Chapter 7

Running his hands through his hair as his frustration finally got to him Nikolas sighed knowing that this was the last place he wanted to be. As usual he didn’t get the things he wanted instead he was got what was given to him and the most he could do was smile and pretend as if it was something he wanted all along. Closing his eyes Nikolas took another deep breath as her tender smile came to him. She was forever on his mind and with each thought of her his heart slowly broke.

Having returned to Port Charles with his brother Nikolas was trapped covering everything that happened in Brooklyn and at Lucky’s bachelor party. And when finally he had soothed any ruffled feathers that might have remained he was then caught up in the craziness of their wedding. And when he thought he was clear to return to her his uncle sent business problem after business problem effectively keeping him away from her. Stuck in Port Charles Nikolas searched continually for a way to get in touch with her. Finding no listing of a Gia Thomas Nikolas next called Goldmine only to be given the run around about Gia and anything pertaining to her. Thankfully free of his obligations to Lucky, Elizabeth, Stefan, Cassadine Industries, and any and everything else that vied for his attention Nikolas rushed to Brooklyn only to find her gone. Paying investigator after investigator that came to him with a hint of Gia Nikolas found himself a year later alone, without Gia, and now faced with the one thing he never wanted to do.

Hearing a soft knock at his door Nikolas forced thoughts of Gia from his head before turning to the intrusion.

Nikolas- [softly] Come in…
Stefan- [softly smiling] It’s time…
Nikolas- [nodding] I just have to…
Stefan- Is everything ok Nikolas?
Nikolas- [forcing a smile] Of course Uncle…
Stefan- Is something bothering you?
Nikolas- [shaking his head] I just need a moment. This has all come so suddenly…
Stefan- Yes… it is not everyday that a man announces his engagement.
Nikolas- Is Natalia here?
Stefan- Yes she is waiting with your brother.
Nikolas- And the press?
Stefan- They’re here as well anxious to print all you have to say.
Nikolas- Uncle… why have you never married?
Stefan- [slowly shaking his head] It was not my time…
Nikolas- Have you ever been in love? I mean have you ever wanted someone so badly that you…
Stefan- Who is this about?
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] No one…
Stefan- [softly] Nikolas…
Nikolas- [softly] I need a moment Uncle…
Stefan- [gently touching his shoulder] Nikolas….
Nikolas- [shaking his head as he moved away] A moment please…
Stefan- [slowly nodding his head] As you wish…

Staring out of the nearby window Nikolas again shook his head as his uncle left. Knowing that as soon as he left his secluded room every want and every hope he ever had would be gone Nikolas softly whispered to her the things he longed to say.

Nikolas- [whispering] Where are you Gia?

Remembering the feel of her in his arms Nikolas again softly sighed. Tenderly wiping her tears away Nikolas wanted to hold her in his arms and never let go. But as usual caring for those around him took precedence and he may have lost her before he was truly given a chance to love her. She had promised to wait for him and yet when he went to her she was gone. He stood outside her door knocking for hours to no answer and when realization set in Nikolas returned to Port Charles a defeated man. He had imagined her opening the door wearing a gentle smile and he would in turn take her in his arms and never let go. Slowly shaking his head as thoughts of Gia consumed him Nikolas turned away from the window walking back towards the center of the room softly repeating the question he longed to ask her.

Nikolas- [softly] Why didn’t you wait for me?

As the minutes slowly ticked away Nikolas again sighed knowing he could not delay the enviable. Going to the nearby mirror Nikolas slowly adjusted his tie before he left his secluded room. A smile plaster on his face Nikolas slowly made his way to the small gathering of people awaiting his arrival. Watching his brother’s smiling face Nikolas could not help but wonder how differently his life would be if for once he had ignored Lucky’s problems and instead concentrated on what and who he wanted. Would he be holding Gia in his arms loving and soothing away her pain instead of standing before a room full of reporters announcing his engagement to a woman he cared nothing for? Looking quickly at Natalia Nikolas saw her pained expression and he knew she was experiencing all that he felt.

