Chapter 5
Despite the days again slowly passing Gia could not help but smile as she thought of Nikolas. Since the day they "met" they remained in contact. Having met him and the gang several times for lunch and to hang out Gia could not imagine how for one he fit in with that group and two how she would have made it through the last few days without him. Whenever things seemed to getting the best of her or her thoughts turned in a direction they should not be going he always seemed to be there to offer her a smile. Pushing thoughts of Nikolas from her mind Gia’s smile brightened as she entered her mother’s room to find her up looking more and more like her old self. Her mother’s smiling eyes on her once again Gia softly smiled as she spoke to her.
Gia- [smiling] Mama…
Florence- [softly] Baby Girl…
Gia- How are you feeling today?
Florence- I’m good baby…
Gia- [slowly nodding her head] That’s good…
Florence- Yeah but I’d be better if you told me what was really going on…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] I don’t understand…
Florence- Gia why aren’t you in school?
Gia- Classes are all but done and…
Florence- Don’t lie to me Gia…
Gia- [softly] I’m not…
Florence- I’ve talked to Diane… I called the school…
Looking down as her mother explained all that she had done to learn the truth about Gia and Columbia
Florence- Gia why would you lie like this?
Gia- [softly] I’m sorry…
Florence- Sorry doesn’t excuse it away… why would stand there and lie to me?
Gia- I didn’t know what else to do…
Florence- You could have come to me and told me the truth…
Gia- But you would have just sent me back… you would have…
Florence- You don’t know that…
Gia- Yes I do… if I would have come to you telling you everything that was bothering me you would have just told me to suck it up and get over it…
Florence- [softly] Gia…
Gia- You would have told me that everyone goes through what I was going through…
Florence- [gently touching her hand] Babygirl what are you going through?
Gia- [sighing] Mama…
Patting the spot beside her on the bed Florence motioned to her offering her a place to sit.
Florence- [softly] Tell me what’s going on…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] I…
Florence- [extending her hand] Just tell me… I promise I’ll listen without judging…
Gia- [softly] I don’t think I can do it…
Florence- I promise… whatever you have to say…
Gia- [shaking her head] No I know you’ll listen but…
Florence- [softly as she again offered her hand] Just tell me baby…
Taking a deep breath Gia gently took her mother’s hand sitting beside her on the hospital bed. Her mother’s gaze nearly too intense Gia lowered her head again unsure if she could tell all that she was feeling without disappointing her mother. Sensing Gia’s uncertainty Florence gently touched her cheek bringing her gaze once again to her.
Florence- I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s wrong…
At Gia’s nod Florence continued.
Florence- Whatever it is I will listen and accept it and I promise I won’t lecture you on it… [softly smiling] well I won’t lecture you on it much.
Smiling at her mother Gia took a deep breath and softly began to tell her mother all that was troubling her.
Gia- [softly] I don’t want to disappoint you…
Florence- You never could baby…
Gia- But…
Florence- No matter what you do I’ll always be proud of you. You’re my baby and I love you…
With a slow nod Gia continued with her confessions.
Gia- I lied about school…
Florence- Why baby?
Gia- I… [softly] it was too much…
Florence- You couldn’t handle the classes? The course load was too much?
Gia- No… I was doing well in all of my classes but…
Florence- But what?
Gia- [whispering] It didn’t matter…
Florence- Babygirl I don’t understand…
Gia- After Marcus left all I had was you…
Florence- [nodding] We had each other…
Gia- But then you left and I was all alone…
Florence- Diane was there… Ayanna… Ajané…
Gia- [shaking her head] It wasn’t the same… I wanted my mother… I wanted my brother…
Florence- Baby I had to leave… I was sick and I didn’t want you to see me like that…
Gia- But it was like you abandoned me… like you didn’t care what I did or…
Florence- I came here for treatment…
Gia- I know that now but…
Florence- What does this have to do with Columbia and why you left in the middle of the semester?
Gia- Because I couldn’t do it anymore…
Florence- Do what?
Gia- Go to that big empty house and wonder if you and Marcus were happier without me around…
Florence- [softly] Baby…
Gia- And I know it’s wrong but when I heard about you I was of course terrified but I was also finally able to breathe…
Florence- What do you mean?
Gia- I mean that despite everything that was going on I was almost relieved because I would finally get to see you again…
Florence- Gia…
Gia- I know it’s crazy but I felt like you just up and left me and…
Florence- [slowly shaking her head] I would never leave you…
Gia- I know but…
Florence- No buts… you’re my baby girl and I love you…
Gia- I love you too Mama…
Florence- Ok… now that we got all that talk of love out of the way what now?
Gia- What do you mean?
Florence- School… you left in the middle of the semester…
Gia- I don’t want to go back…
Florence- Babygirl…
Gia- You’re not well enough to travel and I won’t… I’m not going back by myself…
Florence- Why not?
