Chapter 13
His arms holding her tightly beside him Nikolas felt as if he was finally breathing after a year long pause. To touch her and to hold her Nikolas slowly shook his head as he pulled away from her. Staring down into her wondrous eyes Nikolas slowly extended his hand gently caressing his beauty as she stared up at him. His hand slowly moving along her brow Nikolas again memorized every detail of her face. What and how she had escaped him for a year’s time no longer mattered… what mattered instead was holding her close to him and once again breathing her in.
Gia could not believe that once again she was being held in the safety of his arms. His warm body was before her chasing away the cold and lonely feelings. She had longed for this day… this moment to come and now that it was finally here she did not know what to say. Looking up into his handsome face Gia again locked eyes with him love and tenderness shown clearly on his face. Touching her hand to his cheek Gia slowly caressed his beauty learning the lines of his face once again.
His hand covering hers Nikolas stilled her hand instead bringing it to his mouth to kiss. Gentle kisses being placed on her hand Gia softly smiled her heart beating only for him… because of him. As he attempted to speak Gia covered his mouth with her fingers slowly shaking her head as she continued to stare up into his eyes. Her smile igniting his heart Nikolas smiled down at Gia before pulling her close to him once again. Held in love’s embrace their surrounding fading into nothingness Nikolas and Gia finally broke apart as he softly began to speak to her.
Nikolas- [softly] Where have you been?
Gia- [whispering] Waiting for you…
Nikolas- [softly] I came for you and you were gone…
Gia- [softly] I waited as long as I could…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] I tried to find you…
Gia- I didn’t want to be found…
Nikolas- [gently caressing her cheek once again] Gia…
Gia- [softly] I… I have so much to tell you.
Nikolas- I looked for you and… [slowly shaking his head] don’t ever leave me again…
Gia- I don’t want to…
Nikolas- Gia…
Harvey- [angrily] What the hell is this?
Slowly moving his gaze from Gia Nikolas turned to Harvey slowly looking him up and down. Feeling her tensing in his arms Nikolas quickly questioned Harvey not liking Gia’s reaction to him.
Nikolas- Who are you?
Harvey- [hands on hips] I’m asking the damn questions here!
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] Harvey…
Harvey- I don’t know who you are and I really don’t care what your reasons were but don’t you ever step up on my stage like that again…
Nikolas- Gia was in need…
Harvey- I don’t give a damn what she was in… you have five minutes to take you and your friends out of here or else…
Gia- [softly] No…
Harvey- Gia this is not up for discussion…
Nikolas- I have no problem with leaving… as long as Gia comes with me…
Harvey- [shaking his head] I don’t think so…
Nikolas- We have much to discuss and…
Harvey- You have five minutes to move your bachelor party to another club… or I’ll have my people do it…
Gia- Bachelor party?
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] I can explain…
Gia- [softly] You’re getting married?
Nikolas- [whispering] Gia…
Harvey- You have five minutes…
Without another word Harvey turned leaving a confused and hurt Gia in his wake. Looking up at Nikolas with uncertain eyes Gia slowly shook her head as Nikolas began to speak.
Nikolas- [softly] Gia I can understand this may come as a shock but…
Gia- [whispering] Are you getting married Nikolas?
Nikolas- Yes but…
Gia- [shaking her head as she attempted to move away from her] Thank you for taking me off of the stage… I didn’t want to be up there and…
Nikolas- Gia please just listen…
Gia- You should leave before Harvey comes back…
Nikolas- Gia…
Gia- [gently caressing his face] It was good to see you…
Nikolas- [tenderly covering her hand] Gia please…
Gia- Be happy Nikolas….
Moving away from him before he could speak again Gia disappeared into the safety of the dressing room closing herself away before she allowed her tears to come. How could she possibly tell him of their daughter? He told her he waited for her and yet he was to be married… despite all that was in her heart for him she wanted Nikolas to be happy and to feel the love he made her feel on that night so long ago. Stuffing her bag quickly Gia was caught off guard as Harvey jerked her around to him. Grabbing her roughly by the arm Harvey angrily questioned her.
Harvey- [angrily] What in the hell do you think you’re doing?
Gia- [pushing his hands from her] What does it look like?
