Everything was set. Gia cleared her schedule so there would be nothing stopping her now. Despite the fact that they lived together, it seemed as though she and Nikolas never saw each other. So tonight she planned a special evening for just him and her. So with the candles lit, the music playing softly in the background, the dinner warming in the oven, she prepares for an evening a long time in coming. She would finally tell Nikolas that she loved him. The mood and moment was right for love and whatever else came. The candles cast perfect shadows around the room, illuminating some things and moving others into the background. The music played so softly it nearly lulled and pulled her into its trance. Nikolas was a late, but Gia assumed it was only traffic that was holding him up. She decided to give him another 30 minutes before she began to worry. After more than an hour passed she became concerned. Wondering if he called her when she was at AJ’s make-shirt office and phone was off. Quickly checking her voice mail she was not surprised to find that not only did he call he also left her a message. With bittersweet longing Gia quietly listened to his message…

God…she loved the sound of his voice…it did things to her she wasn’t ready to admit…or maybe she was. Just as she prepared to hang up she heard that she had another message…

With tears streaming down her face she hangs up the phone, and wonder how things got to this point. Did Nikolas really just say that he loved her? Could it really be possible that all the love she had for Nikolas he also had for her? Knowing that there would be no romantic dinner tonight Gia quickly blew out the candles, took the dinner out of the oven, laid down on the couch, and turned up the music louder. For the rest of the night she thought of nothing but Nikolas and how she became lucky enough to have someone like him in her life. Gia thought of how they first met…her blackmailing, or at least trying to blackmail one of his best friends. The first real kiss they shared…how it awakened desires in her she did not know she was feeling for him. And how even when things looked their bleakest all it would take was a tender smile from Nikolas and you would know that everything would be all right. She drifted off to sleep thinking of Nikolas and how lucky she felt to have him in her life. Tender kisses being placed on her forehead and she woke to Nikolas kneeling besides her softly stroking her hair and kissing her.

Nikolas- [softly smiling] I didn’t mean to wake you.
Gia- That’s ok…I wasn’t really sleep, just waiting for you…

They hug and she sits up as he joins her on the couch. Still hugging you sit there for a second silently savoring the tenderness of this moment.

Nikolas- [noticing the burned candles and the half - eaten dinner.] What have we here?
Gia- [quietly] I was trying to set up a special night for just you and me. So I canceled my plans but I didn’t realize you had some.
Nikolas- Why…I mean were we supposed to celebrate something special tonight?
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] No…I…I uh was going to tell you that I loved you…
Nikolas- [softly smiling] You were….
Gia- Yes…
Nikolas- Had I known you went through as this trouble I would have told my uncle that I couldn’t come tonight.
Gia- [looking down] It’s ok… I…I heard the message you left me…
Nikolas- [smiling] I’m glad because I meant it.
Gia- And I mean it too…

Touching her face he lifts he chin and looks into her eyes. Bringing her face to his he tenderly kisses her. They stay embraced knowing that the love they feel for each other is genuine.

[Holding her tightly] Nikolas- Now I really feel bad now telling you this…
Gia- [pulling away slightly to look at him] What is it?
Nikolas- [sighing] Well it seems I have to leave town for a little while.
Gia – [unable to hide the hurt in her voice] Why?
Nikolas- I have to go and meet with some people because of Helena and the things she’s been up to.
Gia- Well how long do you think you will be gone? [praying silently that he says a day or two]
Nikolas- [taking a deep breath] At least 2 or 3 weeks…
Gia- [heartbroken] Really…when do you have to leave?
Nikolas- First thing tomorrow morning… [seeing the hurt and disappointment on Gia’s face] I really hate this too. If it was up to me I wouldn’t be going at all, but Stefan said that this is really important. [Nikolas stands and takes her hand] All we have is tonight, and although most of it… [smiling] thanks to me was ruined, we can make the most out of what is left. We can do whatever you want to do.
Gia- All I want is for you to hold me tight. I want to be able to remember the feel of your arms around me.
Nikolas- Are you sure?
Gia- [nodding] Yes…

Nikolas takes her by the hand and leads her the master bedroom. Kissing her softly he lays her on the bed and slowly joins her spooning her holding her tightly in his arms. The rest of the night Gia and Nikolas lay intertwined memorizing every rise and fall of each other’s chest. No words were needed for the silence was conversation in itself. As she falls asleep to the thumping of his heartbeat, she comes to terms that they will be away from each other for close to a month. Morning comes and with heavy hearts they come together to say goodbye. Nikolas takes her face in his hands and caresses her cheek as he comes in closer to kiss her goodbye. Whisper soft kisses are placed upon her lips and Gia could feel him mouth the words “I Love You” and she tries her best to hold back the tears hugging each other tighter not wanting this moment to end. Sensing his reluctance she pulls away from him and tells him goodbye. Despite how strongly she wanted him to stay Gia knew that this trip is what needed.