Gia- Because it’s lonely and…
Florence- It’s lonely… what about school Gia? You’re just going to walk away from school because it’s lonely?
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] No but…
Florence- What about school here? If you’re not in Columbia you can go here for the time being…
Gia- [softly] Mom…
Florence- Baby I’m trying to understand what you’re going through but you not finishing school…
Gia- [whispering] I’m going to finish school…
Florence- When?
Gia- Eventually… look Mom I’m not sure of what I want to do but I do know… I am sure about one thing…
Florence- What?
Gia- That I want to stay here by you and Marcus… [softly] don’t make me go back without you…
Florence- [sighing] Gia…
Gia- Mama don’t make me go back please…
Florence- Baby of course I want you to stay here with me but…
Gia- [softly] Mama I don’t want to go back without you…
Florence- Gia you can’t stay here and do nothing…
Gia- [whispering] I know…
Seeing the obvious emotion playing across her daughter’s face Florence gently touched her cheek questioning her softly.
Florence- Baby what is it?
Gia- [softly] Did you miss me?
Florence- Of course I did… why would you ask that?
Gia- I just wondered…
Florence- I missed you so much… so did Marcus…
Gia- Marcus and I haven’t exactly been seeing eye to eye so I doubt he missed me and even if he did I’m sure he’s more than ready to miss me again…
Florence- [smiling] It can’t be that bad…
Gia- [sighing] It is…
Florence- I’ll talk to him…
Gia- [shaking her head] That’s ok…
Florence- No… my children should be getting along…
Gia- [nodding] We will as soon I as move out…
Florence- [laughing] Probably…
Moving from her bed as the nurse came to check her vitals Gia stood by the window smiling back at her mother. Sleep seemingly ready to claim her Gia gently kissed her mother’s forehead promising to visit her later. Exiting the room with a smile still on her face Gia was surprised as she met her obviously angered brother by the waiting room lounge. Attempting to question him about his foul mood Gia was met with a barrage from Marcus.
Gia- [smiling] Hey Marcus…
Marcus- [slowly shaking his head] I can’t believe you sometimes…
Gia- Huh?
Marcus- [hands on his hips] You have a lot of nerve…
Gia- [sighing] Ok whatever…
Marcus- This is why I didn’t call you…
Gia- Marcus when you’re finished rambling on about whatever let me know and then we’ll talk…
Marcus- I heard you…
Gia- You heard what?
Marcus- You and mom…
Gia- Ok and?
Marcus- She’s recovering from a massive heart attack Gia…
Gia- Don’t you think I know that…
Marcus- So why go in there and put all that bull on her?
Gia- What are you talking about?
Marcus- You always take the easy way out don’t you?
Gia- Huh?
Marcus- Why lie about school Gia? Why did you stand there and lie to me in face?
Gia- One… I’m not about to talk to you about school and two… even if I was I’m not about to do it here. And three… it’s not your business anyway…
Marcus- It became my business when you threw it in Mom’s lap…
Gia- Do you even know what you’re talking about?
Marcus- I know you’re a liar…
Gia- [softly] I’m what?
Marcus- You will lie and say whatever you have to say to keep you from doing the right thing…
Gia- [shaking her head] You don’t know what you’re talking about…
Marcus- I do…
Gia- [shaking her head as she turned to leave] Whatever Marcus…
Grabbing her by the arm Marcus turned Gia back to him ready to finish their “talk”.
Marcus- [shaking his head] I don’t think so…
Snatching away from him Gia turned angry eyes towards her brother ready to confront him over his accusations.
Gia- Let me go…
Marcus- Take responsibility for what you’re doing Gia…
Gia- I’m not doing anything…
Marcus- [yelling] Exactly…
Gia- What is this really about? Did I not make the bed? Was I rude to your little houseguest and he came complaining to you?
Marcus- He’s not a houseguest… you are…
Gia- Meaning?
Marcus- I think it’s time you go back to Columbia Gia…
Gia- [shaking her head] No…
Marcus- Do you really think that I’m going to let you waste away…
Gia- I’m not asking you to let me do anything…
Marcus- I’m not going to continue to let you stay in my apartment doing nothing.
Gia- What does that mean?
Marcus- What do you think?
Gia- [softly] Marcus…
Marcus- [slowly shaking his head] I didn’t want it to come to this…
Gia- [yelling] What makes Juan so damn perfect that you accept him and everything he’s not doing but you treat me like the scum of the earth because I want to stay with you for a couple of months until mom is better?
Marcus- Lower your voice…
Gia- No… why is he so much better than me?
Marcus- He’s not…
Gia- Then why…
Marcus- You’re my sister and I love you. I only want the best for you and staying in Port Charles and my apartment is not it.
Gia- So if I become a do nothing singer can I stay?
Marcus- See this is your problem…
Gia- [shaking her head] I don’t have a problem… you do…
Marcus- You’re right I do have a problem… you…
Gia- [softly] So I’m a problem now?
