New Beginnings (Mai and Cam)

[Cham]

Gia waited for only a moment before Issac walked back out, looking wonderful as usual. She grabbed her few books, and smiled at the bad that now only contained clothes. She was so glad she never had to carry it around again.

She walked to him and took the hand he held out, interlacing her fingers. His small compliments meant the world to her, but she blushed and nudged him. Silently making her way down to the kitchen where Issacs mother had set out several plates of food. Hashbrowns, eggs, toast, orange juice. Her mouth watered at the sight. She thanked her and took her plate, sitting down at the table with Issac. Glancing down at her stomach. It was still flat, she was very skinny, but it was no longer sunken like before.

When she finished her food, she walked to his mother and hugged her, kissing her cheek and quietly thanking her for everything she had done. The kind woman patted her cheek and thanked her for what she had done to Issac. Giving him confidence and such. She embraced the woman once more before turning to Issac who looked fairly shocked. Smiling and grabbing her things, she once again took her place beside him, hand in his.

[Lotus]

It would be lying if Isaac said he still never got shocked at the affection his mother was showing towards Gia, and towards him for that matter. It was as if Gia had given her confidence to be herself again; the mother he remembered when he was far, far younger. It made him feel complete inside. There was just the matter of his father to contend with.

As Gia stood back with him, entwining their fingers back together he grinned over at his mother with a warmth in his eyes that he knew hadn't been shown towards her in a long time. The warmth quickly disappeared when his mother shrunk back into the counter as there was a grunt at the door. He turned to see his father.

"Is she still here? We're not a charity Isaac Waterman." I turned to glare at him and my grip on Gia's hand tightened.

"Yeah father. And Gia," with emphasis on her name, "is staying for however long she wants to or needs to as my guest. So why don't you just deal with it okay?" He glanced at his mother and then at Gia as he said, "Well, time for school. Can't be late!"

He turned, taking Gia with him and walked to the hallway calling out, "By mum!"

[Cham]

Gia jumped when she heard the stomping footsteps, and a slammed door. Issacs grip tightened protectively, and she took a half step forward, her other hand on his elbow. Partly holding him back, partly comforting, and embarrasingly, partly hiding. He sneered at her, and she dropped her gaze. Self loathing filled her. What was she doing here... She didnt belong...

But a glance up at Mrs. Waterman who gave her a sympathetic smile, and Issacs words pulled her spirits up. She was here for love. Not for Issacs father...

A yank on her arm pulled her out of the fire as they quickly walked down the hallway. Pulling on her boots, and lacing them up to her knees. Greatful she had shoes at all. Once again picking up her books, she took Issacs hand and he lead her out the door into the sunshining morning.

Grinning they cracked several jokes until they were within the sight of the school when dread filled her stomach... What was going to happen? How would people react...?

Eyebrows were raised around the group of males, Issacs friends as they approched. She tried to build up a wall for them to knock down.

[Lotus]

Isaac's stomach did somersaults as they drew closer to his group of friends but he reminded himself that if they were his friends they wouldn't care who he was dating. They'd accept him for whatever he threw at them. He glanced down to Gia and noticed the expression on her face, so he squeezed her hand and drew her a little closer to him. He crooked his head slightly and whispered, "They won't bite." He gave her a crooked smile and then looked up at his friends.

"Alright guys?" He grinned at them all before introducing Gia. "Guys, this is Gia. You may have seen her around these parts." He looked down at her and winked as he put on a false voice. "Now, it'd be much appreciated if you'd be nice. Gia's my girl and if you say as much as one bad word about her, well, you'll deal with me 'kay?" He grinned at all of them as they just said,

"Yeah. Whatever Isaac." But nonetheless every one of them greeted Gia with a warm, yet wary smile. This was going to turn out for the best, he knew it!

