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Thanksgiving Day 2000
“I wish you would reconsider and come with me Monk.” Victor placed his hand on Kevin’s shoulder. “I know that Mary would love having you there.”
Kevin shook his head. “I am just not in the mood for a crowd.”
“I just hate the idea of you alone in the Lighthouse moping.”
“I do not mope. I am an adult.” Seeing that Victor’s eyebrows were raised as far as they could go, Kevin added rather sheepishly. “Okay, I brood.”
“Oh yes, well that certainly puts a whole new spin on things.” Victor replied dryly. “Come with me Kevin. I even brought you a hat.” Victor placed the very large “Pilgrim” hat on his head. “I guarantee you will have fun.”
“As tempting as all this is, I’ll still have to pass.” Kevin managed a sad smile.
“Kevin I know you are upset but – “
“Upset? Why would I be upset? My daughter can’t stand the sight of me; my wife walked out on me and thanks to Rachel my career is hanging on by a thread. What gives you the idea that I am upset?” Kevin forced himself to regain control. “I’m sorry. I know none of this is your fault. I appreciate the offer Victor, I really do, but what I need is some time alone right now.”
“Okay, I am not happy about it but it’s your choice. Call me if you need me.” Victor gave Kevin a hug. “And if by chance I am not available, I know somebody who is.”
“Don’t start.” Kevin warned.
Victor gave his bestest innocent look. “Start what? I was just thinking about poor Lucy all alone in that hotel, eating dinner all by herself. I invited her to the Scanlon get together of course, but she felt erroneously that she would be in the way.”
“If Lucy is feeling lonely, feel free to drop by and cheer her up like you just did for me.” Kevin walked up to the door, opening it wide. “Goodbye Victor.”
“I’ll call you later.” Victor promised as he left, before Kevin could close the door Sigmund waddled in.
“Oh no you don’t.” Kevin found himself in the rather undignified position of chasing Sigmund around the room; Sigmund waddling as fast as his little legs would carry him, shaking his feathers for all that he was worth.
Suddenly Sigmund stopped and faced Kevin. “Quack quack quack.”
“Don’t you start too!” Kevin swooped in and scooped Sigmund up, Sigmund still quacking his little head almost off. He gave Kevin a look that was almost – accusatory. Yes, it was official. He was completely losing his mind. “Oh hell!” Kevin grabbed his car keys and headed out the door.
“You have fun pumpkin. I will see you tomorrow.” Lucy said to Serena via phone.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay all by yourself?” Serena asked, concerned.
“Oh I won’t be by myself.” Lucy replied airily. “I have friends coming over any minute now, we are going out and having a big Thanksgiving dinner. So don’t worry about me I am going to be just fine.”
“Okay, Happy Thanksgiving Mom. I can’t wait to go shopping tomorrow.”
“It just so happens that going shopping with you is my most favorite thing to do in all the world. I love you Serena.” Lucy added before hanging up the phone.
Lucy wrapped the robe around her tighter. There was really no need to get dressed; it wasn’t as if she was going to see anyone anyway. Stop that! Lucy mentally gave herself a shake. Feeling sorry for herself never got her anywhere, except holed up in a dark room feeling miserable. She had many friends, a good career and Serena. So she was alone one day of the year. So what that it happened to be Thanksgiving.
Lucy sat on the bed cross-legged and picked up the remote. What she needed was one of those old melodramatic love stories that were just full of missed opportunities and tragedy. That should cheer her right up.
“Mom, you are without a doubt the greatest.” Joe reached over Mary’s shoulder, intent on reaching the dressing.
Mary promptly swatted his hand. “Behave! Do you want Gabriela to think you are uncivilized?”
“Think? I already know that.” Gabby responded her arms around Joe’s waist. “Please let me help. I feel so useless standing here watching you cook.”
