The Heart Remembers - Part 1

Background

It has been 10 years after the Fire that allegedly killed Lucky Spencer. After one last confrontation with Luke Nine and a half years before Faisan got so mad that he ordered Lucky beaten and killed. Lucky was beaten and shot multiple times, including one to the head and left for dead outside a dumpster somewhere in Los Angeles. Fortunately he didn't die, but was instead found by a doctor travelling through the city on his way from work. Dr. Michael Steele discovered Lucky's broken, battered and gunshot ridden body when he stopped to relief himself next to the dumpster. He took Lucky to the hospital where he was Chief of neurology and stood watch for the next three months has Lucky slowly recovered. He and his wife Dr. Theresa Steele, Cardiologist took Lucky into their home after his recovery and later adopted him. Lucky had no memory of his life before he was found and the extensive search conducted by the Dr. Michael Steele turned up nothing of Lucky's past. Lucky's (Malcolm) new family named him Malcolm Steele after Theresa's late grandfather Dr. Malcolm Theodore Kauffman. Lucky's new family consisted of his older brother Jonathan Steele who was two years older and Lucky's best friend. His sister Danielle Steele who was two years younger than Lucky and fiercely protected by her two older brothers. Jonathan was a neurologist like his father, Malcolm (Lucky) was the CEO of his family's shipping empire, Steele Industries and Danielle was the author of a very successful line of children's story books. All three were the pride and joy of their parents and Grandparents Sarah and Alexander Anton Steele. Jonathan and his wife of two years Patricia Steele, pharmacist as well as Malcolm and Danielle all lived with their parents in their beautiful Beverly Hills mansion. Malcolm is currently engaged to Chandler Reynolds, the daughter of one of the Steele's oldest family friends. Theresa Steele is secretly unhappy with the impending nuptial of her son and Chandler. She sees Chandler as a vain self-absorbed young woman who is not right for her son.

Upon learning of Faisan's betrayal Helena had wasted no time in having Faisan eliminated (he's really dead.) Two years later Helena herself was found dead in her bed, killed it appeared by one of her male lovers. (She's really dead too.) Helena had left in her will a note to Luke. It read:

My darling Luke,

If you are reading this it means our time together have come to an end. That leaves me wondering if my demise came at your hand or my darling son Stephan. Regardless I am gone and you are finally free of me, but I must say I am still the victor because I won the war. Yes Luke I broke you, how you will never know, but I did.

I have debated telling you this news, because I would love for you to know that unbeknownst to you I have taken away a thing of value to you, but no too much information my darling is good for no one. Just know that our time together was exhilarating and I loved every minute of it, as I am sure you did too.

Yes Luke I know you love our little bantering as much as I did and that's the reason you hate me. You should have killed me a long time ago, but you were having too much fun with the games we played. Laura will never be to you that I could have been if you weren't so stubborn.

Well now, goodbye my darling I will save you a place right next to me. Again know that no matter what I won the war.

Helena

Background of life in Port Charles

Life in PC had gone on after the fire with everyone getting on with the business of living. Luke and Laura rediscovered each other after the fire and sought counseling to resolve their marital problems. Lulu has skipped two grades in high school and is now a 16 year old senior in high school dating 18 year old Dillan Hornsby Quartermaine also a senior in high school. Luke received one of the biggest shocks of his life five years after the fire when he discovered he had a grown daughter Lacy Spencer. Lacy's mother it turned out was Luke's first girlfriend a union that took place in Florida. DNA testing was performed and Luke was force to realize that he had a daughter unknown to him for 25 years. Lacy now 30 years old and a blues singer for L&B records. Discovering Lacy and seeing the acceptance that Laura showed her allowed Luke to finally put his unrelenting dislike for Nicholas aside and today loves the boy like a son the way Laura loves Lacy like a daughter.

Jerry died in a car accident on his way to a weekend with Bobby leaving Bobby heartbroken and alone. Three years later her continued friendship with Stephan turned to love and the two got married, this time knowing that it was forever. They live together at Wyndermere, which Bobby have completely redecorated. Dr. Tony Jones died of a heart attack two years after the fire, so after her marriage, Bobby allowed Stephan to adopt Lucas who loves his stepfather and older brother Nicholas very much. Lucas is now 18 and is hopelessly in love with 16 year old Brookylynn Aston who is just as smitten to Edward Quartermaine's dismay. Brooklynn resides with her mother and father Lois and Ned Aston two mansion down from her grandfather's mansion. Her parents co-own L&B records where her father is an enormously successful singer and songwriter. Both Lois and Ned approves of Michael Jones-Cassidine and welcome him into their home.