Marcus- Gia go back to Columbia… go back to the life you’re throwing away…
Gia- No…
Marcus- Then I suggest you start looking for a place to stay…
Gia- [softly] You’re putting me out?
Marcus- I’m not going to stand by and help you destroy your life and that’s what I would be doing if I let you stay…
Gia- You’re unbelievable…
Marcus- No I’m your brother and I’m trying to do right by you…
Gia- By putting me out?
Marcus- Gia the world is not going to handed to you. And unless you have a college education you’re going to be stuck in a do nothing go nowhere job and I want something more than that for you.
Gia- I can’t believe this… [slowly shaking her head] I can’t believe you of all people would attempt to lecture me on a college education…
Marcus- [shaking his head] You have until the end of the week…
Gia- Wow… [a single tear escaping] thanks for nothing…
Marcus- [reaching for her] Gia…
Gia- [moving away from him] I don’t need until the end of the week. I’ll be gone before you get home.
Marcus- Gia I’m trying to do right by you…
Gia-It doesn’t feel like it…
Marcus- [softly] Gia…
Gia- [shaking her head] I’ll be out before you get home…
Turning and leaving as he attempted to call out to her Gia rushed out of General Hospital still not believing or understanding why her brother would turn his back on her like that.
Listening as she droned on about the complexities of securing Juan on a tour Nikolas silently prayed for something to distract and take him away from this conversation.
Nikolas- [sighing] So tell me again why it’s taking so long Lynn…
Lynn- They want guarantees that not only won’t Juan back out of the tour, but they also want a set amount of people that he will bring in each night.
Nikolas- You can’t give them that…
Lynn- I know but they don’t seem to understand…
Nikolas- Concerts are very fickle things… either people want to see Juan or they don’t… you can’t give them a set number of people who will attend every night…
Lynn- [sighing] Try telling them that…
Nikolas- Well if they are being that difficult come back here and find Juan another tour…
Lynn- This is the perfect one for him thought…
Nikolas- [shaking his head] Whatever Lynn…
Lynn- [pouting] You don’t believe me?
Nikolas- It’s not that I don’t believe you but until Juan gets steady cd sales I don’t know why you’re pushing to get him on this tour…
Lynn- It’s one way to increase his cd sales Nikolas. If he gives a good show people will want to go out and purchase his music.
Nikolas- If you say so…
Lynn- Ok I’m tired of talking about Juan…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] You brought him up… it was never my desire to speak of him.
Lynn- Lucky tells me that you’re starting to hang out with them more…
Nikolas- You’ve been talking to my brother?
Lynn- Yeah… I umm… I called Kelly’s hoping to speak to you but Lucky answered instead…
Nikolas- Why didn’t you just call my cell?
Lynn- I don’t know… I just called Kelly’s on a whim…
Nikolas- That does not make sense…
Lynn- I’m just missing you a lot Nikolas so…
Nikolas- [flatly] Yeah…
Lynn- Knowing you’re there waiting for me is the only thing getting me through this…
Nikolas- [softly] Lynn…
Lynn- All I can think about is you and me making love all night long…
Nikolas- Lynn I…
Lynn- [whispering] I can just imagine you hands touching me… and your mouth…
Thankfully as she continued to explain and whisper all that she wanted Nikolas to do to her once she returned there was a soft knock at his door. Ignoring the explicit details of her fantasy Nikolas slowly opened the door to find an obviously agitated Gia at his door.
Gia- I umm… hey…
Nikolas- Are you ok?
Lynn- Nikolas?
Gia- Yeah I uhh…
Lynn- Who is that talking? Nikolas?
Nikolas- [as he ended their call] I’ll call you back ok…
Lynn- [softly] Nikolas…
Nikolas- [shaking his head] I’ll call you back…
Ending their call before she attempted to question him more Nikolas ushered Gia into his cottage.
Gia- I didn’t mean to just show up on your doorstep but I heard… I heard you mention the cottage last time I was at Kelly's…
Nikolas- [softly] Is everything ok?
Gia- [nodding] Yes… no… [softly] hell I don’t know…
Nikolas- [taking her by the arm] Come in…
Slowly walking around his cottage looking at everything that made up Nikolas Gia avoided his stares trying to figure out why exactly she came to him. Sensing her nervousness Nikolas softly spoke to her pulling her gaze to him.
Nikolas- Is everything ok?
Gia- [softly] No…
Nikolas- What’s going on?
Gia- My brother and I aren’t exactly seeing eye to eye…
Nikolas- What’s wrong?
Gia- He wants to put me out and I’m not exactly ready to go…
Nikolas- What…
Gia- Marcus seems to think I’m wasting my life away staying here while my mother gets better… and I think…
Nikolas- And what do you think?
Gia- I think he’s being an ass…
Nikolas- [softly smiling] Seems that way…
Gia- [nodding] I think so…
Nikolas- What happened?
Gia- [softly sighing] I lied about school and Marcus and my mother found out.
