Chapter 14

Laura fought the urge to curl up into a ball and again looked over at the
room Scotty was in. He seemed so calm, which wasn't surprising. He
had always been steady as a rock compared to her. It had been really
annoying at times, but she was glad he was with her now.

She had never been good at situations like these. Especially not after the thing with David. She gave herself a mental slap. Thinking about that wasn't going to help; it just confused her mind even more.

Waiting was the problem. She needed to do something. She had tried to remember anything that might help, but it was useless. If she hadn't been so set on finding Stefan...

Stefan. It was killing her not knowing how he was. It didn't make sense. Why did she care so much what happened to him? She hardly knew him. But she felt she did. It was all in her head, like this feeling that he was in the room. As if she were to look up...

And see him.

Tears formed in her eyes as she continued to stare at him, not feeling desire this time, but an almost suffocating sadness. She stayed seated, not sure what she should do. It was him, but something was different. It wasn't just his appearance; she could see it in his eyes, his movements. This was a side of him she hadn't seen before, and it was unsettling how unfamiliar he felt to her.

But there was still that thing she couldn't explain. She knew she had to go to him and try to help him. She walked to where he was and tentatively laid a hand on his shoulder. He turned around, a faint smile forming as he recognized her. He laid his own hand on hers and they stood in silence.

Scotty watched them and felt the old anger resurface. She fell in love so easily and just as quickly it was over. He walked over to where they were, almost feeling as though he were an intruder. "Laura, you ready to go?" he asked.

Laura looked at him, taking a second to react. She shook her head. "I'm going to wait. You can go on without me, though."

Scotty's answer was lost as a policeman came up to the group. "Mr. Cassadine, I have great news."

"What is it?"

The officer smiled, "Your cousin is conscious, and recovering."

Stefan stared at the man. "Are you certain?"

"Yes, sir. The doctor says there was no major damage and she'll be able to leave the hospital as soon as she feels up to it."

Stefan couldn't allow himself believe it and he turned to look at Laura. Seeing the confirmation in her eyes and smile, he let out a shaky breath and took her in his arms, a relieved laugh coming out. He turned suddenly, remembering his promise to Alexis. "Did she say who poisoned her?" he asked the officer.

"Yes, she did," the man replied. "They are standing next to you."

Laura felt time slow to a deadly pace as she felt Stefan stiffen and step away from her. She tried to reach out, but was vaguely aware of handcuffs being placed around her wrists. She tried to catch his gaze, and immediately regretted it as their eyes connected. A shiver ran through her, paralyzing her. The hate and condemnation radiating from his eyes was almost palpable. As he turned to walk away, she moved to go to him, but was yanked back roughly.

"Laura Baldwin, you are under arrest for the attempted murder of Alexis Davis. You have the right to remain silent..."