New Beginnings (Mai and Cam)

[Lotus]

Isaac nodded his head stiffly and tried to drag his eyes away from the cold faces of the people he'd grown up with. How could his own family be so cruel when his mum was so sweet natured? The hand that wasn't holding onto Gia clenched into a fist before he uncurled it and reached out to take his mum's hand; who was standing still, a little terrified.

"Let's go. Now." He started walking in the direction Gia was trying to pull him and tried not to look back at them even though he could feel their raking gaze over their back. As they walked he saw sobbing parents and is steps faltered. The parents of the kids going into the Games this year. He sighed and shook his head. It wasn't him or Gia or any of their friends and that's what mattered.

Once they were out of the square Isaac let his tense shoulders relax a little with each step he took. He felt a smile playing on his lips and all of a sudden he stopped in the middle of the street. He leant over to kiss his mum on the cheek and then turned to kiss Gia softly on the lips. He was happy.

[Cham]

Gia sighed softly "Thank God" she murmured when they began moving with her. This was it. They were really free. Free from anyone and everything oppressing them.

After a moment she felt Isaacs lips against hers, and she pulled back after only a few seconds, feeling a blush creep across her cheeks. With a seductive look she glanced up at him through her lashes "Later you can have me" she murmured, a face splitting grin in her lips.

[Lotus]

Isaac grinned, the normal happy glint coming back to his eyes. He nodded and lowered his voice, "Who said I needed permission?" He winked and chuckled before he started walking again. He felt as light as air; if that were even possible and the grin he had would probably become permanently etched on his face.

They neared their home and he managed to relax even more, letting go off his mums hand slightly so she could walk ahead and open the door. Isaac felt like they were being watched though and he turned around, but couldn't see anything. He turned back and carried on walking up the porch steps. Just as he was about to walk inside after Gia he turned around again to try and see if it was just him being paranoid.

[Cham]

"Your fiancee said so" she murmured, knocking her hip against his. "Don't get ahead of yourself baby"

The walk back home seemed to take forever, Isaac becoming more and more paranoid. She found herself checking over her shoulder more and more often. "Baby your scaring me, what are you looking for?" She whispered harshly as his mother moved in front of his.

[Lotus]

Isaac had chuckled at her comment, knowing full well that she was right. He'd never do anything to her without her consent. Yet, he had still managed to deny her what she had asked for in the beginning. He was a strange guy, he knew that.

He pushed Gia through the door and sighed as he ran a hand over his face. "Just stay close okay, always." His eyes raked over the area outside their front door as he gripped Gia's hand tighter. "I don't know what I'm looking for. I'm not trying to scare you, I just feel we're being watched." His eyes looked around again.

[Cham]

Gia raised her eyebrows "watched?" She gazed around and stepped into the house, locking the door behind them. Then moving into his arms. "Isaac... who would be watching us?" She whispers, already knowing the answer.

Her stomach turned, and she took his hand "Can we take a nap?" Worry in her eyes she knew there She could protect him...

[Lotus]

Isaac nodded his head slowly. "Let me just make sure mum's alright, okay?" He saw her nod her head and he led her into the living room where she was sitting, holding a cup of tea in her hands. He smiled softly. "Do you want to take a nap here? We've still got chocolate strawberries to eat." He tried to smile softly, but in truth he didn't want to leave anyone on their own.

He let Gia sit on the couch and before he left he kissed her lips softly. He raced into the kitchen and opened the fridge, grabbing the plate of chocolate strawberries. He walked swiftly back into the living room to find things just as he left them and sighed softly.

[Cham]

Gia plopped onto the couch next to Mrs. Waterman. "Hey mom guess what?" She looked up, and His showed her the ring Isaac had presented her with. Grinning, she whispered "Its lovely dear it really is." After a pause she giggled and said "maybe in 5. Or so years we can add a grandchild or two to this family."

Gias eyes bugged open and she laughed "hopefully not that long mum." Blushing when Isaac reentered looking relieved.

[Lotus]

Isaac forced out a chuckle at the last few snippets of the conversation he heard and shook his head. "You two are going to be planning everything aren't you? Dear me, what have I got into?" He grinned and placed the plate on the table before sitting down and wrapping his arms around Gia. He kissed her cheek and sighed softly. He felt safer now they were all in the same room together.

