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"Oh, hey, there you are. I was starting to think you weren't coming."
Skye looked up from her umbrella, which she was trying in vain to close. "Oh, hi Georgie. Listen, I'm sorry I'm late...I had an absolutely horrible day yesterday, and it took everything I had to force myself out of my bed this morning."
Georgie's expression became one of sincere concern. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Skye smiled weakly. "Thanks, Georgie, but no, not particularly."
"Well, okay," Georgie replied. "But, you know, if you change your mind...the offer still stands."
"I appreciate that....so, what's on the bill for today?" Skye said as she jimmied with the umbrella some more. After a few moments of struggle, she threw it to the ground, cursing under her breath.
Georgie smiled timidly, and picked up the umbrella off the floor. She snapped it into place and wound the ribbon around it, then put it by the door next to her own. Skye sheepishly returned the grin. She followed the energetic young lady down the hall to the gymnasium.
Pushing the door open, Georgie said, "There's a big basketball tournament for the kids today. It should last all afternoon."
Skye closed her eyes, a pained expression on her face. "Ahh. Right. I remember now. So, that means that we have to mop the gym floor, put air in the basketballs, sort out the red and the blue jerseys, and set up the scoreboard. Great."
Georgie flicked two switches, and the gym was filled with light. "Don't worry, I already did all that. See?"
Skye looked around. The floor was sparkling, the balls were all sitting on the rack, the scoreboard was ready to go, and there were two piles of jerseys on the bench, one red and one blue. "Oh. You really did do it all. Sorry."
"It's okay!" Georgie said, picking a ball from the rack. She dribbled it back in Skye's direction, stopping at the free throw line. "I didn't mind." She threw the ball at the net; it hit the backboard and fell cleanly through the hoop.
"Nice shot," Skye remarked. "But, really, Georgie, I feel bad. You had to do all the work by yourself because I came to work late...what was it, twenty minutes or something?"
"Um," Georgie began, lining up another shot, "It, uh...it's actually been an hour." Swish.
"An hour? Oh my God, Georgie, I had no idea...I guess I just needed the sleep."
"Really, Skye, don't worry about it. I promise I won't tell Mrs. Stewart. It'll be our secret."
"Wow," Skye murmured. She picked up the ball, which Georgie had stopped with her foot.
"Wow what?" asked Georgie.
Skye bounced the ball three times and gave it a toss. Air ball. Apparently Skye's hidden prowess for volleyball did not extend into the field of basketball. "I'm sorry, it's just that I'm not used to people sticking up for me. Especially people I've just met, who have no reason to be on my side." She took a seat on the bench, folding a jersey that had fallen on the ground. Georgie took a seat next to her.
"What do you mean, I have no reason to be on your side? Two days ago, you had just met me. I was really upset, and even though we hardly knew each other, you gave me some really great advice, remember?"
Skye let out a sardonic laugh. "Hah. Well, given my luck of late, I wouldn't put too much stock in the suggestions I give. In fact, I think it'd be wise to discount them altogether, and do the exact opposite."
"No, Skye, you were totally right! I shouldn't waste my time crying over someone who isn't doing the same for me. You said I should wait for a guy to come along who likes me for who I am, and he did!"
Skye looked surprised. "Wow. That was quick."
Georgie giggled. "I know. But in a way, it has been happening for a long time. See, there's this guy, Dillon. He's been my friend for several months, but I never thought of him as anything more than that. I was too hung up on Lucas. But then yesterday, we hung out, and then last night I ran into him again, and...well...I realized...he is just the perfect guy! He's smart, and sensitive, and really funny...he does have a really crazy mother, but other than that...he treats me with respect, and he makes me feel good about myself. I guess...I guess you could say that we're 'going out' now. And I am so happy, it's ridiculous!"
Skye smiled and patted Georgie on the arm. "Well, I'm glad one of us is happy. But wait- you said his name was Dillon?"
