Chapter 51

Looking over the stacks and stacks of documents that cluttered his desk Nikolas sighed realizing his entire day would be consumed with the mess Helena dumped in his lap by filing for trusteeship of the Cassadine estate. Though at one time he was all behind this plan the last thing Nikolas wanted was to be saddled with all the responsibilities before he was ready to initiate all that he wanted to do. As the numbers slowly began to run together Nikolas let out a frustrated yell before pushing the papers away. Sinking back into the couch Nikolas closed his eyes trying to calm his frazzled emotions. Calming Nikolas was momentarily pulled from his reverie by the ringing of the telephone. Slowly rising his hands on his hips Nikolas answered the phone flatly.

Nikolas- Yes…
Helena- [purring] Nikolas… my darling boy…
Nikolas- What do you want Grandmother?
Helena- I’ve missed you…
Nikolas- Have you?
Helena- Would it be possible to see you later?
Nikolas- I’m busy…
Helena- Too busy to even break away for a seconds to come and see your loving grandmother?
Nikolas- Thanks to your doing yes…
Helena- Nikolas please… it is imperative that we speak…
Nikolas- [flatly] Why is that Grandmother?
Helena- Everything is falling into place and…
Nikolas- If you say so…
Helena- This is the beginning of many great things to come…
Nikolas- And we must speak about this tonight?
Helena- Yes… we can’t afford to waste time. That insufferable son of mine…
Nikolas- Helena…
Helena- Stefan is working against us as we speak to take back control of your estate…
Nikolas- [sighing] Then let him…
Helena- Nikolas…
Nikolas- Even with control of the estate he can’t stop…
Helena- Nikolas my darling… please come to see at this instant so that we can discuss things further.
Nikolas- [sighing as he looked at the stacks of paper still on his desk] Fine… its not like I have anything else to do…
Helena- Good good… I will tell Andreas to be expecting you soon…
Nikolas- Fine…

Hanging up the phone Nikolas again sighed before gathering his keys and leaving. Arriving at the yacht Nikolas took a deep breath knowing he would encounter more talk of how to bring Stefan and all things Cassadine under their control. Yet surprisingly their conversation stayed from talks of plans and agendas and instead resembled the talks they would have when Helena came to visit him on the island. As he rose to leave Helena stopped him as she presented him with a present.

Helena- [offering a small velvet box to him] Nikolas my darling darling boy I have a present for you.
Nikolas- Grandmother there is no need…
Helena- I know but I want to…
Nikolas- Grandmother…
Helena- You remind me of my beloved Stavros…
Nikolas- [softly] My father…
Helena- [placing the box in his hand] Your father would be so proud of the man you have become.
Nikolas- [looking at the box] What is this?
Helena- Open the box and you will see…

Slowly opening the box Nikolas was shocked to see the Cassadine crest on a medallion.

Helena- [gently touching the medallion] This was your father’s ring. I had it commissioned into a medallion for you.
Nikolas- [softly] Why… how…
Helena- I’ve wanted for so long to give this to you. On your eighteenth birthday you were to receive this but Stefan forbade me from giving it to you.
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] I don’t know what to say…
Helena- [shaking her head] Wear it with pride and know that your father loved you with all of his heart.
Nikolas- [softly] I…
Helena- [covering his hand] Know that this is your destiny and no one or no thing can change that. You are the leader of the Cassadine family and all that we hoped and dreamed for is coming to be. [whispering softly] don’t be afraid of what is ahead of you…
Nikolas- [softly] Thank you grandmother…
Helena- Nikolas my darling… I only want what is best for you. Know that everything I do is for you and only you.

Softly nodding Helena turned and walked away from Nikolas allowing him time to think of all that she said. Gathering his senses Nikolas slowly left the yacht, Helena’s words heavy on his mind, not knowing whether laugh or strangle her for the things she said. Knowing her words were simply a ploy to get back in his good graces the mention of his father was nearly his undoing. For so long wanting to know and learn of the man he was Nikolas clutched at the velvet box knowing that his answers lay deep within the medallion. His grandmother’s words shifting into Stefan’s face Nikolas was torn as of what to do next. Lost in thought as he stepped from the yacht Nikolas momentarily did not see Lucky staring at him obvious distrust in his eyes.

