Chapter 17
Having locked himself away for nearly a month Nikolas slowly ventured out of his room in search of Natalia. Their nightly talks helping him more than she knew Nikolas hoped to thank her before disappearing once again in the comfort of his room. Having learned that she mailed his last letter to Gia Nikolas was at first angered, confused with her gesture as yet another person wanting to control his life, but as she explained all his anger lessened. And having not yet received the letter in rejection his thoughts and hopes for what could be slowly rose. Nearing the dining hall with a slight smile on his face Nikolas stopped in his tracks as he listened to the conversation taking place between Natalia and his uncle.
Stefan- Natalia I understand you being uncertain but this delay must not continue.
Natalia- Stefan I have not yet decided my readiness to marry Nikolas…
Stefan- Why the delay? Certainly with the time spent together you have learned enough of Nikolas to consent and continue on with the plans made.
Natalia- Stefan if you could give us a few months longer…
Stefan- No… this delay has gone on long enough…
Natalia- But…
Stefan- Natalia I understand wanting to know all there is of Nikolas before committing yourself to him but I must say I am highly disappointed in these latest turn of events.
Natalia- I apologize if our delay is causing problems but…
Stefan- There are no buts… decisions must be made soon and if you and my nephew continue with this delay the burden of these decisions fall on me and I am sure you will not like the choices I make.
Nikolas- [softly as he entered the room] That’s not necessary Uncle…
Stefan- [turning towards Nikolas] I see you have finally decided to venture from your room…
Nikolas- Yes I awoke this morning renewed and I am ready to face and handle all that is given to me.
Stefan- Meaning?
Nikolas- If given a few moments alone with Natalia perhaps soon this marriage that you long for will come to pass.
Stefan- Nikolas I only want what is best for you…
Nikolas- [slowly nodding] I know Uncle… now if you could excuse us…
Stefan- [slowly nodding] As you wish…
Watching until Stefan slowly exited the room Nikolas turned to Natalia, a gentle smile on his face as he softly spoke to her.
Nikolas- [softly] Thank you Natalia…
Natalia- I’ve done nothing…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] You’ve done more than you know…
Natalia- Why have you asked Stefan to leave?
Nikolas- Because I wish to speak to you openly and honestly and I am unsure if that is possible with my uncle present.
Natalia- [softly] What do you wish to speak with me about?
Nikolas- [softly] I want to thank you first for all that you’ve done…
Natalia- [slowly shaking her head] Nikolas…
Nikolas- You’ve taken the responsibility and flack for the postponing this wedding as your own and for that I am very grateful…
Natalia- Think nothing of it…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] However it is time I do what is expected of me and…
Natalia- Nikolas do not give up hope… if she has yet to return this letter perhaps…
Nikolas- We can no longer postpone the many plans made by our families because of a kept letter.
Natalia- Nikolas what has made you change your mind?
Nikolas- Nothing… I am doing what is required of me. We will marry and in a year’s time I will go to her again. Perhaps she will speak with me then…
Natalia- [shaking her head] Go to her now Nikolas… tell her all that is going on. Tell her what is in your heart…
Nikolas- [softly] No…
Natalia- What if I no longer wish to marry you? What if I’ve found love with another?
Nikolas- Natalia I thank and appreciate all that you attempt to do but I can no longer continue to put off my responsibilities because of an uncertain heart.
Natalia- [softly] Nikolas you love her…
Nikolas- [slowly nodding] Yes and perhaps in time my love will be returned but until then…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking her head] I won’t let you do this…
Nikolas- [gently touching her cheek] It is fine Natalia… this is my destiny and…
Natalia- [softly as she covered his hand] Nikolas…
Nikolas- [softly] She will come to me again. Let me care for you and your family while I wait.
At her slow nod Nikolas tenderly kissed her cheek before calling for his uncle once again. Telling his uncle their intentions Nikolas and Natalia bid Stefan good-bye as he nodded preparing for the changes their marriage would bring once again.
Stefan- Where are your plans for today?
Nikolas- I thought that perhaps I should go into town and inform my mother and brother that my wedding is happening once again.
Stefan- [slowly nodding] I think that that is a very good idea…
Nikolas- [nodding] Yes…
Stefan- Natalia I will call your father and inform him of the change once again.