Georgie nodded. "Yeah. Dillon Quartermaine...oh my God! He's- he's your cousin, isn't he?" She saw Skye's expression go from enthsusiastic to pained. "Did I- did I say something wrong?"
Skye took a deep breath. "No, hon. I, uh.....never mind. I shouldn't be telling you this."
"No, please, if you want to, go right ahead."
The look of genuine caring on the girl's face warmed Skye's heart. She hadn't had a female friend since she was in high school. She hardly saw Lindsay Dole anymore, and she hadn't heard from her only friend before that, whom she'd nicknamed Goldie, since her Grade 8 Graduation. Goldie's family had moved out of town that summer, and Skye had gone to high school not having a friend in the world. To her amazement, Lindsay had befriended her on the very first day, and they had been pals ever since. Georgie reminded her of a young Lindsay with her intelligence, her kindness, and her pleasant demeanour. She really felt as if she could tell this girl anything.
Skye cleared her throat. "I'm...I'm not a Quartermaine."
"What do you mean?"
"I found out yesterday that Alan Quartermaine isn't my real father. My mother...she, um..she was wrong when she said that he was." Skye figured it wasn't necessary to tell the girl all the disgusting details.
"Oh wow...that must have been really hard for you to hear. I'm sorry."
"Yeah, it wasn't a very pleasant day."
"Do you...do you know who your real father is, then?"
"I know his name. Rex Mitchell. But I don't know who he is, or where I can find him. My mother has no way of tracking him down, and I'm honestly too worn out to go on another search for that ever-elusive daddy," Skye muttered bitterly. This time, it was Georgie's expression that soured. "You okay?"
"Yeah," Georgie said softly, "it's just that I haven't seen my dad in a really long time, either. Mac, my sorta step-dad, he's great. But I still miss my real dad. He's off on all kinds of adventures and investigations and things all the time. I can't even remember the last time we spoke. And my mother, well....if it's not one thing, it's another. Right now she's with my great-grandmother, so at least this time she has a legitimate excuse."
"I'm sorry," said Skye, "I had no idea."
"It's okay," Georgie said, getting up off of the bench and picking up the basketball again. She tossed it back and forth in her hands. "I love living with Mac. He's a lot of fun."
Skye smiled. "That's great...and now, you have Dillon to occupy your time too, hmm?" She winked, hoping to cheer her little friend. She hadn't meant to drag Georgie's good spirits down with her.
Immediately, the big grin returned to Georgie's face, much to Skye's relief. "Yeah. He's making me a picnic in the park tonight. Isn't that sweet???" She took a shot and missed this time.
"It sounds very romantic," Skye replied. "Have fun."
Georgie chased the rebound and tried a lay-up. The ball spun around the rim a few times before finally sinking through the net.
"I will!"
"But, listen, Georgie, I still feel guilty about making you do all this work. Isn't there something I can do before the kids get here?" She checked her watch. "They should be coming in about twenty minutes or so."
"Oh," Georgie replied. "I just remembered. We're supposed to get some snacks ready for half-time. Mrs. Stewart left us the stuff in the kitchen to make ice cream sandwiches, so we'd better get to it."
"Great. Let's get to it, then."
********
Ric's apartment
"Well, I'm gonna go jump in the shower," said Elizabeth, getting up off the couch and heading for the bathroom. She turned back just before opening the door. "Care to join me?" she added playfully.
Ric grinned slyly. "Ooh, well as tempting as that sounds, I'll have to decline. I've got a ton of paperwork to do for Jason."
Liz frowned. After Sonny had died, Jason had overtaken his syndicate and Ric was made the full-time head of finances and legal matters. Since then, he'd been outrageously swamped with work. She sighed. "Well, okay. But we're still on for dinner tonight, right?"
Ric smiled. "You bet."
