Chapter 6
Laura let Stefan into her house.
Laura: “I told you, you didn’t have to come.”
Stefan: “Have you seen a doctor?”
Laura: “Yes. Would you like something to eat or drink?”
Stefan shook his head no.
Stefan: “Shauna is pregnant Laura.”
Laura: “What? I thought you said you were not going to continue the marriage?”
Stefan: “Well things changed when I found out about her pregnancy. What a mess this is.”
Laura: “It doesn’t have to be. I demand nothing from you except acknowledgement of your child. I don’t want this baby to not know his father.”
Stefan: “That will never be a problem. I plan to be a very integral part of this child’s life. Laura, I just. I want the best for you and our baby. I just wish things were different. I want our child to be born into a stable home. A family.”
Laura: “That’s not possible with the situation that we’re all in. We just have to make the best of things.”
Stefan: “I will move back to Port Charles so I can be here for you and the baby. I also want you to move out of this house Laura.”
Laura: “Why? It’s my home."
Stefan: “It’s a house I am not comfortable in and since I will be spending an ample amount of time visiting you and our child I don’t think it’s unreasonable of me to ask this of you. I will buy you whatever home you desire Laura, please think about it.”
Laura: “I don’t know if it’s wise for you to live in Port Charles Stefan. It will be uncomfortable for everyone involved. I know I would be uncomfortable seeing you with Shauna and the baby.
Stefan: “I want to be here for you. I would worry myself to death being half way around the world wondering if all was well and I don’t know if I could stand not seeing my child every day.
Laura: “There is something called a phone Stefan. It would be too uncomfortable for me running into you and Shauna in town.”
Stefan: “Will you think about moving?”
Laura: “We’ll see. Will you think about not moving?”
Stefan: “I will move. Would a town close to Port Charles suit you? Then you wouldn’t have the problem of running into Shauna and I could be close to you and the baby.”
Laura: “Sounds like a plan.”
Stefan: “When’s your next visit to the doctor? I want to go with you.”
Laura: “Thank you for your support.”
Stefan went over to her and raised her chin with a finger.
Stefan: “It’s not necessary to thank me for doing what I so want to do. It pains me that I can’t do more. I want this child very much Laura. More than I could ever convey to you.”
He was going to kiss her; she wanted him to kiss her. He instead caressed her cheek and walked away. Opening the door he paused and looked back.
Stefan: “I will be back in two days. Please take care.
He left.
Stefan called Nicholas and requested that he check in on his mother everyday. Nicholas agreed to Stefan’s strange request but resolved to get to the bottom of things.
The doorbell rang and Laura raced to answer it believing Stefan had forgotten to tell her something. When she opened the door it was not Stefan but Shauna who stood there.
Laura: “Shauna! What are you doing here?”
Shauna: “ What I want to know is what Stefan was doing here Laura? What is it with you? Can’t you stand to see him happy without you?
Laura: “Please come in. There is a lot you don’t know.”
Shauna hesitated then entered Laura’s home. It was just like the woman. Down to earth and cozy, nothing flashy or extravagant. She sat in the armchair Laura indicated. Laura sat in the couch across from her.
Laura: “Shauna, Stefan and I have a very long and complicated history. We had ended our affair earlier this year and we both had no intention of looking back. What happened the other night between us was not planned, I actually can’t explain our motivations but this I do know, we never intended to hurt you. We simply lost control.”
Shauna: “Please spare me the details. Stefan told me what happened. What I want to know is why he is still visiting you? He told me you were over and I believe him, so I am inclined to think that you lowered him here under some pretence. What is your game this time Laura?”
Laura sighed.
Laura: “There is no game Shauna. As a result of the other night I am pregnant.”
Shauna: “You’re lying!”
Laura: “Why would I lie about something like this? Do you think I enjoy the complication this has brought to my life? The father of my unborn baby is married and is also expecting a child with his new wife. Now those are very desirable circumstances I am just relishing throwing myself into.”
Shauna: “You are desperate to hold on to Stefan.”
Laura: “Shauna believe it or not, I don’t want to fight with you. Stefan is not leaving you for me, I would not ask him to do that and neither would he if I did. Please leave. I’m tired and this is not productive to either of us at the moment. You should be speaking to Stefan, not me.”
Shauna: “You bitch! You are lying and I will prove it. You will not manipulate Stefan any longer, I’ll see to it.”
Laura: “And just how do you hope to accomplish this task?”
Shauna: “Easily.”
Shauna left the house and got into the waiting hired car.
Chauffer: “Where to Mrs. Cassadine?”
Shauna: “ The best hotel in town.” Shauna wanted to howl in pain. It was not fair, why dear God, why her and not me? She loved him, she had never loved anyone like she loved this man.
Stefan could not find Shauna when he returned home. No one had any idea where she was. After placing a call to his secretary he immediately called Laura. She was not home. Damn! He was worried. He did not have cause to fear for either woman’s safety but he had a very bad premonition. When he had called his secretary after not locating Shauna and she had asked him if his wife had managed to reach him in Port Charles, he knew Shauna had followed him there. That she had not returned worried him. Stefan made immediate plans to return to Port Charles.
