Chapter 1

Checking her watch quickly Gia looked back at the door waiting and watching for Ayanna’s class to let out. Hopefully they could squeeze in a trip to the mall between class and work. Everything for Jamaica in sun was falling into place and now all they needed was the right clothes and accessories and their wardrobe would be complete. Working was the last thing Gia wanted to do but all she needed was a few more hours and her portion of the beach house would be paid for. Maybe she should just call her mother and ask for it but knowing Florence they would get into an argument over what Gia should and should not be doing for the summer. Lost in thought Gia did not see or hear as Ayanna exited the door calling her name. Slowly shaking her head Ayanna quickly walked towards Gia tapping her lightly on the forehead as she smiled and softly spoke to her.

Ayanna- [softly] All right bucket head let it go…
Gia- [smiling as she looked up at her] Bucket head?
Ayanna- [smiling] You got a better name?
Gia- [smiling] The Supreme Diva… Ms. Thang… The One…
Ayanna- [shaking her head] Gia I-need-a-life Campbell…
Gia- [laughing] Whatever…
Ayanna- [looking quickly at her watch] You think we got time…
Gia- There’s always time to shop…
Ayanna- Yeah but with the way Keith has been acting lately we show up late we might not have a job…
Gia- [fanning her head] Forget Keith… we need to find the right swimming suit for you and I need another pair of sandals and…
Ayanna- Why don’t we go home and change and then just go to work from the mall…
Gia- I am not walking around in my uniform…
Ayanna- Gia…
Gia- Ayanna please… the last thing I want to advertise is the fact that I work at the Plucky Chicken…
Ayanna- [laughing] The what?
Gia- [laughing] Ok so we don’t work at the Plucky Chicken but it’s bad enough we have to wear a uniform while cleaning empty buildings I don’t want to showcase that to everyone.
Ayanna- [shaking her head] Where did you come up with The Plucky Chicken?
Gia- [laughing] I don’t know… so are we going to the mall now or are you going to make me go home and force me to change?
Ayanna- Ok we can go now…
Gia- [hooking Ayanna’s arm as they slowly walked] Good… you coming over tonight after work?
Ayanna- I don’t know… Dee Dee’s been on the warpath lately…
Gia- Why?
Ayanna- She’s not happy with our decision to go to Jamaica…
Gia- What does she expect us to do? Stay in Brooklyn and…
Ayanna- Take a couple of classes… bone up on our class reading for next semester… sit up under her and be miserable…
Gia- [shaking her head] I don’t think so…
Ayanna- Steer Ajané in the right direction…
Gia- Where has she been lately? She kept calling me last week saying she needed to come and stay with me for a few days and then all of a sudden she stopped calling…
Ayanna- Who knows… she and mom aren’t seeing eye to eye so…
Gia- So it’s drama?
Ayanna- [nodding] Pretty much… Ajané just needs to realize that mama is just looking out for her… Gia- Maybe you should tell her that…
Ayanna- I tried but you know she’s hardheaded and doesn’t listen…
Gia- See that’s why I’m glad I don’t have any younger siblings because I would knock them upside the head until they listened…
Ayanna- Like I’m sure Marcus wants to do you…
Gia- [mumbling] Yeah if he ever takes the time to come and see me…
Ayanna- [softly] I’m sorry…
Gia- [shaking her head] I’m sure Marc and mom will come and see me when they get some time…
Ayanna- [softly] Yeah…

Silent as they continued to the mall thoughts of Marcus, Florence, Ajané, Diane, and everything else were forgotten once they emerged themselves in the sales and stores around them. Losing themselves in rack after rack of clothes the time got away from them and they found themselves rushing first to Gia’s house to change and then to Ayanna’s. As Ayanna quickly changed Gia laid back across her bed fussing at her gaining a stern look in return from Ayanna.

Gia- [shaking her head] See I told you we should have changed first…
Ayanna- You what?
Gia- I said we should have… [seeing her look] why did you even listen to me to begin with?
Ayanna- [laughing] How the hell would I know?
Gia- [laughing] Keith is going to be pissed…
Ayanna- [laughing] Yeah that vein in his forehead will be going a mile a minute…
Gia- One of these days his head gon pop off…
Ayanna- Yes… but he still will yell at us to [imitating Keith’s voice] “Clean up that mess young lady! The more you stand around…”
Gia- [imitating his voice as well] “The bigger the mess becomes…”
Ayanna- [shaking her head] I don’t know where he comes up with that crap…
Gia- [laughing] I know…
Ayanna- Just let me tell my mom bye and we can go…
Gia- [nodding] I’ll come with you…

Laughing as they slowly neared Diane in the living room Gia and Ayanna quieted as they heard her speaking into the phone. Wanting to still wave to her as they left Gia froze as she listened to Diane’s conversation.