Juan became a famous singer and fame having gone to his head deserted Emily for the glamour of hollywood. Nicholas was her constant friend through her heartbreak and the two have been happily married for four years and have one daughter Abigail, nicknamed Abby. Nicholas is indeed Stephan's son causing the Cassidine Empire of succession to come to an end. The Cassidine fortune was divided up and everyone received an adequate sum of money. Nicholas, Emily and their daughter Abby continues to live at the cottage that have been expanded for further accommodations. Emily is a very successful Surgeon, while husband Nicholas is the President and CEO of Deception the company he inherited from friend and former lover Katherine Bell.

Elizabeth went to the NY Art school the fall after the fire. Two years into her Art studies Tom Baker was released from prison and promptly began his six month rein of stalking and terrorizing Elizabeth. After an attempted kidnapping of Elizabeth Tom was captured by the combined efforts of Luke and Taggart and immediately sent back to prison where he still remains. After graduating from Art school Elizabeth returned to PC where she got a job working as an Art buyer for ELQ. She had began dating shortly before her ordeal with Tom, but have since been in contact therapy in an effort to get over her return fear of being touch. She's never been able to forget Lucky and after 10 years have come to the conclusion that she never will. Elizabeth having lost her parents and siblings Sarah and her brother in a plane crash on it's way to Hungary now feels even more a part of the Spencer family. Her grandmother married Edward Quartemaine 5 years earlier after the death of Lila Quartermaine 8 years ago. Elizabeth was happy for her grandmother and though she's come to appreciate Edward Quartermaine and his family was never able to fit into or feel a part of that family the way she did the Spencers.

Mac and Felicia are still happily married they had a son named Tyler Scorpio together. Both Maxi and Georgie returned to PC after college and while Maxi works for ELQ as a financial analyst Georgie works for Lucy at Jax Cosmetics in Public relations. Georgie is currently dating a young intern at General Hospital by the name of Charles while, Maxi is too engrossed with her job and spends very little time socializing to Mac and Felicia's dismay. One and a half year ago Robin loss her battle with AIDS and at her request her remains were scattered at the same place as Stone's. Felicia was a tower of strength during Mac's time of grief, which still continues as he loved his niece as if she were is own daughter.

Michael Morgan died of continued heart related complication left over from infancy, his mother Carly was so devastated at his passing that she ended up in the mental ward for several months. Jason Morgan also devastated left town to come to terms with Michael's death. He returned two years later and returned to work with Sonny Corinthos in the coffee warehouse business of Corinthos and Morgan, now completely legitimate (really.) Upon his return he and Carly renewed their friendship and eventually fell in love and have been married for 5 years. They have two children 3 ½ year old Samuel Morgan and 18 month old Samantha Morgan, they all continue to live in Penthouse B across from Sonny Corinthos who is godfather to both their children.

Sonny married Lacy Spencer now Corinthos 4 years ago after a world wind courtship and stern warnings from both Luke and Laura regarding the well fare of Lacy. Lacy is also the godmother of Samuel and Samantha Morgan. They have one child three year old Peter Corinthos with a second on the way in less than three months. Sonny was finally free of his past and his ties to organized crimes and anything illegal. Today he walks around without bodyguards, since the government had cracked down on organized crimes and years before was allowed to bend the rules to put most all the crime lords behind bars and dismantle organizations throughout the country. Sonny and Jason still considered themselves lucky to have gotten clean before the crack down occurred. Sonny and Mike still bickered, but are now as close as any father and son could be. Mike married Tammy and the two have a daughter Angela Corbin who thinks the son rises and sets on her big brother Sonny, he feels the same about her. Tammy continues to run Kelly's and Mike continues in his capacity at the Recovery Room and the tracks.

After Michael's death AJ began drinking again, but with his sister Emily's help pulled himself up, dusted himself off and got on with his life. During her stay in the mental ward AJ was a constant source of strength for Carly and assisted her greatly in her recovery. The two got an amicable divorce and despite her marriage to Jason remain good friends. Jason was very grateful to AJ when he learned about AJ's role in Carly's recovery and the two while not as close as brothers have established a friendship. AJ and Keesha are married and have a son David Quartermaine. AJ remains CEO of ELQ and have maintained the company's history of being successful. Keesha works at General Hospital as a Social Worker.

