone to talk to. Jasper and Brenda arrive and go to
greet Jane and John.
Jasper: Mom and Dad, I want you to meet Brenda Barrett. Brenda these are my
parents.
Brenda: It's nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Jax. Jax… Uh, Jasper talks about you
all the time.
John: (snidely) Nothing nice I'm sure.
Jane: (backhanding him in the chest) John! It's lovely to finally meet you, my
dear. And please call us Jane and John.
Brenda: Oh, O.K.
Jasper: (looking around) So, where is my brother?
John: Late as usual.
Jane: You two need to stop right now, or I swear I'll send you both home.
John and Jasper look at each other and smile.
John and Jasper: Really?
Jane: (glowering at them) No. I think you'd enjoy it too much. No, you'll both
have to stay. Brenda, be a dear and go have that dreadful *DJ* play something
you think people will enjoy. Nothing too loud.
Brenda: Sure.
Meanwhile, in the limo, Katherine and Jerry are sitting next to each other,
listening to the music on the radio.
K: (panicked) Oh! I just thought of something. When we arrive your parents will
probably want to give us a Champaign toast. What do I do? If I don't drink it,
everyone will know I'm pregnant. You won't get to make your big announcement.
J: (smiling) I've already thought of that. You'll have sparkling grape juice in
your glass. I phoned the kitchen in advance.
K: Superman to the rescue, again.
The limo slows down, and comes to a stop outside of the P.C. Grille.
J: Well, Lois, are you ready?
K: As I'll ever be.
All of the partygoers are mingling inside, so no one notices that Stefan is
standing on the terrace looking in, when Katherine and Jerry enter. There is
general applause, and Jane and John quickly approach them. Jane hugs Jerry, then
Katherine.
Jerry: Hello, Mother.
Jane has stepped back to take a look at Katherine.
Jane: Why didn't you tell me how lovely your bride is?
Katherine: Thank you, Mrs. Jax.
Jane: Call me Jane.
John signals the waiters and they bring out trays with Champaign and begin
serving the guests. Lucky, Liz, and Emily slyly take a glass each, when the
waiters' backs are turned. Jerry motions to the headwaiter. He brings a special
tray, presents it to Jerry and indicates with a nod which glass is for
Katherine. Jerry takes the glass and presents it to Katherine, then takes one
for himself. Jerry leans in and gives Katherine a peck on the cheek. She winks
at him. They each put an arm around the waist of the other. When all of the
guest have been served, Jasper makes a toast.
Jasper: Well, after years of my mother nagging, (laughter) and Jerry hiding in
every corner of the world trying to avoid it(more laughter), I can't believe
someone in a place as mundane as Port Charles, finally landed my brother. My hat
is off to you Katherine, you've accomplished what no other woman was ever able
to do before. I wish both of you every happiness.
Jasper raises his glass and everyone else follows his lead, then sips are taken.
Jerry: I know I speak for us both, when I say… Your day is coming, Jasper.
(Laughter) No, really, I just want to say that I fell in love with Katherine the
first night we met. (Looks lovingly into her eyes and smiles) I looked into her
beautiful, blue eyes and I knew I couldn't spend another day without seeing her,
being near her. I knew that there was *no place* on earth, that was ever going
to feel like home without her being there. I would have proposed then and there
if I hadn't thought she'd call the police (everyone chuckles). (He pulls her in
tighter) So, I had to wait over a month, but I asked, and she agreed. I couldn't
be happier.
K: (smiling) WE couldn't be happier, and we're thrilled everyone has come
tonight to celebrate in our joy with us. So, please; eat, drink, and be merry.
Everyone slowly starts to mingle again. Stefan is staring at Katherine. He knows
that she does not love Jerry. He can't understand why she would marry him.
Katherine can feel Stefan's eyes on her. She pretends to survey the crowd, sees
the teenagers in the corner, makes a mental note of it, continues to scan the
party goers, and catches a glimpse of Stefan on the terrace. She gets Jerry's
attention, puts her arms around him, and whispers into his ear.
