Life As It Should Be: Chapter 6
Saturday, 03-Jun-00 11:19:04

4.54.20.250 writes:

Chapter 6


Carly walked into to the study to find Nikolas and a grinning Jonas waiting for her. When Jonas saw her walk in he whistled in appreciation and in turn she did an exaggerated pirouette.

" So how do I look?" she asked laughingly. Nikolas smiled and nodded towards her " You look great, but do you think you should be wearing that color? I mean with the town’s preconceived notions of you and all?" Nikolas quizzed with a teasing grin. He had been filled in on his sister’s escapades and surprisingly he had not been surprised. He also felt better because she hadn’t been mad at him for telling Stefan.

" White?" Caroline asked in an innocent tone.

" Not just white, but snow white?" Nikolas pointed. Caroline looked down at herself with a smile. She was wearing an elegant but shockingly white silk gown. The dress had spaghetti straps, a modest square neckline, showing her neck and her chest...stopping just above her cleavage. The dress had a high waistline therefore accenting the bust that was not on display. The rest of it fell straight to her ankles, hinting to her figure without clinging to it. As a finishing touch she had a delicate sheer white shawl covering her bare shoulders. With her hair flowing down her back held from her face by two delicate pins…and the soft makeup…she made a deceptively angelic picture.

" Oh but Nikky, isn’t it more fun this way? The ‘scarlet lady’ in white?" She teased her eyes full of mischief. Nikolas just shook his head and Jonas continued to grin.

"You look especially happy considering we are going to a black tie ball," she turned to her guard. He just shrugged and smiled.

" What? Aren’t you worried I might choose to make another surprise exit?" she raised a suspicious brow. He looked too happy considering he hated parties of any kind.

" No. I am not worried at all," he grinned at her. At her frown he reached into his pocket.

" Because I have these to make sure you don’t disappear!" he held out a pair of handcuffs. " See I just put one on my wrist and the other on yours, so you won’t go anywhere I don’t go" Caroline gaped at him then let out a snort. " You intend to handcuff me to yourself for the entire night?"

" Yes. Unless you behave." Jonas grinned wider.

" You can’t do that I won’t allow you and neither will Stefan." Caroline waved at him nonchalantly moving to the bar ignoring her laughing brother.

" Actually Stefan told him he could" Nikolas said through his laughter. He was picturing his ‘angelic’ sister walking around all night cuffed to her bodyguard.

" What?!"

" Yes. He said that he can use any means to make sure that he stays by your side." He expanded laughing harder at his sister’s expression.

Caroline frowned at the laughing men then shrugged " Doesn’t matter I can pick locks too" She cooed and Jonas just smiled. " With this lock it would take you at least 5 minutes and I would kind of feel you trying to break the lock wouldn’t I"

" Fine. I will not be making any solo exits" she waved at them. And Nikolas laughed harder.

" For Gods sake Nikolas shut up before you bust something," she snapped at her brother.
He only laughed harder and she just shook her head and poured herself a glass of water. She ignored them…inside she smiled she really didn’t mind their laughter. Nikolas rarely showed such enjoyment around her and she was happy to see him laugh even though it was at her expense. Usually he was quiet and unresponsive. She felt like most of the time he disliked or resented her.

" What is so funny?" Nikolas and Jonas quieted at that voice, and then pretended to clear their throats. The woman asked from the doorway, with a cheerful smile.

"Hello Katherine" Nikolas said politely kissing her hand in greeting. He led her into the room.

" Hi. Nikolas" she smiled in response letting him lead her into the room.

" Katherine" Caroline smiled at her Uncle’s fiancée and walked forward to peck her on the cheek. " I thought we were meeting you at the ball?" she asked the other woman. She never really understood what Stefan saw in her. The woman was a pain…she spent most of her time whining and pouting…definitely not Stefan’s usual cup of tea. But she supposed like most men her Uncle was attracted to the blonde blue-eyed thing. There was also that damsel in distress aura she sent. And dear Stefan must feel that he is the one to save her. Pity.

" I was but I decided that I might as well wait and go with my family" Katherine replied happily pointing at her and Nikolas.

" Of course" Caroline nodded with a twist of her lip. Family? " Can I offer you a drink?"

" No thank you. I’m fine. So what had you all in hysterics?" She sat down on the leather sofa.

" Nothing of interest believe me." Caroline threw a put off look towards the two men and they just shrugged. She looked up to see Stefan walk into the room dressed to Cassadine perfection. He wore a dark shirt instead of the usual white under his black tuxedo. Giving him that dark look that was affiliated to the Cassadine men. His twinkling diamond cufflinks were the only bright thing on him. When he saw his fiancée in the room he frowned slightly.