[Cham]

Issac gave her a squeeze, as moved her closer to him as he spoke to the boys. But she felt he was a little distant. Trying to manage throwing up his facade for them, but stay real for her. He put on a silly accent, and warned them. But there was a harshness that made it real. She nudged him gently. Giving him a small, shy smile.

They all grinned at her, and she gave a soft 'Hello' to each of them. They all looked familiar, but she didnt know all of their names. By the time they went their rounds, she had forgotten the first half. But It didnt seem to matter once the girls in their flouncing skirts walked up. Bows in their hair, throwing sultry looks at Issac. She bit the inside of her cheek hard, resisting to claw the girls eyes out. Why couldnt she be as pretty as them...

[Lotus]

This was harder than he first realised. Most of the guys now had their arms slung around the girls shoulders in a, not really, loving manner. Isaac was definitely finding it harder to be himself and not at the same time. He was hoping Gia would understand.

There was a strange silence when the girls turned up, and he saw the glares. His arm tightened around Gia and he smiled down at her. "They're just jealous that you're with me instead of them 'cause now they're stuck with this lot." He grinned at the rest of them as the girls starting laughing and telling him how stupid he was. The guys starting reaching out to hit him. They were all laughing though and even Gia's mouth turned up a little at the side.

The bell rung and every single one of them sighed. He stepped away from the group and said, "C'mon gorgeous. Learning time." He smiled softly down at her. "You're going to be okay. Promise." he whispered to her when they were out of earshot from the rest of the group.

[Cham]

Issacs comforting grip made her feel quite a bit better, She leaned on him softly, and squeezed his hand as he made the joke. But his eyes said differently. It wasnt a joke. She knew the girls had a certain amount of loathing towards her.

She nudged him good naturedly as he complimented her. But heard whispers behind them, choosing to ignore them. Some from the girls. Some for the guys. But she just clenched Issacs hand. When they took their seats, she kissed his cheek, and smiled, moving away to her designated seat. Figuring no one would want to move so far away from the group.

[Lotus]

Watching Gia move to her seat didn't seem right. They weren't just people that glanced at each other now. They were together and they were best friends. He shook his head and followed her to her seat. He sat in the seat next to her and grinned. This was definitely the start of a new beginning.

When his group came in they all pretty much stared at him, only a few gave him a reassuring nod of the head. The rest of them walked on to the back of the classroom with the girls hanging on to them like limpets. It was strange how he thought of those girls now; but maybe he had always thought that about them.

There was only two guys out of his group that didn't really have anyone and they were the two that were closest to Isaac. What made Isaac realise that properly was that fact they didn't walk to the back of the classroom with the rest of them. They grinned at Gia with one taking the seat next to her and one taking the seat next to him.

Isaac took hold of Gia's hand as he said to the guys. "Thanks you two." He grinned and nudged the one next to him called Wes. Gia had probably forgotten both their names so he introduced them. "Gia?" He had her attention at last. "This here is Wes, short for Wesley." Indicating to the guy next to him. "And the weirdo next to you is Maxwell. People call him Max for short, but call him his full name. It gets on his nerves so much and it's hilarious to watch." He grinned down at Gia and stroked her cheek with his hand.

There were coughs and laughs from the back of the room so he turned to them and just glared. "Yeah. Grow up guys."

[Cham]

Gia scooted her chair closer to Issac, feeling the stares on the back of her head. Uncomfortable. But his arm around the back of her chair made her feel so much better, sitting up straighter, a small smile perking the corners of her lips.

Two boys she had briefly met earlier took seats beside the couple. She nodded, and smiled at the two who seemed kind. But asked Maxwell himself "What would you prefer I call you?" Elbowing Issac, and giving him a loving smile she added "Im not quite as much of an ass as he is, but ill do my best" He chuckled and said Max was preferable.

Issacs attention seemed to be on the people behind them though. She shrugged and put her hand over his, leaning against him. "Its alright. Ill be fine" She went to kiss his cheek, but he turned his head back right at that moment, and landed square on his lips. Giggling, a blush crept over her cheeks, and back of the class went silent. Then the girls once again whispering. But this time nastier words.

