CH 21

Nikolas quietly walked into Gia’s room, his heart was pounding as he peered inside and saw that she was asleep. It was 5:00 in the morning and Gia was sound asleep as Nikolas crept up to her bed. He brought out his digital camera and took a picture of her exposed cheek, relieved that she didn’t wake up. He was grateful that Gia had kicked off her blankets slightly and one of her heavily bruised legs was sticking out. He took a picture of that as well and then walked out of her room, his heart still beating rapidly. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do, but he knew that if he decided to report Gia’s stepfather to the police, that he would need evidence.

Gia woke up confused and disoriented at first, forgetting where she was until she looked around and her mind registered where she was. She looked down at herself, she was sick of the damn light blue shirt she had on. She slipped on her jean shorts and looked over at the clock. She figured that Nikolas would be leaving for school soon and wanted to see him before he left. Gia made her way to the kitchen and found Nikolas there, dressed and looking fine. She brought her hands up to her hair and nervously tried to make it look a little nicer, but realized that she was failing. “Hey.” Nik said when he spotted her. He smiled at her and she looked away. “I look like shit.” She said softly. “No you don’t Gia.” Nik breathes as he got up from his stool. “It’s OK I know I do. You don’t have to say anything. So are you ready for school?” Gia changed the subject. “I’m not going today.” He said walking closer to her and touching one of her braids. Gia shook her head. “Nikolas please. You can’t do this, you have a life and you need to live it. I want you to go.” Gia said. “Gia, I don’t want to leave you while you’re like this.” Nik said. “Nikolas I’m not going to stay here if you’re going to stop going to school.” Gia said stubbornly. “What so now you’re giving me an ultimatum? I’ll do what I want to Gia.” Nik said. “Fine.” Gia said, turning around and walking out of the kitchen. Nikolas ran after her. “Fine Gia! God you’re so stubborn.” Nik said angrily. Gia walked up to him and touched his face. Nikolas closed his eyes, forgetting his anger. “You’re young Nikolas. You have have lots of friends. You play sports. You have a great life. I don’t want you to have to worry about me. Please just go to school.” Gia said sternly. “My god Gia. You’re young too. I can’t believe that your life is the way it is. You should have friends and go to party’s and be popular too.” Nik said. Gia shook her head. “But I’m not. My life might seem bad to you, but I’m use to it. Just stop feeling sorry for me please. Just go.” Gia said desperately. “OK.” Nik gave in and walking out.

Nikolas was feeling uneasy about the way he left things with Gia that morning. He sat at the table at lunchtime and poked at his food. “Nikolas I don’t know what is wrong with you but you are bumming me out man.” Nik looked over at his friend Jarred. “Sorry, what were you saying?” Nik asked. “I was saying that you should come to my party next Friday.” Jarred said. Nikolas looked at the group of people who were waiting for his answer. “I’m not sure if I can make it.” Nik said. “What is going on with you Nikolas? You’ve been so distant lately. What is it that has you so busy?” Jarred asked. “Nothing, I just. My dad has been hard on me to get my homework done and I need to keep up my grades. Really, that’s all. I’ve just been busy.” Nik said. His friends nodded their heads. “Well try and make it anyways. I’ve missed seeing you hitting on all the girls.” Jarred said. Nik smiled weakly. “Yeah uh, I’ll talk to you later.” Nik said, getting up from his table and throwing away his barely eaten food. He walked out into the hall and he was suddenly pushed from behind, he remembered a time similar to this one. He looked over to see Zander glaring at him. It was almost the exact same scenario as the first time, but the difference was that Nikolas could tell that Zander looked desperate when he looked at him. “Where the hell is Gia?” Zander asked angrily. Nikolas glanced away from him. “I don’t know man.” He said softly. Zander shook his head stubbornly. “Don’t play dumb with me Nikolas. I couldn’t find Gia anywhere so I went to Carol’s and she told me everything. I want to see my best friend and I want to see her now!” Zander yelled. Nikolas looked at the young man before him; he looked genuinely worried about Gia. “OK after school. I told her that I would go to school today so I’ll take you over there after OK? I’ll pick you up in front.” Nik said. Zander slowly nodded his head. “Fine.” He said softly before walking away.

