Chapter 29
The last few days a blur Nikolas awoke reaching out for Gia only to find her gone. A tender smile on his face Nikolas knew instantly where he could find her. Making his way towards Amaya’s room Nikolas stood in the doorway watching as Gia slowly rocked a sleeping baby. Hearing a tender lullaby Nikolas slowly went to Gia kissing her softly on her cheek. Caressing his daughter’s cheek Nikolas kneeled beside Gia gathering Amaya in his arms before placing her once again in her crib. Returning to Gia Nikolas gathered her in his arms as he now took possession of the rocking chair. With her nestled tenderly in his arms Nikolas and Gia shared a tender conversation neither in a rush for the day to begin.
Nikolas- [softly] I missed you…
Gia- [softly smiling] I wasn’t gone that long… besides you were asleep when I left…
Nikolas- Asleep or not I still missed you next to me…
Gia- Well I missed you too…
Nikolas- [after a moment’s silence] Do you really want to do this?
Gia- We said we would…
Nikolas- I know but…
Gia- Nikolas I want you to know my family and I want them to know you. They’re everything to me and I want you to know, see, and feel the love they give to me…
Nikolas- I want that too… [softly sighing] my family is not like yours…
Gia- They won’t accept me and Amaya will they?
Nikolas- I hope… [sighing] I can not pretend to know what they will or will not do. There will be some who will be genuinely happy for me and the decisions I’ve made however there will be those…
Gia- [softly] Only invite the people who will be happy…
Nikolas- [holding her tighter to him] Regardless to their reactions I love you and I am going nowhere without you beside me…
Gia- [whispering] I love you too…
Nikolas- Then that is what matters most to me. Your love and our precious precious daughter.
Embraces for a few minutes more Nikolas and Gia stood before going to call their respective families hopping to arrange to meet with them later in the day. Taking a deep breath Nikolas stood with phone to ear staring out across the open field waiting for Stefan to come to the phone.
Stefan- Nikolas…
Nikolas- Uncle… it is good to hear your voice…
Stefan- [flatly] What is this concerning?
Nikolas- I’ve made some decisions and I wanted to share them with you.
Stefan- Will I be pleased by these decisions you’ve made?
Nikolas- That depends…
Stefan- Based upon what?
Nikolas- Whether you want me to be happy or live life by your terms…
Stefan- So this is concerning that young woman?
Nikolas- That young woman has a name…
Stefan- Gia Campbell I would presume…
Nikolas- Yes…
Stefan- I’ve had someone check into Ms. Campbell’s past and needless to say I am not very pleased…
Nikolas- [shaking his head] That’s not what this phone call is about…
Stefan- Nonetheless… the things I have learned…
Nikolas- [interrupting him] I have reservations at the Port Charles Grille for 8:00 p.m…. all I ask is that you attend…
Stefan- Nikolas…
Nikolas- [softly] Uncle please…
Stefan- Very well… we will continue this conversation at that time…
Nikolas- Thank you…
Ending the call as Stefan began again about Gia and her past Nikolas took a deep breath before calling his brother. Waiting his answering of the phone Nikolas again prepared himself for the barrage of questions and accusations coming his way.
Liz- Hello…
Nikolas- Elizabeth…
Liz- Nikolas where are you? Lucky has been looking for you and…
Nikolas- Is Lucky around?
Liz- No… like I said he’s out looking for you and that… that girl you’re with…
Nikolas- She has a name…
Liz- Yeah several of them… none of which you’d like me to say…
Nikolas- [inhaling deeply calming himself] I have reservations set up at the Port Charles Grille for 8:00 p.m. I would like for you, Lucky, and my mother to attend.
Liz- What is this about?
Nikolas- All I ask is that you arrive at the Port Charles Grille by 8:00 p.m. and I will explain all…
Liz- Will she be there too?
Nikolas- Why should that matter?
Liz- Nikolas don’t let her ruin your life anymore than she already has… you can be happy with Natalya… you could be…
Nikolas- [sighing] Please relay my request to my brother…
Liz- Nikolas listen to me… we used to mean something to each other and…
Nikolas- [shaking his head] Please tell my brother of my wishes…
Liz- Nikolas...