Alan and Monica are still married and neither have cheated on the other for more than 12 years. They unlike Edward were pleased to see Emily married to Nicholas Cassidine. They were also pleased with the marriage of AJ and Keesha who were persuaded to remain with them at the Quartermaine mansion. After seeing Carly with Jason and watching her with their grandchild Monica and Alan have come to love Carly and accept her and Jason. Monica and Carly have even taken to going shopping together on occasion to everyone's surprise.

Justice and Dara are married and together they are District attorney and assistant District attorney. They have two children Gabriel 5 and Austin 3. After Bobby's marriage to Stephan and her relocation to Wyndermere Justice and Dara bought the Brownstone from Bobby and gutted and remodeled it to be a huge one family house. They current reside there with their two children. Justice have now made peace with Damien's death and he and Edward have formed a deep bond.

Taggart fell in love with and married Justice's sister Faith. Faith moved to Port Charles after losing her husband in a car accident. She and her two children Ashley and Hope fell completely in love with Taggart almost immediately. Justice was against the union at first, but once he saw how happy Faith was he relented and began accepting Taggart. Taggart and Faith have one child together, their son Matthew, but Taggart love Faith two daughters like his own and they both considers him as a father. Taggart continues to work for the PCPD, while Faith, an accountant has her own accounting firm.

Jax and Alexis remained married after the crazy married mishaps. After a year of marriage to Alexis Jax fell madly in love with her. They were able to save Chloe's company and after thanking them all profusely she had returned to Milan. Ned who was unable to lie to Lois about the arrangement found himself falling in love with her again and she with him. Jax and Alexis were the first to come clean with what they felt and eventually the four settled into a close friendship once Lois got over feeling threatened by Alexis's presence. The Jax's are the proud parents of two children, son Jerry named after Jax's late brother and daughter Janice who was the spitting image of her father. The Jax's current reside in a beautiful home on River road not far from the Quartermaines and the Astons.

The Story: Summer 2009

''This is your pilot speaking, we are experiencing mechanical difficulties, but Michelle and I both agree that there is no need for alarm as we think the problem is small. Not to worry we are going to air on the side of caution and land at the nearest airport where we can have the problem looked at closely. We will be landing in the town of Port Charles New York in approximately 15 minutes. Michelle will arrange for hotel accommodations for the duration of your stay in Port Charles.''

''Great why should the plane trip be any different from the rest of the day,'' complained Danielle Steele who have been having the most horrendous day since her eyes open this morning and she discovered she had a migraine headache.

''It will be alright darling, perhaps in Port Charles you will be able to get some rest before we have to take off again.'' ''Yea sweetheart,'' chimed in Malcolm (Lucky) ''all you need is some shut eye and you will be as good as new again.'' Danielle gave her brother a weak smile, but doubted that she would be able to get any sleep at all.

The Steele family were on their way to the family's annual three weeks Summer Vacation in the Adarandocks. Malcolm (Lucky) who sat closest to Danielle leaned over and tugged her head down to his shoulders. He felt awful that she was having such a awful day when his day was all sunshine. He hated seeing his sister unhappy and was one of the only people who could bring a smile to her face when she was unhappy, which was very rare indeed. Danielle Steele was one of the most outgoing cheerful people anyone had ever met. She loved life and it's little blessings and took nothing for granted. Malcolm (Lucky) loved that about his sister one could never stay unhappy around her for very long.

Less than 15 minutes later the plane landed and the family disembarked. The seven of them gathered together just outside the terminal to await information about their accommodations. Shortly afterward Michelle came over to them and reported that they would be spending the night in Port Charles as the Jet would not be ready until late the next morning. They were told that accommodation were being provided by the Port Charles hotel and that there was a car waiting for them outside if they would follow her. All seven followed and less than 30 minutes later they were checked in and settled at the Port Charles Hotel. The Steele family was settled in the hotel's Penthouse while Chandler Reynolds was given a separate hotel suite two floors below. Though the Penthouse had only three bedrooms Theresa insisted on them all sharing the Penthouse together. The hotel staffs were instructed to transform the spacious den off the living area into a temporary sleeping quarters for Malcolm (Lucky.)

''This is nice,'' said Patricia Steele of the Pent house at the Port Charles Hotel. ''Yea pretty nice,'' said Jonathan Steele coming up behind his wife and encircling her waist as they both gazed out across the city with it's array of lights below.