Shauna decided to follow Laura discretely the next day to gauge what she was up to. Maybe, just maybe she was not really pregnant, and she wanted to catch her in the lie. She refused to think of the fact that she was the one that was not pregnant. Shauna pulled out of her discrete parking spot in the hospital garage and followed Laura’s sedan. Shauna had rented an inconspicuous dark blue Ford Taurus and had donned a brunette wig in case Laura became aware of being followed. Visibility was almost zero even though it was the middle of the day. There was an unrelenting summer storm that carried with it hurricane like winds and the dark clouds overhead blocked out the sun and plunged the day into premature darkness. This was good Shauna thought. There would be no way Laura could see her following her much less recognize her. Shauna kept up pace behind Laura until they reached a two lane country road. Where was she going? Shauna could barely see and was not just a little apprehensive about driving under these conditions. Laura’s car suddenly swerved and in surprised reaction Shauna’s reflexes made her swerve her car into the oncoming lane to avoid Laura’s out of control vehicle. She never saw the headlights of the oncoming truck.
Damaged
Chapter 7
The pilot had to land at a private airport in a town 20 miles north of Port Charles. The small town was not receiving any aircrafts due to the storm they were experiencing. Stefan rented a car and drove the remaining miles into Port Charles. He hoped no one he knew was out in this weather. Visibility was almost nonexistent. It took all of his skills just to keep the car on the road. When he finally arrived at Laura’s home it was very late. The house was shrouded in darkness. He ran through the pouring rain to her front porch and rang the bell. No one answered as he had expected. He had called Laura incessantly since leaving London and she had not picked up or returned any of his many messages. He had confirmed Shauna was staying at the Port Charles hotel but was not able to reach her either. He decided to try Nicholas again. Nicholas did answer his cellular phone this time.
Stefan: “Nicholas. Have you spoken to your mother recently?” Stefan was too anxious to even bother with a greeting.
Nicholas: “Stefan, I’m at the hospital. Laura has been in a terrible accident. Stefan?” The line had been disconnected.
Or so Nicholas thought. Stefan had actually hung up and ran to his car. With his heart in his throat Stefan drove to General Hospital as fast as the car would go. It was a miracle he did not also meet in an accident on the rain-slicked roads. All he could think of was Laura broken and dying. No! She would not die. She could not die.
Stefan tore into the emergency room department at GH and demanded to know where Laura Spencer was. He was told she was in surgery because she had suffered extensive internal injuries. She was still in danger but she was alive. Stefan sent up a prayer of thanks to God and went to be with Laura.
He saw Nicholas and Lucky sitting in the waiting room of the surgical unit. Stefan went over and embraced a worried looking Nicholas. He then turned to Lucky.
Stefan: “Lucky.”
Lucky: “Mr. Cassadine”
Stefan: “Before I go in to check on your mother’s progress, can anyone of you tell me what happened to Laura tonight?”
Nicholas spoke with tears streaming down his face: “ I received a call from Bobby this afternoon saying Laura was brought into GH. She didn’t tell me how bad things were until I got here. It’s not good Stefan, she was, there was so much blood, they were working on her when I arrived then they wheeled her off to surgery.”
Stefan: “Was there an officer who reported on anything about what caused Laura’s accident?”
Nicholas, pulling himself together went on: “Yes. He said there was a three-vehicle collision. Laura’s car was wrapped around a tree and there was a head on collision between another car and a truck.”
Stefan to Lucky: “ Leslie Lu?”
Lucky: “Bobby picked her up from kindergarten and brought her to the Brownstown.”
Stefan: “Good. I will see what I can find out about Laura’s condition. Will you both be ok?”
Both young men nodded.
Stefan found out what room they had taken Laura into and got prepped to join the surgery team. Although he no longer ran General hospital on a day-to-day basis, he was still there most lucrative financial backer, which brought with it some clout that he used without excuse at that moment. The surgical team was told he would be joining them so they were not surprised when he entered. He went over by Laura’s head and gently touched her bruised forehead. Looking up at the head surgeon he asked, “How bad is it?”
Head surgeon: “She suffered a lot of internal injuries but I think she will make it.”
Stefan: “She’s pregnant.”
Head surgeon: “ We know. We were able to contact her primary care physician. Unfortunately the trauma was too violent. She lost the baby.”
Stefan clenched his fist in pain. Their baby had died. Oh God, what next? Please let Laura come through this ok, he prayed. That’s all I ask of you, just please let her make it.
Head surgeon: “ We’re almost through here. If you want I will let you know when she is brought to recovery.”
Stefan agreed and left, besides, he wanted to find out more about the cause of the accident. After reassuring Lucky and Nicholas that their mother would make it, Stefan went to speak to the attending physician of the ER. He would know more about the accident. The attending told him the truck driver had seen Laura’s car swerve to avoid something in the road. He said he had not seen what it was clearly due to the rain but it was some kind of animal. He then said that he saw a car head straight into him. It was too late to avoid it and there was a head on collision. The driver of the car had not made it. There was no personal identification on the victim but they were having the license traced. Stefan thanked him and called the PCPD. He was surprised at how quickly he was put through to Mac considering their history.
Mac: “Stefan. I was just about to try and reach you. Do you know a Shauna Cassadine?”
Stefan: “Yes. She is my wife.”
Mac: “Oh man. I’m sorry Stefan. Your wife was the driver killed tonight in the accident involving Laura Spencer.”
Stefan gripped the phone in shock and disbelief. “Are you sure?”
Mac: “No one has identified the body but the rental was traced to her. I am truly sorry. If there is anything I can do please let me know.”
Stefan nodded, forgetting Mac could not see him. He hung up the phone and started off towards the GH morgue. He was numb.
Damaged
Chapter 8
Stefan stared at Shauna’s disfigured face. He did not touch her in fear she would hurt. He knew she could no longer feel but he still thought she would hurt. That’s all he had done to Shauna. Hurt her. She offered him love and he gave her pain in return. He should have separated himself from her when he said he would, maybe none of this would have happened. But the baby, dear God! No! Stefan ran out of the morgue and barely making it into the men’s bathroom threw up violently.