Natalia Petravich was everything Stefan had hoped for. Long bloodlines that dated back for centuries, a royal gem with a warm heart, a tender smile, and a willingness to marry into a family that would greatly help her own. Having returned from Brooklyn with no Gia on his arm Nikolas slipped into a silenced seclusion not meeting or speaking to anyone. Clueless as to what was causing Nikolas strife Stefan set out on a quest of his own thinking that if Nikolas married the despair he was feeling would fall away. Searching through the prominent families in both Greece and Russia Natalia came to him when Stefan was ready to end his quest.

The Petravichs long friends with the Cassadines had fallen on hard times and was now in need of aid. Realizing a marriage between Nikolas and Natalia would be beneficial for both Natalia’s father Dimitri approached Stefan brokering an union between the two. Returning to Nikolas with news of his coming marriage Stefan again found his nephew in a self imposed prison. Fearing he was losing the boy he had long raised as his own Stefan brought in his brother and mother to no avail. And in desperation he brought Natalia to Nikolas hoping she would have some impact on him. Locked away in room for several hours Nikolas and Natalia emerged having agreed to the marriage. And now as he stood beside Natalia and Nikolas Stefan could not help but smile. Seeing his uncle’s smile Nikolas deeply breathed before addressing the crowd of reporters before him. Answering reporter after reporter Nikolas thought silently as the final question was asked of him.

Reporter- How did you know it was love?
Nikolas- [softly] It came to me in a dream…

A gentle nod to the gathered press Nikolas took Natalia’s hand in his before turning and walking away.

Her hand held tightly in his they slowly walked to where they visited her often. For nearly a decade and a half they came here to talk to her and tell her of their achievements. They would sing to her, whisper to her their deepest thoughts, laugh or cry with her when they needed it the most. And despite the many years they came here their hurt never lessened, their pain never became easier. Clutching the bouquet of flowers tightly in his hand Marcus released his mother’s hand as he fell to his knees at her graveside. His fingers lovingly moving across her name Marcus tenderly laid the flowers near her headstone whispering softly to her once again.

Marcus- [whispering] I love you Babygirl and I am so sorry…
Flo- [softly as she touched her son’s shoulder] Marcus…
Marcus- I think about you everyday. I try and imagine how you would look today and I know you would be so beautiful laughing and telling us another of your crazy stories.
Flo- [softly] Marcus it’s all right…
Marcus- I know I should have been paying attention and I am so sorry…

His tears slowly beginning to fall Marcus continued to whisper softly to his sister.

Marcus- If I could go back… I wish I could go back…

Softly sobbing Marcus continued to tell his sister all that was within his heart.

Marcus- [softly] I miss you so much…

Sensing her son’s obvious pain Florence kneeled beside her son gently taking his hand as she softly spoke to her daughter.

Flo- [softly] Hey Babygirl… I know you’re tired of seeing us here but we had to be here today. You’d be twenty-two today and so full of life…

Her pain suddenly rushing to her Florence began to cry as she finished talking to all that was left of her daughter.

Flo- Oh Gia I miss you so much… you were my shining star and I don’t know if I can keep going on without you…
Marcus- [softly] Our shining star…
Flo- I know you are with my mother and she is taking care of you but I just wish…
Marcus- Happy birthday Gia… [softly as he leaned forward and gently kissed her headstone] I miss you…
Flo- [lovingly tracing her name] I’ll see you soon Babygirl… I’m taking care of your brother as best I can but…
Marcus- [softly smiling through his tears] I forgot to tell you Carmen’s expecting our first child and if we have a little girl I’m going to name her after you.
Flo- [softly] Oh Marcus…
Marcus- I only hope that she is as beautiful and as brave as you were…
Flo- [softly] Marcus don’t do this…
Marcus- [softly] Mama I miss her…
Flo- I miss her too baby…
Marcus- Do you think she ever forgave me?
Flo- [slowly shaking her head] She didn’t blame you… I don’t blame you…
Marcus- [quickly standing] I blame myself…

Watching as Marcus quickly walked off Florence turned back to her daughter’s grave slowly tracing the words on her headstone once again.

Rising Florence looked around for her son only to find him gone. Knowing instantly where he was Florence began the somber trek to where Gia was last seen. Walking slowly towards the park bend Florence’s heart slowly broke as she took in the sight of her son, his head lowered buried in his hands as he cried freely. He blamed himself for everything that happened to Gia and no words from her or Carmen, Marcus’ wife, could ease his pain or guilt. Gently touching his lowered head Florence softly whispered to her son hoping to momentarily appease his guilt.

