''Elizabeth, I need you to listen to me,'' Lucky said, sitting on the bed next to her, making sure to leave enough room between them so he wouldn't scare her.
Lucky watched as Elizabeth crawled to the middle of the bed and pulled her legs up to her chest and wrap her arms around them rocking back and forth as she spoke.
''I started to think that perhaps the fire was a set-up and Lucky didn't really die after all,'' stated Elizabeth, a faraway look in her eyes. ''I don't know what I was thinking,'' said Elizabeth, looking at Lucky with tears in her eyes. ''Why did you bring me here? How did you bring me here?''
''Elizabeth,'' said Lucky more firmly, effectively stopping her continuous rambling and causing her to focus on him. ''Elizabeth, I am going to tell you a story, an incredible, unbelievable story. The best story you've ever heard and it's not even a fairy tale,'' said Lucky looking directly into Elizabeth's eyes.
Elizabeth looked at Lucky hopefully for a moment, but then returned to rocking herself as the tears started falling down her cheeks. ''I don't want to hear a great story, I just want Lucky,'' cried Elizabeth, rocking harder.
Lucky could tell that Elizabeth was quickly becoming hysterical and realized that he had to do something now. ''Elizabeth,'' said Lucky, reaching over and taking one of her hand away from where she had it wrapped around her legs.
Lucky was surprised that Elizabeth didn't pull away from him, but instead looked down at his hands holding hers. ''It feels the same,'' said Elizabeth of Lucky's touch. ''Why would my hand in yours feel the same as it did when Lucky held it?''
Lucky ignored the question not wanting anything to further distract him from his task of telling Elizabeth the truth about who he was. Lucky quickly sorted his thoughts before beginning. ''Elizabeth look at me,'' whispered Lucky watching as Elizabeth lifted her tear drenched eyes to meet his.
''It's me Elizabeth, its Lucky.'' Elizabeth stared at Lucky for a moment every imaginable thought racing through her mind as to how Lucky could be sitting there with her.
She thought again of the possibility of the fire being a set-up and her heart made a hopeful lurch. But a second later the image of the beautiful baby boy she had just seen popped immediately into Elizabeth's head and again her heart sunk.
''If this is Lucky what about the baby?'' Elizabeth thought. ''Maybe Lucky got someone pregnant before we fell in love,'' thought Elizabeth. ''No, Lucky was a virgin. He told me he was and Lucky would have never lied to me,'' continued Elizabeth.
She could feel the cold hands of pain grip her heart tighter, causing the sobs to leave her body in painful gasps.
Lucky watched the distress and the play of emotions on Elizabeth's face and shook his head. ''No, not again Elizabeth, no more trying to figure out what's going on,'' said Lucky smiling at her, causing her heart to melt at the all too familiar smile.
Lucky moved to sit cross-legged on the bed and face Elizabeth before continuing. ''Elizabeth, you know how you said you could feel me with you all these months...'' Elizabeth shook her head, watching Lucky intently and trying to ignore the changing feelings of hope then pain she was experiencing.
''You could feel me with you because I was with you.'' ''You were with me?'' Lucky nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. ''Were you following me all this time?'' Elizabeth asked shakily. ''Sort of,'' said Lucky. ''I was there, because I couldn't leave you, so I just stayed with you every minute of everyday,'' continued Lucky.
''I don't understand what you are saying, how could you have been with me every minute of everyday and me not see you?''
Lucky searched for the right words to say next before continuing and decided that he had to just be completely direct. ''Elizabeth,'' said Lucky clearing his throat. ''The fire was real, it wasn't a set-up. I was unconscious in my bed when the fire broke out.''
Elizabeth looked at Lucky, a horrified look on her face. ''That is not possible. If you were unconscious during the fire then that would have meant that you were killed in the fire and if you were killed in the fire then you can't be Lucky,'' said Elizabeth a painful sob escaping her throat.
Elizabeth continued to stare at Lucky in horrified disbelief. ''Why are you doing this to me? Are you getting some sick thrill from this? Yesterday you saw how affected I was by your resemblance to Lucky, so you decided that you needed to see how far you could take this. Perhaps just push me right over the edge,'' shouted Elizabeth snatching her hands away from Lucky and jumping off the bed.
