Chapter 3
Standing outside of his door unsure of his reaction Gia silently prayed that Marcus would momentarily forget his shock and take her into his embrace as he whispered softly that their mother would be fine. Knocking again after receiving no response Gia wondered if she should have went directly to the hospital. Maybe Marcus was still there sitting beside their mother’s bed willing her to a quick recovery. Pulled from her thoughts as Marcus’ door suddenly swung open Gia stared into the angered face of someone she had never seen before. Watching his expression change as he slowly looked up her and down Gia involuntarily took a step backwards wanting nothing to do with her “admirer”. Ready to turn and go in the other direction away from his stares Gia stopped as he softly spoke to her.
Juan- Don’t leave because of me…
Gia- Who… who are you?
Juan- [softly smiling] Someone who wants to get to know you…
Gia- [softly] Does… does Marcus Taggert live here?
Juan- Yeah…
Gia- Well is he here?
Juan- No… but maybe I can help you…
Gia- Will he be back soon?
Juan- Couldn’t tell you but you can come in and call him if you would like…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] I don’t think so…
Juan- [softly smiling] I don’t bite…
Gia- Is he at the hospital or work?
Juan- Who wants to know?
Gia- Gia…
Juan- Gia?
Gia- Yes Gia…
Juan- You have a very beautiful name…
Gia- Who are you?
Juan- [extending his hand] Juan… Juan Santiago…
Gia- [ignoring his hand] Ok like I said… who are you?
Juan- I think I’ve heard your name mentioned before…
Gia- Well I’ve never heard yours…
Juan- [throwing his hands up in surrender] Hey drop the attitude…
Gia- Did my brother say he was coming back anytime soon or…
Juan- So you’re the sister he’s been talking about…
Gia- What is that supposed to mean?
Juan- [slowly shaking his head] Nothing…
Gia- Do you know if my brother is at the hospital or what?
Juan- Yeah… your mother’s surgery was scheduled for today so I can only assume that that is where he’s at…
Gia- [turning and walking away] Thanks…
Juan- [nodding as he watched her retreating form] Yeah…
Erasing Juan from her thoughts Gia quickly went in the direction of the hospital wanting and needing to be there for her brother and mother. Rushing to the nearest nurse’s station Gia inquired about her mother’s whereabouts and was directed to the fifth floor of the hospital. Saying a silent prayer as she rode the elevator to her mother’s floor Gia did her best to compose herself as the doors slowly opened to her mother’s floor. Stopping quickly at the nurse’s station Gia went in the direction they pointed to. Seeing the worry on her brother’s face as she approached him Gia stopped suddenly afraid that her mother had taken a turn for the worse. A soft sob escaping her Marcus turned in her direction shocked to see his baby sister standing before him. Quickly saying her name as he opened his arms to her Gia ran and flung her arms around her brother wanting to never let him go again.
Marcus- [hugging her tightly] Baby sis…
Gia- [softly] Marcus…
Moving away from her gently touching her cheek Marcus softly questioned her confused by her appearance.
Marcus- Baby… what are you doing here?
Gia- [softly] I heard about Mom…
Marcus- [slowly shaking his head] She’s going to be ok…
Gia- But when I saw you…
Marcus- Everything was just getting to me…
Gia- What have they said?
Marcus- Nothing… I’m waiting for word now and…
Gia- She’s gonna pull through this right? She’s gonna be ok?
Marcus- Of course she is… you know Mom is too strong to be taken like this…
Gia- But…
Marcus- Everything will be fine…
Slowly nodding her head Gia allowed Marcus to take her to the waiting area sitting down beside her taking her hands in his. A soft smile on his face they sat in silence waiting for the doctors to come to them and give them word on their mother. Wiping gently at a tear that slowly fell down her face Marcus softly kissed her cheek as he whispered softly to her.
Marcus- She’s gonna be ok… she’ll pull through this…
Gia- [softly as she slowly nodded] Yeah…
Marcus- Mom is strong… she’ll be back yelling at us before you know it…
Her emotions rushing to her Gia slowly shook her head unable to say or do more. Silence surrounding them Gia took a deep breath before turning towards her brother as he softly questioned her.
Marcus- What are you doing here Gia?
