Surprises

Part One

Port Charles' ADA Dara Jensen sat in the middle of the festivities, marveling at the crowd of friends who surrounded her. After the day she had in court, this impromptu bridal shower came as a complete and welcomed surprise. Facing all the knowing grins that stared back at her, she wondered if her fiancé, Marcus Taggert, had a hand in this joyous celebration.

"Uh oh!" Felicia Scorpio declared, holding up a bottle of champagne. "Your glass is half empty. Let me fill it up for you."

"Oh, no you don't!" Dara covered her glass with her hand and stood. "I have work to do tonight. Half full is enough for me."

Felicia pouted, and Dara wouldn't have been surprised if her friend stamped her foot, too. The blonde seemed to be on the verge to do just that when she suddenly laughed and handed the bottle to Dr. Ellen Harmon.

"I don't want it," Ellen said, as she rose to her feet. "I'm on call tonight. In fact, I should be leaving." Her gaze drifted around Dara's living room. She wrinkled her nose. "This place looks like an explosion hit it. Want some help cleaning up?"

Dara didn't have to think twice. She quickly nodded and the group of ladies--Felicia, Ellen, Keesha, Robin, Eve, Simone, Lois--moved into action. The endless gifts of lingerie were pulled from the boxes, folded, and placed on her bed. The empty boxes were discarded. The remaining full bottle of champagne was stored inside her fridge. The picked over food was dumped. And less than thirty minutes later, the apartment was clean again.

"Thanks," Dara said, pulling each of her friends into a tight hug. "I really appreciate this. The wedding is less than a week away and I completely forgot all about having a bridal shower."

"That's what best friends are for," Keesha reminded her. "To look out for the important stuff when you become too preoccupied with your fione, bald-headed husband-to-be."

Laughing, Dara said, "Hey, now! What's this business about him being fione. You're not supposed to notice that. Just because you're his partner and all...don't get any ideas."

Keesha raised her hands in mock defense. "I promise I only peeked once. I haven't touched ever."

"I think we all are guilty of taking a quick peek," Robin chimed in. "When he strutted his stuff at the Bachelor Auction, who could ignore that beautiful smile?"

Simone nodded. "I know I couldn't. I almost went blind."

"Not me," Lois said, presenting an innocent face. "When Justus crossed the stage, all I could see was his beautiful smile."

Keesha rubbed her stomach. "I think I'm gonna be sick." Lois nudged her arm and they laughed. "You and my cousin are too starry-eyed for me."

"The love bug will take a big chunk out of you," Lois declared. "Just you wait and see."

Keesha shrugged and didn't reply.

"This was a great party. Marcus kept his mouth shut for once and didn't spoil the surprise," Eve said. "Let's call it a night and give Dara her apartment back."

The women filed out the door and Dara sighed with contentment. Fifteen years ago, she never would have believed she could be this happy. She had good friends who cared about her, a man who loved her, and family who didn't bother her too much. Except for one day of despair that rolled around once a year, she had no complaints.

A knock sounded at her door and freed her from her thoughts. Thinking that one of the women had returned, she just opened the door. To her surprise, a teenager stood on her doorstep.

"May I help you?" Dara asked, concerned.

"Are you Dara Jensen?"

The voice was tough, accusatory, and definitely feminine. Dara's curiosity overrode common sense. She nodded. "Yeah."