Gia- Nikolas you have to go…
Nikolas- I know but I don’t want to…
Gia- I’ll be here when you return…
Nikolas- Promise me that…
Gia- Nikolas I love you…I promise you that wherever you are is where I will be.
Nikolas- [nodding his head] Ok…I…I’m going to call you everyday to make sure.
Gia- [smiling] You better…
Nikolas- [smiling] I will… [bringing her lips to his again he slowly and tenderly kissed her again] and Gia there’s one more thing….
Gia- [softly as she tenderly touched his face] What is it?
Nikolas- [softly] I love you too…

For the next two weeks Gia woke and went to sleep with calls from Nikolas. They spoke about their newfound love and how much they missed each other. But despite the constant calls and talks with Nikolas Gia still missed him more and more every second he was gone. To bring him closer to her she began sleeping in his room breathing in the smell of him.

[Late one night]

Nikolas- [slowly] I got some bad news…
Gia- [softly] What is it?
Nikolas- Seems something has come up and I won’t be able to call you for maybe a day or two.
Gia- [softly] Oh…
Nikolas- I’ll be thinking about you though…
Gia- I’ll be thinking about you too.
Nikolas- I love you Gia…
Gia- [hesitantly] I know…
Nikolas- [concerned] Gia what’s wrong?
Gia- Nothing…
Nikolas- Yes there is…I can hear it in your voice.
Gia- Nothing’s wrong…I just…I just miss you that’s all.
Nikolas- I miss you too. I love you…
Gia- [softly] I know you do but…
Nikolas- But?
Gia- [softly] You don’t have to keep saying if you don’t want to.
Nikolas- [smiling softly] Well I sorta like saying it. But of course if you prefer me not to say it…
Gia- No I sorta like hearing you saying it to…I just thought…I don’t know…
Nikolas- [questioning] That I was only saying it for your benefit?
Gia- [softly] Yes…
Nikolas- No…I’m saying it because that’s how I feel…that’s how I’ve felt for a long time. I’m making up for all times I wanted you and I didn’t.
Gia- [softly] Ok…
Nikolas- I love you Gia…but you already know that right?
Gia- [smiling] Yeah I know…but like I said I like hearing you say it.
Nikolas- Good because I plan on saying it a lot.
Gia- Good…goodnight Nikolas…I’ll be dreaming about you.
Nikolas- Goodnight Gia…I’ll be dreaming about you too.

Trying to get her mind off of Nikolas and how much you miss him Lucky, Liz, and Emily takes Gia out on the town. As they leave Gia misses Nikolas calling to tell her that he was coming home early. Wanting to surprise her he doesn’t leave a message and heads home anyway. It was good to hang out with friends but halfway through the evening Gia realizes that she’d much rather be home. She comes up with an excuse to leaves early and grabs a taxi home.

As the taxi neared the cabin Gia was happy that she went out, but at the same time just as happy that she was nearly home. A weird sensation hits her but she ignores it hoping instead that Nikolas somehow left her a message on the machine. As she exits the taxi she is greeted by rose petals of every hue strewn up the walkway leading towards the door. She becomes excited but quickly dismisses them thinking Nikolas probably just had someone come in and do this for him. In the two weeks he’s been away Nikolas surprised her daily with bouquets of flowers and she assumed that this was just another occurrence. As she neared the door she noticed a card taped to the door with her name attached. Seeing her name written on the card she became excited again because she recognizes it as his handwriting. As she slowly opens the card she reads:

As Gia quickly opened the door and entered it was as if she stepped into a rose garden. It seems as though every rose that had been planted was in their front room. And in the midst of all these roses Gia spots another card placed upon a wrapped box with a red ribbon upon it. She is instructed to read the card first, it says:

She opens the box to find a necklace/bracelet created with gems/stones of these colors [red…rubies, white…diamonds, yellow…peridot, peach…citrine] and another note saying:

Quickly rushing up the stairs to the master bathroom she is surprised to see that Nikolas had drawn a bath for her. Around the room lighted candles are glowing and casting shadows all about the room. There a radio placed by the tub with a card placed beside it says:

Gia pressed play and realizes that he has made a tape of “their” songs… Songs that have special meaning to them. She slips into the bath water to “submerge” and let the bath oils and beads do their job. As the last song plays (I Knew I Loved You by: Savage Garden) she is ready to collect her next present. Somehow she did not notice during her bath that another present topped with a card was placed next to the radio. She slowly steps out of the bath she wraps herself in the clothing [elegant yet sexy lingerie] that was laid out for her and quickly goes over to the box. The card reads:

In this box she finds a box of tissue, an old skeleton key and a pair of scissors. Confused yet intrigued she quickly gathers these “tools” and head into the bedroom. When she steps into the bedroom it’s as if she had been transported to someplace anew. It appears as if the bedroom was bathed and dipped in white. Gone are the dark and heavy furniture, fabrics and colors that once made up the room. Now in the middle of the room stood a huge wrought iron four poster canopy bed draped in reams of white shear fabric. Again there were candles [white of course] lit throughout out the room illuminating all that was of importance. Sitting on the floor in front of the bed was yet another present. Gia rushed over to open it to see what the final present truly is. There is a card in side the box and it reads

