After
realizing the family she regained was only a dream, Alexis settled
back sadly into Cameron's arms and attempted to sleep. Her unvoiced
hope was to recapture her dream once more, that feeling of love
and comfort and peace so alien to her since the death of her Mother
but that once again breathed into vivid life again within the embrace
of the dream. A dream so wondrous and real, she could reach out
and touch the souls she had lost, even the daughter whose embrace
she longs for and has been continually denied. They say the mind
can play tricks when one is at lowest ebb, this one was the dirtiest
and most unfair of all.
But sleep was elusive, the dream more so and no matter how hard
she concentrated on the images that were seared into her mind, the
realm of dreams remained silent as a tomb. Now morning had broken
as the sun shone brightly through the cabin windows painting rainbows
on the blanket that covered them. She lay wide-awake nestled in
Cameron's arms, afraid to move lest she wake him. It had been a
restless night for her but more so for him as he tried to comfort
the sadness in her heart and failed miserably. He deserved as much
rest as he could get before they faced the world again.
The chirp of a cellular phone broke the silence around them and
Cameron woke up instantly, his head bumping against hers.
"What the hell?" he yawned as he reached over to the jacket
on the chair and grabbed his phone.
Alexis nervously whispered, "Who is it?"
He checked the caller ID that indicated it was "restricted"
and shrugged.
"Cameron Lewis," he intoned.
He glanced at Alexis before he answered the caller. "Yes, Judge
Farmer, what can I do for you?"
Alexis looked stricken as he caressed her cheek.
"Hmmmmm... I see... oh really... yes, I can be in your chambers
by 10:00a.m. Ms. Davis? Yes, I will advise her and have her there
also. Will Mr. Ashton also be there? I see. Yes, thank you."
He clicked the phone off and settled back on the pillow with a confused
expression on his face.
Alexis got out of bed and paced as she laughed bitterly, "What
did the incompetent judge-for-hire bitch want? Don't tell me...
she heard about our little road trip to Porky's last night. I'll
just bet you that sheriff who caught us fooling around in the parking
lot is her poker buddy and called her with all the gory details
and now not only am I crazy and an unfit mother, I'm also a tramp
who makes love in cars..."
"Alexis, take a breath or you are going to pass out. All she
said is she wanted to see you, me and Ned in her chambers at 10:00
a.m. Don't automatically assume that it is bad news, you always
do that."
"Unlike the many things that happened in the last year that
were good news? Well, I can count that on one hand."
He grabbed her hand as she paced next to the bed and kissed it.
"I hope that I am part of that one handed count."
She stopped and exhaled and gave him a slight dimpled smile. "Maybe."
"Well that's something if not totally convincing."
"What do you think this is about?"
"Alexis, if I knew I'd be the first to tell you. Let's get
back to town so we can shower and change. Unless you want to appear
before the dishonorable judge with rib sauce on your shirt..."
She looked down and smiled at the memory of last night. He always
surprised her with places where she found something new to appreciate
and ended up making her appreciate him even more. A nefarious and
underhanded plan on his part but she had to admit it was working.
"Fine. I wouldn't want the good judge to get jealous. I thought
I saw her cast an appreciative eye in your direction."
"Heaven forbid!" he laughed as he held open the cabin
door.
* * *
Alexis sat quietly with her hands in her lap and tried to keep her
body from collapsing from exhaustion and fear. She did not have
a good feeling about this meeting but couldn't think of anything
she did, except last night when she got a bit crazy, that would
require a meeting. And why with Cameron since he wasn't her shrink
or anything in this case. She glanced over at Ned who looked decidedly
nervous. He arrived with Skye but she was banned from the chambers
as a "uninvolved party" and that did not sit well with
her. Alexis could still hear her arguing with the guard but to no
avail.
Goddess, she thought sourly, I hate that bitch.
Cameron was across the room looking out at the courtyard when Judge
Farmer entered. She quickly sat down and opened a folder on her
desk.
"Dr. Lewis, would you mind taking a seat?"