''OK, I am pleased with my room it seems pretty comfortable,'' said Malcolm (Lucky) coming into the living room. ''I am glad the Pent House was available that way we can all stay together,'' said Theresa. Everyone nodded in agreement. The Steele family loved spending time together kidding each other and just being generally in each other's face. Patricia had to get used to the closeness at first, having come from a family that never saw each other and when they did spent the entire time fighting and putting each other down. This family loved and encouraged each other and would all protect any member of their family with their life.

''Honey why don't you get some sleep, I promise by tomorrow you will be your old self again,'' said Michael to his daughter Danielle. ''Thanks daddy I think I will do just that.'' With that Danielle retired for the evening wishing she had the energy to play Malcolm (Lucky) a game of chess. Their chess matches were legendary now and Danielle was eager to play a game with Malcolm (I figure you guys know who Malcolm is now.) Since he had pounded her the last two times she was feeling highly competitive. He was so good she thought, but she was just as good and she was determine that she would be the victor in their next chess match.

A private party at Luke's club (all of the above people, except small children in attendance.)

''Luke just loves these private parties doesn't he?'' Lacy said to Elizabeth, ''yep he lives for them, every chance he gets he's got to throw a party at Luke's.'' ''No matter how long I know my father he continues to crack me up, he's so funny.'' ''Tell me about it,'' agreed Elizabeth ''I think it's a Spencer trait though, because you are the same way Lacy you can never pass up a good party.'' Lacy smiled and went off to find Sonny she simple adored her husband. Liz watched her sauntered off knowing exactly where she was headed. Elizabeth took a quick swallow of her drink before her mind started wondering to places it shouldn't.

''Barbara why are you laughing at me,'' asked Stephan puzzled at his wife who keeps breaking into fits of laughter every few minutes. ''I am sorry Stephan it's just that it suddenly hit me,'' ''what suddenly hit you Barbara.'' ''You here at Luke's,'' ''but Barbara I've been to several of Luke's parties now why is this one so different.'' ''It's not different really it's just that it suddenly hit me that you are here and welcome by Luke and look at you, you are actually enjoying yourself. Look I know you've enjoyed yourself the other times as well, but it just suddenly hit me that's all.''

Stephan looked at Bobby with amusement wondering again how he could have been so blind all those years ago not to have realized that she was his true love. She was right of course, he was indeed enjoying himself, at Luke's club no less. He could never claim to be Luke Spencer's best friend by any stretch of the imagination, but he knows that he now respect the man that was his son's stepfather and who had made every effort in the last years to act like a stepfather to Nicholas. Stephan didn't remember when the change came, I guess sometime after Lucky's death and Lacy's arrival perspective had dawned on everyone involved at how fragile life could be. Luke and Laura had somehow found their way back to each other through their grief and Stephan himself had mourn the loss of his son's brother. He had carried around a sense of guilt for a long time about Lucky's death feeling that if Lucky had not found out his parents deepest secret, because of him Lucky wouldn't have been in that building that awful night. Somehow that one night changed everything for Stephan it made him realize that he had been chasing a fantasy in Laura and that it was time to let go. He was glad he did.

Luke and he had come to an understanding over the years and now they found themselves within the same circle of friends. Luke and Alexis were friends and Stephan was Alexis's brother that gave them a connection and then their was Nicholas and of course Bobby. They found themselves spending all the holidays together and all the special times in their children's life. Stephan had remained close to Lulu and Luke was always gracious about allowing the closeness that remained. Yes, thought Stephan life was good now, this was as good as it would get and it was good indeed.

''Look Sly I don't need a nursemaid,'' complained Luke as Sly tried to get him to quit drinking for the night. ''I have been putting these away since before you were a gleam in you parents eyes,'' Luke said winking at Sly as he donned another shot of whiskey. Sly knew that he didn't really need to worry about Luke so much, because no matter how much Luke drank he never really get completely wasted. He supposed he needed to look out for Luke since Lucky wasn't around to do it. He knew that if Lucky were here he would have been hounding Luke the same way about his drinking. Then again if Lucky were here Luke probably wouldn't drink so much. Sly knew that Luke's drinking had increased since Lucky's death and have continued steadily with each passing years. His uncle would never really be the same, it was like Lucky took a great big chunk of him when he died.

