WELCOME

[ghfan42]

Alright ladies let us know who your favorite is.

[ghfan42]

Entry 1

Halloween Truth on the Rooftop

Jake’s had become the best place to hang out in Port Charles lately. Doctors, lawyers and the everyday slackers all were rubbing shoulders as they tossed back shots of tequila between karaoke songs. Maybe that’s one of the reasons seeing Johnny Zacchara downing shot after shot at the corner stool of the bar didn’t shock Lulu in the least when she strolled in behind Maxie and Spinelli, though a part of her still expected to only find him getting drunk at the MetroCourt, but those days of predicting Johnny Zacchara were long gone.

Maxie had talked her into attending the Halloween Party at Jake’s with her and Spinelli, even going as far as to convince her to dress up for the costume contest. Maxie and Spinelli matched as Sherlock Holmes in long brown jacket, pipe and cap with his detective assistant carrying a magnifying glass in a short checkered dress. Lulu decided to where the dress she picked up while in Greece searching for Luke, pawning herself as a Grecian princess.

But her attention was still on Johnny. Spinelli had not so subtlety let it slip of Johnny and Olivia’s breakup while Dominic tried to hit on her when she came to see Spinelli at Jason’s penthouse. She knew what Spinelli was angling for by telling her. He made no secret of his new view of the redemption of the Mob Prince or his desire for The Blonde One to be happy again, as he put it. He seemed to be drinking away his problems as everyone else went on their merry way around him.

Maxie knew more gossip in this town than anyone should. Maxie told Lulu how Johnny trashed his garage after Olivia broke up with him, the things Olivia said, and how sad Johnny looked. Unlike Spinelli, Maxie didn’t have the sensor button on her thoughts and her immediate thought of ‘just desserts’ popped out of Maxie’s mouth before anything in the universe could stop her.

Lulu had thought about it at least a hundred times after her and Johnny had ended. She had even hoped at one point that her ex would feel just as hurt one day as she had when he said he didn’t want her anymore, when he tore down their relationship, tore her down. She wanted him to feel that way when she curled up on the couch in her own pity while Tracy ordered her to act like a Spencer.

But she passed that feeling. It took time not to let her heart drop every time she saw Johnny or watched Olivia and Johnny hang on each other making no secret of what was between them, while Lulu stood alone in the room full of happy people. She wanted him to be happy, even if Johnny didn’t think that would be with her.

So now, she wanted to be a friend. She didn’t have many friends standing by her, without judgment, when things ended for her. Ignoring the calls of Robin to come sit with her, Patrick and Matt and dodging the attentions of Dominic, Lulu took the seat next to Johnny on the bar, pulling a shot glass out from behind the bar, casting a side glance to Ethan, who was filling in for Coleman, to fill the glass and leave the bottle.

“Go away,” Johnny growled, without looking up. It didn’t matter the lost count of shots he had since he wandered into Jake’s when Ethan opened the bar two hours ago. The alcohol in his system wouldn’t make him forget the scent of Lulu’s perfume, light and sweet. He didn’t want her to be here right now. He wanted to wallow in his misery, that he realized by being near Lulu again, misery that he deserved.

“So, I hear you suck as a businessman,” Lulu started, getting a sharp glare from Johnny and a worried wide-eyed glance from her increasingly overprotective brother Ethan. “What? I mean, you never check in on the Haunted Star and your garage only is getting business from repair bullet holes to Sonny’s car fleet.”

“Lulu,” Ethan gritted, motioning for his sister to leave the brooding mobster to his drinks. “You know, some people try to cheer people up with positive things.”

“Those people aren’t Spencers,” Lulu smirked, turning back to Johnny. “Come with me for five minutes, Johnny. I’m not going to say you deserve anything of what is happening to you. Just come with me.”

“I think I have a better shot with the tequila,” Johnny grumbled, throwing another shot of Patron back, not even flinching as the alcohol burned his throat.

Lulu grabbed her purse as she stood up, seeing Maxie motion for her to join her and Robin at the karaoke machine. “Have it your way, Johnny,” she sighed, before leaning closer to him. “I just thought your drink of choice for drowning your sorrows was whiskey or scotch. At least it’s not rum, you never know what you would say then.”

Lulu danced and sang along with Maxie and Robin, and the rest of the bar, to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, occasionally glancing at Johnny’s hunched over figure at the bar. And as the bar closed, after giving Patrick and Robin, dressed as matching vampires, the prize for the costume party, Lulu saw that Johnny was still sitting alone at the bar.

“How about that afterhours bar this time,” Dominic asked, coming up behind Lulu, with hopes that she would end her night hanging out with him.

“I’m going to have to pass,” Lulu said absently, as she was determinedly to the bar. Lulu pushed the empty bottle of Patron that Johnny had been downing all night across the bar to Ethan, dumping the last shot into the dish bin before tossing the shot glass in with it. Grabbing his upper arm, Lulu tugged Johnny off of the stool, taking most of his weight onto her shoulder.

“I don’t want to go with you. Leave me alone. I want Olivia,” Johnny slurred as he complained.

“Well, we don’t always get what we want, do we?” Lulu muttered, glaring at Ethan to back off, that she would be fine. “Come on. Stupid men need to be reminded of reality.”

“So, now, it’s stupid to love someone,” Johnny argued as Lulu sucked in a deep breath at him admitting he loves Olivia.

“I told you five minutes earlier, but since you’re completely wasted now, it’s going to take longer,” Lulu explained, dragging him slowly up the steps of Jake’s.

Lulu shoved open the door to the roof, leading Johnny over to the rooftop ledge. “What are we doing up here?” Johnny moaned with a slight shiver from the cold wind.

Lulu leaned against the ledge as Johnny sunk down against wall. “We are up here to remind you who Johnny Zacchara is,” she told him.

Rolling his eyes, he looked up at her. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” he scoffed.

“The Johnny Zacchara I knew used to be fearless,” she started, continuing before he could argue with her. “He raced over a hundred miles an hour with no headlights on dark roads, swerving between the lines. He jumped off buildings higher than this and had rooftop conversations with my dad. He hated the mob and the life he grew up in, not embracing it like you do now.”

“I was doing that for you,” Johnny grumbled, his eyes widening slightly when Lulu suddenly bent down to his level.