"Of course, your Honor," he replied as he took the chair
between Ned and Alexis.
"What IS that racket out there?" she inquired angrily
as she glared at the door.
Ned refused to speak up so Cameron did it for him. "Ah, that
would be a very unhappy Skye Quartermaine, your Honor."
The Judge looked sternly at Ned who cringed. "Mr. Ashton, what
is it about the concept of "you have nothing to do with this
case" that Ms. Quartermaine has such difficulty? She has no
legal rights here."
"But she has been caring for Kristina..."
"A child not her own by either blood or under the law. And
frankly, a nuisance and one which you do not need."
Alexis frowned as she looked over at Cameron. This was a very different
Judge Farmer and she wasn't sure yet whether that meant fair wind
or foul. She heard the door open behind her and made a face believing
Skye had finally knocked the guard unconscious and bullied her way
in. She was ready to object then remembered she had no right to
do much of anything in this courtroom.
"Sorry I am late, Judge Farmer, but I was detained procuring
a piece of information and I had to body block my way passed some
woman out there."
Judge Farmer tried to appear pleased to see him and was failing.
"This is Judge Mulcahey who has been...uh...appointed by the
state Chef Justice to...um... consult on this case due to its ....
uh... complicated nature."
As Judge Mulcahey walked over to consult with Judge Farmer, Alexis
saw Ned turn a ghastly shade of pasty white, leaned over and whispered
into Cameron's ear, "Consulting my French lace undies. I bet
the Chief Justice found out how dirty Nancy Farmer is and has appointed
a watchdog."
He whispered back, "This could be the day justice is finally
served."
Judge Mulcahey turned and looked over at each of them. "I won't
bore you with all the tenets of law which were not adhered to, the
egregious conduct on the part of all parties involved at one time
or another or other actions that have impacted this case."
At the last statement, he looked down at Judge Farmer who had the
good grace to look guilty.
"The Chief Justice requested that I look into this case and
relay back to her all the facts in evidence. I enlisted the assistance
of a private investigator who researched every claim, every instance,
each action including those that led to the death of Luis Alcazar
and the subsequent decision by Ms. Davis to try to hoodwink the
judicial system by faking a mental condition. Ms. Davis..."
She tried to look blase but was stunned. "Yes, your Honor?"
"You have never practiced in my courtroom but I am aware of
your reputation and as such I must ask. Your actions always indicated
a belief in due process and the fairness and integrity of the judicial
system. What changed your mind? And for the record, your answer
will have no impact on my decision in this matter."
She swallowed uncertainly and replied, "I came to realize that
here in Port Charles, the legal system that I upheld was terribly
flawed and I could not trust it or those that govern it to accept
the truth of what I did, that I killed Luis Alcazar in self-defense.
I have a child, at that time a very sick child, and my first and
only thought was that I could not be separated from her. If it had
just been me I was fighting for, I would have thrown the dice and
defended myself but I could not take the chance with Kristina involved."
"And yet you lost her, didn't you?"
She stared at Judge Farmer. "Yes and everything I have done
since has been to remain close to her despite the obstacles the
court threw in my way."
"I understand that, Ms. Davis, because I happen to be a father.
Your decisions have been flawed but understandable when a child
is involved. What my investigation has found first of all is that
certain actions by the court were carried out without proper jurisdiction,
the first being the suspending of your license and the second the
issue of custody involving the minor child. Judge Farmer's ruling
of these issues was outside of her jurisdiction. Therefore, after
consultation with the state bar association, your license has been
reinstated with the restriction that 50% of your caseload must be
pro bono, such cases to concern only issues involving children's
rights. It would seem after this past year you would have a special
insight into these matters."
Alexis was shocked. "Th-thank you, your Honor."
"Don't thank me, the facts submitted in evidence in my investigation
made the decision. Now, the issue of the custody of the infant Kristina
Davis..."
Ned piped up, already unhappy where this was headed. "Ashton,
Kristina Davis Ashton."
"Perhaps you have not read your daughter's birth certificate.