Nikolas- Why’d you lie?
Gia- It’s stupid… when I told my mom the reasons it even sounded stupid to me…
Nikolas- If that’s how you feel it’s not…
Gia- But…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] No buts… whatever you are feeling has merit so stop trying to discredit them…
Gia- [shrugging] If you say so…
Nikolas- Why aren’t you in school…
Standing Gia slowly walked towards the huge bay window looking out across the vast land surrounding the cottage. Sighing Gia softly spoke again to Nikolas.
Gia- [softly] Have you ever been lonely…
Nikolas- Unfortunately yes…
Gia- Well that’s how I felt at Columbia. My brother left me… my mother left me… and I was all alone and I didn’t like how that felt…
Nikolas- [slowly nodding] That’s understandable…
Gia- I mean I had my best friend and her family but it wasn’t the same. I wanted my mother and my brother.
Nikolas- As well you should…
Gia- So when I came here despite my mother’s illness I was almost relieved because I was with them again.
Nikolas- There’s nothing wrong with that…
Gia- Try telling my brother that.
Nikolas- You two had a disagreement…
Gia- Try like he put me out…
Nikolas- You were serious about that?
Gia- Yes… and mind you Juan is there doing nothing…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] I don’t understand…
Gia- Marcus told me that he was putting me out because he wasn’t going to let me stay there doing nothing and yet Juan…
Nikolas- Is doing the same thing…
Gia- [throwing her hands up in surrender] Exactly…
Nikolas- [softly] Gia…
Gia- [turning to look at him] I didn’t come here to put all of this on you… I just needed someone to talk to and you’re the only friend I have in Port Charles…
Nikolas- So we’re friends?
Gia- I thought we were…
Nikolas- [nodding] We are…
Gia- Ok so we’re friends now what?
Nikolas- Well allow one friend to do something for the other…
Gia- What are you taking about?
Nikolas- I have a room here…
Gia- [shaking her head] No…
Nikolas- I have an extra room… I mean it’s huge… and the bathroom… it’s huge as well…
Gia- I didn’t come here looking for a handout…
Nikolas- [shrugging] Then pay me rent… I’ll be your landlord…
Gia- I barely know you…
Nikolas- What better way of learning about each and getting to know each other than living together…
Gia- [softly] Nikolas…
Nikolas- I’m not trying to take advantage of you…
Gia- Then I’m really not moving in…
Nikolas- [smiling] Gia…
Gia- Nikolas I appreciate what you’re trying to do…
Nikolas- I’m helping a friend….
Gia- But I have to do this on my own…
Nikolas- You are…
Gia- How do you figure?
Nikolas- Your brother put you out trying to prove a point right?
Gia- Yeah…
Nikolas- In a way he’s almost forcing you to return to Brooklyn and Columbia…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] I’m not going back…
Nikolas- Then stay here and prove to him that you don’t need to room at his apartment to stay in Port Charles. You’re here for your mother right?
Gia- [nodding] Yes…
Nikolas- You stay here you can still go and see her…
Gia- I don’t have any money to pay you rent…
Nikolas- Then get a job… prove to him and yourself that you can do this…
Gia- What are your friends going to say?
Nikolas- [shrugging] I’m only concerned about one friend…
Gia- [softly] Nikolas…
Nikolas- Do you want to go back to Brooklyn?
Gia- No…
Nikolas- Are you going back to Columbia?
Gia- [softly] No…
Nikolas- Then stay here and do what you want to do…
Gia- That’s just it… I don’t know what I want…
Nikolas- Figure it out while you’re staying here…
Gia- Do you really think that this will work?
Nikolas- [shaking his head] I don’t see why it can’t…
Gia- [sighing] Ok…
Nikolas- [slowly smiling] Ok what?
Gia- I’ll move in…
Nikolas- [smiling] Good…
Gia- [pointing her finger at him] No funny business…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] I wouldn’t dream of it…
Gia- [smiling] Are you sure?
Nikolas- [nodding] Yes…
Gia- Ok roomie… don’t say I didn’t try to warn you…
Nikolas- [smiling] Roomie… I think I like the sound of that…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] My mother is going to kill me…
Nikolas- Why?
Gia- I’m moving in with some guy I barely know…
Nikolas- Just tell her we’re friends…
Gia- [shaking her head] That’ll make it even worse…
Nikolas- How so?
Gia- She’ll think there’s something going on between us…
Nikolas- If you keep your hands to yourself I’ll do the same…
Gia- What am I going to tell my mother?
Nikolas- The truth… you needed a place to stay and a friend helped you out by offering you his spare bedroom…
Gia- You think that’ll wash with my mother?
