New Beginnings (Mai and Cam)

[Lotus]

He shook his head and backed away even further till he nearly fell of the bed. He caught himself and looked away from her. That's why he never remembered her till she brought it up. He'd made himself forget her. Forget her face. Even forget her name.

It was all his fault; the reason his family moved away. He remembered now that his temper was just as bad back then as it was now after meeting Gia again. He was only ten but had gotten angry during a game and pushed her, but it was too hard and he hadn't even realised he could have so much force in him. She'd hurt herself, badly, and that's where he'd seen the terror in her eyes. He'd caused the terror all because of a momentary lapse in his calm. Her parents had found out, they told his parents and his parents moved him away. He was already a disappointment so this made it worse. He swore to himself to forget her and leave her in the past so he could never do any more damage.

That memory hit him so hard it felt like he'd been punched in the gut. He found it hard to breathe as he clutched his trousers and ran a hand over his face. "That is not okay Gia." He managed to growl out. There it was again. His temper. "I can't let that happen again. That's why I forgot... I'll hurt you...again."

[Cham]

She tried to grasp at him, sitting up, frantic. "Please" She whimpered "Please... I cant lose you again..." She whispered "It nearly killed me last time. Your better now. I swear it. PLEASE!" She begged, tears lining her lids. Why did the day have to begin like this...

Moving closer to him, wrapping her arms around his chest, her tears wetting his skin.

[Lotus]

Before he knew, or more like remembered his past, he'd have cradled her in his arms and try to calm her down. There was still that feeling, but it was overpowered by hurt, anger and numbness. He shook his head and pushed away from her. He walked away and turned back to see her still sitting on his bed.

He ran a hand over his head and then balled his hands into fists. "Don't you see that I'm not better? I can't control myself when I'm around you! Don't you see that?" He shook his head furiously. "I can't hurt someone I love again." His eyes opened wide as to what he'd just said. The fight having gone out of him, he sunk to the floor. He'd just admitted he loved her, in the worst possible situation.

[Cham]

He shoved his way out of her arms. And that hurt more than anything he could have possibly done... Leaving her. She sat up, her hair sticking out at odd angles. He turned to look back at her at the doorway, and admitted he loved her...

Her eyes went wide, and the tears slicked down her cheeks "If you really loved me... You wouldnt leave me" She whispered. But he ignored her, sliding to the floor. He slumped down, hiding his face in her knees. She moved out of the bed, shivering at the cool air. Her small feet padding towards him. She crossed her legs as she sat, a hand on his shoulder. "We can figure this out..." She said softly "Together..."

[Lotus]

He shook his head and let out a groan as he tried to make eye contact with her. The one thing he wouldn't do was cry in front of her. He never had done and he never will do. How could she say that she didn't want him to leave her when he'd done that to her when they were younger? She used to be his best friend and he'd hurt her. Now he loved her and he'd just hurt her again.

"G-Gia... There's nothing to figure out. I have never loved anyone but you, that's why I've had so many girls I guess. You're different, you always have been. But I can't face hurting you again. I never want to see that look in your eyes." He stood up shakily and walked to his window, his chest heaving as he tried to calm down. All his silly little problems from last night seemed insignificant now.

[Cham]

Her face fell yet again. But he moved to the window so he didnt have to look at her. She shook her head, running her hands over her face. He didnt want to hurt her. But he was hurting her by trying to prevent another incident. She wanted to run. Might as well. But she had made the mistake of thinking she was being cute by wearing his clothes. Now they felt uncomfortable on her skin. Baggy and unfamiliar. She was itching to rip them off. Rip them off, throw them away. Leave. Her heart ached in three ways.
One for him. She wanted to be with him so badly it physically pained her. Being away from him was like missing an arm.
Two. She hurt for him. It wasnt pity she felt, but empathy. She hurt that he was hurting.
And Three. He was hurting her. Basically telling her he couldnt stand to be around her. She hurt him... when he hurt her...

How did any of this make any sense!!! It didnt. That was the point. So she stood on unsteady legs. Made her desision. Whispered as she grabbed her bag and made her way to the bathroom "Fine... permit me to change and ill be gone..." She choked on the last several words, but forced herself not to cry anymore.

Muttering to herself as she walked away 'your so stupid. he doesnt love you. you caused him not to sleep. Your a stranger. He pitied you and brought you in. you overstepped your boundaries Gia. Stupid, ugly, worthless..." Bereating herself softly, but vocally as she walked into the bathroom, locking the door, pressing her back to it and sliding down to the floor.

"What am i going to do now..."

[Lotus]

He heard her mutterings and he broke down. He yelled at the top of his voice and sank to the floor, hitting the wall with his fists. Making her leave hurt the both of them, but making her stay puts her in danger.