Light chatter picked up and his muscles relaxed more and more as time went by. Of course no one had been following them. He had just been stupid and paranoid. What would anyone want with them now, especially on a day like today? Chat of how their lives were going to be like, how many kids they could have and names. It was all silly, mindless chat but it was nice and there was a sense of truth in it somewhere.

Everything was going well and the atmosphere was content until a knock on their front door caused Isaac's muscles to tense right up.

"I'll get it." His mum chirped up and he lunged forward yelling not too. She looked at him shocked and he tried to smile softly.

"I can get it. You relax here." He patted her shoulder and gave a warning glance back at Gia to stay where she was. He walked swiftly to the door and opened it. In hind sight he should've looked through the peep hole and then he would've been better prepared. His muscles tensed, his jaw clenched and his hands made fists as he looked at the man and woman he despised most in the whole world. His father and sister.

"What are you doing here? Neither of you live here any more so go away." His eyebrows furrowed and he glared. He couldn't lash out because that would make the scene that much worse. His father shrugged and took a step closer, latching his hand onto Isaac's shoulder. "Let go." He growled as he struggled to move back into the safety of the house. His father just chuckled along with his sister who was now subject to Isaac's glare.

"We just wanted to congratulate you on surviving the Reapings all these years. No doubt it would've done you good to go into the Games, but nevertheless you're still here. So, with congratulations in order," His father's grip tightened around his shoulder and Isaac tried not to flinch away. "We would like to be invited in for dinner."

Isaac scoffed. "Dinner? You have to be kidding me if you two think you can..argg-" His father's grip had tightened even more and a resounding slap on his face sounded across the porch. His glare strengthened as his tried not to let them see how it was hurting. "As I was saying, you're not coming inside and you shouldn't be anywhere near the house. So get lost." Surprisingly his voice stayed calm and he smiled, sure of himself, back at the two most despised people in his life.

Isaac reached back and grabbed the door handle, pulling it closed just to make his statement that much more sound as his took this as his chance. His grip tightened and he was pinned up against the wall with his sister laughing sinisterly behind him. The grip moved to his throat and Isaac gasped for air. "Now, seeing as you won't let us inside we'll just make what I wanted to do more public." His hands flailed as he tried to loosen his father's grip but it was futile; he had always been weaker then the man in front of him. Wait, that was wrong! "Y'a know I wished you'd go into the Games. You've made mine and your sisters life hell. You've even screwed yours up, so what do you have to live for? Nothing. You're mum will come running back to me and you'll never beat me. Do you hear? Ne-"

Isaac found a surge of strength and slammed his shoulder into his father who then went toppling down the stairs onto the ground. Issabelle followed swiftly behind and screamed bloody murder at him for slipping before turning her rage to Isaac, but he wasn't having any of it. "You stop right there." His voice had never in his whole life sounded so dark and dangerous. "You have no right to do this. You have no right to be here. I NEVER made your lives hell, I believe it was the other way around. I'm not weak, I'm stronger than you. I don't pry on younger people just to make myself feel better about my crappy life. You've messed your own lives up. I admit, I've screwed mine up more than I can count and I know the blame lies with me; everyone's made that clear. But never did I mess with yours, that was entirely your fault. I want NOTHING to do with you." He took a menacing step forward and Issabelle shifted backwards. He yanked his father up from the ground and shoved his face in his. "I never want to see you again. If I ever see either of your faces again, near me or anyone I care about it'll be the last thing you ever do. Understand?" He shoved his father back and whilst he still tried to smirk it faltered and they both stumbled away.

Isaac sank to the floor. He hadn't hurt anyone that much or let anyone he loved get hurt. That counted for something right? His vision swayed, but he tried to stand back up again.

[Cham]

Gia flushed red as Isaac reentered the room "Every detail darling. I dont know about you, but I've most definitly had enough surprises for a life time. Id like to just have a calm night? How does that sound?"

Grinning and leaning into his embrace. Feeling safe and comforted finally. There was literally nothing else the Capitol could do to them. They were invincible. Together they were strong.

Time passed, and Gia rested her head on Isaac's shoulder, leaning her forehead into his neck, feeling his taut muscles unwind entirely. It was new to feel him without any apprehension whatsoever. She loved it.

