Links to other sites on the Web
Thank You to "Cabell" puggie@ccomm.com
Prologue [note: Dylan Horsnby has been SORASED]
Port Charles, New York
Emily Quartermaine ran into her home, the penthouse that formerly belonged to Jason, with a huge smile on her face.
"Liz, hey Liz you home?" her voice sang as her eyes searched the penthouse she shared with her best friend.
"Emily, what are you doing home so early?" Liz asked as she floated down the stairs.
"Guess who is back in town, after all these years?" Emily asked, tapping her foot on the marble floor.
"I've got no idea Em," Liz laughed.
"Juan, he's back. I can't believe it, when I saw him it was like . . .it was magical. That old spark was still there. We are going to dinner tonight, do you want to join us?"
"Let me think Em, do I want to join you on a date with the guy you've been dreaming about . . . I think I'll pass," Liz smiled as she wiped her paint covered hands on a rag.
"Well, it's not a date really, just two old friends going to dinner. Come on, unless . . .you have plans with Chris tonight?" Emily prodded.
"Not really, we were just going to meet for dinner at Kelly's, nothing big," her voice trailed off as she headed into the kitchen.
She stopped in her tracks as she passed the photos that Emily insisted on having hung. One was from Christmas 1998, all four of them together, the only picture of the kind. Another picture was of Liz, Emily and Nikolas from the Nurses Ball, before Emily had fallen Juan and she still was in love with Nikolas. The third and final picture was of Lucky. He was so young, and so perfect. His blue eyes smiling and his dimples flashing-he never changed; Lucky was always perfect in her mind. Liz ran her fingertips over the photo, and smiled. In 10 long years, that was all the strength she had left to do. She couldn't mourn anymore, it took too much out of her. She couldn't regret what she didn't have, he wouldn't want that. But she could remember, and that she did. Not a day went by that she didn't think of Lucky, but memories were all she had.
Memories and string of failed relationships. If Emily and Juan broke up because of their respective fears of commitment, then Liz rushed into relationships because of a longing for it. A year and a half after the fire Liz met Dylan Hornsby, Ned's brother and Emily's cousin. Liz never loved him, but Dylan provided what she needed. He was kind, and sweet, and he seemed to love her, but most of all he offered her a home and security. It didn't last of course, the relationship was doomed from the beginning. When Liz and Dylan announced their engagement, only six months after first meeting, everyone knew Liz was only trying to forget what she couldn't have with Lucky. The marriage ended after thirteen weeks, though they parted as friends.
Next in Liz's book of impossible relationships was a young mechanic who worked for Mike and Jason-who technically still ran the shop after rebuilding-named Jimmy Lewis. Fortunately for Jimmy the relationship never made it to the altar. Though he was so smitten with Liz he did propose marriage, which she nicely turned down. With the heartbreak of knowing he couldn't compete with a memory, Jimmy left Port Charles to work as a mechanic on a Nascar team.
Liz's relationship and subsequent marriage to Sly Eckert was probably her most self-destructive. It had been six years since the fire, four years since Dylan, and two since Jimmy. Sly was a friend through it all, and she saw something in him that comforted her. Her heartbreak over losing Lucky wasn't as bad when Sly was around. It took breaking Sly's heart and nearly destroying their friendship to know what was happening. Sly was very much like his cousin. His smile was similar, his attitude was cool and reserved, he was funny with a quick wit. Nobody wanted to believe what they saw. Liz was using Sly as a substitute for Lucky and it was slowly destroying her. Whenever he did something Lucky wouldn't have done, Liz would get angry or sulk. Sly left her after only two months of marriage and begged her to start going to therapy again. Which she did, and eventually realized that Lucky's memory would always be a hurdle with her future relationships.
Then there was Nikolas. Throughout every failed relationship, he was always present, wanting to pick up the pieces. It was something Liz didn't want and couldn't handle. It seemed that Nikolas had fallen for his brother's girl, and was tortured by it. The once strong friendship between Liz and Emily with Nikolas when he admitted his feelings. Feelings Liz didn't want directed at her, and feelings of betrayal for Emily.