Nikolas- Probably not but you won’t know until you tell her…
Gia- [nodding] I guess…
Slowly nodding Gia and Nikolas spent the rest of the evening discussing how their living arrangement would work. Nikolas quickly forgetting he and Lynn conversation and Gia forgetting her and Marcus’ argument from before. The time flying past them Gia momentarily forgot the things she needed to get from her brother’s apartment as Nikolas showed to the room she would be staying. Laying across the bed a soft smile on her face Gia fell asleep again breathing easy for the first time in a long time.
Chapter 6
The morning sun greeting her Gia rose a tender smile on her face. Despite everything that happened the night before she felt refreshed and ready to face everything she would go through today. Slowly making her way downstairs her smile widened as she saw Nikolas sitting at the dining table enjoying a small breakfast. His eyes locked on her as she slowly made her way towards him Nikolas had to calm his racing heart not quite sure of it’s reaction. His smile in return warming her Gia cleared her throat before she softly spoke to him.
Gia- [smiling] Morning roomie…
Nikolas- [smiling] Morning roomie…
Gia- Not that I’m trying to put you out or anything but shouldn’t you be at work or something?
Nikolas- [nodding] Probably but I took the day off…
Gia- Why?
Nikolas- I thought you might need some help moving so…
Gia- [smiling] Are you serious?
Nikolas- Yes… didn’t know how many things you had to move so I wanted to be here in case you needed my help…
Gia- [smiling] Ok I love you…
Nikolas- Ex… excuse me…
Gia- Just an expression… you don’t have to be that nice you know…
Nikolas- [smiling] Can’t help myself and I knew it was an expression…
Gia- [laughing] Whatever…
Nikolas- I made breakfast so if you would like some before we head to your brother’s apartment it’s in the kitchen…
Gia- Ok how much extra is rent going to be if I’m getting daily meals and a taxi service?
Nikolas- [laughing] Very funny…
Gia- [softly smiling] If I don’t get to say it later thank you for everything…
Nikolas- Just a friend helping another…
Gia- [gently touching his hand] Still… thank you…
Nikolas- [staring intently at her] You’re welcome…
Gia- I… I guess I should go and get something to eat before we go and face my brother…
Nikolas- Yeah…
Slowly nodding her head Gia and Nikolas sat laughing and joking as they enjoyed their morning meal. Putting off going to her brother’s as long as possible Gia dressed before slowly making her way to Marcus’ apartment. A deep breath to steady her Nikolas and Gia stood outside Marcus’ door whispering softly before unlocking the door.
Nikolas- You ready for this?
Gia- [sighing] No… but come on anyway…
Unlocking Marcus’ door Nikolas and Gia entered his apartment oblivious to the waiting storm on the other side. Barely stepping inside the door Gia was bombarded with question after question from her brother.
Marcus- [angrily] Where in the hell were you?
Gia- Hello to you too Marcus…
Marcus- Answer the damn question Gia… where were you?
Gia- Finding some place to live…
Marcus- What?
Gia- You put me out remember… if I’m going to stay in Port Charles I’m going to need somewhere to live.
Marcus- [looking quickly at Nikolas] What does Cassadine have to do with this?
Gia- [shaking her head] Nonna…
Marcus- Excuse me?
Gia- [sighing] None of your business…
Marcus- Why is he here?
Gia- He’s my new roommate…
Marcus- [yelling] I don’t think so!
Gia- This is not your choice…
Marcus- [slowly shaking his head] I am not going to let…
Gia- Let? Like I said… you don’t have a choice Marcus…
Marcus- [shaking his head] You don’t know anything about the Cassadines…
Gia- Says who?
Marcus- Gia you can not live with Nikolas Cassadine…
Gia- I can’t live with Nikolas… I can’t live with you… where can I live Marcus?
Marcus- Brooklyn… go back to Columbia… go back to your life…
Gia- This is my life Marcus… I’m staying in Port Charles… I’m moving in with Nikolas…
Marcus- I’m not arguing with you on this Gia…
Gia- Good because my decision is already made…
Marcus- [softly] Gia…
Gia- Marcus we are not going to see eye to eye on this so just let it go..
Marcus- You’re my baby sister… I can’t just let it go…
Gia- [softly] Marcus…
A momentary lull in their conversation Juan emerged from the back observing the standoff between brother and sister. Smiling at each before him Juan uselessly added his unnecessary comments.
Juan- What’s going on?
Gia- I’m moving out…
Juan- You leaving me baby?
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] Whatever Juan…
Juan- We were just getting to know each other… you can’t leave me now baby…
Nikolas- [softly] Juan…
Juan- [looking quickly at Nikolas] What are you doing here?
Gia- He’s my new roommate…
Juan- [smiling] You don’t waste anytime do you… [looking Gia slowly up and down] then again I don’t blame you…
Gia- [shaking her head] Shut up…
Juan- How are you going to leave me for this chump?
Nikolas- That’s enough…
Juan- Oh the prince must like my questions… [smiling] they’re hitting too close to home huh?