Her name is Kristina Davis, Mr. Ashton."
"Your Honor, my daughter has her home with my family and to
change any custodial decision now..."
"Mr. Ashton, I suggest you be quiet unless you wish me to publicaly
address all of the reasons why your 'home' is not a stable one for
this child."
Ned was turning red but kept quiet.
"What I have learned during this investigation appalls me.
Not only the fact that a Mother has been kept from regular visits
to her child, but that the court in making that non-jurisdictional
decision, placed her in a home whose members have histories of drug
addiction, alcoholism, extramarital liaisons, arson and other crimes
too numerous to mention. I can only assume there was a reason Judge
Farmer felt compelling enough to do so. However, I do not find any
such reason exists. Ms. Davis..."
She felt as if she was floating out of her body. "Yes, your
Honor?"
"Despite what I just said to Mr. Ashton, I need more time to
assess whether you are ready to assume custody of your child."
Cameron was listening to the Judge, wondering why he was here. It
sounded hopeful for Alexis and that made him happier than he ever
imagined. He wanted her to have her heart's desire and knew that
was her daughter. He hoped he fit into that desire somewhere but
would wait his turn.
"Dr. Lewis?"
'Yes, your Honor?"
"It is my information that you have been involved with this
child from the beginning of her life, your quick thinking bringing
Ms. Davis to the hospital and saving her life and that of her child."
"It wasn't as heroic as that, your Honor."
"Yes it was so take credit for that. You have stood by Ms.
Davis and have always kept her best interest at heart but, more
importantly, you have kept Kristina's at heart. That tells me much
about you, Dr. Lewis. Therefore, pending permanent resolution of
this case, I am awarding temporary custody of the minor child Kristina
Davis to Dr. Cameron Lewis."
Alexis just stared at the Judge, then over at Cameron. He looked
so shocked she touched his arm so he would breathe.
Ned was fuming. "You can't do that! He's not even related!
Skye has been taking care of Kristina..."
"Ah, yes, Skye Quartermaine, the woman making a nuisance of
herself outside. Well, Mr. Ashton, you should know that Ms. Quartermaine's
association with Lorenzo Alcazar, the brother of the man Ms. Davis
killed in self-defense, was the deciding factor in removing your
temporary custody of Kristina. Revenge, I have learned during my
years on the bench, can be exacted many ways and the fact that Ms.
Quartermaine would willfully consort with a person who could even
potentially exact harm against Ms. Davis or her child is intolerable
and makes one wonder what exactly is the said Ms. Quartermaine's
true interest in the child. For this child's sake, I am placing
her where she will be protected."
"And Alexis will have full access..."
"And why do you consider that a bad thing, Mr. Ashton? She
is, after all, the child's MOTHER."
Ned stood up and walked out.
Alexis walked over and shook the Judge's hand. "I cannot thank
you enough, Judge Mulcahey."
"I'm just trying to right some wrongs committed by the judicial
system both of us are sworn to uphold and even love on some days.
But don't thank me yet... you will need to contact the office of
the Chief Justice to get the first pro bono cases until you secure
your own. I still have investigating to do and this is not over
but at least your daughter will be in a safe environment with Dr.
Lewis."
Alexis looked at Judge Farmer who looked away and could not meet
her eye, shook her head and turned and walked away.
"Dr. Lewis, take care of them."
Cameron asked distractedly as he watched Alexis walk out the door.
"Them?"
Judge Mulcahey followed his gaze and smiled wisely. "I think
you know what I mean. Good day, Dr. Lewis."
* * *
Cameron and Alexis drove past the ruins of the gatehouse and up
the long drive to the Quartermaine mansion. They passed the flower
gardens, now a riot of late summer colors and textures, the sweet
scent of the late blooming roses drifting through the open windows.
