CH 46

Gia looked around the church full of people; she went to this church since she was a kid. She loved the stained-glass windows of the old Catholic church. Gia’s mind wondered as the priest spoke about her cousin. His life and god and moving on. She remembered when she was a little girl, coming to church with her family. She and her cousin use to play on the steps outside, tears fell as she remembered him. She loved him like a brother. She looked over at her family; Mike was crying like a baby, her mother held his hand as she cried as well. Sonny looked even sadder, no tears were shed but his eyes were glazed over and he looked like he hadn’t shaven in weeks. Sobs escaped Gia’s lips as the pain of Juan absence consumed her. Courtney pulled her in so that she could cry on her shoulder. Gia worried about Zander; no one had heard from him, she knew he would be devastated that his best friend was dead.

The funeral service was over and they all bowed their heads in prayer, they all stood when they finished. Several people began to walk up to the coffin that held her cousin, Gia waited until they all left until she walked up as well. She looked down at Juan's body before her. It didn’t look like him. His once tan complexion was now white, his hair was done like he would never do it and he was wearing a suit. Juan never wore a suit. Her chin trembled as she reached out to touch his hand. She gasped and pulled her hand back; it no longer felt like skin. No longer warm and soft.

“Oh god Juan I’m so sorry.” Gia cried out. Her voice echoed throughout the empty church. She fell to her knees and sat on the steps leading up to the coffin. Resting her head on the wood behind her as she began to speak.

“I don’t know what we’re going to do without you Juan. Sonny, he’s so sad. He loved you so much and this is killing him, I’m just so sorry you’re not here to see him the way he is. Maybe you would have felt proud? They asked me to speak today, but I couldn’t. I’m sorry. Juan, I was never able to tell you this but I’m married. To Nikolas Cassadine.” Gia said as she began to cry, never hearing Sonny leave having heard what she said. He stepped outside and made a quick call to someone he hadn’t spoken to in years. “Stovros, this is Sonny Corinthos, I’m not sure if you are aware of this but my niece and your son are married. I’m sure you’ll agree that this cannot be. Good to hear you agree, so you’ll help keep them apart? Great, I’ll be in touch.” Sonny said hanging up the phone.

Gia wiped the tears from her eyes as she stood up.

“I’m sorry I never told you, but you hated him. Now, they’re saying that he was the one who killed you. Juan If that’s true, I’m just so sorry.” Gia couldn’t go on. She laid a rose on his chest and said goodbye.

Walking out of the church, she saw that no one was around. “Ms Campbell they didn’t want to disturb you but they needed to head over to the penthouse to get ready for the wake. But your limo is right over there.” The funeral director explained.

“Thank you.” She said as she headed to the car. She glanced in to see one of Sonny’s suited men in the drivers seat and scooted in the back of the empty limo. She stared out the window as they drove, she thought back on her life with her cousin, lost in the memories. She looked around suddenly.

“Driver, this is not the way to the penthouse.” Gia said sitting forward. The driver never looked back and didn’t say a word.

“Hello?” Gia said after getting no response from him.

The car suddenly pulled over and stopped, Gia’s heart began to race as the driver got out and walked around to her door. She watched on in terror as he opened her door and stuck his head in. His eyes were hidden underneath a pair of black sunglasses. He bent his blond head down and pulled off his glasses.

“Lucky’s taxi cervices miss.” He said smiling at her. Gia reached up and socked him on the shoulder.

“Lucky! You scared the shit out of me!” Gia yelled angrily at him. Lucky covered his injured arm with his hand.

“Sorry, sorry I just wanted to surprise you.” Lucky defended.

“Surprise me? Why?” Gia asked.

“I’m going to take you to see Nikolas.” Lucky said matter-of-factly. Gia slowly shook her head.

“I can’t see him right now Lucky. My cousins funeral was today and I need to be with my family.” Gia said.