Chapter 19
The trip having been as long as promised Gia ventured into a conversation with the driver as they neared their destination.
Gia- It’s not much longer is it?
Driver- No… we have most one or two more stops and then we’ll be in Port Daniels.
Gia- What is Port Daniels? I’ve never of it….
Driver- It’s a little shipping town where not too many people live…
Gia- [softly] Oh…
Driver- If you’re looking to disappear I suggest Port Charles. There are a few more people there and they tend to mind their own business.
Gia- [nodding] How far are we from Port Charles?
Driver- Next stop… we’ll be there in about thirty minutes.
Gia- [nodding] Thank you…
Settling back into her seat Gia fed Amaya the last of the food bought while in New Jersey and decided to exit the bus once in Port Charles. Having called Alma while in New Jersey Gia knew she had to lay low for a while seeing that Alma would be the first place Harvey would look. What better than a sleepy little town that was close yet far away enough from Brooklyn that he wouldn’t think to look there. Counting the money Mrs. Josefina gave her Gia figured she could hide out in Port Charles for several weeks before she again had to move.
Parting ways with the bus driver on in Port Charles Gia breathed a sigh of relief thankful to have survived her ordeal thus far. Knowing soon Amaya would be hungry Gia went in search of the nearest diner hoping to find she and Amaya something to eat. Noticing a room vacancy sign in the front window of a quaint diner Gia slowly entered Kelly’s wondering if she found the answer to both of her prayers. Slowly walking to the diner’s counter, Amaya content against her chest in her baby carrier, Gia looked around hoping to find out if the room was still available. A smiling blind waitress approaching her Gia could not help but smile in return as she softly spoke to her.
Tammy- Hi I’m Tammy… can I help you with something?
Gia- Yeah… I was wondering if you can tell me if the room was still available…
Tammy- [smiling] As a matter of fact it is… you plan on staying in Port Charles for a while?
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] I haven’t really decided… I was just looking for a decent place for me and my daughter to rest for a few days.
Tammy- The rooms here are normally rented per monthly…
Gia- [softly] Oh…
Tammy- But of you really want to room I’m sure we can work out something…
Gia- [softly smiling] Thank you…
Tammy- [nodding in her direction] You have a beautiful baby…
Gia- Thank you…
Tammy- Come on I’ll show you the room if you’re still interested…
Gia- [nodding] I am…
Tammy- [slowly climbing the stairs] I can’t offer you a discount on the meals but the kitchen is always open…
Gia- That’s good to know…
Tammy- [nodding] Yeah… I’ve had one too many late night cravings not to keep it open…
Gia- Do you own Kelly’s?
Tammy- [slowly shaking her head] No… I just work here but everyone treats everyone like family.
Gia- Do a lot of people live up here?
Tammy- [slowly shaking her head] No… other than myself the only other person you might have to worry about is Elizabeth. She works here but from time to time she sneaks away to doze off in one of the empty rooms.
Gia- Oh…
Tammy- Yeah… I’d be a lot happier if instead she did her job instead of sleeping but who am I to complain?
Gia- Well…
Listening as Tammy quickly showed her the bathroom and showers Gia sank into her bed, a sleeping Amaya beside her, finally breathing thankful for this moment’s rest.
Entering Kelly’s with her arms folded tightly across her chest Elizabeth listened as Lucky went on and on about what he expected of her.
Lucky- Elizabeth you have to promise me…
Liz- [slowly shaking her head] No Lucky…
Lucky- He’s going through enough getting ready for this wedding. You don’t have to add more stress to him…
Liz- Lucky I have a right to my opinion and if doesn’t like it than that’s tough…
Lucky- [shaking his head] Cut him some slack… that’s all I’m saying.
Liz- How can you just sit by while he’s destroying his life?
Lucky- [softly] It’s his life…
Liz- So?
Lucky- Elizabeth I can’t make him do what I think is right. He has to do that on his own…
Liz- But Lucky he’s practically throwing away everything away over some girl he barely knows…
Lucky- [shaking his head] We don’t know that for sure. I could be wrong….
Liz- But you also could be right… what then?
Lucky- We let him make his own mistakes and pray that Natalia is there to forgive him…
Liz- I don’t know how she can stand by while he’s obviously lying to her.