A sharp rap on the door disturbed them. And she felt Isaac's whole body go rigid. Shocking, and pleasing her. He really was in good shape... But pushing those thoughts from her mind as her cheeks pinked. Isaac jumped up and she plopped back several inches that she hadnt been expecting. Her fiancee seemed so tight and knotted as he moved toward the door. Which was good as he opened it to his father. The bastard who had tried to destroy their lives.

A hand shot forward and latched onto Isaac. Standing and moving toward the door, rushing forward when she saw Isaac's head snap to the side. But she stopped in her tracks when he continued on like it was nothing. Still cordial, but glacial.

She moved once again when Isaac was ripped out of the house and slammed into the outer wall. Beating on his fathers arm. But he just shoved her back. She stumbled into the house and Mrs. Waterman then restrained her. A hand over her mouth and whispering softly to her. She had so much faith in Isaac. Telling her tenderly that his instinct would kick in, And Gia knew he was strong...

Her eyes bugged open when Isaac surged forward. Muscles rippling under his taut skin, and a burning rage clear. But it wasnt aimed toward her, and she felt no fear. He was protecting her. The two virtually helpless women behind him. It would have been so much easier to jsut let his father run over him, but Isaac took his stand, and won.

Gia stayed put until Isaac stood alone. The screaming and fists flying was over. She rushed out the door and knelt next to him. He crouched on the ground. Patting softly on his back, chest, neck. "Baby, are you ok?" worry set in beside the pride that burst from her. He tried to stand, and faultered. She felt overcome, and pulled his arm over her shoulder "Lean on me my brave, strong Isaac..."

Leading him into the house, she sat him at the table. Mrs. Waterman set a glass of water infront of him, sitting next to him with her hand on his forearm. Tears pricked her eyes, but she wore an enormous smile. Feeling like she was intruding, Gia slipped out and to the front door, locking it and resting her forehead against it.

Reality really set in, and she began to shake. All sorts of senarios of how this could have ended rushed through her mind... Tremours ran through her body. Seeing Isaac pushed against the wall with his fathers hands over his throat.

Double checking the lock, she looked through the doorway and saw the two people she loved more than anything conversing. Moving toward the steps, she made her way quietly and quickly up the stairs. Into their room, and laying on the bed. Her body wracked with sobs now...

[Lotus]

Isaac was pretty oblivious to everything after the two most hated people in his life had walked away. He couldn't even remember how he physically got into the house and was now sitting on one of the dining room table chairs. His mum was in front of him, smiling, whilst he saw Gia wandering out of the room. He blinked to try and focus, his shaking hand reaching out for the glass of water that sat glistening in front of him. He needed to quench the fire in his throat and if the water didn't help he didn't know what could.

After taking a few slow sips, his hands gently guided by his mum, he set the glass back down and properly looked at her. She looked exhausted, weary, hurt and proud all at the same time; yet he couldn't quite understand why. She was talking away at him but what she was actually saying was a miss. He didn't understand a word; she could be speaking a foreign language to him at that moment and he wouldn't have a clue. He closed his eyes, his throat still burning, as he bent forward and rested his head on the table. His head felt heavy, his eyes felt heavy and his whole body ached with a need he didn't understand.

Before his eyes closed his felt his mum's hand slip into his hair as she soothed him and just as he slipped away into the darkness that had been calling him since he crumpled to the floor, he remembered where Gia had gone. She had walked upstairs, alone. She couldn't be alone. "Gia..." He moaned out. He needed her to be safe. She had to be safe.

[Cham]

Gia sobbed into the matress. Apparently the bed had been stripped down to be washed while she and Isaac showered that morning. The pillows were coverless, and plain white. She pulled Isaacs to her body, and cradled it to her stomach. It was long and fat, and smelled of him. Inhaling deeply, she tried to steady herself. But the shaking in her limbs wouldnt cease.

It didnt matter though, as she buried her head to stifle her sobs. The worst possible thing she could have done. Feeling arms slip around her. Smaller than Isaac's but about the size of Mrs. Watermans. But when they tightened around the pillow, forcing it harshly into her face, feeling a cord wrapping around her body, she began to scream in terror. But the thick pillow muffled the noise.