Nicholas could not find Stefan. Laura had been in recovery for over an hour now. The hospital had paged him and Nicholas had tried his cell phone several times. He was now worried. This was not like Stefan to take off without checking on Laura. Nicholas returned to the waiting room in case his mother needed him.
Stefan picked himself up off the bathroom stall floor and went to wash his face. He had no idea how long he had sat there, weak and numb with grief. He left the bathroom and went to see if Laura was out of surgery. Stefan saw Lucky sleeping awkwardly in one of the waiting room chair of the intensive care unit, he did not see Nicholas anywhere. Just as well. He was in no condition to deal with him now. He had no idea what time it was and he didn’t care enough to even look at his watch, all he knew was that he needed to see Laura. The nurse exiting Laura’s room was startled by his sudden appearance.
Stefan: “I am Stefan Cassadine. I was told I could see her. Is she awake?”
Nurse: “Of course Mr. Cassadine. She is sleeping but you may sit with her if you like.”
Stefan went in and leaning against the door looked at Laura from across the room.
Laura: “Stefan?”
Stefan went over to her bedside.
Stefan: “I was wondering when I would get to see those beautiful blue eyes again.”
Laura: “You look awful.”
Stefan smiled: “So much for fishing for a compliment. Are you in any pain?”
Laura: “Everywhere. The baby Stefan, please tell me our baby is ok. I don’t remember anything the doctor said to me earlier.”
Tears started to fall from his eyes. Laura turned her head away.
Stefan sat in the only chair in the room and reaching for her hand held on. When Laura had fallen asleep, Stefan decided to take a walk. He had no idea where he was going but he needed to escape his thoughts for a while. It was times like these he wished he had a confidant. He did not reach very far before he ran into Alexis.
Alexis: “Oh my God Stefan! What happened, you look like hell.”
Stefan: “ I feel like hell.”
Alexis: “Is it Laura? Nicholas said she made it through surgery ok…”
Stefan: “Laura is recovering in ICU. Would you drive back with me to the hotel? I need your company right now.”
Surprised by the request and concerned with the dullness she saw in his eyes Alexis agreed. They drove to the hotel in silence. Alexis followed him up to the penthouse suite and busied herself with ordering a meal for Stefan while he showered. She doubted he had anything to eat for a while. She would never understand the depth of love Stefan had for Laura Spencer, the woman was just not worth it. She had thought he had finally freed himself from her when he not only left Port Charles but had gotten married. She turned towards him as he entered the living room suite.
Alexis: “I ordered something for you to eat.”
Stefan: “Thank you.” He sat in the couch and requested Alexis have a seat. She sat in an armchair facing him.
Alexis: “Tell me Stefan. What has you so bent out of shape. From what you said Laura seems like she will be ok.”
Stefan rubbed his face then clasping his hands and resting his forearms on his knees he looked into Alexis’ eyes. Alexis almost cried out at the anguish she saw in them.
Stefan: “My wife and my children died in the accident yesterday Alexis. My babies died.” Tears clouded Stefan’s eyes as he made the last statement.
Alexis: “What! Stefan, what babies? How on earth was Shauna involved in Laura’s accident?”
Stefan stood up and went over to the floor to ceiling windows that offered a view of the lake. Turning back to look at Alexis he continued. “It seems Shauna was following Laura, and when Laura’s car got out of control, to avoid hitting her Shauna steered her way into oncoming traffic and ultimately to her death. She was pregnant.”
Alexis: “What was she doing following Laura, and you said children. Was she pregnant with twins or more?”
Stefan went back to sit in the couch. “No. I came to Port Charles to see Laura and Shauna followed me here. I didn’t know until I had returned to London that she was even here. She was probably determined to find out why I came to see Laura.”
Alexis: “Why did you come Stefan? I thought it was over between you two, after everything she put you through I was hoping this in fact.”
Stefan: “I saw Laura in New York, she was there with Nicholas apparently. One thing led to another and as a result she became pregnant.”
Alexis’ mouth fell open at this news. “Did Shauna know about this?”
Stefan: “She knew about what happened between us, and I had resolved to end the marriage for her sake but then she told me she was pregnant. I later found out Laura was pregnant too. I don’t think she knew about Laura’s pregnancy though. I was going to tell her when I returned to London, but she was not there. “
Alexis: “Laura lost the baby. Oh Stefan.” Alexis went to sit beside him and embraced him. He allowed her to comfort him. The tender moment between the siblings was interrupted by a knock at the door.
Alexis: “It’s room service. I better get that. “ She went to answer the door. After finishing their meal Stefan called the hospital to check up on Laura. She was heavily sedated due to the strong pain- killers she had received. He was told she would sleep through the night. Reassured, Stefan hung up. He would get some sleep and visit her in the morning. The ICU nurse had assured him she would sleep through the night and he had left his cell phone number so they could reach him if there were any updates on her condition.
Alexis: “How is she?”
Stefan: “Sleeping. I will get more details when I speak to her doctor tomorrow. Thank you for listening.”
Alexis: “Anytime. What will you do now? Do you need any help in arranging things for Shauna?”
Stefan: “I will take her back to Greece. Her parents are also buried there. I just can’t believe what has happened Alexis, how could everything have gone so wrong? Shauna never deserved any of this to happen to her.”
Alexis: “She chose to stay with you after finding out about Laura so that tells me she loved you very much. It’s unfortunate what happened but it was an accident and as are many things in life a senseless loss. You are not to blame for this Stefan, I hope you know that.”