“That’s crap, and you know it,” Lulu accused harshly. “You can pull that with Claudia and Olivia and the rest of the word, but not me! I know you too well, Johnny. I know that you hate that life and that you were afraid that would end up crazy like your dad and hurt the people you love like he did to you, Claudia and your mom.”

“You don’t understand,” he muttered.

“That’s rich coming from you,” she chuckled. “You changed because you wanted to do anything you could to prove that you and me weren’t right together. I understand perfectly, Johnny. You went straight to making out with Maxie, like you were Logan. You became part of Sonny’s organization. Really? You and I both know that if you really wanted to be in this world, you would be in charge for the sheer fact that you hate, with a passion, when anyone tells you what to do.”

“People grow up,” he argued. “They change.”

“Whatever, Johnny,” she sighed. “You won’t listen? Fine! I tried. But the truth hurts. And the truth is you haven’t been yourself in a long time. Because this Johnny, sucks. You would have never turned your back on Claudia, for any reason, no matter if she deserved it. You wouldn’t be crying at Jake’s over your love life, over a woman who has always and will always be attracted to Sonny Corinthos whether she realizes that or not. But if that’s going to be you… then you should have let Jason kill you that day in the barn. You think everything is horrible based off of decisions that never put you at fault. Olivia wants to be with Sonny, not your fault. Claudia is conniving to save her own ass, not your fault. Dante was hit by a car at a carnival saving Morgan, not your fault. You and Spinelli being in a shootout, not your fault. Michael’s shooting is not your fault.”

Johnny stilled as he took in her words. “You know about that?”

“It wasn’t that hard to put together after a while,” she started, leaning against him as they both sat against the wall. “Maxie told me that you had said you had a secret you were keeping that would destroy us. So I thought about everything. And then I remembered your reaction when Michael was shot… and how you hated that I defended you to Carly. I remembered the whispers between you and Claudia… and her and Sonny’s marriage that she was so desperate to hold on to, when she was bringing the entire organization to the table. Makes sense if she was afraid of him finding out.”

“So how do you know it wasn’t me?” he asked softly, moving his arm to wrap around her shoulders to protect her from the cold.

“You’re Maria’s son,” Lulu smiled up at him. “Your dad tried to kill you when you were eight, Johnny. You wouldn’t let any shots ever be fired near a child. I don’t even think you would let a gun be near a child. I know it killed you to think you had a part in that, but if I know Michael, he would forgive you, because in his heart, he would know you didn’t intend any harm to him.”

“You don’t know that,” Johnny scoffed. “And Michael’s reaction is nothing compared to Jason and Sonny.”

“They would but not to the same degree as Claudia,” Lulu told him. “I know about Michael, because he told me when I asked him, hypothetically, if someone knew about the shooting what his reaction would be and that was his answer. Sonny… when Carly knew about Kristina and didn’t tell him, it ended one of their marriages. But, you see them now.”

“Where are you going with all of this?” he wondered.

Lulu stood up, brushing off her jeans. “In a nutshell, you need to stop dwelling on what you couldn’t control and be the man you’re supposed to be. Not this man, it’s pathetic and beneath you. You may… love… Olivia, but you, more than anyone, should know, everything changes.”

Lulu walked inside the door, not leaving as she leaned against it for her own strength to move on and not go back outside and wish for Johnny to see her as his muse of moonlight again. But, that wasn’t the way it was supposed to be for the Halloween night after the costume party at Jake’s. But, Lulu couldn’t hold in her smile when she slipped into her car, seeing Johnny standing arms spread out wide on the ledge of the two story roof of Jake’s with a free smile on his face as the wind blew back his jacket. Her Johnny Zacchara was on his way back to Port Charles, and maybe one day to her.

[ghfan42]

Entry 2

ADD A LITTLE MAGIC

October 31, 2009.…

“I can’t believe I agreed to go with you to this Halloween Party” whined Johnny as his fussed with his costume.

“Aww come on man. It will be fun and who knows, you might actually have a good time” countered Matt

“ Besides I think it’s about time you had a little fun in this town. I mean you’ve been here for months and STILL no action? There is something so wrong with that. I think you are slipping”

Johnny sighed and simply shook his head as they made their way out the door. It was true. Johnny had been in Port Charles for over 6 months now and had made NO attempts at ‘getting some action’ as Matt had put it. What was the point the thought to himself. Johnny had only come to Port Charles to help his sister Claudia broker a truce with their one time rivals Sonny and Jason. Well actually his father’s rivals. Now that Anthony was dead, Claudia and him wanted nothing more then to bring some peace to PC. Since Claudia had started seeing Nikolas, all she wanted was to be happy, and for the fighting to end. Once his father’s mess was cleaned up, Johnny just figured he would most likely head back to Italy and run things from there. No need for a short term relationship get in the way. But it was Halloween, and he was going to a party, maybe he would let himself have a little fun.

Matt and Johnny made their way into the ballroom which was fully decorated for the party. Johnny looked around and saw that Nickolas spared no expense when it came to decorations. He wondered if Claudia had anything to do with this. After all, his sister was all about showing her guests a good time. Since this was the first ‘event’ her and Nickolas were hosting together, Johnny was sure his sister wanted everything to be perfect, right down to the last fake spider hanging from it’s web. Johnny had spent a lot of time hanging out with Nikolas and Claudia over the last few months. He actually really liked Nikolas and his brother Lucky for that matter. He wondered if he would ever get to meet their younger sister they often spoke about, who was overseas with their mom last he heard. Johnny smiled as he looked around. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, maybe this would not be so bad after all he thought.

**********

“You want something to drink” asked Matt

“Sure I’ll have a beer.” answered Johnny “Maybe with some alcohol in my I will forget that I am here dressed as… what the hell am I supposed to be again?”

“I told you 10 times already! You are Prince Charming” chuckled Matt as he look at his friend wearing a navy blue tux complete with tails. “YOU know, from Cinderella. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet your Princess tonight”

Johnny rolled his eyes “Keep laughing. I get stuck in this uncomfortable, old fashioned tux, while you get to BE comfortable in your SCRUBS! I mean really man, could you have not put any thought into your costume??”

“Johnny, Johnny, Johnny” Matt laughed as he started to walk away. “Don’t you know that women can’t resist a man in uniform? And just in case someone is looking for a little mouth to mouth, I want them to know I am their man”

“I thought tonight was about YOU wanting ME to get some action?” Johnny shouted as he watched Matt head over to the bar.