“Nonsense, you’ve just come off of a 8-hous shift and I have everything under control.” Mary again saved the dressing from Joe. “There is one thing you could do for me, you could keep Joe's hands away from the food.”
“Oh that I think I can handle.” Gabriela smiled as she interlocked her fingers with Joe.
Joe looked into her laughing eyes and even with his mother present, couldn’t resist stealing a kiss. And then another one. And then –
“Ewwww!” Neil came in, followed closely by Frank. “Aren’t you two tired of that by now?”
“Trust me on this son, in another couple of years you’ll know the answer to that question.” Frank gave Mary a hug, stealing a spoonful of dressing as he did so.
“Okay, that’s it. Everyone out.” Mary ordered, hands on hips.
“I take it that doesn’t include me? Are the children misbehaving again?” Victor pecked Mary on the cheek, trying very hard to keep the very tall hat balanced on his head. “What can I do to help? Sorry I was late, I stopped by the Lighthouse.”
“How is Kevin?” Mary asked.
In response, Victor shook his head.
“Dad! Come here quick!” Neil shouted, standing by the window.
Both Joe and Frank headed toward him and then both stopped. Joe waved Frank ahead as Neil turned around to see what was keeping him. “Dad, it’s snowing.”
“So it is, the first snow of the season.” Frank stared out the window, joined by Gabby and Joe. “It looks like it’s going to stick too.”
Joe and Frank looked at each other. “Snow ball fight!” They shouted in unison.
“Don’t you guys have a football game to watch?” Mary asked, surrounded by pots and pans, a bit crossly.
Mary had her back turned but she heard the mad dash for the door followed shortly by the unmistakable sounds of the football game and the usual moans and cheers. “Alone at last. Victor would you mind checking on the turkey for me? I have my hands a bit full right now. Victor? Victor?” Mary turned around; she was all-alone in the kitchen. From the living room she could hear “Whoop! Whoop! Whoop!”
“So is the misfit table?” Ian asked, holding his tray of food. Eve looked up at him, startled. “Never mind, I didn’t mean to bother you. I’ll find somewhere else to sit.”
“Don’t be silly, the cafeteria is overflowing.” Eve replied. “All misfits welcome at this table.”
“I see that you are impressed with the hospital’s version of Thanksgiving dinner.” Ian indicated Eve’s largely untouched meal.
“I guess I am just not very hungry.” Eve said, in the understatement of the week if not the year.
“Look Eve about – “
“Don’t okay? Whatever you were going to say don’t. I don’t think I could take it. Not today.”
“Sure. Whatever you want. I just hate seeing you so sad. And if I contributed to that in any way – “
“This seat isn’t taken I presume?” Chris wedged himself beside Eve, forcing her to scoot over. “I am not interrupting anything am I? Of course I’m not. What could you two possibly be doing that I would be interrupting?”
“Put a sock in it Chris.” Eve replied. “Couldn’t you go spread your sunshine and joy somewhere else?”
“And leave you without? I would never do that to you. Why are you here anyway? Don’t tell me Dr. Shrink got called away to counsel a turkey in crisis.”
“Kevin and I are no longer together.” Eve said quietly.
“I am sorry Eve.” Chris said apologetically. “I really didn’t know.”
“I find that surprising, considering the interest you have shown in my family and my marriage.” Eve replied, her dander getting a tad up. “What’s wrong? Your skulking skills not what they used to be?”
“I have always been concerned about you Eve, you know that.”
“I know that you never bother with concern unless you can get something in return.” Eve snapped back.
“That is totally unfair! I have been there for you more times than I can count. I took you in when no one else would. I have lost count of the number of times that you cried on my shoulder. But I guess that means nothing to you now that you have Dr. Puppy Eye’s shoulder to cry on.”
“Chris that’s enough.” Ian warned. “Eve’s been through hell, I won’t let you add to it.”
“Do you come to the rescue of all your married colleagues?” Chris taunted. “Or only the beautiful ones?”