Natalia- [softly] Thank you Stefan…
Stefan- [smiling] Call me Uncle… we are nearly family…
Natalia- [forcing a smile] Thank you Uncle…
Stefan- [nodding] I will see you two when you return…
Nodding once again Stefan left the dining room leaving Nikolas and Natalia once again alone. Turning to Nikolas Natalia gently touched his cheek as she softly spoke to him.
Natalia- Are you sure of this?
Nikolas- [inhaling deeply] No…
Natalia- [softly] Nikolas…
Nikolas- [shaking his head] I will call my mother and brother on the way…
Natalia- [softly] Nikolas…
Nikolas- It is fine Natalia… [gently covering her hand] one year…
Natalia- [softly as she walked beside Nikolas] One year…
Having received a call from Nikolas Lucky, Laura, Elizabeth, and Emily sat at a table in Kelly’s speculating all that could possibly be going on.
Laura- What is this about?
Emily- Didn’t he say over the phone?
Lucky- [shaking his head] No… he just told us to meet him here…
Liz- Do you think this is about the wedding?
Lucky- [sighing] I hope so…
Laura- What does that mean?
Lucky- [shaking his head] Nothing…
Liz- [softly] Lucky…
Lucky- [quickly looking at Elizabeth as he shook his head] No…
Laura- What’s going on?
Lucky- Nothing…
Liz- Tell her Lucky…
Lucky- [staring intently at Elizabeth] Leave it alone…
Liz- Tell her or I will…
Laura- Tell me what?
Lucky- [shaking his head] Nothing…
Laura- [softly as she touched her son’s arm] Lucky what is it?
Looking intently at Elizabeth Lucky slowly shook his head refusing to be drawn into a conversation he did not wish to have. Voicing his opinions on more than one occasion the reasons he thought Nikolas and Natalia’s wedding had been postponed Lucky now regretted having told Elizabeth anything. Realizing Lucky would say nothing Elizabeth angrily folded her arms across her chest before she began to speak.
Liz- Lucky knows the real reason Nikolas and Natalia aren’t married yet…
Emily- What is she talking about Lucky?
Lucky- [slowly shaking his head] Elizabeth doesn’t know what she’s saying…
Liz- I do… you told me everything… so why now all of a sudden is it wrong?
Lucky- Elizabeth that’s enough…
Liz- No… he’s throwing everything away over some slut he knows nothing about…
Laura- [softly] Elizabeth…
Liz- [slowly shaking her head] I’m sorry if what I said was harsh but it’s the truth. That’s what she is… that’s what they all are…
Emily- What are you talking about?
Liz- Tell them Lucky…
Lucky- [slowly shaking his head trying to control his anger] I told you not to bring her up didn’t I?
Laura- [softly] Her?
Emily- [softly] Is Nikolas cheating on Natalia?
Nikolas- [softly as he entered Kelly's] No… why would you think such a thing?
Rising Lucky quickly kissed Natalia on her cheek before sitting once again at the table. Motioning them to join them Lucky sat praying the previous conversation would be dropped and all mention of any earlier words would be forgotten. Looking at those who sat around the table Nikolas sighed knowing that whatever they were discussing before he arrived would somehow anger him. Taking Natalia’s hand in support Nikolas sat waiting for the questions to come at him.
Laura- Why have you called us here Nikolas?
Nikolas- There is some news I felt you should know…
Laura- [softly smiling] News? What kind of news?
Nikolas- [smiling] Natalia and I are once again in the process of preparing for our wedding…
Laura- [smiling as she stood and quickly hugged him] Oh Nikolas… congratulations!
Nikolas- [softly] Thank you…
Laura- [smiling and quickly hugging Natalia] You are going to make a gorgeous bride…
Natalia- [forcing a smile as she returned Laura’s hug] Thank you…
Nikolas- [looking at his brother as he again sat] Lucky… have you nothing to say?
Lucky- [smiling] Congratulations man… I hope you and Natalia are happy…
Nikolas- We will be…
Lucky- [slowly nodding] Good…
Emily- [smiling] Congratulations…
As congratulations and hugs went around the table Elizabeth sat back with her arms folded across her chest quietly fuming at the happy display. Noticing her withdrawal Nikolas turned his attention to her questioning her softly about her apparent attitude.
Nikolas- Elizabeth is there something wrong?
Liz- [flatly] Yes…
Nikolas- What is it? Perhaps…
Liz- [angrily] You have a lot of nerve…
Nikolas- Excuse me?