Gia- I had to come and see Mom for myself…
Marcus- How did you know… how did you find out?
Gia- I overheard Mrs. Matthews on the phone…
Marcus- I wanted to call you but…
Gia- Then why didn’t you?
Marcus- There was nothing you could do…
Gia- I could’ve been here…
Marcus- It wouldn’t have changed anything…
Gia- You still should have called me…
Marcus- [slowly nodding] I think you should go back…
Gia- What?
Marcus- Mom is going to pull through this… go back and finish up this semester…
Gia- [removing her hand from his] You’re kidding right?
Marcus- No… go back and…
Gia- Marcus Mom just had a heart attack…
Marcus- Don’t you think I know… I found her and…
Gia- How can you expect me to go back like nothing’s happened…
Marcus- There’s nothing you can do here…
Gia- I can’t believe you would want me to go back…
Marcus- Where are you going to stay Gia?
Gia- With you… I can stay with you right?
Marcus- Gia I don’t have a lot of room and the little bit I do have someone is already…
Gia- You’re not going to let me stay because you already have someone staying with you… Marcus we’re family…
Marcus- I know…
Gia- So you’re going to let me stay right…
Marcus- [slowly shaking his head] Gia…
Gia- You’re more concerned about some guy who is who knows what to you than me your own sister?
Marcus- You have to understand… I’m his guardian…
Gia- [raising her voice] Ok and…
Marcus- [shaking his head] Go back to Brooklyn and Columbia Gia… when your semester ends maybe something will be figured out by then…
Gia- This is a damn joke right?
Marcus- Watch your mouth Gia…
Gia- Watch my mouth… you’re trying to make me go back to Brooklyn like nothing’s happened. I want to stay here with Mom…
Marcus- There’s nothing you can do…
Gia- [yelling] I can be here!
Marcus- Lower your voice and that’s enough…
Gia- That’s enough? Where do you get off…
Marcus- [slowly shaking his head] Now you see why I didn’t call you to begin with…
Gia- Marcus she’s my mother too and…
Marcus- And that gives you no right to come here and act like you have no home training yelling and screaming in the middle of the hospital…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] I can’t believe you…
Marcus- [slowly shaking his head] Gia this isn’t the time or place to be having this conversation…
Gia- Well when is the time? When I’m out sleeping on the street while you and whoever are warm and cozy in your beds?
Marcus- [angrily] Enough…
Gia- [folding her arms across her chest] I don’t think so…
As she attempted to argue further her point Dr. Monica Quartermaine emerged from the operating room alerting them that the surgery was complete and a success. Explaining what would happen next regarding their mother’s recovery Gia and Marcus tightly held hands listening to all she had to say. Breathing a sigh of relief as Monica walked away they held each other tightly thankful that the many prayers had been answered. Joy evident together they walked arm in arm in the direction of her ICU. Watching as they slowly wheeled their mother into the room Gia’s happiness was abruptly ended as Marcus softly spoke to her.
Marcus- You heard Monica she’s fine now Gia… go back to school…
Gia- [shaking her head] No…
Marcus- There’s nothing you can do here…
Gia- Can I see Mom? Can I at least see Mom before you send me away?
Marcus- [slowly shaking his head] Fine Gia… but after you see her I want you back in Columbia…
Gia- Marcus…
Marcus- Either you do things my way or I won’t let you see her…
Gia- You can’t stop me from seeing her Marcus…
Marcus- I’ll go to the doctors and tell them that I don’t want you in there. I’ll tell them that you’re a stress that Mom does not need right now…
Gia- Why would you do that?
Marcus- Because I know you Gia… you look for any excuse to justify doing the things you do…
Gia- What are you talking about?
Marcus- I know you didn’t want to go to Columbia…
Gia- Why wouldn’t I want to go to Columbia Marcus? Yanna is there… I’ve met and made a dozen other friends there… they gave me a huge scholarship…
Marcus- Mom wanted you there…
Gia- What does that mean?
Marcus- You and Mom butted heads over you going to Columbia…
Gia- How would you know? You weren’t there…
Marcus- Mom told me…
Gia- Whatever… regardless to us butting heads or not I deserve to be here for Mom…
Marcus- And you can be after this semester is over…
Gia- Marcus please…
Marcus- Only until you see Mom Gia and then that’s it…
Gia- What?