He heard the muttering about her not loving him and it tore him apart. He finally knew the reason for all of this. He did love her. He had never stopped, and now it had turned into a love more than for just friendship.

He ran from his room, his face a mess, his chest heaving and went to the bathroom. He expected to be able to open the door, but instead he slammed straight into it. "Dammit Gia." He leant right up against the door and sank to the floor. "Open the door...please..."

[Cham]

She heard crashing footsteps drawing nearer. A slam on the bathroom door. a shout for her to open it. But she couldnt. Just thinking about him hurt enough. But seeing him not loving her would kill her. She sat on the ground for several moments, trying to collect herself. But she couldnt. She couldnt identify the waves of emotions that berated her, so she tried to shut everything down. She suceeded. After several deep breaths she had shoved every emotion down. She only felt numb.

Stripping down she jumped into the shower, quickly lathering up, trying to wash away the feeling of his gentle fingertips on her skin. But for some reason they just wouldnt fade... Scrubbing herself red until her skin tingled with sensitivity. She washed out her hair, and a small sadness crept through. Great, Now she smelled like him... But it was such a wonderful scent...

Jumping out, she changed into her own clothes. The semi-clean jeans from the day before, and a blue tank-top. Brushing out her hair and tying the long strands into a knot at the base of her head. Slinging her bag over her shoulder, she cracked open the door, praying for an open shot down the stairs to pull on her boots, and slip out the front door...

[Lotus]

Isaac sat by the door, listening to her movements form inside the bathroom. What was he supposed to do? Let her go and hurt the one he loved that way? Or stay with her and put her in danger, possibly hurting her that way; again? He was a mess, and all he wanted was for her to open up. He ran a hand over his face and moaned, "Gia..."

Just then the door opened a crack. He instantly looked up and saw Gia looking out. She glanced at the stairs and he knew exactly what she was thinking. She wasn't going to make a run for it again! He stood up abruptly and pushed the door open, hard. He slipped inside and locked the door behind him. He grabbed Gia in his arms, pulling her bag of her shoulders, but still trying not to hurt her already damaged shoulder. That wouldn't make anything better or easier if her did that.

He pushed her up against the wall and placed his lips against hers roughly. When he pulled back he looked at her, finally finding a little courage as he said, "Don't you see what you do to me? Don't you see how I can't let you go? Don't you see the problem? If I let you go, then I hurt the girl I love and lose her forever. If I let you stay then I put you in danger. I never want to hurt you again Gia. Not like that. Not ever again!" His chest was heaving again as he struggled to breath. He rested his head against her shoulder and tried to calm down. "Gia... I don't know what to do!"

[Cham]

The door burst open and Issac pulled the bag from her shoulder. Her eyes showed obvious pain. But his were worse. He was struggling. She could easily tell. Seconds later he was kissing her like never before. Feeling unspoken words, and untold emotions flowing through his lips. She whimpered lightly, and he pulled back, Speaking quickly, trying to explain himself as though she was walking out the door. Well... She was... Until that moment.

She looked into his eyes, He was so confused, and broken. He truely didnt know what to do... She gently moved her arms from his grip. Hesitating a moment before sliding them both to his face. Forcing his gaze to hers. She looked intently at him. Then said softly

"Tell me you love me... Say it right now"

She wanted to hear it. Not in past tence... Not in a sentance... Not compaired. But plain and simple. If he could do that... She believed he could do anything. And she would stay.

[Lotus]

Isaac stopped and just stared at her. His chest was still heaving and his eyes tried to look anywhere but in hers. He sighed as he gave up and his breathing returned to normal. Was it that easy to just say those three words? It was, they were words. And they were true, weren't they? Yes, they were. As true as anything could ever be.

He managed to let his hands cup her face as he slowly took a deep breath in. She knew, he knew she knew, how he was feeling. How hard he was fining this situation, but he hadn't yet said those three words to her. He needed to. Not just so she could hear them, but to prove to himself he could say it. Prove to himself that he knew what love was.

He looked into her eyes, but he couldn't smile. He couldn't really do anything at that moment other than softly stroke his thumb across her cheek as he whispered, "I. Love. You."

[Cham]

"I. Love. You."

He said it. Her eyelids fluttered shut and she leaned her head back against the wall. A flood of... Of something washed over her. She felt... Renewed... Rejuvenated... Tears lined her eyes as she opened them, her arms wrapping around his neck as she stood on tip toe and pressed her lips to his. She loved him... So much it hurt her. That was the end of that wasnt it? Couldnt he be satisfied with that?