Diane- [softly as her voice wavered] Yes that’s what I told him… he thinks she should stay here and finish out this semester. Well from what he’s told me there hasn’t been a change. The doctor’s are trying their best to remain optimist but depending on how she comes out of this surgery… that’s when they’ll know for sure. I thought if she went to see her it would help but Marcus doesn’t think so... I’ll tell Marcus that Florence is in your prayers… he’ll appreciate your thoughts and kind words… I don’t know what I’ll do… Florence is like as sister to me and if I lost her now… I… I just don’t know…

Rushing into the room as she heard her mother’s name Gia quickly questioned Diane.

Gia- [anxiously] What’s wrong with my mother?
Diane- [slowly shaking her head as she continued to speak into the phone] I’ll call you when I have a update….
Gia- [softly] Is something wrong with my mother?
Diane- I’ll tell her…
Gia- [reaching for the phone] I have to call…
Diane- [shaking her head] Yes Debra as soon as I hear something I’ll call you…
Gia- [softly] But you said my mother…
Diane- [slowly hanging up the phone] Gia baby I need you to listen to me…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] No… I have to call my mother and…
Diane- [extending her hand] Gia…
Gia- [as tears slowly fell] Please… I have to call my mother…

Looking quickly as her mother’s concerned face Ayanna gently took Gia’s hand and led her to the couch. Helping her to sit Ayanna nodded as she looked at her waiting for her to tell them what she was speaking about on the phone.

Diane- I didn’t want to tell you like this but…
Gia- What happened to my mother? She hasn’t called in a while but we haven’t exactly been seeing things eye to eye so I just thought…
Diane- Florence was sick and…
Gia- [shaking her head] No…
Diane- There was a problem with her heart and…
Gia- What are you talking about?
Diane- [softly] Florence suffered a massive heart attack and…
Gia- [suddenly standing] No…
Ayanna- [reaching for her] Gia…
Diane- I know she will pull through this and…
Gia- [collapsing on the seat next to Ayanna] When did this happen? Why didn’t Marcus call me or…
Diane- Marcus thinks it would be best if you finish out this semester…
Gia- What?
Diane- Stay here and don’t worry about Florence… she’s strong and she’ll pull through this…
Gia- [softly as her tears fell] I want to see my mother…
Diane- Baby I understand but…
Ayanna- [softly] When did this happen?
Diane- It doesn’t matter… just know that the doctors were able to stabilize her and she will be going in to surgery soon…
Gia- Why didn’t Marcus call me?
Diane- He didn’t want you to worry baby…
Gia- [softly] What if I lose her?
Diane- [moving beside Gia gently taking her hand] Florence is strong… you know that. She will make it through this and we’ll be at your graduation together smiling as you and Yanna walk across the stage…
Gia- I have to go and see her…
Diane- [slowly shaking her head] Marcus wants you to stay here and…
Gia- I can’t…
Diane- Gia…
Gia- My mother would want me there. She would want…
Diane- [slowly shaking her head] No… she wouldn’t want you to see her like this…
Gia- [softly] I have to go…
Diane- If something changes Marcus will call us…
Gia- But…
Diane- Go to work and…
Ayanna- Why won’t you let her go and see her?
Diane- [slowly shaking her head] There’s nothing she can do…
Ayanna- She can be there…
Diane- [slowly shaking her head] Go to work and I’ll call and speak with Marcus… I’ll talk to him into letting you come…
Gia- Why does he get to decide?
Diane- He’s making all of the decisions for your mother and…
Gia- I can’t just stay here and do nothing…
Diane- [gently taking her head] Pray for her…

Rising and leaving before Ayanna or Gia could question her more Diane rushed out of the room her thoughts and emotions concerning her friend finally getting to her. Turning confused eyes to her best friend Gia softly spoke as her tears continued to fall.

