Those Old Familiar Places-Chapter 1:The Letters (Part V)
“Can I help you?” She had materialized out of the dim bar side of the club, her blonde hair catching fire as she stepped out into the light.
Elizabeth blinked uncertainly at the tall, statuesque woman who had unexpectedly appeared before her. “Ummm,” she stammered as she began to realize how entirely out of her depth she truly was. She knew precisely who the blonde was-bold, brassy, and sassy-Carly Corinthos. She had occasionally seen her upstairs in the malt shop. She would be leaning on the counter as she slurped down a milkshake, her endless legs wrapped abound the metal bars of her stool, her laughter in response to some quip at Mike’s exploding out of her in a full bodied raucous sound.
Robin had spotted her quarry, the reason for her journey down the dark narrow stairs was occupying a stool at the bar but she hadn’t forgotten her obligation to her companion. One look at Elizabeth’s scarlet face indicated the impossibility of her expressing her needs to the club’s hostess.
Impatiently she spoke up on her…colleague’s (friend’s?) behalf. “Nurse Webber is desirous of perusing whatever options that you might have in the hosiery line.”
Carly looked over at Robin, it was the first notice she had taken of the small, quiet brunette. A perplexed expression appeared on her face as she processed what the doctor had said to her. It took a moment but then her brow cleared as comprehension dawned. “Hosiery…oh, you want to get some stockings! Well, why didn’t you just say so?” She sent an irate glare at an unperturbed Robin for unnecessarily confusing the issue. “Come on over here, sweetie, so I can get a good look at you. You too,” she reached out a determined hand towards Robin and grabbing her by the arm pulled her towards one of the round tables. Elizabeth trailed reluctantly in their wake.
“So,” she began, looking critically at the women standing before her. Their faces and figures were more clearly visible in the brighter lights in this part of the club. “The little nurse is quite pretty,” she thought, giving Elizabeth an appraising look. “Still, she could do with a little color on her face…” Carly’s fingers itched to do something with her hair, it was pulled back into an unflattering bun but nothing could take away from her porcelain complexion, perfectly spaced large blue eyes and full lips that were naturally red without any aid from lipstick. The other girl though, Carly sighed internally as she gazed in resignation at Robin. She was obviously one of those women who didn’t care about her femininity at all. As a matter of fact, it seemed that she went out of her way to appear drab and mousy as proven by the awful mud brown color of her nondescript shirtwaist dress. Still, Carly was a fighter, was always up for a challenge and that was absolutely how she would classify the dowdy little female with the bold mouth on her.
Carly returned to the business at hand. “What are you wearing right now?” She took Elizabeth and spinning her around immediately registered the telltale chocolate covered lines running up her calves. “Nothing left, huh?” She asked her sympathetically. Elizabeth raised her eyes and looking into Carly’s friendly, open gaze shook her head mutely before once again looking down at the floor, feeling flustered by the unaccustomed attention to her legs. “What about you?” She turned her discerning eye on Robin, walking behind her to look at her legs just as though she were auditioning her to be in a chorus line. “Whoa, sister!” Carly exclaimed unable to hide her disapprobation. “You a member of the bare leg brigade?” She posed the disparaging question in the same tone as she would have used to inquire if Robin were a member of the communist party or a Kraut lover.
Robin, prickly as ever, responded with a defensive sneer. “I am not a member of any such club but pray tell how me does it make any more sense to use an eyeliner pencil in an effort to create “pretend” stockings which fool absolutely no one.” Belatedly, she realized that was exactly what her ally in tonight’s expedition had done. Robin sent an apologetic glance in Elizabeth’s direction but it wasn’t received because she was still staring at the floor, her fists clenched in embarrassment as her returning blush crept up to even color the tips of her ears. “Besides,” Robin continued trying to further eradicate her thoughtless comment. “I prefer to wear trousers and do so when I am not on duty or under social constraints that require me to dress otherwise.”
“Now, why doesn’t that surprise me?” The dry, laconic drawl emanated from the darkness of the bar.
“I don’t remember inviting you to be a member of this discourse, Dr. Drake,” Robin responded with a tartness she was far from feeling as she struggled to hide her discomfiture with the awkward situation. She wasn’t capable of making small talk or even recognizing the subtle social clues that were so vital to participating in polite discourse.
“And, I, Dr. Scorpio, don’t remember inviting you to accompany me to this club this evening.” He had swiveled around on his bar stool, his long arms stretched out on either side of him reaching along the length of the bar.
Carly was blatantly listening to the interchange with unrestrained amusement. The dark haired lanky doctor had become a morose fixture at Sonny’s over the past several months. He was a reliable customer who paid his tab on time and never initiated or contributed to any of the fights that broke out periodically. As a matter of fact, he would often supply his medical skills in patching up the combatants in return for a drink or two on the house. Carly had discovered that no matter how much alcohol he had consumed his ability as a doctor seemed unaffected.