**********

Johnny scanned the crowd as he waited for Matt to return with their drinks. He saw Spinelli and Nadine dressed as Trazan and Jane and had to laugh at the sight of Spin in a brown, well cloth was the best way to describe it. His tux did not seem so bad now. He spotted his sister and Nikolas dressed as Hippies, who were talking to Jason and Liz dressed as Danny and Sandy from Grease. Gee Johnny thought, what a stretch for Jason to have to wear a black T-shirt and jeans with a leather jacket. On the other side of the room, Lucky and Sam who were dressed as Bonnie and Clyde were chatting with Sonny and Carly dressed as police officers? He had to laugh at the irony in that.


Realizing it had been awhile since Matt had left, Johnny looked around only to see him tucked away in the corner giving nurse Maxie a lesson in mouth to mouth. Johnny could only roll his eyes. This was great, he had been at this party for a total of half and hour and he had already been ditched. It was going to be a long night he thought. That is when he noticed that he had caught the attention of several young ladies in the room, and they all seemed interested. Maybe he should just give in and have some fun? It couldn’t hurt.


Matt pulled away from Maxie for a moment and caught his breath. “When is she coming down?” he asked while glancing over to the stairs.

“I told her to make a fashionably late appearance, so I am guessing any minute now?” answered Maxie “And might I add, GREAT call on the costume choices. She looks stunning and I can’t wait for him to see her.”

“Well every Price needs his Princess. And I have a feeling he..” glancing over at Johnny “is long overdue at meeting his Cinderella.”

“Aww Matt” cooed Maxie “Who knew you were such a mushy face”

“Agenda gorgeous. The sooner we hook those two up, the less time I spend with his lonely soul. And IF that means more time I get to spend playing doctor with you, may lighting strike for them tonight!” Matt winked at Maxie.


*********


Johnny was slowly walking towards the dance floor looking for someone to dance with when he heard the room fill with quite whispering. He looked around and saw everyone looking towards the grand staircase at the end of the room. He turned slowly, looked up and stopped breathing. She … this beautiful woman, had left him breathless. There she stood, at the top of the stairs, in a pale blue strapless gown, it had crystals all along the top and layers of tule for the lower part, hair in a loose bun with a simple diamond necklace that rested on her chest. As he watched her eyes drift over the crowd, they fell upon his and time stood still.

Never taking their eyes off each other, without even knowing it, Johnny slowly made his way across the floor to the bottom of the stairs, all the while she slowly descended stopping in front of him. Johnny simply extended his hand to her with a genuine smile on his face and watched as she placed her soft hand in his, with a beautiful twinkle in her eye.

They walked hand in hand to the dance floor. Johnny slowly pulled her towards him placing his free hand on the small of her back, while she placed her free hand around his neck and smiled shyly at him.

“I’m Johnny” he whispered in her ear

“Lulu” was all she managed to get out as she seemed completely captivated by this handsome stranger.

She looked into his eyes and he knew this was the beginning of something, he didn’t know what, but he was sure as hell was NOT letting her go without finding out. Maybe he was not returning back to Italy as soon as he thought he would.

*********

“Well Dr. Matt” Maxie beamed “ I think a little fairytale magic was just what those two needed. Who would of thought Halloween would turn out to be the most romantic night of the year?”

As Johnny and Lulu continued to sway to the music, still holding each other tight, he looked around and chuckled softly. Lulu lifted her head that she had been resting on his chest for the last three songs, to look at him.

“What’s so funny?” she asked.

“Well, it seems like we have caused quite a scene” he stated as he nodded towards the others in the room.

Lulu looked around to see that everyone seemed to be watching the young couple with smiles on their faces. No two bigger then the ones that Matt and Maxie were wearing. And that is when it hit her.

“Tell me Johnny.” Lulu began “Any chance Matt picked out your costume for tonight?”

“Actually yes, why?” Johnny began to ask before glancing in the direction Lulu was looking, only to see Matt and Maxie looking right back at them. He looked back down to Lulu “ Let me guess, Maxie picked out yours?”

“Yup. So does that make us the fairytale couple that rides off together at the end of the ball to our happily ever after?” Lulu questioned

“That depends” Johnny countered with a smirk on his face.

“Depends on what?” Lulu asked with a raised eyebrow.

“On whether or not you believe your Prince Charming has arrived to take you off into that sunset tonight”

Lulu smiled and place a light kiss on Johnny’s lips. Just soft enough to send shivers down both their spines, giving them both the answer to his question.

“I think I am ready for my happily ever after.”

“Then who am I deny the wishes of a beautiful Princess.” he whispered before placing a soft kiss of his own on her lips. “Happy Halloween Lulu”

“Happy Halloween Johnny”


**********

October 31, 2010.….


“Lulu, are you ready YET?” huffed Maxie “And aren’t you letting this Princess thing get to your head?”

Lulu could only laugh at her friend. “Maxie, are YOU not the one who always says being fashionably late is the IN thing to do?”

“Yesssss” Maxie dragged out. “but not tonight. Tonight it’s YOUR party, and we need to be on time!”

“Okay, Okay, I am ready. I just love Halloween” Lulu said in delight. She glance at herself one last time in the mirror before leaving the room with Maxie. “Who knew you would be this excited for it too.”

Maxie could only roll her eyes and shake her head at Lulu before she slowly started down the stairs. She slowly walked over towards Matt who was standing with Johnny, and smiled when Matt looked her over.


Lulu started down the stairs slowly just as she did a year ago, and again her eyes fell upon the man she fell in love with that night. He was just as handsome as ever and her heart melted when he gave her a quick wink. No one in that room doubted how deeply these two loved each other, or the connection they had. The kind of love Johnny and Lulu had was truly what fairytales were written about…. a once in a life time kinda love that knows no bounds.

Lulu walked up to Johnny and placed her hand in his. Once again all eyes were on them. She was stunning in her gown, it was identical to the one she wore a year ago, only WHITE and he was once again in a tux, only BLACK , minus the tails. Lulu smiled at Johnny tears slightly welling up in her eyes. Johnny squeezed her hand gently as they both turned to the Priest together, about to get their happily ever after.

“You may kiss your bride!” exclaimed the Priest.

Lulu closed her eyes as Johnny leaned in and placed a heart stopping kiss on her lips. She snaked her arms around his neck as he wrapped his arms around her waist. After they finally managed to pull away from each other, they rested their foreheads on one other staring into each other eyes….