" Katherine. We were supposed to meet you at the ball." He stated kissing her hand politely. His eyes showing slight displeasure. He had told her to they would meet at the ball yet she had come here anyway. He did not like discrepancies.

" I know but I thought it would be much better if we all arrived together" she smiled with a slight pout. And Stefan just nodded his frown still in place but less severe. He looked over at Nikolas and then at his niece who stood at the bar. He raised a brow at her attire. She smiled innocently in return. He turned around and nodded.

" Shall we leave?" Stefan asked even as he led Katherine out the door.

" I foresee a most delightful night. How about you sister dear?" Nikolas said in mock seriousness as they walked out to the launch.

Caroline frowned at Jonas who was walking close to her side. She glanced behind them and saw a couple of shadowy figures following them. Jonas’ team. " I would rather wait and see." She said as she got onto the launch.


Nurses Ball


Jason shifted uncomfortably in his tuxedo. He looked around the room as they walked into the ball.

"Jason, stop shifting…people will think you are uncomfortable" Robin chided from his side.

"I am uncomfortable. I don’t see why people can’t dress normally to these things" he answered bluntly.

"I know you are uncomfortable but try not to show it. This is an important night…you know that" she looked at him with those doe-like eyes and he smiled slightly.

"I’ll try" she smiled brightly at his response. Sonny watched this beside them with a frown. Jason looked back at him uneasily. Sonny’s jaws tightened. Jason had still not told Robin. She had been back for three days but he hadn’t said anything. Sonny knew Robin could tell something was off… but she hadn’t asked. He was not going to be the one to tell her, he thought determinedly.

Robin pretended not to see the look that between the two men. She had been at the hospital two days ago when she had overheard Amy telling Monica that ‘Carly’ was rumored to be back. She had heard about Carly and she already disliked the woman who had ruined Bobbie’s marriage. However, she had intended to ignore them but she heard Monica say that she hoped that Carly would stay away from Jason. Amy had jumped sating that she had heard that Jason was already having an affair with her. From what she had heard and the way Jason was acting she had no doubt that it was true. She had been with him for 8 years and she had no intention of letting some floozy try and take him from her!

" There is our table." Sonny’s date pointed cheerfully. Sonny looked down at her. He had almost forgotten that she was there. He had met her at Luke’s… she was constantly flirting with him. He had ignored her…he wasn’t interested. He had needed a date for the ball and decided what the hell…she was nice and pretty why not ask her? Predictably she had agreed. So here he was at the ball with Hannah Scott.

They all headed to the direction she pointed. Renaldo, Johnny and Francis close behind.

Hannah smiled to herself…everything was going as planned.



Luke looked around the room and grinned. Ah some of Port-Chucks finest. He saw Jax to the right with Alexis, Chloe and Ned. He turned and watched the Q’s already squabbling over something. This was bound to be a fun night, he wondered who he should bother first.

" What are you grinning about?" Laura asked her husband suspiciously.

" Oh come now darling can’t I be happy to see my fellow PC residents?" Luke grinned wider placing the unlit cigar he held in his hand in his mouth. Laura just snorted

" Yeah right. Just don’t cause any trouble," She said dragging him to their table.

" Trouble? Me? Never!" Luke smiled slyly. Laura just shook her head and continued to lead him to their table.

"Hey sis," Luke parted Bobbie on the shoulder.

"Luke" Bobbie growled rubbing her shoulder. " Where are the kids?" she asked him ignoring Laura. " Lucky is coming later with Emily and Juan. Lulu is too young to be here" Laura answered anyway. Luke shook his head at the glaring ladies and turned to his right. He smiled when he saw Sonny sitting with Jason, Robin and Hannah at the next table. Luke chuckled quietly. His partner looked bored already, He seemed to be halfway listening to what his date was saying.

" Hey there Partner!" Luke leaned back chewing on his cigar. Sonny looked towards him in relief. Hannah was talking his ear off. He had no idea what the hell she was talking about either.

" Luke" he stood up. " Excuse me a moment," He said to Hannah as he moved to the other table. " Ladies you look lovely as usual" he smiled kissing each of them on the cheek before he sat down at Lucky’s empty seat next to Luke.

" Are you enjoying yourself yet" Luke nodded towards Hannah with a sly grin. Sonny just groaned making Luke laugh outright.

"I shouldn’t have listened to you," Sonny rubbed his forehead.
"Come now partner, she’s a nice girl…and your type too. Just give her a chance" Luke patted his friend mockingly. He had known the girl would drive his friend crazy, it was part of tonight’s amusements. Luke was about to continue annoying his friend when he looked towards the door. His smile dropped and an angry frown quickly replaced " What the hell!"

Everyone at the two tables turned to see what Luke was staring at.


