Chapter 15
His head thrown back as darkness surrounded him once again Nikolas stared out seeing and feeling nothing. He had held her in his arms again but before he could tell her of his love it was as if she was snatched from him only never to be given to again. Having sat outside her door begging and pleading, not knowing if she still stayed in the same place or not, Nikolas sat broken and defeated when no one answered the door. Sitting along beside her door Nikolas slowly shook his head when finally Lucky and his friends came to claim him.
As much as it pained him he could understand Lucky’s reasoning for interfering but if ever he wished Lucky to stay out of it that was one of those times. He could not possibly know of his love and need for Gia and yet as he witnessed him begging and pleading with her Lucky should have saw beyond what he thought Nikolas needed.
Natalia slowly entered the room searching out for her fiancé. Upon his return from Brooklyn Natalia assumed she would hear from him but now nearly two weeks having passed with still no word she was concerned. Despite the repeated calls to Stefan and his assurances that everything was as it should be Natalia could not shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. And like the first time she met Nikolas Natalia slowly shook her head at the sight before her.
If given different circumstances Natalia could see herself easily falling in love with Nikolas and the life they would share. He was kind and generous nearly to a fault; he was blessed with a tender heart and an equally tender soul. But with every mention of her and each word he spoke of Gia Natalia knew that his heart was out of reach. And not wanting to subject her heart to useless pain Natalia offered and accepted the only thing Nikolas gave her… friendship.
Gazing again at her friend Natalia could only shake her head her heart once again breaking for him as she observed the hurt and pain he was once again struggling with. Gently caressing his brow Natalia offered Nikolas a tender smile as he turned his gaze to her. Her hand stroking softly his cheek Natalia softly whispered to Nikolas hoping to appease him of his pains.
Natalia- What is it Nikolas? Has something occurred?
Nikolas- [whispering] Yes…
Natalia- [whispering] Nikolas… what has you in such pain?
Nikolas- [whispering] I saw her…
Natalia- You saw whom?
Nikolas- [softly as he finally looked at Natalia] Her…
Natalia- [slowly shaking her head] I do not understand…
Nikolas- Gia… I saw Gia…
Natalia- [looking quickly around the room] Then where is she? Why is she not with you?
Nikolas- I tried… I tried to tell her everything that was going on but she wouldn’t listen… [slowly shaking his head] she didn’t listen…
Natalia- [softly] Nikolas…
Nikolas- [softly] I held her in my arms and when I was ready to tell her that I loved her and thought of no one but her my brother took her away from me…
Natalia- [slowly shaking her head in confusion] How could… why would he do such a thing?
Nikolas- He thought he was protecting us…
Natalia- I don’t understand…
Nikolas- My hand was on her cheek and I wanted so badly to just rush all of my feelings out but before I had the chance Lucky told her of our engagement.
Natalia- And…
Nikolas- And she shut down… she moved away from me and wished us the best.
Natalia- Did you tell her the truth of our engagement?
Nikolas- No…
Natalia- Perhaps she will understand…
Nikolas- I went to her apartment… I was going to tell her everything but I was never given the chance.
Natalia- [softly] Nikolas…
Nikolas- [softly] I sat outside of her apartment begging and pleading…[slowly shaking his head] no one answered…
Natalia- Go to her again and tell her of feelings… explain to her all that is going on…
Nikolas- I can’t…
Natalia- You must…
Nikolas- You don’t understand… the look on her face when she learned of our engagement… I… I don’t know what I can say to her to remove that look…
Natalia- Nikolas go to her and her tell her of how you feel. Make her understand that our engagement was and is on paper only…
Nikolas- There is no use…
Natalia- Nikolas…
Nikolas- Natalia I’ve sent her letter after letter telling her of how I feel. They have all been returned unread and unopened.
Natalia- Then try again…
Nikolas- [softly] There is nothing else I can do…
Kneeling in front of Nikolas Natalia gently touched his knee as she stared up at him. Watching as he stared out seeing nothing Natalia slowly shook her head at the pain so clearly seen on his face. And as a single tear escaped down his cheek Natalia reached forward gently wiping it away. Whispering softly to her heartbroken friend Natalia gently caressed his cheek as he stared back at her.
Natalia- [whispering] It’s ok Nikolas…
Nikolas- [whispering] I just wanted to tell her that I loved… that I love her…
Natalia- [softly] You will…
Nikolas- I held her in my arms and everything was as it should be…
Natalia- Go to her and explain…
Nikolas- I saw her on stage and it was as if I was taken back to the first time I saw her. And like the first time I instantly wanted to hold her and protect her from everything surrounding her.