“Stop it! Stop it right now or so help me I will dump this food on both of your heads!”
“Hey sorry we’re late.” Allison took the seat next to Jamal. “You know girl talk.”
“I shudder to think.” Jamal replied, giving Allison a very thorough I missed you kiss. “Plotting to take over the world or just Port Charles?”
“We thought we’d start small. First this fine town and then who knows? Right Livvie?”
“Absolutely.” Livvie sat down across from them. “Hello Jack. Or is that Chandler?”
“Okay enough with the teasing.” Jack squeezed Livvie’s hand. “We already ordered by the way.”
“Did you get it?” Livvie asked.
“Of course. What would Thanksgiving be without anchovies?” Jack answered with a shudder.
“You just don’t know what’s good.” Livvie replied, feeling very happy and very free.
“I will have to take your word for that.”
“So are you two all settled in your new apartment?” Jamal wiggled his eyebrows. “Need any other roommates?”
“Behave. At least for now.” Allison responded, popping a bread stick in Jamal’s mouth. “And to answer your question, yes we are settled in. Almost.” Allison added with a wink at Livvie.
“Uh-oh. Run for your life.” Jamal warned Jack. “She wants something.”
“Saved by the pizza.” Jack let go of Livvie’s hand only long enough to put some pizza on her plate. “Now this is what I call Thanksgiving dinner.”
“You and the kooky people I work for.” Came a voice behind him. Turning toward the owner, Reginald added. “The usual.”
“I know you really weren’t expecting me.” Karen said to Laura. “But Scott insisted I come, if it’s going to be any bother I could just go. The hospital cafeteria never closes.”
“You are more than welcome here and you know it.” Laura ushered Karen inside. “I always cook enough for several armies.”
“Still? Good to know, I hope you don’t mind us crashing your dinner.” Lucky came in, holding Liz’s hand. “Hello Scott.”
“Mind? I am delighted!” Laura gave Lucky and then Liz a hug. “The more the merrier.”
“Well then expect to be very merry.” Nik was next, followed a little hesitantly by Gia. “Room for two more?”
“Boy when you throw a party, you really throw one.” Scott commented. “I haven’t seen this many people since an angry mob picketed my barber.”
Laura looked out the door cautiously before closing it. Her living room was now full of people laughing, talking, being introduced to one another. For the first time in a very long time her house felt like a home.
Lucy wiped away her tears, turned off the TV, and went to answer the door. “It took you long enough.”
“I have to admit I am a bit late.” Kevin was standing there, holding Sigmund, a cart full of food beside him. “That’s an interesting fashion statement. I kinda like it.” Kevin said, indicating the robe.
“Sigmund! I have missed you!” Lucy excitedly reached for her duck, cradling him in her arms like a long lost child. “Mommy missed you so very very much!”
“So can I come in too?” Kevin asked, bemused.
“Oh sorry. Come in.” Lucy placed Sigmund on the floor.
“And don’t I rate a hug?” Kevin asked, a hint of a twinkle in his eyes.
“Like you ever have to ask.” Lucy wrapped Kevin in a very big hug, and then without warning his closeness began to overwhelm her. Feeling awkward, she stepped back and she added, “I heard about you and Eve Doc.”
“Shh.” Kevin placed his fingers on her lips, the action feeling strangely intimate. “There will be plenty of time to talk later, right now I'm starved.”
“Me too.” Lucy looked down at Sigmund who hadn’t moved from her feet. “Did you know this was the day we met? I remember it like it was yesterday, you were so very cute and I could talk to you right away. We formed this instant bond.” Lucy bent down to stroke Sigmund’s feathers. “Remember?”
“I don’t know about him, but I remember.” Kevin said, with a look that left Lucy wondering if they were still talking about Sigmund.
Courtney shook the snow off her shoulders, determined to get a closer look inside. She could almost smell the food out here; she could certainly hear the laughter. Neil’s unmistakable laugh soaring over everyone else’s.