Lucky- That’s between Natalia and Nikolas…
Liz- But…
Lucky- Elizabeth this my only brother and I want to be there for him like he was for me when we got married…
Liz- Ok and?
Lucky- And can we just drop this for now? Everything will work out like it should…
Liz- Not if Nikolas continues to lie…
Lucky- [sighing] Elizabeth…
Liz- [shaking her head] I’ll try Lucky…
Lucky- Please…
Liz- I said I’ll try… I can’t promise anything else…
Lucky- Thank you…
Liz- [slowly frowning as Nikolas and Natalia neared Kelly’s] Yeah…
Walking arm in arm Natalia and Nikolas slowly approached Kelly’s to meet Lucky and Elizabeth for lunch. Having accepted his invitation without speaking to Natalia first Nikolas did his best to assure her that he was fine with this meeting.
Nikolas- It is fine Natalia…
Natalia- Are you sure of this?
Nikolas- Nothing she says matters…
Natalia- I know but I don’t want you going through unnecessary pain because she spouts off at her mouth…
Nikolas- [softly] I won’t…
Natalia- At anytime you are ready to leave tell me and we will go…
Nikolas- [gently smiling] I thought I was to be the gallant prince protecting all from hurt and danger…
Natalia- You are but I will protect you this time…
Nikolas- [smiling] Thank you m’lady…
Natalia- [smiling] You’re welcome kind sir…
Smiling at each other as they stood outside of Kelly’s Natalia gently touched Nikolas cheek as she questioned him about their lunch date.
Natalia- Do you know why they requested this meeting?
Nikolas- Lucky probably wants to apologize for Elizabeth’s behavior from the last time.
Natalia- [slowly shaking her head] This is a waste…
Nikolas- [laughing] Absolutely…
Natalia- We can still leave…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] They’ve seen us… it is too late for our escape…
Natalia- [slowly nodding] Next time perhaps…
Nikolas- [nodding as he smiled] Next time…
Gently taking her hand in his Nikolas and Natalia slowly entered Kelly’s coming face to face with his brother and sister-in-law.
Nikolas- Lucky… Elizabeth…
Lucky- I didn’t think you would come…
Nikolas- I have no issues with you…
Lucky- I know that but…
Nikolas- All has been forgotten however…
Lucky- I still want to apologize… [nudging Elizabeth] we both do…
Liz- I’m sorry if I was out of line…
Natalia- You were…
Liz- [staring intently at Natalia] And I’ll keep my opinions to myself…
Natalia- [staring back at her unflinching] As well you should…
Lucky- [noticing the tension] Come on let’s sit down… we haven’t ordered yet so…
Nikolas- Yeah ok…
The lunch continuing in awkward silence all sat quietly no one in a rush to speak. Watching the interaction between Nikolas and Natalia Elizabeth could not keep her thoughts any longer to herself.
Liz- [smirking] I guess the little dancer wasn’t hard to forget after all huh?
As all eyes turned to her Lucky lowered his head in disappointment knowing that all that had been gained was again washed away because of her mouth.
Carmen and Florence looked anxiously at Marcus as he sat before them. Having been requested by her son to meet for lunch Florence knew something major had occurred with his search for William and she was unsure if she wanted to hear what he had to say. Taking a deep breath Florence softly questioned Marcus bracing herself for the possible outcome to her question.
Florence- Marcus what is it?
Marcus- I think I may have found William…
Florence- [softly] Marcus…
Marcus- I know you didn’t want me doing this but I had to…
Carmen- And?
Marcus- And I’m going to see him…
Florence- [shaking her head] Absolutely not…
Marcus- [softly] Mom…
Florence- I saw how he hurt you Marcus and I’m not about to let you go through that again.
Marcus- I have to…
Florence- What will this solve Marcus?
Marcus- Probably nothing but I have to do this…
Florence- [softly] Marcus…
Marcus- You said you supported me on this…
Florence- [slowly shaking her head] I do but…
Marcus- Let me close this door and I’ll be finished…
Carmen- [gently touching his hand] When are you leaving?
Marcus- If all goes how I planned by the end of this week…
Carmen- For how long?
Marcus- [slowly shaking his head] I don’t know…
Carmen- What is Mac saying? I can’t believe he is letting you have all of this time off…
Marcus- [softly] I’m taking a leave of absence…
Carmen- For how long Marcus?