At the entrance Caroline smiled ‘ Let the games begin!’ she thought to herself. Stefan walked in front with a preening Katherine on his arm. Caroline took in a breath and followed behind them holding Nikolas’ arm. Jonas walked to her left. Almost plastered to her side while four of his men followed behind.

" Jonas you really don’t have to follow me so closely" Caroline hissed through her teeth. Nikolas heard her comment and leaned down. " Leave him alone. The man has gotten into enough trouble losing you, he is allowed to do anything to make sure it doesn’t happen again." He reasoned. Jonas smiled gratefully.

Caroline ignored him and looked around at the room of people who were now all staring at them. While she did so she jabbed Jonas with her elbow making him move back a step with a small groan. He hissed " Handcuffs". But she ignored him too. She recognized a couple of faces but she zeroed in on Jason and Sonny’s table. Jason was sitting with two brunettes she wondered which one was Robin. The other must be Sonny’s date she guessed and looked for the missing mobster. She didn’t have to look far he was sitting in the next table with the Spencers. He was staring at her, while Bobbie and Luke were both glaring at her, Laura just frowned at her. Oh goody. She heard a noise to her right and she looked over. Edward was pointing towards her and shouting something while Alan tried to quiet him.

"You think his shouting because he is happy to see me back?" Caroline mused with a smile.

" But of Course" Nikolas smiled back. His mother’s frown became deeper. Who was the woman with her son? She looked familiar but she couldn’t remember who exactly she was.

They moved through the crowd and towards the Spencers. Stefan nodded towards their table with a condescending smile, receiving four glares in return. He continued to smile before moving to the table right in front of them.

Nikolas stopped at the table too. He leaned down to peck his mother and Bobbie. The latter responding stiffly. "Mr. Corinthos. Luke" Nikolas nodded politely towards the men. Sonny nodded but Luke just glared in return. " Where did you dig her up from?" he turned his angry glare towards Caroline. Laura waited too.

Caroline just smiled. While Nikolas frowned at Luke’s tone " This is my sister Caroline Cassadine,"

The cigar in Luke’s mouth dropped as his mouth hang open in shock and outrage. Laura gasped then frowned when she finally remembered Stavros’ ‘little girl’. Bobbie gasped too, damn Cassadines she should have known. Sonny just stared at her in surprise.

" Really people you are acting as if this is the first time we’ve met" Caroline chided with a small laugh.

" A Cassadine!" Luke sputtered. He should have known!

"I guess this means you are not happy to see me." Caroline pouted mockingly towards Luke.
" Laura. It’s been a long time. I see you are no longer retreating in North Carolina," She leaned down to peck Laura’s pale cheek. The other woman watched her in horror. It was like the kiss of Judas. Luke and Bobbie both turned towards her accusingly.

" Mr. Corinthos" she touched his shoulder affectionately. She could feel his muscles tense and his eyes darkened in warning. She just smiled even though the look made her uneasy.

" Bobbie" she nodded towards the woman and turned to their table. She watched the scene unfold in the corner of her eye as the two siblings continued to glare at Laura and smiled inwardly. She owed her one.

She saw Jason stiffen when she looked his way and she just smiled and nodded while she passed his table. The small girl to his right gave her a sharp look. That must be Robin. The girl turned to look at Jason’s stiff face then looked back at her. Caroline smiled back sweetly and let Nikolas pull her chair for her. The games had begun.


" Why did you do that to Laura?" Nikolas hissed into her ear.

" Ah Nikolas, your mother has a lot to answer for." Caroline gave her brother a serious and unrepentant look. Nikolas glowered at her when the reason came to him.

" You still blame her for father’s accident!" He accused in a low voice filled with disbelief.

" She could have tried to save him or even sent for help. Instead she left him out there in the middle of nowhere to die!" Caroline hissed back. Anger quickly filled her as she thought about it.

" Even if the man was worth saving what was she supposed to do? pull him from the jaws of the shark what? Yes she didn’t call for help, she was probably too frazzled to even think about it!" he hissed at his sister. Caroline gave him her own look of disbelief.

" Not this ‘man’ your father! Stavros is your father. Your mother, could have done something. She had lived on that bay for years she knew how to use a gun. Or any of the weapons on that boat. So don’t tell me she was f---ing ‘frazzled’ because we both now she purposefully left him out there to die!" she said through clenched teeth.

" Father? That is a laugh. I never spent more than ten minutes in the man’s presence unlike you I never had been in the receiving end of his affections and never will be thank god. YOU are his child he is YOUR father, not mine. So I am sorry if I don’t feel the need to crucify my mother because she might have left him out there to die. If you ask me she did me a favor. I never have to see the retched man again." Nikolas hissed bitterly.

" Faithless bastard" Caroline muttered.

" You forget YOU are the bastard." Nikolas snapped back. Caroline drew in a breath at his words.