Natalia- Nikolas go to her and make her listen…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] She waited for me and I never came…
Natalia- [softly] You went to her when you could….
Nikolas- I should have gone to her sooner…
Natalia- Perhaps if I go to her and explain…
Shaking his head Nikolas slowly stood moving away from Natalia. Going to stand before the fireplace Nikolas removed a letter from his jacket pocket holding it before him.
Natalia- [softly] What is that Nikolas?
Nikolas- I wrote another letter… [sighing] I write to her daily telling her of how I feel and how I want to be there and in her life and this is simply more of the same.
Natalia- Send it to her and perhaps she will respond this time…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] It will simply be returned like the rest…
Natalia- You will not know unless you send it…
Nikolas- I can’t… my heart breaks with each returned letter…
Slowly walking up behind him Natalia gently placed her hand on his back as she softly spoke to him.
Natalia- [softly] Send it to her Nikolas and hope that she reads it this time…
Nikolas- [softly] Natalia…
Before he could continue his statement the door suddenly opened as Stefan walked into the room. Looking at his nephew’s state Stefan deeply sighed before he spoke.
Stefan- Nikolas is there something you wish to tell me?
Nikolas- No…
Stefan- Natalia if you will excuse us I would like to speak to my nephew in private…
Nikolas- [turning away from Stefan] No…
Stefan- What I wish to talk to you about is of a sensitive matter and I feel it would be best if she left the room momentarily.
Nikolas- I want her to stay…
Stefan- [softly] Nikolas…
Nikolas- Just say what you have to say and then leave…
Stefan- As you wish… Nikolas you have agreed to marry Natalia and as the day approaches you steadily seem to pull further away.
Nikolas- [softly] That is not intention Uncle…
Stefan- Nonetheless you are doing that very thing and it must be stopped.
Nikolas- Uncle…
Stefan- Nikolas this marriage is important to both families…
Nikolas- I know…
Stefan- I will not allow you to disrupt all that has been arranged because of some girl.
Nikolas- [softly] You don’t know what you’re talking about…
Stefan- I spoke to your brother and he explained all to me.
Nikolas- [shaking his head as he turned away] I don’t want to talk about this with you Uncle…
Stefan- Nikolas who is this young woman and why possibly would you ruin all because of her?
Nikolas- This does not concern you Uncle…
Stefan- It does when it jeopardizes all that has been planned…
Nikolas- [whispering] Stefan…
Stefan- [shaking his head] Nikolas… I will not allow you to destroy all that has been finalized for your wedding simply because you have become infatuated by some girl…
Nikolas- [softly] There won’t be a wedding…
Stefan- What?
Nikolas- I can’t… we can’t get married…
Stefan- [angrily] Why the hell not?
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] I…
Natalia- [interrupting Nikolas] Because I have asked him to wait.
Stefan- [turning towards Natalia] Excuse me…
Natalia- I… with all that is rushing to us I feel quite overwhelmed and Nikolas is only doing what I asked him to do.
Stefan- And talk of this young woman?
Natalia- Merely a smoke screen for my insecurities. There is no young woman… Nikolas and Lucky created her during a bout of nerves on my part.
Stefan- So what are you saying?
Natalia- I want to postpone our wedding. I am not ready to be married to Nikolas at such an accelerated date.
Stefan- Natalia surely you know of all that has been done…
Natalia- [slowly nodding] I know and I still wish to postpone… rather prolong this engagement.
Stefan- Why now?
Natalia- Nikolas and I are still learning of each other and to rush into marriage at this time would be wrong.
Stefan- You can learn of each other during your marriage. Why delay the joining of our families for such a trivial matter?
Natalia- Stefan have you ever been in love?
Stefan- No… but what does this knowledge have to do with anything?
Natalia- Neither Nikolas nor myself have experienced love as well and we simply wanted to see and explore what we are feeling without the added scrutiny of those who will watch for our marriage to fail.
Stefan- That is understandable however I don’t understand the reasoning for possibly postponing your union.
Natalia- Allow us this time to learn and know of each other. We will be married just not at the earlier date suggested.
Stefan- Even if I were to agree to this I do not think your father will accept this.
Natalia- He will be rightfully dismayed but eventually he will understand the choices made by Nikolas and myself.