Harvey- If you even think of leaving me…
Gia- [shaking her head] I’m going home Harvey that’s it…
Harvey- That’s all you better be doing… you owe me…
Gia- You don’t have to repeat the same damn thing to me over and over again. I know what I owe you and I will pay you when I can…
Moving away from him Gia continued to fill her bag before turning to leave. Hiding away her disappointment and despair Gia moved to pass Harvey only to be pulled to him once again.
Harvey- [softly] Don’t ever think to leave me Gia…
Gia- [softly] I’m not…
Harvey- You’re mine and nothing can change that…
Gia- [whispering] Why are you doing this to me?
Harvey- Because your father promised you to me a long time ago and I’m not letting you go…
Gia- [jerking her arm away from him] You will have to eventually…
Harvey- [sarcastically laughing] I don’t think so…
Gia- Eventually Harvey you will…
Her bag slung over her shoulder Gia escaped Goldmine’s enclosing walls only to come face to face with him once again.
To have her in his arms again only to have her run away from him Nikolas stood momentarily shocked not knowing what exactly to do. Turning to run after her Nikolas was met by the bouncers of the club refusing his next step. Escorted to his table as directed Nikolas told Lucky and the group of their imminent removal from the club. Once deposited outside the group turned to him each yelling questions in his direction.
Kevin- [angrily] What the hell did you do?
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] I… I…
Lucky- Nikolas why would you do that?
Nikolas- She needed… Gia needed me…
Kevin- What the hell is your problem? She’s just another dancer… you can’t really think there’s something between you because you slept with her…
Nikolas- [yelling] You don’t know what you are talking about!
Kevin- They’re all the same… they’re yours until the next guy flashes more money in their direction. Ask your brother about Candy and he’ll tell you…
Jeff- That’s enough Kevin…
Kevin- No it’s not… we were having a good time before he tried to play hero…
Jeff- We still can… I’ll call up Candy and see if she can get some of her friends together and we can take this back to the hotel like last time…
Kevin- [stomping off in the direction of the limousine] You better be able to get her…
Jeff- [shaking his head as he followed quickly dialing on his phone] I will…
Shaking his head as the others slowly made their way to the limousine Nikolas turned again in the direction of Goldmine wanting and needing to return to Gia. Slowly walking again towards her and all he had to say Nikolas was stopped as Lucky placed a hand on his arm. Turning slowly again towards his brother Nikolas slowly shook his head seeing the expression on his brother’s face.
Nikolas- [shaking his head] No…
Lucky- What was that?
Nikolas- You wouldn’t understand… I have… [jerking his arm away from Lucky] I have to see her…
Lucky- You can’t go back in there…
Nikolas- Lucky don’t you see… Gia needed me and…
Lucky- This isn’t like you Nikolas…
Nikolas- I have to talk to her Lucky…
Lucky- Nikolas just let it go… let her go…
Nikolas- [shaking his head] No…
Lucky- They’re not going to let you back inside…
Nikolas- I don’t care… if I have to stand out here and wait all night until I can see her again then I will…
Lucky- Why would you do that?
Nikolas- Don’t you get it? I love… I have to talk to her…
Lucky- [shaking his head] Nikolas you’re just wasting your ti…
Looking towards the door Lucky froze as Gia slowly emerged from Goldmine. Locking eyes with Nikolas Gia slowly shook her head before turning to walk away from him. Seeing his chance to talk and explain all to her slipping away Nikolas softly called out to Gia hoping she would respond to his plea.
Nikolas- [softly] Gia please…
Gia- [her back still to him] Go home and be happy Nikolas…
Nikolas- [slowly walking towards her] Gia please…
Gia- [softly] Nik…
Nikolas- [gently touching her arm] Gia please…
Gia- [whispering] Nikolas I can’t… I…
Nikolas- Just let me explain… let me tell you everything that’s going on…
Gia- [slowly turning towards Nikolas] Nikolas I…
Nikolas- [softly] Just let me explain…
Gia- There’s nothing to explain… you’re engaged and…
Nikolas- [whispering] And it means nothing…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] Nikolas…
Nikolas- [gently caressing her cheek] Gia please…
Staring up into his eyes her heart beating a thousand times too fast Gia pressed her cheek into his hand wanting and needing to feel his touch. His hand again slowly moving across her tender skin Nikolas softly whispered to her the question for so long stay wedged in his heart.