Lucky- Why am I not surprised?
Nikolas- [locking eyes with Lucky] I have no time for this tonight…
Lucky- I knew there was a reason you never contacted Mom when you returned to Port Charles…
Nikolas- And that would be?
Lucky- You’re working with her aren’t you?
Nikolas- Her?
Lucky- Helena…
Nikolas- You mean my grandmother…
Lucky- After everything she’s done to my mother and my family…
Nikolas- The key word being you’re family…
Lucky- What does that mean?
Nikolas- That means I can care less about stories you wish to tell me defaming my grandmother. Whatever transpired occurred in the past and it has no bearing on now.
Lucky- Stories? My father…
Nikolas- Luke is a simple man trapped in fantasies that he is more important than he truly is. I care less what he thinks or has to say about my grandmother and mymy family…
Lucky- Where is all of this coming from?
Nikolas- [shaking his head] Again Lucky I have no time for this… [turning to walk away] so if you will excuse me…
Lucky- [shaking his head] You’ve changed…
Nikolas- And so too have you little brother…
Lucky- I would have never expected to see you siding with your whacked out grandmother…
Nikolas- [coming to stand directly in front of him] What is time really about? I know you care less about the amount of time I spend with Helena. [slowly smiling] Is your girlfriend not showing you enough attention? Is Elizabeth…
Lucky- You leave Elizabeth out of this…
Nikolas- I am the last person you have to be concerned about when it comes to Elizabeth…
Lucky- What is that supposed to mean?
Nikolas- [shaking his head] This is a waste of time… when you decide to tell me what this is truly about you know where to find me…

When Lucky failed to say anything Nikolas again shook his head as he turned to walk away.

Nikolas- [softly as he walked away] As I thought…
Lucky- [softly] Stay away from Gia...

With the mention of Gia’s name Nikolas stopped dead in his tracks slowly turning to face Lucky again.

Nikolas- [softly] Excuse me?
Lucky- You heard me… stay away from Gia. The last thing she needs to be worried about is dealing with you…
Nikolas- How is it any of your concern if Gia is “dealing” with me or not?
Lucky- There’s enough going on in her life without you adding to it.
Nikolas- [slowly smiling] That’s for Gia and I to decide. If she wants me to be a part of her life…
Lucky- She doesn’t…
Nikolas- Then let her tell me…
Lucky- Stay away from her.
Nikolas- And if I don’t?
Lucky- You’ll have to answer to me.
Nikolas- Forgive me if I laugh but your warnings effect me how?
Lucky- I won’t let you hurt Gia.
Nikolas- I know not who you’ve been conversing with but the last thing I want to do to Gia is hurt her.
Lucky- I love Gia and…
Nikolas- So this is what this all about… your unrequited love for Ms. Campbell…
Lucky- [angrily] You don’t know what you are talking about…
Nikolas- So are you saying that Gia loves you as you do her?
Lucky- [yelling] That’s none of your damn business!
Nikolas- Like the next person I do enjoy a game of verbal gymnastics but as I have asked you once before is there a point to this?
Lucky- I love Gia and I will do whatever I have to do to keep you from hurting her.
Nikolas- Save your threats and grand stand for someone who cares and more importantly for someone who might be so moved by your actions.
Lucky- I’m not threatening you… I’m just telling you…
Nikolas- And I am telling you. I do what I please and who I please regardless to who likes it or not.

Without another word Nikolas turned and walked away from Lucky. Knowing now what he valued the most Nikolas had the perfect ammunition to take and destroy everything that Lucky loved. But just the thought of hurting Gia in some way was more than enough to make him rethink all that he planned. Clutching tightly the medallion in his hand Nikolas returned to his penthouse locking away his thoughts and vendetta with and against Lucky, Stefan, and Helena and instead lost himself in thoughts of Gia.

