Stefan's New Love
Chapter 3
"I've been around
I've been up and down..."
Stefan's days on the island were wrought with emotion. Visiting all the places that had
been "their" places brought back memories and very strong feelings. He felt that
if he could spend enough time in these places the memories would lose their power over
him. It was a battle but he knew he could persevere. He had to!
To update his skills in protocol, ceremony and tradition and to get his mind off of Laura,
he started attending the family events, baptisms, confirmations, bacchanallias, and
weddings. These were duties he had let slide, but as acting Regent he thought it would
help pave the way for Nicholas when he would take over these duties.
He felt like a piece of meat on display at many of these events. Being an eligible
bachelor he was a target for status seeking mothers and drooling women of all ages. He
faced most of the introductions absently as he was now. A distant cousin was introducing
him to his sister-in-law. The woman was taller than most he'd seen. She could almost look
him in the eye but not quite. Her hair was cut short in a bob and was chestnut in color
with some red highlights. She had the thin, slightly muscular body of an athlete. The
cousin introduced her as Gabriella Oneida then conveniently walked away. Stefan
perfunctorily shook her hand. Her grip was firm and surprised him so he looked into her
eyes. They were a beautiful green with brown flecks.
S How do you do...?
B The name is Gabriella Oneida but my friends call me Brie.
S So are you enjoying the festivities Ms. Oneida? (he said looking over her shoulder for a
way out of this one on one.)
B Your fly is open Mr. Cassadine. (she said seeing his distracted look)
S (He heard her but with his concentration elsewhere it took awhile to sink in) I assure
you Ms. Oneida that that would not be possible. (He smiled into her eyes.)
B Oh and why would that be?
S Because it is a ritual for any gentleman to check his fly before entering a room.
B (she laughed.) So that's why you are here.
S I'm sorry, I don't know what you mean.
B You look totally uncomfortable so you must be attending these festivities for the sake
of ritual.
S (He was surprised by her bluntness and perception) Duty calls at all times.
B My, how boring a life is yours?
S Touche'.
B Do you fence Mr. Cassadine?
S I've learned to parry with both word and foil.
B You might prove to be a semi-worthy adversary. (she said looking him up and down as if
sizing up his physical ability)
S Semi-worthy? I assure you Ms. Oneida I'm not an expert by any means but I could hold my
own against a woman.
B A chauvinist? (her eyebrows raised in mock horror) I would never take you for an
un-enlightened, threatened man Mr. Cassadine.
S (He couldn't help but smile at her obvious goading of him. This was an interesting
woman. She has a quick wit and
isn't afraid to smack you in the face with the truth.) You wound me Ms. Oneida. I believe
the only way to prove my belief in women's rights is to challenge you to a match.
B I believe I would have to accept on behalf of all womenkind! (she smiled)
They set a time and date, but Stefan insisted the match take place at the gym on the
Cassadine compound.
B Oh, you want a home court advantage? You may need it. (she laughed)
S I just thought it would be nice to offer you lunch after your loss. (he smiled back)
B I accept.
They shook hands and went their own ways. Stefan felt as if he had been had. He asked
about Ms. Oneida to others he talked to that night and found out she was a fencing
champion at University. He would have to practice to give her a good match. For once in a
long while there was something to look forward to.
Stefan's New Love
Chapter 4
"...And I've bent out of control
If your world's all in motion..."
The day of the match came. Stefan was surprised at how much he was looking forward to
this. He hoped Ms. Oneida would be gentle. He smiled.
Stefan was already at the gym practicing his t'ai chi. Brie came in unseen and was
mesmerized by his movements. She stood watching him for several minutes. He was dressed in
black pants with a black kimono type jacket tied with a white sash at his waist. She
caught glimses of his muscular chest when some of his moves parted the jacket. The muscles
of his legs and butt were very evident through the silky material. His hair was slightly
damp with perspiration from what must be strenuous movements that he made look effortless.
Maybe she underestimated Stefan Cassadine. Her self-confidence rose to the front however
and she strutted into the room.
B Ahem! I hope you're not wearing yourself out trying to even the playing field.
S I use t'ai chi as a physical warm up. It also helps clear the head so the mental and
spiritual components can combine with the physical.
B So I'm matched against three?
S From what I understand I'll need all the help I can get facing the University Fencing
Champion.
B I'm flattered you took the time to find out about me.
S Know thy enemy.
B Enemy? That's a strong word. I prefer opponent.
S As you wish (he smiled and bowed slightly)
She went to change her clothes and came out in full fencing costume. The all white suit
fit her snugly everywhere. She was in perfect physical shape, toned and firm. Her legs
looked as if they'd go on for miles. She asked him if he was ready and put on her hood.
The match was very close. Brie had won two out of three.
S A very challenging match. Congratulations on you victory Ms. Oneida.
B You were more than a semi-worthy opponent Mr. Cassadine. I stand corrected. And such a
graceful loser. (she laughed)
They headed to the showers and met out front after. Their walk to the main house wasn't
far but it lead through the rose garden. Brie stopped several times to admire the flowers
and smell their heady scent. Stefan told her every flower's name and where it came from.
She was amazed by this man's knowlege of flowers so she asked how he became interested in
them. A frown passed his face and his eyes darkened. Brie was surprised that such a thing
of beauty could bring obviously upsetting memories to him. She quickly changed the
subject. They talked of the weather instead.
Lunch was a delectable treat of caesar salad, a smooth tomatoe bisque, crab salad
croissant sandwiches, and fresh fruit. The white wine was superb and they found they
shared another common interest. Their talk of wineries however broke into a arguement of
European versus American.
S Ms. Oneida, America's vineyards don't have the maturity or rich soils of the regions of
Europe.
B Ah, but Mr. Cassadine the youthfulness of the vines and the vast varieties offer so many
taste experiences.
They finally agreed to disagree and set a date to try each others favorite wines for a
taste test. Stefan walked her to the dock. They shook hands.
B Thank you Mr. Cassadine for a most enjoyable afternoon.
S I'd prefer it if you would called me Stefan. I am, after all, humbled by my loss.
B In all fairness then you must call me Brie.
S Good day Brie.
B Until we meet again Stefan.
Stefan and Brie had many such "dates". They shared other common interests and
were at ease in each others company. They told each other their familial history without
revealing too much.
Chapters 1-2
Chapters 5-6