{Laura comes to Wyndemere}

Stefan:  "Thank you for coming. I know it wasn't your first choice."

Laura:  "Well, with Helena out on bail, I thought a visit might be a little safer than a phone call. Where is Nikolas?"

Stefan:  "Well, he's in the study with his tutor. He can't hear us. Though if you'd prefer more privacy {He leads her out the back door and they sit down on a bench}--I am sorry if recent developments with Helena and Katherine have so aroused your fears."

Laura:  "I’m not frightened for myself. I am frightened for our son."

Stefan:  "Well, you needn't be. I continue to take the necessary precautions to protect Nikolas. Helena is watched more closely than she knows. And quite frankly, Katherine has no heart for violence."

Laura:  "The one that you knew didn't, but the one saved by Helena trusts her so-called rescuer completely. She made that very clear when she visited me."

Stefan:  "Well, I wouldn't read too much into that. Even the old Katherine wasn't above saying things for effect."

Laura:  "I think she meant it, Stefan. And it was as good as a warning. Katherine is now Helena’s to use as she sees fit. I know your mother. She's already got something in mind."
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Stefan:  {Getting up and moving away a little} "There is no denying it. Some bizarre bond now exists between Katherine and my mother. Katherine seems quite altered by it."

Laura:  "How did your first meeting with her go?"

Stefan:  "Oh, she was rather unpleasant--to me. With Nikolas, she was as affectionate as ever. Now, I doubt she remembers anything from the moments just before she fell, including any conclusions she may have drawn about us."

Laura:  "I’m not so certain about that. I asked her what she remembered about that night, and she evaded my questions as smoothly as Helena might. If she remembers that you are Nikolas' father, that means that Helena knows. And if that's true, then Nikolas could be in terrible, terrible danger." {Very upset}

Stefan:  {Coming back and sitting down beside her} "Lasha, I am almost certain Helena knows nothing. If she did, she would have raised the issue or moved against Nikolas by now."

Laura:  "Well, then, what's your take on this? Is Katherine just bluffing?"

Stefan:  "She's been hurt. She probably wants to hurt me back. Helena is poised to take advantage of that."

Laura:  "I’m sorry. It must be a bitter irony for you."

Stefan:  "It is difficult. The woman I was going to marry knew I would never hurt her. I have no wish to be at war with Katherine. {Looking at Laura} But if I am, I will win."

Laura:  "Katherine swears that she bears no grudge against me. Should I take that at face value?"

Stefan:  "Perhaps she realizes she can't blame you for the things I left unsaid. I never told Katherine I loved her. {Watching her} The night of the ball, she found out why."

Stefan:  "I think a woman knows when she's loved--without the words."

Laura:  {Looking away} "I’m sure that Katherine knew how you felt."

Stefan:  "I will see to it that no one harms our son--not Helena, not anyone. So please don't let this latest skirmish in the family wars discourage you from spending time here with Nikolas."

Nikolas: {Coming out the door} "Oh. This is a surprise."

Laura:  {They both get up smiling} "Well, a pleasant one, I hope."

Nikolas:  "Yeah. How are you?" {She goes over to him. Stefan has flashbacks of the island when it was the three of them together}

Laura:  "Good. It's nice to see you. I'm glad I had a chance to say hello before I left."

Nikolas:  "Where's LuLu?"

Laura:  "She's home."

Nikolas:  "Oh. Uncle, convince her to stay a while."

Stefan:  "I’m sure you'll have no trouble doing that. The Cassadine are not completely without charm. I, on the other hand, have business in town. Good morning. Thank you." {He bows slightly to Laura and then leaves}

click here for Laura's conversation with Nikolas