Jason- Give me another one…

Trying to blend into the crowd that surrounded him Jason sat waiting at the bar for his contact to come to him. After having spoke with both Sonny and Gia Jason found himself in a dirty and darkened hole-in-the-wall on the outskirts of Kalamazoo MI. following lead after lead led him to this bar and hopefully he would learn something about both Kamar and Gerald’s past. With every other hit coming up empty Jason was clinging to this information as his last hope. Checking his watch again Jason wondered when and if his contact would arrive. After another fifteen minutes of waiting Jason prepared to call Sonny only to be stopped by a whispering shadow seated beside him at the bar.

Male voice- Call him and I’ll forget the reason I’m here…
Jason- [careful not to look at him] What?
Male voice- [whispering] No one can know I’m here…
Jason- [nodding] What do you have for me?
Male voice- Young Mr. Maxwell is not who he appears to be…
Jason- What do you mean?
Male voice- [patting an envelope in front of him] It’s all right here…
Jason- How much?
Male voice- [softly laughing] It’s not that easy…
Jason- What do I have to do?
Male voice- Simply talk to me…
Jason- My associate…
Male voice- Mr. Corinthos has no pull in these parts. [whispering] What I am telling you… what I am giving you can get me killed…
Jason- I give my word…
Male voice- Your word last only until the next person speaks…
Jason- Look… I don’t know what you want me to say but…
Male voice- Maxwell… or should I say Martin started out as a small time hood. He thought he could make a name for himself by knocking over corner liquor stores but I guess those jobs weren’t pulling in enough cash or notoriety so he added armed robbery to his list. Needless to say he robbed the wrong person…
Jason- [slowly sipping his beer still not looking at the stranger beside him] And?
Male voice- Juvenile offense but he caught the eye of certain people…
Jason- Who?
Male voice- [patting the envelope] All in do time… all in do time…
Jason- Is a Gerald Campbell involved in any of this?
Male voice- [agitated] Why is he important to you?
Jason- Just tell me is a Gerald Campbell involved?
Male voice- [sensing movement by the door] Not in the beginning…
Jason- But he’s involved now?
Male voice- [whispering] Is my money where I told you to put it?
Jason- Yes…
Male voice- Then you’ll find out everything you need to know…
Jason- When will I get my envelope?
Bartender- Did you say something buddy?

Looking around Jason found himself sitting alone. Paying his tab and leaving a sizable tip for the bartender Jason left the bar more confused than when he first arrived. The stranger beside him seemed to be talking in circles but he knew if he just took the time he would figure out what he was trying to say. Shaking his head as he neared his motorcycle Jason suddenly stopped seeing a large manila envelope strapped to the seat of his bike. Going quickly to the bike and looking through the envelope Jason stood dumbfounded by all that he read.

Chapter 52

As thoughts of the family dinner came back to her Gia softly smiled as she entered the doctor’s lounge for a brief break. Thankfully everything went as it should and for once in a long time the family was together laughing and having a good time. Flopping on a nearby couch Gia let her head fall back as thoughts and moments again came to her.