Lucky sighed as he watched Elizabeth back away from the bed, wondering if he should just let his physical being disappear to show her the truth. ''I can't do that,'' thought Lucky. ''That would freak her out and really push her over the edge. Man, I know this woman more than anyone else,'' groaned Lucky, getting off the bed and standing to face her, not taking any steps towards her.
''I can't explain what happened to me and the part you play in it until I get you to listen to me,'' said Lucky, looking at Elizabeth tenderly. Lucky could see the mixed emotions on Elizabeth's face, but noticed that she had not made any further move away from him.
''I gave you that ring you are wearing,'' said Lucky. When Elizabeth only stared at him suspiciously, Lucky continued. ''When I gave it to you I told you that I wanted it to be simple, because it was for simply the most beautiful girl in the world.''
Elizabeth's eyes flickered a little, but she continued to look at Lucky with the same air of suspicion for a second before walking over to sofa and sitting down.
Lucky followed Elizabeth over to the sofa and sat next to her making sure to leave enough distance between them. He thought about telling her all that had happened with her following his death, but thought better of it, not wanting to remind her of those terrible early weeks.
''I gave you that bracelet for your birthday,'' said Lucky. ''I was worried that it wasn't expensive enough, but you said 'Lucky, you don't need to buy me expensive things, being with you is the best present I ever had.'''
''How could you know that? You can't know that unless…'' Elizabeth stopped and looked down too afraid to look at the man her heart was telling her was Lucky. ''I have never told anyone these things,'' said Elizabeth finally looking at Lucky in confusion.
''I could sit here and tell you almost every word we've ever spoken to each other, because I remember everything you've ever said to me,'' said Lucky.
''I remember you asking me my name when we first met and when I said 'LUCKY' you said we'll see.'' Lucky smiled at the memory, but sobered when he saw the pained expression on Elizabeth's face.
''I remember our night in the department store, dancing at my father's club, dancing in your living room, dancing at Kelly's. I remember the way you looked last Valentine's night and what that night meant to the both of us. I remember every moment you and I spent together, Elizabeth. I remember every expression, every whispered word, everything, Elizabeth. It's me, Elizabeth and you know it is. I know you are confused, believe me I am confused myself sometimes about all this, but I am here with you and I am never leaving you again,'' finished Lucky.
Elizabeth looked into Lucky's eyes, searching for the truth there, too afraid to hope when she recognized it, but more afraid not hope, so she allowed the pain to give way to hope.
''Tell me what happened, start from the beginning and don't leave anything out,'' said Elizabeth, her look of confusion replaced by willingness to listen and hope.
Lucky smiled and stood up taking a deep breath and pacing the length of the room once, before returning to sit again with Elizabeth. He then cleared his throat and began. ''The night of our dinner with Emily and Nikolas, I was so happy, I felt like I was flying.
We all laughed and talked about the future, mainly ours,'' smiled Lucky. ''We talked about Emily and Nikolas coming to visit us in New York, about how far Nikolas and I had come from where we first started.
We had the best time the four of us have ever had together. Later, I took you home and we said goodnight in your room and then I left through your window. You stopped me and told me you loved me,'' said Lucky tears in his eyes. ''I said, 'I love you too sweetie','' remembered Lucky, smiling at the memory.
''I went home and later called you again to say goodnight. I told you I was lighting a candle to remind me of you and you asked me to light another one for you and I did,'' smiled Lucky.
''I laid awake for a little while thinking of you, like I always do and then I blew out the candles and went to sleep,'' Lucky paused and sighed.
''I would have never gone to sleep with candles burning Elizabeth, never,'' said Lucky, pausing to look at Elizabeth for a moment.
''I know you blamed yourself for the candles, but it wasn't your fault,'' continued Lucky as he watched the tears poured down Elizabeth's face.
''I was there when you went to my Dad's club to tell Sonny he wasn't to blame for my death, that you were. I listened as Sonny explained to you that it was not your fault and that I wouldn't want you blaming yourself.
I was there when my Mom told you it wasn't your fault and again when Nikolas told you it wasn't your fault.
I was in your room with you all those nights you've stayed up crying and apologizing to me, still thinking that it was somehow your fault. It wasn't Elizabeth, you didn't do anything wrong and I ached everyday for ten months to tell you that.''
