Chapter Six

Emily walked into the church sanctuary and spotted Elizabeth and Lucky immediately. They were standing up front with their arms around each other's shoulders as they looked at the casket. A framed picture of Nikolas sat on top with flowers all around it.

"Hey," Emily greeted softly. Elizabeth and Lucky turned around and both gave Emily a hug. "How are you guys?"

"We're peachy," Lucky said a bit harshly. He quickly apologized. "I haven't really been getting much sleep. I guess I'm irritable."

"We all are," Elizabeth added. Emily nodded in agreement.

"Where's Laura?" Emily asked. "I figured she would have been here early."

Lucky shrugged. "I have no idea. Lulu probably kept her. I think she knows what is going on. She's not as young as when I 'died.' And all everyone does around the house is cry, except for my dad."

"So he's been around a lot lately?" Emily asked.

Lucky nodded. "He stayed the whole night the night after the accident. In my mom's room." Lucky grinned. At least there was one bright spot going for his family.

"How's Gia doing?" Emily asked. "Have you seen her lately?"

Elizabeth and Lucky both nodded. "She's been staying at Laura's too, like the rest of us," Elizabeth explained. "She won't even talk to her mom or Taggert. She barely speaks to anyone, actually. I think she's afraid to go back to the cottage. She walks around like a walking zombie."

Emily shook her head sadly. "I should have given her more of a chance. I mean, obviously Nikolas saw something in her. I was pretty awful to her. I guess I can still make up for that, can't I? No time like the present to be forgiving." Elizabeth and Lucky nodded, both feeling the same way.

Lucky excused himself to greet his mother as she and Lulu walked in the door. Luke was right behind them. Gia lingered behind. Lucky and Laura gave each other a quick kiss on the cheek They all made their way to the front row, where Emily and Elizabeth gave Laura hugs, as well. Elizabeth looked at Gia sorrowfully. She wanted to give Gia a hug, but she didn't think it would be appropriate.

Gia, Lucky, Lulu, Luke, and Laura sat took the front pew on the right side, and Emily and Elizabeth sat behind them with Audrey, Ned, and Alexis. As the service started, Gia stared at the picture of Nikolas. His monstrous smile brought fresh tears to her eyes. The pastor began to speak, but Gia wasn't even paying attention. Tons of memories filled her head.

*Flashback*

Elizabeth: Hey. Everything all right?

Gia: What do you think? Rich boy just informed me that I'm involved in a cop killing. Well, guess what -- not for long. As far as I'm concerned, this is your problem. You get to solve it.

Nikolas: Look, if your safety isn't enough to help us, ok, I'd be glad to -- (Gia grabs Nikolas and kisses him to hide from Taggert)

Gia: Stay away from me, both of you.

Flashback

Nikolas: Do you want a cool place to live or not, ok?

Gia: You're serious?

Nikolas: If you want it, it's yours. It'll get you out of the lie you just told your mother.

Gia: So I'd be the one doing a favor. You need me to take this place to help you with the rent.

Nikolas: All right. Ok, fine. Let's just say that we're doing each other a favor, ok? Is that so terrible?

Gia: I guess not. So long as it's not some rickety old cabin out on the edge of town with a rat problem.

Nikolas: Well, I mean, you know, the rats are-- they're minimal.

Flashback

Gia: I am totally and completely in love.

Nikolas: Anyone I know?

Gia: Your cottage. It's perfect. My favorite thing is that old-fashioned bathtub with the feet. It's so sweet.

Nikolas: Well, that's good. Does that mean you want to rent?

Gia: It's way more than I can afford.

Nikolas: Ok, I can reduce the price.

Gia: Unless it's zero dollars, I'm out of the running. I can't afford anything until I land a job.

Nikolas: Yeah, well, I can't afford to stay there much longer

since Helena cut off my funds.

Gia: Gee, that's tough. Guess you'll have to live at Wyndemere on your own private island.

Nikolas: Now, wait a second, Ok? Me going back there is just like sending you back to New York City and Columbia.

Gia: Sorry.

Nikolas: Yeah. All right, look, there's one solution.

Gia: What?

Nikolas: No, you would never go for it. There's no way.

Gia: Come on. I'll do anything. I cannot camp out on my brother's couch any longer. My mother's staying there. And I told her that I was already set with a place of my own.