Ignoring her pleas and ramblings Nikolas ended their conversation. Needing a moment to calm himself Nikolas went into Amaya’s room gazing down on his sleeping daughter. Knowing she was most important and innocent in the entire situation Nikolas continued with his calls speaking quickly to his mother and Alexis before turning off his cell phone. Needing a moment of peace Nikolas scooped Amaya out of her crib holding her tightly to him. Sitting slowly in the nearby rocking chair Nikolas wondering silently if Gia’s calls when as his did.
After showering and dressing Gia quickly dialed her mother’s number missing her terribly their few days apart. Smiling at her mother’s voice Gia softly spoke to her through the phone.
Flo- Hello…
Gia- Hey mama…
Flo- [smiling] Babygirl…
Gia- I missed you mama…
Flo- Well where have you been? I haven’t seen nor heard from you since we were over your brother’s house…
Gia- I know… Nikolas came over and…
Flo- And?
Gia- I want you, Butter, and Carmen to meet him mama…
Flo- [nodding] Of course baby…
Gia- Umm… can you… can you come over to the cottage later and…
Flo- Of course we can but what is this about?
Gia- I just want you to meet him…
Flo- Ok… I’ll call Marcus and…
Gia- That’s ok…I was calling him next…
Flo- Is there anything we should be concerned about?
Gia- No… I just want you to meet him and see why he makes me so happy…
Flo- [softly smiling] I’ll be there Babygirl…
Gia- I love you mama…
Flo- I love you too…
Gia- [smiling] I’ll see you at 7:00…
Flo- Ok… [smiling] kiss my baby for me…
Gia- I will…
Ending her conversation with her mother Gia slowly called her brother hoping his reaction to be the same way.
Marcus- Yeah…
Gia- [softly] Hey Butter…
Marcus- [smiling] Peanut… I missed you…
Gia- [smiling] I missed you too…
Marcus- Where you been?
Gia- At the cottage… me and Maya…
Marcus- Nothing’s wrong is it? Do you need me to come over there?
Gia- [shaking her head] Nothing is wrong but I do want you to come to the cottage…
Marcus- [softly] What is it Peanut?
Gia- I want… I want you to meet Nikolas…
Marcus- [softly] Nikolas…
Gia- [nodding] Amaya’s father…
Marcus- I know…
Gia- I want you to meet him and…
Marcus- And?
Gia- Maybe you… maybe you and Nikolas…
Marcus- What is it Peanut?
Gia- Maybe you can have a talk with him… like one of the ones you have with little Timmy Johnson so you can be sure where his heart is… you can see how he feels about me and Maya…
Marcus- [softly] Yeah… I can… I’ll have a talk with him…
Gia- I love you Marcus…
Marcus- [wiping quickly at his tears] I love you too Gia…
Gia- I have to go but I’ll see you and Carmen at 7:00 right?
Marcus- [nodding] Yeah… we’ll be there…
Gia- Ok…
Ending her call with Marcus Gia sat on the couch smiling happy that her life was finally calm if even for a second. Wanting to share all that was happening with Alma Gia attempted to call her a little surprised that she was unable to get in contact with her even after calling all of the numbers she had for her. Pushing aside any lingering doubts and concerns Gia put off attempting to contact Alma going instead to feed and change Amaya. Watching as she fed their daughter Nikolas caressed her cheek before excusing himself from the room. Dialing quickly her number Nikolas prayed for this conversation to go quickly wanting to return once again to Gia and Amaya.
Natalya- Hello…
Nikolas- Natalya…
Natalya- Nikolas… I have not heard from you in some days…
Nikolas- I know… I had the opportunity to spend time Gia and Amaya and that to me was of greater importance…
Natalya- [nodding] Of course…
Nikolas- I’ve spoken with my uncle…
Natalya- I know…
Nikolas- What has been said?
Natalya- I am unsure… all I have heard was talk about a meeting…
Nikolas- Yes I called and asked him to meet me…
Natalya- For?
Nikolas- Gia and Amaya are now my life and I want him to know and accept this…
Natalya- And if he does not?
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] That is his choice…
Natalya- What does Gia have to say?
Nikolas- Because of her I do this…
Natalya- How so?
Nikolas- When I meet with Stefan she will be beside me…
Natalya- Perhaps she should wait until Stefan and your family comes to terms with your decisions…
Nikolas- I will not hide her away like she’s in the wrong… she is the mother of my child…
Natalya- I understand this Nikolas but will your family?