Nikolas and Zander didn’t say a word to each other as they drove, until they pulled up to Nik’s house. “Is it pretty bad?” Zander asked. Nik nodded his head softly. “Yeah it is. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Nik answered. Zander sighed as he opened his door and got out.

Gia stood up when she heard the door being opened; she quickly went in the kitchen to hide, she wasn’t sure if Nikolas wanted her to be seen by anyone. She heard Nik call her name and pushed open the door and walked out. She moaned as she looked at Zander and instantly ran to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Nikolas looked away, feeling uncomfortably and slightly jealous by the scene in front of him. “Gia I’ve been so worried.” Zander said. He pulled back, now really looking at her. “Gia, this needs to stop right now. That’s it! Look at your face. This is worse I’ve seen you, even worse then that last time when Jake smashed his finger. I can’t stand by and watch this anymore. I don’t care what you say Gia, I’m going to take care of him for good.” Zander swore. He turned to leave but Gia grabbed him. “Zander no!” She screamed. She turned him around and looked up at him pleadingly. “You can’t. Please I don’t want you or anyone else getting hurt because of me. I’ll be fine.” Gia said. “How? Gia how the hell are you going to be fine? Are you going to leave home?” Zander asked. Gia looked away. “I don’t know. I’ll figure something out OK? Just trust me.” Gia said. Zander looked at her, he brought his hand out to touch her swollen cheek, but pulled it back when he thought better of it. “I can’t take much more Gia. You’re so beautiful, I just hate seeing the bruises on your face.” Zander said softly. Gia blinked away her tears. “I know Zander.” She said softly looking down. “I saw Jacob.” Zander said. Gia looked up at him. “How is he?” She breathed. “Not the same.” Was the only way Zander could describe it. “I have to go to him.” Gia said. Nikolas stepped up. “Gia, I really don’t think that’s a good idea. What if Phil finds you?” Nik pointed out. Gia sighed. “I can’t wait here forever.” Gia said. “I know, I’ll take you over there as soon as your eye looks a little better, and you can move around with a little less pain. I just don’t want Jake to be any more scared than he already is.” Nik said. Gia nodded her head slowly. “You’re right.” She said softly. She turned to Zander. “I told him that everything was going to be OK. I’ll check on him every morning Gia.” Zander said. “Thank you Zander, I love you.” Gia said. Zander pulled her in for a hug and once again Nikolas had to look away. Zander walked past Nikolas, saying a quick thank you for bringing him to see Gia before he left.

Gia sighed at she turned to Nikolas. Feeling slightly on edge for some reason. “So how was school?” She asked as she rubbed her arms slightly. “It was fine.” Nik said quietly. Gia looked him in the eyes. “What did you do? Did anything interesting happen?” Gia asked. Nikolas looked at her incredulously and then shook his head. “I said it was fine. Why do you want to know about it?” Nik asked. Gia glared at him slightly. “Why are you being so defensive? Do you not want me to know about your life?” Gia asked. “Because my life is a joke!” Nik yelled, throwing his hands in the air. Gia walked closer to him. “What do you mean?” She asked softly. Nikolas looked at her, his chest heaving slightly. “I mean look at you Gia. You have a bruise on your face in the shape of a fist and I drive a Jag to school. How is that fair? Its not! My life just feels so insignificant now.” Nik said, turning away from her slightly. Gia grabbed his arms and turned him to face her. “Don’t say that Nikolas. Do you know how many times I’ve prayed that my life was like yours? God Nikolas you have good friends and a wonderful family! Please don’t feel bad because of it. Be happy.” Gia said. Nikolas suppressed his tears. “You deserve so much more.” He said softly. “So do you.” Gia said, smiling as she reached up to caress his cheek.