Liz returned the smile and headed off for her shower. Ric typed some numbers into a calculator and scribbled down some figures as the sound of the hot water beginning to blast filled the air. This time it was Ric's turn to sigh. Since he had given up his vendetta against Sonny upon his brother's death, he had been making a legitimate effort to help preserve his legacy, but the workload was getting unbearable. He hardly had any free time to spend with his own wife....Maybe when things died down a bit, he could take her on the honeymoon they'd never gotten around to taking. Ric made a note to call his travel agent later on in the week. Just then, there was a knock on the door.
Ric put his work on the coffee table and sauntered over to answer the door. When he saw who it was, his expression soured immediately.
"Hello, Ric."
There stood Faith Rosco, wearing a very short strapless black pinstriped dress and stilettos.
"What the hell are you doing here?"
"Is that any way to greet your future business partner?" Faith asked, waltzing in the room and plopping herself on a chair before Ric could protest. He groaned and slammed the door, then took a seat on the couch.
"Want to run that by me again?" he asked, confused.
Faith smiled. "I'm going to make you an offer you can't refuse."
"I'll bet. Well, say what you have to say, and then get out."
"Where's the little paper doll?" Faith asked, pouring herself a glass of wine. Then she heard the sound of the shower. "Ahh, I see. Tell me, Ric, does she use Johnson and Johnson No More Tears Shampoo? Because she is such a wee, sensitive little one, isn't she?"
"You shut the hell up about Elizabeth."
Faith took a sip. "Ooh, my my, didn't mean to strike a nerve. But, listen, sweetums, let's talk business."
"Fine," said Ric, rolling his eyes. "Make it quick."
"I know you're working for Jason now, handling all the paperwork, making sure it appears as if he and all his silly little henchmen are keeping their hands clean. Must get awfully boring just sitting on the sidelines."
"Get to your point, Faith."
"What would you say if I told you I could arrange it so that you have all the power you've ever craved, hmm?"
"And how, praytell, would you manage that?" Ric asked, annoyed.
"I'm here to propose a business partnership of sorts. If we work together, you knowing what you know from working with Jason, and me having the guts and savvy to make it happen, the two of us can steal Sonny's syndicate right from under Jason and run it ourselves. Think of it, Ric, we'll have everything. No one could stop us."
Ric was silent for a moment, and then finally, he spoke. "Not a chance in hell."
"Oh, come on, Ric!" Faith exclaimed, getting up off the chair and sitting down right next to him. She put a hand on his shoulder and stroked it. "We would be invincible! We'd make such a great team, and then, when things really get off the ground, you can send Thumbelina packing and we can get a penthouse, just the two of us; what do you say?"
She leaned in for a kiss, but Ric threw her off him. "You're absolutely insane, do you know that?"
Faith tried to mask her hurt by putting on a stony expression. "You're the one who's crazy, if you're actually thinking of passing up what could be the opportunity of a lifetime-"
"I would never form a partnership with you, Faith, not in a million years. Business or otherwise," Ric interrupted as he got up off the couch and headed to the door. He opened it and made a gesture with his hand: "Get the hell out."
Faith made her way to where he was standing, her face only inches from his. "Well, I think that's where you're wrong, honey. See, if I recall correctly, we made a pretty great team not too long ago."
"Yeah, and that night was the worst mistake I've ever made in my life."
Faith's lip quivered for a moment before she quickly regained her composure. "You don't mean that," she said blandly.
"As a matter of fact, Faith, I do. I'd give anything to erase that night from my memory, because just thinking about it makes me physically sick."
"Oh, yeah, so am I supposed to believe that you're more satisfied with the Cherry Merry Muffin Doll you have in there?" she retorted, motioning to the bathroom door, from which the sound of a hair dryer now echoed. "What, have you even gotten to second base with her yet, Ric? How about holding hands? Ooh, you wild thing."
"Just shut up-"
"Elizabeth isn't half the woman I am, and you know it."