Marcus- After mom wakes up and you visit with her I want you back on that bus to Brooklyn Gia…
Gia- Marcus…
Marcus- Either you except this or you can go back tonight…
Gia- Fine Marcus…
Marcus- After you see Mom I want you gone Gia…
Nodding her head not wanting to say anything to anger her brother Gia silently vowed to stay and care for her mother for as long as it took her to become well once again. Speaking again with the doctor learning that it would be best if they allowed Florence to rest Gia and Marcus headed home to his apartment neither with much to say. Thankfully the guy from earlier was gone for the night and Gia got a quiet night of sleep on her brother’s lumpy sofa. Confused as Marcus slowly shook her awake Gia quickly smiled as Marcus relayed the news that Florence made it through the night with no complications. Knowing she would be awaking soon and they hurried to the hospital wanting to be there as she opened her eyes. Receiving the approval and permission from her doctors Gia and Marcus huddled around their mother’s bed smiling down on her as she slowly emerged from her sleep.
Florence- [groggily] Marcus…
Marcus- I’m here Mom…
Florence- It is so good to see you son…
Marcus- [gently caressing her cheek] You too Mom… [his smile broadening] I have someone here who wants to see you…
Florence- Who?
Gia- [softly] Me Mom…
Watching as her mother turned in her direction Gia softly smiled as a tear slowly rolled down her face.
Florence- [softly smiling] Baby girl…
Gia- [gently kissing her forehead] Hi Mama…
Florence- I missed you baby…
Gia- [slowly nodding] I missed you too…
Florence- I didn’t want you to see how sick I was…
Gia- It’s ok Mama…
Florence- I didn’t… I didn’t mean to make you leave school…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] You think I care about school…
Florence- Gia…
Gia- [softly] I had to make sure my mother was ok…
Florence- [slowly shaking her head] You must’ve been going crazy…
Marcus- We all were…
Florence- Well I’m ok now…
Gia- That’s right…
Florence- I’m so happy to see you Baby Girl…
Gia- [softly] I couldn’t stay away…
Florence- [softly as she drifted back to sleep] I didn’t want you too…
Watching as Marcus motioned her out of their mother’s room Gia quickly wiped her tears as Marcus started talking to her.
Marcus- [shaking his head] No Gia…
Gia- She wants me here Marcus…
Marcus- You have to finish out this semester…
Gia- It’s less than two weeks Marcus…
Marcus- [slowly shaking her head] Gia…
Gia- I’m acing my classes… all I have to do is call the professors and explain the situation and we can work something out…
Marcus- What about finals and…
Gia- Even if I can’t take them my grades are good enough that I’d still pass the class…
Marcus- I don’t like this Gia…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] She’s my mother too Marcus and I’m not leaving her.
Marcus- I hope to God I don’t regret this…
Kissing him softly on the cheek Gia turned back to her mother’s room watching as she peacefully slept praying silently that all would work out as it should.
Chapter 4
It seemed as if he was stuck in a never ending dream he couldn’t seem to wake up from. Since the day she left Nikolas found himself waiting for her phone calls that never seemed to come when she said they would. Having spoken to Ned and not getting the same story Lynn fed him Nikolas could not help but wonder what was truly going on. He was risking his heart for something and someone who possibly did not feel the same way. The days of her absence slowly passing Nikolas felt more and more like an outsider in his group of friends. Though he never planned to he would often find himself sitting quietly and watching as they laughed and joked with each other. Lucky had Elizabeth while Juan had Emily and in Lynn absence he realized how alone he was. Slowly shaking his head Nikolas knew that in truth it was not Lynn he was missing but more so someone that would keep him from his sudden feelings of loneliness. Looking around his cottage realizing how alone he truly felt Nikolas knew he was deluding himself into thinking that something could happen between he and Lynn.