Stefan- [slowly shaking his head] Natalia I want what is best for you and Nikolas…
Natalia- And us waiting is…
Stefan- [sighing] If this is what you want…
Natalia- It is…
Slowly shaking his head Stefan looked from Nikolas to Natalia knowing that he would have to postpone and delay all that had been planned because of the choices made. Speaking quickly to his withdrawn nephew Stefan turned to leave closing the door behind him.
Stefan- [looking at Nikolas] We will speak of this later Nikolas…
Nikolas- [slowly nodding] I know…
Stefan- [slowly turning to leave] If you will excuse me I have many calls to make…
Watching until he left Natalia turned to Nikolas placing a gentle hand on his should before softly whispering to him.
Natalia- He’s gone…
Nikolas- [softly] Thank you…
Natalia- [gently smiling] Simply one friend helping another…
Nikolas- Natalia I don’t know how much longer I can continue like this…
Natalia- [softly] Send her the letter Nikolas…
Nikolas- It will only be returned to me…
Natalia- Perhaps this time she will read it…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] I can’t continue to place my heart out there only for it to be trampled upon.
Natalia- Send her the letter Nikolas…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] What if I never get the opportunity to tell her how I truly feel?
Natalia- You must continue to try until finally she listens to you…
Nikolas- [softly] This isn’t fair to you…
Natalia- [gently placing her hand over his heart] Nor is it fair to you. Your heart belongs to her… do all that you must do to show her.
Nikolas- [softly] Why do you care?
Natalia- Because you deserve happiness like everyone else.
Nikolas- [softly] As do you…
Natalia- And I will find it… [softly smiling] I want you to show me how it’s done first…
Nikolas- [softly smiling despite himself] I’ll try…
Natalia- [nodding] Good…
Genuinely smiling at her Nikolas gently caressed her cheek before lightly kissing it. Hugging her quickly Nikolas moved away from her as he softly spoke to her.
Nikolas- [softly] Thank you…
Natalia- [playfully hitting at him] You’ve already told me that…
Nikolas- [smiling] I know but I truly mean it this time…
Natalia- Well if that is the case… you are quite welcome…
Slowly nodding Nikolas moved away from her placing the letter in the top drawer of his desk. Excusing himself as he left the room Natalia slowly walked to the nearby window staring out at the surrounding grounds on Spoon Island. Knowing what Gia reading his letter meant to Nikolas Natalia quickly rushed to his desk removing the letter before he came back into the room. Saying a quick goodbye to Nikolas and Stefan as they immersed themselves in business. Leaving Wyndemere Natalia stopped at the nearest mail box saying a silent prayer as she dropped the letter inside sending it to Gia.
A rare few days away from Goldmine Gia puttered around her tiny apartment thankful for the temporary reprieve. Looking through the stack of unopened mail Gia stopped as another letter from Nikolas fell into her lap. Slowly tracing the broad strokes left from Nikolas’ pen Gia held the letter to her heart wondering if for once if she dared to open and read all that he wrote if her heart would survive. Having sent back letter after letter Gia closed her eyes as the feeling of him holding her near slowly washed over her. Opening her eyes and with trembling fingers Gia opened the letter her heart stopping as she slowly began to read all that he wrote to her.
Gia,
I think I may have written a letter like this at least a dozen time and even a I attempt to write this one I still do not quite know what to say. There are so many things I want to explain about all that was told to you when last we spoke. But even if I were to explain and speak of all that concerns me I still am unsure if you would understand, because truthfully my understanding is not complete.
You amaze me! I know how I feel for you matters little but I felt the need to tell you what’s in my heart. To speak of my heart I must tell you of what I felt when first I saw you. It was not my choice to attend Goldmine and to be honest I felt most uncomfortable and out of place. And yet from the moment you stepped foot on stage I was enthralled and captivated by you. And more than just your beauty, of which you have in abundance, it was something I saw in your eyes that drew me in. I instantly wanted to hold you in my arms and protect you. I wanted to shield you from all that ailed you and I wanted to claim your heart as mine.
The night we shared… I have never felt nor do I expect to feel anything such as that again. You gave to me a precious precious gift and if I never get the chance to tell you again I have been changed and moved by you and all that we shared.
I truly intended to return to you and your arms never to leave again but situations and a life I did not choose prevented me from doing so. I came to you when finally I was given the chance but unfortunately you were gone. If the opportunity ever arose for me to go back and do things over the first and only thing I would do would be never to leave your side. To hold you and love you until our days were long gone.
