Hardy's Residence:
Audrey walked into Elizabeth's room and stopped short when she noticed that Elizabeth's bed was empty. The bed was unmade and propped up on one of Elizabeth's pillow was a folded note. Audrey quickly picked up the note and quickly unfolded it reading the type written message it contained.
Gram,I just need to clear my head of everything that has happened lately, especially after yesterday. I am going away for a few days, but promise to call you everyday, so don't worry about anything. I also know about Tom's probation hearing and intend to call Lieutenant Taggart about the situation. I love you and I will be talking to you very soon.
Elizabeth
Audrey frowned unable to figure out what to make of the note. On the one hand she felt that Elizabeth could use some time away from her life, especially after yesterday. On the other hand she was concerned about Elizabeth going off some place on her own.
''I guess I will have a better idea of whether this is a good thing once Elizabeth calls,'' thought Audrey moving to make Elizabeth's bed. ''She must have been in some hurry,'' thought Audrey, feeling strangely at peace with this new development.
Above:
''I would be drained if I wasn't a spirit,'' exclaimed Bill, pretending to wipe his brow. ''Yeah,'' said Brenda. That was some explanation. I don't envy Lucky one moment of that.''
''At least the toughest challenge for Lucky is out of the way now,'' said Ruby, looking thoughtfully down at the two figures locked in a tender embrace.
''I think the ride should be smoother for both Lucky and Elizabeth now,'' said Dominique. ''Before Lucky was in this by himself, but now he has Elizabeth beside him,'' finished Dominique.
''They still have to make it work,'' said Mary Mae, always the voice of reason. ''When the dust settles those two have to come face to face with the reality that is Law,'' continued Mary Mae. ''I mean, she hasn't once called him Law yet and when she looks at him all she sees is the Lucky she fell in love with.''
''But isn't he that though?'' Stone questioned thoughtfully. ''Law is now Lucky, so it shouldn't matter that when she looks at him she sees Lucky right? Sure she has to learn to remember that she has to call him Law, but that's just a simple task. The truth is it doesn't matter that she sees the Lucky she fell in love with, because that's essentially who he is.''
Everyone turned to regard Stone for a moment in open mouth surprise. ''What? Why are you all looking at me like that?'' ''The cat return your tongue,'' said Bill, causing everyone to laugh.
BJ laughed when Stone continued to look puzzled. ''Stone it's just that that's probably the most you've ever said all at once.''
''You made a lot of sense too, but so did Mary Mae,'' said Steve thoughtfully. ''Yes, Law is now Lucky, but Lucky is also Law even without Law's memories, so it stands to reason that perhaps some things about the old Lucky might be different.''
''Yeah, but still,'' said Dominique always the optimist. ''Law is Lucky and Elizabeth loves him, so what if she has to get used to some changes in him. He is still basically the same man she fell in love with, so I don't see where she should have any problem loving him.''
''I agree with Stone and Dominique,'' said Brenda. ''I love the fact that she just immediately knew it was him despite the impossibility of the situation, that says a lot about the connection they share. I don't think a few subtle changes in him will cause her to love him any less.''
''That's right,'' added Ruby. ''I think the two of them will be able to handle whatever is thrown at them. Yes, there will be some differences in Lucky because of the Law factor, but I really don't think it will affect her love for him.''
Sheryl spoke up then attracting everyone's attention. ''I was thinking of some of the changes that will most likely occur and I have to agree with Ruby, Dominique, Brenda and Stone.
The most impressive change will probably be his level of maturity, because of the jump in age. Then there is the fact that he now has the responsibility of a child and a business.
Still, I don't really foresee any problems arising from that. Of course we'll just have to wait and see how everything unfolds. So far it's been an emotional ride for both of them, but I have a lot of faith in those two. They'll make it work.''
Everyone nodded their agreement with Sheryl's statement, before returning their attention to the couple below.
Lyndon Manor:
Lucky and Elizabeth finally came up for air, Lucky pressing one final tender kiss on Elizabeth's lips before opening his eyes. ''You are so beautiful,'' whispered Lucky, looking down at Elizabeth, whose eyes were still closed.