Flo- [softly] It’s ok Marcus…
Marcus- [softly as he continued to look down] No it’s not. I should have done more… I should have…
Flo- [sitting beside him gently taking his hand] You did all that you could do…
Marcus- [slowly shaking his head] I’m sorry Mama…
Flo- [a single tear slowly rolling down her face] It wasn’t your fault…

Gently nodding his head Marcus sat silently beside his mother holding her hand as they lost themselves again in thoughts of Gia. The night slowly closing around them Marcus softly whispered to Gia once more before they rose to leave.

Marcus-- [softly] Happy birthday Gia…

Slowly rocking as the sun slowly made it’s descent Gia smiled as the quiet again surrounded her. Though it wasn’t the quiet cottage she had forever dreamed of she had finally found the escape she wanted. Packing up what little she had and with the money she had long been saving Gia made it safely to Florida without Harvey in tow. Showing up on Alma’s doorstep desperate and in need of help Gia was thankful for all that her friend did for her.

To say her last few months in Florida was free of drama would be a lie. Many nights she found herself sitting and waiting for a call from Nikolas she knew would never come. He had promised to come back to her and when he had not she was devastated. Determined to go on without thoughts of him was near impossible and yet somehow she had. But when situations again presented themselves to her Gia had no choice but to turn and run away from what little life she had found.

The days and weeks that followed Nikolas’ departure from her life Gia tried to go back to the life she had been struggling through for the three years prior. And having said goodbye to the one friend she had Gia barely got through each day without breaking down in a fit of tears. The other dancers knowing Alma was no longer there to protect her went out their way to be mean and rude to her. Whenever she would walk into the dressing room conversations would cease and all eyes would be on her. Finding some strength she did not know she had Gia was able to ignore the ignorance and jealousy of those around her. But ignoring Harvey was not as easy as summoning up her unknown strength.

Surprisingly for several weeks after Alma left Harvey paid Gia little to no attention. He barked at her as he barked at the other girls complaining of every little thing that came to him. Whether it be poor tips to the bar tender or a low take in the night’s receipts, if there was something to complain about Harvey would definitely find it. Thankful he had taken his sights off of her Gia was completely taken by surprise when one night he finally crowded her in the dressing room his hands and mouth all over her. Defending herself as best she could Gia pushed him off of her running from Goldmine and locking herself away in her tiny apartment. Ignoring his repeated phone calls and constant pounding on her door Gia hid away from all that she knew would come to her once she returned to Goldmine.

Ready to chuck off all the responsibility that was heaped on her Gia was rocked as she received a letter concerning William and she knew she had little choice than to return to Harvey and Goldmine. Upon her return Gia was careful not to be caught anywhere alone this being her only defense against Harvey and his overfriendly overtures towards her. Her plan to stay out of Harvey’s reached seemed to be working and Gia was able to come in and work her few hours and leave without incident. Hearing news that Harvey would be gone from Goldmine for a few weeks Gia again relaxed knowing she could live worry free for a little while. Though she had received no call from Alma since she left Gia thought of her constantly remembering her plea for her to go with her. And in remembering Alma’s plea she too remembered Nikolas plea and her heart would hurt again.

In Harvey’s absence wanting some time to herself Gia stayed home missing several days of work. She had been feeling sluggish lately and knowing this would be the only time she would get away with not going into work Gia took full advantage of it. Her lethargic feeling not leaving Gia became worried until she found out what exactly was affecting her.

Her soft laughter singing to her Gia rose quickly going to her. Looking at her in amazement Gia slowly extended her hand wiping gently at the hair that fell across her face. She was beautiful and amazing and she looked so much like him it was impossible for her to forget Nikolas. Making a silly face causing her to laugh Gia bent carefully removing Amaya from her tiny crib bringing her close to her. Whispering softly to her Gia slowly returned to the back porch sitting as they gazed again at the darkening sky.

Gia- [softly] See baby… the stars are coming out and shining and twinkling brightly just for you.

A soft gurgle her happy reply Gia smiled down at her beautiful baby daughter talking to her once again.