After Sly Liz did date a bit, but nothing ever happened, nothing ever progressed, she didn't want it to. But then Chris Ramsey happened. He was funny, and sweet, and smart, and he didn't want anything from Liz. He had cleaned himself up from early in his career. The doctor had managed to make a name for himself after the DL-56 disaster. He and Liz met and became fast friends. They eventually started dating, though it wasn't serious, actually quite innocent. For the first time since the fire, for the first time since she lost half of her heart, Liz was actually enjoying spending time with a man for who he was. Not because he offered her security like Dylan, or because he represented something different like Jimmy, or because he reminded her of Lucky like Sly. But she actually liked Chris for Chris.
Her friends couldn't be happier. Emily was thrilled and relieved that Liz seemed to finally be free from her self-destructive nature. Luke Spencer was happy to see the girl he had come to love as a daughter finally happy. Even Sonny and Jason, who rarely trusted anyone for Emily or Liz, were happy with Chris. Liz would always have her perfect memories of her perfect Lucky, but she had to learn to live in the moment, if only to honor what Lucky meant.
A Desert Highway in Arizona
A man in dusty jeans and a white T-shirt walked down an empty highway somewhere in Arizona. He wiped the sweat off his brow and adjusted his sunglasses. The sun beat down hard on the hot asphalt as the man kicked a stone with his boot. He spun around when he heard the sound of a vehicle in the distance behind him.
He jumped over to the side of the road and stuck out his thumb. He had heard all the stories about hitchhiking, but he also was taught how to take care of himself. An old, dusty, red 1956 Chevy pick-up truck slowed down and stopped for the stranger.
"What can I do for you honey," the driver, a woman, called out as she leaned over to the window.
"A ride would be nice, if you don't mind," his smile was warm and bright.
"Where are you heading darlin'?" she asked, her Texas drawl evident.
"I'm heading east, but I'll go as far as you can take me," he said running a hand through his hair.
"What the heck, I'm heading easy myself-hopefully I'll make it to New York. So if you're willing to ride with me get on in," she smiled, pushing the passenger door open.
"Thanks a lot ma'am, I appreciate it," the stranger said jumping into the truck, and tossing his single duffel bag in the back.
"The name's Donna Carter," the woman said, sticking out her hand. Donna was in her late thirties to early forties, with shoulder length dark brown hair, a husky voice, and nice smile. "What's yours son?"
"Lucas Lorenzo Spencer JR, but you can call me Lucky," he said with a wink.
"Well, Lucky, nice to meet you."
Lucky took a deep breath and looked out the window. Was he ready to go back, after so many year, after so much change, was he ready for the crushing blow that he knew reality would serve him. There was only one way for him to know for sure, no matter how hard it hurt.
Chapter 1
Port Charles
Chris sat alone at a table in Kelly's reading a newspaper when Liz walked in, a smile on her face. He rose from his seat and pulled a seat out for her. "I was beginning to think you were going to bail on me," he laughed.
"No, I got to talking with Carly about how she's redecorating the penthouse and you know what happens when we start talking about that," Liz grinned and sat down. "Do you have to go back to the hospital today?"
Chris shook his head, "Nope, I have the rest of the day off. So, whatever you want to do is fine with me."
"You're what?" they heard Jax shout from another table.
"Sweetheart, I'm going into labor," Chloe whispered as Jax frantically jumped out of his chair.
"Bloody hell, not now, not in here-I need a doctor, is there a doctor anywhere?" Jax called out.
"Jax, I'm a doctor," Chris laughed as he walked over to Chloe Jacks. "Chloe, when did your water break?"
"Just now," she said giving Chris a small smile.
"She has plenty of time, doesn't she?" Liz asked, looking over Chris shoulder as he knelt in front of Chloe.
"Of course, let's get you to GH and we'll deal with everything there. Who's your doctor?"
"Doctor Newman, but I'm early Chris, and she's out of town . . ."
"That's only a tiny problem, tell you what I'll come with you to the hospital, I'll help find another doctor, I'll even assist in everything," he said with a wink.
"Chris will take good care of you Chloe, I promise," Liz smiled.
"What's going on?" Jason asked as he and V walked into the diner together.
"Chloe's going into labor," Jax answered frantically.
"Really?" V squealed running over to her best friend with a smile and a hug. "This is great, shouldn't you be at the hospital?"
"That is where we are heading," Chris answered.