K: He's here. Don't look.
J: Who?
K: Stefan.
J: Where?
K: On the terrace. I can't look at him, or I'll run to him. I just know I will.
J: Do you want me to get rid of him?
K: If you can do it nicely. He must be so hurt. He is hurt.
J: (hugs her) Be strong. I'll politely ask him to leave.
K: Thanks. (Kisses him) I'll go mingle.
Jerry and Katherine part. Katherine heads over to Lucy and Kevin. Jerry
immediately spots Stefan, and walks out onto the terrace.
J: Mr. Cassadine, I don't recall my wife and I sending you an invitation.
S: (coldly) She doesn't love you.
J: Regardless, I want you to leave. She wants you to leave.
Stefan stares glacially at Jerry.
S: She *will* be with me. She is my heart, and I will *not* let you have my
heart for long.
Stefan then turns and walks away. Jerry waits until Stefan is out of sight, then
smiles broadly.
J: (To himself) I told her he wouldn't stop. (Glinting) I think I'll make him
work *hard* to get his heart back, though.
Inside Katherine and Lucy have exchanged pleasantries, which, as usual, are
veiled in hostility, and are up to their usual banter about the Nurses Ball.
L: Kathy, you haven't been much help this year with the Ball. It's been nice.
K: Really. Well, I've been busy working. Making Deception the number one
cosmetic company in the world.
L: HA! In your dreams.
Kevin: Ladies, that's enough business talk for one night don't you think?
Jerry walks over and puts his arm around Katherine.
K: So, who's funding the Ball this year?
L: Well, I haven't exactly found a backer, yet. BUT I am certain to find one.
K: Jerry, would you be interested? It's for a worthy cause.
J: Anything for you, darling. Besides, if my brother funded it last year, I
don't want him to have a good deed up on me, do I?
K: Nooo. We couldn't have that. And since MY husband is funding the Ball, I
think it only fair I should be the M.C.
L: WHAT! NO WAY!
Everyone near them stops and looks at Lucy. Then realizing what must be going on
with Lucy and Katherine, turn back to their conversations.
K: Lucy! Lower your voice.
L: (hushed but angry) You don't agree with her do you?
K: Wellll, she's let you do everything else this year. Let her M.C. the event.
Katherine smiles smugly at Lucy and Lucy leaves in a huff. Kevin apologizes and
follows after Lucy.
J: That woman brings out a side of you I don't think I've ever seen before.
K: The honeymoon's over, huh?
J: (raising his eyebrows) Hasn't even started.
The DJ starts playing "Shout". Everyone is on the dance floor, dancing
energetically. Lucky and Liz look as if they want to join in, but are afraid to
draw attention to themselves. Katherine sees them and drags Jerry over to the
corner where Lucky and Liz are standing.
K: You're Luke's son, Lucky, right?
Lucky: Yes.
K: And who is the pretty young woman in the beautiful dress with you?
Liz: I'm Liz. Elizabeth Webber.
K: Oh. I don't recall sending you…
Lucky: Stop it. You've busted us, Ok. So why don't you quit with the act, and
just throw us out already?
J: (stepping forward) That was my plan.
K: (stopping Jerry) Oh, I dunno. (To Liz) I admire your chutzpa for crashing my
party. It reminds me of something I did when I was your age. My dress wasn't as
nice as yours, though.
Liz: (hopefully) Sooo, we can stay?
K: Only if you don't drink anymore Champaign. There are plenty of sodas
available. It's my drink of choice this evening. Deal?
Liz: (enthusiastically) Yes! Thank you! Oh, oh, and congratulations!
K: (smiling) You're welcome. Now get out there and dance before the song ends.
Liz grabs Lucky and drags him to the dance floor before he can say thank you.
Jerry then gestures to the dance floor.
J: After you.