Liz- You’re sitting up here like you’ve done nothing wrong when you were about to throw everything away because of some slut…
Nikolas- [softly] What did you say?
Liz- I know about the dancer from Goldmine. I know about how you carried her off stage like she was some innocent little girl who didn’t know what she was doing…
Lucky- [softly] Elizabeth no…
Liz- I even know how you sat outside her door begging her to let you in… [shaking her head in contempt] you only left because Lucky and his friends dragged you away…
Lucky- [slowly shaking his head] Elizabeth that’s enough…
Liz- You don’t deserve Natalia. How could you even think of destroying everything you have over some slut who sleeps with any and every customer?
Nikolas- [angrily] Shut up!
Liz- [shaking her head] I can’t believe you Nikolas…
Nikolas- And I can’t believe that you think that everything that goes on in my life is your business.
Liz- Lucky told me…
Nikolas- I don’t give a damn who told you…
Liz- [defiantly] Who is she Nikolas? Why are you so adamant about protecting her?
Nikolas- Are you so miserable in your little life that you must consume yourself in mine?
Liz- She’s a tramp Nikolas… someone who spreads her legs to the highest tipper…
Nikolas- [calmly and evenly] You continue to talk of her and you and you will regret it…
Liz- Are you threatening me over some tramp that doesn’t care…
Nikolas- Tramp or not you could never hope to measure up…
Liz- I know what they do to relationships Nikolas. Why do you think I didn’t want you dragging Lucky there?
Nikolas- [incredulously] I drug Lucky?
Liz- Yes… he told me…
Natalia- [softly] Why are you doing this?
Liz- Natalia he’s using you…
Natalia- [slowly shaking her head] You don’t know what you’re speaking about…
Liz- Don’t let him continue to use you…
Nikolas- Who are you to question anything I do?
Liz- Nikolas I care about you and…
Nikolas- You care about me?
Liz- Yes… I don’t want this girl to destroy all you’ve worked for…
Nikolas- You care about me and all that I’ve worked for and yet you’re the same “girl” who consistently attempted to go between my brother and myself and when I finally told you I was not interested you suddenly became two months pregnant by Lucky.
Liz- That’s not how it happened and you know it…
Nikolas- All I know is that I drug no one to Goldmine with me. Lucky went willingly and nothing I said or did had anything to do with it…
Liz- Lucky told me…
Nikolas- Believe what you must but know I dug no one…
Liz- Don’t ruin everything you’ve gained Nikolas…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head as he stood] Not once have I come to you asking for your advice and/or approval. What you have to say matters little. I’ve extended myself on more than one occasion to be what you wanted me to be to and for you but guess what I’m done.
Liz- Nikolas I care…
Nikolas- [interrupting her] Then don’t… I need not your care or concern. I came here to tell you of my pending marriage and yet you want to continually sit here and speak on something you know nothing about.
Liz- I know enough…
Nikolas- Regardless to what you think you know I will not allow you to speak of Gia…
Liz- [frowning] Gia… is that her name?
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] You need not worry…
Apologizing to his mother and Emily for the direction their lunch took Nikolas turned to Natalia telling her of his desire to leave. Saying goodbye to Emily and Laura Nikolas turned to leave only to be stopped by Lucky’s hand on his arm. Turning to his brother again Nikolas looked down at his hand before looking up at Lucky. Noticing the look on Nikolas’ face Lucky removed his hand as he quickly spoke to him.
Lucky- [softly] I’m sorry…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] I don’t want nor need your apology. Keep Gia’s name out of your vocabulary. Never speak of her again or…
Liz- I can’t believe you’re still taking up for her…
Nikolas- And I can’t believe you think I care about anything you have to say... [turning to leave] speak of Gia again and I will do more than take up for her…
Liz- [touching her gently on the arm] Wise up Natalia before it’s too late…
Looking down at her hand Natalia moved away from Elizabeth’s touch speaking evenly to her.
Natalia- It is you who should wise up…
Liz- What?
Natalia- Unlike Nikolas I use more than words…
Liz- Excuse me?
Natalia- I care little of what you were attempting to do today. If you ever speak to Nikolas like this again you will have more than hurt feelings to contend with.
Liz- I was just trying…
Natalia- I care little of what you were trying to do… you showed what you truly were… a vindictive fool who values herself and her opinions more than anyone else ever will.
