Chapter 11
Having agreed to delay their wedding as long as possible Nikolas went back to the task of running Cassadine Industries. Finding an escape in his work Nikolas was able to block thoughts of Gia leaving his dreams only haunted by her. Such the case Nikolas found himself again at work buried under a multitude of mergers and deals awaiting his signature. Sensing his uncle walk into the room Nikolas continued reading the latest document placed before him awaiting Stefan to speak.
Stefan- [softly] Nikolas…
Nikolas- [not looking up] Yes Uncle?
Stefan- Have you reviewed the specs for the Mannergy deal?
Nikolas- Yes and I’ve initialed the changes I want made…
Stefan- Very well…
Nikolas- I’ve since sent it to your office. You should have received them some time ago…
Stefan- [nodding] I have not had time to check my desk so they may very well be there.
Nikolas- [nodding as he continued reading] Oh…
As he attempted to return to his reading Nikolas could not help but notice that Stefan remained standing in his office. Looking up at him offering him a quick smile Nikolas again tried to resume reading. Noticing that Stefan had not moved from his spot Nikolas placed his papers to the side softly speaking with him.
Nikolas- Is there something else Uncle?
Stefan- [calmly] I only ask that you listen to all I have to say…
Nikolas- [softly] About?
Stefan- You and Natalia…
Nikolas- What of us?
Stefan- I think it would be best that you move up the wedding date?
Nikolas- For what reason? Neither Natalia nor I are in a hurry to wed. I thought we agreed to a long engagement.
Stefan- Time is not of the essence…
Nikolas- How so?
Stefan- As you know the Petravich family are in dire need of funds at this time…
Nikolas- Which we can provide…
Stefan- It is not that simple…
Nikolas- [slowly massaging his temples] Please explain…
Sitting back in his chair Nikolas listened as Stefan explained how marrying Natalia now would seal all ties between the two families. As his uncle continues to drone on Nikolas’ thoughts and attention somehow drifted to her once again and he could not help but smile as Gia came to him. If he tried hard enough Nikolas could still remember her smile and he would again be caught in her spell. And yet whenever he remembered her smile his heart would slowly contract as he too remembered her tears and the hurt he saw when he left her. If only he had returned to her he could possibly be discussing his marriage to her instead. The thought of marrying Gia and forever holding her close to him bringing yet another smile to his face Nikolas sat back momentarily basking in the feeling she forever brought to him.
Watching as his nephew’s expression and demeanor quickly changed Stefan stopped talking fascinated by the change in him. Maybe this arrangement between the Cassadine and Petravich families would turn out as he planned. If given a chance Stefan knew their joining would change his nephew and usher him into the man and leader he was born to be. Smiling himself as the silly smile remained pasted on Nikolas’ face Stefan could not help but ask of her.
Stefan- I knew if given the chance your feelings for Natalia would grow…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] They haven’t…
Stefan- I assumed that was whom you were thinking of…
Nikolas- Then you assumed wrong…
Stefan- Nikolas…
Nikolas- [shaking his head] I will speak with Natalia and if she agrees I have no problem with moving up the date of our wedding.
Stefan- Nikolas is there something I should know?
Nikolas- [softly] No…
Stefan- If your thoughts are for someone else…
Nikolas- I’ve agreed to this marriage… I’m even agreeing to move up the wedding date.
Stefan- I am aware of this Nikolas however….
Nikolas- [shaking his head as he stood] Let’s leave things as they are now. I will go and speak to Natalia and I will relay whatever we decide to you later…
Stefan- [as Nikolas walked out of his office] Nikolas…
Nikolas- [shaking his head] Leave it alone Uncle…
Rushing to his car Nikolas sat behind the wheel of his Jag his heart pounding once again at the thought of Gia. Though he agreed with Stefan as far as the wedding and the marriage went Nikolas knew he could not go through with anything before seeing her again. Because if there was even a chance she would want him even after all he had done… Shaking useless thoughts from his head knowing that he had done all he could to find her Nikolas slowly made his way to the Port Charles Hotel and to Natalia needing to tell her all that Stefan had told him.
Relaying all things told to him to Natalia Nikolas stared back at her unable to gauge her reaction. Her silence getting to him Nikolas softly questioned anxious to see and hear what she was feeling.
Nikolas- Well?
Natalia- What do you want to do Nikolas?
Nikolas- [softly smiling] Doesn’t matter…
Natalia- Nikolas…
Nikolas- I feel foolish thinking and dreaming about her when…
Natalia- You’ll find her…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] When?
Natalia- I wish there were something I could do…
Nikolas- There isn’t…
Natalia- Do you wish to marry early?
Nikolas- What I wish is for all of this to be done with. I’m tired of going along pretending to be happy when all I truly wish to do is stay hidden in my room and think of her. But of course I can’t do that because it is not allowed of the prince and the head of Cassadine Industries.