Stefan: “Do I?”
Alexis: “ How can you blame yourself Stefan? It was an accident. Stefan, Shauna chose this route. She chose to confront Laura. The weather was bad. There was an accident. You could not control this, hard as it may be for you to believe.”
Stefan: “You should go. It’s late." Pulling her into his arms he hugged her then walked her to the door. Kissing her on the forehead he told her, “Thank you.”
Alexis: “You could never stand to loose an argument. Call me and let me know if you need anything. You would have made a wonderful father Stefan.” Alexis left.
Stefan called the ICU again to see if there was any change in Laura’s status. He was told she was still sleeping. Stefan went to bed.
Stefan could not get the insistent beeping out of his head. He then realized it was his cell phone ringing on the bedside table. Grabbing it up he quickly answered it.
ICU physician: “Mr. Cassadine, I think you should come to the hospital as soon as possible. Mrs. Spencer needs you.”
Stefan: “I’ll be right there.”
Wasting no time Stefan dressed and left the hotel. It was only 4am. Stefan could not get to the ICU fast enough. He went straight into Laura’s room. Laura was crying and telling the nurse she did not want to be sedated. When she saw Stefan she held out her arms and he went straight into them. Sitting on the bed he held her and murmured soft endearments to her. Stefan mouthed to the nurse to get the doctor so Laura could not hear and asked, “What is it Laura? Tell me what is wrong.”
Laura: “I had a nightmare, about the accident and when I woke up I tried to move but I couldn’t.”
Stefan pulled back a little out of her arms so he could see her face. “What do you mean? You are holding me, besides you just had major surgery, you can’t expect to do too much right away.”
Laura: “You don’t understand. I can’t feel them. I can’t feel my legs.”
At that moment the doctor came in.
Stefan: “You heard her. What’s going on?”
ICU physician: “ May I speak to you outside?”
Laura: “NO! I want to know what’s going on. Anything you say to him you can say to me.”
Stefan: “Laura, let me speak with him first. I promise you I will tell you everything he tells me. He may not be as forthcoming otherwise as you are still in recovery. Please trust me on this Laura.” He immediately realized what he had asked of her but it was too late to take it back.
Laura: “Do you promise to tell me everything?”
Stefan: “I promise.” Laura nodded her ok and both men left the room.
ICU physician: “You are a smart man Mr. Cassadine. What I have to say may be too upsetting for her to hear and her recovery is still at a critical stage. Undue stress has to be avoided at all cost.”
Stefan: “Tell me everything.”
ICU physician: “ As a part of Mrs. Spencer’s recovery examination I tested her sensory-motor receptions and noted that she did not perceive stimuli from her thighs downward. This is what’s known as a lumbar paralysis. It may only be temporary but we won’t know until we complete some extensive tests.”
Stefan: “When will you know?”
Physician: “ We should have some conclusive results by this afternoon. Whatever you say to Mrs. Spencer, please try to be positive, she is not out of danger yet and I do not want to compromise her recovery.”
Stefan went into Laura’s room. Her face was pale and tear stained. “What did the doctor say Stefan?”
Stefan sat at her bedside and caressed her hair. “They are running some tests to see why you are experiencing this lack of sensation. He will know by this afternoon what is causing it. In the meantime we need for you to relax Laura. Avoidance of stress is critical in your recovery rate. I’m sure you want to get out of here as soon as possible.”
Laura: “Am I paralyzed? Is that what he said?”
Stefan: “No. He did not say that. Let us wait for the results and we’ll take it from there.”
Laura: “We Stefan? Won’t Shauna expect you home soon? There is no need for you to stay with me any longer.”
Stefan closed his eyes against her words. He knew she had no idea what had happened, but her sending him away when he needed to be near her hurt. “If that’s what you want.”
Laura: “Yes. Thank you, for everything. Goodbye.”
Stefan walked out.
Laura panicked but willed herself not to call him back. She needed him but it was time for her to stop behaving selfishly, he had a wife and a baby on the way. Her last tie to him died in the accident and she did not want his pity if it turned out she was indeed paralyzed.
Stefan had almost reached his car when he realized what he was doing. He was in such a state that he had not realized what Laura was doing. Whenever she was hurt or scared she usually tried to push him away. Not this time Laura, he resolved. He got into the rental car and headed back to the hotel to take care of Shauna’s burial. When he got there Alexis was waiting for him. “What are you doing here?”
Alexis: “There is something I have to tell you. I decided to get started on the arrangements to have Shauna flown back to Greece. I figured you were visiting Laura and since I knew you would insist on doing everything yourself I just went ahead anyway.”
Stefan with a half smile: “Would my forbidding you stop you?”
Alexis: “No.”
Stefan: “Besides your being a good sister, what else did you want to tell me?”
Alexis: “You really think I’m a good sister?”
Stefan: “Alexis!”
Alexis: “OK. Shauna was not pregnant Stefan. The autopsy was very clear on that.”
Stefan: “There has to be a mistake.”
Alexis: “I stated that to the coroner too but she was absolutely sure. Her words.”
Stefan: “May I see the report?”
Alexis gave him the papers. “But why would Shauna claim she was pregnant if she was not? Don’t answer, stupid question. This was not like her Alexis. I was nothing but bad news for her from the start.”
Alexis: “She was trying to hold on to you. I can’t say I blame her. How is Laura doing?”
Stefan: “She is scared. They are running tests to see if she may be paralyzed.”
Alexis: “Oh my gosh. I’m sorry to hear that. At least she will have Nicholas and Lucky close by and I suppose her mother will come to take care of her. That is just awful.”
