The Flower Series
by Sue

August - Dandelions (happiness)

The travel agent had lots of ideas for our vacation, from the Caribbean to the South Seas, from Rio to Tokyo, in within a few days we were inundated with brochures and booklets. Sitting there on Saturday afternoon, snug and comfortable in the corner of the couch, I poured over countless resorts and vacation spots. After a while I at least narrowed it down between the beach or the mountains when Sonny started showing me pictures of a beautiful villa on a lake nestled in even more beautiful mountains. French doors, balconies, and floor to ceiling views of the lake - that was the place - serene and lovely.

"Book it."

Sonny laughed. "Since when have you ever made decisions that quickly? Book it? You don't even know where it is."

"I don't care. It's beautiful and I want to be there. Now. Book it!"

"But there's this other spot that's more tropical..."

"I don't care - book this one."

"Aren't you curious? Don't you even want to know where you're going?"

"Yes. No. Yes. No. Surprise me. I just know that that's the spot."

Sonny picked up the phone and called the travel agent. "Cozette, Sonny Corinthos. We've decided. Uh huh. Right. Two weeks with an option for a month. Right. Thanks." He turned to me grinning like a fool. "We're set. We leave tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? I can't possible leave tomorrow. There's too much to do. I've got to pack and shop, and my gosh, KD. We have to get her ready - make sure it's ok to travel, and where is this anyway, do we need passports? I have one, but KD doesn't, and if we're going out of the country she'll need one. You just can't get one like that you know..."

"Breathe, Alexis. It's all taken care of. I got KD's passport a while back. She's good to go. And you can shop there."

"Wait a minute - you got KD a passport without consulting me? How? You can't do that - it takes both of us. And you didn't tell the agent where we chose. How did she know? How did she already have it set up? This was where you wanted to go to all along didn't you? You had already planned this. You and that Cozette person." I was steamed. I had been railroaded into a vacation I hadn't wanted into a place I didn't even know where it was. "Well that settles it. I'm not going until I know exactly where this place is and why you chose it first."

"Lake Como," Sonny said with a grin wider than an airplane hanger.

"And where precisely is Lake Como?"

He handed me another brochure, which I snatched, out of his hands with a vengeance. I ripped it popping it open and began to read and began to tear up. That's how in no time at all we on our way to Northern Italy - to Milan to see Stefan and let him become acquainted with his lively and beautiful niece. I could not remember when I had been so excited. Stefan, while not exactly thrilled to learn of my pregnancy, sent the most beautiful layette set when KD was born, with an accompanying note that said it had been his. We had talked monthly and kept in touch via emails and letters, but had not seen each other since the day he left Port Charles. As soon as I had hugged Sonny to within an inch of his life I called Stefan who was not at all surprised. In fact, he said that dinner would be ready tomorrow night. I hadn't mentioned time frame to him.

I'd been hoodwinked again. Damn men.

Less than twenty-four hours later Sonny's jet was making it's slow way down the runway of the Malpensa airport to Stefan's waiting limo. As we taxied to a halt and I looked out the window at my brother, I don't ever remember seeing such a look of pure joy on his face. The door was barely open with the stairs extended when he came bounding into the cabin with a stuffed rabbit for KD.

"Alexis, I cannot express how joyous an occasion it is to have you and my niece spending time with me." He quickly kissed my cheeks and looked around. "Where is young Kristina? I am most anxious to make the acquaintance of the youngest member of the Cassadine family."

"Cassadine/Corinthos family" came a voice from behind Stefan who turning, came face to face with Sonny. "And what about me? Aren't you happy to see me?"

"Ah, Corinthos. May I offer my thanks for prodding my beloved but errant sister into visiting her poor expatriate elder sibling?"

"Errant sister? Poor expatriate sibling? Sonny, did you bring the hip boots so I could wade thru all this malarkey?"

"You forgot elder," smiled Stefan.