"No, that's where you're wrong. See, I love Elizabeth, and I detest you. Elizabeth makes me happy, and you make my skin crawl. You're nothing but a worthless piece of garbage, who is completely incapable and undeserving of love."
Faith's eyes began to fill with tears, and although she put forth her most valiant effort to keep it from happening, a tear slid down her cheek. "You don't have to be so cruel. A simple 'let's just be friends' would have sufficed."
"Hey, if cruelty is what it takes to get through to you, then so be it. I hate you, Faith Rosco, and if you were to vanish off the face of the planet today, I wouldn't care. In fact, I'd be overjoyed. I'd probably throw a party."
Faith stood frozen, stricken. After a few moments, she wiped her cheek and cleared her throat. "Well. You've made your point. I'll get out of your hair now." She took a step into the hallway, and then turned back to face him. "But if I were you, I wouldn't go popping corks and throwing confetti any time soon, Ric. Ta ta."
With that, Ric slammed the door in her face. Faith stood on the other side of the door, unable to make her legs work. She lingered in the doorway, tears streaming down her cheeks. She had loved that man so much and had been prepared to give him the world, and this is how he treated her. No one could make her feel worthless and get away with it, no one. Someone had made her feel that way enough in her lifetime, and she wasn't about to let it happen again.
***************
Back at the Community Centre
BUZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!
"All right, kids, that's it! It looks like the red team wins with a score of 67 to 62. Congrats, red team, and good job everyone!" Skye called.
"Everyone, please pass Skye and I your jerseys," Georgie said.
The kids lined up and peeled off their jerseys, handing the red ones to Skye and the blue ones to Georgie. After the gym was all cleaned up, the two of them led the kids to the cafeteria to eat the ice cream sandwiches that they had prepared. Skye helped herself to one, and offered one to Georgie.
"No thanks," she replied. "I'm saving my appetite for the picnic with Dillon."
"Oh, that's right " said Skye, looking at the doorway, "and here comes your Romeo now."
She saw Georgie's eyes light up immediately as Dillon sauntered towards them.
"Hey, Georgie," he said sweetly. "Hi, Skye." He turned his attention back to his beaming girlfriend. "You ready to go? I thought I'd pick you up here instead of from home to save time. I'd hate to miss the sunset."
"Aww, that's sweet," Georgie replied, "but after all the activities today, I must look awful."
Dillon smiled. "I think you look absolutely beautiful."
"Really?"
"I wouldn't change a thing. But hey, if you want, I'll even roll around in some sawdust if it'll make ya feel better."
Georgie giggled. "No, I think that's quite all right. Oh, but I'm not supposed to leave for another fifteen minutes."
"You know what?" Skye said. "You go on ahead. I was late coming in, so you can leave early and we'll call it even."
"Really? Thanks, Skye, that's awesome!"
"Yeah, thanks," Dillon chimed in. "That's really great of you."
"No problem. You kids have fun."
She smiled as she watched the two of them leave, hand in hand. They made such an adorable couple. Georgie definitely deserved some happiness; she was such a kind and thoughtful young lady. As the kids around her munched on their treats, Skye thought back to some times when she was around Georgie's age. Her friend Goldie has just moved away, and she had been miserable. Goldie was her best friend all through grade school. True, Goldie had been a bit of a bad influence, always roping Skye into breaking the rules, but she was a true blue friend, loyal to a fault. She'd also had the greatest sense of humour; the insulting nicknames she had for the teachers at St. Gabriel's School had constantly kept her in stitches. Skye knew that part of Goldie's bad behaviour was a result of her poor family situation. She'd been to Goldie's a few times to watch movies and have tea parties, and Goldie's father had always been in a bad mood. He yelled and cursed, and Goldie's mother was really no better. She always seemed very upset, and displayed very similar symptoms to those which Skye's "mother" Althea had shown when she was drinking. Skye knew that Goldie was not a very happy little girl, but perhaps that's why they had been such good friends. They both had horrible home lives, so they were a sort of escape for each other. Skye smiled, and wondered what Goldie was was up to today. Probably raising hell, that's for sure.