Marcus- For as long as it takes…
Carmen- Marcus…
Marcus- Baby I have to do this…
Carmen- But what about the baby and…
Marcus- I’ll be back for every one of your appointments… I’ll be there during Lamaze classes…
Carmen- How can you be?
Marcus- I’m not missing our child for anybody… I want to find William and hear what he has to say before I tell him everything I want to say to him but all of that comes second when it comes to our child. I love you and our daughter and I’ll never do anything to mess that up.
Carmen- [softly] If this is what you have to do…
Marcus- [gently touching her cheek] It is…
Carmen- [wiping quickly at her tears] Then hurry up back…
Marcus- I will…
Slowly nodded his head Marcus tenderly kissed Carmen on her cheek before turning towards him mother.
Marcus- [softly] Mom…
Florence- [softly] I’m coming with you…
Marcus- What?
Florence- I’m coming with you…
Marcus- [shaking his head] No…
Florence- He hurt you once… I’m not going to let him do it again…
Marcus- [softly] Mom…
Florence- Baby you’re carrying around this extra burden of guilt when you shouldn’t. William knows this and he will use that you hurt you more…
Marcus- I know that…
Florence- No you don’t… because if you did you would realize that it wasn’t your fault what happened to Peanut…
Marcus- [slowly shaking his head] Mom…
Florence- Marcus it wasn’t…
Marcus- Even if I believe that what would you coming with me accomplish?
Florence- Marcus you are my only son and when you’re in pain I’m in pain. So whether I’m in Port Charles or wherever you think William might be I’ll still feel what you are feeling.
Marcus- [softly] Mom…
Florence- [gently taking his hand] Baby listen to me… what happened to Gia was horrible and it changed us. All of us… you… me… William. He’s not going to be the same person you remember.
Marcus- [softly] I know that…
Florence- Then let me go with you. We’ve been together in this struggle since Gia was taken from us. Let me be with you when all of this finally ends.
Carmen- [softly] Marcus she has a point…
Marcus- [slowly shaking his head] No… I want you here with Carmen…
Florence- [softly] Marcus…
Marcus- I have to be sure Carmen is ok… I have to be sure that she’s taken care of.
Florence- How is my staying her going to insure that?
Marcus- Because I know you will love my daughter with all of your heart and when the time comes and I’m not here you’ll be there for me when I can’t.
Florence- Marcus…
Marcus- Mom I can’t do this if I’m worrying about Carmen and the baby…
Florence- Then don’t go now… go after the baby or…
Marcus- I have to do this now Mom… I have to do this before the baby comes…
Florence- Why?
Marcus- Because I want all of this done when my daughter comes. I don’t want my failures and the things I didn’t do haunt me when I’m holding her in my arms.
Carmen- [softly] Baby…
Marcus- [looking slowly from his mother to his wife] Just let me do this… let me do this how I know how…
Carmen- [softly] Marcus…
Florence- Fine Marcus… if you have to do this now I won’t stop you and I’ll be here with Carmen waiting for you to come back.
Marcus- [slowly nodding] Thank you…
A slow nod her only reply Florence held her only son’s hand quietly saying a prayer to keep him safe during his journey.
Chapter 20
Having thankfully rested for a short while Gia opened her eyes to a squirming Amaya who was trying to gain her mother’s attention. Rising and quickly changing her diaper Gia searched through her bag knowing that soon would be Amaya’s feeding time. Sighing as she realized she was out of milk and juice Gia smiled down on a half dozing Amaya whispering softly to her as sleep once again claimed her.
Gia- [whispering] You’re tired aren’t you baby?
Gently stroking her hair as she finally drifted back to sleep Gia continued to whisper to her daughter amazed again by the beauty of her.
Gia- [whispering] You and mommy are going to survive this baby. We’re going to get away from Harvey and never look back… [softly] I’m going to do right by you baby… everything you want and need I’m going to give them to you. Do you hear me baby? We’re strong and we’re brave and nothing will ever bother us again.
Smiling as Amaya gently smiled in her sleep Gia lay beside her content to simply watch her sleep. Knowing that once awake she would need food and drink Gia softly whispered to Amaya before moving quickly to the door.
