CH 1

Gia gazed longingly at the framed picture in her hand, a smile tugged at the corners of her lips as they did every time she looked at it. She ran her fingers over the glass, as if she could feel his silky black hair on her fingertips. She gazed into his seven year old eyes, so dark and deep at such a young age, yet they shone beautifully. Her eyes dropped to the little hand on his shoulder, her hand. She looked over at her own face smiling back at her, her eyes so different, so young. The grins on their faces were vibrant, reflecting happiness and innocence. Gia’s eyes stung with tears as she thought back to a few days after the photo was taken.

“Gia sweetie, I know that you don’t want to face the fact that we are moving today but if you don’t go spend some time with Nikolas, you will never forgive yourself.” Florence said to her daughter, her heart aching at the look on the young girls face. “But I don’t want to see him. Why can’t you just tell him I can’t play?” Gia cried. “This is your last chance to see him Gia, go play. Please.” Flo said desperately. Gia let out a long breath, she knew her mother was right, if she didn’t go out there and see her best friend now, she would never get a chance to again. “All right, tell him I’ll be down in a few minutes.” Gia said to her mother. Flo smiled weakly and turned from the door to her daughter’s room to walk down the stairs. She knew that this was going to be hard for both children.

Gia came downstairs to find her best friend sitting on the couch waiting for her. Gia had changed into a little pink t-shirt and a pair of denim shorts. Her mass of curls was gathered in a large ponytail on top of her head. She grabbed something off of the desk before sitting down next to him. “Here, this is for you.” Gia said. Nikolas looked down and took the picture she held in her hands from her. “My mother made you a copy.” She explained. Nikolas smiled thoughtfully at the picture of them, they looked so happy. “Thank you Gia.” He said tucking it in the pocket of his backpack. “You ready to play?” He asked. Gia nodded her head excitedly and took his hand; the two ran to the door. “Two hours Gia!” She heard her mother yell after her.

After playing for nearly two hours, Nikolas and Gia sat on the branch of their favorite tree, gazing down at the beautiful Coast of the Cycladic Island. Gia’s mother always told her that living in Greece was only temporary, that she was just here to help get her friend’s law firm get started and then they would move back to Brooklyn. But Gia couldn’t help but become attached, to Greece, the atmosphere and the people, one person in particular. She looked over at the boy across from her, fighting back tears as she began to speak. “I need to go Nikolas. This is the last time I’ll ever see you.” Gia said sadly. “I made this for you Gia.” Nik said. He reached in his backpack filled with all his things and pulled out his gift. Gia looked down at the little bottle Nik placed in her hand. It had sand and tiny little shells from the very beach they over looked now in it. “There’s two, one for me, and one for you. So that you’ll never forget me.” Nikolas said looking up at her. Gia climbed over to him. “I’ll never forget you Nikolas.” She whispered in his ear. She then did something that shocked herself. Something she had only seen grown ups do, and people on TV.  She placed her hands on his face lightly and leaned in, placing a soft gentle kiss on his lips. “Goodbye Nikolas.” Gia said pulling back. She climbed down the tree and she never heard Nikolas say. “Goodbye Gia.”

Gia picked up the little delicate bottle that she brought everywhere with her. It was tucked carefully inside a small pouch and it sat inside the drawer of her vanity at work. She brought it to her lips and kissed it lightly. Putting it back and shaking her head to clear her mind. These memories were from so long ago, she was just a kid then but it would always be a part of her life. Living in Greece was the most magical time in her life. Where she met a real life prince, and not only did she meet him but she was his best friend. She thought of him every once in a while and she would always take out her picture and what she called her “beach bottle” and think of him. Wondering what he was doing, what his life was like. Had he chosen to take on the responsibilities as the prince? Gia sighed, pushing him out of her head. “Gia!” Someone shouted from behind. Gia turned around to see Laurent, her photographer. “Are you ready for your last photo shoot with me Ms. Campbell?” He asked. Gia nodded her head.