Dr. Lewis- [smiling as he saw her] Hey girlie…
Gia- [smiling as she relaxed on the couch] Hey Lewis…
Dr. Lewis- We’ve missed you around here.
Gia- Have you really?
Dr. Lewis- Yeah… you know we need to see you beautiful face to help us get through our day.
Gia- [smiling] Well if that’s the case I’ll be sure to post some pictures of myself around here so you can always have a reminder of me.
Dr. Lewis- Make sure you’re in an itty-bitty swimsuit with an itty-bitty towel to dry of with.
Gia- [laughing] Very funny…
Dr. Lewis- [smiling] Hey it was just a suggestion…
Gia- And how would your wife respond if I told her your suggestion?
Dr. Lewis- After seeing you she’ll know why I made that suggestion… hell she might ask you herself.
Gia- [laughing] Yeah right…
Dr. Lewis- [laughing] I’m telling you…
Gia- This is the first time in a long time we’ve been on the same shift…
Dr. Lewis- Yeah I know…
Gia- I’ve missed you…
Dr. Lewis- Same here babycakes…
Gia- You are too funny…
Dr. Lewis- Yeah funny or not the real reason I’m in here was to warn you that Oliver is on the war path…
Gia- [shaking her head] Even her messed up attitude can’t get to me today…
Dr. Lewis- Don’t be so sure…
Gia- [smiling] I’m sure…
Dr. Lewis- [nodding] Yeah ok…
Gia- [patting the seat beside her] Come here and sit with me…
Dr. Lewis- [shaking his head]I can’t…
Gia- Yes you can… [softly] come on…
Dr. Lewis- Gia…
Gia- What’s the worst that can happen?
Kyan- [angrily] Your patients can be out there dying and suffering uselessly while you are in here wasting time doing nothing…
Dr. Lewis- [looking from Kyan to Gia before leave] I gotta go… I’ll… I’ll see you around ok?
Kyan- Dr. Campbell… and I use that term very loosely… how is it your patients are out there suffering and you don’t seem to have a care in the world?
Gia- They aren’t suffering…
Kyan- How can you be so sure?
Gia- I just came in here to get some coffee and…
Kyan- So while your patients are out there going through God knows what you’re in here worried about a cup of coffee…
Gia- [standing] It’s not like that and you know it…
Kyan- Who are you speaking to like that?
Gia- There was never anything wrong with me coming in here to get coffee before but now all of a sudden…
Kyan- Dr. Campbell….
Gia- [shaking her head] No… I’ve done nothing wrong yet you continually come at me like I have.
Kyan- Like I told you before the world does not revolve around you so…
Gia- And like I said then I know it doesn’t…
Kyan- [shaking her head] My only concern with you is when you put my reputation on the line…
Gia- Your reputation?
Kyan- It was my misfortune having you assigned to me in the first place. I knew then like I know now you lack the proper attitude and intelligence needed for this job.
Gia- [softly] What?
Kyan- The little girl innocence act does not work with me.
Gia- Why are you…
Kyan- I don’t know what it took to get you through school thus far or who you had to sleep with…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] I…
Kyan- That won’t work anymore…
Gia- [shocked by the things Kyan was saying] Why…
Kyan- You have done nothing to set yourself apart or above the next person in your class. And for that I am sincerely disappointed.
Gia- I’m doing the best I can…
Kyan- Well guess what… that’s not enough…
Gia- I don’t know what you want me to do but…
Kyan- As one if not the only Afro-American woman in this program I expected more from you.
Gia- [softly] I told you I’m doing the best that I can…
Kyan- [shaking her head] You’re simple… better yet your common…
Gia- [trying best to hold her tears] What do you want from me?
Kyan- Nothing… [shaking her head] you’re not worth the time it would take for me to explain it to you…
Kamar- [angrily] That’s enough…
Gia- [softly] Max…
Kamar- I won’t allow you to continue to talk to her like that…
Kyan- [folding her arms across her chest] And this concerns you how?
Kamar- You can talk to her like that but I dare you to even attempt to talk to me in the same way.
Kyan- Who are you? You are no better than the next person.
Kamar- That may be the case but you will not talk to me any kind of way.
Gia- [softly] It’s ok Max…
Kamar- No it’s not… [coming to stand in front of her] you are the only person she talks to like this and it’s going to stop today.
Kyan- [cocking her eyebrow] Says who?
Kamar- [locking eyes with her] Me…
Kyan- [smirking] And you alone is supposed to be enough to make me stop?
Kamar- Yes…
Kyan- Think again… as long as I am the attending over Dr. Campbell…
Kamar- Keep it up and I’ll take that away from you as well.
Gia- [softly] K… just let it go… I’ll handle this my way…
Kamar- No… [still looking intently at Kyan] she’s just a jealous bitch that’s scared her spotlight is dimming because someone better than her is here now…
Kyan- [hurt and anger filling her eyes] Is that how you see me?
Kamar- [matter-of-factly] Yes…
Kyan- Then you’ve made your bed just like she has…

Sparing one last look in Gia’s direction Kyan turned and stormed out of the lounge. And as she disappeared the tears and hurt Gia long fought to hold on to came flooding down her face. Turning towards her Kamar gathered her in his arms doing his best to soothe away the pain.