She felt herself being lifted, then free falling. Hitting something. A bush, some sort of shrubbery. Then Thick, Muscled arms lifting her. Tightening the cords to bite into her sensitive flesh. Everytime she writhed, they cut into her skin. Her arms, her legs, even her head and neck. Screaming was no use as when she even breathed, she suffered a bludgeon to the head. Not knowing the the object was, but knowing it hurt, and she had to stop fidgeting...


What felt like a millennia later, she was literally thrown into a room. A knife pressed against the cords that bound her, slicing into her skin at every opportunity as they cut through the boy scout like knots. Anytime she whimpered or made any pathetic mewling, she was sliced in the same exact spot on her stomach. The scar where her C-section incision was made.


Days proceeded like this. Mr. Waterman would come into the room, lecture her, feed her small amounts of food, and slice into her stomach for every morsel she ate. The pain killed her. Knowing it was either eventual death by starvation, or wounds. Anytime she felt about to doze off, like she could bare the pain enough to sleep, one of the two entered and whipped her mercilessly, shredding her back. Or sittingstrapping her into a chair and circling her, stabbing new holes into her body wherever convenient.

[Lotus]

Isaac felt himself fidgeting on something soft. He tried to remember where they hell he was, but the last thing he knew was falling into the darkness at the dining table with his mum and Gia no where in sight. He sat bolt upright, groaning from the dizzy feeling that exploded in his head. Once the room stopped swaying he looked to his side, no Gia. He looked around the room, no Gia. Then he stopped and thought, how on earth had he got to his room? He sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. He didn't care, Gia was gone.

He stood up, still in the clothes he had been wearing before and raced to the bathroom. No Gia. Where the hell was she? He raced downstairs and stopped immediately when he saw his mum in tears on the telephone and pacing the room. Instantly, she dropped the receiver and moved to wrap her arms around him. "M-Mum?" His voice cracked. What had happened now? He pushed back from her and walked over to the phone, ignoring the attempts his mum made to stop him. "Hello?"

"I thought you'd given up calling then, I was going to assume this was a hoax call."

"What's going on?" He growled. He didn't recognise the voice. He needed to know. He needed to know now! "Tell me. This is Isaac Waterman speaking and I demand you tell me what's going on."

The other end of the line went quiet for a few moments before the person let out a shaky breath. "This call is regarding the where about of a Miss Giavanna Longoria. You're mother called saying she had gone missing." That was it, the phone fell from his hands and his knees went from under him. He looked up to his mum with tears in his eyes.

"Missing?!" He half sobbed, half yelled. How could she be missing? Who would do such a thing? Suddenly he stood back up and grabbed the receiver, growling back into it. "You need to find my father and my sister. You needed to lock them up. You needed to find Gia. Do you understand?" This was it. He couldn't take it!

The next few days just got worse. Isaac hadn't slept peacefully and if he had it was because he was too exhausted to fight going to sleep. He was angry and hurt. He missed Gia and he feared for her. Everyday he would walk the streets, searching for any sign of her. He needed her back; at any cost.

[Cham]

Gia had finally had enough. At the end of the 6th day, Mr. Waterman walked in. Her eyes were blurry from sleep deprivation, and her head lolled as she tried to support her neck "Please no" She murmured, but he began to talk.

"You little slut... You ruined my life. Ruined my marriage, ruined my family. And your going to pay for it."

Gia attempted to interrupt "I dinnnnt"

His hand flew, striking her across the cheek, the little diamonds in his ring scratched across her cheek, and opened the scabs that had begin closing up her wounds.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP" He screamed in her face, spit splattering on her. She shook her head and tears began rolling down her cheeks. A sharp pain in her stomach from hunger caused her to moan. Mr. Waterman slapped her once again, screaming obscenities into her face. Tears cascded down , and she sat as quietly as she could. Until she heard a scuffle outside of the room.

Whoever this person was, was going to save her. She could feel it. Issabelle burst into the room, and began speaking quickly, fear evident in her eyes. Now was the time to act. With her parched, raw throat, she opened her cracked lips and began screaming the house down. Issabelle moved forward, pulling out a knife, and pressing it to her throat. Feeling a sting of the blade, Gia shut up, Knowing this was the end. Either death, or a savior.