Elizabeth opened her eyes slowly and smiled up at Lucky. ''You are beautiful,'' said Elizabeth. ''I never imagined that anyone else had eyes your shade of blue, but Law did,'' said Elizabeth, staring into Lucky's eyes.
''Law does,'' corrected Lucky in a smiling tone. ''Elizabeth, you have to start thinking of me as Law else we are going to be busted,'' continued Lucky.
''That's right, but it still all so new to me,'' Elizabeth said, taking Lucky's hand and leading him over to the nearest chair where she pushed him down first and sat in his lap.
Lucky closed his eyes as he felt Elizabeth slowly tracing the shape of his face with her fingers. He trembled when she ran one finger across his lips before moving to his nose. ''What are you doing?''
''I am touching you,'' answered Elizabeth. Lucky smiled. ''I can feel that, but the question is why, not that I don't enjoy this,'' Lucky added.
''I am trying to convince myself that you are real and also trying to locate the differences between your new face and your old one.''
''I am very real. As for any differences what do you think?'' Lucky opened his eyes to watched as Elizabeth continued her inspection of him, her hands moving over his shoulders and down his back and chest.
''Your face his more defined, more developed. I guess that's because you are older. The resemblance is remarkable though. I didn't think two people could look so much alike. Your body is definitely more developed, but I think I can handle that,'' smiled Elizabeth.
Lucky laughed, pulling Elizabeth more closely to him. ''You like that huh?'' ''Yes I do, but I liked your other body too and would have much preferred that it had never been taken away.
However, I must admit though that when I would think of you at some age like twenty one,'' smiled Elizabeth. ''This is how I always imagined you would look and feel,'' continued Elizabeth, her hands continuing their exploration of Lucky.
''I wish I had had the opportunity to watch you grow and develop, but I am too grateful to have you back to complain about it.''
Lucky sighed contentedly, closing his eyes and letting the delicious sensation Elizabeth's touch was creating invade his senses. ''I will never take your touch for granted again,'' whispered Lucky. ''I missed your hands on me and the way you feel in my arms,'' finished Lucky, stroking Elizabeth's sides.
''Speaking of touch, I love this new look of yours with your more fitted clothing. It gives me more access to your body,'' said Elizabeth reaching down and gripping Lucky's butt.
Lucky's eyes flew open when he felt Elizabeth's hand slipping beneath him to squeeze his butt. He smiled sexily at Elizabeth, who returned his smile despite the deep blush covering her face.
''I am not sure I follow you,'' said Lucky, his eyes moving to concentrate on Elizabeth's lips. ''You used to always wear really baggy pants and oversized shirts that covered you almost completely. I had to wait patiently for you to bend over so I could get a satisfying look at your butt,'' said Elizabeth.
''Elizabeth, I am shocked, here I thought you loved me for my mind when all along you were checking out my bode,'' said Lucky feigning embarrassment.
''I love your mind,'' whispered Elizabeth, placing a gentle kiss on Lucky's forehead. ''But hey, I am only human. Besides Lucky, I knew you were checking out my butt every chance you got too not to mention my breasts,'' finished Elizabeth.
Lucky blushed noticeably causing Elizabeth to laugh loudly. ''I enjoyed you checking me out. You looked so cute when you would be sneaking a look when you thought I wasn't watching.''
Lucky laughingly pulled Elizabeth to him burying his face in her freshly shampooed hair. He pulled back quickly when Elizabeth released a loud scream. ''What's wrong?'' Lucky asked moving to get up, but was pushed back down by a laughing Elizabeth.
Lucky searched Elizabeth's face, a puzzled expression on his face. ''Why did you scream?'' ''I had to,'' said Elizabeth, smiling broadly.
''I couldn't hold it in any longer. My entire being is just screaming with joy right now and I just had to let it out. I can't believe I am here with you, that you are alive and real and holding me. I know you've explained everything, but it still feels like an incredible dream Lucky,'' said Elizabeth framing Lucky's face in the palm of her hands. ''I know, I know, Law,'' giggled Elizabeth.