Gia- First of all Juan you’re nothing to leave and second this is none of your business…
Juan- You’re in my house…
Gia- Correction… my brother’s house and I don’t give a damn if we were standing on your bed while you were in it… this still does not concern you…
Marcus- [softly] Gia…
Juan- [feigning hurt] Aww baby why you gotta be like that? I thought we were just about to get something going and now you’re giving me attitude…
Marcus- Juan back off…
Juan- [smiling] You know I’m only playing man…
Marcus- Whatever… don’t talk to my sister like that again…
Juan- Hey I’m sorry… didn’t mean anything by it…
Marcus- Leave…
Juan- But…
Marcus- [looking at Juan] Leave! I want to talk to my sister alone…
Juan- [nodding] I’ll see you around Gia…
Gia- [sighing] I doubt it…
Juan- [looking quickly at Nikolas smiling] Prince…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] Juan…
Smiling in Gia’s direction one last time Juan gathered his things and left. Grabbing a nearby box Gia went about packing up her things readying to leave. His gaze now on Nikolas Marcus attempted to intimidate him into leaving. Getting no reaction from him Marcus turned his attention back to Gia hoping to persuade her into not moving in with Nikolas.
Marcus- [softly] Gia…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] I’m not discussing this with you Marcus… I’ve made up my mind and nothing you say is going to make me change it…
Marcus- But…
Gia- No buts… you don’t want me here so…
Marcus- It’s not that I don’t want you here… you’re throwing everything away for what?
Gia- [softly] A life Marcus…
Marcus- You had a life at Columbia…
Gia- Yeah of Mom’s choosing…
Marcus- [slowly shaking his head] Gia…
Gia- I’m moving in with Nikolas and that’s it…
Leaving the room to gather the rest of her things Gia left Marcus and Nikolas staring at each other.
Marcus- How do you know my sister?
Nikolas- [softly] We’re friends…
Marcus- Friends? How did you meet?
Nikolas- At General Hospital… we literally bumped into each other and…
Marcus- [hands on hips] What do you want from her?
Nikolas- Excuse me?
Marcus- Why are you pressuring her to move in with you?
Nikolas- I’m not pressuring anyone… Gia needed a place to stay and I simply offered her one.
Marcus- What she needs is to go back to Columbia… go back to Brooklyn and pick up the life she’s throwing away…
Nikolas- With all due respect Lieutenant I think that that’s Gia decision to make…
Marcus- And with all due respect I don’t give a damn what you think…
Nikolas- [slowly nodding] As well you shouldn’t…
Marcus- Cassadine I know your type…
Gia- [re-entering the room] Marcus that’s enough… leave Nikolas out of this… whatever this argument is it’s between you and me… don’t try and make this about him…
Marcus- Gia you don’t know about the Cassadines…
Gia- I know enough…
Marcus- Baby I can’t let you do this…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] You don’t have a choice…
Marcus- Gia…
Gia- Marcus this is what you wanted… I’m out of your house… I’m no longer a concern for you…
Marcus- Baby you’ll always be my concern… I love you…
Gia- I love you too…
Marcus- [slowly shaking his head] Stay here… we’ll work something out…
Gia- [softly] No Marcus…
Marcus- I don’t want you moving in with Cassadine…
Gia- [gently kissing his cheek] I’ll be back for the rest of my things later…
Marcus- Gia…
Gia- [softly] I love you Marcus…
Turning away from her brother Gia handed a packed box to Nikolas grabbing another before leaving. Ignoring her brother’s calls they continued to Nikolas’ car in silence. Loading the boxes as best they could Nikolas opened the door for Gia before slowly returning to his side. Settling into the car, silence again surrounding them, Nikolas stared ahead uncertain if he should drive off or not. Speaking softly to Gia Nikolas questioned Gia of her intentions.
Nikolas- [softly] Are you sure of this?
Gia- [whispering] Yes…
Nikolas- If you want to stay I will understand…
Gia- No… even if I wanted to I can’t stay with Marcus…
Nikolas- [softly] Gia…
Gia- It’d be ok for a couple of days then it’ll just go back to the way it is now and I don’t want to deal with that…
Nikolas- So you’re still moving in?
Gia- Only if you want me…
Nikolas- Yeah… [looking intently at Gia] I want you…
Gia- [smiling] Careful now… or I might think you’re talking about more than me just being your roommate…
Nikolas- [slowly smiling] Perhaps…
Gia- Well if that’s the case we better get to the cottage now!
Nikolas- [laughing as he drove off] Whatever…
Arriving finally at the cottage Gia slowly went about making the bedroom her own. After “convincing” Nikolas for the fifth time to help move her furniture around the room Gia lay collapsed across her bed. With Nikolas sprawled in a nearby chair they quietly laughed and joked about the last few hours.
Nikolas- Are you sure you’re done now?
Gia- Yeah… I think so…
Nikolas- You think? Gia we’ve… better yet I’ve moved this furniture at least five different times…
Gia- You want me to be comfortable right…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] Yeah whatever…
Gia- I didn’t know moving would be this tiring…
Nikolas- Neither did I…
Gia- I could use a long hot bath right about now…
Nikolas- [slowly nodding] And a nice slow massage…
Gia- Yeah… you offering?