"You better go then," Jason stated. "V, honey, let them get to the hospital." Jason and V had been married for three years, and Jax and Chloe had been married for six. Unfortunately for Jason and Jax, who still didn't like each other that much, the women were the best of friends and were always putting their husbands in situations together.
"Can you come with us?" Chloe asked V, as Jax helped her out the door. "I want the God parents there when our baby is born."
"Wait, we never agreed on Morgan being God father," Jax said angrily.
"Oh Jax, hush up, Jason and V will be God parents, end of conversation," Chloe ordered sternly.
"Yes dear," Jax said forcing a smile.
Chris walked over to Liz, who had taken a seat at the counter. "I'm so sorry, I promised them that I'd help with everything. You know how untrusting Chloe is with doctors and stuff . . .you're not mad are you?"
"Mad? Chris, how can I be mad at you? You're a doctor, a very good doctor . . .if we are going to be together I have to learn that you can leave at a moment's notice. I'm a so fine with it, go help our friend," Liz smiled, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Wait a second," Chris paused and scratched his head. "Are you . . .are we together?" he asked innocently.
"I guess so . . .yeah we are, if that's alright?" she said with a little laugh.
"We have to . . ." Chris started backing out of the diner, "When I get some free time . . .me and you, if you want . . .we have to celebrate, ok?"
Liz nodded her head and watched Chris run to catch up to Chloe. As she sat alone in the now empty diner she found her mind drifting. Her mind floated to a time when things were much simpler. When his smile could send her heart fluttering. When the sound of his voice could make her knees week.
~~~ "Subtly, subtly is fine as far as it goes, but it only goes so far. Subtly is that sweater looks pretty when what you really mean is I love your mouth." ~~~
"Elizabeth, earth to Elizabeth," Luke stood in front of her, waving his hand and snapping his fingers. "You're a hundred miles away."
"Well, I'm back," she said with a guilty grin.
"So what were you thinking about? Do you and Dr. Ramsey have some grand plans for the evening?" Luke smirked as he poured himself a cup of coffee from behind the counter.
"No, I was just daydreaming about . . ." Liz looked down to her left ring finger and spun the tiny little ring around. After so many years she still wore the ring Lucky gave to her at Christmas. She looked back up to Luke and shook her head. "So, what are you and the Mrs. doing tonight?"
"She's dragging me to the theater, some play or something," Luke moaned. "I actually have to go home and get myself all spiffy for the evening . . .unless you want to take my place," Luke offered, trying to get out of spending the evening at the theater.
"Oh, I'm sure Felecia would enjoy my company, but something tells me she wants to spend her the night with you."
"You're right . . .can you blame her?" he quickly gulped down his coffee and dashed out of the diner. "You'll be at our anniversary party Saturday night, right?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Liz smiled after Luke.
Texas
"So, do you often eat in dumps like this, or is it just because you have a guest?" Lucky teased Donna as they took a seat behind a booth at small truck stop in North Texas.
"I'll have special number 2," Donna said ordering her dinner. "Lucky?"
"Uh, I'll have the . . ." he scanned the menu. "I'll the ribs, with cheese fries, and a coke please."
"So Lucky, are you going to tell me your story yet?" Donna asked once the waitress left with their orders.
"You don't want to hear it, it's rather boring," Lucky scratched the back of his neck, trying to avoid the conversation.
"It's a woman isn't it? You are either running away or running to . . .which is it?"
Lucky glared at his traveling companion. "What about you Donna, what are you running from?"
"Me, my story IS boring. I'm from Dallas, but I moved to Phoenix five years ago. I just lost my job and I'm heading to New York because my cousin owns restaurant in Rochester. I've been married once, but he was no good so I divorced him. I have one kid; he's at the University of Arizona on a baseball scholarship, which is the only way he's in college, cause I could never afford it. Do you need anymore info Lucky, maybe my blood type or social security information?" Donna retorted with her usual sarcastic smile.
"You really want to know my story huh? Do you want the entire story, about how my dad and mom were on the run, how I had to travel at the age of 11 by myself? Or do you want me to start with love story and then the abduction?" Lucky asked, leaning across the table, his eyes shining.
"Start wherever you like handsome."