Lucky smiled in relief. ''I feel the same way and it makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time,'' said Lucky tears in his eyes. ''I love you so much and I am so grateful for another chance to love you, another chance at life. I am so full inside right now, I could burst.''
Elizabeth and Lucky just held tightly to each other for a few minutes, tears of joy sliding down their faces. ''I won't blow your cover Lucky, I promise from this moment on, I will call you Law,'' said Elizabeth pulling back to look deeply into Lucky's eyes.
Lucky smiled at Elizabeth, a surprise expression on his face. ''Where did that come from?'' ''I am just picking up from what you were saying before about my getting us busted if I kept calling you Lucky instead of Law.
Also, you've corrected me a couple of times already about your new identity, so I know it's important. I just want to let you know that I am ready to begin calling you Law. I like it, I think it suits you,'' said Elizabeth in a matter of fact tone.
''It's taken awhile, but I am getting used to thinking of myself as Law also,'' said Lucky smiling at Elizabeth.
Lucky thought back to Elizabeth's question about whether they could make love before the anniversary of his death. ''I haven't forgotten your question about…''
Lucky blushed, his voice trailing off, but continued to meet Elizabeth's eyes. ''I have to ask Mrs. Diamond about whether or not we have to wait to be together,'' finished Lucky.
Elizabeth stared at Lucky for a minute before her eyes grew round as understanding dawned on her as to what Lucky was talking about. She blushed and buried her suddenly overheated face in the curve of Lucky's neck.
''Oh that,'' said Elizabeth a second later, her face still hidden. ''I almost forgot about that,'' said Elizabeth after another few seconds.
Lucky smiled and turned his head to regard Elizabeth nestled against him. ''Now you are shy about it,'' whispered Lucky softly, causing Elizabeth to continue to blush and burrow deeper into the curve of Lucky's neck.
Lucky stroked Elizabeth's hair and lifted her chin to press a soft kiss on her smiling lips. ''I could just forget about asking Mrs. Diamond,'' suggested Lucky teasingly.
''No,'' said Elizabeth, her head snapping up immediately. ''I want you to ask her,'' continued Elizabeth meeting Lucky's eyes, embarrassment forgotten.
Lucky returned Elizabeth's gaze smiling at her tendering, his eyes moving from her eyes to her lips. ''I will call her later to find out our status,'' said Lucky in a hoarse voice.
Elizabeth closed the gap between them, bringing their lips together for a searing kiss that left them both needing more than their lips on each other.
Many passion filled minutes later Lucky pulled away slightly to regard Elizabeth seriously. ''We do need to talk about my new life and how we are going to handle questions from our families and friends. Also, there is Leo,'' said Lucky looking intently at Elizabeth. ''He's my son and I already love him and he needs me.''
''Law, of course he needs you and of course you love him. Even with all the doubt and terror racing around in my mind, I was able to see the love you and Leo have for each other in those few brief moments. I can't wait to get to hold him,'' said Elizabeth, her eyes dancing in anticipation.
A sudden thought occurred to Elizabeth, causing her eyes to open wide with horror. ''Law, what if Leo hates me?'' Lucky looked at Elizabeth as if she had lost her mind. ''Elizabeth, come on. I have seen how babies respond to you.''
Lucky laughed as a memory flashed through his mind. ''Do you remember that time we went shopping for your valentine dress and you stopped to help that woman struggling with her three kids in the mall?
In no time flat you had those kids quiet and happy. I was in awe and so was their mother. Then there are all those little kids who beg their parents to bring them back to Kelly's just so they can see you.
Remember Justin, how he just had to come in and visit you one last time before his family moved away to California? Does he still send you drawings? ''Yes, I just received on last week,'' answered Elizabeth, smiling at the memory. ''Elizabeth, Leo is going to fall madly in love with you, I promise.
Elizabeth smiled at the thought, her heart skipping a beat at the thought of being a mother. ''What's that little smile about?'' Elizabeth pressed a quick kiss on Lucky's lips before responding.
''I don't have to have a reason to smile today,'' said Elizabeth. ''I just got my future back, I'll be grinning for no reason for a long time to come.''
