Second Chances
Chapter 29
And, as Lucky reunited himself with Liz, Laura was making her way
into Wyndemere. “Hello?” she called as she entered.
Stefan smiled, as he walked into the front room. “Good morning. Are you planning on
staying?”
“For awhile.” she took a seat on the couch, and gestured for him to sit. He sat,
and looked into her eyes.
“Okay, Laura, what do you want to ask me?”
“You lied to me.”
He sighed. “I am sorry, Laura. He asked me to. I did want to tell you.”
“Thank you.” she whispered.
Now, Stefan was more than confused. “Lasha?”
She smiled at him. “You risked everything for my son, more than once. You even left
the three of us together, even though you knew what might happen. I know you didn’t
want to leave Lucky and I alone with Luke.”
“Lucky is your son. I know you needed to see him.” he told her, patiently.
“And, Luke?”
“He needed to see his son, too.”
She smiled at him. “You amaze me, Stefan.”
“Dare I ask why?”
“Because you understood from the beginning. And, where Luke could never see why I
have always been connected to you and Nikolas, you understood the importance of it at the
start. I know it was hard of you to trust Luke.”
“It was excruciatingly hard.” he answered. “But, Lucky is Luke’s
son.”
“That’s why I love you.” she told him. “Because you know that. And,
you care for other people beside yourself. Unlike your mother. Is she in custody?”
“I need to speak to Alexis, first. I certainly hope so.”
“I am sure it will be fine. You have made it so that it will be fine.” she
leaned over, and kissed him. He responded in kind for awhile, until he finally had to pull
away, with reluctance.
“Yes?” she asked, slowly.
“I still cannot figure out how Luke discovered where we were.”
Laura suddenly smiled, like a child caught with her hands in the cookie jar.
“I’m sorry. He asked me where the country house was, and he was so upset - I
couldn’t not tell him. I didn’t think he would interfere; I honestly
didn’t.” she paused. “You’re not disappointed, are you?”
He shook his head. “Nothing was ruined.”
They kissed, once more, and again he pulled back.
“What is it, now?” she asked.
“I’m sorry, but I have to make sure we have Helena.” he paused. “Can
you wait for me?”
She smiled at him, beckoning him again with that brilliant smile and those dazzling eyes.
“I would wait forever, for you.”
He chuckled. “I hope it doesn’t take that long.” he kissed her on the lips,
and then stood. “Will you wait right there?”
“There is no place I would rather be.”
“I hope to be back soon.” and he left her alone.
But, she was safe and she was free. And, for the first time in months, Laura was
completely happy.
Second Chances
Chapter 30
Alexis was surprised to find Stefan at her front door, by 8:30 in
the morning. Lucky for her, Ned had just left - otherwise, she would be really
uncomfortable. But, Ned was gone by now, and Alexis actually had good news.
“Hi. Come in.” Alexis smiled. “I have some good news.”
“Really?” he walked in, and took a seat.
“Yeah. I have hard evidence on Helena. I have a bank trail, and even someone she paid
off.”
Stefan breathed with relief. “Thank you.” he told her. “Helena’s in
custody at the moment, but I was worried we wouldn’t have enough evidence in
time.”
Alexis suddenly sat down, surprised. “Okay. Explain, Stefan.”
“Well, Helena attempted to steal Lucky back. But, we outsmarted her, and sent her
into the custody of the PCPD.”
“I knew you could do it.” she paused. “And, Laura?”
“She knows everything; Lucky told her. And, she is not mad.”
“Well, you are doing well, aren’t you?”
Stefan smiled. “She is actually waiting for me. I just wanted to make sure that
everything went okay.”
“I have enough proof to have Helena behind bars for years.” Alexis grinned.
“Go enjoy yourself, Stefan, and stop worrying. I’ve covered everything.”
“I am certain you have.” he stood, and headed for the door. He paused.
“Tell your fiance’ I said hello, and that my threat against him if he ever hurts
you still stands.”
She laughed. “Thank you, Stefan. Goodbye.” she watched him leave. And, then she
settled back on the couch.
For once, all of the loose ends were tied up, and everyone she cared about was happy.
Thrilled, impatient, she dialed Ned on his cell phone.
“Hello?”
“Hi.”
“Alexis? Didn’t I just leave?” Ned asked, curiously.
“Yes. But, if it’s all the same to you, I’d rather you came back.”
“Alexis,” he started.
“Please? I promise I’ll be good.”
Ned didn’t even stop to think. “I’ll be there in five minutes.” he
hung up, leaving Alexis to just wait for him, calm and content. Maybe things would work
out.
Second Chances
Chapter 31
Lucky spent the rest of the day reacquainting himself with old
friends and family, including Bobbie. And, then, when he had explained to everyone where
he had been, and what had happened, he went home, with Liz.
He found Nikolas playing in the living room with Leslie Lu. “I’m home!” he
yelled, like a 1950’s father. Both Nikolas and Lulu turned to stare at the happily
united couple that had entered; Liz and Lucky, hand in hand. Nikolas reacted the same way
that everyone else had; only he was less surprised.
“My father did tell me the truth.” he said, softly.
And, as Nikolas stood and watched, smiling, Lulu did not wait. She ran to her other older
brother, calling “Lucky!” and wrapping herself around his legs. He made her let
go, and then stopped to Lulu’s eye level.
“Have you missed me, Lulu?”
She nodded, shyly. “Mommy said you went to Heaven.”
“I went on a trip. And, now, I’m back.” he hugged his little sister, and
sent the dark haired girl back to Nikolas, and then made his way to the couch, Liz
trailing behind. “Lulu, do you want me to read you a story?”
She nodded again. “Can you both?”
Lucky looked at Nikolas. “Do you see a problem?”
Nikolas shook his head. “None at all.” he turned to his little sister. “Why
don’t you grab the book?”
Lulu darted away, leaving the three teenagers to themselves. Nikolas turned to his younger
brother. “So, are you going to explain what happened, or not?”
“I wasn’t planning on it.” he paused, smiling. “All I know is that I
was rescued. You can ask Stefan about the details.”
“He was there?”
Lucky nodded. But, before he could say anything, Lulu returned with the book.
Nikolas moved over, helping Lulu. And, together, they read to her, Lucky never
letting go of Liz’s hand.
Second Chances
Conclusion
And, back at Wyndemere, Stefan had returned. And, presently, he
was lying, on his bed, in Laura’s arms
“I love you.” she told him, after kissing him.
“I have always loved you, Lasha.” he whispered. “You just never saw
it.”
“But, now I am free. And, I can be with you, Stefan.” she told him, her eyes
shining brilliantly.
He looked at her intently, his eyes golden. “Are you certain that you are free from
Luke?”
“We are not together anymore.” she told him, simply. “I love you, Stefan,
and everything in you.” she paused, and looked into his eyes. “Now, kiss
me.”
As if he were about to do anything else.
And so, he held her, and he kissed her, knowing that he could never, never let go.
The End
Chpaters 25-28