CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Lucky winces from the pain when he sets up the next morning. All day trying not to reveal what had happened the night before took its toll, plus not reapplying any of the antiseptic also didn’t help. Sighing he looks over at Elizabeth who’s peacefully sleeping. She had refused to leave his side all night and he had a pretty good feeling that this arrangement may be permanent, which he didn’t mind. He loved being with Elizabeth and looked forward to the day when he’d hold their child in his arms. Getting up, he went to check on Laura, who was also sleeping peacefully, but Beth was wide awake staring up at the ceiling.

"Want to talk about it?" Lucky asked, entering the room.

Beth sets up startled. She wasn’t expecting Lucky up this early. "Oh good morning. I wasn’t expecting you to be up."

"Life on the run, you have to be a early riser. It just became a form of habit," Lucky shrugged.

"I was thinking about Laura. The McCoys should be arriving sometime today. Lucky how are we going to fight them off? Those people are mean. Everyone…even the police in Kentucky are scared of them."

"But we’re not. And neither are the lawyers, judges, and police…how incompetent they may be are afraid of them. And my dad…he’s definitely not afraid. Listen, we’ll just keep Laura here at Wyndemere until we can get an injunction or something stating that their unfit parents. Nikolas is going to call his cousin Alexis Davis and have her meet with us then meet with a judge about Laura."

"And you? You are their son too you know."

Lucky gave her a dirty look. "Just because they conceived and gave birth to me does not make them my parents. Besides, I’m eighteen years old today, making me a legal adult. I have a choice. But they don’t."

Beth nods, but she still looks worried. "How’s your back Lucky. I noticed you didn’t say much about it yesterday."

"It still hurts. But I can handle it," Lucky sighed. "Do me a favor Beth, don’t mention it to Elizabeth. I’ve been avoiding taking my shirt off in front of her so she won’t know."

"Lucky….I think she would want to know if those people hurt you."

"I know, but I don’t want her upset."

"Upset about what?" Elizabeth appears in the doorway.

Before Lucky can answer, Stefan Cassadine’s voice floats upstairs. "Did you say Nikolas was in the East wing?!"

"Shit!" Lucky pulls Elizabeth into the room and closes the door.

"Who’s that?" Beth asked, a hint of fear in her voice.

"Stefan Cassadine. Nikolas’s uncle," Lucky explained. "He doesn’t know we’re here."

"Uncle!" Nikolas loudly greets, coming out into the hall and standing in front of the door that his guests were in. "What are you doing back so early?!"

"The meeting was canceled last minute. How was your visit with your brother?" Stefan asked.

"Oh it was interesting. But he’s much better off here in Port Charles. It’s barbaric the way those people down there live!" Nikolas shields the door.

"Barbaric?" Beth glares a hole through the door.

"That’s prince Nikky for ya," Lucky shakes his head, amused at Beth’s reaction

"Nikolas…what are you hiding?" Stefan asked.

"What? What do you mean what am I hiding? I’m not hiding anything."

"You’re standing in front of that door like you’re shielding it from me. Now tell me what you’re hiding or I’ll find out myself."
"Oh no we’re busted," Beth hides her face in her hand.

"Don’t be ridiculous Uncle. I’m not hiding anything! Wait! You can’t go in there!" Nikolas exclaims as Stefan pushes him aside and enters the room to find Lucky picking up a sleeping Laura and Elizabeth and Beth standing in a corner.

"Lucky? Miss Webber? What are you doing here?" Stefan stares at the teens in shock. "Nikolas?"

"Uh…Don’t be mad at Nikolas. This wasn’t his idea, it was all mine," Lucky quickly speaks up. "We just needed a place to hide out for a couple of days…"

"No Lucky wait. I can’t let you take the rap, since you were so set against it anyway. Uncle, this is my doing. I went down to Kentucky to visit my brother and what I found wasn’t good. So I brought Lucky home with his sister and sister’s babysetter. I thought Wyndemere was a great place to hide until the McCoy’s arrived and left."