Sobering a little, Elizabeth regarded Lucky with a slight frown. ''Speaking of family, Law what am I going to tell Gram?'' Glancing at the clock, Elizabeth leaned her head against Lucky's. ''I know she's awake now, so she must be really worried about me,'' said Elizabeth, her voice betraying her concern.
Lucky quickly told Elizabeth about the note he left for Audrey before he removed Elizabeth from the house the night before. ''You thought of everything didn't you?'' ''I did well considering I didn't plan everything in advance,'' said Lucky.
''Elizabeth, there is something you should know,'' said Lucky turning Elizabeth so she was facing him fully. ''What is it?'' Elizabeth asked with trepidation.
''Tom Baker has a parole hearing in a few days, but that doesn't mean he's getting out,'' said Lucky. He quickly rushed on to explain that Lieutenant Taggart wanted Elizabeth, Emily and Nicholas to testify before the board in hopes of keeping Tom behind bars to serve his full sentence.
''Did you hear what I said Elizabeth,'' said Lucky when Elizabeth's expression remained calm and serene. ''Law, not even Tom Baker released from prison can intrude on my happiness today or ever for that matter,'' answered Elizabeth.
Lucky could see the truth of Elizabeth's statement in her eyes causing him to smile in relief. ''Tom Baker will never hurt you again Elizabeth, I promise you,'' said Lucky with conviction. ''I know,'' said Elizabeth leaning in for another passionate kiss.
''Elizabeth,'' said Lucky a short while later. ''I have to go out for a little while to take care of something. Why don't you call your grandmother while I am gone?''
When Elizabeth started to ask Lucky where he was going, Lucky quickly continued. ''I will tell you all about my errand when I return,'' said Lucky kissing Elizabeth hungrily for a minute before pushing them both into a standing position.
Elizabeth pouted a little at being out of Lucky's arms, but brightened when he reached down and pressed a gentle kiss to her nose. ''I love you Elizabeth and I won't be long. Why don't you explore Lydon Manor while I am gone,'' said Lucky.
''Lyndon Manor?'' ''Yep, that's the name of this house, don't ask me why though,'' said Lucky with a chuckle.
Elizabeth nodded still drinking in the sight of Lucky. ''Where should I tell gram I am staying?'' Lucky thought about that for a second, having not plan that particular detail. ''Just tell her that you prefer to remain anonymous but that you will check in regularly so there is no need to worry.''
''Sounds like a plan,'' nodded Elizabeth walking out the bedroom door with Lucky. She watched from the top of the stairs as he descended the staircase and walked towards the large front doors. She smiled as Lucky turned to wave to her before disappearing out the door. ''I love you Law,'' whispered Elizabeth a big smile on her face.
Hardy's Residence, half an hour later:
Audrey opened the door to reveal Nikolas Cassidine waiting impatiently on the other side. ''Nikolas, what can I do for you?'' ''Mrs. Hardy, sorry to come over unannounced, but I really need to speak to Elizabeth,'' said Nikolas following Mrs. Hardy inside.
''Nikolas, I am sorry, but Elizabeth is not here right now. Actually, she's gone away for a few days,'' said Mrs. Hardy. ''What? She can't do that.''
Audrey Hardy stepped back, a little taken aback by Nikolas's sudden outburst. ''Nicholas, I am sorry you are obviously upset, but Elizabeth needed some time away to relax and clear her head. The last several months have been really taxing for her.''
Nikolas went on as though Audrey had not spoken. ''Where did she go?'' ''Nikolas she prefers to be unreachable right now, but she's fine. I just spoke to her a few minutes ago and she already sounds like this was exactly what she needed.''
''This is not what Elizabeth need, Mrs. Hardy, especially now. Do you know that Tom Baker has a probation hearing coming up? Did Elizabeth tell you about that? Does she know about that?''
''Nikolas, I spoke to Lieutenant Taggart last night and he's explained the situation to me. Elizabeth does know about Tom, but she prefers not to let Tom Baker affect her life and I happen to think that's a wise decision.''
''Mrs. Hardy this is Tom Baker we are talking about. The man who raped Elizabeth and only got sent to jail for extortion. I refuse to believe that Elizabeth would be this calm about him possible being released from prison.