"Stab her, get it over with before someone comes in!" Mr. Waterman moved to the door as footsteps could be heard. Fiddling with locks on the door. Issabelle raised the knife...

[Lotus]

It was another day and he knew exactly which one; six. Six days Gia had been gone from his life and he didn't know what to do. He was losing hope and the anger in him was rising with every waking minute at the person that did this to her, to them. He hated the peacekeepers for not doing their job properly. Their district wasn't that big that they couldn't find her and there was enough of them; he'd even told them who to look for.

When he was too angry he started working out. He had to release some of his anger and in just six days his muscles were clearly more defined than they ever had been. Wes, Max, Rylee and Danielle had all come to help him through this but they were at a loss, just like he was. The difference was though, they had each other. He had lost the most precious girl in his life and the only thing he could do was feel guilty and angry.

Isaac had stormed out of the house, leaving his mum to the cooking, as he took another round walking the district to look for signs of Gia. He couldn't believe she was here somewhere and no one had heard a god damn thing. He knew his father was no where near his home, so he didn't bother wandering in that direction. Instead he walked in the opposite direction, towards the more run down part of town. About half an hour later he stopped in his tracks by a piercing scream that shot through the town and made nesting birds flap high into the dimming light of day.

There were few people are and his hands suddenly clenched into fists. He glared at the first person he saw and yelled, "Get peacekeepers. As many as you can." The person was still staring at him, dumbfounded. "NOW!" He growled and yelled at the same time. The person turned and ran as fast as they could. At least help was on the way, but he wasn't waiting.

Isaac barrelled forwards and slammed open the front door of the house. Inside it was eerily quiet, but if he listened closely he could hear muffled whispers and sobs from behind a closed door. He stalked down one hallway and came up with nothing. He heard scuffling then and knew he had to hurry up. He stormed down the opposite corridor and heard more scuffling. He didn't think twice about what he'd see as he slammed his whole weight into the light, wooden door. It broke off it's hinges as he barged in, stopping dead in his tracks.

Gia.

His face contorted in misery, hurt and love as he took in the girl of his dreams. She hardly resembled the girl he'd fallen in love with from all the cuts, bruises and swellings that marred her body, but her eyes were still her most prominent feature. This was Gia. Isaac took in the knife at her throat and his eyes instantly turned cold with fury. He looked up to see Issabelle and his jaw clenched. Turning he saw his father, shocked slightly by the way his son looked.

"Drop the knife Issabelle." He took a step forward, and being the coward she was she dropped it straight away. His father lunged for it and picked it up, but Isaac was already standing in front of Gia, protecting her. "Issabelle, I suggest you get in the corner and don't move till I say so. Which if I had my way, you'd rot away there." His voice was cold and hard, more dangerous than the time outside his house before Gia had disappeared.

He heard the shuffling of feet behind him but he didn't look back. He knew she'd be standing there; too scared to do anything else. His attention was trained directly on his father and when he lunged Isaac dodged him and stood behind him, grabbing his hand that held the knife. Too preoccupied on the knife, Isaac had no time to dodge the punch thrown into his jaw. His eyes watered slightly, but his attention only became more fully focused. His father thrashed, lashing out with the knife as Isaac's grip loosened. The knife caught him across the chest, but he couldn't feel the pain, only the impact.

That had done it though. Isaac leapt forward, twisting his fathers arm behind his back, making him drop the knife. He kicked it away from them and away from Issabelle as he directed a punch straight into his father's face. He heard the crunch of his nose and just as he was about to bring his fist back for another go his arms were restrained behind him by muscular arms. There was a commotion in the room. Peacekeepers everywhere. They'd come and Gia was safe.

[Cham]

Tears sprung to Gia's eyes as she saw who her saviour was. Immediatly she felt more relaxed with only his presense in the room with her. When he moved closer to her, she swore she could smell him. The comforting scent that was to lull her to sleep at night. His body looked different. His arms rippled as he took down his father quickly. Peacekeepers stood in the doorway dumbstruck for a moment as Isaac restrained his own father.