Kamar- [softly] What was that?
Gia I don’t know… [tearfully as she shrugged her shoulders] I mean she just snapped on me saying I wasn’t good enough and…
Kamar- What made her go off?
Gia- [slightly pulling away from him] I don’t know. Me and Lewis was in here joking around and then she came in here and all hell broke loose.
Kamar- [gently caressing her cheek] Well I’m here now…
Gia- [moving away from him] Thank… thank you…
Kamar- [softly] Whatever you need Gia I’m here…

Nodding Gia moved across the room shakily pouring herself a cup of coffee. With her back to him Gia softly began to talk to him again.

Gia- You don’t have to wait Kamar… I’ll be fine really. I just need a couple of seconds to get myself together.
Kamar- [coming up behind her] I understand…
Gia- [softly] Kamar I…
Kamar- [softly as he gently caressed the width of her shoulders] I’m always here…
Gia- [turning towards him] I…
Kamar- [cupping her hand in his hands] When I told you I loved you I meant it.
Gia- Kamar I care about you too but…
Kamar- [slowly shaking his head] Not care… love…

Bringing her mouth to his Kamar hungrily kissed Gia blocking all protests and proclamations with his eager tongue. Trying her best to pull away from his Gia felt herself pressed up against the table locked in his strong embrace. Feeling as his hands slowly crept under she shirt Gia mustered all of her strength and pushed Kamar away from her.

Gia- [shaking her head] Kamar no…
Kamar- [an unknown emotion flashing in his eyes] Yes…

Grabbing her again Kamar passionately kissed Gia trapping her arms on the side of her as he wrapped her again in a strong embrace.

Gia- [softly] Kamar please…
Kamar- [in between kisses] If we do this everything will come out right.
Gia- [shaking her head] I don’t want this… I…
Kamar- Just tell me you love me and I’ll make all of this go away…
Gia- [softly] Kamar…
Kamar- [softly as he slowly moved against her] I want you so bad…
Gia- [pleading] Don’t do this…
Kamar- [kissing down her neck] Do you know how long I’ve dreamed about this?
Every time I held her in my arms I imagined it was you. Gia- [softly] Please…
Kamar- Let me love you Gia…
Gia- No…
Kamar- [running his hand up the length of her leg] You don’t have a choice…

As he attempted to slip his hand beneath her skirt Gia saw her chance and quickly raised her leg kneeing him in the groin. And as he crumpled over in pain Gia gathered what little senses she had left and ran from the room. Knowing Jake was somewhere around the hospital waiting for her Gia hurried to her car hoping against hope he was there. Calling his name as she ran to her car Gia was caught off guard as Kamar grabbed her from behind. Pushing her up against her car Kamar again attacked her mouth with his own. Groping and grabbing at her as he kissed her Gia heard the ripping of her shirt and again she tried to get away from him. Pulling away from him Gia gasped as she felt Kamar slamming her up against her car over and over again.