Stefan: “I will be taking care of Laura.”
Alexis: “You can’t be serious Stefan. Why on earth would you put yourself in such a position? Laura does not care for you, isn’t it time you stop putting your life on hold for her? You always come out on the loosing end.”
Stefan: “Enough Alexis! I know you care but this is my call to make.”
Alexis: “Would you please tell me where they make men like you so I can go and order one? If I didn’t know you so well I would think you were a glutton for punishment.” Alexis went up to him and kissed him on the cheek. “Take care Stefan, and please don’t be drawn back in by Laura again. She’s not worth it.” Alexis then left.
Stefan to himself: “She may not be but I can’t help it.”
Damaged
Chapter 9
The nurse saw to it that Laura was settled comfortably in the bed. Stefan came into the room.
Laura: “ I want to thank you again for allowing me to stay here Stefan. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you. You don’t have to stay though, mother will be here soon. “
Stefan: “I get the hint Laura, but you can stop trying to send me away because I’m not going anywhere. Leslie is not coming and you’re stuck with me.”
Laura: “Go home Stefan. If I knew you would do this I would not have agreed to come here.”
Stefan: “And how would you manage with the stairs at your house?”
Laura: “I could always move my bedroom downstairs. Please call the nurse. I want to leave.”
Stefan: “Call her yourself.” Stefan walked out of the room and closed the door behind him.
Laura was fuming. How dare he do this? The doctors had told her she had a lumbar paralysis due to compression of nerves by a slipped disk. They had told her she could recover the use of her legs with intensive physical therapy, but first she would be put on meds to decrease the inflammation. Laura required round the clock care she could not afford at the moment and her house on Charles Street was not built to accommodate her physical handicap. She was sure her mother would help out, but Leslie had her own life to live too and Laura did not want to depend solely on her mother for the round the clock help she would need. She was surprised and glad when Stefan had showed up and offered not only his sprawling “one story” country estate for a place to recuperate, but also a nursing staff to aid her. She was hesitant at first to accept his gift but conceded when he said he was doing it on Nicholas’ behalf. He had managed to manipulate her again and she was not going to stand for it. Where the hell was his wife anyway, she was so hell bent on keeping me away from him just the other day. Was she to believe Shauna would put up with this little arrangement? Laura reached for the bedside telephone. She would call Leslie to come and take her out of here. She could not reach Leslie. She was on some church cruise according to her neighbor Betsy, who Laura called when she kept getting Leslie’s answering service. Just then the door opened and Stefan walked in with Leslie Lu.
Leslie Lu: “Mommy!” Lulu ran to her mother. She was just about to jump onto the bed when Stefan stopped her.
Stefan: “Careful Leslie Lu, remember we said we would be very gentle with mommy?”
Leslie Lu: "Yes. Mommy is not all better yet so we must tree…touch her softly. Do you hurt mommy?”
Laura: “A little sweetheart, but having you here makes mommy feel so much better.”
Stefan: “I will go and tell Mrs.Lansbury not to start baking the cookies without you. Laura, Nicholas and Lucky will be by later so I suggest you get some rest so you will be up to the visit.”
Laura sarcastically: “How sweet of you to be so concerned Stefan. Have you spoken to your wife lately?”
Stefan: “No.” Stefan exited the room.
He should tell her but he was not ready. Besides, he did not mind her sharpening her claws on him. He had noticed her bouts with depression in the hospital and he preferred her fighting with him anytime than giving in to her depressive thoughts.
Laura’s spirit was lifted by her sons’ visit and every now and then Leslie Lu came in to spend some time with her mommy. Luke even called to see that she was fine. She had no idea where he was but she was happy he had called. Lucky must have told him. It was when she was alone that a suffocating depression seemed to press down on her. She didn’t know if it was due to the loss of the baby or the accident but she just felt an overwhelming sense of hopelessness that would come up on her unexpectedly, especially at nights. Stefan would not leave no matter how mean or uncooperative she became. She was puzzled about his situation with Shauna, maybe they had separated, but it was unlike Stefan to do this as Shauna was expecting. She was curious but would not show she cared by asking him. He could do as he damn well pleased, she did not care. His kind attentions, and concern for her welfare were constant reminders of what she had thrown away and having him around her everyday made her want to have it all back. Knowing she could not was eating away at her and it just made her want to push him away more.
She started physical therapy, and though she experienced periodic sensations in her lower limbs, she had not regained their use. Stefan took her nightly to the lake in the back of the property where he had her exercise some more. These were the hardest because he would always hold her close against his beautiful chest. She may not have been able to walk but she could feel just fine and having him hold her in his arms like this every night was slow torture. After each exercise session he would take her to the Jacuzzi and lay her legs in his lap and massage them. She was aroused every night by his ministrations and what was so frustrating was that he seemed to know exactly what he was doing to her.
One night she wanted to go to the bathroom. It was 3am and she did not feel like calling the nurse. She was so tired of having no privacy, she was tired of being this way period. The physical therapy was not working fast enough and she feared the doctors and Stefan were lying to her. Her recovery should not be taking so long. She felt so helpless. Laura decided to try and do something for herself for once. She would try to go to the bathroom by herself; she had some dignity after all. She rolled herself to the side of the bed and slid head first to the floor bracing herself with her hands. She fell off of the bed with a thud. It left her a little winded but no harm done, she did not feel as if she had reopened any of her surgical wounds. Now all she had to do was crawl to the wheelchair by the window and propel herself to the bathroom. Not bad Laura, not bad at all. For the first time in days she felt a little hopeful.
Stefan: “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
I’ve come this far to die of a heart attack Laura grimaced. “Admiring the carpet.”