"Why didn’t you just ask me Nikolas?" Stefan asked, hurt that the boy didn’t trust him enough.

"Because I thought that you wouldn’t let Luke Spencer’s son hide out here. That’s why." Nikolas bows his head.

Stefan lays a gentle hand on Nikolas’s shoulder. "Lucky’s your brother. I know how much that means to you. If it makes you happy of course I’ll let Lucky stay here as long as he needs and I won’t whisper a word to anybody."

Lucky’s eyes widen in shock as well does Nikolas and Elizabeths. "You will?"

"Nikolas’s happiness comes before any feud I may have with Luke Spencer. Now If it’s not too much trouble, why don’t all of you come and join Nikolas and I for breakfast?"

Lucky looked at Elizabeth, who tried to hide her excitement at having breakfast in the fancy dining room of Wyndemere. He rolled his eyes at her fascination of the place. "That’ll be cool," Lucky nods, taking Elizabeth’s hand and leading her downstairs.

Meanwhile, Luke and Laura had finally called Earl, who had brought a tiny house two blocks down. They feel incredibly guilty for not calling their friend last night when Lucky returned. All the excitement…they simply forgot. The three of them head for Wyndemere to visit Lucky and perhaps take him to breakfast. Today was his birthday after all.

"Mr. and Mrs. Spencer, we weren’t expecting you," Mrs. Lansberry opens the door, her eyes wide in shock. "Come in. I’ll let Mr. Cassadine know you’re here."

"Stefan’s home?" Laura’s heart jumps in her throat. She knew Stefan would never hurt Lucky, but she still didn’t want Lucky anywhere near any of the Cassadines.

"Yes. He came in this morning," Mrs. Lansberry nods, disappearing into the dining room. Five minutes later, stefan comes out into the foyer.

"Lasha, this is a pleasant surprise. Come in. Join us for breakfast."

"Us?" Luke doesn’t like the sound of this.

"Yes. Nikolas, Lucky and their friends and the most adorable little girl. I’ll even tolerate you this morning Luke," Stefan nods and lightly touches Laura’s shoulder to lead her into the dining room. "Come. They are waiting."

Sure enough, Lucky Elizabeth, Beth, Nikolas and little Laura are seated around the table, drinking orange juice and nibbling on croissants. Lucky was in the mist of trying to get his sister to take a bite of the fluffy pastry.

"We have guests children," Stefan announced. Lucky looks up at his parents in shock. Wyndemere in the morning was the last place he’d expect them.

"Morning Cowboy," Luke greets his son.

"Dad. Mom. I’m surprised to see you here."

"So this is the little lady I haven’t had the chance to meet," Earl kneels before little Laura. "Hi there. I’m an old friend of your brother here. Just call me big Earl."

Laura just nods, shyly.

"She’s not used to stangers," Beth smiled. She remembered Big Earl from way back.

"Have a seat. All of you," Stefan motions towards the remaining chairs. Earl sat between Lucky and Luke and of course Laura sat between Luke and Stefan. Which made an ackward position.

"So Vlad. Any word from the momma bat?" Luke opens up his napkin.

"Helena has been on one of those extended carribean cruises. She’s not expected back until later in the year thank god."

"Who’s Helena?" Beth asked curiously.

"You don’t want to know," Lucky smiled at his friend. "Let’s just say that I don’t know who’s worse. The McCoy’s or Helena Cassadine."

"Speaking of which Uncle, when can we get a hold of Alexis. We need her legal expertise as soon as possible," Nikolas turns to Stefan.

"I called for her this morning when I got back so we can look over some papers. She should be arriving any minute now," Stefan looks at his watch.

"Sorry I’m late!" Alexis rushes into the dining room, brief case in hand. "Ned insisted on a early morning back rub and you know how hard those are to refuse." She stops in midstride when she sees the full table of people staring at her. "Well Stefan, I see you have company. How unusual."