Nikolas- Amaya and Gia are now my family…
Natalya- As well they should be…
Nikolas- I would like for you to meet her…
Natalya- Nikolas…
Nikolas- I have spoken with my uncle and I will meet he and my family at 8:00 and I want you to come to cottage to meet Gia first…
Natalya- Does Gia want to meet me?
Nikolas- Natalya you may be the only person who is truly happy for us…
Natalya- Gia’s family is against you as well?
Nikolas- No… but I would still like for Gia to have the support from someone who also supports me…
Natalya- [slowly nodding] Of course…
Nikolas- So… will you come to the cottage…
Natalya- I will be there shortly…
Nikolas- [softly] Thank you…
His called finished Nikolas went in search of Gia needing the comfort of she and Amaya before the events of the day became too much. Joining her as she played with Amaya on the nursery’s floor Nikolas’ face brightened as he momentarily forgot all that was to come.
Chapter 30
~ Port Charles Grille ~
Checking his watch Lucky looked again at the entrance awaiting his brother’s arrival. Knowing that this meeting was to do with Gia and her place in his life Lucky could only hope that his brother made the right choice. Letting Gia remain a part of his life was wrong and if it was the last thing he did he would prove that to his brother. Elizabeth interrupting his thoughts Lucky turned to her answering her as quickly as possible.
Liz- What time did he say?
Lucky- You told me 8:00 p.m….
Liz- What time is it now?
Lucky- [looking quickly at his watch] It’s not even 7:00 o’clock yet…
Liz- [angrily] Then why are we here so damn early?
Lucky- I was hoping I could talk some sense in him before it’s too late…
Liz- That tramp probably has his head so far gone…
Lucky- I won’t let her have him…
Liz- What if it’s too late?
Lucky- [shaking his head] It won’t be…
Liz- But…
Lucky- [nodding towards the entrance] I see I’m not the only person who thinks so…
Looking quickly in the direction of the entrance Elizabeth and Lucky watched as Stefan and Alexis approached them engrossed in a heated conversation.
Alexis- He’s a grown man Stefan…
Stefan- I will not allow him to destroy…
Alexis- Allow… you have no control over his heart or mind…
Stefan- Heart? He has no idea who or what this young woman is about…
Alexis- And you do?
Stefan- [yelling] Yes!
Alexis- How can you be so sure that she is even the reason behind this meeting?
Stefan- I know…
Alexis- [sighing] Stefan…
Liz- [folding her arms tightly across her chest] He’s making a mistake…
Stefan- [looking from Lucky to Liz] Why are you here?
Lucky- Nikolas called and asked us to come…
Stefan- Surely you don’t support his ridiculous decisions?
Alexis- You have no idea what this meeting is even about…
Liz- Is Natalya coming?
Stefan- I have not spoken with Natalya…
Lucky- Maybe she’s talking some sense into him…
Liz- Natalya is so in love with Nikolas that she’ll go along with anything he says and does… even if it’s the wrong thing…
Alexis- Wait until Nikolas arrives before you all pass judgment on him…
Stefan- He is the heir to the Cassadines…
Alexis- He’s more than just that…
Stefan- He is the future of this family…
Alexis- And he can still be that…
Stefan- Not with this young woman in his life…
Alexis- [slowly shaking her head] Wait until he arrives…
Noticing the group in the corner Laura slowly approached them full of questions as well.
Laura- Has Nikolas arrived yet?
Alexis- No…
Stefan- [folding his arms across his chest] Why are you here?
Laura- Nikolas called and asked me to come…
Stefan- Surely you don’t condone his actions as of late…
Laura- Stefan I have no idea what’s going on but whatever it is I will support me son and his decisions…
Stefan- [shaking his head] That will be a first…
Alexis- [softly] Stefan…
Anger, accusations, and debate going around the group the conversation continued with no hint or sight of Nikolas.
~ Cottage ~
Unsure if this was truly the right decision Natalya soothed her clothing as she stood outside the cottage door. Confused as to her nervousness Natalya wanted to make the right impression on Gia. Her emotions constantly changing as the moment drew nearer Natalya fought the urge to turn and run. As hard as she tried she had somehow developed feelings for Nikolas. And as wrong as it was, when Gia was lost to Nikolas Natalya often found herself fantasizing of the life she and Nikolas would live. In time she assumed he would, though not forget Gia, allow her a piece of his heart. Never wanting to replace Gia Natalya accepted her role in Nikolas’ and she stood ready to protect and guard his heart. But now with Gia found Natalya hoped that she had the strength to walk away and give Nikolas finally to Gia. Softly knocking on the cottage door Natalya stepped back as Nikolas slowly opened the door. A smile greeting her Natalya could not help but smile in return as he welcomed her with an embrace.