Nikolas- [whispering] Where were you Gia?
Gia- [softly] Waiting for you…
Nikolas- [softly caressing her cheek] Gia…
Sensing the growing closeness between them Lucky quickly stepped in thinking he was saving his brother from making a mistake he would later regret.
Lucky- Nikolas we have to go…
Nikolas- [softly] No…
Lucky- Natalia is home waiting for you and…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head as he turned to look at his brother] Lucky…
Gia- [softly] Natalia?
Lucky- His fiancé…
Nikolas- [shaking his head] Lucky no…
Lucky- [staring intently at Gia] Don’t ruin what he has… he’s found someone who loves him and he loves her.
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] I’m not trying to…
Lucky- Then let him go…
Nikolas- [looking quickly at Lucky] Stay out of this…
Lucky- You’re getting married in less than a month… don’t throw it all away for her…
Nikolas- Lucky…
Lucky- I’m trying to save what you have…
Nikolas- It doesn’t need saving…
Lucky- Nikolas listen to me… I’m your brother and I care about you…
Nikolas- Lucky…
Shaking her head as Nikolas and his brother continued to speak back and forth Gia reluctantly broke Nikolas’ hold on her turning to walk slowly away from him. Their bond broken Nikolas turned to go after Gia only to be grabbed once again by Lucky. Shaking his hold off of him Nikolas rushed to Gia’s side stopping her and turning to him once again. Cradling her head gently in his hands Nikolas brought her mouth to his kissing her tenderly willing his love and care into this union. Tears slowly falling down her face Gia broke their kiss staring up into Nikolas’ eyes as she softly whispered to him.
Gia- [softly] Go home and be happy Nikolas…
Nikolas- Gia I can’t leave you…
Gia- You have to…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] No…
Gia- [softly as her voice broke] You’re getting married…
Nikolas- No… Natalia understands that I…
Gia- I hope you’re happy and loved and…
Nikolas- Gia please…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head as she moved away from him] I have someplace to be… it… it was good to see you Nikolas…
Nikolas- [softly] How can you just walk away?
Gia- [softly] Because I don’t have a choice…
Nikolas- [reaching for her] Gia…
Moving away from his touch Gia turned to look at Lucky speaking to him quickly before she lost what little will power she had left.
Gia- Get your brother and take him home…
Nikolas- Gia…
Gia- I didn’t mean to cause him any troubles…
Nikolas- [extending his hand once again] Just let me explain…
Gia- [shaking her head] Congratulations Nikolas…
Moving slowly away from Nikolas ignoring his continued to pleas Gia turned and walked in the direction of her tiny apartment. Hearing as he pleaded to her closed apartment door Gia stay huddled in her neighbor’s apartment until he finally left. Holding Amaya closely to her chest Gia slowly made her way back to her apartment laying her gently in her crib. Smoothing the curly hair that fell across her forehead a silent tear fell as she softly whispered to her sleeping daughter.
Gia- [softly] I didn’t get to tell him baby…
Chapter 14
Sunlight dancing around the kitchen Carmen silently watched her husband as he emerged from their bedroom. Today would be hard on both he and Florence and after her talk with her mother-in-law she was determined to do whatever she had to do to ease the pain. Watching as he slowly moved around the kitchen Carmen wondered if she should tell him all that was to happen today. Pulled from her thoughts Marcus took the decision out of her hands as he softly questioned her.
Marcus- [softly] Is there something you have to tell me?
Carmen- [slowly shaking her head] No…
Marcus- Are you sure? You seem far away…
Carmen- [softly] Just thinking…
Marcus- [softly smiling] About?
Carmen- [gently touching his face] I love you Marcus…
Marcus- [smiling] I love you too Carmen…
Slowly nodding Carmen took a deep breath before she slowly began to explain her mood.
Carmen- [softly] I’ve talked to your mother…
Marcus- [shrugging] Ok and…
Carmen- I know what today is…
Marcus- [slowly shaking his head] Carmen…
Carmen- Marcus it’s ok if talk about it… if you talk about her…
Marcus- [softly] No…
Carmen- It wasn’t your fault Marcus…
Marcus- [slowly nodding as he moved away from her] Yes it was…
Carmen- Marcus…
Going slowly to a nearby window Marcus stared out losing himself momentarily in thoughts of Gia. Her laughter and smile again coming to her Marcus softly spoke of his sister for the first time releasing all that was within him.
