Malcolm breathe a sigh of relief, ''no Elizabeth, that's my sister Danielle she insisted on helping me find you and I really wanted you to meet her.'' ''Your sister?'' asked Elizabeth her relief showing at learning that the beautiful woman she had just seen wasn't Malcolm's fiancée. ''I am so sorry I learned that you have a fiancée and I just thought that was her.'' Malcolm ran his fingers through his hair before leading Elizabeth to sit on the grass in a secluded section of the park.
''How did you find out about that,'' asked Malcolm surprised that she already knew. ''Jax told us last night after you left that you are engage to someone name Chandler Reynolds, do you love her?'' asked Elizabeth timidly terrified of the answer.
''No, and we are no longer engaged, I broke off our engagement and called off the wedding this morning.'' ''Really?'' asked Elizabeth with barely contained glee so it's over you are free.'' ''Yes, very free,'' said Malcolm ecstatic that she was responding this way to him being available.
He couldn't stop staring at her lips so close and looking so invitingly, but he knew they needed to talk. ''What about you Elizabeth, are you free as well,'' asked Malcolm holding his breath in anticipation of her answer. Her reaction to his revelation that he was free gave him hope that she was free too.
Elizabeth broke into a big smile and nodded vigorously unable to contain her joy at the obvious adoration in Malcolm's eyes when he regarded her.
''Was it difficult to break things off with Chandler,'' stammered Elizabeth after a few seconds of them both staring at each other in awe.
Malcolm shook himself out of his trance before pulling his thoughts together. ''Chandler and I weren't in love with each other in fact I didn't even like her very much so breaking up with her was a relief.'' ''If you didn't like her why were going to marry her,'' asked Elizabeth shaking her head in confusion.
''How do I explain this, it doesn't really make any sense anymore, but I will give it a try,'' said Malcolm frowning. ''I want a family, I have always wanted that ever since I can remember, incidentally only 9 1/2 years,'' said Malcolm smiling briefly.
''I really wanted what my parents have and what my older brother Jonathan has with his wife Patricia, but I was never able to find that with anyone so after a while I guess I stopped looking. Eventually I just settled, thinking that I was incapable of having those feelings. Then when Chandler proposed to me I just accepted, thinking what difference would it make and at least I could still have a family.
The truth is I really didn't choose Chandler for any particular reason she was just the person I was dating at the time I came to that conclusion. Then I met you last night Elizabeth and everything changed, because I felt it, I felt what I never could before, I felt it with you.''
Elizabeth was speechless and couldn't prevent the tears that welled up in her eyes from rolling down her cheeks. She reached over and hugged Malcolm holding him to her marveling at what was happening.
''You are crying again, what did I say? Did I say something wrong Elizabeth?'' ''You said you feel what I feel what I have always felt what Lucky felt,'' answered Elizabeth. ''You and Lucky?'' asked Malcolm surprised. ''I didn't realize that you and Lucky were together.''
Elizabeth began laughing, causing Malcolm to smile in wonder at her laugh thinking it was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard. ''Why are you laughing?'' ''It's the way you talk about yourself, it's just funny hearing you talk about Lucky as though he were someone else.''
Malcolm contemplated that for a second before smiling when he realized that she was right he too began laughing.
''I want to hear all about who I was, but I don't know if I will ever be that person again, can you come to think of me as Malcolm?'' ''Yes, I have already began thinking of you as Malcolm it's a beautiful name,'' said Elizabeth thoughtfully taking the name inside of her and somehow merging Lucky and Malcolm together she was surprised at how easy it was.
He was the same yet different, but she loved him as much as before and couldn't wait to find out everything there was to know about who he had become.
''I would love nothing more than to remain here with you all day, but I really think we should get back to the house your little sister is dying to see you again and your parents and friends can't wait to talk you again.''
''I have a little sister,'' asked Malcolm delighted. ''Well she's not so little anymore, she's 16 years old and a senior in high school. There is just so much to tell you I wouldn't know where to begin and I am not the only one who wants to tell you think, so I have to try not to be too selfish.''
''I have all the time in the world to hear it all and I want to hear it all, but mostly what I need Elizabeth is to learn more about you and to be with you. Will you promise me that we will be able to do that soon, that no matter how crazy everything get with both my families you will be there with me.''