Gia makes her way through the fabric and finds yet another box on the bed. However this box is huge and she knows instantly that whatever is in that box might not be of that size, but whatever it was it would have meaning that if not equaled the size it easily surpassed it. Carefully and slowly Gia opens her final box. Inside amidst all of the tissue and filler she finds a small rectangular box and a letter. She is instructed to read the letter first, and with nervous fingers Gia opens the envelope and reads what Nikolas so lovingly wrote her…

Gia,
I never thought that my life would turn out this way. I thought I was living and had a good life…that is until I met you. When you came into my life I was instantly awakened and shown what living really was. You’ve brought so many things into my life, I’m not sure if I will ever be able to repay you. Now, if I must, I will happily spend the rest of my life trying to return all that you have given to me. From private birthday parties with balloons and streamers for just the two of us… to giving you every rose of every hue… to hot bubble baths each and every night. I’d even offer to braid your hair but we both know what a mess that would be…*smile*. Nothing would ever compare or equal the one gift you’ve given me. I know it seems as if I keep rambling on about this precious and amazing gift you’ve given me and I know by now you’re wondering what it is exactly. Well I’ll gladly tell you…you’ve given me my reason to awaken every morning, my reason to live.

I used to sit and watch people and wonder what makes them continue on day after day. I remember one particular day I saw an older couple in the park walking together still holding hands and laughing together. I wanted to go up to them and ask them how they did it? What magic did they find within each other that made them stay together and happy for so long? But I didn’t have to go to them after all, the answer was so plainly written on their faces for all the world to see. They found love, and that held them together and kept them going. And I knew from that day forward that if I were ever blessed with the opportunity to give and receive love I would be a truly lucky man. I would truly be a prince then. I didn’t realize till our time apart how truly blessed I am to have found you.

I’ve been in a lot of relationships where I’ve given my all. But it was not given back in return. I thought that this was how it would stay. I thought I would always be searching for the lady who would give me all that I gave to her. Thou never really expecting to find her because her all would never be given. It was at the point where people/women were more impressed by who I was than who I am. So instead of continually getting hurt I conditioned myself to be happy with the status quo. And as sad as that fact was I accepted it. But with a glimpse of a smile my whole world changed. I never thought something as small as that would mean so much and become so important.

You’ve changed my life. I didn’t notice it at first, but day after day, night after night I found myself smiling with thoughts of you. I found myself looking forward to my moments with only you. Whether it was the few minutes in the morning before you rushed out to your day. Or if it was the hours on end we would spend with the gang…because even then I only noticed you. I even found myself looking forward to the times we argued because you would focus all your attention and passion on me. I would go to the phone to call you just for a chance to hear your voice. I become consumed with thoughts of you. I found myself wondering about the things you were doing, what was making you smile, or [if by chance] you were thinking of me too. I would record my moments with you and play them over at least a thousand times in my mind. The way you smiled when you heard something funny, the way you blushed when I paid you a compliment and/or whispered something in your ear, the way those little lines came in your forehead when you were thinking or really concentrating on something. The way you played in your hair if and when you became frustrated. You were becoming my world, my every thought; every wish was about you. You engulfed my soul and made me whole again.

So as I continue to gather up our moments together…each hour each second each minute each day spent and all the moments yet to come. I am immensely touched and awestruck by the magnitude of who you are and what you’ve brought into my life. And as these moments continue I humbly come before you and say Thank You. Thank you for loving me even when neither of us knew it was love. It’s sorta funny, I put tissues in the last box because I knew that after reading this letter, better yet my pledge to you, tears may be flowing. I know how you are…all sensitive and stuff…which by the way I love…but I can honestly say that I stand before you all man with tears flowing. Tears of joy [for all that you have brought into my life]… tears of happiness [because the second after I met you it’s as if I found all the happiness the world could muster]… tears of sadness [although now that I have you there aren’t any but for all the empty moments I experienced before you]… and most importantly tears of love [because regardless of how we may end I can and will honestly say that I will love and cherish you until the day our souls depart]. LOOK INSIDE THE BOX THERE ARE MORE TISSUES *SMILE*

The key that was placed in the box has two meanings…symbolically and literally. Symbolically it means you hold the key that unlocked my soul and allowed me to live, love and breathe again. I had willed all my emotions away as a safeguard to insure I didn’t get hurt again. And no one I met ever made me desire a release of these feeling until you. You’ve taken that key and opened my heart once again. You’ve managed to take that old rusty key [the skeleton key that was in the box] and replaced it anew [look in the box again and you will find the new “key”]. And this new key I want you to wear always so in case it ever seems that my heart is closing once again you will always have the power to open it again. (The new key is a small diamond encrusted key dangling on a clear plastic necklace so it appears to be floating) Keep this key close to your heart because you will always be in mine.

I will love you always,
Nikolas

p.s.
In case you were wondering what the scissors were about turn around slowly and cut the ribbon on your final present…

Gia turns around slowly and behind her stands Nikolas “wrapped” in a red ribbon smiling at her. She rushes over to him and flings her arms around him secure in the fact that his love for her was as strong as hers for him. He touches her face softly and they join together for a kiss…
Nikolas- [smiling] I guess you liked the letter huh?
Gia- More than you know. I….
Nikolas- I love you too…