Nikolas- [softly as he hugged her] You came…
Natalya- [nodding] I told you I would…
Nikolas- I never thought this day would arrive…
Natalya- But it has…
Nikolas- Come inside… Gia will be joining us shortly…
Natalya- Nikolas… I…
Gia- [coming down the stairs smiling] You’re early…
Upon seeing Natalya Gia stopped a smile frozen on her face. Thinking her family had arrived Gia quickly rushed towards the sound of knocking only to find Natalya standing on their doorstep instead.
Gia- I… I thought…
Pulling Natalya inside Nikolas walked to the stairs extending his hand to Gia. Gently placing her hand in his Gia allowed Nikolas to guide her down the stairs over to where Natalya stood. Truly seeing her for the first time Gia suddenly felt self-conscious and unsure of tonight’s outcome. Sensing her apprehension Nikolas pulled Gia closer to him as they walked towards Natalya.
Nikolas- Natalya… I would like for you to officially met Gia…
Natalya- [softly] You’re beautiful…
Gia- Thank… thank you…
Natalya- Nikolas spoke so much about you it’s as if I already know you…
Gia- [softly] Yeah…
Natalya- It is a pleasure to finally meet you…
Before further conversation could continue Amaya’s cries grabbed their attention. Turning to go to her Nikolas stopped offering to go instead.
Nikolas- Let me…
Gia- [softly] It’s ok…
Nikolas- No… I’ll get her… it’ll give Natalya and you some time…
Kissing her cheek softly Nikolas quickly disappeared upstairs leaving Natalya and Gia standing face to face. Knowing she watched her every move Natalya moved away looking slowly around the cottage that Nikolas, Gia, and baby made home. Her voice pulling her from her thoughts Natalya softly spoke to Gia not yet looking at her.
Gia- This is weird huh?
Natalya- [gently touching a photo of Nikolas and Amaya] Yes…
Gia- [softly] You love him don’t you?
Natalya- Nikolas is easy to love…
Gia- [whispering] I’m sorry…
Looking over at Gia Natalya turned and slowly walked towards her. Breathing deeply Natalya softly spoke of all the emotions flowing through her.
Natalya- This is perhaps harder than I thought it would be…
Gia- What do you mean?
Natalya- Nikolas’ heart never belonged to me however…
Gia- You wanted it to…
Natalya- How could I not? [slowly shaking her head] From the moment I met Nikolas I have been drawn to him…
Gia- I’m sorry…
Natalya- [slowly shaking her head] There is no need for apologies…
Gia- But you and Nikolas…
Natalya- Nikolas’ heart was never mine…
Gia- What happens now?
Natalya- You and Nikolas live the life of your choosing…
Gia- Do you really think it’ll be that easy?
Natalya- No… but with love you can have all that you want…
Gia- How can you be so calm about losing everything?
Natalya- [sighing] I used to sit and listen as Nikolas talked nonstop about his feeling for you and all that he wanted and hoped for the two of you…
Gia- [softly] You talked about me?
Natalya- And I used to pray that he would and could somehow be that passionate about me and us but…
Gia- But?
Natalya- I knew it would never happen… despite all of my dreams and hopes I knew Nikolas belonged to another and regardless of the time spent apart he would always remain hers… [slowly shaking her head] he would always remain yours…
Gia- Why are you telling me all of this?
Natalya- I want Nikolas to be happy… [sighing] Nikolas can only be happy with you and Amaya by his side…
Gia- [softly] I hope so…
Their conversation stopping Natalya and Gia slowly turned towards the steps as Nikolas came down the stairs holding Amaya close to his heart. Smiling as he looked down on his daughter Nikolas continued towards Natalya speaking softly to her.
Nikolas- Natalya I would like for you to officially meet my beautiful beautiful daughter…
Natalya- [smiling] She is adorable…
Nikolas- Thank you…
Natalya- Thanks is not needed… she is beautiful…
Nikolas- [smiling as he looked over at Gia] Just like her mother…
Gia- [smiling] No… she looks like her father… she has his smile…
Natalya- May I… [looking at Gia] may I hold her?