Sighing Nikolas moved to the huge bay window as the emptiness of his cottage began to get to him. Before it never seemed to matter that he lived alone but now instead of the refuge his cottage once offered from the craziness of his job and family he now felt lonely and isolated. Despite his uncle’s persistence to move into Wyndemere once again Nikolas shook his head knowing that regardless to he and Stefan’s good relationship as of late he was in no mood to live with and in all that Wyndemere would bring. Looking at his watch seeing that her promised call was still hours away Nikolas sighed knowing that when she finally returned he would end whatever they had together. He deserved more than what he was getting. Lynn and he were friends but even that seemed unsteady at times. So to go from “friendship” to what they had now Nikolas knew would not work. Shaking his head trying to clear away his thoughts Nikolas slowly turned making his way up stairs to dress for his lunch with his Uncle Stefan and Aunt Alexis. The ringing of the phone pulling him from his thoughts Nikolas answered to phone surprised to heat her voice.
Nikolas- Hello…
Lynn- Hey Nikolas…
Nikolas- Lynn?
Lynn- [laughing] You’ve forgotten my voice already?
Nikolas- Considering I haven’t heard it much…
Lynn- Things are a little hectic here…
Nikolas- [slowly nodding] Will you be returning soon?
Lynn- [sighing] I hope…
Nikolas- I know this is not a good time but…
Lynn- [shaking her head] I was just calling to remind you that I will be calling you later…
Nikolas- What?
Lynn- I was thinking about you and I just wanted to call and remind you to be by the phone when I call later.
Nikolas- Even if I’m not you can always call my cell…
Lynn- I know but…
Nikolas- I have to meet my Aunt and Uncle so there’s a possibility that I may not be at home.
Lynn- Just try to be ok…
Nikolas- Lynn…
Lynn- I just like calling you at home… just be there ok…
Nikolas- Lynn there’s some things we have to discuss…
Lynn- I know and we’ll talk about them when I call you later…
Nikolas- Lynn…
Lynn- [nodding] Later ok…
As the voices and sounds behind Lynn became louder and before Nikolas had a chance to add more to their conversation Lynn ended their call. Staring at the phone in confusion Nikolas slowly shook his head unsure of what to make out of their “talk”. Gathering his keys and wallet as he slowly descended the stairs Nikolas looked quickly at his watch wondering if she would truly call when she promised she would.
The days slowly passing Gia remained by her mother’s side helping her as best she could to recover. Still not over Marcus keeping their mother’s illness from her they barely said more than two words to each other unless necessary. Camped out on his lumpy sofa Gia did her best to figure out what exactly she wanted. Brooklyn and Ayanna had long been her life. they had it all planned. They would conquer Columbia and Brooklyn would then be their next “stop”. But as she remained in Port Charles the things she wanted and had planned didn’t seem as important. Knowing Ayanna would help her with her struggles Gia quickly called her best friend. Listening as the phone rang Gia could not help but smile hearing Ayanna’s voice over the phone.
Ayanna- Yeah…
Gia- [smiling] I leave for a couple of days and you forget everything I taught you already.
Ayanna- [laughing] Whatever heifer…
Gia- [laughing] I miss you too…
Ayanna- Not as much as I miss you… when are you coming back?
Gia- [sighing] I don’t know…
Ayanna- What does that mean?
Before she could continue Juan came into the room leaning against the doorframe as he feasted his eyes on Gia. Watching as he slowly licked his lips Gia shook her head as she softly questioned him.
Gia [quickly speaking into the phone] Hold on…
Ayanna- What’s going on?
Gia- [her hand covering the phone] Is there something you want?
Juan- [slowly looking her up and down] Yeah…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] I don’t think so…
Juan- [smiling] Come on… you never know you might like it…
Gia- [looking him up and down] I doubt it…
Juan- [shrugging] Don’t say I didn’t offer..
Shaking her head as he slowly left the room Gia sighed before again speaking into the phone.
Gia- Yanna please come and save me!
Ayanna- [laughing] Who was that?
Gia- Some wanna-be singer who doesn’t realize no one is paying him any attention…
Ayanna- Girl what is that fool’s name?
Gia- Juan Santi-nobody…
Ayanna- [laughing] You’re so wrong…
Gia- Whatever… you should see how he looks at me… one more goofy grin and I’m going to knock him upside the head…
Ayanna- Damn you ‘bout to get violent on a fool…
Gia- [laughing] Ok…
Ayanna- How’s your mother?