Nikolas: Ok. Ok, all right. Look, I still have my job at L&B, and you're soon to get something, right? So I think we can make the rent if we do it together.

Gia: You're serious? You want us to live together?

Gia: Share as in roommates? Separate everything?

Nikolas: Fifty-fifty. I mean, I'll even cover you for the rent until you find a job. Is it a deal?

Gia: There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms, right?

Nikolas: The last time I looked.

Gia: Well, then I want the big bathroom with that great old-fashioned tub.

Nikolas: Well, see, now, that's the master bath, which means you'd actually have to cut through my bedroom to use it, so I mean--

Gia: That could be a problem.

Nikolas: Yeah, especially since I'm kind of a light sleeper.

Gia: Well, then I'll take the master bedroom and bath, and you can have the other room.

Nikolas: I don't think so.

Gia: Well, if you lose this house because you can't keep up with the rent, you'll have any bed and bath you want on that big old mausoleum in the middle of the lake.

Nikolas: Now, see, I already told you that Wyndemere is not an option.

Gia: Then learn to compromise, rich boy. We could make it our bedroom.

Nikolas: Right. For someone who only kisses me when she's hiding out from her cop brother. Now, come on, doesn't that seem kind of like a quantum leap here?

Gia: We wouldn't occupy the bedroom at the same time.

Nikolas: Of course. I knew there was a catch.

Gia: I'll take the master bed and bath for one month, and you'll have it the next.

Nikolas: Separate but equal. I mean, that could work.

Gia: You think?

Nikolas: It was your idea.

Gia: I know.

Nikolas: I mean, I can't think of anything else. Can you?

Gia: OK. Let's do it.

Nikolas: You're sure?

Gia: Well, I do have one condition and it's not negotiable. The only way us living together is going to work is if no one finds out about it.

Nikolas: Well, I mean, now, that's impossible.

Gia: It doesn't have to be forever. Just until my mother leaves town. She'd kill me if she found out I was living with a guy.

Nikolas: Yeah, my grandmother wouldn't be too happy about the arrangement either and she's definitely capable of doing us both in.

Gia: You're kidding.

Nikolas: Sort of. I mean, come on, maybe this is not a bad idea keeping this to ourselves, except for Elizabeth and Lucky.

Gia: Keeping our living arrangement a secret should be nothing for you. You kept everyone from finding out you had Ted's body hidden in the deep freeze for months.

Nikolas: Ok, ok, ok, ok. Do we have a deal or not?

Gia: Deal, if I get the master bedroom and bathroom first.

Nikolas: Second. My stuff's already in there.

Gia: First.

Nikolas: I'm paying the rent.

Gia: OK, second.

*Flashback*

Gia: If anything, you're too good to people. Except me, of course.

Nikolas: Excuse me. I just defended you not even a half-hour ago.

Gia: After blabbing to the whole world we're living together.

Nikolas: One person. And you know what, speaking of which, you took my ice cream off the shelf.

Gia: No, I did not.

Nikolas: Really? You left a spoon in the carton. {Gia looks away with a guilty look} Uh-huh. Exactly. Now, see, that's a code one violation.

Gia: OK, you're scaring me.

Nikolas: Good, I hope so, because there is some chicken teriyaki on your shelf that's looking pretty good.

Gia: Uh-uh. You touch my chicken and you're a dead man.

Nikolas: It's mine. Nope. You ate my ice cream. {She chases him into the kitchen}

*Flashback*

Nikolas: Well, I remember when you first came to town, how scared and defensive you were and how you didn't trust a single soul. But time's past, and we've grown so close. Right before my eyes, you've turned into an incredible, funny, intelligent, capable woman who constantly surprises me and intrigues me. And now you have that confidence to show the rest of the world the real Gia, too, and-- like you did tonight. You know that-- so beautiful.

Gia: You're embarrassing me.

Nikolas: No. The point is, that I'm incredibly proud of you. So this-- this is for you.

Gia: What's the occasion? We all thought Elizabeth was going to be the new Face--

Nikolas: I know. That's why I bought it.

Gia: What, as like a consolation prize?

Nikolas: No, I just-- I wanted you to know how important you are to me, whether you're the Face or not.