It wasn’t an unfamiliar feeling, being on the outside looking in. But it still hurt all the same. Even though she knew she had no one to blame but herself, it still hurt like Hell.
Courtney moved closer to the window, determined to get a glimpse of her son.
“I couldn’t eat another bite if I tried.” Frank patted his stomach, leaning back in the chair.
“Don’t tell me you didn’t leave room for dessert.” Mary scolded.
“I left room Mom. I’ll eat Frank’s share.” Joe said. “I will make it my personal mission to let no dessert go to waste.”
“How noble of you.” Frank snorted.
“I left room too.” Neil chimed in. “I want pie!”
“You sit Mary.” Victor insisted. “I will go get it. And after dinner, it’s initiation time.”
“Oh, that’s right.” Frank said, rubbing his hands together. “Gabby hasn’t been initiated yet.”
“I am not sure I like the sound of that.” Gabriela looked at Joe. “Is there something you forgot to tell me?”
“Can I tell her?” Neil asked, excitedly.
“Nah it will be much more fun if she is – surprised.” Joe was immensely enjoying himself.
“I have ways to make you talk.” Gabby warned.
Frank caught something from the corner of his eye. Puzzled, he walked over to the window. “Hey young impressionable minds here.”
“Neil is just fine aren’t you Neil?”
“I meant me.” Frank saw the movement again. “I will be right back. Save me some pie.”
“Yeah right. Snooze you lose.” Joe answered, grabbing the pie from Victor. He looked up at Neil. “Which half do you want?”
“Stop it! This is a holiday and I am going to damn well enjoy it if it kills all three of us. So shut up, smile, and eat!” Eve snapped, waving her fork like a weapon.
“Bah humbug.” Chris responded, biting a very large portion of his hamburger off.
“Wrong holiday.” Eve reconsidered. “Never mind. Bah humbug works for me.”
“It’s unanimous then. Shall we make a toast to it?” Ian asked, picking up his glass.
“Why not?” Eve responded, holding up her coffee cup. From across the table their eyes locked, something Chris couldn’t help noticing.
Before he had a chance to think about it, Chris knocked over Eve’s coffee cup spilling it all over the front of her scrubs. Startled Eve jumped up, knocking the entire table over, spilling most of the food right on Ian. Chris, openly laughing as soon as he was sure no one was hurt, popped the rest of the hamburger in his mouth. “You know, this might not be such a bad holiday after all.”
“It will just be a little bit longer I promise.” Laura said to the crowd assembled in her living room. “Where’s LuLu?”
“Upstairs, showing Serena her doll collection.” Scott joined Laura. “You have some really great children Laura, you done good kid.”
“Thank you. They are pretty terrific aren’t they?” Laura looked proudly at her sons. “Do you ever think about how different it could have been?”
“If we had stayed together you mean? Nah, things pretty much turn out like they were meant to. Listen to me, I have been around Lucy too long.”
Laura laughed as the doorbell rang. “Who could it be now?”
“Anybody but loser Luke.” Scott whispered to himself, his fingers crossed.
“Sorry to interrupt ma’am but Carly insisted I bring this over. She wanted you to have it in time for dinner.” Johnny nodded at the rest of the people in the room. “Looks like I made it in time.”
“You certainly did. And this smells heavenly.” Laura took the enormous cake from Johnny. “Have you already eaten?”
“No, but that’s okay....”
“You have great timing then. We were just about to eat.” Laura pulled Johnny inside. “And you should know by now, I never take no for an answer.”
Scott eyed Johnny warily. “Why would Carly be sending you a cake?”
“Because she’s my new partner.” Laura said matter-of-factly.
“Really?” Lucky asked. “I didn’t see that one coming. Mom, you’ve been holding out on us.”
“You should come around more often, you might learn a thing or two about your old Mom. Give me five minutes gang and dinner will be on the table.”