Marcus- [softly] She was beautiful…
Carmen- I saw her picture…
Marcus- She would smile and my heart would just melt…
Carmen- Your mother told me…
Marcus- Did she tell you why we called her Peanut?
Carmen- [softly smiling] Peanut?
Marcus- That was her nickname…
Carmen- Why did you call her Peanut?
Marcus- She loved peanut butter on everything… and when I say everything I mean everything… from her toast in the morning to her roll at dinnertime. She found a way to put peanut butter on everything. [softly smiling] My mom… mom tried to call me Butter because me and Gia was always together but I wasn’t answering to that.
Carmen- [smiling] Butter?
Marcus- Peanut & Butter… peanut butter… Gia’s favorite food. Gia thought it was so funny whenever mom called me Butter because I would turn right around and call her Jelly…
Carmen- I don’t get it…
Marcus- [softly as his voice cracked] Peanut Butter and Jelly… the perfect sandwich just like our perfect family…
Watching as he struggled once again with his memories Carmen quickly walked over to her husband gently rubbing his back as tears slowly and silently fell down his face.
Carmen- [softly] It’s ok Marcus…
Marcus- [slowly shaking his head] I just wish… I wish you could have met her… you would have loved her…
Carmen- [softly] I know…
Nodding silently Carmen continued to lightly rub Marcus’ back not sure of what to say to him. A soft knock at their door Marcus moved away from his wife quickly wiping at his tears. Turning to his wife in question she quickly explained that she asked Florence to come to him this morning Marcus slowly nodded as he went to open the door. Looking up into her son’s sorrow filled eyes Florence gently took him into her arms holding him close as their tears silently combined. Her arms wrapped tightly around her son Florence gently stroked his back wanting to take his pain from him. Whispering softly as she continued to hold his Marcus softly spoke to his mother.
Marcus- [softly] I’m sorry mama…
Florence- [softly] It’s not your fault baby…
Marcus- I wish that were true but…
Florence- [gently caressing his cheek] It is…
Marcus- [slowly shaking his head] Mom…
Florence- [softly] Be glad with the time we had…
Marcus- [whispering] It wasn’t enough…
Florence- It never is…
Leading her into their home Marcus took his place again at the window staring out losing himself in thoughts of Gia. Going quickly to her mother-in-law Carmen gathered her in her arms lending her strength to make it through this day.
Their eyes forever on Marcus Carmen and Florence quickly prepared breakfast hoping the meal would distract Marcus from his thoughts. And yet as they arranged the table Marcus softly spoke stopping both where they stood.
Marcus- [softly] I’m going to find William…
Florence- [quickly looking up] What?
Marcus- I’m looking for William…
Carmen- [softly] Marcus…
Florence- Why would you…
Marcus- [slowly shaking his head] Something’s not right about him just disappearing…
Florence- Marcus he lost Gia too…
Marcus- He hasn’t gone to see her…
Carmen- You don’t know that…
Marcus- I know he hasn’t gone to see her…
Florence- Don’t do this Marcus…
Marcus- [quickly looking at her] Mom I have to know…
Florence- Know what?
Marcus- It’s been fifteen years mom… how could he not come to see you… how could he not see if we were surviving…
Florence- [slowly shaking her head] Marcus people grieve differently… you know that. Wherever he is I hope he’s happy and…
Marcus- Does he think about Gia?
Florence- Marcus…
Marcus- Does he remember how she used to laugh and sing and brighten up the entire room the second she stepped foot into it?
Florence- [softly] I’m sure he does…
Marcus- I wish I could go back in time just once…
Florence- [softly] For what baby?
Marcus- So I could tell her that I loved her one last time… so I sit on the bench once more and look in the direction and smile and marvel at how amazing my baby sister was…
Florence- Marcus you have a baby on the way and…
Marcus- And sometimes I don’t think I deserve her…
Carmen- Her?
