Stefan placed the last article of clothing in his luggage, trying to remember if he had forgotten anything. He didn't have that much to take with him.

Satisfied that he had packed everything he needed, he zipped up the bag. Now he just had to say his goodbyes.

He was headed towards the door, when an urgent knock rattled it.

He quickened his pace, and opened it. "Mrs. Lansbury?" Stefan felt a sense of dread. She rarely came here, only when there was an emergency.

Mrs. Lansbury didn't waste any time with formalities or lengthy explanations. "Come with me, Mr. Cassadine. We don't have much time. It's Laura." She turned and headed out.

Stefan followed, trying to keep his mind from falling into worst-case scenarios. The older woman's fast stride told him plenty, but he wouldn't help anyone by becoming overly agitated.

They arrived at Laura and Stavros' bedroom, and Mrs. Lansbury stopped outside the door. "I haven't been in to see her. I only saw Stavros walking out the door, slamming it shut." She shuddered at the memory. "He was bleeding... or had blood on him. He looked possessed."

Stefan needed no further prompting and he walked into the room, Mrs. Lansbury two steps behind him.

His heart nearly stopped as he saw her.

"Dear God," Mrs. Lansbury whispered in horror.

Laura was on the floor, face down. Deep purple marks were already beginning to show on various parts of her uncovered skin. There were crimson stains everywhere around the room, broken objects scattered about.

She had put up a fight.

Stefan didn't remember moving, but he was suddenly kneeling down over her, carefully checking her pulse. He breathed out in relief as he felt the soft thumping beneath his fingers. She was alive.

Laura moved slightly then, her face scrunching up in pain, a loud moan filling the room. Her bloodied hand grabbed her abdomen. "My baby..." she rasped through her swollen lips before falling back into unconsciousness.

Stefan thanked the mercy of the Gods.

He picked up what looked like a crumpled photograph lying next to her. He cursed inwardly as he saw what it was. How could he have been so foolish?

He tossed the picture aside, needing to focus on the more important problem. He had to take her somewhere else, but how?

His question was answered by the last person he had in mind to help.

"I need both of you to move away from the patient so I may examine her," Dr. Lastiris ordered.

Helena stayed at the entrance of the room, her head turned so she could avoid actually looking into it. "Stefan, I need a word with you."

Stefan hesitated, but he knew Mrs. Lansbury would watch over Laura. And the doctor could be more helpful than either of them at the moment. He followed his Mother to the hall, closing the door behind them.

"I've arranged for Laura's departure," Helena said without preamble.

"I'll be going with her," Stefan informed her, just as quickly.

A look of surprise crossed Helena's face. She had known there was an attraction between the two, but this went much deeper than she had suspected. "I see. You realize you won't be able to return."

He nodded. "I am aware of the consequences."

For once, there were no snide remarks. "Very well," Helena said. "Stavros will not be back for a few hours, but I suggest we move quickly."

They walked back into the room.

"How is she?" Helena asked, trying not to recoil as she got a clear picture of what had happened.

Dr. Lastiris stood up, while Mrs. Lansbury continued to attend to Laura's superficial wounds.

"The damage and blood loss is extensive, but not fatally so," he said. "She's lost the child, and will require a great deal of rest. Time will do most of the healing, once the main injuries have been attended to."

"Is it dangerous to move her?" Stefan asked.

Dr. Lastiris shook his head. "It's not recommended, but if done with care and not prolonged, it should not do any further damage. I've given her a strong sedative for now."

"Mrs. Lansbury," Helena said. "Gather all of Laura's belongings, and Stefan's, as well. Meet us at the back entrance."

"The bag on my bed is the only thing I require," Stefan told the housekeeper.

Nodding, Mrs. Lansbury left.

*****

Laura had been settled as comfortably as possible in the large vehicle, so that any rough road they crossed wouldn't cause her to move too much.

All that was left was for Stefan to say goodbye. Goodbye to his childhood home, and the hopes that were tied to it.

"Thank you for your help," he told Mrs. Lansbury.

The woman nodded, smiling sadly. "Be well."

Stefan turned to his mother, unable to focus on just one feeling among the dozen that were suddenly hitting him at once, along with the realization of what he was about to do. "Goodbye, Mother," he said.

Helena stood rigidly, her face revealing nothing. "Goodbye, Stefan."

Neither said anything else, incapable of crossing the short physical distance between them.

Stefan walked away and got into the car, shutting the door. The tainted windows were raised. "We may go," he told the driver, as he continued to look out the window, taking one last look at what was now his past.

Somewhere in the icy depths of his mother's eyes, he thought he noticed a brief flicker of warmth. But just as soon, it was gone.

The car started moving, and he turned forward.