Stefan who had been watching the exchange but been unable to hear what it was about frowned. They had been getting along of late but it looked like the peace had been broken. "Stop it" he said snapped at them quietly.

Caroline glared at her brother and turned coldly away from him, and he did the same. Stefan watched them tensely ignore each other, each of them looking around the room.
He mentally shook his head. This was the beginning of a long night.



Two hours later in the Ballroom.

Couples were dancing around the floor while others milled around the edge of the room.
Caroline entered the room preparing to be ambushed with Jonas close behind and sure enough she was.

" What the hell do you think you are doing back in town after what you did to my son," Monica demanded angrily.

" Hello to you too Monica"

" Don’t hello me! I want you to leave this instant. You don’t belong here…after the way you have ruined my friend and my son’s life!" Monica sneered.

"Really Monica, you’re making such a scene. I have every right to be here," Caroline chided mockingly.

" You mean you came with Nikolas. What you now decided to go for the younger men?!" Monica moved closer. " You leave that boy alone you low-class hussy! He is too good for the likes of you!" Monica shouted. At her raised voice Alan and Edward quickly joined her.

" Monica what are you doing?" Alan asked pulling her away from Caroline.
" Looks like she cornered the woman who turned your son into a drunken idiot !"
Edward bellowed pointing at AJ who was standing by the bar. " What do you have to say for yourself young lady?! And what do you want with the Cassadine kid?" he demanded with a fierce scowl. Caroline shook her head.

" First of all you people are probably the ones who turned AJ into a ‘drunken idiot’. And I can’t blame him if I was born into your family I would probably take to the bottle too." At their outraged gasps she held up her hand." Second I never knew the man was an alcoholic, and I apologized --"

" You should have found out before you offered him that drink" Alan cut in. Caroline shook her head.

" Sorry but I not interested in your family to enough to find out whether you are a bunch of alcoholics or not." She shrugged at Alan honestly. " And last but not least Monica. I resent your inclusion of me in YOUR genre of ‘hussies’. If you must know Nikolas is my brother."

" How dare you refer to me as a hussy!"
" Don’t you dare insult my wife!"
" WHAT?!" Edward they all shouted at her.
" What is this about your brother!?" Monica asked waving the others to be silent.

" Nikolas and I are both Cassadines and we share the same father. So I am a Cassadine which technically my dear Monica is a higher class than any Quatermaine. At least the last time I checked royalty were considered the betters of mere citizens." Caroline gave Monica a demeaning look before stepping aside and walking coldly way with an amused Jonas following behind. She left in her wake a gaping Monica and a stuttering Edward. AJ who had come to see who his family was harassing burst out in laughter and hooted.

" OHHH she sure put you all in your place!" he slapped his hip in mirth " Mere citizens!" he laughed louder.

"Shut up you drunk" Edward demanded.

" AJ you are embarrassing the family," Monica hissed. AJ just laughed harder then he paused.

" ME? Embarrassing the family? I don’t think so. You were doing that pretty well yourself" He shook his and moved away. " You embarrass yourselves." He said in dry amusement.

" Now if you excuse me I have a date with a martini and a Cassadine to congratulate" he left with another chuckle. Heading towards the bar where Caroline was.

Bar…

" Hey" AJ tapped her shoulder. Caroline looked around to see him then she smiled tentatively.
"Hello yourself." AJ seeing her hesitation waved at her " Don’t worry I am not about to start on you like my family. I just wanted to thank you. I have never felt freer than I have since the day you handed me that drink" He leaned down took her hand and kissed it " Thank you" he said cheerfully. " Can I get another one of these!" he called out to the waiter pointing at his empty glass. Caroline watched him sharply. She waited. She watched him take a huge gulp of the drink when it was set before him.

" Have I stunned you? Nothing to say?" AJ quizzed good-naturedly. Caroline watched him unwaveringly.
" Your welcome I think." Her eyes narrowed.

" You think?" AJ teased.
" Yes. I think," she reached forward and grabbed his drink taking a sip before he could stop her. Just as she suspected " Mineral water with olives? Just playing the drunk huh?" she raised a brow at him. He just shrugged. " What tipped you off…I mean besides the drink?" he looked back at her.

" Your eyes are too clear and focused" she smiled at him. He nodded and then gave her an appealing look. Before he could say anything she laughed " Don’t worry. You can torture your family to your heart’s content I won’t deny you the pleasure." He nodded with a grateful smile.

" So it doesn’t bother you?" He quizzed curiously.
" Nope," she smiled.
" Must be the sadistic Cassadine genes," he joked. She picked up her drink and started towards her aunt. " Must be." She called over her shoulder.