Kamar- [angrily] Don’t fight me on this Gia…
Gia- [softly] I don’t want this to happen… [shaking her head] not this way…
Kamar- [nodding] This is going to happen… now we can do this the easy way or…
Gia- Kamar please… you don’t want this… you don’t…
Kamar- [shaking his head] You don’t know what I’m risking to be a part of your life…
Gia- Kamar…
Kamar- No… I already jeopardized too much… you owe me this. You owe me a chance with you…
Gia- But we’re friends and…
Kamar- [angrily slamming his fist into the car as he yelled] The hell with being friends. Being friends won’t get me out of the mess I’m in. Being friends won’t…
Gia- [shaking her head] I’ll get Marcus to help you or maybe Sonny can…
Kamar- He’s the reason I’m in this mess…
Gia- What?
Kamar- [roughly grabbing her] I’m done with talking…

Pulling at her already torn blouse Kamar lowered his mouth to her body greedily kissing and touching all of her. Pushing at him Gia felt her arms roughly being grabbed and locked over her head. Her neck and chest now open to him Kamar slowly ran his tongue down her neck resting only when he reached the swell and valley of her breasts. Gathering her hands within one hand Kamar gently caressed the curves of her becoming more and more excited by her whispered pleas. Jerking her bra down until her breast was uncovered Kamar smiled before covering her exposed skin with his hungry mouth.

Gia- [crying] Kamar please…
Kamar- [softly] Tell me you love me…
Gia- [as tears rolled down her cheeks] You can’t do this… please don’t do this…
Kamar- [pulling at her skirt] I don’t have a choice…
Gia- Let me go to Marcus… he’ll find a way to help you… please…
Kamar- [shaking his head] Gia no…
Gia- What about Sonny… no questions… I’ll call him and he’ll help you if I tell him…
Kamar- [smugly] By the time I’m done with Sonny no one will be able to help him…
Gia- What?
Kamar- Sonny or your precious Marcus can’t do a damn thing to or for me that I can’t already do myself…
Gia- [nodding] Ok… please just let me go…
Kamar- What so you can run to them and tell them all that I did…
Gia- [shaking her head] No…
Kamar- I’m not dumb Gia…
Gia- I never said you were… I just know this is wrong and…
Kamar- [laughing] Wrong for who? Not me…
Gia- K…
Kamar- I spent over a year being your “friend” and you still didn’t see me as anything more than a friend.
Gia- How was I to know…
Kamar- A year undercover and I’m still no closer to what I came here for…
Gia- What are you talking about?
Kamar- I had to sit there and listen as you whined on and on about your problems… never once did you ask how I was… never once were you concerned about how…
Woman’s voice- [softly] Is everything ok over there…

The interruption giving Gia the perfect opening she gathered what strength she had left and pushed Kamar away from her. Opening her door she attempted to enter her car only to be stopped by Kamar as he pulled at her from behind. Grabbing the first thing she could Gia turned hitting Kamar in the head over and over again with the ashtray from the car. When finally he let go of her falling to the ground Gia jumped into the car starting it and pulling off. Not knowing where she was going with tears streaming down her face Gia drove until the car sputtered to a stop. Trying to restart the car over and over Gia only succeeded in flooding the engine leaving her trapped. Reaching for her cell phone Gia hurriedly attempted to call Marcus knowing he would come and find her when she explained all to him. As his phone rang Gia sighed in relief as she heard his voice on the other end.

Taggert- Hey…
Gia- Marcus I need you… I need…
Taggert- I can’t come to the phone right now. But if you leave your name and number at the tone I’ll be sure to get back with you.

Crying as she heard his message continue Gia shook her head trying to clear the cobwebs and think of someone else to call.

Gia- [desperately to herself] I can call Lucky… I’ll call Lucky…

Calling Lucky only to hear his phone ringing over and over Gia momentarily did not know what to do. Suddenly looking at her surroundings Gia jumped from the car gathering her clothes as best she could and hurried in the direction of his penthouse knowing finally where she would be safe. Collapsing against the wall of the elevator as it slowly made it way to his floor Gia let her tears fall as she prayed silently that he would be there when she needed him. Covering her mouth as her sobs filled the elevator Gia broke down as she looked at the mess Kamar left of her clothes. The doors slowly opening on the top floor Gia exited the elevator going slowly to his door. With nervous and tired hands she lightly knocked on his door waiting for him to answer. With no instant answer Gia lowered her head ready to lose herself in her tears when his door suddenly opened.

Nikolas- [softly] Gia?