A/N: Hmm..the first chapter left you hanging, but that makes my readers hopefully the all more anxious to read the second chapter. It's quite
interesting as it deals with Sam and introduces Ed.
***


Chapter 2: Waiting

Sam starred hard at the chess board that laid in front of him. He was losing to Zolov as always, but this time was different. He had
sometimes let Zolov win to give him a chance to win some money, but this time, he was losing because his mindwas elsewhere. He missed Gaia so
much. Never in his life had he felt so much emptiness. Sam, unaware of the uneasy expression he had on his face, was a little stunned when
Zolov finally spoke.

"That Ceendy sure has you worried boy," Zolov grinned. No matter how many times Sam and Gaia had told him that her name was Gaia,
Zolov always called Gaia by the same thing. Sam could not help but chuckle.

"Yep, I miss her so much and I haven't heard from her in a while." Sam sulked.

"Don't worry. Ceendy here in New York." Zolov replied with a reassured face. Sam was in total shock.

"She's here Zolov?! Where? How? When?" Sam's heart was in his throat. Now it was Zolov's turn to chuckle.

"She come here to play chess this morning. I see her with her father."

Sam could hardly function Zolov's words correctly. He was so shocked, he stumbled and fell off the wooden bench onto the cold hard floor.
He had to find her. With that in his mind, he reached in his pocket for a twenty dollar bill and slammed it on the chess board. Good game Zolov he
thought.

***

Ed gasped for the 1000th time as boiling, hot sweat came pouring down his face and made a puddle on the carpet floor. He was in
movement therapy with his trainer Mike for the second time. Even with Mike's very loud voice, the messages would not enter Ed's head. He was much
too tired.

"Come on Ed baby! You can do it! One more!" screamed Mike. Ed gave a short nod, bit his lip and lifted his legs 2 feet off the floor. He
held them up for a little bit before he let go of his strength. He was about ready to faint when Mike screamed, "One more time!" Was he out
of his mind?? He had already done it 15 times which was way past his mental goal he had before they started training, but he was too determined
to say no. After a dangerous skateboard accident, Ed had been paralyzed from the waist down. That accident had changed his life; not only
had it taken away his ability to walk, but it had taken everything good about his life. It had taken his girlfriend, Heather, who had broken up with him
shortly after. It had taken away his popularity, his fabulous reputation, and his old nickname, 'Shred.' All these things were gone except one.
Recently, Heather and Ed had gotten back togethere and he wasn't about to lose her again. With one slight pause, Ed took in a quick breath and
gave it his all.

***

That had been a good game of chess with Zolov, Gaia thought to herself. She was sitting in Time Square while chomping down on some
Krispy Kreme donuts. During that respite in Paris, Gaia had missed 2 things: Sam and Krispy Kreme donuts. There were so good, like sugary pieces of
cloud in hevan. Gaia gave a long sigh. She still had to find Sam. He would be so surprised to see Gaia back; after all, she had told him she would be
gone for at least 4 months. Gaia grinned as she stood up wiping donut crumbs onto the fresh green grass. Spring was so sereal in New York.
With the unbelieveable amounts of smoke nearby factories were producing, there was always a clear blue spot in the sky you could find that made you
feel like you were on a mountain top in Montana somewhere. It was truly breath-taking. Gaia shook her head and laughed. Never before had she felt
so relaxed. Just as Gaia started to walk toward the trash can to throw away the donut box, she heard a most unpleasant shriek.

"Help! That boy stole my purse!!" screamed a lady. She looked about 60 years old. That made Gaia so sick. It was bad enough kids thought
it was okay to steal, but to think that they could take advantage of an elder was pathetic. She could only grin and she sprinted down 53rd Street's alley.
Obviously the boy had seen her because he was now running as fast as ever, but he was no match for Gaia Moore. She caught up with him within 15
seconds as she body slammed him on the sidewalk and pulled the purse away. The boy started to run away, but Gaia wouldn't let him get away that
easily. She pounced on him again.

"People don't like to be stolen from alright?" The boy with one terrified look gave his hardest strength and punched Gaia in the gut. She almost
laughed at his puny weakness, but kept it inside. Deciding not to fight back, she gave him a glare and said it again.

"People don't like to be stole from alright?" He had gotten the message this time and gave a hard nod. Gaia faked a punched as the boy
screamed and sprinted down the alley only for his shadow to disapear. Gaia caught her breath and smiled a sly smile. It was good to be home.