***See First Chapter For Copyright Information***

Author's Note: Hope this chapter is good and sorry if this one's a bit short! The next chapter will most likely be the final one unless I decide to make a sequel. Read On…

The Chess Match (Part 1)

2:55pm

GAIA'S POV (Point of View)

Gaia walked through the arches of the Arc de Triompe moving toward the chessboards, her heart pounding because of her impatience and excitement, almost nervous…but not. Is this what fear feels like? She was feeling what she always felt in the place of fear, a tingle of excitement running through her, filling her with an odd energy.

Being unable to feel one of the most common human emotions was what made Gaia feel completely separated from the rest of the world. That was why when she had seen someone who had obviously been singled out getting beaten up she had helped. Gaia sometimes wondered whether she would act differently if she did have the ability to feel fear. But as she neared the chessboards all thoughts of her screwed up genetics were lost and she focused on finding Sam.

She spotted him at once, sitting down at a chess table and was surprised at how the sight of him affected her. His ginger curls had grown long and curled around his ears, the cream colored sweater he wore brought out his hazel eyes, making them look large and bright. Gaia's breathing hitched and she had to force herself to keep walking and not just stand there staring at him.

Gaia walked over to the table and greeted him "Hey" He looked up smiling, "Hey". Gaia stood for a moment longer, then sat down on the cold seat in front of him. He picked up a black piece and a white piece, mixing them behind his back and then he held them out in front of her "Your pick" Gaia chose his left hand and was met with a black piece. Sam smiled, "Looks like I go first".

He thought for a moment and moved one of his pieces. Gaia watched his hand as it moved the piece; his long elegant fingers had Gaia's eyes transfixed. Looking at them reminded her of that day not too long ago when they had first met at this chess table. FOCUS! Snapping back to the world of the living, Gaia stared down at her black pieces carefully choosing her next move.

SAM'S POV (Point of View)

Sam stared at Gaia intensely (though she didn't seem to notice) watching her eyes as they roved over the chess board, his gaze moving to her smooth lips that were pursed in a thin line and her hair was being gently tossed by the wind, catching the light of the sun and making the strands of blonde hair glow.

He was suddenly transported back to that day in the park where once again, Gaia was the only person he saw and everything around him was blurred as she claimed his vision. He watched as she picked up a chess piece and moved it to an empty space on the board. Sam looked down just as she looked back up, hoping that she hadn't caught him staring. He was also hoping that once this game was over he would have the guts to proceed with his plan.

2:55pm

HEATHER'S POV (Point of View)

Heather had been on her way to the park and had been ready to give Sam a piece of her mind. But Meagan just happened to be passing by and just happened to bump into her. No not now! I am so not in the mood for this. But she plastered a huge fake smile on her face and greeted Meagan with very fake enthusiasm

"Hey Meg! Where are you off to?" She asked with fake interest.

"I'm just off to get a Latte, I'm meeting Kelly and Erica over at the new coffee house. Wanna Come?"

Heather gave her best impression of a very regretful look. "I can't! I have to meet Sam over at the park" she replied.

"C'mon Heather! Only for a couple minutes, please. Meagan stretched the "please" for a few seconds and finished with, "You hardly hang out with us anymore! Do you like, not like us?" she said worriedly. I might as well or they'll be gossiping about this for days.

 "Ok…I guess Sam can wait a couple of minutes" she replied. "Great! Let's Go!" Meagan grabbed Heather's arm and led her away from the park toward the coffee shop.

3:05pm

ED'S POV (Point of View)

Ed had almost reached the park when he passed by a convenience store and decided to grab two chocolate bars for him and for Gaia. Ok so maybe it's not flowers and a heart shaped box of chocolates but she's not that kind of girl. She's different from anyone I've ever met. So he wheeled his way into the shop and grabbed a Mars bar for her and Snickers for him.

Ed moved to the cash where a lanky guy with spiky gelled hair stood in front of the register. He took the chocolate bars from his hand and Ed wasn't surprised when he avoided his eyes completely, only looking at the chocolate bars. "That's $2.25 please," said spiky still not staring Ed in the eye. He handed over the change quickly, grabbed his chocolate bars and wheeled out of the store. Ed tried to keep from being angry but it was probably very evident in his face, especially his eyes that smoldered.

Why is it that everywhere I go people just can't help but treat me like I'm not even a person who deserves the same respect as everyone else? Just because my ass is glued to a wheelchair I get all this "special treatment"! He fumed. Ed closed his eyes for a moment and wiped his hand over his face. Calm down Fargo. It was just some idiot who has an IQ of exactly 2, no worries.

He finally calmed down and realized that he had strayed away from the park in his anger. He stopped and soon figured that it was going to take him another 10 minutes to get to the park. Great! And my arms are killing me! Ed sighed and pumped his wheelchair back the way he came, his sore arms screaming in agony.