[Lotus]

He smiled down at Gia because of the kiss, but when the comments picked back up at the back of the classroom his fists clenched. Wes was the first to notice as he said, "Whoa man. Calm down. We're better than them." He winked and relaxed back in his car.

Isaac sighed and turned back round properly, unclenching his fists. "This anger is your fault Gia." He smiled softly down at her and Max whined.

"Why do you get the girl?" All three of them laughed at him then. He was dippy, in a soft way. "'Cause I'm so much better looking than you?" He grinned and he felt Gia relax a little; he knew she'd be okay. Max and Wes were good guys; they'd all get along. The girls were slowly shutting up as they realised there was no point because no reaction would come of it.

Things would get better. He hoped. Just then their professor walked in and the whole class groaned; literally. Test results were in.

[Cham]

Gia blushed and pressed her forehead to his shoulder extremely embarrassed. Then giggling as the boys made light of it. She clenched her teeth at the words, but dropped a hand to Issacs knee to keep him in his seat.

"Its my fault, but its a good thing. Your standing up for what you love" She whispered, inaudible to the other boys over the chatter of the class. Chuckling at Max. She smiled to him, and said "Well looks have something to do with it... But theres other reasons." As he opened his mouth to make a cheeky remark, she cut him off saying "No they do not have to do with the bedroom"

But the teacher walked in, so she didnt get to hear his retort. He was brisk and blunt, handing out papers upside down on the desks. She held her breath as her trembling fingers touched the paper. Pushing it to Issac she said "Look for me."

[Lotus]

Isaac smiled down at her and he chuckled. "It's not going to be the end of the world, remember that okay?" He smiled and stroked her hand. "Besides, if I'm looking at yours, you look at mine."

They swapped papers just as Wes hit his head on the table and groaned. He was just like Isaac in so many ways. Pushy parents and hating bad grades. Max, who didn't really worry about grades just sat with a grin on his face and chuckled at Wes's reaction. He laughed at the two of them as he turned over Gia's paper.

A massive grin spread across his face. "Whatever you thought you got, you beat. You got a B-!" His grin got wider as he squeezed her hand. "No more bad thoughts okay?" Now it was his turn. Time to face the music...

[Cham]

Gia nodded her head softly. It was much better than she had anticipated. Peaking first, to cover the grade with her hand on the back, she sneered. "You know Issac, I cant be with someone who is stupid?" He looked incredulous, Wes looked appaled, and Max had gone silent.

But her face broke into a smile as she said, and hugged him "Thats why im with the most brilliant guy ever who just earned a B+!!!" Laughing, his face looked so relieved.

[Lotus]

His first reaction was relief. It was safe to say Gia had scared him with her first comment. But a B+ was far better than he expected for himself. He felt his face fall though when he thought about telling his parents. He groaned and rubbed a hand over his face, before trying to look happy about his grade.

He turned to Wes and asked, "C'mon then. Out with it." He shook his head and groaned. "Wes you moron. C'mon." He nudged him in the side. Wes lifted his head up and turned a miserable glare to Isaac.

"B." Isaac punched him in the shoulder and tried to laugh, but he knew exactly how he was feeling. "Guess we'll have fun tonight then huh?" Wes just turned away and collapsed back on the table. Isaac turned to Gia and said quietly, "You'll start to realise why we're friends. The similarities are scary." He smiled down at her and squeezed her hand.

"You want to ask Maxwell over there?" He winked, especially after seeing Max tense a little.

[Cham]

Gia smiled "I can see the differences though. To begin, you have me" She winked then turned to look at Max. "Sooooo?" She inquired. "Whatcha get?"

Max just shrugged, not saying much. It took a moment more of awkward staring before he smiled "A" He said, scratching his neck. She smiled at him "Good job!"

Wes smirked "Of course Mr. Brilliance passed" Gia laughed along with Issac. She finally felt comfortable.