Mrs. Hardy, Elizabeth needs support right now, especially with Lucky gone. She depended on him for so much when she was going through everything with Tom before. I just need to be there for her now, so going off by herself is the last thing she needs.''
''Nikolas, I know you care for Elizabeth and I am certain you just want what's best for her,'' said Audrey. ''I know you have been a really good friend to Elizabeth since Lucky's death, but really I think you need to trust Elizabeth to know what she wants.
I have discussed Tom with her and I know my granddaughter, she's not falling apart over this. What's more, she intends to go to the parole hearing and testify that she feels Tom should complete the rest of his sentence.''
''Audrey, I don't understand how you can be this calm about this, how you can feel it's ok for Elizabeth to go off by herself right now. What if she's just putting on a show the way she did after Lucky's death?''
''Well, I can't know for certain, but I trust Elizabeth to know what's best for her and right now going away is what she feels is best,'' finished Audrey walking to the door, signaling to Nicholas that the discussion was over.
Nikolas frowned, still not satisfied with Audrey's seemingly lack of concern that Elizabeth was off by herself. He went to say just that, but Audrey interrupted. ''Leave it now Nikolas. I have said all I intend to on the subject and I need to get ready for work now,'' said Audrey firmly.
Nikolas sighed loudly, but refrained from trying to argue with Audrey anymore. As he walked out the door he asked Audrey to have Elizabeth call him when she checks in. ''I will certainly give Elizabeth that message,'' said Audrey. ''However, I can't promise you she will. The idea being for her to be incommunicado.''
A few seconds later after Audrey closed the door behind Nikolas she went over their conversation in her mind. ''Elizabeth was right. He has become overly attentive, almost obsessed,'' whispered Audrey, happy now that Elizabeth decided to get away.
Outside the Hardy's residence, Nikolas looked for a long while at the closed door, his thoughts on Elizabeth and where she could possible be. ''I bet Emily knows,'' thought Nikolas. ''I will just pay her a visit. Emily will understand that Elizabeth needs my support right now and convince her of that,'' thought Nikolas.
The Docks:
Lucky looked around quickly to make certain no one was visible and then stepped into the shadows. There, he willed his physical being away and walked back out into the late morning light. He then walked the short distance down to the edge of the pier before stepping onto Helena Cassidine's Yacht.
Once on board, Lucky circled the Yacht making sure that all the guards were safely at their posts. Too bad you don't have guards for spirits huh Helena? Lucky leaned against the rail of the Yacht for a minute letting the breeze blow against his face.
He thought about Elizabeth and how much he hated not being able to tell her what his errand was about. He knew however that if she had any idea where he was going she would have tried to stop him.
He knew that Elizabeth would worry herself sick if she thought he was going anywhere near Helena Cassidine. He understood that fear. A part of him felt terrified of Helena, even with the gift he had to aid him in gaining Justice.
There was something so perfectly evil about the woman, that Lucky knew that he should never let his guard down even for a moment. Helena would pay for what she did to him, but he planned to always exercise caution in dealing with her, even as a spirit.
Breathing deeply, Lucky walked past the guards and through the closed door of Helena's private suite. Even at this late hour she was asleep.
Lucky recalled her once saying that everything could wait till evening. ''Dad is right, she is a vampire,'' thought Lucky. A shiver ran through him when he recalled those hours he had spent with her when he worked for her those short weeks.
Moving swiftly, Lucky went and sat on the gothic looking bed Helena was sleeping in. His stomach turned as he reached out and stroked her cheeks.
Helena moaned gruffly before reaching up to stroke Lucky's hand. Her eyes still closed she smiled and moved to place a wet clammy kiss on the palms of Lucky's hand. ''Andreas,'' whispered Helena, before she slowly opened her eyes.
Helena's eyes widened with fear as she came face to face with nothing while still holding the invisible hand to her lips.
She quickly dropped Lucky's hand and bolted upright before scampering across the bed in terror, her eyes darting wildly around the room. She opened her mouth to scream, but nothing came out as fear paralyzed her entire body leaving her frozen.
Lucky watched Helena in silent disgust for a second before he spoke. ''Missed me much.''