Natalia- [softly] I apologize if……
Nikolas- [shaking his head] No I apologize. I was out of order when you simply asked me a question.
Natalia- Nikolas perhaps you should tell your uncle how you are feeling…
Nikolas- It won’t help…
Natalia- [softly as she gently touched his hand] Nikolas…
Nikolas- [forcing a smile as he gently covered her hand] So will you do me the honor of marrying me in a months time?
Natalia- If that is want you want…
Nikolas- Not really but that is what will happen…
Natalia- Nikolas…
Nikolas- [quickly standing] I will call my uncle and tell him he can began the preparations…
Natalia- [slowly nodding] Very well…
Nikolas- [softly smiling] Thank you for listening to me when she is all I can think of. It helps to speak of her…
Natalia- I know and I hope you will be there for me if given the circumstance…
Nikolas- [softly smiling] Without question…
Natalia- Where are you to now?
Nikolas- To speak with my uncle and then the rest of my family…
Natalia- What do you think your mother and brother will think of the new arrangements?
Nikolas- My mother will probably feign happiness for me and my brother will truly be happy seeing that as my bestman it would be his duty to give me a proper bachelor party.
Natalia- [softly] At least one person will be happy…
Nikolas- [slowly nodding] One year’s time…
Natalia- [softly] One year…
Nodding in her direction once again Nikolas left calling his uncle and telling him that Natalia and he agreed to move up their wedding date. As he predicted Laura feigned happiness for them and offered her services if they needed her. Lucky’s reaction was as he thought it would be as well. As soon as he told him Nikolas heard him yelling in the background of girls, beer, and a party he would never forget. When asked where and what he wanted to do Nikolas could not stop himself and he blurted out returning to Goldmine.
And now a week later Nikolas once again sat in the airport awaiting Lucky and his friends to arrive so they could again return to the place that changed his mind. As hard as he tried thoughts of Gia was heavy on his mind and Nikolas keep not keep from silently wishing that somehow she would come to him tonight and let him know that all of his dreams and feelings for her were indeed real. His head in his hands Nikolas did not see as his “bachelor party” arrived but he certainly heard them.
Kevin- [yelling] None of that tonight man! You have to liven up and live a little this is your last night out like this…
Nikolas- [forcing a smile] Yes it is…
Lucky- Then why are we standing around waiting? Candy, Goldmine, and all those beautiful women are waiting for our return…
Kevin- [laughing] Just be glad Liz let you out tonight by yourself. Hell I’m surprised she didn’t strap Logan to your back…
Lucky- [pushing Kevin as they walked towards Nikolas’ private jet] Shut up!
Kevin- Yo Nikolas… you’re not going to abandon us like you did last time are you?
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] No…
Kevin- Because I think I might need a little more than one lap dance this time…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] Whatever you say…
Slowly shaking his head again as Lucky and his friends clowned around Nikolas fastened his seatbelts willing his heart to slow down. This was the last place he had seen her and despite the many trips he made to find her he had a feeling that maybe just maybe this time would be different.
Chapter 12
Settling back into her old life was easier than Gia had hoped it would be. Her apartment still vacant Gia once again rented the tiny space fixing it up as best she could for her and Amaya. Unfazed by their move Amaya was still her happy baby and possibly the only thing that kept Gia from losing it. The room that was once hers now serving as Amaya’s nursery Gia was able to avoid thoughts of Nikolas until she stepped back into Goldmine.
Her neighbor agreeing to watch Amaya while she worked Gia gathered up all the old costumes she thought she would never again have to wear and made her way to Goldmine. The feelings of lost and despair once again hitting her as she walked through the club Gia took a deep breath continuing to her once familiar locker and chair in the dressing room. Reciting a silent prayer Gia rose undressing and redressing for the night ahead. Once dressed sitting again in her chair Gia listened to the conversations that flowed around her.
Dancer #1 – [nodding in Gia’s direction] I see Ms. High and Mighty decided to come back…
Dancer #2- [laughing] You mean Harvey dragged her ass back…
Dancer #1- [laughing] You lying…
Dancer #3- [shaking her head] No he went to Florida and brought Ms. Priss back…
Dancer #1- That’s what her ass gets… she’s no better than the rest of us…
Dancer #3- Speak for yourself… I’m better than that stuck up bitch…
Gia- [turning in their direction] What have I ever done to you to make you hate you?
Dancer #3- Oh baby I don’t hate you… to hate you would mean I would have to care a little something about you and I don’t…
Gia- [shaking her head] Is that all you have? I haven’t done anything to anyone in here and you all act like I’m the scum of the earth…
Dancer #1- No one likes you… get over it…
Gia- [angrily] No I think you need to get over it.
