{At Wyndemere}

Mrs. Lansbury: "Mrs. Spencer's clothes are dry."

Stefan: "I suspect she's fallen asleep, let's not disturb her." {He remembers...Upstairs in one of the rooms, Laura is sleeping. Stefan comes out from behind a tapestry and looks at her. He leaves silently the way he came}

Laura:  {Waking up, disoriented} "Oh. Wyndemere." {She remembers their previous conversation}
 

Stefan:  "However, your trunk from the island is in one of the upstairs bedrooms. I'm sure you'll find something suitable there."

Laura:  "Luke is my husband."

Stefan:  "He doesn't deserve your loyalty."

Laura:  "Yes, he does."

Stefan: "No. He walked out without a backward glance because his precious ego was bruised. He couldn't deal with the knowledge that you'd loved another man years ago. I would have stayed."

Laura:  "Luke will come back."

Stefan:  "If I had felt you slipping away, I would have moved heaven and earth to keep you."

Laura:  "Stefan, you said that you weren't going to do this. Please. I love Luke."

Stefan:  "You love Luke, but what is this that I see in your eyes? What is it?"

Laura:  {Trying to rise but Stefan stops her again} "Stop it."

Stefan:  "No. I don't want it to be so easy for you to turn me away. Maybe the time for me to fight is now.  {They lean close, but Stefan pulls away before their lips touch} No. The next step must come from you. I've made enough choices for us. It is for you to come to me now."

Laura:  "It's not going to happen."

Stefan:  "It's already started. That's why you're here."

Laura:  {Getting to her feet} "No, I--no. I'm here because I had plans with Nikolas. That's the only reason. Like I said before, every feeling doesn't have to be acted upon. Luke is my husband and I shouldn't--I want to go home."

Stefan:  "Until the small crafts warning is lifted, that won't be possible. If you'd rather not stay down here, please make yourself comfortable in the guest room where you found the trunk. You could nap. I won't disturb you."

Laura:  "Will you send Mrs. Lansbury up when it's safe for me to go home?"

Stefan:  "Yes."

Laura:  "Thank you." {She goes up the stairs with Stefan looking after her}

{Laura comes out of her memories and puts her hand to her head}
 
 
 

{Laura gets out of bed and finds a brush. Looking at it brings up memories of the past}

{Laura is brushing her hair and Stefan came into the room, taking the brush from her hands}

Stefan:  "Allow me." {He begins brushing her hair}

Nikolas:  {He and Lucky walk into the room to find Stefan there} "Oh, you're here."

Stefan:  "I didn't expect you home this early. Lucky."

Lucky:  "Hi."

Nikolas:  "We're helping a mutual friend. We need to use the computer room for a few minutes."

Stefan:  "Well, unfortunately, the storm has knocked out the local network connection. Let me see if it's re-established while you advise Mrs. Lansbury on dinner arrangements." {Laura comes down the stairs and the boys look up, stunned. Lucky turns to look at Stefan while Nikolas looks back and forth between Laura and Stefan. Laura looks very uncomfortable}

Laura:  {Looking back and forth between the boys} "Obviously, from the looks on your faces, you didn't expect to see me here. Is it Lesley Lu? Is something wrong?"

Nikolas:  "I don't think so."

Laura:  "I--I came here for a lunch date, Nikolas. And I got drenched in the storm, and then the harbor master issued a small crafts warning, so-- {Turning to Stefan} apparently everything's running again?"

Stefan:  "Yes. I was going to send Mrs. Lansbury up as soon as your things were dry. Let me see if they're ready." {He leaves}

Nikolas:  "Didn't you get my message canceling lunch?"

Laura:  "No, I didn't. I guess I must have missed it."

Lucky:  "I have to go." {Turning to leave}

Nikolas:  {Trying to stop him} "Wait a minute, wait a minute. What about our--"

Lucky:  "I’ll figure out another way."

Laura:  "No, Lucky, please wait. Just let me change my clothes."

Lucky:  "I’m kind of in a hurry."

Laura:  "We'll go back in one boat. Please.  {Lucky turns and leaves. Stefan returns and Mrs. Lansbury approaches with her clothes} Thank you."

Stefan:  "I did call and cancel, as you asked. Apparently your mother had already left the house." {Laura watches him}

Nikolas:  "I’m sorry. I apologize. I should have phoned you first myself."

Laura:  "Don't worry about it. Mix-ups happen all the time. I'll go change." {She gives Stefan one last look and goes upstairs}

Stefan:  {Stopping Mrs. Lansbury as she walks by} "Nikolas will be having dinner with me."

Mrs. Lansbury:  "Will Mrs. Spencer be joining you?"

Stefan:  "I think not." {She leaves and Stefan and Nikolas stare at each other}
 
 
 

Laura:  {Coming down the stairs} "Well, the phone lines are working again."

Stefan:  "And Lesley Lu is fine?"

Laura:  "Yes, yes. I called Aunt Ruby. She put her on the phone and I could have sworn that she said, 'tell Nikki I love him.' "

Nikolas:  {Smiling slightly} "I’ll see you home."

Laura:  "No. Thank you, anyway. But I would appreciate it if you'd check to see if the launch is back?"

Nikolas:  "Sure. I'll be right back." {With a last look between Laura and Stefan he leaves}

Stefan:  {Watching Nikolas leave} "He accepts the situation as you depicted it."

Laura:  {Furious} "Well, Lucky didn't accept it for a second."

Stefan:  "What you said was the truth."

Laura:  "Unlike what you said. You planned this whole situation, didn't you? You didn't want me to get Nikolas' message. You wanted me to be here with you, alone."

Stefan:  "I suppose you think I also arranged the storm?"

Laura:  "You know something? When we're together, nothing good can come of it."

Stefan:  "That's not true. We made Nikolas together. Don't lie to yourself.  {Seeing Nikolas approach} I'm serious. You were chilled to the bone. You must take care of yourself."

Nikolas:  "The launch is just pulling up."

Laura:  "Ok. Thanks."

Stefan:  "Do you have everything?"

Laura:  "Yes. My coat and purse are in the front hall."

Nikolas:  "I’ll walk you back to the dock."

Laura:  "Ok, thanks. Good night."

Stefan:  "Good night." {She turns and leaves, Nikolas following}
 
 
 
 

Stefan:  {Stefan sits down at the table as Nikolas comes inside} "Your mother left some time ago. I was growing concerned."

Nikolas:  "Well, I stopped by the stables on my way back. {He walks past him and then comes back} Today was just a mix-up with Laura?"

Stefan:  "Yes. {Nikolas looks at him} Do you wish to say something else?"

Nikolas:  "It isn't wise to trick or manipulate her. I don't want to lose her, ok?"

Stefan:  {Getting up and approaching Nikolas} "Nikolas, I did not force your mother to spend the afternoon here. Laura is only forced by Luke."

{At the Spencer home, Laura picks up a family picture, looking at it. She puts it down and walks to the window, sitting down and looking out}