Elizabeth was shaking and sobbing, joy, incredible joy filling her being. Yet, she still couldn't understand how Lucky could have allowed her to think he was dead all this time and how did he survive the fire if he was unconscious?
How was he able to follow her without her knowledge? Yet, he had to have been around. She remembered how she had felt him with her and now he was telling her things he could only know if he had been close by.
Elizabeth looked searchingly at Lucky for the answers to the questions that plagued her mind. She examined him from head to, gesturing for him to continue when he moved to hold her. ''Tell me, please,'' was all Elizabeth was able to whisper to Lucky as a plea for him to continue.
Lucky longed to hold Elizabeth, but knew he needed to continue. ''I wasn't asleep very long before these men broke into my room and attacked me.
They covered my mouth and nose with chloroform, I think, to put me to sleep. That's when I saw her, Helena, standing in the corner watching the whole thing.''
Lucky heard Elizabeth gasped at the mention of Helena, ''don't worry, she won't get away with this,'' said Lucky when he saw the horrified look on Elizabeth's face. ''I have special plans for Helena, she won't be hurting anyone ever again,'' said Lucky before continuing.
''I passed out quickly, they were stronger and there was nothing I could do to stop them. Believe me I thought of everything in those few seconds it took me to pass out, but it was useless.''
Lucky stopped for a second, knowing that the rest of his story would sound unbelievable to Elizabeth. It still seemed unbelievable to him and he was living it.
''They re-lit the candles, I think and started the fire. That's just a guess, since I was unconscious through the rest of it. I didn't feel any pain, Elizabeth, really.''
Pausing again, Lucky looked directly at Elizabeth as he continued. ''I died in the fire Elizabeth.'' Lucky saw the shock on Elizabeth's face and watched her mouth hung open.
He could tell then that even with everything he had already told her, she had still been expecting some kind of reasonable explanation and was completely floored to hear him say he died.
So there would be no further misinterpretation of what had happened to him, Lucky repeated what he had just told Elizabeth. ''I died in that fire ten months ago, but instead of leaving, you know, going to heaven. I just stuck around, my sprit that is,'' added Lucky quickly.
Lucky wanted to go to Elizabeth then and comfort her, but he would be lost the minute he touched her and he knew he needed to go on and finish his story.
''I am sure it was the smoke, because by the time my body started burning I was already outside of my body, like a dream watching it happen. Helpless, completely and totally helpless,'' said Lucky, his mind reliving that night.
Elizabeth watched Lucky as she tried to ward off the feelings of shock and disbelief that was threatening to overwhelm her. ''I don't understand,'' said Elizabeth, getting up and moving to sit in the loveseat across from Lucky, so she was looking directly at him.
''Are you telling me that you are a ghost?'' Lucky watched the confusion returned to Elizabeth's face and ran his fingers through his hair before continuing.
''I guess that's how I would seem, but I am not a ghost, not really. Let me tell you everything and then we can be in shock together,'' said Lucky. Elizabeth was only able to nod, her face reflecting her complete state of shock.
''There was this light Elizabeth, this incredibly beautiful light and there was an angel, the angel of death. He comes for you when you die and walks with you into the light.
I knew I would find peace and happiness in the light I saw it all in the angel's face without him saying a single word. He had his arm stretched out for me to take. A part of me wanted to take his hand, but another part of me couldn't leave you and that's the part that won out. I turned away and after awhile he left but the light stayed and it has been calling to me for ten months.
I watched them put the fire out and then as the men came in and took my body away. I was so scared, but I followed them as they wheeled my body out the door. That's when I saw you, crying and telling them that it wasn't me.''
Lucky watched Elizabeth's face as it reflected her awe in the truth of what he was telling her. ''I have been with you everyday since until the day after valentines,'' said Lucky watching as Elizabeth's face showed a new kind of shocked expression. One of knowing.
''You felt me leave didn't you? Last night after your grandmother left your room I kissed you on the forehead it was the slightest of kiss, and you said you missed me the day before and ask me not to leave you again.''
''How could you know that? My eyes were closed, but you couldn't have been there without gram seeing you,'' said Elizabeth.