Dancer #2- [standing] Who are you talking to little girl…
Gia- [shaking her head] You know you all are too old to be acting the way you act…
Dancer #4- Little girl done had a baby and thinks she knows everything huh?
Gia- I know enough to know trying to reason and work with any of you is a waste of time…
Dancer #2- Before you get to acting like you’re better than everybody figure out the father of your daughter…
Gia- Excuse me?
Dancer #2- Because before you go putting it on Harvey know you’re not getting any special treatment…
Gia- [laughing] Is this what this is about? Y’all scared I’m going to get special treatment from Harvey… y’all even more sick in the head than I thought…
Dancer #1- What did you say?
Gia- Get over whatever you think is going on between Harvey and me because there’s nothing happening there.
Dancer #2- Yeah whatever…
Harvey- [entering the dressing room] What’s all of this?
Dancer #2- Just discussing who’s dancing to what…
Harvey- Well there’s been a change… Jennifer I want you to take Linda’s spot tonight… Linda you have Casey’s spot… Casey you have Tina’s spot… and Gia you get Dina’s spot…
Dina- Where am I dancing… who’s spot do I have…
Harvey- I think I’m going to have to sit tonight out…
Dina- But…
Harvey- Argue with me on this and your ass won’t have a spot let alone a job anymore…
Dina- [slowly shaking her head] Whatever you say Harvey…
Harvey- Thought so… [looking at all of the dancers] get out there and make me some money… the club is packed so we should all be leaving here with our pockets full.
As the dancers stood around nodding in agreement Harvey looked at all once more before he ordered them from the dressing room.
Harvey- Get out there and make some money… Dina pack up and head home…
Dina- I can’t even do lap dances or…
Harvey- Dina what did I tell you?
Dina- Harvey I have bills…
Harvey- [shaking his head] Fine… work the bar and the club… if you get a lap dance do what you do best…
Dina- [quickly coming to kiss him] Thank you Harvey…
Harvey- [feeling her up as he stared at Gia] Yeah baby… [grabbing her behind] now get out there and do your magic…
Dina- [looking quickly at Gia as she placed another kiss on Harvey] Yeah… I’ll see you later tonight right?
Harvey- [squeezing her rounded behind once again] Yeah… now go…
Looking back at Gia one last time Dina left the room leaving only Gia and Harvey in the dressing room.
Harvey- Welcome back Peanut…
Gia- [softly] What did you call me… [slowly shaking her head] why did you call me that?
Harvey- [smirking as he moved his finger along her cheek] You’re up in thirty minutes… hope you haven’t forgotten all of your moves…
Gia- [knocking his hand away] I haven’t forgotten anything…
Harvey- [laughing] We’ll see…
After sitting through dancer after dancer and Elizabeth’s constant phone calls Nikolas was ready to go home. His heart slowly breaking having not seen her Nikolas looked over at Lucky and his friends and again shook his head. It was as if Lucky’s bachelor party was in full swing once again. Several dancers on his lap as he laughed and whispered in their ears all while leaving kisses in his wake. Looking around the table Nikolas locked eyes with Kevin as he stared back smirking at Nikolas.
Kevin- [smirking] Not having any fun?
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] I’m fine…
Kevin- You sure?
Nikolas- [forcing a smile] Just waiting for the right dancer…
Kevin- Haven’t seen her in months man…
Nikolas- I’m not looking for anyone in particular…
Kevin- [laughing] Yeah whatever… you get sick of waiting and Dina here has a few tricks up her sleeve…
Dina- [grinding on Kevin] Yeah baby I can show you a real good time…
Nikolas- Thanks but no thanks…
Kevin- [kissing Dina on the neck] He likes those high class types…
Dina- [laughing] Then the next girl should be perfect for him with her stuck up ass…
Nikolas- [standing] I’ll pass…
Lucky- Where are you going?
Nikolas- Restroom… Elizabeth has begun calling me as well… I just want to assure her everything is fine and I would rather not do that while another woman is on you.
As Nikolas walked away speaking quickly into his cellphone Dina turned laughing eyes to Kevin speaking quickly.
Dina- Yeah Gia would be perfect for Nikolas… they both act like they got something stuck up their asses…
Kevin- [laughing] Sounds like that hurts…
Dina- [moving on Kevin once again] I don’t know… depending on what it is and who it’s attached to I might like it…
Kevin- [smiling] Is that an invitation?
Dina- [laughing as his hands moved up her body] We’ll see…
As the MC came over the speakers their conversations stopped as he once again announced Wet Dream.