“I…I know that!” Robin sputtered indignantly as she found her hard fought composure slipping away. “I came in with Nurse Webber, to help her with a business transaction.” She stood glaring at the doctor, her arms folded defensively across her chest.
“Stockings, I believe,” he murmured, his voice barely audible as it floated over towards her. A sardonic smile flickered across his lips as he stared insolently at her.
“Yes, stockings!” Robin replied with harsh emphasis, refusing to reply to respond to his innuendo that he was the reason she had dared to come to such an alien environment as Sonny’s.
Carly and Elizabeth stood by as unintentional voyeurs of the heated exchange between the madly attractive Patrick Drake and the obviously infatuated but prissy Robin Scorpio. Carly hadn’t realized that Robin was a doctor, she had just presumed she was a dried up spinster of a nurse. While, she didn’t like her any better, her respect for her elevated several notches as she recognized the struggles Robin must have endured on her way to achieving that distinction. Carly herself was no stranger to making her way in the world against the seemingly insurmountable difficulties placed in her way merely because she was a woman. Yet, she had managed to always maintain her femininity in the ongoing battle. It was unfortunate that this lady doctor had sacrificed that side of who she was in order to attain her dream. She turned to see Elizabeth, who was watching them with a dazed expression on her face. Carly flashed her a conspiratorial smile as if to say, “We’ll never have to worry about that happening to us!” If someone had asked her what ‘that’ was exactly, she wouldn’t have been able to quantify the trait. It was merely the instinctual knowledge that one woman possesses when she recognizes she is attractive to the opposite sex and also perceives when another of her kind is simply not.
Elizabeth had been astonished to discover the real reason for their trip to Sonny’s club. “So, that’s the friend Dr. Scorpio was so desperate to find.” She thought in bemusement, and then almost immediately, “Wait until I tell the girls!” flashed across her mind. Elizabeth didn’t often have such a choice piece of gossip to add to their daily hen sessions. She stole a look at Robin’s miserable face as she stared longingly at Patrick who had turned back to the bar, his back to them as he conversed with the bartender. “Why…why she’s in love with him!” The shock of startled comprehension was quickly superseded by a flicker of sympathy.
Dr. Patrick Drake was a confirmed roué, a skirt chaser of the most notorious ilk. His dark, brooding, Byronic looks had all the single nurses swooning along with quite a few of the married ones. Everyone knew he drank to excess as a result of some past dark, tragedy-most bets were on a fickle female having broken his heart. This emotional affliction only made him more attractive as they all vied to repair the damage done. He was known around the hospital as ‘love ‘em and leave ‘em’ Drake. Elizabeth had seen many a nurse crying inconsolably in some forgotten corner of the hospital after a regretful and perfunctory leave taking by their resident Adonis.
Upon her arrival at General Hospital, Elizabeth had caught Patrick’s ever roving eye. When she met his predictable advances with an icy refusal, he had simply redoubled his efforts to win her over. Yet, she had remained unassailable. Even now, more than a year after his capitulation, he never lost an opportunity to flirt with her, to cajole her into going to the movies or to dinner with him. He was indeed handsome and his offers often tempted her but Elizabeth’s resolve had held firm.
Now, more than ever, as she stared with pity at Robin who couldn’t tear her eyes away from the oblivious figure at the bar, she was happy that she had always managed to control her impulses and had never given in to him. She didn’t know how Robin thought she stood a chance with the self absorbed Dr. Drake. He liked his lady companions young, lovely of face and lithe of figure. In addition, he required them to be happy go lucky, wanting nothing more than to share a few laughs and preferably to submit to his amorous advances. Elizabeth couldn’t see how plain, serious Robin could ever win his attention, never mind his heart.
“Speaking of stockings,” Carly interjection startled Elizabeth out of her reverie, “Get a gander at these beauties.”
She looked over at the exuberant blonde and gaped astounded at the sight which met her eyes. Carly had gone to the nearest table and placed her left foot encased in a sky blue satin pump up on it. She then proceeded to draw back her satin skirt, a perfect color match to the pump. Not only was her calf on exhibit but a large expanse of shapely thigh was now clearly visible. Two wolf whistles emanating from Patrick and the bartender demonstrated that her display had not gone unnoticed. Carly grinned at them appreciatively before turning serious and urging Elizabeth to come closer. Carly pointedly ignored Robin, she knew a lost cause when she saw one. Elizabeth obediently covered the few feet to the table and then stood there uncertain as to what Carly required of her.
“C’mon,” she insisted, pulling on Elizabeth’s reluctant hand and placing it on her leg. “Feel that, this is quality stuff. It’s the newest type of nylon stocking. Go on,” she continued not at all abashed at have an unknown woman caressing her leg, “Give it a good tug. Yeah, that’s right. See how it just pops right back and it gets a lot fewer snags and runs than the silk ones.”