Liz- I’m trying to help you and…
Natalia- You’re trying to help yourself…
Liz- You don’t know what you’re talking about…
Natalia- I know plenty… I also know that I’ve dealt with many like you on a daily basis and if and when you decide to disrespect Nikolas like that again I will happily deal with you then.
Liz- What does that mean?
Natalia- Attempt to come at Nikolas like that again and you will find out…
Nodding at those who remained at the table Natalia softly smiled before turning and joining Nikolas outside of Kelly’s. Threading her arm through his they slowly walked back towards the launch that led to Wyndemere neither saying anything. Settled on the launch as it slowly made it’s way towards Spoon Island Natalia gently touched Nikolas’ cheek whispering softly to him hoping to ease the angry and hurt feelings occurred during lunch.
Natalia- She knows not what she is speaking…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] She’s nothing like she said…
Natalia- I know…
Nikolas- What I feel for Gia…
Natalia- When Gia comes to you tell her how you feel…
Nikolas- She’s not coming for me…
Natalia- In time she will…
Nikolas- [looking down] How can you be so sure?
Natalia- [softly] In time she will come…
Gently squeezing her hand Nikolas slowly nodded before turning and again silently watching as they approached Wyndemere. Hand in hand they slowly disappeared in their respective rooms thinking silently about the events of the day.
Chapter 18
Puttering around the house trying to delay the enviable for as long as possible Gia looked in on her giggling baby as she happily played in her playpen. Picking her up bringing her close to her Gia softly kissed her neck as she whispered to her.
Gia- [softly] Oh baby you are getting so big. Pretty soon you won’t be Momma’s baby anymore…
Amaya’s laughter her only reply Gia smiled as she again spoke to her.
Gia- I spoke to your Auntie Alma and she told me she has your room all ready for you. She has a new place right by the beach and as soon as I can save up enough money we’re going to go and visit her ok…
Babbling as if she was truly responding Gia continued to converse with her daughter content with their quiet time together.
Gia- Before we go we’re going to have to go and visit your Granddaddy… we’re going to have to give him a huge kiss because we might be gone for a while and I don’t want him to think we left him. When we get there I’m gonna build you a huge sand castle… [softly smiling] and I’m going to call you the Princess of the Sea or would you like Sand Princess better? [slowly shaking her head] I know I’m talking crazy baby but you’re my little princess and one day I’m going to give you everything you ever wanted and more. Princess Amaya Nicole Cassadine… [softly as she caressed her cheek] I gave you your father’s last name because I know as soon as he sees you he’s going to love you as much as I do. <
Touching quickly at the locket that hung around her neck Gia smiled down at her beautiful daughter fighting the tears that suddenly came to her.
Gia- [softly] This was my mother’s locket and when she gave it to me she told me it belonged to her mother. And her mother loved her so much she gave it to her to always remember her by. She told me the same thing and one day I’m going to give you this locket because I love you with all my heart and I want you to know that I will always love you and I will never leave you baby.
Glancing quickly at a nearby clock Gia slowly shook her head knowing she could no longer put off getting ready for work. Laying Amaya gently in her playpen once again Gia gathered the things for her job packing quickly her bag. Gathering Amaya gently in her arms Gia tenderly kissed her cheek before taking her to her neighbors. Caressing her cheek one last time Gia whispered goodbye to her daughter before heading to Goldmine for her shift.
The time slowly passing Gia did her best to avoid the many overzealous patrons of the club content to deliver drinks for most of the night. Watching as the other girls draped themselves over the customers Gia slowly shook her head wondering silently how she survived as long as she had in the club without becoming immune to all around her like they obviously had. Other than Nikolas Gia kept herself detached from the club and it’s customers. The crowd dying down Gia suddenly realized that Harvey seemed to be absent from the club again that night. For the past few days following their last encounter Harvey stayed away from the club calling in instead how he wanted the night to go. Happy that she did not have to put up with his constant harassment Gia sat watching as the clock slowly moved.
Her shift mercifully over Gia quickly escaped into the dressing room changing before calling her neighbor to check up on Amaya.
Neighbor- Hello…
Gia- Hi Mrs. Josefina… (pronounced ho-SAY-feen-a) I was just calling to check up on Amaya…
Mrs. Josefina - She’s doing fine miel…
Gia- I’m getting off of work a little early tonight and I was going to stop and pick me up something from a diner… do you want anything?