''I'm not going anywhere Malcolm, I'm right here and I promise to be there every step of the way. I should warn you though, your family here is very unusual.'' ''What does that mean,'' asked Malcolm who was now looking at Elizabeth suspiciously.
''Oh nothing, just remember that they are your family and friends and you were once one of them.'' ''Elizabeth, should I be worried, tell me they are not like that family from Deliverance are they.'' ''My lips are sealed you will just have to judge for yourself, but I can promise you this Malcolm you will never know a dull moment with the Spencers,'' chuckled Elizabeth.
The Spencer's house
After Elizabeth and Malcolm ran off Danielle was left standing in the strange doorway feeling uncomfortable until Laura introduced herself and offered her a seat to wait for Malcolm's return.
''So, I guess you are the fiancée,'' asked Sly completely blown away by Danielle's beauty.
''What? Oh you think I am Chandler?'' asked Danielle obviously disgusted at the thought of anyone mistaking her for that conniving little twit.
''No, I am not her, she's long gone thank god. Malcolm ended their engagement this morning and sent her away from here, I am his sister Danielle, Danielle Steele.''
''His sister?'' asked everyone simultaneously. Danielle was a little taken aback by the obvious shock at the knowledge that Malcolm had a sister.
''Yes Malcolm wanted to introduce me to Elizabeth and since our family trip is currently on hold I have nothing to do with myself, besides after the way he and our parents went on about this Elizabeth I am dying to meet her.''
''I am Lucky, ah I mean Malcolm's sister Lesley Lu Spencer,'' said Lulu walking up and shaking Danielle's hand, trying very hard to ignore the jealous feelings that arose the instant Danielle mentioned that she was Lucky's sister.
''I am please to meet you,'' said Danielle not quite sure if she meant it yet, wondering if she would ever get used to Malcolm having another family. After Lulu introduced herself everyone else did the same including Sly who was elated to learn that Danielle was Lucky's sister not his fiancée.
Danielle blushed at the obvious admiration in Sly's eyes she too attracted to the handsome man who bore a slight resemblance to Malcolm.
After the introduction the room fell silent no one really knowing what to say to Danielle and eventually drifting off into little groups to wait for Malcolm. Sly seeing how uncomfortable Danielle looked sitting alone on the sofa walked over and sat next to her clearing his throat before asking her about the family vacation she mentioned earlier.
''My family takes a 3 weeks trip to the Adarandocks every year to relax and rewind from our busy schedules. With both my parents being doctors it's always difficult for all of us to get away together, but once a year we make it a priority. So, Sly how are you related to Malcolm? Are you his brother? I see a slight resemblance.''
''No I'm Lucky's, I mean Malcolm's cousin and I have to get used to calling him Malcolm don't I?'' Danielle smiled dying to get to know Sly better, she's never been so attracted to anyone this fast and now looked forward to remaining in Port Charles for a while longer.
Malcolm and Elizabeth walked slowly back to the house in silent appreciation of each other's company. Elizabeth still felt nervous, but was dying to find out what would happen next.
She marveled at the knowledge that less than 24 hours before she was miserably looking at the future with dreaded expectation of more of the same loneliness that had settled in since the fire. Now she felt as though she was glowing inside and now the mere nearness of Malcolm was making her giddy with need for him and a future she now looked forward to with hope.
''We are here,'' said Elizabeth announcing their arrival at Luke and Laura's house where they were now standing on the porch. ''So this is where I grew up right, I can't even imagine it, nothing looks familiar at all, but then I don't know why I thought it would, wishful thinking I guess.''
''Give yourself time to adjust it will probably take sometime before you feel comfortable with your surrounding and the people in it,'' said Elizabeth hoping he felt comfortable with her if no one else.
''I felt right at home with you immediately Elizabeth I've never felt this close to anyone and we've just met, at least, well you know what I mean,'' said Malcolm knowing that she did from the understanding look in her eyes.
''I understand perfectly and I am so grateful that you feel the way you do, I have no idea what I would be like if you came back and wanted nothing to do with me.'' Malcolm smiled before pulling Elizabeth into a lingering hug before opening the door to the house he would probably never remember calling home.
