Chapter 2

Mrs. Frederick came into the bedroom.  "Girls, it's time to get dressed," she said to Erika and Kelly.  The two little girls took her hand and followed her out of the room.

"Let's get you dressed," Jason said smiling at Gia.

"Ok, but Jason…" she said not sure how to phrase her next sentence.  She didn't want to hurt his feelings.

"What?"

"Jason, honey, you know I love you, but would you mind if I pick out my own clothes?"

Jason looked at the outfit he had picked out for her.  "Pretty bad huh?"

Gia made a face and nodded.

Jason hung the shirt and pants back in the closet.  With Gia giving him instructions, Jason soon came back to the bed with a normal looking outfit.  He helped her get dressed.  With a lot of difficulty, he managed to help her down the stairs and got her settled on the sofa.

Gia sat there a moment catching her breath.  "Whew!  I'll be glad when I have these babies.   I thought carrying one baby was difficult."

Jason sat down in a nearby chair.  "It won't be much longer," he reassured her with a smile. 

Gia smiled at him.  "I know," she said.

Mrs. Frederick and the girls came down the stairs.

"I drew this for the babies," Erika said handing Gia a picture.

"That's beautiful sweetheart, we'll hang it in their room.  Would you like that?"

Erika smiled and nodded.

 The doorbell rang.  Mrs. Frederick came out of the kitchen and answered it.  "It's Mr. and Mrs. Corinthos and family," she said.  Behind her stood Carly holding Matthew and Sonny holding Melanie's hand.  Michael stood near the door looking very bored.

"Thank you Mrs. Frederick," Gia said.  She was trying not to laugh as the housekeeper left the room.

"Does she always have to be so formal?" Carly asked.

"Always," Gia answered finally losing control and laughing.

Carly put Matthew down.  "Michael take the kids upstairs to play," she said.

"Mom, I'm thirteen years old.  What makes you think I want to play with a bunch of little kids?" Michael complained.

Carly turned and gave him a look that made it clear that she wasn't going to tolerate his attitude.  "You don't have to play with them, just watch them.  Now go!"

Michael sighed.  He took Matthew and Kelly by the hand and led them to the stairs.  "Come on," he said to Melanie and Erika.  He led the four children upstairs.

Carly sat down next to Gia.  "I swear he gets worse everyday."

"Well if you two don't need us, Jason and I have some business to discuss," Sonny said.

"No, you two go right ahead.  I'll keep the mother-to-be company," Carly said with a smile.

Jason stood up and followed Sonny out of the penthouse.

"So, do you and Jason have any big plans for your anniversary next week?" Carly asked after the guys had left.

Gia wasn't sure what to say.  Jason hadn't even mentioned their anniversary.  "Probably not.  I'm sure that Jason doesn't even remember that it is our anniversary.  I don't think he even cares," she said sadly bursting into tears.

Carly put her arm around Gia.  "Oh honey, I'm sure he cares," she said trying to comfort her.

Meanwhile out in the hall, Sonny and Jason were waiting for the elevator.

"So what was the big emergency that you needed to see me about?" Sonny asked.

"I need your help picking out the perfect anniversary gift for Gia.  I haven't mentioned our anniversary.  I want her to think I forgot that way it will be a total surprise." Jason said.

Sonny shook his head.  "Are you sure you know what you're doing?"

Jason nodded.  "Gia will love it.  So will you help me?"

"Yeah, but I think you ought to at least let her know that you remember."

"No, it'll be more special this way," Jason said.  The elevator arrived  "Let's go."   They got on the elevator and the doors closed.