Pulling away and pressing her forehead to his she mumbled "If you truely love me, you wont hurt me... I-I think before..." She cringed at bringing up the horrid memory "I think before you loved me too. I know i loved you. Still do infact... A lot... B-But... I think you were so angry at everything. Mostly your parents. And you didnt know how to express it. You didnt take it out on them, or anything really. You just... Kept it in. So it blew... It could have been anybody..." She whispered "But you loved me, so you were with me. It wasnt your fault... We were so young..."

She didnt want him to speak. Tell her that he couldnt be with her. So she just kissed him again.

[Lotus]

He listened to her and tried to see reason in what she said. If he just agreed with her, then maybe she'd be happy despite his worries and fears. Maybe that would work. But, for now, it was too early for him to just snap and change his mind. Besides, he wasn't truly sure of what she said in the first place.

He had closed his eyes at the memory she brought up and he tried to push it out of his mind. Then he felt her lips on his and his body responded before his mind had a chance to react. His lips moved with hers and his hands moved down to her waist as he pushed her against the wall, bringing her closer to him.

He deepened this kiss as his mind finally caught up. This was right. It felt right. He had never stopped loving her. What she had said was true. She knew him so well. He broke away from the kiss to rest his forehead against hers. His breathing was heavy as he tried to say, "I love you Gia. I never stopped. Just like you didn't." His lips moved back to hers and between the kisses he whispered, "I love you, love you, love you..."

[Cham]

Gia held tight. She had no intention of ever letting him go again. He was hers. She was his. It was just how the world worked. Instinctively he pressed her to the wall again. And admittedly.. She loved that. She felt secure, and supported. His body pressed against hers, nothing could seperate them. His words touched her, and she shut her eyes softly, forcing back tears. This time though, they were of joy.

Finally she could smile, giggling into the kiss as he professed his love to her over and over. She didnt want to silence his words this time. She wanted to hear it. She needed to hear it. With one long, passionate kiss, she whispered it to him again. "I love you..." Unfortunitly that time they had an audience.

The words barily passed her lips when a jingle of keys, and the door pushed open to see only his mother standing there, shocked. Her jaw slacked open, but the corners of her mouth perked up in a smile. Gia's face ran white seeing her.

[Lotus]

Isaac heard the jingling of keys, but paid no attention until Gia stopped kissing him. He turned around slowly and saw his mother standing there; smiling. Smiling? He looked back at her, shocked, while reaching down to grab Gia's hand and entwine his fingers with hers.

He cleared his throat and said, "We were just leaving. Sorry we took so long." He reached down and picked up Gia's bag before pulling her out of the bathroom. He ushered Gia into his room just as his mother beckoned him back to her. He turned slowly as he asked, "Yes?"

She walked over to him and placed a hand on his arm, in which he automatically moved away from. She dropped her hand and said, "That was lovely to hear her say Isaac. I heard you mumbling it to. That's Giavanna isn't it?" I just stared at her, as she looked back at me. I was never sure where I stood with her. I was always disappointing her, but when she was just on her own she seemed to care. "You're father isn't here. You can talk to me."

He cleared his throat and nodded his head. "It's her." Her smile widened even more as she walked back into the bathroom. "I wondered when you two would meet again. I'm happy for you Isaac, and for Giavanna too."

He stood in the middle of the hall as she shut the bathroom door. "What...?" He whispered. Now that didn't exactly help relieve the confusion he felt towards everything at that very moment.

[Cham]

Gia had cracked the door open, ready to step in. But she left after a moment, giving them privacy. She moved to the bed. But this time not laying on it, but making it up. Moving the pillows to the floor, and smoothing out the sheets. Pulling the comforter back into place, Replacing the pillows.

When she had finished, the muffled words had stopped. She crept back to the door to peer out. He was standing alone shaking his head. Slipping out, she walked up behind him, and wrapped her arms this time around his stomach. Crossed up so her hand were at the base of his ribcage. "You know i think she is afraid of your father... She doesnt want to speak agaisnt him and all." Shrugging she released him, taking his hand and turning him to look at her.

Wearing a sexy smile, she walked backwards, pulling him into the bedroom, then leaning up to kiss him "I really do love you you know?"

[Lotus]

Isaac nodded his head, finally seeing what he'd thought was just his imagination after all these years. His mother really was the one to care; it was his father that led the disappointment and everything else that made his life a living hell. He sighed and this time he knew Gia was right straight away.

"I know Gia...I'm guessing you heard then." He turned around as she took his hand and she saw her nod. He couldn't help the small smile that crept to his lips.

When she started leading him into his bedroom she noticed the bed and he shook his head. She was making it so difficult for him to behave. His smile got bigger and he nodded his head in answer to her question. "I know you do and I love you just as much!" He pulled her to him and rested his forehead against hers.