Lucky leaned back and took a deep breath. "Her name was Elizabeth Webber and at first we weren't . . .she was a pill and drove me nuts. But something happened and I got to know the real Elizabeth and I fell, oh man I fell so hard. We were perfect, we promised to love each other and be together forever, and that was the plan. We were going to move to New York, she's was going to go to art school, it would've been great. We actually had a future to look forward to," Lucky sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose with his forefinger and thumb before continuing. "Then this monster . . .his name was Caesar Faison, he arranged to have me, to kidnap me and make it look like I died in a fire. It turns out he was working with an enemy of my dad's, Helena Cassadine, who died about . . .a year after the fire. Anyway, nobody figured it out, not even my dad." Lucky stopped and rubbed his eyes violently. "After a year, for some reason Faison let me go, with a catch of course. He said I couldn't go back to Port Charles, I couldn't contact Elizabeth or my family, and if I did she'd be, she'd be killed."
Donna sighed and looked up into Lucky's eyes. "So what did you do."
"I had to go back, if just for a day. So I, I uh went back and saw them, they didn't see me of course. But I saw Elizabeth, she seemed ok, but I know her, she was still hurting. Mom and Dad were, they weren't the same either. And then it happened . . .Faison must have found out I was in Port Charles. Because Mom and Elizabeth were in a car together and, I don't even know exactly what happened. My mother was killed and Elizabeth was pretty bad. I stuck around PC until I knew she was ok, and then I left for good. I headed as far as I could away, and Arizona seemed good for me. I worked on a tiny little ranch for the last nine years. Then he paid me a visit."
"Who? That Faison guy?"
"Yeah, he just showed up at the ranch, I don't even know how he found me. Let me ask you, have you ever hated someone so much you plotted their death everyday for ten years?" Lucky asked, his words cold and direct. Donna shook her head, allowing Lucky to continue. "Well I did, and when he appeared, I just reacted. I hit him, a right hook and . . .we started fighting, he had a gun and tried to pull it on me. I think he fired a shot and . . . I knocked the gun out of his hand and grabbed it quickly. I fired three shots, one for my mom, one for Elizabeth, and one for the hellish life I lived for ten lonely years. And I . . . I stood over his cold, dead body, feeling no remorse, no guilt, only satisfaction." Lucky closed his eyes tightly, blinking back the tears that had formed. "So with Faison dead, and the threat against . . . I can go home now. It's over . . . so, do you want to still travel with me? Or are you going to turn me into the next cop you see, I am a cold blooded killer."
Donna shook her head and took Lucky's hand. "Lucky I am so sorry, I had no idea . . .and don't worry, your secret is safe with me. So what do you expect to find when you get home?"
"It's weird, I kept up with everything. I know my dad remarried an old friend, Felecia Jones, after her husband died. And I know how Elizabeth was married twice, both were disasters. I know about everything, except I don't know anything," he said running a hand through his shaggy light brown hair.
"For nine years you lived a life of anonymity on a ranch in Arizona, did you have friends, how did you spend your time?"
Lucky smiled for the first time all night, "I sometimes went to the bar with the other ranch hands, but really I enjoyed my time alone. I went to a lot of movies, there was this theater that showed a different classic movie every other day, so I did that a lot. Also music, oh it was a big part of my life. The guy that owned the ranch had a great old record collection. He gave me an old hi-fi of his and I'd play those records, they were great."
"So, do you play music?"
"A little, I can sing and play the guitar. I did a lot of that too, though I had to sell the guitar before I left the ranch. I needed the cash," Lucky shrugged his shoulders, not really knowing what to say next. "You should have ordered the ribs, they're really good."
Chapter 2
Port Charles, New York
Chris stood behind the desk at the hospital, anxiously waiting for his shift to end, when he saw Emily come up to him a smile on her face.
"Emily hi, what can I do for you?" he asked.
"Has Liz been here, I can't find her and I need to find out what she is wearing to the party at the club tonight," Emily said breathlessly.
"Actually I haven't really seen Liz much since Tuesday when the whole thing with Chloe and the baby and . . .she's probably just at the studio," Chris said, referring to the art studio where Liz worked part of the time. The other part of the time she was an interior decorator. Liz was actually thinking of starting up her own company with Carly, though the two could never really put anything into motion
"Did you two fight?"