''I should continue,'' said Lucky, sighing softly. ''I did leave you the day after Valentines and this is where it gets strange Elizabeth, so brace yourself. Actually, this is where the miracle happens,'' continued Lucky.
''One moment I was watching you work at Kelly's and the next moment I was being pulled backwards hard and then darkness.
When the darkness cleared, I was in Manhattan in the office of Lawrence Scott and that's where my confusion began,'' said Lucky.
Lucky's face took on a comical look as he tried to sort his thoughts, causing Elizabeth's heart to flutter at the familiar expression. Lucky stood and paced for a second before returning to sit next to Elizabeth, giving her a pleading look that begged for her to be strong.
''Go on,'' whispered Elizabeth, smiling slightly. She knew in her heart that this was Lucky and therefore had decided to give him her complete trust, despite her continued confusion.
Encouraged, Lucky continued. ''I was so confused Elizabeth. Here I was dead one minute, following you around and the next minute and then within moments everything I had become accustomed to changed.
I went from a spirit to having this body. I mean look at me, Elizabeth, I am huge,'' said Lucky frowning down at himself, causing Elizabeth's smile to broaden and her eyes to twinkle with amusement.
I am getting used to it now though, but I tell you those first few hours, it was weird, I almost fell over myself,'' said Lucky still looking down at his body, his arms outstretched.
''Oh that first day was rough, let me tell you,'' continued Lucky. I didn't recognize anyone, but they all recognized me, calling me Mr. Scott and sir.''
Lucky told Elizabeth about his theory that it was three years later and he had just dreamed the fire and the ten months following it.
''That was the only explanation that made any sense to me at the time. I figured you and I had planned to live in Manhattan and since I was there in an office. I assume that was what had happened and perhaps the fire was just a bad dream.
I called you at Kelly's to see if you would be there, since I figured if I was in New York, you would be too. I was wrong of course, because you answered the phone, so I knew that that wasn't it.
I am sorry about that by the way, I hope I didn't scare you,'' said Lucky, seeing the recognition on Elizabeth's face.
''No, you didn't scare me at all,'' said Elizabeth, nodding for Lucky to continue. ''Next, I called the club to ask about Lucky, you know, trying to see if I was really dead. Well, Babe answered. I told her, I was an old friend of Lucky, who lost touch with him and needed his new number.
Of course, she told me that Lucky died and asked if I wanted to speak to Lucky's Dad. You can only imagine the things going through my thoughts at that point. I hung up before she could get Dad and just sat for a while trying to sort it all out.
I needed to know what was happening to me, so I had to get out of that office, I wasn't getting anywhere just sitting around in there. I went to leave and the secretary called for my car and driver, can you imagine?
I just went with it,'' said Lucky looking at Elizabeth, who was laughing openly now. She continued to laugh as he talked about his first day, especially when he told her about the driver of the car overhearing him talking to himself.
''You laugh, it was a mess,'' continued Lucky feeling happiness bubbling up in him at the sound of Elizabeth's laughter, a sound that had been quiet for too long.
''Ok, so the car stops in front of this building, where I had to assume I lived, but had no idea, so again I just went with it.''
Lucky had Elizabeth holding her sides by the time he got through telling her about the elevator, the Penthouse and Mr. & Mrs. Worthington and the fact that he had no idea who they were.
Lucky told Elizabeth about finding out that Law had a son named Leo and that's whom she saw before. Elizabeth sobered when Lucky told her about Law's wife dying. ''It seems that he was unable to deal with the loss,'' said Lucky sadly.
''So, here I am in this strange body, that's like a duplicate of me, except the size and age and I felt like I was losing my mind. I couldn't be with you and I just had no idea what was happening to me.''
Elizabeth waited for Lucky to continue, looking at him closely and for the first time noticing that Lucky was indeed older not just taller and broader.
''I didn't know what to do and I had no one to talk to about this. That's when I decided to search the Net. I looked up keywords describing what I felt I was going through, hoping that I could find some kind of explanation or help.''
Lucky told Elizabeth about finding the book 'Second Chances' and what he had learned from it. ''I was still confused of course, so I called the author, Mrs. Diamond and she's the one that became my guide through this unimaginable experience and explained to me what was happening to me.