“I love you Lulu”

“I love you too Johnny”

Johnny and Lulu did not need Christmas, Valentines Day or any other special holiday… They knew Halloween was the night that fairytales really came true.

[ghfan42]

Entry 3

Abracadabra

“Johnny!” Lulu begged. “Pretty please with sugar on top!”

Oh no. There it was. The Spencer pout that never failed to get her whatever her heart desired. But this was a strange request and Johnny really didn't understand why she wanted it so much. He closed his eyes, trying not to fall victim to the big eyes she was giving him. Or her bottom lip that was sticking out and making him want to give her everything as long as he could kiss her.

“Tell me again why you want to do this,” Johnny requested.

“Because it's been years since this town has seen a really great Halloween party and we need to be the ones to throw the best party the town has ever had,” Lulu explained.

“We could throw a good party in our apartment,” Johnny argued.

“I don't want to throw a 'good' party,” Lulu said rolling her eyes. “I want to throw the best party and to do that we need to have it at the Zacchara mansion.”

“Lulu, no one has been there in months,” Johnny fought. “It's probably full of dust. Maybe even mold.”

“I will clean the whole place myself,” Lulu promised. “And do all of the decorations. All you have to do is go to the party.”

“Did you ever think about the possibility that having a Halloween party at Crimson Pointe might inspire a real ghost to show up?” Johnny asked.

“That's what I'm hoping for,” Lulu smirked and Johnny let out a laugh.

She was too stubborn. He would never win.

“There are conditions,” Johnny said slowly.

“Okay,” Lulu said cautiously.

“Number one,” Johnny began. “No guests above the first floor. I don't want to go searching for someone who got lost in the maze that is the second floor of that house.”

“Alright,” Lulu agreed.

“Number two,” he continued. “No pranks. You want to have a party, make it a party. No need for someone to jump out and scare everyone or whatever it is you might cook up.”

“Fine, but that would make it better,” Lulu mumbled and Johnny smiled.

“Number three,” Johnny tried.

“How long is this list?” Lulu wondered.

“This is the last one,” Johnny replied. “Number three. You give me a private Halloween party when we get home.”

“What exactly do you mean?” Lulu asked, her lips turned up in a curious grin.

“I mean, you and me, alone, having our own kind of party,” Johnny answered.

“What makes it a Halloween party?” Lulu questioned, looping her arms around his neck.

“Your costume of course,” Johnny muttered, pulling her to him so he could pepper her neck with kisses.

“Hmm,” Lulu replied, running her fingers through his hair. “Is that a deal breaker?”

“Most definitely,” Johnny said into her neck. “I don't negotiate on conditions.”

“Then I guess I'm forced to agree,” Lulu laughed. “What kind of costume do you want?”

“Surprise me,” Johnny breathed in her ear and she shivered.

“So, I can have the party?” Lulu asked, pulling away to see his eyes.

“You can have the party,” Johnny conceded and Lulu crashed her lips into his.

“By the way, it's a costume party,” Lulu said quickly, walking out of the room.

“Lulu, I am not wearing a costume!” Johnny yelled, following her.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Johnny looked at himself in the mirror and sighed.

He was wearing a costume.

Not just any costume, one that went along with Lulu's costume. She had, again, gotten her way and they were dressed as a vampire and his victim. Lulu looked beautiful in her white dress. So innocent and pure and perfect. All of Johnny's reservations about his costume melted away when she came into the room and smiled at his appearance.

“You look perfect!” Lulu exclaimed.

“Yeah?” Johnny asked.

“Yes,” Lulu nodded. “And sexy. I can see why I fell under your charm and allowed you to bite me.”

“Speaking of,” Johnny smirked. “The makeup on your neck looks good, but I still think you should have let me do it for real.”

“Maybe later,” Lulu winked.

“I'm going to hold you to that,” Johnny whispered, pulling her close.

“So does the house look good enough?” Lulu wondered.

“It looks great,” Johnny answered. “It's scary, yet inviting. Just right for a Halloween party.”

He was being completely honest. The entire first floor of the mansion was decorated with spider webs and skulls, jack-o-lanterns and ghosts. Lulu had even purchased some dry ice and put it in a cauldron for a steaming effect. But the beat of the music that hummed in the background balanced out the scary vibe and made for a perfect set-up.

“And I look okay?” Lulu asked.

“Perfect,” Johnny replied, giving her body an appreciative glance.

“You're too biased to be trustworthy,” Lulu smirked and he laughed.

Before Johnny could sneak in a kiss, the doorbell sounded and Lulu hurried off to answer it. As much as he had complained about the party, Johnny was glad they were having it. Anything that made Lulu smile, made him happy. He heard Lulu's laughter ring out and he made his way to the front door to help welcome their guests. When he got there, he laughed as well at the sight of Maxie and Spinelli. They were both dressed in togas and from the look on Spinelli's face, it had been Maxie's idea. Johnny smiled to himself, suddenly finding another reason to love Lulu.

“Stop laughing you two!” Maxie demanded. “We look amazing.”

“You do,” Lulu agreed, quieting her giggles. “The costumes are great.”

“Better than yours,” Maxie teased, leaning in to look at Lulu's neck. “Why didn't you let Johnny do that?”

“I asked her the same thing,” Johnny replied as Maxie and Spinelli made their way into the main room.

“I mean it's not like you haven't let him do it before,” Maxie continued and Lulu blushed. “What? You try to cover them up, but I know they are there.”

“Perhaps the Blonde One would prefer to discuss the marvelous decorations of the former house of the Demented One,” Spinelli suggested.

“Great idea,” Lulu smiled. “How does it look?”

“I hate to admit it, but it looks great. I can't believe you made it without my help,” Maxie muttered.

“She worked hard,” Johnny said, pressing a kiss to Lulu's temple.

“The Mob Prince did not assist?” Spinelli questioned.

“And let him mess it up? I don't think so,” Lulu laughed as the doorbell rang again.

“I'll get it” Johnny offered, excusing himself.

“Well, it really does look amazing,” Maxie said genuinely. “What are the odds he lets you have a Christmas party here?”

“Pretty good,” Lulu smiled, knowing he would do anything she asked.

“Great because I have some fantastic ideas,” Maxie replied.

“Ideas for what?” Carly asked, coming into the room.

Lulu's eyes widened at Carly's princess costume. She had on an ornate pink dress and was wearing a diamond tiara. Carly twirled when she realized everyone was staring at her. Then, Sonny came into the room in a suit and Lulu frowned in confusion.