Marcus- I know it will be a little girl she will have Gia’s smile and…
Slowly shaking his head Marcus turned away from them once again whispering softly as his pain engulfed him.
Marcus- [softly] I can’t do it mom…
Florence- Can’t do what?
Marcus- If I lose her like I lost Gia… I won’t make it… I’m barely making it now and…
Florence- You won’t lose her and you haven’t lost Gia…
Marcus- [softly] Mom…
Going quickly to her son Florence turned Marcus in her direction placing her hand gently over his heart.
Florence- Gia’s right here… you’ll always have her as long as you have love in your heart…
Marcus- [whispering] It’s not enough…
Florence- [whispering] It’s all we have for now…
Wiping gently her mouth as her food dribbled down her chin Gia smiled loving at her daughter trying to lose memories and thoughts of Nikolas. The disappointment on his face as she turned away from him breaking her heart slowly each time she thought of him Gia was unsure how long she could continue as…. If only she could have told him of their daughter and how much she looked like him. Shaking her thoughts from her head Gia removed Amaya from her high chair taking her slowly down the hall ready to bath her. Slowly laughing as Amaya splashed around in the water Gia removed her when finally all of the baby food was gone. Powdering and clothing her Gia slowly rocked her to sleep as the phone softly rung beside her. Quickly answering the phone careful not to disturb Amaya Gia spoke softly into the phone.
Gia- [softly] Hello…
Alma- [softly] Gia…
Gia- [whispering] Alma…
Alma- Yeah baby it’s me…
Gia- How… how are you doing…
Hearing the sudden hitch in her voice Alma softly questioned Gia hoping to ease any pain she was going through.
Alma- Gia… baby what is it?
Gia- [softly] I saw him…
Alma- Him? Who are you talking about sweetie?
Gia- [whispering] Nikolas…
Alma- Maya’s father?
Gia- [slowly nodding] Yes…
Alma- Then why are you still there?
Gia- [softly as she slowly shook her head] I couldn’t tell him…
Alma- Gia why… you have to tell him about Maya and about how you feel…
Gia- I can’t…
Alma- Gia…
Gia- [softly] He’s engaged…
Alma- What?
Gia- He’s getting married to someone else…
Alma- You don’t know that… maybe you misunderstood… maybe…
Gia- His bachelor party was at Goldmine… I was on stage not wanting to be there and… and he must have saw it so he came on stage and carried me off.
Alma- Gia…
Gia- He said he came back for me but I was gone. I should’ve… I should’ve stayed…
Alma- Baby you couldn’t…
Gia- But I lost him before I had the chance to tell him everything…
Alma- Go to him and tell him how you feel and about Amaya…
Gia- I don’t know where he is…
Alma- Find him…
Gia- But what about William?
Alma- What about him?
Gia- I can’t just leave him…
Alma- Baby you have to live. You can’t keep your life on hold because your father is in the hospital.
Gia- But he’s all that I have…
Alma- Gia…
Gia- He’s the only one who ever wanted me Alma… I can’t just turn my back on him because I want something better for myself and my daughter.
Alma- Listen to what you just said Gia…
Gia- I don’t understand…
Alma- Baby you deserve so much better that what you’ve been given. You nor Amaya should have to live like that…
Gia- But William needs me…
Alma- And Amaya needs you and her father.
Gia- [softly] What if he doesn’t want her?
Alma- [softly] But what if he does?
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] Alma…
Alma- Would William want you living like this?
Gia- No but…
Alma- Gia I know that he’s your father and you love and care for him but…
Gia- I can’t leave him…
Alma- Why the hell not?
Gia- I told you he’s the only one who ever wanted me…
Alma- What are you talking about?
~*~Flashback~*~
The sun shining brightly Gia could not keep from smiling as she walked hand in hand with her brother to the park. She knew Marcus would be going away soon but to be able to play and spend time with him now was more than she could ask for. She wanted to show him how good she could skate with the present he gave her for her birthday. When she had first unwrapped her skated she squealed with joy and laughter nonstop. Marcus knew how much she loved to skate and for him to surprise her with a new pair of shiny pink skates Gia could not hide her excitement. Looking up smiling at her brother as the neared the park bench Gia could not help but whisper what was continually running through her head.