It reminded her of her childhood before her mother was murdered,
and the house outside London where her mother tended her flower
garden with the same passion with which she sang. Kristin loved
roses and every variety grew on bushes and trellises, their country
home a virtual prisoner of their embracing presence. For years after
she was brought to Greece, none the wiser as to who she was, roses
were both a comfort and a terror to her. She loved the colors but
when she inhaled the aroma, tendrils of fear snaked up her spine
and she had no idea why. It was only years later that the puzzle
came together and she understood the root of her fears and how a
rose represented her Mother's love, its scent her own anguished
loss.
They pulled up to the parking area adjacent to the entrance and
Cameron turned off the engine and held her hand as she looked at
the house, a place where one of the few good things left in her
life had been kept away from her and tears sprang into her eyes.
"I'm afraid this is a dream, that I'm going to wake up like
last night and she'll still be here and I'll be in exile,"
Alexis whispered.
Cameron squeezed her hand. "It isn't a dream, we are coming
to take her home with us. Ned asked that Lila have some time with
her and I agreed. I thought you wouldn't mind."
"No, Lila is the only one I care for in that house and I know
how hard this will be for her. Would you mind if I talked to Lila
alone?"
"No, not at all. I'll take a walk down to the lake and be up
later."
He got out of the car, walked around and opened the door for her
kissing her gently before he walked off.
She watched him walk away and felt the tingle up her spine as she
always did when she thought of him. He had custody of her daughter
now and while she wasn't happy about that legal fact, she knew he
would never keep her from her child. Finally, some good was coming
her way and she was scared to death. Thoughts of Helena pushed aside
the last weeks reared their ugly heads and she pulled out her cellular
phone and dialed. The call was answered on the second ring and as
always she was reassured by the voice of her old friend and private
investigator, Leo.
Alexis breathed. "Hello. Have you had any luck locating her?"
Leo replied smoothly, "None. It is as if she vanished into
thin air. We are keeping on it and as soon as I have something I'll
call you. Again, I'm very sorry about Paris."
"Well, we should have known it wouldn't be that easy."
"We'll find her. Try not to worry."
"I've spent my life worrying, Leo, and that isn't going to
change."
"But at least the situation with your daughter is starting
to work itself out, right?"
"Leo, how did you... YOU are the investigator Judge Mulcahey
was speaking of?"
"Ok, I'll fess up. I'd done work for the Chief Justice before
and the whole case has bugged me ever since we first spoke so I
poked around on my own until I had enough info on good old crooked
Judge Farmer and took it to the Chief Justice and started the ball
rolling. The rest just was good detective work."
She felt like crying. "I don't know what to say, Leo."
"Don't say anything. This balances the scales between us again,
the way we like it, no one owning anyone anything."
"Ok, keep on Helena. Now more than ever it is imperative we
find her."
She clicked off the phone and leaned against the portico column.
They had to find her - and soon. Her daughter's life would depend
on it.
"Ms. Davis, are you feeling alright?" a worried Alice
asked Alexis as she walked out of the door.
Alexis started as Alice's presence registered in her mind and said,
"No, I'm fine. Just tired but happy too."
Alice looked sad. " You need to keep your strength up for your
daughter. She'll do fine at Dr. Lewis's but she'll need you.
Alexis touched her hand and Alice looked even sadder. She knew that
Alice was crushed to find out Dobson, a man that she was attracted
to, had been Alexis in disguise. She liked Alice very much and it
hurt to see her so sad. She knew some nice men and would make it
a point to introduce them to Alice.
"I really appreciate everything you've done for Kristina -
and for me."
"Well I love that little girl and she belongs with her mom."
"Thank you for your concern, Alice, I appreciate it. And when
I am granted full custody, I would like you to come and work for
me as Kristina's nanny. You've cared for her and know her better
than anyone and I know she would miss you if you were gone from
her life."
Alice took a deep breath. "Oh, I'd like that, Ms. Davis! I'm
going to miss her around here."
"Well, you are welcome to visit her at Dr. Lewis's any time."
Alice tried hard to blink back the tears. "Come quickly, we
need to get you to Lila in case any of the family return. I don't
want you to have to deal with their bad attitude while you get the
baby."
"I'm sure Skye would report me to the FBI for touching my daughter
before Dr. Lewis does," Alexis said rolling her eyes.