[Lotus]

"Of course I have you." He smiled and squeezed her hand tighter. When he heard Max's grade he glared at him, but it was a hurtful glare. "You never fail to disappoint do you Maxwell?" He chuckled and turned away as the professor started talking again. He nudged Wes in the sighed and he slowly sat up straight again.

Isaac felt like he belonged at long last. Maybe he didn't need that group that sat at the back of the class. Maybe all he needed was Gia, Wes and Max. The people he could count on. It had only taken one weekend with Gia to realise that. Maybe he could finally up his grades more knowing that.

[Cham]

Under the table she held his hand, an arched brow from the professor causing her to blush. Both of her hands clasped in his, with his second arm around the back of her chair. She shivered lightly in the chilly air, and glanced out the window as the sun came out from behind the clouds, warming her. She smiled at Issac, and sat back to listen.

At the end of the period, she collected her things, Next she had English whilist Issac and the boys had Gym.

[Lotus]

He stroked Gia's cheek as they went opposite ways in the hallway. He hoped she'd be okay for the rest of the day until they met each other again. After spending a whole weekend with her it truly did feel odd to be walking away from her.

As they made their separate ways, Wes and Max slapped him on the back simultaneously. It was as if they'd be planning on it. "Guys! What was that for?" They laughed and shook their heads; Wes had even cheered up.

"For you and Gia stupid. You're clearly made for each other dude." That was such a Max thing to say. For one he was cleverer than both him and Wes, and two he was so soppy when it came to love. It was surprising he hadn't got anyone yet.

"So, I'm assuming it's just us now then? Us four? Leaving the too far up their own backside group for good? I've been waiting for this for so long!" Wes was actually grinning at the both of them and it was pretty good to think of like that. Did they really have much in common with the rest of them, not really.

"I guess so. Just us. Feels good." Isaac smiled at them and pushed them through the door to gym.

[Cham]

Gia felt like she was on cloud 9 until she got into the classroom. The gently touch of his hand on her skin. she leaned up on tip toe, kissing his lips gently. "Just for the record, I think your brilliant." She went to turn away, but stopped, stepping closer and whispering into his ear "Oh, and I love you..." Smiling and walking away with her head held high fir the first time in a long while.

But she slid back under the radar as she made her way to the class. Once again sitting in her old seat. Front of the class, but pushed to the side. Invisible. But today she had been seen. And the girls approched her. Several sneering, asking how long she was going to skrew him and move onto the next boy. Calling her a whore, and a slut. Clenching her teeth, she made no remark. but someone did for her. Rylee, who had been her best friend before she had been kicked out stepped forward, pretecting her. The girls looked surprised as Rylee shoo-ed them off.

Gia thanked her and at the end of the class, the two walked out alone. Making their way to the mens locker room, Gia waiting for Issac. The two girls caught up, Rylee saying she was sick of how stuck up the girls had gotten since Gia left.

But moments later the three boys walked out, and she felt arms around her once again, smiling and sliding back against him. She introduced Rylee. "Wes, Max, you might know her, Rylee, these are the guys" Rylee and Max exchanged glances, each with a soft smile. Gia couldnt help but grin, and look up at Issac, wondering what his thoughts were

[Lotus]

It was a strange sight to see Gia waiting with someone, and one of the girls from the group too. Rylee. She was the more normal one out of all the girls, and he was glad she and Gia were talking; and seeming really close too.

As soon as he was within reaching range he wrapped his arms around her waist and watched Gia introducing everyone. He couldn't help but smile at how well she'd settled down. At the smile Max and Rylee gave each other, Isaac grinned. "Guess I won't be the only one with the girl after all Maxwell." He grinned as Max turned to glare at him. "Oh. I do have a habitat of making things awkward don't I?" But all he did was grin mischievously.