''Sly why don't you go grab one of the pretty girls out there and take her for a spin around the dance floor and stop acting like a granny,'' grumbled Luke. Sly shook his head and headed towards Emily and Nicholas who were engaging in an intimate conversation. ''I hope I'm not interrupting, but I just wanted to come over and see if Emily wanted to dance, that's if you don't mind Nicholas.'' ''Not at all,'' said Nicholas slapping Sly on the back. The two were almost as close as Lucky and Sly once were, but not quite.

''You mean you want to dance with little old me Sly, Mr. Big shot singing sensation.'' Sly blushed and pulled a giggling Emily out onto the dance floor. Emily was Sly's oldest friend and the only person who understood how much he missed Lucky. ''I am so glad you could make it to the party Sly,'' ''well if I didn't Luke would have killed me.'' ''Yep he hates it when anyone miss one of his world famous parties, especially if that person is his favorite honorable nephew.'' ''So Sly found a girl yet.'' ''Nop and don't start Emily I don't need to hear a lecture on the wisdom of marriage 101 from the resident married genius.'' ''I can't help it if I am happy and I would like to see all my friends happy too.'' ''Yea, Elizabeth gave me the run down on your quest to find her a man, any luck?'' asked Sly cunningly he too wanting Elizabeth to find herself a good man and have some kids, something he knew she desperately wanted. ''No, no luck so far, but I am not giving up, she is way too wonderful and beautiful and special to not have someone equally wonderful and beautiful and special to share her life with.'' ''I agree she's like a sister to me and nothing would thrill me more than to see her happy and I know Luke and Laura feels the same way,'' agreed Sly. ''Well Sly thank you for the dance, now if you will excuse me I am off to find my beautiful ex-prince.'' Sly released Emily and bowed gracefully allowing her to take her leave.

''Laura you really are a hoot, I really don't know who is worst you are Luke,'' said Lois. Laura was sitting with Lois, Alexis, Amy and Bobby instigating a bet on which of the men would head for the back room for poker first. Laura's money was on Jax, but Alexis insisted that it would be Luke, Lois felt it would be Mike and Bobby agreed. ''Well I am sure we won't have long to wait, because you know there is going to be a poker game before this night is over.

''Put me down for Edward,'' said Carly catching the tail end of the women's conversation as she and Elizabeth walked up. ''I say Jax,'' said Elizabeth knowing how much Jax loves to gamble. ''Elizabeth you and I are of the same mind come sit by me,'' said Laura grinning at the young woman she loved like a daughter.'' ''I would love to,'' said Elizabeth sitting next to Laura and watching as Lacy, Faith and Keesha were given the 411. ''OK ladies all we have to do now is hang close to the men and see which one cracks first,'' said Laura, smiling like the cat who eat the canary. She knew Jax was the biggest gambler and couldn't resist the chance to play poker.

''Mac, relax it's a party kick back, live a little and just forget about work and the cases pilling up on your desk for one night,'' complained Taggart who had been listening for the past hour to Mac discussing the latest case they were working on. ''You are right of course, Felicia complains all the time what a workaholic I am and she's right, but I just don't know how to shut if off you know.'' ''Mac take a deep breath inhale, release, now go to the bar and have Luke poor you a shot and then another and that will loosen you up.'' ''Sorry I can't I'm driving, Felicia is probably half-way drunk already.'' ''That right there is your problem, you are always the designated driver, do like Faith and I, take turns that way you both get to have some fun.'' ''No, I can't I don't trust Felicia not to drink she would sneak some and if she didn't want to Luke would just egg her on.'' Taggart shook his head at Mac and gave him a pitiful look, knowing Mac was just making excuses. Taggart headed off in search of someone who was willing to let loose and have some fun, he spotted Justice.

''Maxie help take over,'' said Georgie who was having to answer every question known to man that Brooklynn and Lulu could come up with about College and dorm parties the work. Once Georgie got the jest of what Maxi was dealing with she happily took over from her big sister and began filling the girls in on her college experience (I age Georgie a little, no particular reason.) While Georgie was filling the girls in Dillan, Michael and Lucas attached themselves to Sly to find out everything about life as a rock singer. After a while Jason, AJ and Sonny decided to rescue poor Sly from the barrage of questions being leveled at him.

Sonny snickered as he, Jason and AJ led Sly away to the booth in the corner. ''You laugh, until you have a bunch of little teens asking a bunch a questions about your coffee import you won't understand what that was like.'' ''Well that's what happens when you become a big famous rock star, you get asked lots of questions,'' said Jason completely amused by Sly's predicament. ''Yea Sly suck it how it's part of the job at least we rescued you right,'' said AJ grinning.