“When I told Sonny it was a costume party, he refused to wear anything but a suit. I had to improvise,” Carly explained. “Now tell me, what ideas?”

“Ideas for all the great parties we could have in this house,” Maxie answered.

“We could,” Carly said, her eyes lighting up.

Lulu rolled her eyes and turned from the two who were evidently planning a party for Lulu to host for every holiday in the coming year. She looked to the entrance way and smiled to herself. It seemed Jason was not as successful in refusing a costume as Sonny. Elizabeth led him further into the room in her Lois Lane costume and Jason followed, wearing his Superman costume with as much pride as possible. Carly and Maxie both stopped talking and Johnny and Sonny seemed to be on the verge of erupting into laughter.

“What?” Jason asked and everyone burst into happy laughter.

“Stone Cold, your costume is most appropriate for you heroic ways,” Spinelli complimented.

“Then why are you all laughing?” Jason wondered.

“The tights,” Johnny and Sonny said in unison, laughing even harder.

“You look great, honey,” Elizabeth promised. “Cam loved it.”

“He is the only reason I did it,” Jason muttered.

The doorbell rang again and again as the rest of the guests arrived dressed in their costumes. Nikolas and Claudia as Gomez and Morticia Addams. Lucky and Sam dressed as a cowboy and a saloon girl. Patrick and Robin dressed as spies and Max and Diane as a gangster and a flapper girl from the 1920's. Mac and Alexis arrived as Peter Pan and Tinkerbell and Kate and Coleman came as a couple from the 70's, looking as if they walked straight off the set of Saturday Night Fever. And finally, Matt and Georgie dressed as Romeo and Juliet.

Everyone laughed and mingled together for hours, enjoying themselves greatly. As midnight approached, Maxie and Georgie laughed with Mac and Robin. Alexis, Diane and Kate stood by the refreshment table watching Coleman, Patrick, Matt, Max and Spinelli argue about who had the best costume. Sonny, Jason and Elizabeth all talked quietly while Lulu stood with Claudia and Sam discussing their Thanksgiving plans. Lulu smiled as she watched Johnny chat with Lucky, Nikolas and Carly. She loved that her family had finally accepted him as a part of her life. Johnny made eye contact with her and walked over to her as Claudia and Sam moved on to join Lucky and Nikolas.

“Looks like your party is a success,” Johnny smiled.

“Our party,” Lulu corrected. “You've been a great co-host. I think we should do this more often.”

“Well, I must admit, it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be,” Johnny relented. “It's kind of nice getting everyone together.”

“They seem to be having a good time,” Lulu observed.

“Good enough that we could sneak upstairs and no one would notice?” Johnny asked.

“Even if I would consider that, I didn't clean upstairs,” Lulu replied.

“I did,” Johnny smirked.

“Thinking ahead, Zacchara?” Lulu questioned.

“Always be prepared,” Johnny said with a laugh.

“That's tempting, but we can't leave our own party early,” Lulu responded.

“Fine,” Johnny sighed. “But if that's a rule that is going to stick, don't expect me to agree to hosting anymore parties.”

“You are going to host more parties,” Maxie said firmly, walking up with Spinelli. “This has been so much fun.”

“The Jackal agrees with the Fair Maximista,” Spinelli said. “It has indeed been a fantastic evening.”

“Are you two leaving?” Lulu wondered.

“Yes, we want to get home,” Maxie smiled. “But I'm glad you did this. And like I said, you are doing it again.”

“When are you having another party?” Matt asked, walking up with his arm around Georgie.

“Yes, we need to know, so we can mark our calendars,” Georgie agreed. “This has been so much fun.”

“We're not having-” Johnny tried.

“We don't know yet,” Lulu cut in. “But we'll call you when we decide.”

“Alright, we're going to head out,” Matt smiled. “Thanks for having us.”

“I'll show you out,” Johnny offered, but Georgie shook her head.

“No need, we can find our own way,” Georgie replied.

Spinelli, Maxie, Matt and Georgie both told Johnny and Lulu goodbye and Lulu smiled before turning back to Johnny.

“What is that look?” Lulu asked.

“Two young couples leaving a party early,” Johnny noted. “I wonder what they're going home to do.”

“Are you going to complain some more?” Lulu wondered.

“Is it going to get me anywhere?” Johnny countered.

“Doubtful,” Lulu smirked.

“Then I guess not,” Johnny shrugged. “But you will make it up to me.”

“Don't I always?” Lulu asked.

“And then some,” Johnny whispered, kissing her cheek.

“Lulu,” Kate said, grinning proudly. “You sure know how to throw a party. I am definitely going to let you handle the next Crimson event.”

“Thanks, Kate. I'm glad you liked it,” Lulu replied.

“Really great party, buddy,” Coleman said to Johnny, shaking his hand.

“I have to agree with that,” Sonny grinned, patting Johnny on the back. “Carly seems to have plans for the Christmas party already.”

“You're going to love them, Lulu,” Carly said excitedly.

“I'm sure I will. Are you all leaving?” Lulu asked.

“Yes,” Sonny said and Coleman nodded.

“Thanks for coming,” Johnny smiled. “I hope you had fun.”

“We did,” Alexis said, she and Mac joining the group. “But we have to go.”

“Alright,” Lulu responded. “Well, I'm going to walk you all to the door.”

Lulu did as she said and Johnny smiled as he watched her play host. He didn't love having parties, but he loved her, so if she wanted to host more parties, they would host more parties. Anything to keep that beautiful smile on her face. He made his way over to the refreshment table and tried to contain his laughter as Jason walked over to him.

“It's not funny,” Jason said seriously.

“It's a little funny,” Johnny argued. “But a great costume.”

“See, I told you people would like it,” Elizabeth teased, putting an arm around Jason's waist.

“I loved it,” Diane smiled, she and Max joining the group. “I'm going to have to get Max one.”

“Diane,” Max blushed.

“You're flexible enough for tights,” Diane replied and everyone laughed as Max turned beet red.

“Sounds like I'm missing a fun conversation,” Lulu noted, joining the group.

“I think it's more uncomfortable than anything,” Max sighed.

“What's uncomfortable?” Patrick asked as he walked over, clutching Robin's hand in his.

“I bet Jason is in that suit,” Robin joked and everyone laughed again.

“We're leaving,” Jason announced.