''Lucky, ah I mean Malcolm,'' said Luke stammering when the front door opened to admit Malcolm and Elizabeth ''you're back.'' Malcolm nodded still not used to the idea of Luke being his father, but figuring it was time to began to get to know the man and the woman who brought him into the world.
Danielle leapt from the sofa as soon as she heard Malcolm was back fully prepared to give him a piece of her mind for leaving her by herself for so long. She froze however when she saw the utterly contented look on her brother's face knowing she would gladly sit on the sofa for another 12 hours to keep Malcolm looking so happy.
''Danielle I am so sorry I ran out of here like that, but I really needed to speak to Elizabeth,'' said Malcolm glancing adoringly at Elizabeth who was standing quietly next to him. She beamed at him feeling light headed as he returned her smile taking her hands gently and pulling her forward to meet his sister.
''Danielle I would like you to meet Elizabeth Webber, Elizabeth this is my sister Danielle Steele,'' said Malcolm nervously. He desperately wanted them both to like each other especially his sister who hated every girlfriend he ever had on sight.
Elizabeth and Danielle shook each others hand, both sizing up the other very carefully. ''I am please to meet you,'' said Danielle sincerely she had never seen Malcolm look at anyone the way he looked at Elizabeth and something told her this girl was the one.
''I am please to meet you too Danielle and I am so sorry I ran off like that it was really stupid and not very polite.'' ''That's ok no harm done, I hope you and Malcolm have worked things out,'' replied Danielle suspecting that Elizabeth ran off because she too thought she was Chandler.
''I can't believe it's really you, but here you are,'' said Lulu coming forward and standing directly in front of her brother. She had been nervous about seeing Lucky again wondering what she would say to him since he didn't remember who she was. Seeing him now mobilized her into action and she flew into his arms forgetting that to him she was a complete stranger.
''I know you don't remember me, but I am your sister Lulu and I just had to hug you,'' said Lulu pulling back and regarding Malcolm carefully. Tears rolled down her cheeks as her childhood memories of Lucky came flooding back to her all at once.
''I've missed you so much and I am so happy that you are alive and healthy, I can't express how happy I am about that,'' continued Lulu. Malcolm who had returned Lulu's hug now looked at her with affection, already feeling a strong connection to her.
''We have the same color eyes,'' said Malcolm at a loss for words staring at his sister in wonder. Everyone laughed at that as both Nicholas and Sly came forward and introduced themselves to Malcolm as well. Both Nicholas and Sly expressed their joy at seeing Malcolm again while hugging him with exuberance.
''I think this amnesia thing is just a cover,'' said Sly ''so you wouldn't have to deal with the little prince here.''
''Ha ha ha very funny Mr. Rock star maybe his amnesia is a front so he wouldn't be obligated to listen to you sing.''
''No actually is amnesia is a front so he could get away from both of you,'' said Emily coming up and giving Malcolm a big hug before explaining that she used to be his best friend.
Malcolm watched the exchanges between all three in amusement. ''I promise my amnesia is very real, I would give anything to remember,'' said Malcolm looking pointedly at Elizabeth who blushed but maintain eye contact.
Malcolm was introduced to the others including the recently arrived Lacy and Carly. He was completely intrigued to learn that Luke only learned about Lacy's existence five years earlier. He was further intrigued by the tale of how Nicholas came to be his brother and wondered what else he would learn about the family he couldn't remember.
Later, Jonathan and Patricia along with Michael and Theresa Steele stopped by the Spencer's house to join in on the welcome home party for Lucky.
The older Steeles and Luke and Laura were still not completely comfortable with each other, but with each passing moment realized that they were not going to escape the acquaintance.
Both Laura and Theresa would occasionally glare at each other from across the room when the other would do or say anything maternal in regards to Malcolm.
At one point Luke pulled Laura aside and gave her a comforting hug before reminding her that memory or not she was still Lucky's mother and therefore she should not feel threatened by Theresa. Unbeknownst to Luke and Laura Michael was having the same discussion with Theresa who he knew was getting a little hot under the collar and was plotting to find a way to duke it out with Laura.
Malcolm, however was completely unaware of the tension that existed between his two mothers or the obvious mutual disdain both his fathers had for each other.
Throughout the entire festivities Elizabeth stayed close to Malcolm unable to let him out of her sight for a minute, wondering when they would get an opportunity to be alone together again.