“Hold on a minute.” Scott grabbed her arm. “Carly Corinthos? That’s your business partner? What on earth – “
“Johnny have you met Karen? Karen this is Johnny..” With that Laura hurried into the kitchen.
Scott stood stunned; watching in trepidation as Karen went to shake Johnny’s hand. He looked at Johnny smiling at Karen, he looked back to the kitchen door where the sound of Laura humming came, he looked back at Karen again and with a muffled curse headed into the kitchen. “Hey I am not finished with you yet!”
“You are one of Sonny’s bodyguards right?” Karen asked Johnny, surprised by how comfortable she felt around him.
“Yeah, and you used to work – I am so sorry. I am usually not so clumsy. Actually I usually don’t say this much. It’s just that you are such a pretty woman and – “ Johnny stopped, flustered.
“It’s okay. “ Karen smiled; it was nice seeing a man obviously interested in her. She only hoped she remembered how to flirt. “Why don’t I take your coat? You don’t want to disappoint Laura after all and you would be helping me out a lot. I am feeling a little bit odd-man-outish if you know what I mean.”
“This is going to be one interesting dinner.” Gia commented, watching Johnny turn a very unusual shade of red.
“Stick with me kid. You haven’t seen nothin’ yet.” Nik promised as he led Gia into the kitchen.
“I just love this time of day.” Livvie commented. “Dusk, Mom – Rachel I mean, used to say this was the time of magic.”
“And she was right.” Jack scooped up some snow. “It just so happens, this is a magical snowball.”
“Don’t you dare.” Livvie warned, giggling. “Stay away from me.”
“Don’t worry girlfriend, I have your back.” Allison commented, holding two snowballs in her hand. “Chandler dear, I wouldn’t if I were you.”
“Really?” Jack asked, still advancing on Livvie. “Good thing I am not you then.”
“Really? Think so huh? Oooooooh!” Allison turned around, snow dripping off her back. “You are going to be so sorry you did that.”
“I surrender!” Jamal held his hands up. “You win. I give up. Honest.”
“Like cowardice is going to save you.” Allison said, bombarding Jamal with snow..
Jack was so busy laughing at Jamal, he never noticed Livvie sneaking up behind him, until he was absolutely covered in snow. “You cheater!”
“Am not. I am just diabolical. Runs in my family you know.” Livvie said with a smile and then screeched as Jack came after her. Livvie, too busy looking behind her to notice where she was going, ran straight into Kevin. “Oh sorry.”
“Don’t be. I haven’t seen you laugh like that – well I have never seen you laugh like that.” Kevin gave a cautious smile to Jack. “Don’t let us interrupt, we were just leaving.”
“Yes, we were just walking off our very big dinner.” Lucy added, giving Livvie a hug. “I miss you! Come see me when you can.”
“Hi Dr. Kevin. Lucy.” Allison joined the group, feeling protective of Livvie. “What’s up?”
“Nothing, we were just leaving.” Kevin said again, grabbing Lucy’s hand and holding it very tightly.
“Kevin wait a second.” Livvie pulled him aside, Lucy letting go of Kevin’s hand so they could talk privately. “I want to thank you for all the help you gave me before, you know – “
“All Hell broke loose?” Kevin asked with a smile. “I handled the whole thing badly Livvie, you don’t owe me thanks. You don’t owe me anything.”
“Still....” Livvie looked back over at Jack who gave her an encouraging smile. “Look, I don’t know that I can ever think of you as a father, but I wouldn’t mind trying to be friends again. Would that be enough for you?”
“It would be more than enough.” Kevin gave her a quick hug. “Go back to your friends now, we’ll talk later. And Livvie, you have a beautiful smile. I hope to see it more often.”
“Maybe it’s hereditary cause you have a heck of one yourself Kevin.” Livvie said over her shoulder as she headed back to her friends, feeling as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
“I will totally agree with that.” Lucy said, linking her arm in Kevin’s.