Gia- [slowly nodding] Yes…
Taking Amaya gently in her arms Natalya could not help but smile as Amaya smiled back at her. Gently touching a wild lock of hair Natalya softly whispered to Nikolas and Gia as she became enchanted by little Amaya.
Natalya- [whispering] Be happy…
Nikolas- [gently taking Gia’s hand] We are…
Natalya- [slowly shaking her head] Regardless to what they have to say be happy… be in love… be together…
Nikolas- [slowly nodding] We will be…
The conversation ending Natalya continued to smile down at Amaya marveling in all that Nikolas and Gia had created. A soft knock at the door Gia looked over at Nikolas before going to open it. The smiling faces of her family staring back at her Gia smiled welcoming them into her home. Hugging all three quickly Gia took her mother and brother’s hands leading them to Nikolas. Standing face to face Gia slowly introduced Nikolas to her family.
Gia- [smiling] Mama… Marcus… Carmen…I would like for you to meet Amaya’s father and my… [slowly shaking her head] I’d like for you to meet Nikolas Cassadine… Nikolas this is my mother Florence Campbell, my brother Marcus Taggert, and my sister-in-law Carmen Taggert… [smiling as she gently touched Carmen’s growing stomach] and soon to be Baby Campbell…
Nikolas- [gently taking her hand] Mrs. Campbell… Mr. Taggert…
Marcus- Lieutenant… [calming as Carmen gently touched his arm] Lieutenant Taggert…
Nikolas- [extending his hand] My apologies… Lieutenant Taggert… [smiling as he turned towards Carmen] Mrs. Taggert…
Carmen- [smiling] Just call me Carmen…
Nikolas- Carmen it is a pleasure to finally meet all of you… Gia speaks of you often…
Marcus- Does she? She hasn’t said much about you… why don’t you tell us about yourself Nikolas…
Carmen- [gently squeezing Marcus’ arm again] This is a beautiful cottage…[looking around] how did you find this place?
Nikolas- [softly smiling] Thank you… it somehow fell in my lap…
Carmen- How?
Nikolas- When Gia informed me that she was indeed staying in Port Charles I began to look for a place for she and Amaya. This was the first property I visited and I knew instantly that this was the perfect place…
Florence- [smiling] Yes it is…
Nikolas- There is room for Amaya to grow and the cottage can be easily built upon if it is needed… it’s far away from the docks and the city that we won’t be bothered…
Florence- You’re staying here too?
Nikolas- Yes…
Marcus- How long?
Gia- Mama… Marcus… is there something wrong?
Florence- [slowly shaking her head] No Babygirl…
Gia- Then why all of the questions?
Marcus- We just want to make sure you are happy Peanut…
Gia- [softly] I am…
Marcus- But if he’s a Cassadine…
Natalya- [softly] Nikolas is different…
Carmen- [softly as she slowly turned towards her] Who are you?
Explaining quickly Natalya’s presence the air suddenly became charged with uncertainty and confusion. Seeing the look on his sister’s face Marcus asked Nikolas to the cottage porch knowing that the time for their “talk” had finally arrived.
Standing alone on the cottage porch Taggert looked back at Nikolas surprisingly at a loss for words. For so long he had imagined a moment like this but now that he was actually standing there ready for the “talk” with a suitor for his sister’s heart he had no clue about what he should be saying. Sighing deeply Marcus smiled as he softly spoke to Nikolas.
Marcus- [softly] I wanted something like this to happen for so long and now that it’s finally here…
Nikolas- You are experiencing a loss of words?
Marcus- Something like that… I mean I had everything I wanted to say all planned out but now…
Nikolas- Before you begin I would like to tell you something…
Marcus- What is it?
Nikolas- [looking directly at Marcus] I love you sister… I have from the moment I saw her. We have not had what some would say a perfect courtship but that matters little to me. She is my life and I will do whatever I must do to protect her and keep her at my side.
Marcus- And Amaya?
Nikolas- She is the reason I live. She took possession of my heart the moment I saw her…
Marcus- What if your family doesn’t accept my niece and my sister?