''Everyone come gather around I have a few things to say,'' said Luke standing in the middle of the living room and ushering everyone around him. He asked Malcolm to stand next to him as he collected his thoughts and prepared to make his speech.
''First, I would like to say that Laura and I are truly grateful that our son is alive and secondly I would like to personally apologize to him for not being there when he needed us 10 years ago.'' Tears welled up in Luke's eyes as he looked at Lucky still not believing that he was actually here after all those years.
''I know that Malcolm has no memory of any of us or of himself as Lucky, but I think memory or not he's still our son and we are privileged and blessed to have him here with us.'' Luke turned to Malcolm and gave him another hug before nodding to the audience, tears streaming down his cheeks, ''that's it folks that's all I have to say right now.''
The room was silent except for the sniffling sounds coming from Laura, Bobby, Elizabeth, Lulu and Theresa who was touched despite herself. Malcolm choked back the tears that had come at the words of the man he was looking forward to getting to know. He knew it would take some time, but what he knew even more was that he was somehow connected to the people in this room.
''Elizabeth, I have had a wonderful time meeting everyone, but if I don't get you alone soon I am going to go insane,'' said Malcolm staring into Elizabeth's eyes. ''I was just having the same thought,'' said Elizabeth getting bolder with each passing moment.''
''O look guys the love birds are trying to sneak off,'' said Luke smiling devilishly at Malcolm and Elizabeth who were slowly backing towards door.
''Everyone turned around and smiled knowingly at the two who were now looking like two deer trapped in a headlight.
''O I forgot to mention Luke takes immense pleasure in embarrassing you as often as possible,'' said Elizabeth through clenched teeth.'' ''I see, and why does he do that exactly?'' Asked Malcolm smiling sweetly at the people who were still gawking at him and Elizabeth.'' ''No special reason, just Luke being Luke.'' ''Umm I bet that will be so much fun, can't wait and here I was thinking only my brother Jonathan gets pleasure at my discomfort.''
''Malcolm why don't you and Elizabeth spend the rest of the evening getting to know each other,'' said Danielle coming to her brother's rescue ''I will return with Mom, Dad, Jonathan and Patricia to the hotel,''
''Thanks Danielle, well it was nice meeting everyone and I am looking forward to getting to know all of you, but I think I will take Danielle's advice and skip out with Elizabeth if that's ok.''
Not waiting for an answer Malcolm grabbed Elizabeth's arm and the two took off out the door, off the porch and out the gate.
''Are they following us,'' asked Malcolm afraid to look behind them.'' Elizabeth who had been trying desperately to contain her laughter at Malcolm's obvious discomfort now breaks into a fit of laughter. ''Sure you laugh, you have no idea how weird this all is, two sets of family both watching and scrutinizing every move you make.''
''I am sorry, it's just that, you should've seen your face back there it was just too funny,'' said Elizabeth almost forgetting that the last 10 years had happened and that Lucky had amnesia. She felt just as comfortable and secure with him as she did 10 years ago and was almost giddy at the thought of an entire evening alone with Malcolm.
''Where would you like to go, we could go back to the hotel if you like or back to my house,'' said Elizabeth after she had stopped laughing uncontrollable. ''Your place would be great, I can just see my family showing up at the hotel and examining us like a pair of expensive shoes.'' Elizabeth broke out laughing again feeling completely exhilarated.
After a five minutes drive they got to the house Elizabeth once shared with her grandmother, but where she's lived alone since her grandmother's marriage to Edward Quartermaine.
''You live here alone,'' asked Malcolm as they entered the front door.'' ''Yes, I used to live here with my grandmother, but she gave it to me after her marriage to Edward.''
''Is this where you grew up?'' ''Partly, I was born and raised in Colorado, but moved to Port Charles when I was 14 and my parents left for Bosnia.'' ''Bosnia, why would your parents move to Bosnia,'' asked Malcolm obviously surprised.
''Well they were doctors and so they were always moving to war torn places to dispense their medical expertise.'' ''Were?'' Asked Malcolm softly. Elizabeth's eyes tear up a little as she explained that her family had all died in a plane crash.
''I am so sorry Elizabeth, I can't even imagine what that would feel like,'' said Malcolm tears welling up in his eyes too.''