Gia- She’s getting stronger everyday…
Ayanna- That’s good…
Gia- [softly] She woke up and…
Ayanna- [hearing her change in voice] Gia what is it?
Gia- She told me she wanted me here and that she was happy to see me…
Ayanna- That’s good right?
Gia- Yeah but what if I hadn’t got here in time? What if she would have woke up and I wasn’t here…
Ayanna- But you were and that’s all that matters…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] Yeah but…
Ayanna- I know this isn’t the best time to ask you this but what are you going to do about school?
Gia- [sighing] I don’t know…
Ayanna- Does Marcus and your mom want you to stay or…
Gia- [softly] I told Marcus that there was only two weeks of school left…
Ayanna- Gia…
Gia- I know it was wrong but I didn’t want to leave my mom…
Ayanna- I understand but…
Gia- If I would have told him that there was almost two months left I would’ve been back on the bus before I blinked…
Ayanna- [softly] Are you coming back?
Gia- I want to but…
Ayanna- But what?
Gia- I don’t know… I’m here and it just seems like I’m supposed to be here… like something is going to come to me if I just wait around long enough…
Ayanna- Something like what?
Gia- I don’t know… a life maybe…
Ayanna- What does that mean?
Gia- I wish I knew…
Ayanna- [softly] Gia…
Gia- Yanna I love you and your mother and your sister but…
Ayanna- But…
Gia- I just feel like I’m by myself sometimes… my mother is here… Marcus is here…
Ayanna- [softly] So you’re staying?
Gia- I don’t know…
Ayanna- I’ll miss you…
Gia- It’s not like I’ll never come back…
Ayanna- What about Jamaica?
Gia- I know we had everything planned for months and…
Ayanna- You don’t want to go now?
Gia- I don’t want to leave my mother…
Ayanna- Well we still have at least three months before we go so you can still change your mind or I can come there and…
Gia- I don’t want you to miss Jamaica because of me…
Ayanna- Gia if you don’t go who am I going to talk to? Half the people going I can not stand…
Gia- [laughing] That’s true…
Ayanna- Don’t make up your mind now… think about it and we’ll decide what we’re going to do this summer when we absolutely have to…
Gia- [smiling] Ok…
Ayanna- [sighing] I hate to do this but I have to go…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] That’s ok I have to go and visit my mom anyway…
Ayanna- Tell her I love her and I’m thinking about her…
Gia- [nodding] Ok… tell your mom the same…
Ayanna- I will…
Gia- [smiling] Tell Nay I said to stay out of trouble…
Ayanna- [laughing] Impossible…
Gia- [softly] I love you Yanna…
Ayanna- [smiling] I love you too Pookie…
Gia- [laughing] Bye heifer…
Ayanna- [laughing] Bye…
Hanging up the phone Gia quickly showered and dressed before leaving to see Florence in the hospital. Knowing she would soon have to confess and discuss all to her mother and brother Gia tried her best to think of what she could possibly say to get them to let her stay in Port Charles. Her pitch ready all was forgotten as she stepped the elevator coming face to face with an obviously angered Taggert.
Taggert- [holding up a letter] Gia what is this?
Gia- I don’t know… you’re the one looking at it. Why don’t you tell me…
Taggert- [angrily] I don’t have time for your attitude today.
Gia- [fed up with his constant anger at her] And I don’t have time for yours. I came to see mom and…
Taggert- [grabbing her arm stopping her before she entered their mother’s room] The last thing she needs is you today.
Gia- [jerking her arm away] What is that supposed to mean?
Taggert- I got a letter today from some girl’s mother in Brooklyn claiming that you owe her close to $1000.00.
Gia- What?
Taggert- She said you asked her to reserve a condo or something for you in Jamaica and…
Gia- I was supposed to go to Jamaica with some friends this summer but now that mom is sick…
Taggert- You don’t think you have to pay for it?
Gia- No… I’m going to pay for it but…
Taggert- When?
Gia- I’ll find a way…
Taggert- Don’t go asking mom… I’m in charge of her finances for now and I’m not about to bail you out of this one.
Gia- I don’t need anyone to bail me out. I said I’d pay for it and I will.
