Chapter Nine
Gia's big brown eyes grew even larger. She sat just sat there and was unable to move her body. She contemplated running or even talking to Nikolas but she just couldn't get any part of herself to move!
Nikolas nervously awaited a response from Gia. But she just simply sat there. There was a look of confusion and fear in her eyes. She didn't move, talk, or even cry. That was what frightened Nikolas the most. He longed for any kind of response but soon realized Gia was in some sort of shock. After hearing and going through all the things he did to her, it was no surprise that she was in shock. He just knew from the look in her eyes that she was about to explode any second. It was his job to keep the lines of communication open. "Say something. Please.", he gently said. "I...I'm...We're...in...Greece?", Gia said slowly. Her mind was racing with questions. Nikolas simply nodded and replied, "Yes".
That was all Gia needed to know. Her ability to reason with Nikolas had disappeared. She needed to get out of wherever she was as soon as possible. All she wanted to do was to go home and lay in her own bed. Her hands that were once neatly clasped in her hands had become clawed to the soft piece of furniture she was sitting upon. Gia slowly un-clawed them and as Nikolas turned away to gaze out the window, she bolted to the nearest exit.
Nikolas didn't know what had all of a sudden come over Gia. One minute, she wasn't able to move and the next second she was jumping off her seat and speeding towards the nearest doorway. Nikolas was shocked. He got off his own seat and followed after her.
Gia was lost. "Damn.", she cried aloud. She was running for what seemed to be hours. The castle or whatever she was in was huge. Why is this place so damn big? Every corner I turn looks exactly the same as the last. Why can't I find a single way out? Gia silently questioned herself. She was beginning to grow even more frantic and desperate as the seconds passed by. Soon, she reached an enormous carpeted staircase. As she peered downwards she noticed a large door that almost reached to the ceiling. That must be the way out, thought Gia. She then scolded herself as she ran down the stairs. Those doors were too obvious a way to escape. Not caring, Gia tugged on the handles of the gigantic doors. They wouldn't budge. Frantically, she ran into a room that seemed to be a study. Sure enough, there was a set of impeccable French doors. Quickly, Gia unhooked the latch and ran outside. What she saw simply took her breath away.
Nikolas just didn't know what to do. He never expected her to run away from him. As he searched for her, he wished that the castle wasn't so dark and gloomy. Even he didn't feel comfortable or at home here. He could only imagine how intimidating it was to Gia. As Nikolas passed through his study, a cool breeze brushed against his skin. Quickly, he turned his head. The doors were opened. It was very unusual that the doors would be left open. He curiously peered outside and saw Gia standing still in the middle of the gardens. He slowly approached her. Gia's long braided hair was rapidly flowing along with the breeze. Her face had a look of deep concentration. Nikolas noticed how beautiful she looked. Not wanting to disturb her, Nikolas stood alongside her. Studying her as she observed what filled her view. They stood together in peaceful silence for what seemed like eternity. However, as far as Nikolas was concerned, eternity was simply just too short.
The gardens were beautiful. exotic, wild flowers with vibrant colours she'd never seen before danced along with the warm breeze. The salty scent of the sea water approached Gia's nostrils as she took everything in. In just a few seconds, all of her senses came alive and absorbed the beauty that was surrounding her. "Gia?" a voice spoke. At that instant, reality hit her like a strong, unseen force. Remembering the circumstances under which Gia's life had evolved into, a single tear seeped its way down to her trembling chin.