Jason had been watching Carly all night. It seemed as if she kept moving from battle to battle. He wanted to go over and talk to her but Robin kept hanging onto his arm. And even when he had the chance to go to her there were people around. He had not seen or heard from Carly ever since she found out about Robin’s health. He had decided that he should contact her after the third day but Robin had decided to come home early. He did not know what he was doing. Things had been strained with Sonny of late… Robin had noticed but she was acting as if nothing was wrong. He knew that he needed to be honest with her but he wasn’t ready to. They had been through so much already he didn’t want to rock the boat. He saw her go through the patio doors and out onto the lawn.
Robin saw Lucy beckoning to her impatiently, she looked down at her watch, it was time to go back stage. She looked up at Jason he looked deep in thought. She glanced around the room and didn’t see the Carly woman and felt slightly better. " Jason I have to go backstage, and get ready" she looked at him closely. He looked down at her and nodded.
"Good luck" he gave her a kiss on the forehead. Robin gave him a skeptic glanced then went to join Lucy reluctantly.

The moment she was out of sight Jason headed outside.



Caroline had changed her mind about joining Alexis. She looked towards her left and saw the open terrace doors. Air…she needed a little break. Nikolas was not talking to her. Not that she wanted to talk to her brother at the moment either. Her uncle was with Katherine and she definitely didn’t want to hang around her. The Spencers kept throwing daggers at her. She was sure that once the Quatermaines had recovered they would be on the hunt again. With her as the target.

She walked slowly through the lawn. There were hardly any people out there. In the distance she could see the hospital lights. The ball was being held in the new recreational center. Her Uncle’s pet project. He had decided to add something to this town that was Cassadine. They backed the hospital but they hadn’t built it, he wanted something he had built from scratch. The Quatermaines had the PC grille and the Hotel. Spencers owned Kelly’s and Luke's. And the Cassadines built ‘the’ Recreational Center. It was funded and maintained by the family and was mostly non-profit. The exceptions being private celebrations and gatherings.

It was large enough to hold hundreds of people and close enough to the hospital for the mobile patients to use. It was connected to the hospital by a long hallway with skylights and beautiful tile floors. The inside of the Center was just as tastefully done thanks to Stefan’s skilled architect and designers. It had hardwood floors in most of the rooms. Chandeliers in the ballroom…a state of the art stages for the thespians. It had all the latest gadgets and equipment in the fitness room. A small library for the intellectuals, a classy game room for the rest. Every indoor entertainment that one could think off could be found here.
The exterior had not been forgotten either. The lawn was just as beautiful. It was like a small private park. With park benches, elegantly designed flower gardens. Perfectly manicured lawn, trimmed bushes and shrubbery, and a beautiful water fountain at the center of it all. It was really a magnificent sight.

Caroline looked around and smiled. The Cassadines had once again proven that they had style and class. An expensive yet free playhouse for the sick. Who said the Cassadines had no heart. She laughed.
She walked across the small park and went to sit on the low fountain walls. Jonas followed quietly and opted to sit across from her on one of the benches. She was watching the water bubbling from the fountain when she felt someone standing behind her.

She knew who it was even before she turned around. Jonas sat straighter on the park bench. He knew that there would not be any trouble coming from the newcomer but his training made him become extra alert.

" Jason, what are you doing out here?" She turned back to the fountain playing with the water in it. He sat down next to her.

" I haven’t seen you all week. I just wanted to see if you are okay." Jason cleared his throat hesitantly.

" I’m fine." Caroline continued to look into the water. The was no need to make this easy for him.

" You are still angry," he stated ruefully. " I am really sorry Carly, I can’t begin to say how sorry."

At the tone of his voice she looked up with a sigh. " I am not mad anymore. I got myself checked and I am fine." A look of hurt quickly passed his eyes when she heard that she had gone to get herself checked, but he squelched it just as fast she had every right to want reassurance he probably would have done the same thing.

He wanted to ask her why she hadn’t returned his phone calls but he couldn’t bring himself to. He didn’t feel like he had the right.

" Are you having a good time?" he asked instead, tagging at his bow tie. Caroline smiled at his actions she could tell that he was uncomfortable.

" Sure I am. I have a bunch of people crying out for my blood but I am having fun. Must be the Cassadine in me." Jason smiled with a nod. He watched her toy with the fountain water her head down, some of her hair falling into her face. Without a thought he reached out and pushed it back from her face gently caressing the side of her face as he did so. She stilled and looked up at him.

" I missed you," he whispered looking into her eyes. Caroline looked into his handsome face and felt a slight tug at her heart. She had missed him too. It wasn’t really the conversations or the lovemaking…it was being with him…close to him. There was this feeling of calm around him. Maybe it was because he didn’t say much…or that he was simple…he said what he thought. It was easy being around him…no pressure.