I know many things were said that quite possibly you did not or could not understand. My brother announced something that he should not have. This letter is not about my engagement regardless to what it may seem. But merely this simply a note promising you if ever you are in need of assistance and/or in search of a friendly voice I am here. More so if you ever desire a quiet night of not drinking coffee in a emptied diner I ask that you think of me and never hesitate to call. I’m enclosing my number and if ever the need arise I beg of you to call.
With constant thoughts of you,
Nikolas
Her tears slowly falling down her face as her finger slowly traced his phone number Gia turned to gaze at her smiling daughter. Perhaps this letter was a sign that she should tell Nikolas all that they shared and created. If they never came together again Amaya still deserved to know and love her father. Taking a deep breath Gia slowly moved towards the phone imagining his voice as he answered the phone.
The phone gently ringing in her ear Gia tenderly caressed her daughter’s smiling face gaining strength with every tender smile from her. The phone finally being answered Gia held her breath as a soft voice spoke back to her.
Natalia- [softly] Hello…
Hearing Natalia’s voice Gia froze unsure of what to say. Knowing instantly that this was the fiancé Lucky spoke of Gia slowly shook her head thinking she had wasted her time in calling. Listening intently as Natalia spoke again into the phone Gia shook her head as she slowly placed the receiver once again on the base. Picking up her daughter and wrapping her tightly in her arms Gia slowly rocked Amaya in her arms as she softly whispered to her.
Gia- [whispering] Almost baby… almost…
Gently rocking her Gia placed a tender kiss on Amaya’s cheek as she fell asleep against her chest. Lying her gently on the bed Gia laid beside her marveling silently at the beauty created between she and Nikolas. Moving before sleep finally claimed her Gia rose going to the nearby closet removing the hidden locked box in the back of her closet. Bringing the letter to her lips Gia gently kissed Nikolas’ letter before placing it in the box. The thought of him crossing her mind again Gia tenderly smiled before returning to her daughter. Gently stroking her chubby cheek Gia softly smiled as sleep finally claimed her.
Chapter 16
Her shift finally over Gia could not help but smile as thoughts of her daughter came to her again as she slowly dressed to leave. Even in her darkest hour one look at Amaya would wash all of her disappointment and despair away. Hope and thoughts of what would soon be came to her instead and she would smile down at her daughter seeing Nikolas and love. Alma’s thoughts also heavy on her mind Gia wondered if and when the time presented itself would she really be able to leave William and this life behind. She wanted better for her daughter and she knew eventually she would have to tell Nikolas what their one night created. But doubts and uncertainty forever clouding her mind Gia resisted her many urges to pick up the phone and call the number Nikolas enclosed in his letter. Could he accept and love Amaya as she has or would he doubt what was made between the two of him.
When she gave herself to Nikolas she thought nothing would come of it. She was lonely and tired and drowning in a world she did not want to live in. And yet when he smiled at her it was as if nothing mattered. His smile caused her heart to beat faster than she ever thought possible and in every glance of Amaya she saw him and her heart would began again. His whispered words of her beauty and how he tenderly held her forever etched in her mind Gia often found herself wishing for one more moment… one more kiss… one final time in Nikolas’ arms.
Thoughts heavy on her mind Gia did not see as Harvey came into the dressing room slowly looking her up and down. Watching as she slowly undressed and redressed Harvey moved up behind Gia slowly snaking his arm around her waist. Placing a tender kiss on her neck as she stilled Harvey softly smiled as he whispered to her.
Harvey- I missed you baby…
Gia- [flatly] Take your hands off of me Harvey…
Harvey- You could have called me during your time off…
Gia- [moving away from him] For what?
Harvey- I’ve been thinking about you… I just assumed you were thinking about me too…
Gia- [shaking her head] I wasn’t…
Harvey- [caressing her arm] Well that’s too bad…
Gia- [sighing] What do you want Harvey?
Harvey- [smiling] You…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] That’s not going to happen…
Harvey- Don’t you want something better for you and that baby of yours?
Gia- Don’t talk about Amaya… ever!
Harvey- Amaya… that’s her name huh? I could give you both the world if you let me…
Gia- No…
Harvey- Gia come with me and you’ll never have to take that stage again.
Gia- What are you talking about?
