5
It was a hot day in Port Charles. The kind of day that makes you just want to stay indoors, sipping on a cool glass of lemonade. That was what Portia was doing when Elizabeth and Lucky arrived. Everything was civil at first. Lucky and Elizabeth nodded hello as Nikolas came out, claiming to need Lucky’s help with computer. It was when Lucky and Nikolas disappeared upstairs that things fell apart.
Portia sat there staring at the tv, not really interested in making conversation, but Elizabeth couldn’t stand just sitting there, saying nothing. Besides, this was Lucky’s sister. They should get to know each other better.
"So…how are you liking Port Charles so far?" Elizabeth asked.
"Portia snorted. "Too many Spencers."
Elizabeth couldn’t help but laugh. "That’s funny coming from a Spencer."
"Don’t call me that," Portia’s voice turned cold. "I’m not a filthy Spencer. Grandmother assured me of that."
"The Spencer’s aren’t filthy and your grandmother was a murderer," Elizabeth said, matter of fact like.
"Like Luke Spencer isn’t…no wait, he’s a rapist. I wonder which is worse."
"What’s going on in here?" Lucky asked, entering the room with Nikolas.
"Oh nothing. Portia and I were just discussing things," Elizabeth went into Lucky’s arms. "Did you and Nikolas get everything worked out?"
"Yeah. He just had a virus that needed to be cleared out. Everything should be fine no," Lucky kissed her tenderly. "Nikolas, if you have any problems, call me."
"Sure thing," Nikolas grinned, but inwardly frowned as he noticed the tension between Portia and Elizabeth.
"We better go," Elizabeth tugged on Lucky’s hand, tired of being in the same house as Portia. Sadly, she didn’t care much for Lucky’s newly found sister.
"Sure," Lucky smiled at her. "Later Nikolas," He waved, leading Elizabeth out.
"Ugh, I can’t stand her," Portia took another sip of lemonade. "Can you believe she was defending the Spencers and calling Grandmother a murderer?"
Nikolas sighed. He knew there was tension between Elizabeth and Portia. He also knew that Portia had a lot of resentment towards the Spencers, especially Luke. She couldn’t understand that Helena was evil and she had hurt a lot of people. Maybe it was time that someone explained it to her.
"Portia…you have to understand. Helena didn’t only hurt the Spencer family…she’s hurt a lot of other people too. You already know what she did to your mother. Then there was what she did to me and my mother…Portia, she’s hurt about everyone in town! Not just the Spencers!
"If you want some good advice, forget about Helena and all she’s taught you and start accepting the Spencer side of your family. I have."
"Well…that’s you. But I can’t do that Nikolas. I’ve already betrayed her once. I can’t do it again. Don’t ask me to," Portia sighed, looking down at her hands.
"Portia, she’s dead. Believe me, Helena can care less if you even hug Luke and give him a kiss. Listen, Luke is the only father you have and despite it all, he’s a pretty good one. Stop moping about Helena and get to know your family."
"Are you done?"
"…I guess."
"Good. I’m going to take a nap," Portia got to her feet and headed up to her room. Nikolas watched her go, kind of understanding why she was the way she was, yet totally confused. Why couldn’t she accept the Spencer side like he had? But then again…Luke wasn’t his father and did take a while to get used to. Maybe all Portia needed was time and a whole lot of patience.
~*~
Elizabeth laid in bed staring up at the ceiling, thinking of how much she truly disliked Portia. It wasn’t fair. The girl ended up with a family like the Spencers and she didn’t appreciate them. Not the way Elizabeth did. Not Lucky, not Luke…it just wasn’t fair.
"Just think sweetie, in a couple of weeks, we’ll be married and living in New York," Lucky returned from his shower. Elizabeth couldn’t help but notice how the water on his face made the blue stand out in his eyes.
"I can’t wait," she smiled at the thought. Yes, in a couple of weeks, the family Portia had been lucky enough to be born into will also be hers. She’ll become Mrs. Lucky Spencer. She couldn’t help but smile at the thought.
"Thank you," he whispered in her ear as he climbed into the bed and pulled her body against his.
"For what?" She looked at him confused. She didn’t recall doing anything terribly important.
"For making Portia a bridesmaid. I know you don’t really care for her much. What you’re doing is greatly appreciated."
Elizabeth’s answer was an uncomfortable silence. She didn’t deserve Lucky’s gratitude, nor his love. Maybe that was why Portia showed up. To push Elizabeth out of what she wanted more then anything in the world, but didn’t really deserve. To push her out of Lucky and the Spencer’s lives.
Sensing her mood, Lucky stared into her eyes, his breath soft and gentle against her face. He pulled her even closer. "What’s wrong Sweetie. Tell me."
Elizabeth sighed, leaning her head against his chest to listen to his heartbeat. "It’s not important."
"Not important? Of course it’s important. Everything you feel is important to me."
"It’s Portia Lucky. I…I…I don’t like her. I’ve tried. I really have. But she’s so rude Lucky, especially to Luke and her loyalty to Helena is ridiculous. It’s not fair that she gets to be a member of your family while I’m stuck with a family that would rather forget that I even exist," Elizabeth frowned. "I know. I’m being a big baby."
"No. No, you’re not being a baby at all. I understand what you’re saying. You feel like Portia is pushing you out. Am I right?"
Avoiding his eyes, Elizabeth nodded. As always, Lucky had read her mind.
"But she’s not pushing you out baby; your place in the family and my heart is set in stone. You know my parents and Aunt love you. In fact, you’re already an honorary Spencer. Our wedding is just making it official. And as far as Portia goes, don’t worry. She can never push you out of the family. I’m sorry she’s made you feel this way…"
"No Lucky…it’s not her. It’s me. You know how insecure I am. Sure, I’m not as bad as when I first came to town, but I still have my moments."
"That’s why you have me," Lucky kissed her forehead. "To make sure those insecurities don’t drag you down."
Elizabeth laughed, her love for him deepening. She really couldn’t wait to be Mrs. Lucas Lorenzo Spencer Jr. To be part of Lucky forever.
"I love you Lucky," She closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep.
~*~
Later that night, Elizabeth woke up incredibly thirsty. After drinking a cool glass of water, she returned to bed and tried to drift back to sleep. But all attempts stopped when Lucky started mummbling.
"Protect your queen. Kill…death to Spencers…Helena…no…"
She placed a steady hand on his shoulder and he quieted down, seemingly returning to a normal slumber. She was going to talk with Nikolas tomorrow. They were going to have to do something. Drifting back to sleep, Elizabeth told herself that everything was going to be fine. Nothing serious was wrong with Lucky. He was just having a nightmare. But soon they’ll be married and heading for New York, leaving the nightmares behind them.