''We weren't very close my family and I, not like you obviously are with the Steeles or even the way you were with Luke and Laura, but even so they were my family and I loved them, I miss them,'' said Elizabeth softly.
Malcolm hung is head not knowing how to respond to that and terrible afraid of saying the wrong thing. ''It's ok,'' said Elizabeth, ''you don't have to be sad for me it was a long time ago and I have put it behind me now.''
On impulse she stroked his cheeks with her thumb marveling at how smooth and how strong it felt. Malcolm took a sharp breath when he felt her touch turning his face to place a soft kiss on the tip of her thumb.
Elizabeth was completely unprepared for the passion that inflamed her body at the touch of his lips against her thumb. ''Would you like something to drink,'' asked Elizabeth distractedly Malcolm's lip still pressed against her thumb, his eyes boring into hers. ''No, nothing thank you,'' said Malcolm taking Elizabeth's arm and pulling her to him still looking deeply into her eyes.
''You are so beautiful,'' breathed Malcolm his lip only inches away from hers. He could smell the intoxicating fragrance of her cologne, mixed with the natural scent of her. Never had he felt such an overwhelming need to kiss someone and wondered if he would ever be able to tear himself away if he gave in to that need.
''I am sorry,'' said Malcolm getting to his feet and walking over to the bay window where he looked unseeingly out at the night. ''What's the matter,'' asked Elizabeth coming up behind him, terrified that she had somehow done something to push him away.
Turning to Elizabeth Malcolm was unable to prevent himself from sharing what was in his heart. ''I am moving too fast with you Elizabeth and I just don't want to risk pushing you away now that I have found you. You are like a dream to me Elizabeth, I barely know anything about you, but I already know that I love you more that I ever imagined I could. I have never felt this way about anyone before and it scares me a little, no actually it terrifies me.''
Elizabeth was speechless, she felt that Malcolm was attracted to her and that knowledge had given her hope that she could find her way back into his heart, but she never in her wildest dream imagined that he already loved her. Now standing before him looking into his eyes she could see the love he felt for her shining plainly and sincerely without reservation.
Tears rolling down her cheeks Elizabeth went wordlessly into Malcolm's arms, no fear of touch, no hesitation about the way she felt or what she wanted. She loved Malcolm and she needed him holding and touching her the way he did in her dreams.
''Malcolm,'' she spoke his name out loud for the first time looking into his beautiful blue eyes ''you are not rushing me, you can't, I love you too and you don't have to hold back what you are feeling for me. Having you here, healthy and alive is a dream to me Malcolm, a cherished dream, one I never ever thought would come through and now you tell me that you love me. In all your life you will never know how much it means to me to have you say that right now. I love you,'' whispered Elizabeth, unable to stop the tears now free falling ''I am all yours and you don't have to ever hold back, ever.''
Malcolm pulled Elizabeth back into his arms completely affected by her words, genuinely shaken by what he was feeling. Robbed of any words he gently took her face in the palm of his hands and brought their lips together for a consuming kiss that began gentle, but quickly turned into desperate passionate hunger.
As fire ignite both their bodies their arms began roaming each other pulling each other tighter, eliminating any space between them, drawing hungrily from each other until they were both completely breathless.
Slowly Malcolm pulled back and looked deeply into Elizabeth's passion induced eyes as though seeing her again for the first time. Then like a Kaleidoscope of time passed, slowly his entire life began spinning back to his memory.
Everything, from his earliest memories at 2 ½ years, to the tiny whisper of his name at Luke's that brought his world crashing to his feet, to the first contact of their lips after 10 years apart. Lucky smiled slowly down at her the most wondrous feeling cursing through his being as he stared dreamily at the woman his heart refused to forget, the woman he loved more than life.
''You've got my heart, it's a permanent lock, everything I am is in love with you, my mind, my body, my soul, my spirit, that will never change. I pledge myself to you Elizabeth, today, forever.''
Elizabeth stared wordlessly up at Lucky her heart was pounding so loudly she knew he had to hear it. Tears again poured from her eyes as she realized what was happening, Lucky was back, her Lucky with all the memories she had thought lost forever, smiling through her tears she replied the only way she could.
''You've got my heart, it's a permanent lock, everything I am is in love with you, my mind, my body, my soul, my spirit, that will never change. I pledge myself to you Lucky, today, forever.''
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