Taggert- [sighing] Gia…
Gia- Save it Marcus… I haven’t asked you for a thing since I got here…
Taggert- You’re staying in my apartment aren’t you?
Gia- Yeah with the local reject from Menudo…
Taggert- Gia…
Gia- I bet you wouldn’t yell at him over something as stupid as this.
Taggert- Stupid? Gia you have no money… no job and yet here you are racking up bill after bill.
Gia- So?
Taggert- Who do you think is going to pay for it?
Gia- Not you…
Taggert- Gia… I can’t worry about the things you are doing and mom at the same time…
Gia- [softly as she turned to walk away] I didn’t ask you to…
Taggert- [calling after her] Gia… Gia…
Walking quickly to the elevator Gia prayed that it came before Marcus could catch up to her. Then again the way they had been arguing as of late she highly doubted that he would even come for her. Thankfully the elevator arrived and she didn’t have to face the disappointment of her brother not caring enough to come behind her. Holding back her tears Gia wondered if she should have just returned to Brooklyn and did the things her and Ayanna planned for the summer. Shaking her head as she came to the main floor of the hospital Gia quickly walked out of the elevator not paying much attention to where she was walking colliding into the muscular chest of the man before her.
Gia- [angrily] Hey watch it!
Nikolas- [smiling] I think I should be the one saying that to you…
Gia- [quickly looking up instantly lost in his eyes] Excuse… excuse you?
Nikolas- Actually… [smiling] I think what you’re supposed to say is “excuse me”…
Gia- [smiling despite herself] Ok… just don’t let it happen again.
Nikolas- Excuse me?
Gia- You’ve already said that…
Nikolas- I wasn’t the one who ran into you…
Gia- [looking around] You’re the only person I see…
Nikolas- Funny… maybe we should try this again…
Gia- Ok…
Nikolas- [slowly raising an eyebrow] Well…
Gia- [smiling] Watch it…
Nikolas- [smiling] I will…
Gia- [shaking her head as she slowly walked away] Good…
Watching her until she disappeared from his sight Nikolas wondered who the exotic beauty was he… rather who had just plowed into him. There was no one in Port Charles who even remotely came close to her and he knew he had to find out who she was. Before he became completely engrossed in thoughts of her Stefan and Alexis walked towards him both ready for a lunch date set weeks ago that he still had not found an excuse to break. As lunch wore on Nikolas thoughts kept returning to her, her eyes that twinkled when she smiled flashing in his mind.
Stefan- Nikolas… are you still here with us?
Nikolas- I apologize Uncle…
Alexis- A lot of things on your mind?
Nikolas- [slowly nodding] You can say that…
Stefan- There’s nothing we should be concerned with is there?
Nikolas- No… just recalling a conversation I had with Lucky that’s all…
Stefan- [nodding] Oh…
Nikolas- [looking at his watch] Speaking of which… I really must call him. Will you both excuse me for a moment?
Stefan- We can have lunch another time Nikolas…
Nikolas- Are you sure? This will only take a moment.
Alexis- [smiling] Go now before your uncle changes his mind…
Stefan- Alexis…
Nikolas- [smiling as he quickly kissed Alexis] Good point… I will call you Uncle…
Stefan- [as he quickly hugged Nikolas] Fine…
Leaving Nikolas quickly called Lucky telling him that it was important for them to talk and for him to meet him at Kelly's. However by the time he had arrived the rest of the “gang” sat around the table with Lucky and a discussion of his mystery lady could not be had. Settling at the table Nikolas fell into the easy conversation of the group. Looking quickly at his watch Nikolas was surprised that as much time had passed. Knowing Lynn had promised to call Nikolas tried to think of a possible excuse to leave only to be pulled from his thoughts by an obviously excited Juan.
Juan- Hey guys I’ve got to tell you about Taggert’s sister…
Lucky- Taggert has a sister?
Juan- Yeah and she looks so damn good!
Lucky- [smiling] Are you serious?
Juan- Yeah… she was asleep on the couch last night and her gown rose up and… [slowly shaking his head] damn…
Lucky- [smiling as he leaned forward] What?