“We should get going too,” Patrick and Max said at the same time.

“You don't have to rush off,” Lulu argued, but Johnny squeezed her hand.

“I'll walk you to the door,” Johnny smiled.

They said goodbye to Lulu and then followed Johnny as he led them out of the house. Lulu smiled as Lucky, Sam, Nikolas and Claudia approached her. They seemed ready to leave as well and Lulu knew Johnny would be happy. He was so cute in his on-going attempts at seducing her. And he was always successful eventually.

“Lulu, you sure know how to throw a great party,” Sam complimented. “This was amazing.”

“Thank you,” Lulu smiled. “It really wasn't much.”

“Don't be modest, Lu,” Lucky replied. “It was really fun.”

“It was,” Nikolas agreed.

“And good move on not letting my little brother help,” Claudia laughed.

“I take offense to that,” Johnny said, coming up behind Lulu and wrapping his arms around her waist. “I could have helped.”

“Yes, you could have,” Lulu nodded. “You could have reached some of the higher places that I had to use a chair to get to.”

“Ouch,” Lucky sighed and everyone laughed.

“She's got you there, John,” Claudia chuckled.

“I guess she does,” Johnny admitted, pressing a kiss to the side of Lulu's head.

“Alright, I think it's time we head out,” Nikolas announced. “This was a fun party.”

“I hope you have more,” Sam spoke up.

“I don't think we have a choice,” Johnny muttered and Lulu rolled her eyes.

“We will,” Lulu assured her. “I hope they will be as fun as tonight was.”

“They will be,” Claudia smiled.

“We'll walk you to the door,” Johnny offered.

“Don't be ridiculous, John, I know how to get out of here. You can stay and clean up while Lulu rests,” Claudia laughed.

“Bye,” Lulu called as the four headed for the door.

Everyone waved at her and then disappeared around the corner. Lulu leaned back against Johnny and felt him bury his head into her neck. She sighed as his lips made contact with her skin. They heard the door close and Lulu turned in his arms to face him.

“Finally,” they both said at the same time.

Lulu giggled and Johnny once again moved his lips to her neck. He trailed his kisses upwards and across her jaw before finally meeting her lips. Lulu ran her fingers through his hair as he deepened the kiss. They pulled back breathlessly after several moments.

“I thought you wanted a costume,” Lulu wondered as Johnny lifted her into his arms and headed for the stairs.

“I like the one you're wearing,” Johnny smirked. “But be warned. I plan to bite you a lot.”

“You better,” Lulu said coyly. “I dressed you as a vampire for a reason.”

Johnny laughed as he carried her into the nearest bedroom on the second floor and slammed the door behind them.

--------------------------------------------------------------

“So do you want to help pick out decorations for the Christmas party?” Lulu wondered as they lay in bed, wrapped in each other's arms.

“What makes you think we're having a Christmas party?” Johnny asked.

“What makes you think we're not?” Lulu countered and Johnny couldn't help but laugh. She knew his weakness for her too well.

“There are conditions,” Johnny said and Lulu smiled.

“Okay,” Lulu replied.

“Number one,” Johnny began. “No guests above the first floor. The second floor is all ours.”

“Alright,” Lulu agreed.

“Number two,” Johnny continued. “No crazy gift exchanging games. I always end up with the gag gifts.”

“Fine, but that would make it better,” Lulu muttered and Johnny laughed.

“Number three,” Johnny tried.

“This feels familiar,” Lulu cut in. “Is this the last one again?”

“Yes,” Johnny nodded. “Number three. We end our little Christmas party the same way we ended this party.”

“Do I have to wear another costume?” Lulu wondered.

“Yes,” Johnny smirked, rolling on top of Lulu and tracing her face with his fingertips.

“Is that a deal breaker?” Lulu asked running her hands over his shoulders and down his back.

“Most definitely,” Johnny said, bending to kiss the red marks on her neck from their previous activities.

“Oh that's right,” Lulu laughed. “You don't negotiate on conditions.”

“I never have before and I don't plan to start now,” Johnny mumbled into her neck.

“Then I guess I'm forced to agree,” Lulu smiled, running her fingers through his hair.

“I love you,” Johnny said, looking in her eyes.

“I love you, too,” Lulu replied and then whispered in his ear, “and I really love your conditions.”

[ghfan42]

Entry 4

Haunting Memories

“Spinelli, are you sure that this is the place? I don’t see any other cars here, and there’s no lights on inside. You know that I love a good adventure, but a murder mystery weekend? Don’t we have enough murder mysteries in Port Charles? But, oh my God, this place is fantastic. It’s like straight out of a romance novel.” Maxie’s eyes sparkled as she stared in fascination at the large Victorian in front of them. Her eyes seemed to soak in every detail from the large wraparound porch to the turrets that created their own havens rising from the second story. Small, stained-glass windows alternated among the large picture windows laden with heavy drapes. Maxie’s eyes fell upon something bright yellow beyond the north side of the house, and her face clouded with confusion. “Is that Johnny’s car?”

“Well yes, Fair Maximista would be correct in her observation. The Jackal hopes that the addition of the Mob Prince is not too terribly upsetting. The Mob Prince has had his fair share of tragedy as of late, and I felt that he could use a weekend of pure fantasy to distract him from his troubles in the real world.” Spinelli said as he rushed to open the passenger door for Maxie.

“Um, uh, I didn’t know you invited Johnny and I kinda might have asked Lulu to come with us. She’s had all of this family drama lately, and I just thought that she might want to escape for a fun weekend. It is Halloween and a murder mystery is kinda Lulu’s thing. I guess there’s gonna be other people here, or maybe one of them will want to go home.” Maxie words tapered off as she saw Lulu pull up and exit her car.

“Who will want to go home?” Lulu asked as she walked up to Maxie and Spinelli. “Wow, this place is incredible, but where is everybody?” Lulu said looking up at the mostly dark house. A light coming from the foyer was the only sign of life in the enormous house. Lulu suddenly felt butterflies in her stomach, but quickly dismissed the feeling as excitement for their adventure. Things had been so hectic lately and she was looking forward to the escape. Between her family drama, Crimson, and her confusing new friendship with a mobster, who obviously had feelings for her that she could not return, she needed an escape.

“Well, it appears that it is just the Jackal, Maximista, the Original Blonde One, and perhaps only one other.” Spinelli said looking up at Maxie in question. Maxie shook her head at Spinelli indicating that they should wait until they were inside to fill Lulu in.