Alice smirked. "Oh, Skye is out shopping with Reggie, Mr. Ashton
and the old man are at ELQ and so you will have peace. Mr. Ashton
took the baby to the park earlier and left her on the terrace to
spend time with Mrs. Quartermaine before Dr. Lewis arrived."
Alexis smiled gently. She truly loved Lila, the only Quartermaine
outside of Emily she could stand. She wished she possessed Lila's
secret for dealing with this family. She should have dealt with
them in the Cassadine way years ago.
"Thank you, Alice."
"Ms. Davis, why don't you go through the garden to the terrace.
That way you won't run into anyone who sneaked back when I wasn't
looking."
Alexis grinned. "Thanks again, Alice, I owe you one."
She walked through the petit rose garden marveling at the colors
and the shapes. Many were getting ready to meet the season of hibernation
by shedding their petals, the others were holding on for the warmth
of the Indian summer to come. She still had that shiver run up her
spine as she recalled her Mother's flower garden but now it was
more a haunted echo than a piercing scream of heartache. She rounded
the terrace and saw Lila in her chair covered by a colorful afghan
sitting next to the baby carriage. As she got closer, she could
hear Lila talking to Kristina about all the different kinds of roses
and how they were named.
Lila softly spoke as her hand held onto Kristina. "And someday
soon, when you are a little older, I will have my gardener create
a special rose just for you."
Alexis listened and her heart was suddenly sad. She did not relish
the day she would tell Lila that Kristina is not her great-grandchild.
She knew she loved her but she also knew that the truth would be
made manifest at some point and it would bring her pain.
"Good afternoon, Lila."
Lila turned to her with a smile. "Hello, my dear, we were waiting
for you to arrive." She looked down at Kristina and patted
her hand. "Look, my darling, Mommy is here."
Tears sprang to her eyes as she listened to Lila say 'Mommy'. This
wonderful woman knew where her child belonged and she knew it was
at her side.
Alexis leaned over the carriage and picked up her daughter. "Hello,
sweet-pea! Have you been keeping Lila company this afternoon?"
She hugged her fiercely as Kristina reached for her cheek with a
chubby hand. She kissed her hand and rubbed noses as her baby giggled.
"Alexis, you look tired, " Lila said with a hint of concern.
Alexis blushed. "I've had a great deal on my plate lately but
I'm fine. Besides, being around my daughter gives me energy."
She nuzzled Kristina's tummy.
Lila looked over at her with wise, knowing eyes. "There is
a saying, my dear, 'don't burn the candle at both ends'. Your daughter
needs her mother. Don't allow others to push you to do things that
might jeopardize your relationship with her."
Alexis looked up sharply at the subtext of that last statement and
into Lila's eyes. The Dobson charade had ended badly but it was
something else Lila seemed to be saying and she assumed it was about
Ned. She flushed scarlet remembering how kind Lila had been to Dobson
and opened her mouth to speak but Lila put up a hand.
"My darling child, I always knew you were Dobson and understand
why you felt the need to go to such drastic and, unfortunately,
disastrous lengths. There has never been a mother who has done more
for her child. From the very beginning of her life, even before
she was born, your only thought was to protect her. I've known you
Alexis for many years and I know your heart. Each thing you have
done has only been for her good. You must be strong for her and
you will soon have her back with you in your life all the time.
In the meantime, the Judge made a sound decision in appointing Dr.
Lewis custodial guardian. He cares for Kristina and, I dare say,
for you my dear."
Alexis started to cry gentle tears and Lila reached over to pat
her hand. "Please be careful, Alexis. There are people who
believe they are doing the right thing but they are doing it for
selfish purposes."
Alexis whispered. "But they are your family."
Lila nodded sadly. "I know just as I know they have hurt you
deeply. I love them but I don't excuse them. They have held a child
hostage to their good intentions but I believe this will all work
out because, my dear, we both know that Kristina doesn't belong
here."
Alexis looked at her with surprise. "But..."