He turned to Rylee and said, "Anyway, welcome to the group." He grinned and tugged on Gia's hand. "I need food. C'mon." He smiled and started walking away with his fingers entwined with Gia's. Wes came and walked next to him and he said, "Guess we'll make that five Wes."

[Cham]

Gia smiled to Rylee as Issac began to pull her away, Max and Rylee falling into step together behind them, Wes infront of Gia and Issac, walking backwards. "So who are you setting me up with?" Wes asked Gia.

She shrugged, but smiled "Im sure I could scrounge up a guy or two for you" His jaw dropped as he roared in laughter "Issac, I like this one, treat her well" Gia scrunched up her face and looked up at Issac. "Yeah buddy" Giggling afterwards.

Looking back at the pair, Rylee gave her a shining smile, flouncing somewhat. Then tossed her hair and looked back to Max who offered to take her books. Gia looked up to Issac, and sang softly 'Matchmaker matchmaker make me a match...'

[Lotus]

Isaac enjoyed the fact everyone was getting along. They were themselves, and even he found less of a need to put on his act around any of them. Gia had done that for him and he was as thankful as anything. He laughed at Wes and said, "You're turn will come, it'll come."

Then he turned to Gia and said, "You're making such a difference today. Thank you." He kissed thee top of her nose and she blushed.

"Aww c'mon dude. Not in front of the single guy!" Wes turned back around and pretended to be truly hurt. All Isaac could do was laugh. "Y'a know, you're really going to have to find someone for him. Or we'll never hear the end of it." He grinned and wrapped his arm around her waist even tighter.

"Wes. Oi, Wes!" Finally he turned back round with a huge grin on his face. Of course he was messing around. "Just 'cause you will soon be the only single one here, don't turn into Maxwell okay? Can't have another moaner about depressing love lives." He grinned and laughed as he felt the slap on the back of the head from Max.

[Cham]

Gia practically sank into him as he pulled her against him. Kissing her nose to which she leaned up and pecked his lips three times, inbetween each whispering "I... Love... You!" Wes gagged and she laughed. Play groaning "Gosh i have to set Eeeeveryone up dont i!"

Laughing as they walked into the cafe. The boys loaded up their trays, but Gias was fairly scares, a salad and milk that she carried in hand as they sat at a table. Max and Rylee sat across from each other their feet tangled. She opened the small box and daintily tossed the dressing in along with the salad, munching slowly as Wes joked "I hope you enjoy your Rabbit food" she rolled her eyes "Oh shut it" she muttered. Smiling.

[Lotus]

He smiled down at Gia and wished he, in a way, had the guts to tell her he loved in front of everyone. Maybe he would be able to one day, but he wasn't as great with change as everyone else seemed to be. This, at this very moment, still felt like he was on the rocks; even though he knew, deep down, that this was all going to be okay and it felt right. He was weird like that.

He watched Gia intently as she ate a salad and his hand found hers under the table. "You don't have to pretend to eat daintily in front of this lot y'a know." He smiled softly and rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. "You sure you don't want something else to eat?" He looked at his own food and compared it to Gia's. There was enough to share if she wanted it.

He felt Wes watching him and looked up as he gave him the worst puppy eyes in the world. "Please Isaac, I'd love something else to eat. Pretty, pretty please?" Isaac chuckled and kicked him under the table as he said,

"Be quiet you goof."

He looked over at Max and Rylee. They seemed to be really happy in each others company. Gia really was surprising him every day.

[Cham]

Gia smiled as she felt his hand grasping hers. Squeezed his tightly three times. Then relaxing her hand comfortably. He offered her more food. But she shook her head gently. Wes cracked a joke that made her smile as she took a sip from her milk. Nearly snorting it out her nose. Coughing she picked up a napkin, eyes watering, trying to stop giggling and choking. A moment later she did.

Rylee and Max didnt even seem to notice. But she felt a hand on her back, comforting and trying to help. Composing herself, she apologized. Wiping the thin layer of water from her eyes, giggling at herself, red cheeked.