Gia- What was I thinking Boopie? I should have had cake and ice cream and balloons…
Alma- [softly] For what?
Gia- [smiling] She turned three months today…
Alma- [laughing] You are crazy…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head as she again smiled at her daughter] We have to celebrate everyday we have together…
Alma- [smiling] I hate to see what you have planned for her first birthday party. It’s going to be…
Gia- [smiling] Huge…
Alma- Huge? [softly laughing] Why am I not surprised?

Laughing Gia slowly rocked Amaya content to hold her gently in her arms.

Chapter 8

Looking over the countless wedding brochures and books that lined his desk Nikolas let out a soft sigh as he angrily pushed the books away from him. Why he was even going through the trouble of this wedding he did not know but the act of setting up the “blissful” day helped him to keep his mind off of her. Shaking his head Nikolas softly frowned realizing he no longer had the courage or strength to say her name without being affected. The very thought of her his heart would race and his world would seemingly spin out of control. If given half a clue as to where she was he would chuck everything and go to her begging her to take him within her arms and show him what love was once again. If he were to tell someone he was in love with a girl he met just once yet spent to the most incredible night of his life with they would surely laugh in his face and point him in the direction of the nearest psychologist. But he didn’t need a psychologist to tell him what was in his heart and what his mind readily told him every time he thought of her. To him Gia was love and that was what he wanted most of all. Falling back in his chair ignoring the sweet ache in his heart Nikolas closed his eyes and welcomed the vision of her to him once again.

Watching him as he sat back in his chair Natalia Petravich slowly approached her would be fiancé knowing instantly what or rather who was on his mind. He was thinking of her and as crazy as it seemed she did not mind. When she had first learned of her arranged marriage to Nikolas she wanted to run and scream from her father knowing that a marriage to someone unknown was the last thing she wanted. And yet as her father covered her with guilt saying this was the only way to save and preserve their family’s name she had little choice but to except and obey her father’s wishes. Left in St. Petersburg contemplating how her life would change once she was married to her prince Natalia lost her nerve many times fear nearly forcing her to betray what was best for her family. Having met Nikolas’ uncle her fears increased as she feared she would be marrying a carbon copy of him. Knowing that her marriage was in no way based on love she at least wanted to marry someone she was compatible with and could become friends. So upon meeting Stefan Cassadine and instantly thinking his nephew was like him Natalia thought of the best way she could break this arrangement without bringing disgrace to her already floundering family. When finally she had come up with the best possible scenario of ending this she was summoned to Port Charles, New York and to the fiancé she wanted nothing to do with.

Upon laying eyes on her would be husband Natalia’s heart broke at the sight before her. Looking into his lost eyes she knew he had as much desire to marry her as she had him. Gently touching his shoulder as she had that fateful day they met Natalia softly smiled at Nikolas as he opened his eyes and greeted her with a tender smile.

Natalia- [softly] Nikolas are you not well?
Nikolas- [softly smiling] I’m fine… just got lost in thoughts of her…
Natalia- Have you any new leads as to where she has disappeared to?
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] No…
Natalia- If there is something I can do…
Nikolas- [softly as he looked intently at her] Tell me where she’s at…
Natalia- I wish I could…
Nikolas- [slowly nodding] What brings you by Natalia…
Natalia- I am to meet with your mother and brother and I wanted to know if you would like to accompany me…
Nikolas- [shaking his head] Not really…
Natalia- But they are your family Nikolas…
Nikolas- And they will be yours as well very soon…
Natalia- Are you sure our plans will work?
Nikolas- Yes… nowhere is it written we have to stay married for a certain period of time. We will marry to appease your father and my uncle and in a years time we will divorce as still friends.
Natalia- But what if your uncle objects or my father…
Nikolas- Once we marry they will have little say so in what we do. After our divorce you will be given a sizable settlement and you will be free of your father’s rules and directions. If you so choose you can remain in Port Charles and do the things you wish to do and not what is ordered of you.
Natalia- If our plans work…
Nikolas- [shaking his head] Not if… when…
Natalia- What if they demand an heir or our marriage to last a certain amount of time.
Nikolas- No offense Natalia but I have no plans to sleeping with you. If they are expecting an heir they will be highly disappointed.
Natalia- [softly] I have no plans to sleep with you either…
Nikolas- [shaking his head] If I have offended you…
Natalia- [smiling] Such the prince… I am fine. Now do you wish to accompany me or not?
Nikolas- [softly] Natalia…
Natalia- Perhaps I can persuade you…
Nikolas- I doubt it…
Natalia- I believe your uncle has plans to speak with you seeing that I saw him headed in this direction.
Nikolas- [quickly rising] Let’s go…