The three walked up to the large front door and entered the foyer. It was furnished with décor from the late 19th century and was even larger than it appeared from the exterior.

Johnny heard Spinelli’s voice as he ran his hands over the baby grand piano in the sitting room. He was surprised to find the house empty when he arrived, but he didn’t give too much thought to the empty house. In fact, he was savoring the quiet. He felt as if his life was so full of noise lately and he had not had much time to be alone. Even when he was in the hospital, someone was at his side every moment. He had not had a lot of time to process his break up with Olivia, but he spent a lot of timing clearing his head on the drive up there. He was devastated when Olivia broke things off with him, but he realized that it was more out of shock and frustration with his sister than any feelings for Olivia. In fact, he had been thinking a lot about his “feelings” for Olivia, and he had come to one conclusion- they were not real. He had replaced the emptiness in his life with a warm body and he confused his need for affection, his emptiness with love. No, he had decided, he did not love Olivia. He had only truly loved one person in his life and that would never change. But that is not a possibility, he thought, its time that I resolve to live my life without love. Though this thought saddened him deeply, he was determined to move forward. When Spinelli mentioned a Halloween party, he thought that he would just try to enjoy the moments he could with friends.

Johnny walked toward the voice he heard coming from the foyer and suddenly felt his heart quicken. There, standing with his friends, was his one true love. She looked every bit as beautiful in her tight jeans and yellow sweater as she looked every night in his dreams. From the moment he saw her, their eyes met. His eyes did not lose their hold when he greeted Spinelli and Maxie. And he greeted her with a shy, “Hey.”

“Hey” she responded. As soon as Lulu saw him, she understood the butterflies. It was as if her heart had known he was there. She wasn’t surprised. Her heart had always been connected to his, and no matter how hard she tried, she could not get it to disconnect. “I didn’t know that you’d be here.”

Maxie laughed nervously. “I guess Spinelli and I forgot to tell each other that we had each invited someone to join us. Maybe we didn’t plan this as well as we had thought, and I don’t understand why we are the only ones here.”

Spinelli was already furiously typing away at his laptop and a look of embarrassment covered his face. “It appears the Jackal has the incorrect date for our weekend of fantasy and adventure. The mystery of demise is scheduled for next weekend.” He looked at his friends and sighed.

Lulu was already looking in the rooms that adjoined the foyer. Johnny watched her with amused eyes as she took in her surroundings. He had always loved her curiosity. Watching Lulu venture into the sitting room, he turned to Spinelli and Maxie and said, “Well, since we all drove all the way out here, I guess we could check out this place before we drive back to Port Charles.”

Lulu had moved from the sitting room and was running her hands over the dusty tomes in the library. Maxie followed Lulu into the library with Spinelli and Johnny in tow. “Oh, I totally need to see this house before we leave. Oh my God” she squealed, “This would be a great place for a Crimson photo shoot for the new winter line. Kate is going to love me.”

“If the Fair Maximista would like to explore the house of yore, who am I to argue?” Spinelli asked.

“If I stay long enough, I can skip the family trick-or-treating with Elizabeth, Lucky, and the boys. Lucky wants to all dress like the Scooby Doo gang.” Lulu said making the others laugh.

“Who were you supposed to be?” Maxie asked.

“Daphne” Lulu shrugged.

“The hot one” Johnny said nodding. Spinelli, Maxie, and Lulu all looked at him in surprise. “What? I watched cartoons growing up.”

“Ooh, Spinelli, let’s go check out the bedrooms upstairs” Maxie said dragging Spinelli albeit willingly.

************************************************

Lulu continued through the library into the dining room and down the hall. Johnny trailed behind her as she walked both interested in the house and not wanting to leave her yet. They inspected the details of the grandiose house in an oddly comfortable silence given their time apart. Lulu was aware that Johnny’s eyes were following her, and she was confused about what it meant.

Beyond the dining room they reached a narrow hallway that ended in a set of wooden stairs, obviously the servant’s staircase. Lulu looked behind her at Johnny as if silently asking if he intended to follow. Johnny answered her mute question as he ascended the stairs behind her. There were three rooms off the stairs and another staircase even narrower than the first. Skipping the rooms on this floor, Lulu climbed the stairs and pushed open a heavy wooden bolt that secured the door in place.

Finding a lamp near the entrance, she illuminated the room and proudly announced, “Aha, exactly what I was looking for. The good stuff.” Walking toward a row of shelves lined with bottles of liquor, she smirked at Johnny and said, “Care for a drink?”

“Sure, why not?” Johnny replied looking around the room for some glasses.

Suddenly, they heard the heavy door of the room slam shut and the bolt thrown into place. “What the hell?” Johnny yelled. Lulu’s shock wore off and she ran to the door trying to pry it open. Johnny followed suit as he pounded on the door in an effort to free them. Fear gripped Lulu for a moment. It was Halloween and she was in an old, somewhat creepy house trapped in a room with no way out. But then she heard the giggling outside the door. “Son of a….” she exclaimed. “Maxie, open the damn door.”

They heard more giggling, and Lulu and Johnny both started to ferociously bang on the door calling out Maxie’s name. After a moment of pounding, they heard Maxie say “You two need to talk and I would say that this would be a good time because I am not letting you out until you do.”

“MAXIE” Lulu screamed.

“C’mon, Maxie. Open the door please” Johnny tried, but he knew his efforts were useless as he heard Maxie’s heels scamper down the stairs.

Lulu had already pulled her phone from her purse, “No signal.”

“Me either” Johnny said as he looked down at his phone.

“Well this feels familiar” Johnny said.

“It feels like a lifetime ago” Lulu said remembering when they were trapped in the catacombs.

“Not for me. That was the moment I knew that my heart had found its home, and I would spend the rest of my life trying to protect you” Johnny whispered.

*************************************************

Maxie found Spinelli wandering through one of the bedroom suites.

“Did Maximista find Fair Lulu and the Mob Prince?” Spinelli asked.

“Uh, yeah” Maxie said winking at Spin, “They said they wanted some time to talk.”

“What should we do while the two bonded souls engage in conversation?” Spinelli wondered.

“Oh, I was thinking that the master of the house might want to teach his poor housekeeper a lesson” Maxie said pulling a French maid costume from behind her back. “Just give me a moment to slip into character” she continued earning an excited groan from Spinelli. She tossed him a smoking jacket and skipped off to the bathroom to change.