Harvey- I want to give you a better life than this… let me give you something better than this…
Gia- [shaking her head] I’m working her to pay back what William owes you and when you get that back I’m done…
Harvey- [shaking his head] No…
Gia- Excuse me…
Harvey- I ain’t letting you go Gia…
Gia- You won’t have a choice…
Harvey- Me and your Daddy talked about this a long time ago and…
Gia- I don’t care…
Harvey- But he promised me…
Gia- I don’t give a damn what he promised you… when you get your money I’m done…
Harvey- [shaking his head] I ain’t letting you go…
Gia- Go after Dina… make her all these promises because I don’t want to hear them.
Harvey- [moving towards her] But I could give you so much more if you just let me…
Gia- I don’t want more I just want out…
Harvey- [softly touching her arm] Baby…
Gia- No Harvey… I don’t want this or anything you’re offering me…
Harvey- [his voice hardening] What if I stop offering and just decide to take it…
Gia- [softly] Harvey…
Harvey- You know you ask too damn high and mighty for someone who has no say so in her own damn life…
Gia- [backing away from him] Harvey look…
Jerking her by the arm Harvey pulled her back towards him whispering softly as he spoke to her.
Harvey- Listen to me good little girl. I can have you anywhere and anytime I want to and there ain’t a damn thing you can do about it.
Gia- [softly] Please…
Harvey- Your daddy is the one who owes me and if I ever decide to get what’s owed me another way you damn well better give it to me with no questions asked.
Gia- Harvey I have a daughter and…
Harvey- What the hell does that have to do with me? Remember who owes who Gia…
Gia- I know… I know what William owes you and I’m paying you back as fast as I can…
Harvey- [running his finger along her jaw] Think about what I offered you and I might knock off some of what he owes me…
Gia- And if I chose not to do it…
Harvey- [smirking] You’ll do it…
Before she could respond further Harvey covered her mouth in a bruising kiss. Her arms pinned between them Gia struggled to move away from him. Satisfied with their kiss Harvey quickly kissed her on her neck before moving away. Wiping the feel of his lips from her mouth Gia looked at Harvey with contempt as she quickly spoke to him.
Gia- I don’t care what William owes you… don’t ever touch me like that again…
Harvey- [smirking] Girl who you been talking to while you been gone… you done got a little more fire in you I see…
Gia- Don’t worry about who I been talking to… touch me like that again and what William owes you won’t mean a damn thing…
Harvey- [laughing] Is that a threat?
Gia- Take it how you want to take it. Touch or come at me like that again and you’ll see what it was…
Harvey- [laughing as he walked out of the dressing room] Kiss your baby for me…
Anger and humiliation rushing through her Gia threw the last of her things into her bag before storming out of the Goldmine. Sensing his eyes on her Gia looked up to see a smiling Harvey following her with his eyes as she left. Waving to her as she disappeared out the door Gia was ready to scream as she rushed home. Maybe she should do as Alma advised her and just pack up and never look back. Find some place where Harvey would not think to find her and finally be safe, happy, and free to love and live how she wanted. Gathering Amaya in her arms as she collected her from the neighbors Gia gently smiled forgetting all that occurred at Goldmine and between Harvey as Amaya gently smiled in her sleep. Snuggling closer to Gia as Gia held her in her arms Gia made a silent promise to Amaya to never let what was happening in her life touch her.
Glancing quickly at her watch Florence hurriedly gathered her coat and purse hoping to catch up with Marcus and Carmen before they left the hospital. Carmen had an appointment with her OBGYN today and Florence wanted to check in with them to make sure all was going as it should. Her child would soon have a child of his own… life was again changing and moving and as happy as she should be she could not help but think of Gia and wonder what kind of mother she would be. Would she loving and nurturing, creating moments over peanut butter cookies as they once did? Would her eyes brighten with mere thought and sight of her child? Would she… Shaking thoughts and sadness of Gia’s absence in her life Florence straightened her shoulders as she slowly waited for the elevator to arrive at the seventh floor. Inquiring about her son and daughter-in-law’s location Florence pasted as ready smile on her face as she quickly headed in their direction. Seeing her beaming son Florence hurried to him quickly questioning him.
Florence- [smiling] Well?
Marcus- [smiling] It’s a girl… it’s definitely a girl…
Florence- [quickly hugging him] Oh Marcus…
Marcus- She’s beautiful mom… I just know she’s gonna be beautiful…
Florence- [laughing] Of course she is… look at her daddy… how can she not be?