"I'm granting you that one, big brother. Stefan I would have hoped that getting out of the family business would have loosened you up a touch but I'm afraid there's no hope for old royalty." I laughed as I pulled him into a bear hug. "God, I've missed you. I guess it's up to your beautiful niece to break down the stuffy facade that would be her poor Uncle Stefan."

At that precise moment KD let loose with a howl letting it be known that her absence in this reunion was not appreciated one bit, so Sonny retrieved her from the car seat she was still strapped into from the landing. "Sweetie, I'm sorry. Mommy and Daddy forgot all about you. KD honey, this is your Uncle Stefan. He may look tough but underneath that cold hard exterior lies a heart of pure steel."

Stefan, who had been stroking KD's head of just emerging hair let loose with a full-fledged laugh that startled KD at first, then sent her grinning. She immediately put her arms out for Stefan to take her, which he gladly did. So that's how we exited the plane and the waiting limo - Sonny and I taking up the rear. The trip to Bellagio, the village in which Stefan's villa was located, was breathtaking. I could not get my fill of cobblestone streets, winding alleys, lace curtains gently billowing out of windows and some of the most magnificent villas I've ever encountered. Lake Como itself, on which Bellagio was located, was a study in calendar photos and travel brochures, with it's crisp blue waters and villas dotting the shore, all with the snowy Alps dotting the background.

The car deposited us in front of a stunning white stucco and stone villa overlooking the lake. Looking up, I saw a large flowered terrace leading to the front doors, and balconies in front of at least a half dozen French doors on three floors. Stefan proudly announced, "You should see the sights from the other side of the villa...all the suites overlook the lake." Already I was dreading the day I had to return to Port Charles.

We climbed the beautifully landscaped terrace steps and entered a magnificent entrance hall with terrazzo floors - it was open, light and airy - not at all what I had expected after Spoon Island and the Cassadine Island residence. I must have been gaping because Stefan extended his arms wide and twirled around devilishly.

"Not what you expected, Alexis? I hope it is a pleasant surprise. When I said I was leaving Port Charles to re-examine my life and it's priorities, I meant it. The life of Prince Stefan Cassadine, heir to that dark fortune of ill gotten gains has been shed and that of Stefano Cassadine, vintner, was born."

Sonny nodded appreciatively as he slipped his arm around my waist and gave a little hug. "Darkness wears on you. If it hadn't been for KD and Alexis I don't know where I'd be right now, but I guarantee it wouldn't be anywhere good. They saved me." KD took that tender moment in time to grab my earring and practically yank my ear lobe off. My ensuing scream startled my darling daughter and she began to wail as she reached for her father.

Stefan was chuckling as he led us up the wide, curved staircase. "I've taken the liberty of placing the three of you in the newly remodeled master apartment where I'm sure you'll be quite comfortable." My eyebrows were raised at Sonny as I mouthed, "I'm going to kill you", when Stefan opened the doors at the top of the stairs to expose a room larger than my entire apartment. He quickly strode across the vast expanse of room to the left where he opened three doors in a wide hallway.

"Alexis, your room is to the far right, Sonny, you're on the left, and KD's nursery is in the middle with connecting doors to both of your suites. Each of the larger rooms has it's own private bath and sitting area. Alexis, I've placed bathing items for the baby in your bathroom." Walking back down the hall before we could even inspect our rooms, Stefan went on. "As you can see, the living area is ample and to the left is a fully equipped private kitchen should you care to prepare meals here. Just let the staff know what supplies you'll need. All the phones are labeled so you may connect to any other room in the villa as well as dial out. I have asked cook to prepare a light meal for all of us tonight, but after that, you are on holiday. There is a car and limo at your service for shopping and sightseeing, the pool area is..."

Stefan suddenly stopped and laughed at the stunned look on my face and made his way to the door.

"I shall save the rest for our casual dinner at seven. Alexis. Sonny. Enjoy your stay." He backed out, closing the double doors behind him and I immediately turned on Sonny.