" I missed you too" she caressed his face stroking his jaw. His hand came around her waist pulling her closer to him. She complied moving into his embrace. He lowered his head and kissed her softly tentatively and she melted into his kiss. His hands lifted her onto his lap in an attempt to get her closer. Caroline moved closer to him reveling in the familiarity of it all. It felt great to be back in his arms. She deepened the kiss and he groaned his hands moving from her waist upward to cup her breasts through the dress. She in turn let her hands roam away from his neck moving from his broad shoulders down his chest. They were so absorbed they didn’t notice the woman standing eight feet from them.


Robin watched with a look of disbelief and shock. She moved back instinctively hiding herself. She had come out looking for Jason. Lucy was busy with the rest of the cast and she had decided to come out and check on Jason. Now as she stood behind one of the manicured bushes she felt a rush of anger and loathing. How dare this woman mess her property? Jason was hers!


Caroline pulled back from the kiss with a smile. Jonas cleared his throat delicately. She turned to look at him. He blushed and pointed down at his watch. It was time to get back inside. Jason looked towards the building and sighed caressing her back.

"We have to get back," Caroline frowned at his words. Then she smirked getting up in one swift move.

" Your right. We wouldn’t want you dear Robin to miss you," she straighten her dress with a blatantly fake smile.

"Carly…" Jason protested. He knew what she was getting at and he wanted to explain.

"Hmm?" she looked at him waiting.

" Look…Robin and I we…we’ve been together for so long I can’t just dump her" he frowned.

" When I was here last time you were with ME… not this Robin person…so obviously there is something wrong with that unless you cheat on her all the time!" Caroline pointed angrily.

" I wasn’t with her then. We had broken up…and she had gone to Paris so I wasn’t cheating on her then! I would never do that to her!" Jason answered back his anger beginning to rise.

" Oh so yeah so what? Your cheating on her now….you didn’t seem so broken up over it a minute ago!" She declared ragingly. Stepping back from him.

Jason looked at her and let out a frustrated sigh he rubbed his temples trying to ease the headache he was starting to get.

" Look this was not right… " He saw her stare at him in disbelief and outrage and continued quickly reaching for her hands before she could storm away.

" I want you…you know that…I want you more than I have ever wanted anybody…but Robin is a sweet and loving person…I can’t … I don’t want to hurt her…we have been through too much together.... I know I have to find a way to tell her….but .." He spoke quietly…trying to keep her in front of him.
Caroline was having none of it. She wrestled away from him and stepped back.

" Well Jason you better tell her… then call me when you are ready to be with me…..I will not settle for second place…I never have and NEVER will! You had better do it soon too because I will NOT wait around for you!" She stated coldly and walked further into the park…away from the center. Jason watched her walk away dumfounded. He shook his head and started towards her but a strong hand stopped him in his tracks.

" I don’t think so," Jonas stared him down. Jason stopped watching the white garbed figure disappear deeper into the park…he looked behind him and saw that the people on the terrace were going back in. He growled in frustration and angrily strode towards the center.


Robin ducked further behind the bush as Jason walked by. When he had passed she looked around and followed Caroline.


To say she was mad was a gross understatement. She walked briskly further into the park and when she reached the furthest fence she drew in a calming breath and turned around to slowly head back to the ball. She had not taken three steps when a small figure popped in front of her. Instinctively Jonas grabbed the person before they could get close to Caroline.

" Hey…. get your hands off me!" Robin yelled but Jonas held tight looking her over. He didn’t care that she was a small female he was not about to let her jump his boss’s niece. Caroline stepped forward and looked at the small figure before her. She waved a hand at Jonas and he released her and stepped back.

" Can I help you?" Caroline raised a brow impatiently. This was the girl that had been sitting next to Jason.

" You can stay the hell away from my boy-friend that’s what you should do!" Robin shouted.

" Jason? Shouldn’t you be telling ‘him’ to stay away from me?" Caroline sneered.
Robin gasped " Jason would never go after a hussy like you! He would never do that he has much better taste!" Robin shouted. Caroline’s eyes narrowed at the pixie like figure before her.

" And you are supposed to be the ‘better taste I assume’" Caroline looked at her with a debasing look. She was not about to let some little creature spout off at her.

At the look Robin moved forward " YES I am! He is mine, he loves me and I love him! He doesn’t need trash like you1" she pushed Caroline. Caroline moved on instinct. She grabbed the offending arm and quickly twisted it behind Robin. Making the girl shriek out in pain and surprise. Caroline did not let go instead she twisted harder jerking Robin’s hair back with her other hand. She leaned forward her grip firm and hissed into her ear.

" You should not have done that. I am not the type of person you want as an enemy. I do not appreciate insults from anyone and I look even less kindly to anyone having the audacity to lay a hand on me. " She jerked on Robin’s hair to emphasize her point and was satisfied by a painful moan.