Nikolas- Gia and Amaya are my family… the rest… their opinions matter little…
Marcus- I’ve heard stories about your family… we have enough case files on the Cassadines to fill a squad room…
Nikolas- I can’t or won’t make excuses for the things that my family have done but I am not like them… their vendettas and agendas do not include me…
Marcus- That may be so but I don’t want my sister and niece harmed…
Nikolas- [sighing as he looked away] I don’t know what I have to say to convince you…
Marcus- It’s not about convincing me…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] Gia… your sister has changed me… being a Cassadine is not easy. Despite my best efforts I found myself becoming cynical and untrusting… so very Cassadine…
Marcus- And you’re not that way now?
Nikolas- No…
Marcus- What you’re saying is good and all that but how do I know my sister and my niece won’t be hurt by your family?
Nikolas- You don’t know… to be honest I don’t know… all that I do know is that I will do whatever I have to do to ensure that Gia and Amaya stay safe…
Marcus- [softly] I just got my sister back… I won’t… [slowly shaking his head] I can’t lose her again…
Nikolas- I know…
Marcus- [sighing after several moments of silence] I guess this is where I’m supposed to ask you what are you intentions concerning my sister…
Nikolas- [softly] To love her and stay with her for life…
Marcus- Meaning?
Nikolas- [softly smiling] Marry her… make her my wife and the mother of my children…
Marcus- Children?
Nikolas- I want a house full… little girls with their mother’s heart and smile…
Marcus- [softly] Her laughter…
Nikolas- [nodding] At least a dozen little Gias…
Marcus- [smiling] A dozen little Peanuts… I don’t know if my heart is ready…
Nikolas- Mine is…
Hearing Marcus’ laughter Nikolas softly questioned him.
Nikolas- What is your wife having?
Marcus- A little girl…
Nikolas- [nodding] What was Gia like as a little girl?
Marcus- Amazing… beautiful… loving… [slowly smiling] amazing…
Nikolas- I know something happened in the past but…
Marcus- [softly] But?
Nikolas- Do you remember anything before…
Marcus- [whispering] Yeah…
Nikolas- Tell me what you remember…
Marcus- What do you want to know?
Nikolas- [softly] Everything…
Marcus- Why?
Nikolas- I watch Gia and Amaya together and sometimes she seems so happy but other times a word or a phrase changes her entire demeanor and a sadness comes over her… she tries to hide it but she can’t… and I just want to know what I have to do to keep her from ever feeling this way again… her joy is my joy… her sadness is mine as I well… I can’t and don’t want to watch her in pain any longer…
Seeing Nikolas in a whole new light Marcus softly nodded as he quietly told Nikolas of the brief yet abundant time he, Gia, and Florence had together. Continually glancing at Nikolas and Taggert through the bay window Gia was beyond curious as to what they were talking about and the reason it was taking them so long. Curiosity getting the better of her Gia strode towards the cottage door only to be stopped by her mother.
Florence- Babygirl where do you think you’re going?
Gia- To see what’s taking them so long…
Carmen- They haven’t been gone that long…
Gia- [nodding] Yes they have…
Carmen- [fanning her hand] Marcus’ talk with my brothers lasted hours…
Gia- [softly] Hours?
Florence- It won’t be much longer baby…
Gia- Mama…
Florence- Yes baby?
Gia- Did you like Nikolas… do you like Nikolas?
Florence- Does he make you happy honey?
Gia- Yes…
Florence- Does he make your heart beat faster the moment he walks into the room… [at Gia’s nod] does he love and treat you and my grandbaby right?
Gia- [softly] Yes mama…
Florence- Then of course I like him…
Carmen- [playing with Amaya] If it matters I like him too…
Gia- [smiling] Of course it matters…
Florence- [looking in her direction] Natalya you’re awfully quiet… is something wrong?
Natalya- No… it’s just…
Florence- [gently taking Amaya from Carmen] What?
Natalya- Your family bond… your dynamics are so vastly different from anything I have seen… I am simply amazed…
Carmen- What do you mean?
Natalya- In my family the only opinion that matters is that of my father… it is his way or nothing at all. I saw the same thing with Nikolas’ family… it is all about what his grandmother and his uncle deem correct for him… but your family… I have never seen anything as such… the love you share and show for one another… [slowly nodding] this is what Nikolas needs and deserves…
Nikolas- [softly as he entered the room] What is it I deserve?
Looking from Marcus to Nikolas Gia softly called her brother’s name unable to read or understand the vibes coming from them.
Gia- [softly] Marcus…
Marcus- [softly] Gia…
Gia- Is everything… did everything go…
A gentle smile on his face Marcus went to his sister enclosing her in a tender hug. Whispering softly to her Marcus tightened his hold on her before moving away and going to his wife’s side.
