7
June 2, 1999
It’s been a full month and a half since Sly’s death, and since then Lucky had kept himself extremely busy helping Elizabeth get ready for their move to New York (after learning that she was accepted to the Academy) and preparing for graduation. He was greatly surprised to find out that he was selected as valedictorian of the graduating class. Even Luke was proud of the accomplishment. He stood in the mirror staring at his reflection decked out in the cap and gown. That night was the big night. High school was over and real life began.
"Looking good Cowboy," Luke stuck his head into the room. "Nervous?"
"As nervous as I’m ever going to be," Lucky turned around, a huge smile on his face. "Mom’s going to be there right?"
"Of course," Luke nodded. "Her, the Prince, and the stiff."
"Dad…" Lucky gave him a warning look. "You promised. Remember…"
"Be nice to Nikolas and Stefan. Just for tonight," Luke rolled his eyes. "Yes. I remember and don’t worry. I’m going to keep that promise. No bat jokes. But did you really have to invite Stefan?"
"He’s mom’s…friend. She wanted him there. What was I supposed to say? No because dad can’t resist bat jokes?"
"Your mother has weird taste in friends if you ask me," Luke snorted.
"Well so do you. Now come on. I have to be there an hour early remember?"
"You got your notes?" Luke arched a brow.
"Right here," Lucky held up the index cards, containing key points to his speech. "Let’s get out of here."
~*~
Two hours later, graduation was over and Spencer’s and friends filed into the deserted club, giddy with excitement. Luke immediately went to the jukebox and put on a cool mix of rhythm and blues. Something both Lucky and himself enjoyed.
The graduates stood in middle of the room, diplomas in hand. Lucky had one arm wrapped around Elizabeth and another around Emily as Nikolas took a picture.
"So how does it feel to be finally free," Emily asked, a little jealous that she had one more year to go before being done with school for good.
"Great," Lucky and Elizabeth said in unison.
"You know, it’s going to be weird at school now. I’m so used to seeing you in the halls and eating lunch with you. Next year…you won’t be there anymore. I won’t even see you around town."
"Hey we’ll be back to visit Em," Lucky playfully punched her arm.
"Toast!" Luke stood up on the stage, holding up a champagne glass, a little touch drunk from the brandy he had earlier. "To my very smart and wise son Lucky! May your life be full of happiness and love. Elizabeth, take care of my Cowboy in Manhattan. And if you ever need anything. Give me a call. Cheers!"
"Is he ever sober?" Nikolas frowned with disapproval.
"He’s just going through a hard time right now. Mom’s left him and I’ll be leaving in a few months…he’s taking it kind of hard," Lucky sighed.
"I’m telling you Laura, Luke could have at least remained sober during his son’s graduation and party," Stefan said as he followed Laura as she approached the small group.
"Congratulations," Laura hugged Lucky and Elizabeth. She looked at Lucky with great pride shining in her eyes. "My, you looked so handsome up there in that graduation gown and that speech was so wonderful…I am so proud of you."
"Thanks mom," Lucky smiled, noticing that she had brought Stefan after all. Luke was not going to be happy. "Stefan. Good to see you could make it."
"It’s good to be here. Thank you for the invitation," Stefan nodded. "Both Nikolas and Lasha are very proud of you."
"Laura! Her name is Laura!" Luke approached, staggering from the large amount of alcohol he had consumed. "Get it right Vlad!" He draped a heavy arm over Laura’s shoulder. "Isn’t that right Angel!"
"Luke, you’re drunk," Laura pushed h is arm away. "Can’t you even stay sober for one night? Our son’s graduation party?"
"You know how it is babe. We go together like…"
"Dad that’s enough," Lucky interrupted. "I think you should go upstairs and sleep it off."
"What? Leave my family to Vlad here? Tell him to get his own!"
"Ok, Dad. That’s it upstairs we go," Lucky grabbed his father’s arm and dragged him away. "I’ll be back," he winked at Elizabeth.
"I’ll be waiting," she watched him disappear up the stairs with his father.
"Spencer is a disgrace," Stefan snorted.
"Stefan please," Laura sighed, suddenly tired. She looked at Elizabeth and forced a smile. "I feel like I have to apologize for Luke. He’s ruined your party."
"Oh that’s quite alright Mrs. Spencer. I understand."
"Come Laura. Let’s enjoy some brandy before we go," Stefan led Laura away, leaving Nikolas and Liz alone to talk about nothing.
~*~
Lucky led his very drunk father to the bedroom and let him collapse onto the bed. He quickly got Luke’s shoes and jacket off and was about to leave the room when he heard a whisper.