Smiling Nikolas and Natalia let arm in arm headed to the Port Charles Grille to meet his mother and brother for lunch. Truth being told the last thing he wanted to do was sit through a lunch with Laura and Lucky pretending to be the happy couple with Natalia but at least in this scenario he did not have to face Stefan and his constant questions about Natalia and Nikolas’ upcoming wedding. Halfway through lunch however Nikolas wished he had remained at Wyndemere as Laura rambled on nonstop about his wedding. His headache increasing growing as she continued to prattle on Nikolas did all he could to keep from screaming out. He so badly wanted to stand and tell her to stop with her suggestions and hints at how she wanted his wedding to go. When he could take no more Nikolas quickly stood excusing himself from the table going quickly in search of air. Safely away from his mother and her over eager enthusiasm Nikolas stood on the patio of the Port Charles Grille lowering his head willing thoughts of her to come to him again.

Her saddened eyes haunting him Nikolas quickly shook his head knowing that soon he had to find her or he would surely go crazy. Whispering softly into the wind Nikolas spook to Gia hoping his longing would be carried to her with a gentle caress of a breeze.

Nikolas- [whispering] Gia where are you?
Lucky- [softly as he came up behind his brother] Who’s Gia?
Nikolas- [slowly turning to Lucky] No one…
Lucky- Then why were you just calling out to her?
Nikolas- Why are you not in there with mother and Natalia planning this big elaborate event?
Lucky- Are you happy Nikolas?
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] No…
Lucky- Then why are you marrying Natalia…
Nikolas- [softly] Because I can’t marry who I want…
Lucky- What does that mean?
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] Nothing… I’m marrying Natalia because that is what was arranged…
Lucky- So if you could choose…
Nikolas- [remembering Gia’s words from long ago] If I had a choice this wouldn’t be it…
Lucky- Then get out of it before it’s too late…
Nikolas- [shaking his head] I can’t…
Lucky- Why the hell not?
Nikolas- Because I can’t…
Lucky- You said you’re not happy… do you love Natalia?
Nikolas- No and she has no feelings towards me as well…
Lucky- If you aren’t marrying for love then why the hell are you getting married?
Nikolas- I could have asked you the same thing…
Lucky- What does that mean?
Nikolas- What do you think it means?
Lucky- Are you saying I didn’t love Elizabeth when I married her?
Nikolas- I’m not saying anything of the sort but if you loved Elizabeth so dearly was it necessary to do the things done at your party?
Lucky- Are you mad you didn’t get to participate?
Nikolas- Don’t be ridiculous… your actions and the actions of your friends had little effect on me…
Lucky- You know you’re acting too high and mighty when you yourself ended up over that dancer’s house…
Nikolas- [softly] Leave her out of this…
Lucky- [shaking his head incredulously] That’s what this is about isn’t it? You can’t get Wet Dream out of your head…
Nikolas- [quickly shaking his head] Lucky I would prefer not to discuss Gia with you…
Lucky- Gia? What exactly happened between the two of you that night that you are now on a first name basis with her?
Nikolas- [calmly as he shook his head] Leave it alone Lucky…
Lucky- [shaking his head] No…
Nikolas- Lucky I’m not having this conversation with you so I suggest you drop it…
Lucky- Nikolas she’s…
Nikolas- Don’t worry about what she is…
Lucky- I hope you know that the second you left she was inviting the next wide-eyed customer to her house…
Nikolas- [grabbing him by the collar] Don’t you ever say something like that about her again…
Lucky- [squirming under Nikolas’ hold ] Let me go!
Nikolas- [pushing him away] Say something like that again and I will forget we’re brothers…
Lucky- Nikolas what has gotten into you? What did this girl do to you?
Nikolas- [shaking his head as he turned and left] That’s none of your concern…
Lucky- [calling out to him] Nikolas…
Nikolas- [turning and staring at him intently] Worry more about the baby you are about to have and less about the going-ons in my life.