Marcus- You’re not just saying that because I’m your son are you?
Florence- [laughing] Of course I am…
Marcus- [hugging his mother tightly] Thought so…
Florence- Where’s Carmen?
Marcus- Bathroom… she should be out here any second…
Florence- Everything is ok with her right…
Marcus- [nodding] Everything is perfect…
Florence- [gently touching his face] I’m so happy for you Butter…
Marcus- [softly smiling] I am too…
Carmen- [smiling as she approached] Marcus told you?
Florence- [quickly hugging her daughter-in-law] Yeah… congratulations baby…
Carmen- So can she call you NaNa or does she have to call you Grandma?
Florence- [smiling] She can call me whatever she wants to call me…
Marcus- I’m gonna hold you to that…
Florence- You do that… [smiling] why I don’t I take you, Marcus, and my grandbaby out to lunch to celebrate…
Carmen- [smiling] I’d like that…
Marcus- [gently taking his mother’s hand] So would I…
Lightly squeezing his hand the threesome slowly made their way to the Port Charles Grille laughing and joking through the remainder of lunch. Their lunch drawing to a close Marcus took a deep breath before softly speaking.
Marcus- [softly] I have a lead on William…
Carmen- [softly as she shook her head] Marcus…
Marcus- I need to find him before I can truly move on.
Carmen- But…
Marcus- I want… [slowly shaking his head] I need to see at him…
Florence- [softly] For what?
Marcus- To ask him how he could so easily move on after Gia…
Florence- You don’t know if he’s done that Marcus… he could have struggled just like you and I…
Marcus- What if he didn’t? How could he just walk away after…
Florence- [slowly shaking her head] Marcus we left after Gia was taken from us…
Marcus- We had to…
Florence- Maybe he did too. Maybe he couldn’t face staying in Brooklyn knowing Gia would never be there to smile at him again. Maybe he had to find him some solace and it took him away from Brooklyn and the life he led.
Marcus- Maybe mom but I think there’s more…
Florence- What are you talking about baby?
Marcus- His whole performance at the funeral never leaves me and… I don’t know… something about it gets to me and…
Florence- Marcus let it go…
Marcus- Mom I can’t…
Florence- Why not?
Marcus- [softly] I have to do this…
Florence- Even if you do find him and he tells you everything you wanted to know about his feelings for Gia what difference will have made?
Marcus- [softly] Peanut…
Florence- Baby she’s gone… [gently touching his hand] finding William won’t bring her back…
Marcus- [softly] It will to me…
Carmen- How Marcus?
Marcus- [gently caressing Carmen’s cheek] Baby I love you more than life itself. And I will love our daughter more but I have to face this before…
Carmen- Face what Marcus?
Marcus- I have to look him in the face and tell him I’m not like him…
Florence- Of course not baby…
Marcus- [looking quickly at Florence] I have to look him in the face and tell him man to man that I’m sorry…
Carmen- Sorry about what?
Marcus- About Gia… about not doing what I was supposed to do. For not…
Florence- [softly as she looked down] It wasn’t your fault baby…
Marcus- [slowly nodding] It was… I should have paid attention and…
Florence- [slowly shaking her head] Marcus…
Marcus- [gently touching his mother’s cheek] I’ve accepted my responsibility in what happened and before I can move on and be the father I want to be to my daughter I have to own up and face what I’ve done.
Florence- Marcus…
Marcus- I loved… I love Peanut with my whole heart and she will forever have claim to it but I have to do this in order to move on and be a father and husband to Carmen and our daughter…
Carmen- Marcus are you sure you want to do this?
Marcus- No but I have to before I can move on…
Carmen- If this is what you have to do…
Gently kissing his wife on the cheek Marcus turned his attention to his mother hoping for her support as well.
Marcus- [softly] Mom…
Florence- Marcus I don’t want you doing this…
Marcus- I have to Mom…
Florence- There’s nothing I can say to make you change your mind…
Marcus- Why don’t you want me to do this?
Florence- Because I don’t want you to face the hurt William might put on you again. I saw how he broke you down during Gia’s funeral and I don’t want to see that again.
Marcus- You won’t…
Florence- Marcus…
Marcus- I have to do this… I need your support… [gently taking her hand] do I have your support?
A single tear falling down her face Florence slowly nodded knowing Marcus needed her support in this. Marcus was opening up a moment in their life she never wanted to revisit and she silently prayed for the strength that she knew they both would need.