[Cham]

She shrugged a little and smiled truthfully saying "A little of it, but then i left." But she put all of that from her mind as she kissed him. Relishing the feeling. God she loved it... She couldnt get enuogh of him. But aparently he could, moving to rest his head agaisnt hers.

She smiled and ran her fingers gently through his hair. She couldnt seem to shake the smile from her face "So what are we doing today Mr. Waterman?" Lightly pecking his lips. Absolutly falling in love with his hands around her waist the way they were.

[Lotus]

He pulled her closer to him and smiled at her. "Just call me Isaac." He kissed her nose and said, "Whatever you want to. I'm planning on trying to control myself around you." His devilish grin came back and he kissed her on the lips deeply and lovingly. When he pulled away his breathing was a little heavier.

"That is not going to help me control myself." Then he laughed, despite himself he laughed. He picked her up in his arms and swung her round. "Let's do whatever Gia! Let the world know we found each other!" He grinned up at her as she laughed.

They just had to decide how to play it on Monday. That would be interesting.

[Cham]

She giggled at his controlling comments, just focusing on his lips. She wanted something even more. Something that wasnt being sated. An uncomfortablness in her lower stomach that she decided to just ignore. He picked her up, swinging her around. She clutched him. Laughing out loud, throwing her head back. When he sat her down she pressed her lips to his firmly, cocking an eyebrow and racily whispering "Maybe i dont want you to stay in control" And left it at that as they went about their day.

~Monday~

Gia woke for the 3rd night in Issacs arms. He was still sleeping, and for once seemed to sleep through the night. She gave a silent thanks, and leaned over to kiss him gently. His eyes flickered open, and she smiled. "Good Morning Wonderful" She rolled atop of him, and kissed him deeply, her fingers in his hair.

[Lotus]

It had been an eventful weekend, but that night he had slept as soundly as ever with Gia in his arms. They'd found each other and they had years to catch up on. He felt the sun streaming in through the windows and a kiss on his lips. He opened his eyes and smiled as she rolled on top of him and kissed him even deeper.

His hands traced her body as he kissed her back; relishing the moment. He pulled away and smiled up at her, "Good morning gorgeous." He rolled her over so he was on top instead and said, "I think we might have to get separate beds if I'm to control myself." He sat up and laughed, "Stop making it hard for me woman." He chuckled and grinned down at her, running a hand through his hair.

Then he realised the day. Monday. School. Test results. Damn! He looked back at her and groaned. "Do we have to go in today...?" He chuckled and stood up regardless. "Come on sweetheart." He flung back the covers, making Gia clutch for them. "Can't be late on a Monday!"

[Cham]

Gia felt Issacs arms wrapping around her exactly how she liked it. Giggling as he flipped ontop of her. Whispering tenderly. But she just laughed. Feeling a small peck on her neck, making her jump. She really liked that.

"I vote we stay here" Snuggling under the blankets, pulling them over her head. But he pulled them back, and she shrieked in laughter. Goosebumps raising on her body. "But its coooolllddddd" She pretend whined, pouting her lower lip. Looking up at him from her messy position on the bed. Once again she was dressed in his pajamas. Smiling.

[Lotus]

Isaac smiled down at her as she lay there and he said softly, "If I could stay here all day with you and see you like this then I would. But we have duties to do. And..." He jumped on the bed and kissed her sweetly. "We have to let the world know!" He grinned down at her then whispered, "Now get that sexy body out of my bed and dressed." He kissed her on the lips before pulling back with a cheeky grin.

He walked over to his closet, rubbing a hand over his stomach.

[Cham]

She smiled up, but the smile turned to a sexy smirk as she wiggled around, biting her lower lip "You know you love seeing me in your bed" She laughed and watched him lean down to kiss her, leaning up on her elbows. Whispering "Cause i know i definitly enjoy the time i spend in it." Then hopping out of the bed to rummage through her clothes. The previous day she could find none of her things, but when she later returned, a note atop the bag told her that Mrs. Waterman had washed them all, the note brought greatful tears to her eyes...

But now was not the time, they were going to be late! Rushing, she watched Issac pad over to his closet as she rummaged, pulling out Jeans and a plain Blue tanktop. She had showered the night before, braiding her hair wet. So when she pulled it out, it had curled up, falling down past her shoulders in a waterfall of curls.

[Lotus]

He grabbed a pair of jeans and a checked shirt out of his closest. He quickly threw them on and ran and hand threw his hair. He threw all his school stuff in his back pack and waited at the door for Gia.

He watched her with a smile on his face. "You look beautiful Gia no matter what you do." He smiled and held his hand out for her to take. "We've got to get breakfast. C'mon."