Gia- [softly] I can’t stay here…
Ayanna- I know…
Gia- I have to go to my mother and…
Ayanna- [slowly nodding] Do you have any money or…
Gia- [shaking her head] We don’t get paid until this weekend and even then…
Ayanna- [gently taking her hand] Come on we’ll get some from somewhere…

Rushing off to work Ayanna and Gia cornered Keith convincing him to give both Gia and Ayanna an advance on their paychecks. Returning home Gia quickly threw a few items into an overnight bag before leaving for the bus station. Hugging her tightly Ayanna softly whispered to Gia telling her all would turn out correctly. Hearing her bus number being called their embrace tightened before Gia reluctantly pulled away.

Ayanna- Everything will work out Gia… Florence will be fine and you’ll be back here before you know it…
Gia- [softly] I wish you could come with me…
Ayanna- So do I but I have to stay here and take care of my mother…
Gia- [slowly nodding] I know…
Ayanna- Call me when you find out anything…
Gia- Ok…
Ayanna- I’ll explain to my mother why you had to go…
Gia- [quickly hugging her once more] I love you Ayanna…
Ayanna- I love you too… now go and take care of your mother…

Watching as she boarded her bus Ayanna and Gia waved once more before the Greyhound slowly pulled away from the station. Sitting back slowly in her seat Gia silently said a prayer for her mother and for the strength she would need once she arrived in Part Charles.

Chapter 2

Looking over at her as she peacefully sleep Nikolas shook his head knowing that he was continuing to make mistakes as far as Lynn was concerned. They had agreed to work at a quote/unquote relationship but even after sleeping with her once again in his heart he knew this was wrong for him. Despite working with her and having known her for what seemed like forever he still knew no more of her than the random person walking down the street. She was his mother’s best friend daughter and… Shaking his head realizing how much there was to know of her yet not wanting to learn it Nikolas turned towards the window again praying for clarity in the situation he was now involved in.

Their first time together being nothing more than two friends with too much to drink coming together after a night of partying. This time however Nikolas wanted and attempted to do everything right. After taking her out on date after date, none of which she seemed to enjoy, Nikolas planned an elaborate night of dinner and dancing at the most exclusive restaurant in all of Manhattan. Rightfully so Lynn was impressed with all that he had done and for once returned the affection he bestowed on her. They enjoyed each other’s company and the night seemed to flow from there. Huddled close together during their limousine ride back to Port Charles Nikolas invited Lynn into his cottage and they came together once again.

And yet as he kissed her as she drifted off to sleep turning away from him as he attempted to talk and cuddle with her Nikolas knew them being together would not work. Slipping from the bed going over to the window looking out as he tried to think of how to end this before it went further Nikolas was pulled from his thoughts as Lynn called out to him.

Lynn- Nikolas come back to bed…
Nikolas- I will… go back to sleep…
Lynn- [sitting up in bed] Is there something wrong Nikolas?
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] No…
Lynn- Nikolas you can tell me if…
Nikolas- I’m just thinking…
Lynn- About?
Nikolas- [softly] Life…
Lynn- What does that mean?
Nikolas- It means I look at you and I don’t know where this is going…
Lynn- Nikolas…
Nikolas- And more importantly I’m sitting here thinking and wondering if what we’re doing together is right.
Lynn- Why wouldn’t it be?
Nikolas- I don’t know how you feel about me and…
Lynn- I like you Nikolas… I like you a lot…
Nikolas- I look at Lucky and Elizabeth and I can’t help but envy their relationship… or Juan and Emily…
Lynn- [slowly shaking her head] You shouldn’t…
Nikolas- They both have what I want…
Lynn- What are you talking about Nikolas?
Nikolas- Someone to love… someone who loves them in return…
Lynn- Everything is not how it appears Nikolas…
Nikolas- I know that Lynn but still… what they have has got to be better than what we’re doing…
Lynn- Why would you say that?
Nikolas- [humping his shoulders] I have no idea of the things you like or…
Lynn- [seductively smiling] Mind blowing sex…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] More than that… what makes you laugh or…
Lynn- Nikolas you’ll learn that… we’ll both learn that in time…
Nikolas- How can you know that?
Lynn- Because I’m not going anywhere and you’re not going anywhere… we can learn together and what we grow into will be better than what Lucky, Elizabeth, Emily, and Juan have put together.
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] Lynn…
Lynn- We promised we would take this one day at a time… don’t try and put more to this and us than what there is now.
Nikolas- [softly] I know…