"I love my grandson but what he is doing is wrong for many
reasons and I support you. But I must do it quietly and in my own
way. Just know, Alexis, I would never allow anyone to harm that
child or to replace her Mother. I know that Ned is not the Father,
I always have."
Alexis swallowed nervously. "How did you know?"
"Because I think I know you, my dear, and your heart. I knew
when you walked out on Ned that he simply did not live in your heart.
But, I recall another man who I believe did and he is the Father.
Always remember that what you have done, each and every decision,
was made honestly and with your daughter's best interest at heart."
Alexis stared at her, the fear rising unbidden to her eyes. "Lila,
what are you saying?"
Lila looked at her with a sad heart, a heart that knows a precious
little girl that found a place in her life was never really hers
to love. She smiled wistfully and replied, "Alexis, you know
that I have always looked upon you with fondness. I was so pleased
when you were going to marry into the family, that I could call
you granddaughter. But I came to realize, as you did, that your
heart did not belong with Ned and you had the courage to walk away."
Alexis muttered, "Rode away in a semi."
"Whatever way, you made a choice that I'm sure hurt you but
you did it for the right reasons. Just as you have protected your
daughter for all the right reasons."
Alexis was uncomfortable with where the conversation was leading
and started to speak when Lila shook her head.
"Alexis, a woman who runs away from her wedding, a woman like
you, is not going to revisit that relationship in any way."
"I don't understand…"
"I believe you do, my dear. I know that Kristina is not my
granddaughter because you would never have resumed a physical relationship
with Ned. No, it was someone else who you opened your heart to and
who is Kristina's father. I won't say his name but I will say that
given circumstances, you have protected your daughter the only way
you could and I support that decision. Have hope Alexis that all
will work out as it is meant to in your life."
She stared at Lila. She put all the pieces together and was so very
understanding about all of it.
"I'm not sure if I remember what hope is, Lila."
"Then rediscover it quickly, Alexis, because without hope life
is not worth living."
They sat there for a long time but it seemed the visit just flew
by. No one interrupted them and it was the nicest afternoon Alexis
could remember spending in a very long time. She put Kristina down
into the carriage, leaned in to kiss her and saw the coverlet was
twisted under her. She lifted Kristina's back and smoothed the soft
pink material when she noticed a small white silk square tucked
into the corner of the carriage. Thinking someone, Edward perhaps,
dropped a handkerchief by mistake, she lifted it out and her expression
froze.
Lila noticed and asked, "Alexis, dear, is something wrong?"
Alexis swallowed and tried to bring herself under control. She crushed
the silk into her hand and replied, "Nothing, Lila. I think
I just twisted my back slightly when I was putting Kristina down.
I'll be fine." The silk burned in her hand and she needed to
get away. "Thank you for everything you've done for us."
Lila looked behind her and smiled. "Hello, Dr. Lewis, I believe
Alexis and her daughter are ready to go home now. Alice should have
everything ready in the foyer."
"Thank you, Lila, for everything."
Alexis kissed Lila on the cheek and turned on her heel trying to
wheel Kristina's carriage calmly to the foyer. She waited silently
while Cameron and Alice and a footman gathered Krisitina's suitcases
and toys to take to the car. She followed them quietly and watched
as Cameron buckled Kristina into her car seat and Alice and the
footman packed the trunk. She opened her door and sat in the car.
She finally unclenched her hand and lifted the silk square and smoothed
it in front of her. She lightly fingered the lace around the square
until she came to the lower right hand corner where her finger shakily
traced the embroidered sapphire blue rose stopping at the monogram.
Tears fell as she traced the ornate entwined initials, a fire sparking
again inside her, the all-consuming fire of pain and loss and bitterness
she felt back in the Paris apartment when she saw this memento of
her Mother's life for the first time since she was a child. As she
touched each letter, it was branded upon her heart.
She looked down wistfully at the monogram and noticed a drop of
red, like a teardrop dancing fire upon the sapphire blue rose.
She knew it was blood and she knew who had callously put it into
her daughter's carriage.
