The Best Laid Plans - Chapter  28
 

Bobbie gets a message that Sasha wants to talk to her and for her to come to the GH Library. Sasha is waiting for her.

B: I got your message. You wanted to see me?

Sash: Yes. I wanted to ask you for a favor.

B: A Favor?

Sash: Yes. I overheard you talking to someone the other day about an apartment that you have available in your brownstone.

B: Don't tell me that Sasha Cassadine wants to move into my Spencer brownstone?

Sash: Me? Heaven's no. Last time I lived in housing without servants quarters was when I was in college. I would like to rent the apartment for another Cassadine.

B: Who?

Sash: Nikolas.

B: Nikolas? You want Nikolas to move in with me? Does Stefan know about this?

Sash: No. Papa does not know that I am talking to you. But, yes, I would like for Nikolas to move in with you.

B: Why?

Sash: Because I feel that is completely inappropriate for Nikolas to be living with Katherine Bell. If he desires to be living on his own, then it should be arranged. But in a controlled setting.

B: And you think that the brownstone is controlled?

Sash: Yes, in fact it is. You and the other 2 tenants, Ms. Jones and Dr. Hardy are all single mothers raising children. I believe that there are standards to which you all follow and anyone else moving into the building would have to acquiesce to those standards. I doubt that wild parties and irresponsible behavior of any kind would be tolerated by any of you ladies. Am I wrong?

B: No. I do not tolerate anti-social behavior. But why would I want to put myself on a collision course with Stefan, which is EXACTLY what I would be doing if I rented an apartment to Nikolas.

Sash: Because you realize that this is not about Papa. This is about Nikolas and what is best for him. You told me that you loved Nikolas and only wanted what was best for him. That the only part of your breakup that you regretted was the alienation from your stepson. Was that the truth, or was it a lie?

B: You know it was the truth. Why would I have  cause to lie to a total stranger?

Sash: I believed you then. And I believe you now. I know, whatever you might think about Papa, you know that he loves Nikolas, and that their estrangement must be hurting both of them. I need for Nikolas to be a warm environment while I attempt to work the difficulties out between the two of them. You must know that Nikolas misses both you and Lucas terribly. Even though at this time he would only admit to missing Lucas. This would be an opportunity for Lucas to have Nikolas in his life again; and for you to begin your relationship anew. I am not asking you to mother Nikolas, or even step-mother him. I am asking you to give shelter to a young man who needs space for self-discovery. Nikolas is a mature young man, but he is still a teenager, and you could keep your eyes and ears out for him, to make sure that he is fine.

B: You won't take no for an answer, will you?

Sash: No. When I find a credible solution to a problem, I fight tooth and nail for it to come about. So, do we have a deal?

B: Nikolas has to follow the rules like any other tenant.

Sash: I doubt that he will have a problem with it. Shall I give you a check now for 6 months rent?

B: That would be fine. And not to worry Sasha. I'll keep an eye out for him. I must be crazy, cause I know that Stefan is never going to leave me alone now.

Sash: Don't worry about Papa. I will handle him.

Sasha gives Bobbie the check for rent. Next, she is going to inform Nikolas of his new living arrangements.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sasha has asked for Nikolas to meet her in the General Hospital Library. She is going to tell him of his new living quarters.

N: I'm here. What was so important?

Sash: I wanted to talk to you about your living arrangements.

N: Well, what about them. I'm staying with Katherine.

Sash: And that arrangement is completely not going to work, Niko. You need to find other living quarters. And I have alrady been working on that.

N: Oh? You have? And what genius idea do you have? I am NOT going back to Wynderemere.

Sash: I am no fool, Niko. I know that Spoon Island is the last place you want to be, and I will not push that issue. You will return when you want to and not a minute before then.

N: Well, as long as we are clear on that. So, if not Katherine's, where?

Sash: I have talked to Bobbie. She has agreed to allow you the use of one of her apartments in the brownstone.

N: You want me to move in with BOBBIE?

Sash: Yes.

N: Why?

Sash: For several good reasons.

N: Good reasons? THIS, I have to hear.