"No, I've just been really busy. I'll see her tonight when I pick her up for the party, everything's fine," Chris smiled. "Are you taking Juan as your date?"
"Actually, yes, so I have to go finish getting ready. See you later Chris," Emily waved and dashed off.
Chris leaned over the desk and drifted in his thoughts for a moment. He didn't know how it happened but he had fallen in love with Liz. When they met she was still trying to work past her marriages and trying to cope with the realization that she didn't have Lucky. But they were friends, and it was great. Sure he was a few years older than she was, but they got along great. For the first time Chris thought he'd have a chance at a future with the woman he loved.
The dusty old pick-up pulled into the parking lot of the Port Charles Hotel. Lucky climbed porting his sunglasses and a battered old cowboy hat.
"The hat looks good," she laughed looking over at him. "So, I guess this is where we part, it was nice traveling with you."
Lucky nodded and smiled. "I owe you big time Don, you came along at the right time. I'll call you in a few days, once I get everything settled. Good luck with the restaurant," Lucky winked and pulled his traveling companion close for a hug.
"Good luck with the girl Lucky, good luck with getting your life back. But if anyone can do it, I bet you can," Donna jumped back into the truck. "I'll be thinking of you darling."
Lucky waved goodbye as she pulled away, ready to take the next part of the journey on his own. He wore jeans and a black T-shirt, his hat and sunglasses helping to conceal who he was. Lucky stepped up to the front desk at the hotel looking to get a room.
"I'd like a room please," he said softly.
"Of course, your name and credit card," the man at the desk said.
"The name's . . ." he thought for a moment. "Jon Black, and I'll be paying with cash," Lucky lied about his name, not wanting anyone to know about him until he was ready.
"That's fine Mr. Black," the man said as he took the money from Lucky and handed him the key to the room. "Room 453, have a nice day sir."
"Thanks," Lucky nodded and made his to the elevator. As he stepped in two teenage girls ran in, talking and giggling.
"The party is going to be so much fun tonight," a girl with blonde hair and blue eyes exclaimed. "I can't wait to see who all comes."
"Everyone is going to be there Georgie, come on it's a Luke Spencer party, my dad only invites to coolest people," the other girl, this one with dark brown hair.
"I know Les, but I still get excited about the parties at the club," Georgie giggled.
Lucky stared at the girls, his heart rate quickened when he realized the brunette was his little sister Leslie Lu, who wasn't so little anymore. He gazed at the young girl through his sunglasses not realizing that the two girls had turned around and were staring back at him.
"Excuse me, mister," Les, as she liked to be called, smirked. "Check out the hat," she whispered to Georgie.
"Hmm?" Lucky shook his head, waking from his temporary trance.
"Isn't this your floor, we're going up to the penthouse, so this has to be your floor," Les explained.
"Oh, um, why, I guess it is . . .yep this mine," Lucky stammered as he looked at his room key. "Thanks girls," he smiled and stepped out of the elevator.
"Is it me or is he absolutely gorgeous," Georgie gushed once the elevator doors shut.
"I guess he's kind of cute," the fourteen-year-old said of the man she didn't know was her brother. "But he should definitely lose the cowboy hat."
"I can't wait to see the baby," Georgie said changing subjects. "What did Jax and Chloe name him?"
"Jasper Jr. , can you believe it . . . I think Chloe wants us to call him JJ though," Les smiled.
Lucky collapsed on his bed with a sigh. "My little sister, oh what a trip," he said to himself. "She's so grown up, a teenager," he laughed. Jumping off the bed he took his clothes and threw them in the hotel room's dresser.
Impatient and bored, Lucky tossed his cowboy hat on the bed and snatched his Texas Rangers baseball cap and put it on. After about fifteen minutes of deliberation Lucky decided to head down to the Grille to get some lunch, or at least a beer.
Once in the restaurant, he spotted the giggling teenage girls again and jumped on the situation. "You two seem in a hurry today," Lucky said as they passed.
"Like you'd know," Les said cockily.
"You changed your hat, good move. The cowboy look isn't really 'in' in Port Charles," Georgie advised.
"Thanks for the note," Lucky grinned, causing the girls to blush.
He saw them whisper to each other for a few moments then return to his table. "Mister, can we join you?"