Stefan could not believe it. She was the most stubborn individual he had ever met. Due to his tormented sleep he woke about this time every morning and as a part of his new regiment checked in on Laura. Expecting her to be sleeping as she usually was at this time he was more than shocked to see her on the floor determinedly eyeing the wheelchair. He quickly went over to her and picked her up. “What is it that you need?”
She thought of lying but nature decided to be overly persistent at that moment. “If you would put me in the wheelchair I can get myself to the bathroom.”
Stefan ignored her request and carried her to the bathroom off of her bedroom. Sitting on the side of the tub with her in his lap he reached over and lifted the toilet seat.
Laura: “Just put me down. I can do it.”
He ignored her and reached under her nightdress and removed her underwear to her knees. He then lifted her and placed her on the toilet.
Wrapping her arms around herself in a protective manner she looked away from him and said softly “Go.”
Stefan left her and closed the door. Stefan went and sat on her bed to wait for her. He knew she was embarrassed but he couldn’t help it. She needed him and he was not going to let her pride cause her to re-injure herself.
Laura wanted to die from shame and embarrassment. What he had just done for her was so intimate an act, even more intimate than when they had made love. She knew her logic did not make sense but she never ever wanted to be this vulnerable to Stefan and at this moment she had felt the most vulnerable she had ever felt in her entire life. She managed to get her underwear back on after she was finished and sat there hoping he would not return. He did. After knocking on the door softly Stefan entered the bathroom.
Stefan: “You should have called me.”
Laura: “You should go to hell.”
Stefan: “I’ve already been there.”
Laura looked up at him in surprise. Stefan picked her up and carried her over to the face basin where she washed her hands. He then took her back to bed.
Laura: “Stefan, I’m sorry. I, I just felt so naked a while ago, like I was overexposed. I know it sounds silly but it’s how I felt.”
Stefan: “There is nothing for you to ever feel embarrassed about around me Laura. It’s not necessary. There is NOTHING I would not do for you.”
His last statement surprised her.
Laura: “What happened with Shauna Stefan. Why are you here with me instead of your wife?”
Stefan: “Shauna died Laura. She was following you the day you met in the accident. To avoid your car she went into the oncoming traffic and had a head on collision.
Laura stared at him in shock. “Oh my God! Oh no. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry Stefan. Please forgive me.” Laura started to cry.
Stefan was still sitting on her bed so he reached out to her and held her. Laura clasped his head with both hands and started kissing him all over his face. She left a wet trail from her tears. Finally reaching his mouth she kissed him at first tenderly and then hungrily. Stefan held her more tightly to him and returned her kisses with an answering hunger.
Laura: “Love me Stefan. Please make love to me?”
Stefan pulling back: “No Laura. It’s too soon.”
Laura ripped his robe open and started kissing his chest. Stefan groaned. “If you don’t I think I’ll die.”
Stefan pulled her away from his chest to lay her down on the bed. “So will I. So will I…”
It was the most frustrating love making Laura had ever endured. Stefan kissed every inch of her. He lovingly traced the scar made from the surgery incision on her abdomen with petal soft kisses. Laura wondered if he was remembering their unborn baby and reaching down she lovingly ran her fingers through his hair. She felt a surge of love for him explode within her like never before. The realization shocked and calmed her. She loved him. She had forgotten for a while, the shock over finding out Lucky was alive and her anger at him for withholding such a vital truth from her had made it possible. She loved him and she would see to it that she didn’t loose him again. Laura arched in pleasure as Stefan’s mouth worked his magic on her. Using his tongue and fingers he quickly brought her to a shuddering climax. Stefan was barely holding himself in check, he was so close to the brink but he could not afford to be with her as he wanted. He had to be careful not to hurt her. No matter what she did to try and urge Stefan to be more aggressive, he would not comply. He laid them both on their sides with one of her legs draped across his thigh. He then oh so slowly entered her. Stefan firmly but gently made love to her. She thought she would die from wanting more. He didn’t speed up the tempo and Laura thought she would go out of her mind. She had thought that what he did to her nightly with the exercises was slow torture, but this beat the cake. It was exquisite, it was maddening, it was a test in her endurance and just when she thought she could take it no more Stefan reached down between their bodies and started to caress her. This sent her right over the edge. Stefan then buried himself deeply in her one last time and holding her tightly against himself, filled her with his essence.
Afterwards they lay facing each other as they had during their lovemaking. Laura spoke with her lips touching his. “Don’t ever do that again. I don’t think I could take it.”
Stefan: “What do you think it did to me to exert that kind of control?”
Laura: “ I would not break.”
Stefan: “I should not even have done what I did. I would never forgive myself if I caused you more harm.”
Laura: “You didn’t. Besides, I gave you no choice.”
Stefan: “Regardless. I should have known better.”
Laura: “Shut up and just hold me.”
They fell asleep in each other’s arms.
The nurse opened the door to Laura’s room to check on her. It was early morning and her patient may need her. She was shocked to see Laura lying in the arms of Mr. Cassadine. She hastily shut the door before she could be discovered. Stefan woke with a start. He felt her first. In the soft light of dawn he looked down to see Laura’s head resting on his chest. Stefan sighed in deep contentment. He had never awoken to Laura in his arms. It was the most satisfying feeling he had ever experienced. He pulled the sheet more smugly around them and simply enjoyed watching her sleep. Not long after, she stirred and opened her eyes to see Stefan watching her.
Stefan: “Morning. How do you feel?”
Laura smiling. “Curiously content. How about you?”