Katherine looks ill suddenly. She quickly walks to the ladies room, unnoticed by
the partygoers. The DJ keeps the party swinging by playing "Old Time Rock and
Roll" by Bob Seger. Ned does his best lip-sync/dance and everyone surrounds the
dance floor to watch him. Alexis is not sure what to make of Ned, but smiles and
claps her hands. Katherine returns just as the song "Twist and Shout", as done
by the Beatles, starts. She dances over to Jerry and he grabs her by her hips
and "twists" her close to him. Lila is "twisting" with Edward by moving her
wheel chair back and forth in little, quick motions. Justus and Dara are almost
"bumping and grinding", rather than "twisting". Lucky is trying to balance his
dancing time between Emily and Liz. Mac is doing the same with Felicia and
Robin.
After that, the DJ cranks up Meatloaf's "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" and
Jasper and Brenda lip-sync to it. By the end, Brenda and Jasper are in the
middle of the dance floor, with all of the women are on one side of the dance
floor doing the female part:
Will you love me? Will you love me, forever?
Do you need me? Will you never leave me?
Will you make me so happy for the rest of my life?
Will take me away? Will you make your wife?
I gotta know right now! Before we go any further - Do you love me?
Will you love me forever?
And all the men are on the other side of the floor singing the male part:
Let me sleep on it. Baby, baby let me sleep on it.
Let me sleep on it. I'll give you answer in the mornin'.
The celebrating goes on for hours like that. Then before the guests start to
leave, Jerry gets everyone's attention. He has pull Katherine to his side. They
are both smiling.
Jerry: Can I have your attention?!? Before everyone leaves, my lovely wife and I
have an announcement to make.
At this point Amy is grinning from ear to ear. Jerry spots Amy's grin, and
smiles at her.
Jerry: I understand there is a vicious rumor going around that my wife is with
child.
Jasper: You're the only child I see her with.
Everyone laughs. Jerry sneers at Jasper, then continues.
Jerry: I can't imagine where you would hear such a thing.
The whole crowd purposefully stares at Amy. She appears a little embarrassed.
Jerry: Wellll, it's true. (Enthusiastic gasps from the crowd) For once, you
could believe your source. Katherine and I expect this blessed event sometime
around the first of the New Year.
K: I want to thank everyone for coming. I think we have one last dance? (The DJ
nods) Yes, Jerry picked this song out, I don't think I've ever heard it. Anyway,
We would like you to join us on the dance floor, please.
The couples make their way to the dance floor, and Clint Black's "Something That
We Do" plays.
I remember well the day we wed,
I can see that picture in my head.
I still believe the words we said
Forever will ring true.
Love is certain, Love is kind,
Love is yours, and Love is mine,
But it isn't something that we find,
It's something that we do.
It's holding tight and letting go,
It's flying high and laying low,
Let your strongest feeling show,
And your weakness, too.
It's a little and a lot to ask,
An endless and a welcome task,
Love isn't something that we have,
It's something that we do.
We help to make each other all that we can be,
But we can find our strength and inspiration independently
The way we work together is what sets our love apart,
So closely that we can't tell where I end and where you start.
It gives me heart remembering how
We started with a simple vow.
There's so much to look back on now
Still it feels brand new.
We're on a road that has no end
And each day we begin again
Love's not just something that we're in
It's something that we do.
Instrumental
(Everyone is looking at Katherine and Jerry. Tears are falling from her eyes as
she looks at him. They kiss tenderly, then she puts her head on his chest, he
puts his chin on her head, they both close their eyes and sway to the music.)
We help to make each other all that we can be,
But we can find our strength and inspiration independently
The way we work together is what sets our love apart,
So closely that we can't tell where I end and where you start
Love is wide, Love is long,
Love is deep and Love is strong.
Love is why I love this song,
And I hope you love it, too.
I remember well the day we wed,
I can see that picture in my head.
Love isn't just those words we said,
It's something that we do.
There's no request too big or small,
We give ourselves, we give our all.
Love isn't someplace that we fall,
It's something that we do.
The music stops, but Jerry and Katherine are still embracing, and swaying back
and forth. Everyone whispers their congratulations as they leave, but Jerry and
Katherine don't budge.
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