Gia: Thanks, but--

Nikolas: Listen, just let me finish because I'm not very good at these things, so just let me kinda get through it, ok? You're not the only woman I've been involved with, but you are definitely the only one I've ever felt this way about. Growing up with the Cassadines, I learned what it's like not to trust people. You protect yourself first and you trust later. But here I am with you, and I trust you so completely. And you have given me a gift that's priceless. So this may not compare, but I hope you like it. (She opens it to see a diamond bracelet.)

Gia: Nikolas-- I can't accept this. This is too much.

Nikolas: No, no. Absolutely not. It's not even enough.

*Flashback*

Gia: No, no, please don't put me on hold. You know what they're making me listen to? Liberace.

Nikolas: I'm sure you'll survive. Now, listen, I'm expecting a--

Gia: Nice look.

Nikolas: Ha. That's wonderful, thank you. But listen, if someone comes to the door, it's ok to get it because I'm expecting a feed delivery for Sheba, ok?

Gia: Oh, I'm sure Sheba will be thrilled.

Nikolas: Will you please just do me that favor, Gia? I'm shaving. You can see that.

Gia: And I'm on hold for the world's worst job. See, there's an idea. Look, you pick out a few upscale businesses--

Nikolas: Ok, after I shave--

Gia: Just listen. Look, Ok, you do a deal with them. When they put people on hold, instead of playing this generic garbage they're playing, then you pipe in some L&B artists.

Nikolas: Give me a break.

Gia: After you, foam boy.

*Flashback*

Gia: So what do you think Helena's planning?

Nikolas: I don't know. But I'm going to find out.

Gia: And then?

Nikolas: She'll have to get past me first.

Gia: Well, if you're involved, then I'm involved, too. You're stuck with me, Nikolas. So if your grandma wants to start threatening you or Lucky or anyone else you care about, believe me, she's met her match. What?

Nikolas: I-- I love you.

*Flashback*

Nikolas: There's something I have that belongs to you. (Pulls out the diamond bracelet)

Gia: You saved it?

Nikolas: Yeah. I used to look at it all the time, and I couldn't wait for the day that I could give it back to you. Will you take it, please?

Gia: Would you put it on me?

Nikolas: This is what I want for us, Gia -- you and me loving each other again. Someplace where the world can't touch us.

Gia: I understand there aren't any guarantees. But just like I knew somewhere deep down that we would find each other again, I know right now in my heart that we will always be together.

*End Flashbacks*

Gia was startled out of her thoughts as Laura stood up and made her way to the podium. Trembling, she took a deep breath and stared out at the crowd. "Um." Laura started, her voice shaking. "The day that Nikolas was born was a very bright light in a cloud of darkness. He brought me happiness at a time when I only knew depression and anxiety and fear. And I wish so much that I could take even a little credit for the wonderful man that he turned out to be. But all of that credit goes to Stefan. I've always regretted leaving Nikolas on that island and I know that I always will. But I was lucky enough to be able to experience what a loving, forgiving person my son was. I don't know if I have ever met someone who loved his family and friends with as much depth as Nikolas did. Since the day he came back into my life, to save his sister, whom he hadn't even met, I admired his strength. I should just be thankful for the few years that I got with him, and I am. My heart was so full having him with us. As a part of my fabulous family. I hope he knew just how much we love him." Not exactly sure what else to say, Laura stepped down. She could hear people sobbing throughout the room. It had taken all of her strength not to burst into tears as she was speaking.

Gia stood up in a half daze as Laura stepped down. She let Laura hug her quickly. Gia stood at the podium and stared out at the people. They were all staring back at her, half of them in tears already. She swallowed hard before she started. "I'd like to start by thanking you all for coming. It means a lot to me, and I know it would mean a lot to Nikolas too. I, um. I'm not really sure what to say. I mean, how do you sum up what a person like Nikolas meant to you? He was the love of my life. And like Laura said, he was so forgiving and so loving, and he was so passionate. I also experienced his forgiveness. Most of you know how we met, and it wasn't under good circumstances. But I thank God every day that I did get to meet him. After we got together, he was never afraid to tell me what I meant to him, how much he loved me. I just hope--," Gia's voice caught. She tried to continue through her sobs. "I hope I made him as happy as he made me." She took a deep breath to try to regain control, but it was in vain. Lucky jumped up and wrapped his arm around Gia, who fell into his arms. He gently led her back to her seat, next to his. The pastor closed in prayer.