Stefan: “Hmmm, warm, totally relaxed, and curiously ravenous.”
Laura: “Whatever could have made you so hungry this early in the morning?”
Stefan: “An insatiable woman sapped me of all my resources last night.”
Laura: “Well I’ll just have to have a talk with her now won’t I. I can’t just let another woman have her way with you again can I?” Getting serious. “Stefan, will you marry me?”
Damaged
Chapter 10
Laura lay listening to the rhythmical beating of his heart and awaited his answer. After an uncomfortable silence, Stefan finally spoke. “Laura,” he sighed, “ I don’t trust you.” She did not say anything.
Stefan could not believe what he had just said. Here he was lying in bed with Laura, having awoken with her in his arms, turning down her proposal. This was his every wish come true, but he was weary of her. Laura was very impulsive and he did not want to commit to her again, only to have her pull the rug from under him when she decided she didn’t want to trust him or whatever excuse she would come up with to return to Luke. She said he was out of her life but he may never be out of her heart and he was through playing substitute.
Laura sat up in the bed. “OK. I understand your hesitation, but I’ll convince you yet.”
Stefan: “My hesitation? Laura, I will not marry you now or in the future. You destroyed any chance we ever could have had when you literally looked into my eyes and accused me of harming you in the worst way possible. How can I ever reconcile that fact with the belief that you suddenly trust me enough to spend the rest of your life with me? Our whole relationship you have done nothing but showed me you could not care less for me, I am just a convenience for you.”
Laura: “Then what the hell are you doing in my bed if that’s the way you view me?”
Stefan: “First of all this is my bed, second, I could ask you the same thing. Why were you in the relationship with me if you viewed me as such a monster? As for why I slept with you last night was quite obvious I believe. You have been sending me messages with your body and eyes for some time now. Let’s just say I finally decided to oblige you.”
Laura swung after Stefan with a raised palm, which Stefan deftly caught by grasping her wrist.
Laura: “You bastard.”
Stefan: “You hit me once, which I excused because I believed you were in shock. The next time I will strike back.
Laura reached out to strike him with her free hand. Stefan caught that hand too. He brought both of her hands down to her side and kissing her hard on her lips he swiftly got off the bed.
Laura: “Do you realize how much I hate you right now?”
Stefan: “How fortunate for me then. If I had accepted your proposal it would have been quite foolhardy of me, seeing as how your feelings for me have suddenly changed.”
Stefan slipped into his robe and exited Laura’s room. She could not believe Stefan had just turned down her proposal, and he was quite serious too. He felt something for her, she knew it but how to convince him that she too had genuine feelings for him? She had to make him believe her. Forget the past, she needed to prove her love for him and giving in to her impetuous nature was not the way to win Stefan Cassadine’s heart. I hate you indeed. What a way to go Laura. She sensed a coldness under his trite words and that was what scared her. Was it too late? She would never know if she didn’t try. She had seduced Stefan before on the island, convincing him to give into the feelings raging inside of them. Well she was no longer a young girl. She was a woman with a woman’s art in seduction, besides, she had had one of the best teachers; the very man she was intent on pursuing. Stefan Cassadine, you won’t know what hit you.
Laura pushed herself hard in physical therapy and studiously ignored Stefan. She was pleasant, even charming, but never gave herself away as being minutely interested in him romantically. Stefan sensed her game and was amused by it. They continued their nightly exercise routine and Laura did nothing to hide her arousal during their sessions. She was a woman with a woman’s needs and felt free in revealing this to him but never once did she initiate anything sexual between them. Stefan was also feeling the strain of their enforced platonic relationship, especially since Laura was being openly sensual yet very uninviting. He did not know how much longer he could keep this up without outrightly devouring her and he would not make love to her unless she asked him. Stefan was not asking anything of Laura again.
The day Laura took her first steps was cause for celebration. Stefan flew Laura and all her children to Guadalajara, Mexico because Laura had a craving for Mexican food. They went to a restaurant called La Jardin Secreto de Biwon where they dined outdoors surrounded by waterfalls and blazing torches in a Mayan setting. Laura could not recall ever enjoying herself so much. They stayed overnight at La Fiesta Americana hotel and headed back to Port Charles the following day. On the flight back, Laura reflected on how much like a family they seemed. Her precious Lucky was back with her, and his relationship with Nicholas had solidified to the point where you could not tell that they were ever at odds with each other. They both adored Leslie Lu who ate up their attention in spades. Then there was Stefan. Laura sighed when she thought of him. He and Lucky had built a tentative relationship. Laura had felt instant shame and remorse when Lucky had recounted to her how Stefan had rescued him from Helena. He was grateful for Stefan’s effort and since her accident had accepted Stefan as a part of her life. What would happen now that she would soon be walking as before? Would he return to Europe?
Once they were back at the country estate Stefan broke his news. It was late and Laura had joined Stefan in the garden at his request. He placed her wheelchair so that she would have a view of the lake. He chose to remain standing.
Stefan: “Laura, I’m returning to Europe weeks end. You can remain here to complete your recovery. I spoke to Leslie who has agreed to come and stay with you when I leave. You may stay here as long as you desire, I mean that.”
Laura: “Why did you do this Stefan? It was not necessary for you to remain all this time? You had no obligation to help me and I do know you are a busy man, with a large cooperation to run. Yet you literally closeted yourself away here to nurse me back to health. Now you’re leaving, just like that. None of it makes any sense to me.”
Stefan: “Despite all we have been through, we did share a lot. You had just lost our baby. I could not just abandon you when you needed me the most.”