Gia- [whispering] I love you Marcus…
Marcus- [smiling down at Gia] I love you too Peanut…
Gia- [smiling] Forever and ever?
Marcus- [nodding] Forever and ever and…
Gia- [smiling brightly] Ever…
Sitting at a nearby bench Marcus smiled down at his sister as she struggled to lace up her skates. Laughing softly at her antics Marcus kneeled in front of her carefully lacing and tying her skates. Placing a gentle kiss on her forehead Marcus helped her from the bench standing as he watched her skate off. Going to UCLA had always been a dream to him and now that he actually had a chance to go he was torn as to if he could leave or not. From the moment he laid eyes on her Gia claimed his heart and to be away from his baby sister for months at a time Marcus was unsure if he could truly leave her and his mother. His thoughts fading as a few of his friends arrived Marcus smiled in Gia’a direction once again before sitting on the bench once again laughing and joking with his friends.
The time slowly passing Gia whizzed by her brother her laughter filling the air. Turning in his direction once again Gia quickly called out to him turning his attention to her once again.
Gia- [laughing] Hey Marcus look at me!
Marcus- [smiling in her direction] That’s good Peanut…
Gia- [smiling] You gon’ come and play with me?
Marcus- [nodding] In a second baby…
Gia- [nodding as she attempted to skate off] Ok…
Marcus- Gia come and change out of your skates and I’ll be over there in a minute…
Nodding Gia quickly changed out of her skates before running back laughing and playing with the children that surrounded the playscape. Calling out to Marcus once again Gia continued to play when he waved and smiled at Gia before turning back to his friends that had gathered around him. Hiding as Brittany counted to 100 Gia looked up quickly as she heard someone softly calling her name.
William- [softly] Hey Butter…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] Nuh huh… my name is not Butter it’s Peanut…
William- [shaking his head] They can call you Peanut I’m going to call you Butter…
Gia- [smiling] Daddy…
William- [opening his arms] Can your daddy get a hug baby?
Running into his arms Gia tightly hugged her father as he swung her around.
William- [softly] Baby I’m sorry about your party…
Gia- It’s ok Daddy…
William- I shouldn’t have said the things I said…
Gia- [gently caressing his cheek] I forgive you Daddy but you have to be nicer to Marcus and Mommy…
William- [softly kissing her cheek] I will be baby…
Gia- [smiling] You come to play with me Daddy?
William- [slowly shaking his head] No baby…
Gia- But you can play… we’re only playing hide and seek…
William- Actually… [slowly smiling] I came here to see if you wanted to go and help me pick out your birthday present…
Gia- [brightly smiling] A birthday present?
William- [nodding] Yep…
Gia- [laughing] For me?
William- [smiling] Only if you want one…
Gia- [smiling] Yep I want one…
William- [gently taking her hand] Then come on…
Gia- [shaking her head] But I have to tell Marcus and…
William- I already told him baby…
Gia- [nodding] So he’s coming too?
William- No baby…
Gia- But Marcus can come can’t he? I want Marcus to come too Daddy…
William- I already asked him if he wanted to go and he told me no…
Gia- But he would go if I asked him…
William- [slowly shaking his head] We won’t be gone that long baby… just let him stay with his friends…
Gia- [softly] But Daddy…
William- Baby Marcus doesn’t want to go and if you don’t leave him we can’t go either…
Gia- But…
William- [harshly] Are we going Gia or what? Are you going to stay here with your brother or are you going to the toy store with me?
Gia- [softly as she looked down] I’m going with you…
William- [softly] Smile baby… we’re going to have a good time…
Gia- [softly] Ok Daddy…
William- [slowly extending his hand] You ready to go?
Looking in Marcus’ direction once again Gia gently placed her hand in William’s hoping that somehow her brother would look up and decide he wanted to go with her and William after all. Watching as Marcus continued to laugh and joke with his friends Gia slowly turned towards William nodding as they slowly walked away.
Having been gone what seemed like forever Gia and William returned to an empty park with Marcus no where to be found. Looking around quickly for her brother Gia turned fearful eyes to William speaking quickly.
Gia- [softly] Where is Marcus Daddy?