Juan- She has the sweetest ass I’ve ever seen…
Nikolas- [shaking his head] Juan…
Juan- [smiling] It’s the truth… God what I wouldn’t give to get a feel of her…
Nikolas- Have some respect Juan…
Juan- What are you talking about?
Nikolas- Emily is sitting right beside you…
Juan- [shrugging] Hell if her ass was as good as Gia’s…
Nikolas- [shaking his head] You’re being disrespectful to whoever this girl is as well as Emily and Elizabeth.
Emily- [softly as she looked down] It’s ok…
Nikolas- No it’s not…
Juan- [putting his hands up in surrender] Hey I’m sorry… we weren’t all raised with “princely manners”…
Nikolas- This has nothing to do with “princely manners”… this is about common decency…
Juan- I guess I should work on that then…
Nikolas- [shaking his head] You do that…
Lucky- Hey lighten up bro…
Nikolas- [looking at his watch slowly shaking his head again] I have to go…
Lucky- Where are you going?
Nikolas- I have to go and meet Stefan and…
Liz- Can’t you put him off or something?
Nikolas- Unfortunately no… I’ll see you all later.
Lucky- [smiling] Ok… I’ll see you then bro…
Nikolas- [nodding] Ok… bye guys…
Turning to leave Nikolas plowed directly into Gia as she was coming through the door.
Gia- [angrily] Hey watch it!
Nikolas- [smiling instantly recognizing her] Is that how you always plan to greet me?
Gia- [quickly looking up] Excuse m…
Nikolas- [smiling] Damn… and here I thought you would actually say it…
Gia- [smiling] Not this time…
Nikolas- [smiling] Next time then?
Gia- [locking eyes with him] Yeah… next time…
Smiling at Nikolas one last time Gia continued towards the counter. Forgetting about Lynn and her supposed phone call the instant he saw Gia Nikolas followed behind her to the counter as the table turned to watch them.
Nikolas- [smiling] You know if we continue to meet like this I think it’s only right that I know your name.
Gia- With the way you’re stalking me I’m sure you’ll find it out soon enough…
Nikolas- [laughing] I’m stalking you?
Gia- Yes first the hospital… now here… what next? You show up on my brother’s doorstep?
Nikolas- [slowly nodding as he smiled] Perhaps…
Gia- Perhaps… maybe you should give me you’re name so when my brother comes out after you I can at least tell him who you are…
Nikolas- [extending his hand] Nikolas… Nikolas Cassadine…
Gia- [gently placing her hand in his] It’s nice to meet you Nikolas…
Nikolas- It’s nice to meet you as well…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head as she removed her hand] You don’t get to know my name yet…
Nikolas- I haven’t proven myself huh?
Gia- [slowly nodding] Something like that…
Nikolas- Well what exactly must I do to prove myself worthy of knowing your name?
Gia- [slowly smiling] We’ll see…
Juan- [smiling as he approached] Hey roomie…
Gia- [sighing] Here we go…
Nikolas- You know Juan?
Gia- [softly] Unfortunately…
Juan- I thought that was you… is something going on between you and the prince that I should know about?
Gia- Excuse you…
Juan- How do you know Nikolas?
Gia- Why do you care?
Juan- [shrugging] Just asking…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] Not answering…
Lucky- Who are you? And what… better yet how can I get to know all about you?
Gia- Who are you?
Coming to stand beside her Lucky placed his arm around her waist bringing her closer to him as he softly whispered in her ear.
Lucky- Your new best friend…
Nikolas- [softly] Lucky…
Gia- [shaking her head] Far from it…
Lucky- [smiling] That’s my name beautiful…
Gia- Well whatever it is I think you really should let me go…
Lucky- [smiling] But I like holding you close to me…
Gia- I don’t know what’s cornier… your name or your cheesy pick up line… whichever one it is [pushing away from him] let me go…
Lucky- Aww baby don’t be like that…
Gia- [looking at Nikolas] Do you know him?
Nikolas- [mumbling] Unfortunately…
Lucky- I’m his brother and you are…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] Not interested…
Lucky- [smiling] Are you always like this?
Juan- Yes… you would think with us being roommates….