Turning to leave before he said another word Nikolas returned to the table collecting Natalia and leaving. Ignoring the look of surprise on Laura’s face Nikolas rushed out of the restaurant angered beyond belief. Who in the hell was Lucky to question anything that he was doing? What he and Gia shared was between them and if anyone decided to question it they would have to answer to him. Gently touching his arm as she saw his anger boiling Natalia softly spoke to Nikolas knowing he needed tender words more than anything else.

Natalia- [softly] You will find her…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] Not soon enough…

Nodding they continued in silence returning to Wyndemere getting stuck in the conversation with Stefan Nikolas hoped to evade before leaving for lunch with Laura and Lucky. Catching the pained look on his face Natalia smiled hoping that the plans they had set would truly come to be.

Slowly caressing her back Gia gently rocked Amaya to sleep her belly now full with milk. Having gently washed in her tub Gia herself was beyond tired and the second Amaya fell off to sleep she would soon join her in slumber. Her escape to Florida with baby slowly growing in her stomach Gia was unsure if Alma was willing to help her. Although she was the only friend she had her entire three years working at Goldmine Alma herself had warned her of becoming involved with a customer. Although she was uncertain if she and Nikolas was truly involved she did know their night together ended in the greatest gift she had ever received. Her belly slowly growing Gia could not keep thoughts of Nikolas far from her. Wondering how he would react if she told him she was carrying his child Gia contemplated over her decision to keep her baby.

As she had promised Nikolas she truly waited for him but having received no word or call from him her faith and belief in him slowly started to dwindle. But yet all she had to do was remember the tender way he held her and her faith would once again be restored. The feel of his arms wrapped tightly around her Gia could not get out of her head. And when he kissed her and loved her tenderly for the first time Gia’s heart exploded with each thought of him. But with each tender thought Gia wondered if she gave of herself too freely to him. Remembering how he tenderly told her of her beauty Gia was convinced if presented with their child Nikolas would love Amaya as much as she loved her but what would he feel for her. In the months that slowly passed Gia examined and reexamined her feelings for him and as crazy as it seemed she loved him. With each passing day her thoughts and feelings for him grew and if ever again she got to chance to see and speak with him she would tell him how she feel.

The phone loudly ringing Gia quickly picked up the receiver hoping the loud intrusion would not wake Amaya. Thankfully remaining asleep Gia went to hang up the phone only to stop when she heard the heated conversation going on.

Alma- Just give her a few more months with her baby…
Harvey- How long do you think I am going to allow her to stay there with you?
Alma- Harvey this is her first and only child give her some time to love and bond with her baby before you yank her back to Goldmine.
Harvey- I hear what you’re saying but whether she or you like it she’s coming back to Goldmine and to me…
Alma- She’s not yours to have like that Harvey…
Harvey- [laughing] Not yet…
Alma- Harvey when I left you promised me…
Harvey- Promises are always being broken…
Alma- Harvey after everything I gave you couldn’t you at least do this for me…
Harvey- No one told you to make the choices you made… you can’t fault me for your dumb mistakes…
Alma- You left her alone for almost a year why come after her now?
Harvey- Because she owes me and regardless to how I take it she’s going to pay…
Alma- Harvey listen to yourself… you weren’t like this when I first met you…
Harvey- Guess what Alma that was a long time ago…
Alma- But…
Harvey- Get over it because I certainly have…
Alma- Harvey think about all we went through…
Harvey- That shit and this conversation is played… Gia owes me and she’s going to pay up…
Alma- And if she doesn’t…
Harvey- She ain’t got a choice…
Alma- Harvey…
Harvey- [shaking his head] She has three more months and that’s it… if she’s not back here after three months I’ll come down there and get her my damn self…
Alma- All that is not even necessary… she’ll be there…
Harvey- Just remember if I found you once I can find you again…
Alma- [shaking her head] Yeah whatever Harvey… goodbye…
Harvey- Don’t make me come after her or you…

Slowly replacing the phone on the base as Harvey and Alma ended their call Gia softly wiped her eyes wondering how much of their friendship was real. It was obvious Harvey and Alma had a relationship she knew nothing about. Was it possible her hand in friendship was no more than a ploy by Harvey to get closer to her? And if by chance it was what exactly was Alma getting out of their arrangement? Feeling suddenly sick to her stomach Gia quickly rose rushing to the bathroom. How could she be her friend for so long telling and helping her to stay away from Harvey when all along she was truly working with him? Lost and confused Gia slowly stood fixing herself in the bathroom before slowly exiting the tiny space. Coming face to face with an “concerned” Alma Gia did all she could to keep from yelling out at her and demanding answers.