William- [softly] Baby…
Gia- You have to take me home…
William- [slowly shaking his head] I can’t baby…
Gia- But…
William- I talked to your mother and…
Gia- Mama’s gonna be so mad I didn’t come home with Marcus…
William- It’s ok baby…
Gia- But I was supposed to stay with Marcus and…
William- I’ve talked to your mother and Marcus…
Gia- [softly] I’m going to get in trouble?
William- [slowly shaking his head] No…
Gia- But…
William- [softly] Baby your mother doesn’t want you anymore…
Gia- [softly] Huh Daddy?
William- I talked to her and she wants you to stay with me now…
Gia- But I have to go home…
William- [shaking his head] You’re going to stay with me…
Gia- [whispering] But we’re supposed to make peanut butter cookies…
William- Not this time baby…
Gia- [softly crying] But mama promised me…
Slowly kneeling until he was eye level to Gia William gently wiped her tears as he softly spoke to her.
William- It’s ok baby…
Gia- But…
William- I’m going to take care of you now…
Gia- [softly] What about Marcus?
William- [slowly shaking his head] That’s why he didn’t come with us… he doesn’t want you either…
Gia- [quickly nodding] Uhh huh… he told me…
William- Marcus brought you to the park to give you to me…
Gia- [shaking her head] No…
William- [softly] Baby… your mother’s tired and she wants some time to herself and I told her I would take care of you…
Gia- But…
William- You don’t want to stay with your daddy?
Gia- [shaking her head] I want Mama and Marcus…
William- But they don’t want you baby…
Gia- [quickly nodding] Yes they do… I can go with Marcus or…
William- Marcus is going away to school and he already told me that he can’t be bothered with you.
Gia- [softly] But…
William- Baby I’m going to take care of you now.
Gia- But…
William- It’s you and me now baby… me and you against the world…
Gia- [softly crying] I want to go home…
William- You are home… your home’s with me now…
Standing and gently taking her hand William slowly walked out of the park with a devastated Gia promising to take all of her hurt away.
~*~End of Flashback~*~>
Gia- We were gone for a months… William called it our big adventure…
Alma- Did you ever call your mother or…
Gia- [softly] Yes…
Alma- When and what did she say to you?
Gia- I thought if I could talk to her I could promise her I would be good and she would take me back so I snuck on the phone when William wasn’t around but no one answered the phone.
Alma- [softly] Gia…
Gia- When we finally got back to Brooklyn I begged and begged William to take me to see her and Marcus. I thought that maybe they had to see me and they would realize how much they missed me and I would never have to leave them again.
Alma- What did they say to you?
Gia- Nothing…
Alma- She didn’t try to explain… your brother didn’t say anything to you?
Gia- They were gone… the house was empty and everything was gone.
Alma- [softly] Baby…
Gia- Somehow William got inside and I walked around looking and imagining the life I used to have. Nothing was where it was supposed to be except my room. Nothing was changed. My bed… my toys… it looked like I had just walked out of there. I guess since they didn’t want me they didn’t want any of my stuff. That was fifteen years ago but like I learned then William is all that I have and I can’t just turn my back on him because I want a different life for me and my daughter.
Alma- Gia you have to if you want to live.
Gia- [whispering] I can’t Alma…
Alma- Gia…
Gia- When I finally leave here I am never coming back but that can’t happen until I know William will be safe and taken care of.
Alma- So Nikolas will never know about his daughter?
Gia- I’ll tell him…
Alma- When?
Gia- When I can finally leave and be free from Harvey, Goldmine, stripping, everything…
Alma- [softly] Gia…
Slowly shaking her head Gia ended her conversation with Alma before focusing her attention once again on a sleeping Amaya. Smiling as she lay sleep on her breast Gia gently caressed her chubby face marveling at the beauty of her daughter.
Gia- [whispering] I love you baby… [gently caressing her cheek once again] I’ll always love you and I promise that I will never leave you. My daddy used to call me Butter but that’s your name now. I’m Peanut and you’re Butter. [softly smiling] See we go together Peanut Butter… [softly] now all we need is Jelly…
Touching gently the golden locket that hung loosely around her neck Gia could not help but wonder how differently her life had been if only her mother and brother wanted and loved her as much as she loved and wanted Amaya. Wiping quickly at the tears she did not know was falling Gia carried Amaya to her bed laying her beside her watching as she slept.