Laura: “So now you’ve done your duty. Well thank you for all you’ve done for us. I, I could not have done it without you. Stefan, whatever you think about me, know this. I never really believed, deep down, I never…what’s the use, be happy Stefan.” Laura wheeled her chair away to return to the house. Stefan did not stop her. To him there was no going back for him and Laura.
Laura recovered the full use of her legs and returned to her home on Charles Street and to her job at GH. Life was routine, predictable and dull. She could not remember feeling so restless. She knew what ailed her but did not know how to go about fixing it. It seemed destiny was on her side after all because one evening she decided to pay Nicholas an impromptu visit and met quite an interesting gentleman.
Laura: “Oh Nicholas, I’m sorry. I did not know you had a visitor. I will come back another time.”
Nicholas: “ That’s not necessary. Come in. Laura I would like you to meet Mr. Julius Armando. Mr. Armando, my mother Laura Spencer.”
Julius kissed Laura’s hand in a gentleman’s fashion: “It’s a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Spencer?”
Laura: “Please, call me Laura. I too am pleased to meet you.”
Nicholas: “Mr. Armando is a friend and business associate of the family.” To Julius, “ Please tell him I will try but can’t give him any guarantees. Will you be staying in Port Charles overnight?”
Julius: “I had not planned on doing so but I may have just changed my mind.”
The phone rang and Nicholas excused himself to another room to answer it.
Julius: “Laura, I know this may seem quite hasty but I do not have much time and I’m a firm believer in not making opportunities pass me by, so if you are not otherwise engaged, would you do me the honor of dining with me this evening?”
Laura was shocked but pleasantly surprised. He seemed charming and safe enough, besides she needed to get her mind off of her current dilemma for a while. Surprising herself she accepted. Julius was delighted and they made arrangements to dine at the Port Charles Grill that very evening. Laura decided not to inform Nicholas of the current developement and not long after took her leave.
Laura found herself liking Julius very much. He was very handsome, with jet-black hair with a touch of gray at the temple and beautiful but intelligently keen brown eyes. She pegged him for a diehard bachelor though who thoroughly enjoyed the finer things in life.
Laura: “I’m curious as to why you asked me out Julius, I don’t think I’m your type at all. For all you know I’m a very married woman.”
Julius smiled. “I checked your hand when I kissed you, no ring marks. As for you not being my type, I like women, especially beautiful women for which you definitely fill the bill.”
Laura: “ I surmised as much, but you seem the type to gravitate toward the more sophisticated glamorous type. A woman who lives the jet set life with casual ease.”
Julius: “I’m wounded. You don’t think me that shallow do you?”
Laura: “No, I don’t think you are shallow at all. I perceive you to be a very brilliant man, just one who prefers to exude an air of playful casualness so others may unwittingly underestimate you.”
Julius: “ That is exactly what Stefan said. You are an astute woman Laura Spencer.”
Laura was momentarily taken back by the mention of Stefan’s name. “You know Stefan Cassadine well?”
Julius: “As well as he allows anyone to. Now there is a man whose demeanor allows him to be a master of his deception.”
Laura was again taken back by his choice of words. “What do you mean?”
Julius: “Stefan appears very aloof and mostly quite bored with his surroundings and people, but it is all brilliant strategy. His aloofness lulls people into thinking he doesn’t care or is unaware and thus they reveal themselves quite easily which he uses to his advantage. It’s interesting you peg me as the attracter of the sophisticates of the world. For all of Stefan’s cold aloofness, he is constantly quite the favorite of the ladies wherever he goes. Only the very confident ones approach him though and even then trepidously. Lucky man. I’m sorry, I must be boring you. You could not be interested in the romantic endeavors of Stefan Cassadine.”
Laura surprised him by saying: “As a matter of fact I am quite interested in everything you have to say about Stefan Cassadine.”
Julius: “May I inquire as to the reason? I am aware he is your son’s uncle but I did not know you were close.”
Laura: “I have a very big favor to ask of you Julius. I know it seems too early for me to presume on our friendship so early in it’s genesis but someone once told me, as time is short, never to waste an opportunity.”
Julius: “I am intrigued. What is this favor?”
Laura: “How would you mind it if I accompanied you to Europe as your companion, strictly platonic, but with appearances otherwise to catch a very big fish I’m after?”
Julius: “Stefan.”
Laura: “I knew you were quick. I am in love with him, but I hurt him very badly and am having a hard time convincing him I am for real this time. I cannot do it here in Port Charles but I needed an excuse to go to Europe.”
Julius: “How is masquerading as my new amour going to convince him you are as you term it for real.”
Laura: “I know Stefan. He will see me with you and though he may try to act as if it doesn’t bother him, it will bring out his protective instincts and I hope cause him a twinge of jealousy. I need him to start feeling something, anything for me again.”
Julius: “Hmm, Stefan knows my reputation with the ladies and if he cares for you he just may act. Laura, it may work, but I am not too enthusiastic about getting on Stefan’s wrong side. He is a very dangerous man to cross and if he does still have feelings for you this may be too much of a dangerous game.”
Laura: “He would not harm you in any way.”
Julius: “Don’t be too sure. He is a brilliant businessman and I don’t want to find myself penniless at the end of this venture.”
Laura: “He doesn’t want me anymore, he is not going to fight for me outright. This is to make him have some kind of interest again. Maybe then I will have a chance and I’ll see to it you are not harmed in any way.”
Julius: “You sound so sure I almost believe you. All right Laura, we’ll give it a try. I must admit it would feel good to flaunt the fact that I have the woman Stefan Cassadine secretly wants.”
Laura: “Let’s hope he does. Thank you Julius.”
Index