Lucky- [smiling] She’s the one you were about? [slowly looking Gia up and down] Damn…
Juan- [nodding] Yeah…
Lucky- Maybe… [elbowing Juan] maybe you should introduce her to the girls…
Gia- [shaking her head] Not necessary…
Lucky- [seductively smiling] Don’t you want to get to know us?
Gia- Should I?
Lucky- [nodding] Most definitely…
Slowly shaking her head Gia allowed Juan to lead her to their table introducing her to a frowning Elizabeth and Emily. Watching and smiling as Gia exchanged words and conversation with the gang Nikolas again forgot about Lynn’s supposed call and lost himself in Gia. Looking from person to person as the conversation began again Gia wondered silently what she had gotten herself into. Shaking her head at another ridiculous comment made by Elizabeth Gia leaned over towards Nikolas softly talking to him.
Gia- [softly] I take it you’re the only sane one in the group…
Nikolas- How’d you guess?
Gia- I’ve been watching you…
Nikolas- [smiling] You’ve been watching me?
Gia- [laughing] Whatever…
Nikolas- So do I get to know your name now?
Gia- Juan already said it…
Nikolas- [rising an eyebrow] Who listens to Juan? Besides I’d rather hear it from you…
Gia- [softly] Oh…
Nikolas- [smiling] Well…
Gia- [extending her hand] Gia Campbell…
Nikolas- [gently enclosing her hand] It’s nice to meet you Gia Campbell…
Gia- [locking eyes with Nikolas] Yeah…
Nikolas- [smiling] Yeah…
Lucky- [interrupting their stare] Hey now… you can’t hog her to yourself…
Smiling Gia finally broke their stare turning back to he group joining the conversation once again. Sneaking a glance in his direction on more than one occasion Gia was pleasantly surprised to consistently find him staring back at her smiling. Excusing herself as the day wore on with promises to join them once again Gia rose finally ready to go and visit her mother. Smiling knowing he was watching her every move Gia chanced a glance in Nikolas’ direction only to be rewarded with a small wave and smile from him as she exited Kelly's. placing her hand on her racing heart Gia was startled as Nikolas suddenly appeared beside her.
Gia- Did you forget something?
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] No…
Gia- Then can I help you with something…
Nikolas- [slowly smiling] No…
Shrugging Gia turned walking again in the direction of the hospital. Falling in an easy stride beside her Nikolas walked with Gia to the hospital neither speaking a word. Unnerved and confused by his presence Gia stopped turned to Nikolas questioning him once again.
Gia- [hands on hips] Ok what gives?
Nikolas- Excuse you… [slowly rising an eyebrow] or is it excuse me?
Gia- [smiling despite herself] Is there a reason you’re walking with me?
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] I can’t have you bumping into just anybody…
Gia- Only you huh?
Nikolas- [smiling] Yeah only me…
Gia- [smiling] Whatever…
Shaking her head Gia slowly turned walking again towards her mother and the hospital. Stopping as she moved away from him Gia looked back in Nikolas’ direction smiling as she softly spoke to him.
Gia- [smiling] Well then what are you waiting on?
Smiling once again Nikolas hurriedly caught up with Gia nodding in the direction they were to go. After explaining her reasons for being in Port Charles Gia listened as Nikolas too told her all about himself. Once finally at the hospital Nikolas turned again to Gia, thoughts of Lynn long forgotten, smiling as he softly spoke to her.
Nikolas- We made it…
Gia- Yeah… and to think I didn’t bump into anyone along the way…
Nikolas- [smiling] That’s right you didn’t…
Gia- [smiling] Thanks to you of course…
Nikolas- [nodding] Of course…
Gia- [laughing as she turned to walk away] Whatever…
Nikolas- [softly] I’ll be watching you Ms. Campbell…
Gia- [softly as she turned back towards him] Excuse me…
Nikolas- [smiling] I’ll be watching you…
Gia- [slowly smiling] You do that…
Sharing one last smile Gia disappeared into the hospital off in search of her mother and brother. slowly shaking his head Nikolas returned to Kelly’s collecting his car before making the long trek to his cottage. Seeing the blinking light of the answering machine Nikolas slowly shook his head deciding against replying to the calls. Slowly climbing the stairs, a smile on his face, Nikolas fell across his bed thoughts of Gia still heavy on his mind.