Sash: Nikolas, the brownstone is the perfect place for you to be. It will provide you with a sense of your own independence, which I completely understand  the desire for it, and it is also a controlled environment.

N: Wait a minute. I have had enough of control.

Sash: Niko, I don't mean Papa's kind of control. I mean the kind of control that comes with being in a family setting. You, after all, are only 16 years old, Niko. And while I know that when I was 16, I was a fully functioning person, you are not me. That does not mean that you're this terribly immature young man, because you're not. You are very mature for your age. But, I love you, and I worry about you. If you live at the brownstone, I can be assured that you can have your independence, and the RESPONSIBILITY that comes with it. I also have the assurances that Bobbie will look after you. And I think that both Ms. Jones and Dr. Hardy will look after you too. Think about it Nikolas; you, the only teen for miles, with what? 4 kids in the house? I can already see how they'll love you. And then there's Lucas. You told me so of your love for him. Don't you miss him?

N: (quietly) Yes.

Sash: Well, see there. You can be near Lucas again. And Nikolas, despite your belief's, Bobbie does love you. Maybe you two can repair your friendship.

N: Maybe. But that still does not answer the question of why I can't stay with Katherine.

Sash: Nikolas. Surely you jest. Please. You staying with Papa's mistress? What is she going to do when she entertains him? Pull a college trick and place a necktie on the doorknob to indicate that she's otherwise engaged?

N: Quite a vision you paint.

Sash: Thank you. I pull no punches Niko. I tell it like it is. And then there is this "Mrs. Robinson" subtext to your relationship. It is wholesale inappropriate for you to be living with Ms. Bell, when you are in the throws of  your first crush with her. This, quite simply, is not proper behavior. Period.

N: I don't know what you're talking about...."Mrs. Robinson"....

Sash: Please. I am nobodies fool Niko. Do I need to give you a copy of the movie in order for you to understand the reference?

N: No.

Sash: Good. It is both untenable and unacceptable for you to remain at Ms. Bell's Nikolas. Surely you see that this situation cannot continue. Bobbie assures me that you will be safe at the brownstone, and I trust her.

N: Why do you trust her?

Sash: Because, as I told you before, when we did not know who the other was, she spoke so strongly of the love that she had for her stepson. That's you, Nikolas. And because she is a mother, I know that she will keep a good eye on you, even while you get your privacy. So, what do you say? Shall I take you to your new apartment tomorrow?

N: OK. But, if I don't like it.........

Sash: If you don't like it, then I will find a place here in Port Charles where the two of us can live. Really Niko, you are underage, and you could be shipped off to boarding school. But, since everyone wants you to remain in Port Charles, then I think that you should do your best to make this arrangement doable. Understood?

N: Yes, I understand.

Sash: Good, let's go back to the penthouse and inform Ms. Bell of your new living arrangements.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

They return to the Penthouse and Katherine is sitting there reading.

K: So, did you two have a good day?

N: Yes. Katherine, I have something to tell you. I'm leaving here.

K: Here?

N: Yes, the penthouse. Sasha has arranged for me to have an apartment of my own, and I move into it tomorrow.

K: An apartment. Where?

N: At Bobbie's brownstone.

K: At Bobbie's? Well, that's a surprise.

N: I'm going to go and change clothes. Sasha and I are going out
to dinner. (to Sasha) I'll be right back.

Nikolas goes to his room.

K: Well, Nikolas is moving into Bobbie's. Have you discussed this with Stefan?

Sash: I don't think that  is any of your concern.

K: Well, I beg to differ. I have grown very fond of and close to Nikolas over these past few months.

Sash: And I have loved him his entire life. Something to know Katherine, don't ever think or doubt that I do not have Nikolas' best interests in mind or in my heart when I make decisions. Because I always do. Nikolas needs his independence from Papa now. I understand that. By his age, I was already a sophomore at Harvard, living an entire ocean away from Greece, with my own independence. But Nikolas is still only 16. And this arrangement is the best solution. He does not want to go back to Wyndermere; I offered to get an apartment, but he declined. This way, he is on his own, yet in a family setting, because the other tenants are all parents, so I know what kind of influences that WON'T  be getting near Nikolas. And I am sure that Bobbie will keep a sharp eye on Nikolas. Despite the deterioration of the relationship between my father and Bobbie, Bobbie still loves Nikolas dearly and Nikolas is very close to young Lucas. Having the responsibility of caring for Lucas, who will be nearby, will also be a good anchor for Nikolas. You see, Nikolas moving into Bobbie's Brownstone is the best solution for all.