"Dad?" he turned back to his father.
"Everyone’s leaving me," Luke’s voice was choked with tears. "Everyone’s left me alone. My wife is gone and so is my son."
"No dad. I’m here and I’m still here," Lucky went to his father and took his hand.
"Come August you won’t be," Luke sighed. "You’ll be gone. Just like your mother>"
Lucky stared at his father sadly. He knew that the move to New York was a surprise to his father, but he didn’t know just how upset Luke really was.
"So that’s why you’re doing this to yourself?" Lucky asked, taking a seat at the edge of the bed.
"I don’t want to lose my family. Your mother and Lulu are living with Vlad and you’re leaving Port Charles. What’s there to be happy about?"
"Dad, you’re not losing me. I’m not even moving that far away. I’ll be visiting so much, it’ll see like I’m still here. You’ll get sick of seeing my ugly face."
Luke smiled sadly, touching Lucky’s face. His love for his son clearly in his eyes. "Your face is not ugly and I’ll never get tired of looking at it. You’re the best thing I’ve ever done. You’re the good parts of both your mother and I."
Lucky smiled, pulling a blanket over Luke. "Get some sleep Dad. I’ll take care of things downstairs."
"Cowboy, I’m sorry. I’ve ruined your party."
"No you didn’t dad. It’s still in full swing. Hear the music down there? Everyone’s having a good time. Now go to sleep."
"You’re a good boy," Luke whispered before drifting off.
Taking one last glance at his father, Lucky turned off the lights and shut the door as he returned to the party.
~*~
It’s half past midnight and the party was long over. Elizabeth and Lucky sat at the counter after cleaning up the last of the party. She yawned, worn out from the long day, but strangely she wasn’t ready to leave just yet and neither did Lucky.
"It’s so strange," she leaned against the counter, looking at her boyfriend. "No more PC high."
"I know. We’re free at last," Lucky smiled. The smile faded as he thought of his deceased cousin. "Sly should have been there too. We used to talk about graduation. He had so many hopes and dreams."
"Lucky, don’t think about that."
"I can’t help it Elizabeth. He should be here celebrating with the rest of us," Lucky sighed, picking up his graduation cap off the counter, wrapping the tassel around his fingers.
"I believe he was. Not in the physical sense, but…you know what I mean."
"Yes I do," Lucky’s eyes lit up with an idea. "Come on, follow me," he grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the diner.
~*~
The cemetery was dark and deserted. Lucky held Elizabeth’s hand tightly I his own as they moved among the tombstones, in search of one that was recently dug. It’s been almost two months since Sly’s funeral and this is Lucky’s first time visiting the grave since that day.
"Lucky. What are we doing here?" Elizabeth asked.
"I need to do something for Sly. Give him what he would’ve gotten today if he hadn’t died."
Elizabeth frowned. She wasn’t liking the sound of this. "Lucky…what are you talking about?"
"Here we are," Lucky came to a stop in front of a new white tombstone, Sly’s name engraved in the granite. "Sly."
He knelt before the tombstone and traced Sly’s name with his finger tips. "Hey Cuz. I don’t know if you can hear me where you’re at or not. I know I haven’t been here since the funeral and I’m sorry. Things have been pretty wild. Prom, getting ready for the big move to New York, and graduation. Hey guess what. I made valedictorian. Who’d have thought huh? You should have been there Sly. You should have been and if it wasn’t for me and my family…you would have been. I can’t describe how sorry I am for that Sly. I know that doesn’t make up for anything. But I hope it helps, because you above anyone else deserves it," Lucky drapes the tassel from his cap over the tombstone. The class year was in plain view. "Congratulations Sly. You’re an official P.C. High graduate."
Elizabeth knelt beside Lucky, a tear slipping from her eyes. "I think your cousin would be proud of you Lucky. Proud and touched. I know I am."
"What would I do without you?" He looked into his eyes meaningfully.
"You’ll never have to find out," she gently kissed him before getting to her feet. "Are you ready to go? I don’t like dark cemeteries at night. They give me the creeps."
"Aw come on. You can’t tell me you’re afraid. Of a quiet little cemetary?" Lucky smirked, amusement was bright in his blue eyes.
"At night I am," Elizabeth shrugged, feeling like a baby. "Don’t make fun of me."
Seeing the start of tears in her eyes, Lucky wrapped an arm around her. "Making fun of you is something I would never do sweetie. Ever," he kissed her again, this time letting his lips linger on hers for a few seconds.
"I love you," she leaned her head against his shoulder.
"I love you too sweetie," he led her out of the cemetery, his grief over Sly now having closure.