Gia- I know I shouldn’t do this baby but I’m going to run down and get you something to eat for when you wake up. I would take you with me but you look so peaceful and I don’t want to take that away from you. Be a good girl and stay sleep for mommy and I’ll be right back…
Stroking her hair gently Gia surrounded Amaya with many pillows in case she rolled. Kissing her once again Gia grabbed her wallet going quickly to the stairs hoping to return to her room before Amaya awoke.
All eyes on her once again Elizabeth simply smirked as she folded her arms across her chest.
Liz- [innocently] What?
Natalia- Must you be so obvious?
Liz- What are you talking about?
Natalia- The moment the conversation or attention steers from what you deem important, which are obviously you and your opinions, you do all within your limited power to return it to you.
Liz- [slowly rising an eyebrow] What?
Natalia- [slowly shaking her head] You are a senseless fool who thinks your words and opinions have meaning…
Liz- You know Natalia I’ve been wondering something… why are you always so quick to jump to Nikolas and whoever this girl is defense?
Natalia- Why do you care?
Liz- I don’t but you’re bending over backwards for them when you’re obviously getting nothing out of the deal…
Natalia- [slowly shaking her head] You are a fool…
Liz- Really? What are you getting out of this? Are you so in love with Nikolas that you’re willing to accept anything he gives you? Are you that desperate?
Nikolas-[angrily] Enough!
Liz- No… can’t you see she’s in love with you Nikolas? You’re pining over some girl that’s not giving you a second thought when Natalia is right here…
Nikolas- You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about…
Liz- [smugly] I think I do…
Lucky- [softly] Elizabeth just leave it alone…
Liz- No Lucky… someone has to tell him he’s wrong. Someone has to…
Lucky- [slowly shaking his head] Not you…
Liz- You’re not doing it…
Lucky- Because it isn’t my place…
Liz- He’s your brother Lucky…
Lucky- [angrily as he rose his voice] Don’t you think I know this?
Liz- [yelling] Then act like it!
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] I have no time for these games. Do not attempt to contact me again if this is all you have in mind.
Liz- [condescendingly] You’re making a mistake Nikolas…
His anger and her words finally getting to him Nikolas’ patience suddenly snapped. Turning angry eyes towards Elizabeth Nikolas pounded his fist on the table as he laid into her.
Nikolas- Have I ever once asked you for your opinion? Have I ever once come to you seeking your approval and/or guidance?
Liz- [meekly] No but…
Nikolas- Well damn it I’m not doing it now! This is my life and my decisions and if I choose to as you say “pine” over some girl what business is it of yours?
Liz- I… I…
Nikolas- None! If you ever so much as come at me again speaking of what I should and should not do you will be sorry…
Liz- Are you threatening me?
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] I threaten no one…
Liz- I can’t believe…
Lucky- Elizabeth stop! Whatever is going on in Nikolas’ life is between him and Natalia and that’s it.
Liz- [looking quickly at Natalia] Does he know how you feel? Does he know you’re in love with him?
Standing up from the table throwing his napkin into his half-eaten food Nikolas looked from Lucky to Elizabeth slowly shaking his head.
Nikolas- Learn how to control your wife…
Lucky- [slowly shaking his head] I’m sorry…
Liz- You’re sorry… you haven’t done anything wrong… [pointing at Nikolas] he’s the one damn near cheating on his fiancé with a girl that doesn’t exist.
Lucky- [softly] I asked you not to do this… I asked you…
Liz- [smirking] Well it doesn’t matter now does it?
Shaking his head once again Nikolas placed what was owed on the table before collecting Natalia’s hand and turning to leave. As they neared the door Lucky called out to his brother causing him to turn in his direction once again.
Lucky- Nikolas wait…
Nikolas- What do you want Lucky?
Lucky- I just want to say…
Noticing the look on Nikolas’ face Lucky stopped talking turning instead in the direction his brother was staring.
Lucky- [whispering] Oh my God…
Listening to the commotion at the nearby table Marcus slowly shook his head holding tightly onto his mother and wife’s hands.
Marcus-Tell me why we agreed to eat here?
Florence- Cheap food and free entertainment…
Marcus- [laughing] That must be it…
Carmen- Are you going to go over there and calm them down?
Marcus- If Nikolas Cassadine does not want his brother meddling in his business he sure in the hell don’t want in there too…
Florence- [smiling as she slowly shook her head] Marcus…
Marcus- Are you ok with this Mom?
Florence- No but I know you have to do this and you have to do this on your own so I will try to accept it.
