CH 37

Somehow, Nikolas was able to get through a full day of school without talking to Gia or anyone connected to her. He was so determined to be with her, that he forced himself to focus fully on his studies like his father demanded. It felt strange coming to school now, he still received the same attention from his fellow students, in fact a little more now that he was back. People were coming up to him all day and asking him where he had been. “Been busy” seemed to be his answer for everything. But he didn’t know if he could explain everything about Gia if he tried. It was complicated to say the least and he didn’t even know where to start the story of he and Gia.

He stepped out of the gates of his school, distracted with thoughts of his soccer practice the fallowing day, looking forward to getting back to that. It felt like it had been so long since he was out on the field. He daydreamed about playing again, and was lost in such thoughts as he walked. “Nikki!” he was shocked to hear the distinctive sound of Jake’s voice. He turned around and gasped as he saw Gia standing there, with Jake resting on her hip. Because he had gone all day without thinking about her, which he didn’t think was possible but somehow managed to do, seeing her was a complete surprise.

He was so utterly nervous as he made his way over to her that he didn’t know how he managed to get his legs to work. She looked so gorgeous; her hair was down and in soft waves, two lone braids on either side of her head. She wore a pair of rather loose fitting blue jeans and a black peasant style shirt, and black clunky thongs were on her feet. He almost didn’t recognize her, but not because she was dressed so differently, but because she looked so happy, he couldn’t breathe as he looked at her beautiful smiling face.

“I thought we could go to the park, are you up for it? I have something I want to tell you.” Gia said. Nikolas let out a quick breath and looked away awkwardly; he didn’t know what was wrong with him, the sound of her voice was sending exciting shivers throughout his entire body and he was so nervous. This was Gia, the girl he had spent so much time with lately, had gone though so much together with, that he knew so well. But for some reason when he stood in her presence now, he felt unsure about himself and he had never felt that way with anyone. “Yeah sure, you want me to drive?” Nik asked, nervously looking at her. Gia shrugged. “Well I thought we could just go to the park down the street, do you mind walking?” Gia asked. “No, lets go.” Nik said. Gia smiled and began to walk, and Nikolas matched her pace. “Do you want me to take him for a while?” Nik asked softly. “Sure, I’ve been carrying him all day, he doesn’t want to leave my side lately. He’s been so clingy, if it’s not me then it’s Marcus or Alexis.” Gia said as she stopped and passed Jake over to him. Jake was finally able to hug his friend and Nikolas made no attempt to separate from the hug as he walked; he just let Jake cling to him. “It’s going to take some time for him to feel safe, and to trust again I think.” Gia commented. Nik nodded softly.

They arrived at the park and Nikolas let Jake get down to play on the equipment that he was so enticed by. Nikolas and Gia smiled at him as they watched him play. “So my brother is going to arrange it so that I can go to your school.” Gia said out of nowhere. Nikolas was shocked, he opened his mouth to speak but he found it difficult to find the words, he kept his gaze towards Jake. “Oh.” He finally mumbled. He was overwhelmed, after all this time he would finally get to be with Gia. It’s what he dreamed about for so long, and he was having a hard time believing that it was real. This girl, this beautiful, amazing girl was freed to be with who ever she wanted, and Nikolas suddenly doubted if he was it. “Do you want to be here Nikolas? You’re so quiet, we don’t have to do this.” Gia said irritably, turning to look at his profile. Nik looked at her suddenly. “No Gia, I mean yes I want to be here!” He said. “Then why won’t you talk to me? Or even look at me for that matter?” Gia asked, her eyes suddenly filling with sadness. Nik advanced on her so quickly that Gia jumped back with a fear that was a result of years of abuse. “Hey.” He steadied her. Gia’s heart was pounding. Nikolas reached up and caressed her face. “You know what you said earlier about it taking a while for Jake to trust people, to feel safe again, it’s the same for you isn’t it?” Nik asked. Gia nodded her head against his hand as she fought back tears, she wanted to be done with crying, she didn’t want her parents to have that much control over her. “Gia I… I’m really happy that you’re going to be coming to school with me, I am. It’s just that… Gia you are so beautiful and I have these feelings for you that I’ve never felt before, they’re so intense. It’s a little scary. I’ve just never felt so unsure of myself. I mean I’m Nikolas Cassadine, you know?” Nik said rather shyly. Gia smiled slightly and glanced towards Jake to make sure that he was safe. Nik’s hand on her face began to run down her neck and her shoulder, and he rubbed her arm tenderly. Gia looked back at him. “I’m scared too. I mean you’re Nikolas Cassadine and I’m Gia… nobody.” She said. It was meant as a sort of joke but Nikolas didn’t like it. He walked up to her and took her in his arms, pressing his lips to her cheek softly. “No don’t say that Gia. Don’t say that…” He said in a pleading voice between kisses to her face. He pulled back and looked at her. “You are the most unique and fascinating person I have ever met, you are so special to me.” He said. Gia sighed. “Is this real Nikolas? I mean, tell me that this is not just a dream and a prince did not really save my life and tell me that I’m special.” Gia said, reaching up and touching his face. Nikolas held her hand to his cheek and closed his eyes briefly, and then brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “It’s real Gia. You know from the first time I met you I knew that you were special and that I wanted to be with you? I really think that we were meant to meet at that party, in an unconventional way, like us.” They paused to laugh. “Oh Gia.” Nik sighed as he touched her face again. Gia looked into his eyes. “I love you.” He said casually. Gia’s laugh lingered in a smile as she looked at him. “I love you too Nikolas.” She said. He grinned as he leaned in and then his lips softened, and Gia’s eyelashes blinked with anticipation. He drew her in slowly, and Gia’s heart pounded at his torture, the anticipation was killing her. Finally their lips met in a soft, warm kiss that slowly turned more passionate. Jacob ran up and interrupted them. “Come play guys!” he shouted excitedly. They pulled apart and laughed. Nikolas grabbed Gia’s hand. “OK buddy, lets go play.” He said, pulling Gia towards the playground.

The End