"Alexis we’re glad you’re here," Nikolas stands up. Lucky and I need to talk to you."

"About?"

"Custody hearings," Lucky stands next to his brother. "Can we talk about this in private please?"

"Sure. You two follow me into Stefan’s office. I’m sure Mrs.Lansberry will keep everything warm for you."

Lucky and Nikolas nods and follows her out of the dining room.

Once alone in Stefan’s office, Alexis turns to them. "Okay spill. Tell me what this is all about? What custody hearing and for who?"

"Well you know that Luke and Laura aren’t legally my parents right?" Lucky asked.

"Of course. But what does this have to do with anything. As I understood it, today’s your eighteenth year. You can live wherever you want."

"Sure, I can. But my little sister can’t. If the McCoy’s show up, she’ll have to go back with them and that’s not something I’m willing to let happen without a fight. I want to know is there anyway I can get custody of her, or at least a restraining order against the McCoy’s."

Alexis looks at Lucky in disbelief. She definitely didn’t believe what she was hearing. "You want custody of that little girl in there?" Alexis furrows her brow. "Let me tell you now Lucky. It’ll be next to impossible to do. You’ve only been eighteen years of age for a day. Plus you have no job and no house. No judge will give you guardianship of that girl.

"Well…how about Nikolas?"

"Too young," Alexis shakes her head.

"Well then what are we going to do!? Alexis she can’t go back with them. They’ll kill her," Lucky replied.

"Well if you write down your statement now, and find a responsible adult to claim temporary custody, I can move for a order to remove the child from that home by late this afternoon. What do you think?"

"Excellent!" Nikolas smiles widely.

"One problem though. Where are we going to find that responsible adult? My mom and dad already have their plate full with Leslie Lu and Aunt Bobbie has Lucas to protect. We need to find someone with the means of not only taking care of Laura, but protecting her as well."

"I got it!" Nikolas’s face lights up. "Stefan! Stefan can claim temporary custody!"

"Nikolas are you crazy? Stefan?"

"Well why not? He has the means to take care and protect her. And he may not show it, but he’s great with little kids. Come on Lucky, give me a reason why not?"

"He’s a Cassadine and dad will have a cow."

"So? What’s more important? Your dad’s little feud or Laura’s safety?"

Lucky stares at Nikolas for a minute then nods his head. "Ok. Fine. We’ll ask Stefan to take custody of Laura. But Nikolas if anything should happen to her while under his care…"

"Don’t worry. Nothing will. Now come on. Let’s go talk to him about it," Nikolas guides Lucky back into the dining room where everyone is waiting expectantly for them.

"Well Alexis, what’s the deal here," Luke squirms in his seat and scoots closer to the table.

Lucky and Nikolas nervously look at one another and Alexis looks straight at Stefan. She already decided that she’ll handle asking Stefan to take Laura in to make it easier on the boys. "Well…since Lucky’s now a legal adult, the McCoy’s have no say over him. But as for little Laura there…that’s a different story. I’m going to have to go to a judge and ask him to remove Laura from that home and place her in a suitable protective environment."

"That’s easy. We’ll take the girl in!" Luke sets up. "She can share a room with Lu!"

"Well actually dad…we were thinking of a place a little more spacious and less obvious," Lucky clears his throat.

Luke looks at his son questioningly. "Where are you getting at here Cowboy?"

Alexis turns to Stefan. "Stefan…we were thinking…maybe you can take Laura in."

"Me?" Stefan asked, his face revealing no emotion.

"Yes you. You have enough room, you’re responsible. You have the means to protect Laura, you’re rich…and plus you have the softest spot for little children. I remember how gentle you were with Nikolas when he was that age…" Alexis quickly explains.

"And you’re great with Lulu," Big Laura chimes in.

"And have my Cowboy’s sister living in Dracula’s castle?" Luke stands up. "I don’t think so."