"Just how long have the two of you been plotting and planning this little holiday as my dear brother called it?" I gave Sonny no chance to answer, but plowed ahead full steam. "Obviously quite a while since he had a chance to remodel and get supplies and toys for the baby. Just what would you two have done had I insisted on a trip to the South Pacific?" I picked KD up from the thick, creamy carpet she had been crawling on and took her into my room slamming the door with a vengeance. It was the Cassadine in me coming to the forefront, but I was hoping Sonny would chalk it up to PMS. It might help to keep him at bay in such close quarters.

Dinner was lovely and totally informal. The cook had arranged a tray of parma, proscuitto, and wonderful Italian cheeses and olives, along with much fresh fruit and an absolutely incredible wine. My first sip found me sighing appreciatively, earning a broad smile from Stefan. "You like? It's one of mine."

"That's right. You were telling us you were a vintner when KD decided to pull my ear off."

"I am. I bought the vineyard strictly as an amusement when I first moved here, but it quickly became a passion of mine. Right now I only have a passable white but we're experimenting with reds. I'd like very much to show you the vineyard during your stay."

KD banged her fistful of green beans on the high chair tray and jabbered loudly.

"I'll take that as a yes."

~*~*~

We spent several idyllic weeks lolling around and doing nothing much at all except what we felt like doing on any given day. Stefan's vineyard was small but very impressive; he hoped to sell 150 cases next year. We spent a lot of time swimming, relaxing, and catching up with Stefan, as well as admiring the most beautiful view. My stuffy brother had loosened considerably since leaving Port Charles and KD totally adored her uncle nearly as much as he adored her. Stefan and Sonny had evidently spent some time together on the phone before our trip because they were not at all ill at ease with each other - in fact, they quickly became the butt of each other's practical jokes, causing no end of amusement for me and Stefan's staff. The wonder of all wonders however was Stefan's lady friend, Gina. She was the daughter of the family from whom he had purchased the vineyard and continued to help run the day-to-day operation.

In Gina I found a true sister, even if she was the cause of almost bankrupting me one of my first days in Italy. We left KD in the care of the guys and took the car into Milan for a shopping spree on one of the most expensive streets in the world - Via Montenapoleone; the site of Mila Schon where I bought a yummy double sided cashmere sweater, Versace who had a black strapless ball gown I had to talk myself out of buying but did indulge in a few shirts for Sonny, and Ferragamo where I bought the most incredible cobalt blue handbag and matching shoes. I found some vintage 1932 cufflinks for Sonny at Cartier, I fell in love with an engraved watch and ending up buying it at Buccellati, and then there was Faraone Tiffany where Gina and I picked out engagement and wedding rings like schoolgirls would do. I love my brother dearly, but decided I couldn't afford to visit him too often but would just have to make an exception if he planned on keeping Gina around. We were two of a kind.

Waking up every morning to the beautiful sight of the lake and the Alps behind them was akin to a dream; knowing every night that Sonny was a mere two rooms away was akin to a nightmare. I was trusting myself less and less, and his gentle kisses and nuzzling were no help. Why is it that when you need a man to be a cad so you can be truly mad at him, he's always at his best? I began to wonder if Sonny ever slept because each morning as I went out onto my balcony he would be sitting on his, reading the paper and drinking coffee. The moment he saw that I was up and about, he'd be over with a steaming cup of barbarjada - chocolate and coffee - my new favorite morning drink. We'd sit and talk about what to do that day until the little one would wake up and we'd get going. The sightseeing was incredible - first there was the countryside itself, dotted with the most stunning villas in the world. Then there was the little matter of Milan - full of churches, a castle, museums - all laden with some of the world's most famous pieces of art; Botticelli's Madonna with Child, Pieta Rondanini - Michelangelo's last sculpture, Caravaggio's, Bellini's, Bergonone's, Mantegna's - to quote Sonny, Milan had culture out the ol' wazoo. I even dragged him to Teatro Alla Scalla the most famous lyric theater in all the world. Stefan had made quite an impression in Milan and the surrounding area with his donations and charitable works, and was able to arrange a private viewing of the fresco of The Last Supper, which was on a wall of the refectory in a former Dominican's convent. It was truly breathtaking - even KD was totally silent while we were there.