Nikolas- [staring at her slowly smiling] You asking?
Gia- [lightly biting her bottom lip] That depends…
Nikolas- [softly] On what?
Gia- Whether you say yes or not…
Nikolas- Well I’ll give you a massage if you give me one…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] I don’t do massages…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head smiling] Damn…
Gia- [softly smiling] Thanks for everything Nikolas…
Nikolas- [smiling] It was my pleasure roomie…
Gia- [smiling] Ok roomie…
Nikolas- [looking quickly at his watch] Hey if you’re really finished in here I’m going to hit the shower and go to bed…
Gia- It’s that late?
Nikolas- Yeah I guess the time flew by without us realizing it…
Gia- Yeah… I didn’t keep your from anything did I?
Nikolas- Just partying with my brother….
Gia- I’m sorry…
Nikolas- Don’t be… I didn’t really feel up for that scene tonight besides by now my brother has had enough drinks that he’s not even missing me…
Gia- [laughing] Ok…
Nikolas- I’ll see you in the morning…
Gia- Yeah… [softly smiling] sweet dreams…
Nikolas- [smiling] Most definitely… you too…
Gia- [smiling] Good night Nikolas…
Nikolas- [smiling] Good night Gia…
Leaving her room Nikolas stood beneath a steaming shower easing the aches and pains from his body. Living with Gia would definitely be interesting and Nikolas could not help but smile as he wondered if he would be about to keep up with her. Collapsing across his bed, sleep instantly claiming him, Nikolas was pulled from his sleep by heavy pounding at his door. Glancing quickly at his bedside clock Nikolas silently cursed as he stumbled towards the door. Wearing only a pair of low riding pajama bottoms Nikolas angrily flung open his door staring at his bemused and obviously drunk brother.
Nikolas- [sighing] Lucky…
Lucky- [smiling] It took you long enough…
Nikolas- What do you want?
Lucky- Missed you tonight…
Nikolas- Lucky do you know what time it is?
Lucky- [smiling] Party time!
Quickly whistling Lucky pushed past an annoyed Nikolas with Elizabeth, Emily, and Juan following close behind. Slowly shaking his head as he stood beside the door Nikolas looked quickly at the stairs before turning towards his unwanted guests.
Nikolas- Look it’s late and…
Lucky- It’s never too late to start a party…
Nikolas- I think you all need to go…
Lucky- Hey bro… why are you trying to rush us out of here?
Nikolas- I’m not… it’s late and…
Lucky- [slowly smiling] We’re not keeping you from something… or should I say someone…
Nikolas- What is that supposed to mean?
Lucky- [smiling] Nothing…
Nikolas- [sighing] Lucky…
Before he could continue Gia began down the stairs wearing an oversized tee shirt and a pair of tiny boy cut shorts. Her braids flowing loosely around her shoulders Gia stopped observing the scene before her. Locking eyes with Nikolas Gia slowly shook her head speaking softly to him.
Gia- [softly] I heard the door and thought it might be my brother…
Nikolas- No… unfortunately it’s mine…
Gia- Sorry… I didn’t mean to interrupt…
Nikolas- [softly] It’s ok…
Gia- Ok… I’ll be… [slowly shaking her head] good night…
Lucky- [smiling] Hey don’t leave on our account…
Juan- Yeah… come and join us…
Gia- [shaking her head] I don’t think so…
Liz- [looking from Nikolas’ state of undress to Gia’s] You don’t waste anytime do you?
Gia- Excuse you?
Liz- [smirking] Nothing…
Gia- [looking intently at her] I didn’t think so…
Lucky- Juan told us you moved in… came to see for ourselves…
Gia- [shrugging] Ok whatever… I’m going back to bed…
Lucky- [smiling] Would you like some company?
Gia- [shaking her head] I have enough thank you…
Lucky- [smiling as he looked at Nikolas] I bet you do…
Nikolas- [shaking his head] We’re not sleeping together…
Lucky- You don’t have to explain anything to me…
Liz- You do to me…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head as she came down stairs] Who are you?
Liz- [slowly] E… LIZ… A… BETH…
Gia- Duh… I know your name… my question is what makes you so damn important that you get to know what’s going on in Nikolas’ cottage?
Liz- I’m his friend…
Gia- [nodding] Just like I thought… no one…
Liz- I don’t like how you’re talking to me…
Gia- Oh well… it’s almost three in the morning and you and the get along gang are banging on our door waking us up…
Liz- Us… our… what exactly is going on Nikolas?
Gia- [shaking her head] Don’t answer her…
Liz- [looking her up and down] Shouldn’t you put some clothes on?
Juan/Lucky- [quickly in unison] No!
Gia- [shrugging] I guess not…
Liz- What’s going on between the two of you?