*************************************************

Lulu looked up at Johnny trying to understand the meaning of his words. Her heart pounded in her chest and she walked around the room in an effort to distract herself. She opened a wardrobe and found an assortment of clothes. “This must be where the staff keeps their costumes for the murder mystery parties” she said pulling a dress from the wardrobe. She smiled and chose a classic tuxedo and handed it to Johnny. “It is Halloween. Should we be festive?”

Johnny gave Lulu a weary look contemplating her request. He wanted her to acknowledge the words that he had spoken, but he realized that she needed time. He shrugged and decided to play along.

“Turn around” Lulu said wanting to put on the dress.

“It’s not like it’s something I haven’t seen before” Johnny said with his signature smirk.

“Turn around, Johnny” Lulu said. Johnny obliged as he imagined his favorite freckle on her thigh when he heard her slipping off her jeans. He removed his own clothing and donned the tux. After a moment, he heard her say, “Okay.”

He turned to see her, and his mouth dropped open. “Wow” was all he could say. Lulu was standing before him, the greatest beauty he had ever seen. She wore a pale blue dress the color of the sky against the clouds on a sunny day. The bodice of the dress clung tight to her slim waist revealing a hint of her breasts from the scooped neck. The sleeves hung elegantly against her arms and the skirt flowed in waves of silk brushing against her toes.

“What do you think?” Lulu asked turning around for him to catch the full effect.

Johnny’s heart constricted in his chest as he tried to think of the words to describe her. “You look beautiful” whispering the only thing he could manage.

“Thanks” Lulu said shyly grabbing a bottle of rum to refresh their drinks. She sat in a Queen Anne chair smoothing her skirt against the seat. Johnny found an identical chair and pulled it so he was only feet away from her.

They sat there, each lost in their own thoughts sipping their drinks and haunted by their memories. Lulu finally broke the silence whispering, “I know what Claudia did.”

“What?” Johnny said shocked by her revelation.

“Michael” she said. “He came to me for advice. He was worried that he was losing his mind and he asked me for help because he knew about my…..hallucinations” she said talking another sip of her rum. “He said that he remembered Claudia standing above his bed and apologizing for putting the hit on Sonny.”

Johnny’s mind reeled not knowing how to respond. This was the reason why he pushed her away. This was the secret. The guilt that consumed him. The reason why he let go of the one thing that kept him tethered to this world. His life since then had spiraled out of control and he no longer knew who he was. He didn’t recognize himself when he looked in the mirror. He looked up to see Lulu staring at him. “You must hate me” he said.

“Johnny, I could never hate you” Lulu answered honestly. “I just wish that you could have loved and trusted in me enough to tell me. I know that when I went to Shadybrook you began to fall out of love me and you stayed with me out of obligation….”

“How could you ever think that?” Johnny interrupted. “You are the reason why I know what love is.”

Lulu’s heart fluttered from his confession, but she couldn’t resolve her confusion. “Why did you leave me then? Why did you kiss Maxie and act like you didn’t want me anymore?” she begged.

Johnny sighed. He tried to remember what was going through his mind that made it so easy to break her heart and his own. “I thought it would spare you more pain when you realized who I truly was. I thought if I pushed you away then it wouldn’t hurt as bad when you found out that I knew what my sister had done. I knew that by hooking up with Maxie you would hate me and maybe that would be easier than telling you the truth.”

“I know who you truly are, Johnny” Lulu said quietly. “And, for the record, that was a really stupid plan.

Johnny chuckled sadly “Yeah, I guess it was.”

Lulu stood from her chair and stood in front of a painting of woman with a parasol looking longingly over her shoulder. She tried to clear her head by imagining the object of the woman’s desire. She immediately felt him come up behind her- the magnetic force between them was always so strong. He put his hand on her shoulder and turned her to him. His chocolate brown eyes connected to her fierce amber, “I love you, Lu. With every beat of my heart, with the depth of my soul. You are and always will be my reason to live.”

He cupped her chin with his hand and brushed his lips against hers. She lost herself in the feel of his lips upon hers. He ran his tongue across her bottom lip asking for her permission to deepen their kiss. She obliged and felt her body respond as she arched into his touch. It was a soft kiss filled with every unspoken thing that they felt from all of their time apart. Both needing air, they pulled back and he rested his forehead upon hers. “Tell me what you want, Lu.”

“I want…I need you to show me how much you love me” she whispered. “Make love to me, Johnny.”

He kissed her again with a ferocity that had built up with every moment they had been separated. He laid her down upon the soft rug below. Her heart, his heart finally beating as one.

*************************************************

Maxie reached the top of the stairs and unbolted the door. Pushing it open, she smiled as she saw Johnny curled against Lulu wrapped in a blanket and sleeping soundly. The clothes scattered across the floor did not escape her attention.

“Maximista?” she heard Spinelli say as he climbed the stairs behind her.

“It looks like we’re staying the weekend” Maxie said happily as Spinelli peered into the room and saw the two sleeping forms on the floor.

Spinelli smiled as he wrapped his arms around Maxie, “It appears that true love really knows no boundaries.”

THE END

[scbyluvsjuju]

Wow each of these stories were wonderful. Thank you to the writers who submitted these. I do hope that when the challenge is over we learn who wrote which ones so we can get to see who these talented writers were.

Thanks again ladies for putting a smile on my face tonight

[Mob_Princess1988]

How am i supposed to choose they wwere all great but i have my choice


Kells

[ghfan42]

Okay sorry for the delay in announcing our fanfice winner.


THE WINNER IS FLYFORLUV!!!!!

Thank you so much to everyone that wrote a story for this challenge. I enjoyed reading every one of them. So much talent here.


Look for a gift coming your way flyforluv and again congratulations.

[johnnyzmobprincess]

congrads beth

[DreamAngel]

Congrats Beth!

[scbyluvsjuju]

Congratulations Beth

[vmlovesjolu]

yay Beth!!

this is a win for the trips you win we win awesome fic girl!!

[joluroxmysox]

Congratulations Trip!!!

[GH_BBfan]

All of the fics were so much fun to read! Thank you to ALL of the writers who submitted stories!

Congrats Beth for winning the Challenge!

[flyforluv]

Thank you guys all so much. I am very happy that you all enjoyed reading it- that is the most important thing....And I am REALLY glad you enjoyed this b/c I am horrible about updating