“You were eavesdropping.” Kevin said, not upset at all.
“I was not. I was – “ Lucy paused when Kevin started laughing. “Okay I was eavesdropping. But didn’t I tell you it would all work out in the end? You have got to have faith Doc. All this bad stuff will fade. You’ll see.”
“You were right. But only about Livvie, so don’t go getting a swollen head.” Kevin teased, and then more seriously. “I don’t think Eve and I will ever be able to get past this. She’s gone and I now believe she is never coming back.”
“I’m sorry.” Lucy said, very sincerely.
“Let’s go back to the hotel. I could use a heart-to-heart from my oldest and best friend.”
“Oh should I give Felicia a call?” Lucy teased. “Just kidding! You know anytime you need me, I am there for you. After all, isn’t that what friends are for?”
“So they tell me.” Kevin replied, as he and Lucy walked arm in arm back toward the hotel.
“Go away before Neil sees you.” Frank pulled Courtney from her hiding place.
“I wasn’t going to go barging in there. I just wanted to see Neil. Is that so bad?”
“Considering the circumstances, yes.” Frank replied. “Now go, I won’t have the day ruined for him.”
“How come you are entitled to all the second chances in the world but not me? I am really sincerely sorry Frank. I printed that retraction, I apologized publicly, I don’t know what else you want me to do.”
“Go away. That’s all. Just go.” Frank replied, hearing the sound of the bagpipes starting up in the living room. “And go quickly, I don’t want to miss this.”
“I have no right to ask, I realize that. And there really is no reason for you to believe me, I have messed up so many times in so many ways, but can I please just talk to my son? Five minutes. If he gets upset at all, I will go. You have my word.”
“Fat good that will do me.” Frank replied, and then seeing the hurt in Courtney’s eyes relented. “Not today, I won’t risk it today. But come by tomorrow, I will see what I can arrange. And Courtney don’t mess this up.”
“I won’t.” Courtney smiled, dusting snow off of Frank’s shirt. “Thank you Frank.”
“Neil loves you. It’s your one saving grace. I would remember that if I were you.” Frank said to her and then headed back in just in time to join in the chorus of “Hey Jude.”
Courtney stayed put until she heard him inside and then stuck in her hands in her pockets, humming “na na na na” to herself as she made her way back to her apartment. One more chance, this time she swore to herself she would make the most of it. Christmas would be much much different.
Chris sat down beside Eve on the hospital steps. “Will you ever forgive me?”
“No. Absolutely not.” Eve replied and then looked in Chris’s eyes. “Are you ever going to tell me what’s going on with you? Is this still about Julie?”
“I don’t want to talk about Julie any more than you want to talk about Kevin.” Chris replied. “Let’s just say, I have done some things the last couple of months that I am not proud of. And I have hurt some people along the way that I never intended to. Like Livvie. And you.”
“How exactly did you think you were going to destroy Kevin and not hurt me?” Eve asked, more tiredly than angrily. “You know what, forget about it. In the end, when it really mattered, you came through. And it’s not like I have a lot of room to talk, I have done a few things that I shouldn’t have too, hurt some people. Maybe instead of being a day of thanks, this should be day of forgiveness. Or maybe just letting go.”
“I wish it was that easy.” Chris said, staring into the darkness.
“I think maybe it can be. At least, that’s my biggest hope.” Eve stood up. “Night Chris.”
“Night.” Chris watched Eve walk away, feeling a strange sense of loss. He looked at his watch, midnight. The day was over, Thanksgiving was just another memory. Somewhere in the distance, he could hear Christmas music playing on some late nighter’s radio or CD player. He stood up, dusting his pants off. Pulling out a slip of paper, he looked again at the address. If he was going to start letting go, he was going to have to go back further than Julie or Eve or Port Charles. He was going to have to go back to the beginning.
It was time to meet his brother.
THE END.