Quickly discussing what Gia would bring her Gia ended the call feeling momentarily content with her night so far. Bracing herself as the other dancers filed into the room Gia was pleasantly surprised when none offered a nasty comment in her direction. Leaving before her “good luck” ended Gia left for the diner placing quickly her order. Looking slowly around the diner Gia stopped realizing that she stood in the same diner she and Nikolas shared a coffee so long ago. Since that night Gia did all that she could to avoid this diner but for whatever reason she wandered into there tonight. Going to the table they occupied that night long ago Gia slowly sat knowing that on that night her life changed forever. Wiping quickly at tears that threatened to fall Gia rested her head on the back of the seat closing her eyes as thoughts and her feelings for Nikolas washed over her. She loved him and despite all that she tried to do to suppress thoughts of him Gia knew that he was never far from her. Convincing herself to call him upon her return home Gia rose paying for her order quickly going in the direction of her apartment.
Quietly eating her meal with Mrs. Josefina Gia was pulled from her thoughts as she questioned her.
Mrs. Josefina- Gia is there something wrong?
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] No… just a little tired…
Mrs. Josefina- [softly] I wished you didn’t have to work at that horrid place…
Gia- You and me both…
Mrs. Josefina- Then take the money I’m offering you and pay that man what he says you owe him…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] You know I can’t do that Mrs. Josefina…
Mrs. Josefina- Why not?
Gia- You worked hard for that money and I couldn’t take it…
Mrs. Josefina- But I want you to have it…
Gia- But it would leave you with nothing and I’d rather work another hundred nights in Goldmine than to have you struggle because you tried to help me…
Mrs. Josefina- Miel you deserve so much better. You and your sweet little baby…
Gia- [nodding] I know…
Mrs. Josefina- [softly] You just look so tired…
Gia- [sighing] I am…
Mrs. Josefina- Why don’t I keep little Amaya with me tonight and you go home and get some rest…
Gia- I couldn’t ask you to do that…
Mrs. Josefina- You’re not… I’m offering…
Gia- Tonight wasn’t as bad as it normally is… I can take her and…
Mrs. Josefina- Go home [/I]miel[/I] and get some rest and I’ll bring her over there in the morning…
Quickly standing Gia hugged Mrs. Josefina thankful for all that she does for her.
Gia- [softly] Thank you…
Mrs. Josefina- You don’t have to thank me…
Gia- [softly as she slowly nodded] I do…
Mrs. Josefina- Go home and rest Miel… I’ll see you in the morning…
Nodding one last time Gia softly kissed a sleeping Amaya before walking across the hall to her tiny apartment. Resting her head on her door all of the thoughts and feelings she experienced today rushing back to her Gia took a deep breath trying best to calm her tired soul. Retrieving her keys from her pocket Gia slowly began to unlock her door when suddenly she is grabbed from behind.
Her arms pinned at her side her attacker moved against her as he placed hurried kisses on her neck and shoulder. As his hands moved lower groping and fondling her breasts Gia attempted to scream only to be quieted by a hand covering her mouth. Still attempting to fight Gia was suddenly stilled as she felt cool metal placed against her skin.
Attacker- You move or make any noise and I’ll make sure nobody ever hears from you again…
Defiant regardless to his words Gia attempted to move away from him only to feel the sharp prick of the knife at her side. Crying out in shock Gia is again stilled as he whispered again in her ear.
Attacker- I told you not to play with me… I’m coming to take what’s mine and there ain’t a damn thing you can do about it.
Gia- [muffled] Please…
Attacker- I’ve watched you for as long as I could… I need to know how you feel. I need to know…
Without another word her attacked pinned her to her door moving his hands on her body again. Moving a hand to her waist he attempts to place in hand inside her pants and despite his warnings Gia again tries to move away from him. Angered by her constant fight he digs his knife deeper into her side cutting into her flesh. Feeling a slow trickle of blood Gia increased her fight freeing herself from his hold. Grabbing her by her hair as she attempted to move away from him Gia is slammed up against her door as he again tries to gain the upper hand. Fueled by her anger Gia continued to fight moving again away from him. Fighting Gia continued to move away from him only to be grabbed again and slammed up against the wall. Swinging her arms wildly forgetting momentarily the pain in her side Gia repeatedly hit her attacker before finally turning and coming face to face with him.
Staring up into the crazed eyes of Harvey Gia again attempted to fight only to be stopped as he now placed the knife against her throat. Seeing as fear clouded her face Harvey laughed as he again pinned her to her door.