Nikolas- [shaking his head] Don’t answer her…
Gia- [shaking her head] I don’t have anything to hide…
Lucky- That’s good…
Nikolas- Why are you all here?
Emily- Juan told us Gia moved in and…
Nikolas- She did…
Liz- Why?
Gia- Because I wanted to…
Liz- What does that mean?
Gia- It means I don’t have to answer to you…
Liz- What about Lynn?
Gia- Lynn?
Liz- [smirking] Nikolas’ girlfriend…
Gia- [softly] Girlfriend?
Liz- Yeah… didn’t he tell you about her?
Gia- No… and even if he had it still wouldn’t matter…
Liz- So you’re still going to sleep with him even with knowing he has a girlfriend?
Gia- I’m not sleeping with anyone… I needed a place to stay and Nikolas offered his cottage…
Liz- What do you mean you needed a place to stay? Weren’t you staying with your brother?
Nikolas- [yelling] Out! You have no right coming in here attempting to question Gia. I invited her to stay and that’s the end of it…
Liz- What about Lynn?
Nikolas- What about her? This is my cottage… Lynn does not regulate who stays in my cottage…
Emily- She’s your girlfriend Nikolas…
Nikolas- Regardless to if she’s my girlfriend or not she does not tell me who can and can not live here…
Liz- Nikolas…
Nikolas- [opening the cottage door] Get out! And don’t come here again at this hour trying to question Gia or myself again…
Liz- We’re just…
Nikolas- Leaving… go home… go harass someone else…
Lucky- [smiling] Nikolas…
Nikolas- [shaking his head] Get out…
Smiling back at Gia one last time Lucky stumbled to the door patting his brother on the back as he passed him. Whispering softly to Nikolas Lucky left finally a smile on his face.
Lucky- Have fun… I know I would…
Shaking his head as he turned back to the others still in the room Nikolas once again ordered them out.
Nikolas- Now… out!
Liz- Nikolas we have to talk about this…
Nikolas- No…
Liz- [hands on hips] Nikolas…
Gia- [plopping in a nearby chair] You heard him… get out!
Liz- [turning towards Gia] You can’t tell me…
Gia- You don’t know what I really want to tell you…
Liz- [hands on hips] What does that mean?
Seeing the look that crossed Gia’s face Juan grabbed Elizabeth by the arm dragging her from the cottage. Looking for Gia to Nikolas Emily attempted to explain all that just occurred only to be stopped by Nikolas.
Emily- Nikolas… I… we just…
Nikolas- Em… just leave… I don’t want to yell at you too… can you just go?
Emily- I’m sorry…
Nikolas- Don’t apologize… just leave…
Emily- [nodding] Yeah… [looking quickly at Gia] Gia…
Gia- [flatly] Emily…
Nodding one last time in Nikolas’ direction Emily hurried behind her friends shaking her head knowing all along that going to the cottage was a bad idea. Slamming the door behind her Nikolas rested his head on the door trying to control his anger. Watching their effect on him Gia softly questioned Nikolas.
Gia- [softly] Are they always like that?
Nikolas- [softly] Unfortunately…
Gia- Do any of them have keys?
Nikolas- No…
Gia- Good… because I was going to suggest you change the locks…
Nikolas- [smiling as he turned towards Gia] Sorry about that…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] You don’t have to apologize…
Nikolas- I know but…
Gia- [softly] Do you really have a girlfriend?
Nikolas- [shrugging] Yes… no… I don’t know…
Gia- What does that mean?
Nikolas- [sitting across from Gia] I don’t know what Lynn is… I mean we got into certain parts of our “relationship” to quickly and…
Gia- You didn’t know enough about each other before…
Nikolas- No… we’re friends… I mean she hangs out with all of us and…
Gia- [softly] If me staying here is a problem…
Nikolas- [shaking his head] No…
Gia- Nikolas I can go back to Marcus’…
Nikolas- [softly] I don’t want you to go…
Gia- [whispering] What do you want?
His eyes locking with hers Nikolas stared at Gia a thousand thoughts and wants rushing to him. A slow smile spreading across his face Gia smiled back at him. Rising from her chair Gia approached Nikolas bending to whisper softly in his ear.
Gia- [whispering] I’ll stay…
Nikolas- [looking up at her] That’s… that’s good…
Gia- [slowly smiling] Goodnight Nikolas…
Only capable of a nod Nikolas watched as Gia slowly made her way upstairs. Looking back at him one last time Gia’s smile widened as he stared back at her. Slowly shaking her head Gia disappeared around the corner into her room. Taking a deep breath Nikolas stood finally able to move. Locking the door before slowly climbing the stairs Nikolas stopped beside Gia’s door softly whispering his goodnight to her before disappearing into his room.
Nikolas- [whispering] Goodnight Gia…
Falling across his bed sleep again claiming him, his dreams now filled with he and Gia and all of the things he wanted.