"You should stay clear of me unless you want to have me snap your neck under my royal Cassadine foot. Do you understand?" She hissed coldly making Robin’s spine shiver in fear. She could tell that the other woman was not making an idle threat.

" Do you understand?" Caroline repeated and Robin nodded quickly.

"I don’t hear youuuu…" she cooed coldly.

"I understand!" Robin said breathlessly.

" Good…run along now…we don’t want the public to miss you" Caroline shooed her away in a disturbingly sweet voice. She watched as the other woman run from the park in satisfaction.

She picked up her fallen shawl and replaced it on her shoulders. She started to walk across the park back to the center when she was interrupted by loud clapping.

" Well, done darling…well done indeed! You had ME shivering in my shoes!" the person applauded cheerfully.

Caroline turned to the voice knowing who it was even before she saw them.

" Grandmother…what a surprise," She lifted a curious brow at a smiling Helena.


" What are you doing here?" Caroline inquired even as she moved closer to Helena.

" What? I can’t come and see my granddaughter?" Helena placed a deceptively sullen look.

" Of course, you can" Caroline moved into her grandmother’s embrace affectionately kissing her on the cheek. She was not fooled by Helena’s look, she knew she what she was here for.

Helena embraced her granddaughter. She had to admit she had missed her. The girl was a pleasure to have around, a bit too spontaneous…but always entertaining. Most people would be surprised to know that she honestly adored the girl. That she wasn’t merely an entertainment. She had been worried about her for a while now…and when she had heard the reports and remembering the date round the corner she had decided it was time come to Port-Charles.

Caroline pulled back and smiled knowingly " I see your spies informed you that I found my mother"

Helena shrugged elegantly " Spies is such a vulgar term for my men, they are connoisseurs of their profession. But yes, I was informed that you stumbled upon the lower half of your lineage,"

" Stumbled is not the word I would choose…rather I was led to her don’t you think?" Caroline narrowed her eyes at the older woman who had suggested she come to Port-Charles to begin with.

" Now, Caroline I merely suggested I never told you to actually come here. Besides you were ready." And you needed the distraction Helena added to herself.

"Why didn’t you just tell me? I mean I could have –"

" Planned a suitable revenge?" Helena finished her sentence with a serene smile.

" You don’t have to worry about that my dear I have been torturing the Spencers for years. So you are somewhat avenged." Helena smoothed her granddaughter’s hair, her eyes holding a humorless amusement as she thought of the Spencers. She looked at Caroline’s face and saw her dissatisfied expression. " But of course if you wish to avenge yourself I will not stop you" she smiled.

" Thank you," Caroline sniffed. She stood back and looked at her grandmother’s attire. She was dressed in a silvery blue gown. The dress elegantly draped her body, accentuating her graceful figure and her classically beautiful face.

" You are looking lovely as usual. I see you are here to join the ball…wouldn’t you make a greater entrance if you came through the main doors?" Caroline quizzed in amusement.

" Darling, an entrance is all in the body language…have you learnt nothing? Besides, the sight of my granddaughter having a tete-a-tete with a local mobster drew me here. Really my dear in the park?" Helena chided coolly.

" You have to have been coming through the side entrance to even catch a glimpse of me. Everyone knows the side door is locked so it wasn’t improper. Surely you do not disapprove of my having a little dalliance do you?" Caroline defensively challenged; giving a pointed look towards Andreas whom was standing a couple of feet behind Helena.

" Dalliance is the key word my dear. You must remember your place. Don’t let the pressure of these circumstances lure you" Helena answered with a sharp look full of meaning. The meaning was clear to both of them; Caroline was not to get attached to Jason or make him a replacement for what she had lost. He was not even suitable to her station. They stood looking at each other for a second before Caroline looked away to adjust her shawl fidgeting. Another second passed in silence and then Caroline smoothed the shawl speaking.

" He isn’t a replacement for Ian grandmother…he never could be. Ian is dead not replaceable." She said quietly yet strongly, looking up with a pained look. The memories coming back. Helena sighed and softened. She brushed another stray hair from her granddaughter’s face.

" I know darling…but he is the opposite of what Ian was…your going into this because you think he is safe," Helena stated knowingly. Her forehead creasing for a second in worry.

" Safe! The man is in the mob!" Caroline laughed forcefully. Helena just watched her eyes unwavering. She knew that Caroline understood that she was speaking about the emotional element.

" You are looking lovely yourself darling. White…not really the family color but it suits your purpose I assume?" Helena mused coolly changing the subject as she inspected Caroline’s attire. Caroline sighed in relief at the subject change and forced a smile.