K: Including Stefan?

Sash: Including Papa. He will know that Nikolas is well provided for and safe. You should be happy; Nikolas will not be around to interefere in your relationship with Papa.

K: Well, my relationship with Stefan has nothing to do with Nikolas. And it's private.

Sash: Of course it is.

Nikolas comes back, dressed for dinner.

N: Don't wait up. I'm sure that Sasha and I will be talking for hours.

Sash: Good night, Ms. Bell.

K: Have a good time Nikolas.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

At Wyndermere, Stefan is indeed waiting in the conservatory when Sasha arrives.

S: Katya. How did your dinner go with Nikolas? Cognac?

Sash: No thank you, Papa. Nikolas and I had a pleasant evening. I have news for you.

S: Oh? What is it?

Sash: Nikolas will no longer be living with Katherine.

S: You mean you convinced him to move back to Wyndermere? Well done, Katya.

Sash: No, Papa. Nikolas is not moving back to Wynderemere.

S: Well, then, where is he going to be living?

Sash: I got him an apartment in Bobbie Spencer's Brownstone.

S: Barbara's? You have him living with Barbara?

Sash: Yes. And before you lose your temper, let me explain.

S: I'm listening.

Sash: Papa, Nikolas does NOT want to come back to Wyndermere. That is quite clear. Until the two of you patch things up, he will not return. I offered to purchase adequate living accomodations for the two of us, but Nikolas did not want me hovering over him. And I understand this. Remember Papa, when I was his age, I was on my own at Harvard.

I had to find a place that a) Nikolas could live BY himself, yet b) be a somewhat controlled environment, and c) be as far from negative social influences as possible. Bobbie Spencer's Brownstone fit these 3 criteria precisely. Whatever has transpired between you and your wife Papa, she is a good mother. And she loves Nikolas.

And I knew that, if she is guilty about anything concerning your breakup, it was the effect of it all on Nikolas. I used her guilt about Nikolas to get assurances that she would keep a watchful eye on Nikolas. The other people who live in the Brownstone, Ms. Jones and Dr. Hardy, are both single mothers, like Bobbie, raising children. These are hardly people to be holding wild parties and allowing bad social influences to enter their homes. With 3 mothers keeping their ears and eyes open, Nikolas will not be that inclined to go walking on the "wild side" as they say. Nikolas is a responsible young man, but I took out extra insurance that he would stay on the straight and narrow. With there being so many children there, including Lucas, who Nikolas still loves deeply, I am counting that some evenings for Nikolas will be taken up by the safe, but mundane task of babysitting.

Living with Bobbie may not be what you want, Papa. But you cannot always get what you want. And I found the prospect of Niko continuing to live with your mistress completely unacceptable. In this case, you should take what you can, Papa. And concentrate on repairing the relationship between yourself and Nikolas. As long as he is in Port Charles and remains safe and secure, where he lives should not overwhelm your consciousness.

S: I understand your logic. But, I will not pretend to like it.

Sash: I never asked that of you. I did extract a commitment from Nikolas to come to dinner, here, next week.

S: Well, that's good news.

Sash: Yes, it is. I am tired, and want to go to bed. So, I'll say goodnight. Please get some sleep, Papa. (kisses him)

S: Goodnight, Katya.

Sasha goes upstairs. Stefan is thinking about Sasha's news.

S: I will NEVER give you the opportunity to poison Nikolas against me on a daily basis, Barbara. Somehow, I will get Nikolas away from your Spencer clutches.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The next day, Nikolas takes his belongings from Katherine's and he and Sasha go to his new apartment.

N: I did not know that the place came furnished.

Sash: It didn't. I called Wyndams and had the decorators come. It's nothing fancy, but I think that the decor is quite liveable for a teenager. So, what do you think?