"I’ll be delighted to take the child in," Stefan smiles over at Luke. This was a chance to get under Spencer’s skin, plus having the child live here may give him more chances to spend time with Nikolas.

"This isn’t your decision dad," Lucky stares straight at his father. "This is not about your feud with Stefan. It’s about what’s best for Laura and right now, I think Stefan is the best for her. He’s a lot better than Calvin McCoy."

"And what does the little cowgirl think about this?" Luke folds his arms.

Lucky looks at Laura who is just playing with her food. He bends down on one knee and makes her look at him. "Laura…how do you like it here at Wyndemere? Did you like the horses Nikky took you out to see yesterday?"
Laura eagerly nods. "He even gave me a pony. Snowflake," Laura smiled.

Lucky glances at his brother for a second and goes back to talking to Laura. "Laura…how would you like to stay here with Snowflake for a while? Have this be your permanent home?"

Laura’s blue eyes grow as round as saucers, and her eyes light up with happiness. "Really?"

Lucky nods.

"Can you and Nikky and Beth and Lizabeth stay here with me?"
"Uh…that’s up to Stefan over there," Lucky glances at his brother.

"Of course I can stay here. If it makes you happy," Nikolas smiled. "And I’m sure Lucky can stay too. Can’t ya bro?"
Lucky looks at Nikolas as if he’s asking him if he’s totally lost his mind. "That’s up to Stefan Nikolas," Lucky said glancing at Luke, knowing that he was pushing the envelope. Luke would rather die a hundred deaths then have Lucky stay at Wyndemere with Stefan and Nikolas.

Stefan spots the opportunity to really get under Luke’s skin and jumps for it. "Of course, Lucky’s perfectly welcomed to stay. In fact, I’ll have Mrs. Lansberry make up a room right now."

Seeing how red her husband’s face was getting Laura takes the little girl’s hand. "Laura, why don’t you take me outside and show me snowflake? Would you like that?"

"Can Beth and Lizbeth come?" little Laura asked.

"Of course. Come you two. Let’s go see Laura’s horse," Laura leads the three kids outside, leaving Nikolas, Alexis, Earl, Luke, Stefan, and Lucky alone.

"Like hell my son will stay with you!" Luke explodes, knocking the chair over as he stands.

"I think that’s Lucky’s decision," Stefan crosses his arms and look over at Lucky who’s just staring at Luke. "What do you want Lucky?"

"Stefan if you think you can get away…," Luke gets up in Stefans face before Lucky can answer.

"I think staying here is a good idea for the time being dad. Laura doesn’t know Stefan and it’s best if she has someone familiar stay with her."

"There’s Nikolas."

"He doesn’t know her all that well either," Lucky sighed. "Dad, I know you hate this, but for right now that’s how it’s gotta be. Laura’s safety takes top priority."

Luke sighs in defeat. Cowboy was right. "Fine. Stay here with Vlad and company. But never forget first and foremost you’re…"

"Laura’s big brother," Lucky smiled just as big Laura and the children come back in. "Is everything settled?"

"Yes. Cowboy will be staying here with Laura and Nikolas," Luke sighed aggravated.

"I’ll go and make the arrangements with the judge right now. Stefan come with me. You’re going to need to sign the necessary papers," Alexis gathers up her briefcase and heads for the door. "Nikolas, have Mrs. Lansberry to make a room up for our guests in the East Wing. No use having all of you banished to the other side of the house now is there?" Stefan replies before following Alexis out the door.

Lucky looks over at his parents and smiles gratefully. He knew just how hard it was to trust Stefan Cassadine and he was grateful. "Dad, everything will be okay. We’re safe here."

"I know cowboy. I know. I just wish it was my place you felt safe at. Not Vlad’s castle."

Little Laura tugs on Lucky’s sleeve and looks up at him with innocent eyes. "Who’s Vlad?"
Everyone burst out laughing at the question. "No one to worry about darling," Luke laughed.

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