Harvey- [laughing] Thought you’d see it my way…
Gia- [softly] Harvey please…
Harvey- Do you know how long I’ve waited for this day? How long I’ve waited for this to happen…
Gia- Don’t do this please…
The knife pressed tightly to her neck Harvey roughly groped and fondled her breasts as he continued to talk to her.
Harvey- When your daddy brought you in my office I knew you were going to be mine. I wanted you then but I waited until the time is right…
Gia- [softly] Please…
Harvey- Oh you will please me tonight… over and over again and ain’t nobody to stop us…
Gia- But my baby…
Harvey- [sadistically laughing] When she gets old enough I might have her too…
Gia- [fighting against his hands] No…
Harvey- Fight me on this Gia and your precious daughter will be without a mama…
Tears slowly falling down her face Gia turned her head from Harvey’s mouth as he tried to kiss her. Jerking her face back to his Harvey again attempted to kiss her as his hands again went to the top of her pants. Fighting despite his threats Gia attempted to knee Harvey in his groin missing as he quickly moved away. Smacking her hard across the face Harvey again roughly jerked her face as he angrily spoke to her.
Harvey- That’s what happens when you disobey…
Gia- Why are you doing this?
Harvey- Because you owe me this… you owe me this and a lot more… and before the night is over I’m going to take it…
Pinning her against the wall once again Harvey covered her mouth with his own hungrily kissing her as he continued to assault her. Breaking their kiss Gia attempted to move away from Harvey as she again pleaded with him to stop.
Gia- Harvey please… don’t do this…
His hand covering her mouth Harvey growled at her as he ordered her to aid him in his plans.
Harvey- Shut up! Shut your damn mouth….
Grabbing her roughly by the arm Harvey shoved her towards her door.
Harvey- Open this damn door…
Gia- Don’t make me do this please…
The knife again at her back Harvey ordered her to open her door. Her tears near blinding Gia fumbled with the keys at her door knowing what would happen once Harvey gained entrance into her apartment. Trying to stall for time as she thought of a way out of this situation Gia again dropped her keys prolonging their time at her door. Realizing she was stalling for time Harvey pressed the knife into her back angrily speaking into her ear.
Harvey- Open the damn door now!
With shaking hands Gia slowly began to unlock her door stopping as Harvey’s hands suddenly fell away from her. Moving quickly away from Gia turned and looked at Harvey shocked by the scene in front of her. With his hands raised Harvey dropped his knife as he heard the gun being cocked beside his ear. Running behind Mrs. Josefina Gia watched as she held her gun on a surprised Harvey. As he attempted to turn towards them Mrs. Josefina quickly spoke to him stopping his movement.
Mrs. Josefina- You make another move and that’ll be your last…
Harvey- [quickly shaking his head] It’s not what you think…
Mrs. Josefina- You don’t worry about what I think…
Harvey- You have to understand…
Mrs. Josefina- Either leave now or I start shooting and ask questions later…
Gia- [softly] No…
Mrs. Josefina- You got three seconds and then I’ll decide for you… one….
Moving away Gia’s door Harvey turned looking back Gia and her elderly neighbor whose gun was still aimed at him. An obvious smirk covering his face Harvey nodded at Gia talking quickly to her before he left.
Harvey- We’ll finish this at work…
Mrs. Josefina- Two…
Harvey- [throwing his hands up in surrender] I’m gone…
Blowing a kiss in her direction Harvey left laughing as he made his way down the street. Tearing falling down her face Gia turned to Mrs. Josefina questioning her quickly.
Gia- [whispering] Why did you just let him go?
Mrs. Josefina- Miel…
Gia- [softly] He’s going to come after me again…
Mrs. Josefina- Who was that?
Gia- My… my… [slowly shaking her head as she covered her mouth] oh my God…
Mrs. Josefina- Gia what is going on? What was this?
Gia- I can’t… I can’t stay here…
Without another word Gia quickly rushed into Mrs. Josefina’s apartment ready to take Amaya in her arms and leave. Stopping her as she neared the baby Mrs. Josefina silently steered Gia towards the bathroom cleaning gently the wound on her side. Bandaging her as best she could Mrs. Josefina allowed Gia to return to Amaya. Gathering her gently in her arm Gia turned back to Mrs. Josefina softly whispering to her.