MC ~ Ladies and gentlemen you picked the right night to come to Goldmine. She’s been gone for a little while but she’s back to liven up your dreams once more. Put your hands together for the one you’ve been asking for back with a new name… ladies and gentlemen I give you Wet…
Over to under
Enter your wonder baby
Submerge into me baby
And take me to higher
The music slowly playing Gia said a quick prayer before slowly going and taking her spot on stage. Her back to the audience Gia fought her tears and nerves as she slowly moved to the beats and rhythm of the song. Blocking out all around her Gia moved about the stage mesmerizing all who watched her. Moving against the nearby pole imagined Amaya’s beautiful face knowing she had to get through this night and the nights that followed for her. If it took working at Goldmine for the next few years unstop she would pay Harvey all that she owed him and she would finally be free of him. The cost of what she owed him on her mind Gia could not help but think of William and how much she had sacrificed for him. How differently would her life had been if she had been allowed to make the choices and decisions for her life. Closing her eyes as she moved away from the pole she knew that despite all if given the choice of never meeting Nikolas and/or having Amaya she would again readily take her time at Goldmine not willing to lose either.
Submerge within the light
Illuminate my night
And let your atmosphere surround me
Submerge within the light all night
Till we become the sun
Having soothed Elizabeth’s worries for the fifth time Nikolas finally ended their call defeated and ready to go home. This was supposed to be a celebration for him and truthfully this was the last place he wanted to be. Every time he looked at the stage he imagined her dancing up there looking so afraid and uncertain. Even without her telling him Nikolas knew Gia did not want or belong on that stage and he should have used his first instinct and went to her and protected her as best he could. He should have gone to the stage ignoring all around and took her in arms all while promising never to let her go. But he hadn’t and having taken the coward’s way out he was only given a small glimpse of who captured his heart. Having met her outside Goldmine and the quiet conversation shared Nikolas knew he was hooked on her. And when he held her in his arms loving her and giving her all that she needed he was changed and he knew that that was what he forever wanted to do. Attempting to shake thoughts of Gia from his mind Nikolas slowly walked back to the table ready to tell Lucky and his friends that it was time to go.
See if I'm breathing
Because I'm not sure
Tonight if I'm alive
Words are demeaning
They can't describe
Not wanting to see the next girl on stage Nikolas returned to the table with head down. And yet seeing the look of shock and smirk covering both Lucky and Kevin’s faces Nikolas slowly turned his gaze to the stage his heart instantly stopping. If he took but a few steps she would again be in his arms but he was afraid to move not knowing if it was his mind and heart playing tricks on him or if she was really before him dancing and claiming his heart once again. Willing her to look in his direction Nikolas stood up straighter training his eyes on every move she made. Slowly moving around the stage careful not to stare at anyone longer than a few seconds Gia finally raised her gaze freezing as she saw Nikolas… her Nikolas staring back at her. And like the first time seeming as if all disappeared around them their eyes locked and a thousand thoughts and words moved between them. All that Gia wanted to say and tell him she willed into her gaze and she only hoped he could see and read and understand all.
Submerge within the light
Illuminate my night
And let your atmosphere surround me
Submerge within the light all night
Till we become the sun
Realizing that she was indeed real and not just his heart and hope and imagination getting the better of him Nikolas ignored the shouts from his table and slowly walked towards the stage and to the person who held his heart. His eyes on her the entire time Nikolas softly smiled as he neared her knowing finally all that he wanted to say and show and do to her would soon come to be. His heart racing Nikolas neared the stage shaking off the fear of rejection and resentment she might have for him for not returning to her like he promised. If given the chance he would explain all to her but first he simply needed to gaze upon her and know that all he was feeling in his heart was indeed true.
Submerge within the light
Illuminate my night
And let your atmosphere surround me
Submerge within the light all night
Till we become the sun
Perched at the end of the stage Nikolas looked up at Gia his heart suddenly breaking as he saw the same uncertainty and hurt as before clouding her beautiful eyes. She had told him long ago that she was tired and he promised to make everything ok and he failed her that time but now given another chance Nikolas leapt into action for once not thinking everything through. Hoping up onto the stage Nikolas wrapped Gia in his arms ignoring the boos and jeers from the audience. Gently caressing the side of her face he looked down into her sorrow filled eyes and softly whispered to her.
Nikolas- [whispering] I told you I was coming back…
Gia- [softly as she looked up into his handsome face] Nikolas…
Nikolas- [softly] Did you wait for me?
Her nod her only answer Nikolas pulled her close to him holding once again.
Submerge within the light
Illuminate my night
And let your atmosphere surround me
Submerge within the light all night
Till we become the sun
Without another word or thought Nikolas picked Gia up in his arms, his heart rate increasing as she wrapped her arms around him, and carried her off the stage. Regardless of the boos Nikolas held her tightly to him vowing to himself to never again let her go. He made the mistake before but now as he held her close to him he knew he would never again lose her.
Song: Submerge: Until We Become The Sun ~ Maxwell ~ Embrya