Elizabeth’s eyes were gleaming with desire as she examined the merchandise so intimately on offer. “They’re beautiful,” she sighed reverently. This time she stared Carly directly in the eye and beamed at her in acknowledgment of the ancient collusion between women everywhere as they bonded over feminine adornments and fripperies.
Carly threw back her head and laughed uninhibitedly, she knew she had made a sale. Really, the little nurse was quite attractive, luminous almost, when she smiled. She stepped back from the table casually rearranged her skirt as it swooped back down over her legs.
The door to the club opened for the first time since Robin and Elizabeth’s entrance. A tall, elegant woman with chestnut hair burst into the room crying out excitedly, “Oh, Carly, I just couldn’t stand it another moment longer! I had to get out of that museum and come someplace where there is light, laughter, gaiety, and music…” She stopped her rushed speech, taken aback by the fact that currently Sonny’s appeared to be providing none of the items on her requisite list with the dubious exception of light. “Oh,” she said as a crestfallen little laugh escaped her. “I guess it’s early yet…”
“Just the shank of what I am sure will be a marvelous evening.” Carly moved towards her and leaned in to press her cheek against that of the new arrival. “How are you, Lila?” She asked with genuine warmth and affection in her tone.
“Lila, Lila Morgan?” The query burst from Elizabeth as she stepped spontaneously towards the two women. “I thought that was you! How have you been? It has been ages since I’ve seen you.”
Lila looked at her for a moment as though trying to place her face and then recognition dawned as she smiled delightedly. “Elizabeth Webber, as I live and breathe!” Lila was laughing as she went to Elizabeth gathering her into her arms in a tight hug. They were both giggling, caught up in the moment, the unexpected reunion. Lila turned back to a curious Carly. “We knew each other in high school. Elizabeth was my first, my dearest friend when my family moved to Port Charles. We were inseparable, weren’t we?” She looked at Elizabeth for confirmation, her eyes sparkling with joy as she gazed upon her newly rediscovered friend. “I must admit, I never would have expected to find you at Sonny’s…Whyever are you here, my dear?”
“She came to get stockings,” Carly said remembering that she needed to complete the purchase.
At that moment the club door swept open once again and a large, chattering group of soldiers and their dates piled into the club. They heralded the beginning of the evening rush. Carly cast a glance over her shoulder and was satisfied to see Elizabeth and Lila deeply involved in a conversation as they caught up on each others’ lives. It seemed that she could wait until later to get the stockings. Hopefully, there would be a lull at some point. Meanwhile, she had customers to greet, “Good evening. Welcome to Sonny’s, the hottest joint in Port Charles.”
“Well,” Elizabeth said teasingly with both her hands clasped in Lila’s as they stood at arms length admiring one another. “You know why I’m here, what’s your excuse?”
Lila looked at Elizabeth as she bit her lower lip on consideration. Should she or shouldn’t she trust her old, serendipitously rediscovered friend with the truth? She was just about to speak, to answer, unsure, even as she began, as to what she would say when the heard the beloved voice of her brother. “Lila, how are you?” It was Jason coming up behind her. He twirled her around and hugged her, a genuinely warm smile breaking across his usually solemn countenance, making him more attractive than ever.
“Jason!” She laughed delightedly, “It must be an evening for happy reunions. Though I must admit that…” She had been ready to introduce to Jason to Elizabeth when she realized that he had stepped back out of her embrace and was staring at Elizabeth with a look of wonderment.
“Nurse Webber.” It came out as a strained whisper.
Lila tilted her head, gazing observantly at her brother and Elizabeth both of whom it seemed had momentarily forgotten her presence. She smiled to herself discreetly, elated to see an almost palpable attraction between these two people she esteemed so highly. “How is it that you and Jason are acquainted?” She turned to Elizabeth, using her sisterly prerogative to get answers without appearing as though she were snooping though of course that was exactly what she was doing.
Elizabeth didn’t hear Lila’s question. She was too busy staring back at Jason, her mouth dry and her heart pounding. Goodness, he was so handsome! The last time she had seen him, was as he was being discharged from the hospital, a year and a half ago. He had been gaunt and pale, his hair close cropped from the head injury. His eyes had been devoid of much except the interminable pain of still existing when all he wanted was the welcoming darkness of eternal peace. How he had changed, those self same eyes were a brilliant cerulean blue and sparkled at her with clear admiration. He had gained weight and his broad shoulders strained the plain white open necked shirt he wore tucked into a pair of brown corduroys. His hair was thick and lustrous, a dark blonde that complemented his tanned skin. Elizabeth found herself blushing for the second time since coming into Sonny’s. Realizing that she had been answering his searching look with a bold stare of her own, she quickly averted her eyes and looked back at Lila as though she were the only other person there.
Jason was the one who responded to Lila’s query. “Nurse Webber was the best nurse at General Hospital. She made my convalescence, my enforced stay there endurable.” His voice was warm with approbation and something else that Elizabeth couldn’t interpret but Lila was sure was affection.