Marcus- [whispering] He’s a good man Peanut…
Gia- [softly] Yeah…
Marcus- [his arm slowly going around his wife’s waist] So what do you have to eat sis? My wife had one of her “cravings” before we left and I didn’t get a bite of anything…
Florence- [laughing] Yeah right…
Marcus- Seriously… if it looked even remotely edible…
Carmen- [elbowing him] I’d watch it if I were you…
Marcus- [slowly shaking his head] I’m only kidding…
All laughed as Carmen again elbowed him in the side. Taking a deep breath the laughter soon faded as Nikolas informed all of what was about to occur.
Nikolas- Unfortunately dinner will have to wait…
Florence- What’s wrong?
Nikolas- We are to meet my family today as well…
Carmen- They’ve never met Gia or Amaya?
Nikolas- No… they know nothing of Amaya and all that they know of Gia is what my brother has told them…
Florence- Meaning?
Nikolas- Their perception of Gia is inaccurate…
Florence- Who’s your brother?
Nikolas- Lucky Spencer…
Florence- He’s married to that snippy little girl Elizabeth Webber right?
Nikolas- You know them?
Florence- No… I’ve seen Elizabeth prancing around the hospital as if she owned it…
Carmen- The hospital?
Florence- Her grandmother works there…
Gia- [softly] She doesn’t like me…
Carmen- What?
Gia- She thinks I’m ruining Nikolas’ life…
Carmen- You don’t know that…
Gia- She said it to my face…
Florence- What do you mean?
Gia- She came to my room at Kelly’s yelling at me and calling me every name in the book while she was telling me how I was ruining Nikolas and Natalya’s life…
Florence- [softly] Will she be there when Gia meets your family?
Nikolas- Yes…
Florence- Then so will I…
Gia- [softly] Mama…
Florence- [slowly shaking her head] Babygirl… no one is going to disrespect you while I’m around and if she thinks she has a right to say anything to you she has another thing coming…
Carmen- I’m going too…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] Carmen no…
Carmen- We’re your family Gia… none of us will allow you to be hurt… besides I don’t care how pregnant I am somebody needs to tell that girl to mind her own damn business and that person is going to be me…
Gia- But you’re pregnant and…
Carmen- What has that got to do with anything? And besides as bad as my hormones are acting up I’m the last one she wants to mess with…
Marcus- [calmly] It won’t come to that…
Natalya- [looking at Nikolas] Who did you ask to attend?
Nikolas- My mother Laura… my brother Lucky and his wife Elizabeth… my aunt Alexis… and my uncle Stefan…
Natalya- I will go as well…
Gia- [softly] Is it going to be that bad?
Nikolas- No…
Natalya- Perhaps…
Nikolas- No… I will not allow it to be so…
Marcus- Peanut… do you want us to come with you… do you want us to come and support you, Nikolas and Amaya?
Gia- [softly] Do you want to?
Marcus- Yes… I failed at protecting you before… I won’t this time… let me… let us protect you, Amaya, and Nikolas this time…
Gia- [slowly nodding] Ok…
Agreement and solidarity going around the room all left heading slowly to the Port Charles Grille and all that awaited them there.
~ Port Charles Grille ~
Stefan- [angrily] I will not allow Nikolas to remain with that young woman…
Alexis- Stefan calm down! You have no clue why he even called us down here…
Stefan- Where is he? Why hasn’t he arrived yet? Answer me that…
Liz- She probably is keeping him from coming… she knows we are on to her… [slowly shaking her head] she has his head twisted so far around it’s not even funny… she’s probably filling his head with lies…
Alexis- You don’t know that…
Liz- I know her type…
The yelling and accusations continuing none noticed as Florence, Carmen, and Marcus entered their private room listening to all of what they thought and had to say about Gia. Their presence finally observed Stefan turned angry eyes at them ready to question them. But as Natalya arrived standing beside them Stefan was unsure of what to say. Ready finally to question all Stefan again suddenly froze as Nikolas entered the room with Amaya asleep in one arm and Gia’s hand firmly enclosed in his other hand. At a lost for words all stood silent as Nikolas, Gia, and baby slowly approached them. Standing directly in front of them all eyes turned to Elizabeth as she loudly yelled out.
Liz- [yelling] Nikolas no!!!