Alma- [softly] Are you all right?
Gia- [slowly nodding] I’m fine…
Alma- You sure?
Gia- Yeah… who was on the phone?
Alma- [shaking her head] Wrong number…
Gia- [slowly nodding] Oh…
Alma- What are you about to do?
Gia- I’m sorta tired so I was just going to go and get in a quick nap while Maya in sleeping…
Alma- Before you do… do you think I could talk to you?
Gia- Ye… yeah…

Walking into the living room in silence Alma and Gia settled themselves on the big couch facing each other as Alma slowly began to talk.

Alma- [softly] I really love having you here…
Gia- I like being here…
Alma- [softly smiling] And Amaya is absolutely beautiful…
Gia- [looking down] I thought you’d be mad at me because I didn’t listen to what you told me…
Alma- What are you talking about?
Gia- Never get involved with a customer… as you said never mix the job with anything else…
Alma- [slowly shaking her head] Don’t listen to me… if you find a man who’s gonna love you regardless to what you do love him back because it might not ever happen to you again.
Gia- [softly] Alma…
Alma- [slowly shaking her head] You heard didn’t you?
Gia- [looking down] Yes…
Alma- Baby I’m sorry… I tried to keep him away from you as long as I could…
Gia- [softly] Were you ever really my friend?
Alma- [softly] Of course…
Gia- But if you’re working with Harvey…
Alma- [slowly shaking her head] I’m not…
Gia- But I heard you on the phone…
Alma- What you heard was someone desperately trying to prolong the enviable. You’re going to leave me just like I knew you would and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.
Gia- How long have you known Harvey?
Alma- [softly] Too long…
Gia- Alma…
Alma- Harvey was my father’s friend. Just like you my father got in over his head and Harvey was there to bail him out. For payment he took me…
Gia- What do you mean?
Alma- I started at Goldmine just like you. I wasn’t dancing there because I wanted to I was dancing there because I had no choice. So you see when you came in I saw myself all over again.
Gia- So all Harvey has ever been to you was your boss?
Alma- [slowly shaking her head] No…
Gia- What was he?
Alma- [softly] There is one difference between me and you…
Gia- What?
Alma- I didn’t fight Harvey…
Gia- [softly] What do you mean?
Alma- When he came on to me I didn’t stop him. I was tired and I thought he truly cared about me and he would love me and do me right…
Gia- But…
Alma- I went to him when I was about four months and needless to say he wasn’t too happy and after one too many hands on me I was no longer pregnant…
Gia- [kneeling in front of her] Alma…
Alma- Don’t go back to him Gia… if you get the chance take your baby and go as far away as you can. Don’t let him poison who and what you are. You have a beautiful baby girl… love her how you wanted to be loved and never let her see the struggles you might have to go through.
Gia- [softly] I don’t think I can do that…
Alma- You can and you will. Find the man you are forever thinking and dreaming about and have the life you deserve.
Gia- Why are you telling me this?
Alma- Because I know Harvey and what he wants he gets and right now he wants you and I will die before I let him get you.
Gia- I don’t have anywhere to go. What little money I had I used to come down here and get stuff for Amaya.
Alma- I can get some money together…
Gia- [softly] But what about you?
Alma- [slowly shaking her head] It doesn’t matter… I’m not scared of Harvey and I can deal with him if I have to.
Gia- But I don’t want you hurt because of me…
Alma- Gia when I left Brooklyn I was determined to put that behind me and Harvey still found me. If I’m ever going to do something right it’s this…
Gia- [softly] I don’t want to leave you here…
Alma- Gia…
Gia- I know how it feels to be abandoned and I’m not doing that to you…
Alma- When the time comes I want you to pack up my little Maya and run… don’t look back… don’t worry about me…
Gia- I can’t do that…
Alma- [gently touching her face] Please… take Amaya and run…

Slowly nodding her head Gia remained in front of Alma placing her head gently on her lap. And as Alma gently stroked her hair Gia closed her eyes holding tight to the image of Nikolas hoping when the time came he would except their child and what she was offering.