"Uh . . .sure, as long as you don't insult my attire anymore."
"We promise," the girls said in unison.
"First of all I'm Leslie Lu Spencer but everyone calls me Les, except my dad who calls me Lu still. This is my stepsister Georgie Jones. I actually have another stepsister, Maxie, she's home from college right now, but that is actually why we want to sit here."
"What, is she here and you're afraid of her?" Lucky joked.
"No, actually, you see she just broke up with her boyfriend and is really upset. And our parents are celebrating their wedding anniversary tonight with a big party at Luke's club. Anyway, to make a long story short she is kind of in the dumps because she doesn't have a date," Georgie explained.
"Because well, everyone there will be a couple practically. Except us, because dad and Felecia think we are too young to date, though we are 14 and 15 . . .but anyway, would you maybe come and you know, dance with her and stuff?" Les asked.
"Yeah, we both think you are really cute and Maxie would love you, I know it," Georgie said enthusiastically.
"Girls, you don't even know my name, let alone if I'm in the right age range for your sister."
"Well, what's your name?" Les shot back.
Lucky paused for a moment, this wasn't the time to reveal himself yet. "Jon Black, nice to meet you both. Now, you say your sister's in college, girls I'm probably too old for her. I'm 27," Lucky said with a shrug of the shoulders.
"Nonsense, we're not asking you to marry her or even kiss her, just come and dance with her, please it'll mean so much to her and to us," Les begged.
Lucky laughed, she sure did have that Spencer fight. "I'll come to the party, but I can't promise anything, maybe she'll hate me."
"Great!" Georgie yelled, jumping from the table.
"I'll add your name to the list-Jon Black. Tonight at 8 at Luke's Club," Les informed him.
"I may be a late, ok?"
"No problem, we'll see you then," Les beamed and the two girls ran off.
"I guess I need to get myself a suit," Lucky said to himself as he finished off his beer. He glanced at his watch, which read five thirty, and sighed, "I guess I've got to hurry."
Liz stood in front of her mirror and fixed her hair. She couldn't decide to put it up or leave it down. She fixed it a couple of different ways before choosing to let it cascade around her shoulders. Her dress was lavender with spaghetti straps and very flowing. She felt elegant and beautiful, which is exactly how she looked. She looked as if she stepped out of an old movie where the leading ladies always were beautiful dresses and gowns and the men all wore suits and tuxedos.
She looked down at her dresser where her charm bracelet sat. Liz swiped it into her hand and sighed, she knew it must kill Chris that she still couldn't put aside Lucky. After ten years she knew it would be better for everyone if she just let him go, but she couldn't.
Quickly latching the bracelet she dashed downstairs, as if she would be late.
"Wow, Liz, you look great," Juan said, rising from the couch as he waited for Emily.
"You look pretty good too. Do me a favor, when Chris gets here, tell him I'll meet you guys at the party there is something I have to do, it's urgent," she smiled at the young man.
"Sure, no problem, do you need anything?"
"No, just tell him don't worry, he does that too much. Bye," she said as she exited the penthouse.
"Where's the fire Liz?" Jason smiled as he stepped off the elevator with V on his arm.
"No fire, I have something to do before I go to the party, see you there," she blurted and stepped in the elevator.
"What was that about?" V asked Jason.
"Beats me . . .are you sure I don't look stupid in this tux, I hate ties?" Jason complained.
"You look dashing sweetheart. Let's hope Sonny and Carly are ready though and didn't get 'distracted'" V joked as they walked into Sonny's penthouse.
Lucky walked through the cemetery, a single daisy in his right hand. He was wearing a dark blue tuxedo suite, with a white shirt and royal blue hand tie. His hair was combed perfectly into place, and for the first time he had taken off his sunglasses.
He knelt down in front of the grave that was his mother's. Lucky ran his fingers over the lettering that said "Laura Spencer, loving wife, mother, and friend". A tear to came to his eye and he quickly wiped it away.
"Mom, I'm so sorry . . .if it weren't for me . . . I'm back though, I'm back for good and I'm going to reclaim my life. No matter how hard it is or how
Links to other sites on the Web
Chapters 3-5
Fanfiction
Homepage
© 1997 bre555@hotmail.com
Get your own Free Home Page