One Monday, the day before we ended our month long stay, the five of us decided to take a picnic to the lake. Gina and I took KD to the market at Piazza Mirabello in Milan while Stefan and Sonny took off in another direction, agreeing to meet us back at the market in an hour's time. By noon we were enjoying our repast at leisure accompanied by Stefan's house wine Casa d'Ine Big House White. Hokey, but so like my brother's new found joie d'vivre. KD had been trying hard to walk and had spent some time standing all alone, but the uneven ground hampered her efforts and she gave up, proceeding to crawl all over the thick expanse of grass. Since she was being carefully watched and encouraged by her father and uncle, Gina and I wandered down to the lake to talk privately.

"Alexis," Gina began in her thickly accented English. "Stefano, last night he asked me to marry him. I told him I would only if you approved." My squeal as I grabbed Gina and jumped up and down was loud enough to reach the men who were some distance off. Stefan, apparently knowing what Gina was saying grinned and pounded Sonny on the back. "Does it meet with your approval?"

"How can you even ask? Of course I approve. I insist! You and Italy have been the best things that ever happened to my brother."

We ran back up the lake bank to where Sonny and Stefan were watching KD play in a patch of yellow flowers. I flung my arms around Stefan as I kissed his cheek and told him how happy I was for him and Gina. Ever the gallant knight, Stefan reached into his pocket and placed on Gina's finger the very ring she had picked out weeks earlier on our shopping expedition. The rest of our picnic was spent in discussing wedding plans and our trip back to Bellagio for the big event. When we arrived I knew I never wanted to leave, and now I had even more reason to return.

Our goodbyes the next morning were sad and as the plane took off I cried. Sonny was giving KD a bottle so her ears would be OK and as soon as she was finished and asleep, he unbuckled and came over to the couch where I was curled up.

"It's OK, honey. We'll go back soon. I promise."

"I know, it's just that last time Stefan and I started to connect he left Port Charles, and this time we really did and I'm leaving Italy. Now he's getting married and will probably have children and KD won't have her cousins to play with as she grows up or her Uncle Stefan and Aunt Gina to visit whenever she wants to. I love my brother, Sonny; I don't want to be so far away. I miss him." He let me cry in his arms until I fell asleep.

When we got back to Port Charles Sonny got everything unloaded and into my apartment, we fed and bathed KD, got her down for the night and then we said our sweet goodbyes. As Sonny was about to leave to go home, he put his hand in his jacket pocket to get his keys and looked sheepishly at what he pulled out. It was a wad of dead, wilted dandelions, and he held them out to me.

"I picked them for you yesterday at the lake."

"Oooo kaaaaaay," I replied. "Thanks. I think." I stood there looking at my fistful of dead dandelions. "I'd get them in water, but I think they're past reviving, and anyway - aren't dandelions supposed to come from my daughter when she's three?"

"If you only knew. Let me enlighten you." Sonny walked back into the apartment and pulled me with him. "Dandelions are the flower of faithfulness and complete happiness and I can think of no better offering after our time at Stefan's. I have never had a more perfect time - alone or with someone, and I'll go so far as to say that that month was the happiest of my life. You, our daughter, beautiful scenery, an amiable host - a perfect month it was. I'm enjoying the happiest time of my life right now and it's all because of you." He kissed me gently. "I love you Alexis, and I know I always will. What's more important is that I'm in love with you and know I always will be." He traced my lips and cheek with his fingertip and then got up and opened the door. "I'll be patiently waiting, Alexis, just like I promised, but I think we've proven to each other how we feel and that it's for always. I just want always to start soon. I want to see you each morning when I wake up, and I want to see you each night as my eyes close. You. Not your picture, and not your image in my mind. I want us to be a family together, Alexis. Think about it."

He closed the door and left.

I fell asleep with a smile on my face thinking about it.

part 09