Lucky went on to tell Elizabeth all that Mrs. Diamond had told him including the fact that the real Lawrence Scott had committed suicide and now Lucky gets to keep his body providing Elizabeth loved him.
''Wait a minute,'' said Elizabeth. ''That's it, all I have to do is love you and you get to live in this body and go on with your life.'' ''That's it,'' said Lucky, his eyes smiling.
''That's nothing Lucky. I already love you,'' said Elizabeth, stopping suddenly when she realized what she had just said.
''O my goodness. Lucky, it's really you. I have you back,'' cried Elizabeth jumping into Lucky's arms and holding him tightly to her, smothering him with kisses for the second time that morning.
Lucky laughed, returning Elizabeth's happy kisses, holding her tightly to him. After a few minutes Elizabeth pulled back slightly and regarded Lucky for a minute. ''Lucky, I don't understand why does Lawrence looks so much like you?''
Lucky explained to Elizabeth about the FBI files showing that Lawrence Scott was indeed Luke's nephew, which would explain the resemblance.
''I know it's weird Elizabeth, but there are people who look exactly like other people. My cousin Bill, Sly's father, you remember the one I told you who died soon after Mom, Dad and I returned to Port Charles.''
Elizabeth nodded. ''Well, he looked exactly like my dad so I know it's possible. I am guessing that since someone in heaven interceded on my behalf, I am thinking it was Ruby by the way,'' smiled Lucky.
''They must have went to great lengths to find the perfect match for me. I mean, this guy who turns out to be my cousin, looks exactly like me and works in the computer field.
''What about that though Lucky, will you be able to handle all the responsibility that comes with being Lawrence. I mean he was older and he had his own company.'' ''He is older and he has his own company,'' corrected Lucky.
''Elizabeth, I am Lawrence now, it's part of the deal. I have to effectively take over his entire life, including running the company and being Leo's father along with everything else. I know what you are worried about,'' said Lucky.
''You are concerned whether I have the skills he had to pull it off and if I can't what happens then? Does that mean I go away again? Do I then have to give back this body?'' Lucky smiled, reading Elizabeth accurately. ''I see nothing's really changed,'' smiled Elizabeth, stroking the sides of Lucky's face.
Lucky explained to Elizabeth that when he inherited Lawrence's body, he also inherited the knowledge that he possessed. ''I don't have any of his feelings or memories, those went with him, so I get to remain Lucky and everything that is Lucky on the inside.
Also, because of the great job Ruby did, I also get to look mostly the same too. So all in all, I say I got a great deal, providing you love me, that is,'' said Lucky smiling down at Elizabeth.
''One more thing Elizabeth,'' said Lucky before Elizabeth could answer. ''You do understand that although I am still the Lucky you knew before that some things are different. You say you love me, but can you love me as Lawrence Scott, twenty-one years old and father of one?''
''An older man hmm, very promising,'' teased Elizabeth before becoming serious. ''I love you,'' whispered Elizabeth, pulling Lucky back to her for a tight embrace.
Pulling away a second later Elizabeth looked tenderly into Lucky's eyes before continuing. ''I love you Lucky. I loved you before and I love you now and always. I will love Leo and I will love whatever life allows you back into mine,'' finished Elizabeth. ''I love you too Elizabeth,'' smiled Lucky, holding Elizabeth securely to him, at peace at last.
Lucky pulled back to find Elizabeth's lips with his, but she pulled away smiling up at him. ''What's wrong Elizabeth,'' frowned Lucky when she continued to pull away from his kiss.
''Lucky, I, oh my goodness, I still can't believe this is real, but it is, isn't it?'' ''Yep,'' nodded Lucky reaching down to capture her elusive lips again and scowling when Elizabeth continued to avoid him.
''Lucky, I feel grungy. I just woke up and I didn't even brush my teeth last night. I have to get a shower and brush my teeth, before you can kiss me,'' said Elizabeth.
''I don't care Elizabeth. Who cares? It's been forever. I want to kiss you now,'' said Lucky reaching down to try and kiss Elizabeth again.
Pulling away quickly, Elizabeth leaped out of Lucky's arms and off the sofa, laughing and dodging when he attempted to retrieve her.