But Gia could no longer look. Her sight was blurry, and she felt exhaustion sweeping over her. Forcing her eyes open once more, she watched as metal cuffs were slapped onto Mr. Waterman, and Issabelle's wrists. Issabelle looked about to cry. But Gia felt no sympathy as the world faded into blackness. Exhaustion taking over her body, slumping her forward, all pain forgotten, only the gentle caresses for a few seconds as she was released from the bonds on her hair. The last thing she heard was a gasp as one of the female peacekeepers saw the meat of her slashed back.

Then everything was gone.


She didnt know how long she had slept, but it felt amazing. When Gia woke, she felt a sterile, but comfortable something underneath her. Her sences woke one by one as her brain began moving again. Touch, then smell. Followed quickly by taste, the terrible, saliva taste in her mouth. Then Hearing, and finally sight. The harsh sunlight threw her after a week of captivity. "Wharrr" She mumbled, seeing her surroundings as the living room of her- er... Isaac's house.

A shriek Peirced her ears as Mrs. Waterman jumped back. Gia felt her skin pressing straight onto a sheet that covered the couch. Imelda putting a poultice on her back to ease the sting of the whip. The sweet woman's cheeks were tearstained. "Mum?" Gia could hardly speak for her parched, dry mouth. and she whispered "Water... Wa-" and nothing else came out.

"Of course dear" Mrs. Waterman rushed out, mopping at her eyes.

Where in the world was Isaac...

[Lotus]

There had been a whole new world of commotion when his father and Issabelle were restrained, because they weren't alone with the handcuffs. Isaac was still raging and his emotions wouldn't calm. Especially when his eyes were only trained on Gia as the life pretty much escaped from her grasps. He yelled out and tried to run to her, but the Peacekeepers slapped handcuffs onto his wrists. What the hell? He snapped back round. How could they accuse him of being the same criminal as his father and sister? He caused an uproar, but the Peacekeepers only retaliated by knocking him out.

Isaac woke in a room with an uncomfortable feeling on his back. He sat up slowly and noticed the grey walls, the grey blankets and they grey bars. They'd bunched him in the same group as the criminals. That didn't exactly help his new found temper. He heard an unlocking and looked up to see three Peacekeepers standing by his cell. They opened the gate and one of them stated in a monotone voice, "You're free to go. We know what happened."

With that he stormed out, being escorted by two of the three Peacekeepers. He saw his father in a cell as he walked past and his fists curled tightly as the glare on his face deepened. His father was dead to him. He never had a father, but he knew the hatred and betrayal would always be there.

Stepping outside, he noticed it was around mid-morning. He hadn't seen Gia since everything had happened, but he didn't know where she was either; home or the hospital. He decided to check at home first, his mum must be worried sick. He walked home with a purpose and as he slammed the front door closed he saw his mum bustling back into the living room. Gia was here. His tense shoulders instantly relaxed a little, but he was never going to be calm. How could he ever be calm again?

His mum stepped out of the living room and looked at him for a few moments before walking over and wrapped her arms around him tightly. He was comforted by her, but only for a few mere moments. Then he pushed her away as his anger came back. He stalked upstairs and slammed the bathroom door closed.

[Cham]

A nearly silent squeek escaped Gia as she heard a door slamming shut. From the direction it was presumable the front door. There was silence, then the stalking of feet. She watched as Isaac moved past the doorway without so much as a glance her way, and went straight up the stairs. Seeing Mrs. Waterman in the foyer alone nearly killed her.

The woman's shoulders sagged, and tears ran down her cheeks. Silent, but still there. With a pain that rivaled the miscarriage's, she forced herself to stand. Leaning against the wall, and looking down at her bruised, bloody, and beaten body. But she needed to see Isaac. She needed to speak to him. Kiss him. Hold him tight and tell him she loved him. And she needed to do it immediatly.

On hands and knees she literally dragged herself up the steps. A rasping breathy pant as she reached the top, resting her head along the top rail. Forcing herself to stand, she moved to the bathroom to get a drink. But the door was locked. Her throat felt hard and dry. Kocking softly, she tried to swallow, whispering his name "Isaac... Isaac I need you" Falling to her knees. Feeling so weak and helpless. Her body hurt. She hurt. And he didnt want to be near her...

[Lotus]

In the bathroom Isaac stripped off his shirt and gripped the basin with a grip that would be hard to let loose. His breathing was heavy and hard as he tried to face the inevitable. He'd have to see Gia and he'd have to be strong for her when on the inside he was breaking apart. Every second that ticked by destroyed part of the Isaac he used to be, leaving behind a soul empty of happiness and love. All he felt was anger, self-loathing, despair, hurt and a protection over Gia that would never disappear.