Marcus- [gently squeezing her hand] Thank you…
Carmen- [softly] I’m going to miss you baby…
Marcus- [softly smiling] I’m not going to leave right this second…
Carmen- I know but…
Marcus- But what?
Carmen- Who’s gonna go on my late night food runs when I’m craving something crazy?
Marcus- Mom?
Florence- [slowly shaking her head] You know I don’t do nothing past 10 o’clock…
Marcus- [laughing] Yeah that’s right…
Carmen- Well then I’m hit…
Marcus- [gently kissing his wife’s cheek] I’ll be home before you can miss me…
Carmen- I hope so…
Florence- [softly] I might make an exception in this case…
Marcus- [laughing] That’ll be a first…
Florence- [laughing] Oh hush…
Marcus- [softly] It’s good to see you smile Mom…
Florence- [gently touching his cheek] You too Butter…
Marcus- [tenderly smiling] Where did you come up with that name?
Florence- [smiling softly in remembrance] Something Peanut told me…
Marcus- [smiling] Huh…
Florence- We were making some peanut butter cookies…
Marcus- [laughing] Of course…
Florence- [laughing] Of course… but anyway Peanut had the most amazing smile on her face and I asked her why she was smiling so brightly…
Marcus- And…
Florence- [softly] She told me in the most serious voice for a four-year-old that she was smiling because she loved you more than all the peanut butter cookies in the world because that’s how much you loved her…
Carmen- [softly] Aww…
Marcus- I didn’t she remembered me telling her that…
Florence- You told her that?
Marcus- Yeah… she had fallen asleep in my lap one night when we were watching one of her movies and I whispered it to her as I was carrying her to her bed…
Florence- Well when she told me that I realized that my children belonged together so I just started calling you Butter and of course Gia loved it…
Marcus- [softly] She did…
Florence- And when you got the bright idea to call me Jelly I don’t think her laughter stopped for a whole week…
Marcus- [smiling] Try like two weeks…
Florence- I know… I would walk into the room and she would start all over…
Nodding Marcus looked quickly at his watch sighing as he realized how quickly the time had passed since sitting down for lunch. Looking quickly at his wife and mother Marcus apologized as he slowly stood up.
Marcus- I really hate to do this but I have to get back to work…
Carmen- That’s ok…
Florence- Yeah…
Marcus- [looking at Carmen] What do you have up?
Carmen- Your mother and I are going baby shopping…
Marcus- Already?
Carmen- Of course… our daughter has got to look fabulous which means Florence and I will be shopping up a storm until she comes…
Florence- [smiling] Of course…
Marcus- Am I going to survive three women in my life?
Carmen- [slowly nodding her head] You will…
Florence- [laughing] Barely…
Marcus- [looking back at his mother as he slowly walked to the counter] I heard that…
Florence- [laughing] I wanted you to…
Ordering quickly some muffins for the station Marcus bent to pick up some change that fell from his pocket. Hearing his mother call out a familiar name Marcus quickly turned to look in her direction confused by her sudden outburst. Following her gaze Marcus froze staring as she slowly made her descend down the stairs.
Having turned back and checked on Amaya at least three times Gia finally reached the stairs determined to order food and drink for her and Amaya. Nearing the stairs hearing that the diner was filled with patrons Gia slowly walked down the stairs feeling as if everyone was watching her every step. Looking across the diner where an obvious argument was going on Gia froze as Nikolas stared back at her. Touching quickly the locket around her neck Gia stood frozen unsure of what to do. Ready to turn and run back up the stairs Gia was stopped as she heard her name being called from another table in the diner. Looking to see who had possibly called her name Gia again froze as familiar eyes stared back at her.
Watching as her son slowly walked towards the counter to pay for their bill as well as purchase muffins to take to the station Florence’s gaze was drawn to movement by the staircase. Watching as a slim bronzed woman slowly walked down the stair Florence could not help but cry out as instant recognition came to her. The very image of her mother, complete with the locket hanging loosely around her neck, Florence quickly covered her mouth shocked and confused all at once. Watching as she tenderly touched the locket Florence could contain her joy no more and quickly rose rushing to her as she called out her name. Gathering her quickly in her arms Florence held her tight to her as she softly whispered to her.
Florence- [whispering] My beautiful beautiful baby… you came back to me… baby you came back…