A few minutes later, Lucky and Elizabeth were both out of breath from Lucky chasing Elizabeth around the room. They were laughing uncontrollable by the time Elizabeth finally managed to put the sofa between herself and Lucky. She smiled across at him lovingly, her heart soaring higher than ever before.
''What's in the bag Lucky?'' ''Oh that, just a few change of clothing, I picked up from your room before I brought you here,'' announced Lucky. ''How did you managed that?'' ''You are kidding right? Elizabeth, come on, you could sleep through a hurricane a tornado and an earthquake.''
Elizabeth smiled happily at Lucky. ''So can I take a quick shower and changed into some of the clothing you brought when you stole them and me?
Lucky, finger on chin pretended to think about her request for a second, before smiling and folding his arms across his chest.
''Under one condition,'' said Lucky. ''Ok, what?'' ''I get a long passionate kiss when you get through.'' ''You've got yourself a deal,'' whispered Elizabeth huskily.
Lucky stayed where he was and watched as Elizabeth collected the duffel bag and headed into the bathroom, throwing him a sexy smile as she did.
As soon as Elizabeth disappeared into the bathroom, Lucky collapsed into the sofa, releasing the breath he had been holding.
''Thank you God,'' whispered Lucky a minute later. Thank you for everything, but mostly thank you for Elizabeth and her amazing resilience,'' prayed Lucky.
Elizabeth stood under the force of the water just, letting the spray beat down on her. ''Please, God. Please don't let this be another dream. Please God let Lucky be outside when I get out,'' whispered Elizabeth, praying in earnest.
Elizabeth thought about all that she had just learned and wondered at how incredible it all sounded, yet knowing in her heart that every word she had just heard was true. ''Lucky is here with me. We get a second chance to love each other. We get to have our future after all the pain of the last ten months.''
The impact of what it all meant came home to Elizabeth then, causing her to sit down heavily onto the shower bench.
A second later, Elizabeth burst out laughing as joy she didn't know exist flooding her entire body, starting from her toes traveling all over her being. ''Thank you God,'' whispered Elizabeth in between her laughter.
Nearly an hour after Elizabeth had disappeared into the shower Lucky sat up at the sound of the bathroom door opening.
Lucky stood and stared at Elizabeth in awe when he saw her walking toward him. Though Elizabeth wore a pair of casual black slacks and a light sweater she looked more beautiful than Lucky had ever seen her.
Elizabeth walked straight into Lucky's arms wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling his lips down to meet hers in a searing kiss.
Elizabeth melted completely in his arms when she felt the familiar stirring inside from Lucky's kiss. She felt like laughing out loud when Lucky nibbled lightly on her lower lip, signaling for her to part her lips to his seeking tongue, something he always did when they kissed. She knew in that moment that Lucky was home.
Lucky wrapped his arms around Elizabeth, pulling her even closer to him and deepening the kiss. ''Elizabeth don't you have some question's you would like to ask me?'' Whispered Lucky against Elizabeth's lips.
''Yes, only one,'' said Elizabeth pulling Lucky's lips closer for another deep kiss. ''What's the question, Elizabeth?'' Lucky asked a minute later but moved in for another kiss not really interested in any conversation.
Elizabeth and Lucky continued to kiss each hungrily for a few more minutes before coming up for air. ''Did you say something Lucky?'' ''Question, what's your question?'' Lucky asked, feeling dazed.
Opening her eyes Elizabeth peered up at Lucky with passion filled eyes. ''You said you qualified for this second chance because you are a virgin, right?'' ''Yes,'' said Lucky blushing slightly, yet savoring the tender kisses Elizabeth was placing on his lips in between words.
''You also said that this body becomes yours permanently at the anniversary of your death, right?'' ''Yes,'' whispered Lucky, losing his train of thought.
''Well, I was wondering do we have to wait until the anniversary of your death to make love or could we make love right now,'' whispered Elizabeth breathlessly.
A shudder ran through Lucky as he looked down into Elizabeth's unwavering gaze. His whole body enflamed with need for her as he considered the question he was now dying to know the answer to.
''Time for another call to Mrs. Diamond,'' thought Lucky as he once again captured Elizabeth's quivering lips with his.