Nodding Lynn slowly moved from Nikolas’ bed coming to join him near the window. Silence enclosing them Nikolas slowly shook his head knowing that despite all of Lynn’s words he felt no stronger connection to her than he did before. Going through the motions Nikolas wrapped Lynn tightly in his arms hugging her to him willing his emotions to deepen and grow for her. Inhaling deeply as she slowly led him back to the bed Nikolas laid across the bed as Lynn slowly and orally soothed away his thoughts and fears. Rising and softly kissing him on the mouth Lynn laid beside Nikolas falling asleep again as he softly whispered to her. Shaking his head Nikolas turned away from Lynn knowing that all that he said to her tonight was in vain. Perhaps what he wanted would never come to him, or if it did perhaps she was not the one who would give him all that he needed. Whatever the case may be Nikolas knew he had to end whatever was going on between them before he invested too much and was again left heartbroken.

Tossing and turning through out the night Nikolas awoke to the smell of breakfast being cooked. Wrapping his robe around his body Nikolas padded his way to the kitchen watching as Lynn quickly moved around his kitchen. Noticing him in the doorway Lynn smiled in his direction moving to him placing a gentle kiss on his mouth before quickly moving away. Motioning him to the table Lynn finished their meal before coming to him with a food piled plate and ready smile.

Lynn- [smiling as she placed the food before him] Good morning sleepyhead…
Nikolas- What’s all of this?
Lynn- Breakfast…
Nikolas- And?
Lynn- An early morning apology…
Nikolas- For what?
Lynn- I have to leave…
Nikolas- What are you talking about?
Lynn- Ned called me this morning and…
Nikolas- I didn’t hear the phone ring…
Lynn- [sighing] He called my cell…
Nikolas- What did he say?
Lynn- I have to leave town for a little while and…
Nikolas- For what?
Lynn- Ned thinks it would really be a good idea if Juan went on that South American concert tour and I have to go down there and soothe away any ruffled feathers that might still be there after Juan’s last refusal.
Nikolas- What?
Lynn- Juan is hot and we have to strike while it’s hot and…
Nikolas- Ok… even if that’s true…
Lynn- You don’t believe me…
Nikolas- I’ve looked at his record sales… Juan is no where near hot… but even if he was why didn’t Ned come to me first seeing that I’m supposed to be the one working with Juan…
Lynn- I don’t know… you’d have to take that up with Ned… but after everything we talked about last night the last thing I want to do right now is leave…
Nikolas- [slowly nodding] Yeah…
Lynn- I tried to explain this to Ned but…
Nikolas- How long will you be gone?
Lynn- [sighing] At the most a month…
Nikolas- A month? Since when does it take that long to talk to anyone?
Lynn- Juan burned a lot of bridges when he turned out their offer last time… I have to stay down there regardless to how long it takes to get this deal worked out.
Nikolas- [nodding] When are you leaving? Maybe we can…
Lynn- [slowly shaking her head] My flight leaves in a little over two hours…
Nikolas- But…
Lynn- It’s the only flight I can get at such short notice…
Nikolas- You can use my plane and…
Lynn- I appreciate the offer but you know I can’t Nikolas…
Nikolas- Lynn I thought we agreed to work on…
Lynn- I’ll call you when I’m gone…
Nikolas- What?
Lynn- It’s the best I can do Nikolas… I know we can have something amazing together… let me handle whatever this situation is and when I return…

His slow nod ending her explanation Nikolas and Lynn ate their breakfast in companionable silence. Clearing away the dishes after they were done Nikolas offered to take Lynn to the airport only to be turned down with a flimsy excuse. Slowly nodding in understanding Nikolas tenderly kissed Lynn goodbye as he deposited her at her apartment before heading to Kelly’s and meeting up with the gang there. Noting the absence of his brother Nikolas fell into easy conversation with Juan, Emily, and Elizabeth. Arriving nearly a hour after his brother Lucky joined the group quickly asking Nikolas about he and Lynn’s date. After answering question after question Nikolas finally steered the conversation away from he and Lynn instead focusing it on any and everything but. Sitting back and watching as the couples moved closer together laughing and joking as the day wore on. Looking away as they exchanged kisses and hugs from time to time Nikolas could not help but feel like the odd man out alone again in this group of five.