N: Well, you did not forget anything. This looks like a great bachelor pad.

Sash: "Bachelor Pad?" How American of you Niko.....Well, they'll be no loud parties here. You must be respectful of the other tenants.

N: I know, I know. I will be. (looks at the stereo system) WOW! This is top of the line model.

Sash: Only the best.

N: How many CD's.

Sash: It can hold 12. So, what do you say we christen this apartment. That we dance to Nikolas' Declaration of Independence.

N: OK. What do you want to hear.

Sash: It's all set up for you. The first dance, which of course, is mine. Just press play.

N: What do you have up your sleeve?

Sash: Come on, Niko. You know what the first dance will be.

N: NO...Aww come on Sasha.

Sash: Come on nothing. Get out here mister. You know the routine.

When the Stereo begins, the song is one of Sasha's favorites. Nikolas has heard it a million times, cause back on the island, Sasha would play it and make him dance to it over and over again. It is the song that cheers her up whenever she's down.....none other than ABBA's "Dancing Queen". There Sasha and Nikolas are, dancing wildly to it. They have the music up. But since this is the morning, they assume that everyone else is occupied and they are not disturbing anyone. The spend the next hour dancing to ABBA's greatest hits. Nikolas cannot remember when he's enjoyed Sasha's company like this. How he missed her. He didn't know how much until this moment. I think that this apartment might not be such a bad idea, Nikolas thinks to himself.
Freedom and restraint, what a combination.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
After moving Nikolas into his apartment, Sasha decides to make a stop. She  has her driver take her back to the Port Charles Hotel. She goes up to see Alexis.

A: It's late. What brings you here cousin?

Sash: A progress report.

A: On what?

Sash: Our favorite Blond. As of this evening, Nikolas  no longer is sleeping at Katherine Bells.

A: He's going back to Wynderemere?

Sash: No. I have found him living accomodations.

A: Where?

Sash: Nikolas has an apartment at Bobbie Spencer's Brownstone.

A: You move Nikolas out of Katherine's and INTO Bobbie's?

Sash: Yes.

A: What are you thinking?

Sash: That Bobbie, whatever else she is, is a good mother. She gave me her word that she would look out for Nikolas and make sure that he's safe.

A: And you believe her?

Sash: Yes, I do. Alexis, she would do nothing to hurt Nikolas. And her guilt, yes, her guilt over what she did to Papa is also extra insurance that she will look after Nikolas. Do not misunderstand me; she'd drug Papa again in a second-and I do so wish I knew why she did that, but the hurt she caused Nikolas is something that I know has caused sleepness nights. And we can use that, while she tries to atone to Nikolas. What is the alternative? Having him living with Papa's mistress, as he has wholesale inappropriate feelings for her himself? THAT situation is absolutely intolerable. The important thing is that we have Nikolas away from her constant influence and we are continuing her isolation for her and Papa. As Papa will be engaged in battle with Bobbie on YET another front, that will make her even more vulnerable to my attack. And since you will not allow me to solve this swift and easy, I have to follow this roadmap that you've designed.

A: I see your point. Bobbie is the lesser of evils.

Sash: And a bloody site better than the miserable excuse of a mother Niko has.

A: We are in complete agreement on that. Well, I see you've been busy. I see your point. Once Nikolas is away from Katherine, then we can start on Stefan.

Sash: Exactly. Well, I have to be going. Papa knew that I was going to be having dinner with Nikolas, and I am sure he is waiting for details as to how the evening proceeded.

A: I wish I could  have been there when you told Stefan where Nikolas would be living (laughs).

Sash: (laughs): Yes, The walls of Wynderemere  reverberated with shouts last night.

A: You know that Stefan will NEVER stand for Nikolas being at Bobbie's. You know that he will on Bobbie continuously...that they will be at each other's throats.

S: (smiling from ear to ear ) EXACTLY.

A: Ooh. I forgot exactly how wicked you are.

S: Well, I learned from the best.

A: Katherine never really had a prayer, did she?

S: Not a chance in hell. I will talk to you later, Lexie.

A: (kisses her): Bye, Sasha.