She glanced at her watch. "Okay, kids, it's 7 o'clock. Time to clean up and head to the front entrance so your parents can come get you."
After the last child had been picked up, Skye fumbled for her cell phone as she headed to her car. She pressed in a number and waited while it rang.
At last, someone picked up.
"Hello, Cassadine residence. This is Mrs. Lansbury speaking."
"Hello, I'm calling for Stefan. Is he available, please?"
"I believe he's doing some business in his study. May I take a message?"
"Can you go tell him it's Skye Chandler calling? We met at his sister's funeral the other day. Tell him I'm offering an invitation for a late supper tonight at the PC Grille."
"I don't think he'd like to be disturbed, ma'am-"
"Oh, I'm sure he won't mind...we, uh...we shared a moment at the funeral. I know he remembers me. Just go tell him I'd like to have dinner with him, and see what he says, all right?"
Mrs. Lansbury sighed. "Well, all right. One moment."
Please let him say yes, Skye prayed as she waited for her to come back. She needed a definite booster after losing her place in the Quartermaine family, and if there was any man who could skyrocket her back into the grand scheme of things, it was the rich and powerful Stefan Cassadine.
"Are you still there, ma'am?"
"Yes," Skye blurted, then admonished herself for sounding so desperate. She cleared her throat. "So, what time would he like to meet me at the Grille?"
"I'm afraid Mr. Cassadine declined, ma'am."
Skye's face fell. "Well, did you- did you tell him who it was? Skye Chandler?"
"I did, ma'am."
"Surely he remembers me-"
"Yes, he said he does, ma'am, but I'm afraid he told me to tell you he was not interested at the present time."
"All right. Thanks." Skye snapped off her phone, cranked up the volume of the radio and accelerated her car, feeling angry. Why would he decline her dinner invitation?
I'm an opportunity and I knock so softly
Sometimes I get loud
When I wish everbody would just get off me
So many players you'd think I was a board game
It's every man for themselves
There are no teammates
This life gets lonely when everybody wants something
They'll smile up in your face
But they'll get their eventually
And I hope I'm there
Surrounded by familiar faces with no name
None of them know me
Or want to share my pain
They only wish to bask in my light
Then fade away
To win my love, to them a game
To watch me live my life in vain
When all is done and the glitter fades, fades away
They'll get theirs eventually
And I hope I'm there
Skye pulled in the driveway at the Gatehouse and killed the engine. After Ned had told the Quartermaines about Skye's true parentage, he had offered to let Skye stay with him at his place until she figured out what to do next. She stalked up to the porch, still in a foul mood, and unlocked the door with the spare key Ned had given to her.
Immediately, Ned rose off the couch, a big grin in his face.
"Hey, Skye, how are you doing?"
"Awful," she muttered.
"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked, taking her coat and hanging it on the rack.
"Not really."
Ned cleared his throat. "Well, Kristina's asleep, but I have some dinner ready if you want to sit down and-"
"I think I'm gonna go to sleep myself," Skye interrupted. "I'm friggin' exhausted." With that, she bolted up the stairs, leaving Ned behind. He flopped on the couch and looked at the set-up he had prepared. He'd brought a small table into the living room and had decorated it with a nice white tablecloth, white candles in silver holders, fresh white and red roses in a white vase in the centre, and two delicious dinners set on shining china plates. He'd hoped that he could have a nice dinner with Skye, get to know her better, but now it seemed as if it were all for nothing. He leaned over and blew out the candles in disappointment.
I drank your poison
Cause you told me it's wine
Shame on you if you fooled me once
Shame on me if you fooled me twice
I didn't know the price
You'll get yours eventually
So what good am I to you
If I can't be broken
You'll get yours, yes
You'll get yours eventually
To Be Continued...
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