"Yes it does, Shall we go in then?" she looked towards the ball. Helena frowned at her expression and hurried manner, and sighed inwardly.

" Yes, why don’t we" Helena linked her arm with her granddaughter’s as the walked to the Center. She had obviously come to town in time.


Meanwhile inside…


Bobbie and Luke glared at Laura waiting. She had been avoiding them most of the night now was their chance to get a straight answer.

" How do you know her?" Bobbie demanded without preamble. Laura sighed.

" Look…she is Stavros’ daughter…I saw her a total of three times. The last time was when she was six years old. She and Nikolas see each other a lot and he’s shown me some old pictures of her that’s it." Laura explained appealingly. They continued to stare at her.
" And that’s all you know?" Bobbie scoffed.

" She was practically raised in Europe and last I heard from Nikolas she was...in Ireland engaged or something. There is no way our paths could even have crossed over the years," Laura stressed.

Luke frowned further. " Then how come she spoke to you as if she knows you? As if she is familiar with you?"

"Nikolas must have shown her pictures of me or something…besides she did what she did on purpose so you would all get mad and suspicious over nothing."

" What does she have against you?" Bobbie sneered in disbelief.

"She blames me for Stavros okay! And besides she is close to Helena who knows what the old witch is using her for!" At her statement Luke nodded in acceptance. He knew about the boat incident…he knew that his wife had felt guilty about it. Why he could not understand. The world was a better place without Stavros Cassadine in it. He knew it was because of Laura’s gentle heart…she could not stand the thought that she might have played a part in anyone’s death even that of the devil’s spawn.

" So this whole fiasco was another round of Cassadine vs. Spencers?" Bobbie asked rhetorically. She was angry and hurt. Luke put a comforting hand behind her back. He personally knew that her failed marriage could not be really attributed to his enemies but he would never tell her that. There was no point. The Cassadines would pay for their small part in it.

" Come on lets get back to our seats…the show is about to start" Luke herded the two women from the ballroom.




Helena and Caroline came in when most of the people had taken their seats. They paused at the door or a moment before Caroline pointed at their table and began leading the way to it. Their graceful figures threading slowly but expertly between the tables were an entrancing sight adding the tow handsome bodyguards trailing behind.

Luke looked up and frowned. This was not going to be a good night after all he thought loathingly. Not only were they sitting at a table next to the bloodsuckers but the evil queen mother was joining them as well!

Laura watched them with a sinking heart…just what they needed…another Cassadine here and not just any but Helena herself!

Stefan looked up and scowled….what was SHE doing here?

Alexis looked up from what Ned was saying and saw them. She groaned aloud. Just what they needed right now, Helena.

Edward watched. " Looks like the whole clan of Cassadines is here tonight, " he pointed at the pair. " I can’t believe I didn’t notice the resemblance!" he added mostly to himself but almost everyone was thinking the same thing.

The resemblance wasn’t physical. Yes. They both had blond hair but that wasn’t it. It was in the aura that they sent…an air of mischief and danger. Most of the danger exuded from Helena, everyone knew what she was capable of, but in a way they could feel the potential in Caroline too. It was as if Helena’s presence was a window into what Caroline could be. The town had seen some of her antics but before they had just seen a trouble maker now moving with Helena they knew they had not come close to seeing her at her worst.

Helena slithered next to the Spencer table. " My, my the Spencers…still alive and kicking…what enduring clan you are. I must see if I can change that"

" Too hot in hell was it darlin’? or did you just miss little ol’ me?" Luke sneered.

" Ahhh… yeees I did miss you Spencer," Helena said in lethal amusement. She turned to Caroline " You’ve met my grand-daughter off course?"

"Unfortunately" Luke derided in his eyes holding a dangerous gleam as he looked towards Caroline.

" Yes. I think she is a joy too" Helena laughed softly at his expression. The tone low and cool. She followed Caroline to their table ignoring the rest of the people on the table.

" Mother" Stefan nodded coldly after she was seated. " What brings you to Port-Charles" he prompted.

" Why…I came to see my darling son and grandchildren" Helena exclaimed mockingly.

" Nikolas" Helena held out her hand expectantly. And Nikolas kissed it as expected.

She turned to Katherine. " Still breathing my dear?" she raised her eyebrow her eyes coldly calculating. Sending a chill down the other woman’s spine.

" Nice to see you too Helena" The Katherine woman responded moving closer to Stefan involuntarily. As if to escape Helena’s cold look.

" How long will your stay be for?" Stefan continued coldly ignoring the way Katherine was annoyingly leaning on him.

" Why my dear Stefan… I just got here…I was hoping for a nice looong visit" Helena replied with a false injured look. Stefan frowned and turned to the stage where the show was beginning. He would delve deeper into this when they were in private.

mikmi