Gia- [whispering] Thank you…
Mrs. Josefina- You and your baby be safe…
Gia- If you hadn’t… [slowly shaking her head] how did you know?
Mrs. Josefina- I didn’t… I was coming for something for the baby and saw…
Gia- [slowly nodding] Thank you…
Mrs. Josefina- Where are you going?
Gia- I don’t know… I have some money saved up… I’m going as far as it takes me…
Mrs. Josefina- [slowly nodding] Sea seguro mis ángeles…
Slowly nodding Gia quickly hugged Mrs. Josefina tightly holding her as she quickly said a prayer for their safe journey in her native tongue. Breaking away from her Mrs. Josefina gently touched her cheek whispering softly before Gia turned and walked away.
Mrs. Josefina- [whispering] En las manos del dios usted será seguro…
Going to her apartment Gia quickly threw her and Amaya’s clothes into a duffel bag taking what was most important. Retrieving her locked box from the closet Gia counted what little money she had before deciding her next move. Placing Nikolas’ letter safely in her duffel bag Gia again collected Amaya holding her close to her chest as they left their tiny apartment. As she neared the front door Mrs. Josefina stopped Gia whispering softly for fear that someone may be listening.
Mrs. Josefina- [offering Gia a wad of money] It’s not a lot but it’ll get you farther than your money alone…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] I can’t take that…
Mrs. Josefina- [pressing the money into her hand] Sea seguro y vaya rápidamente …
Kissing her gently on the cheek Mrs. Josefina disappeared into her apartment locking away the events of the night. Deciding against using the front door in fear Harvey was outside the door waiting for her Gia silently slipped out of the rear door of the brownstone moving quickly shielded by the darkness of the hour.
Careful of her surroundings Gia made it to a nearby bus station hopeful she purchase that night. The building seemingly deserted Gia quickly went to the desk clerk inquiring about her possible escape.
Gia- Are there anymore buses leaving tonight?
Clerk- [slowly shaking her head] I’m sorry Ma’am…
Gia- But I have to leave tonight…
Clerk- Miss is there something wrong?
Gia- [shaking her head] I can’t stay here…
Clerk- [softly] I’m sorry…
Gia- [tears slowly falling] Please… you have to help me…
Clerk- The only bus leaving out tonight is for Port Daniels, New York…
Gia- Can I get on that one? I have money and…
Clerk- [slowly shaking her head] It’s a utility bus ma’am…
Gia- I don’t understand…
Clerk- It’s carrying supplies and necessary equipment. There are no passengers aboard the bus…
Gia- When will the next bus leave?
Clerk- Our earliest bus leaves at 6:45 am…
Gia- [shaking her head] I can’t wait that long…. I have to leave now…
Clerk- I’m sorry ma’am…
Gia- I can’t go back or he’ll finish what he started and I can’t let my baby see me like that…
Clerk- Ma’am…
Gia- [her tears starting again] Please…
Sighing the clerk slowly looked Gia up and down before disappearing in the back.
Clerk- Hold on…
Looking around assuring that she had not been followed Gia calmed a fussing Amaya as she waited for the clerk to return. Returning from the back the clerk slowly shook her head as she began to speak.
Clerk- I can get in trouble for this…
Gia- [softly] Please…
Clerk- I talked to the driver and he agreed to let you ride but you have to stay out of the way…
Gia- [quickly nodding] I will…
Clerk- The ride is normally at best a four hour trip but he has to report to New Jersey first…
Gia- Ok…
Clerk- There might be a slight lay over in new Jersey while the bus is being loaded but once finished he will return to New York and on towards the Port Daniels area…
Gia- [nodding] Ok…
Clerk- It’s a little after two in the morning now and with the stops and whatnot you should be in Port Daniels by 10:00 am at the latest…
Gia- How much?
Clerk- [slowly shaking her head] Save your money for when you get there…
Gia- [softly] Thank you…
Clerk- I’ve been there… I know what it’s like…
Nodding Gia followed behind the desk clerk as she led her and Amaya to their temporary salvation. The majority of the seats having been removed Gia settled into on of the few remaining seats. Holding Amaya tightly in her arms Gia silently let her tears fall as the bus slowly began to pull away from its dock. Touching quickly the locket that hung around her neck Gia softly apologized to Amaya promising her a better tomorrow.
Gia- [whispering] I’m sorry baby… this wasn’t the trip I promised you. But I swear when we are safe and happy away from Harvey I’ll give you everything your heart desires.