He turned on the tap and slashed his face with water, trying to calm these raging emotions. Why could nothing in his life go the right way for more than a little time? Why did everything have to end up so screwed up that he felt like he could never go back to how everything was before? He groaned as he caught his reflection in the mirror. The cut on his chest slowly healing over, but he didn't feel the physical pain; all of his was psychological, and there was a nice swelling bruise appearing on his chin. Damn his father to the deep depths of eternal nothingness for doing this to his family. "Damn him!" He growled, just as he heard a light tapping on the door.

He needed to calm down before he faced whoever it was, but then he heard the soft voice. The voice of the girl he'd do anything for. Instantly he yanked open the door and saw Gia crumpled in a heap on the floor. He tried not to show how angry he was, but his eyes were void and his jaw was clenched as he took in every little injury his father and sister had caused her. They will pay for this. Isaac will get his revenge.

Isaac bent down and wrapped one of Gia's arms around his waist as he tried to gently stand her upright with all of her weight leaning against him. "You need to stay downstairs where you can be looked after. You can't come upstairs or wander around until you physically can. You'll just do more damage. You can't come running after me." Slowly they made their way downstairs, and he called for his mum. He noticed the redness of her eyes and he felt all that self-loathing hit him with full force again. He was starting to hate every inch of himself for letting something like this happen.

He gently laid Gia back down and glanced at his mum who took over making sure she was comfortable. Knowing Isaac's luck he'd only hurt her further.

[Cham]

Gia tried to speak several times, but couldnt, simply listening to Isaac angry words. She knew the hurtful tone wasnt aimed toward her, but it was hard not to feel upset with herself. She had caused his pain. Caused his anguish. And they all knew it.

His arms wrapping around her made her melt. Resting her head against his shoulder, and heeling every inch of his sinew, strong body. How was she possibly luck enough to catch a man with not only external worth, but internal as well. His touch was tender, but laced with apprehension. Attempting not to reopen any other injuries.

Mrs. Waterman came running at Isaac's call. Frowning softly at the puffiness on her cheeks, she streched her hand forward, and brushed her trembling fingers across the kindly womans jaw. Mouthing 'Thank you' unable to speak. She knew immediatly what was needed, and she handed the glass Gia had asked for earlier.

Gia sat up and downed the whole thing, feeling as though she could drink about six more. But on the second glass she only sipped. Trying not to make herself sick. "Thank you mum" Gia whispered with a still rasping voice. Swallowing, and sipping the water to attempt to smooth it back out.

It worked somewhat, and she held out a hand to Isaac. She needed him close by. Yanking on his hand to have him kneel next to her, she took has face in both of her hands and at first just looked into his eyes. Knowing he would try to resist, but tightening her grip. She searched for several moments, then leaned forward and pressed a soft, chaste kiss on his lips, murmuring "Please dont leave me alone... I need you baby."

[Lotus]

Isaac was all set to ignore Gia's attempts to get him to kneel in front of her, but when she tugged on his hand he couldn't not go to her. He couldn't let her hurt herself ever more just because he was too much of an angry person to be around. He sighed and knelt down, but didn't expect the kiss on his lips or her touch. As he finally let his eyes settle on hers, they softened a little; showing the love he would always feel for her. But it wasn't how he normally looked at her, his eyes were too void of the happy emotions and instead flickered with anger and hated, like a flame slowly blazing to the surface.

He shook his head, while she still kept hold of his face but he gripped her hands and pulled them away so he could place them in her lap. "You're never losing me and I'm never losing you." His voice was hard and cold, but he couldn't seem to change it. "Never will I let this happened again. Never will I let you out of my sights again, not for even one single minute of one day. I will be by your side and I will know where you are. This won't happen again. I need you safe and I will ensure that. I will protect you, no matter the cost."

He dropped his head down after that, feeling some of his hatred seep out of him; but there was still enough there that it would come back in an instant with full force. He rubbed a stiff thumb over the back of her hand but when he turned her hands over his eyes narrowed and, what resembled a sort of growl, escaped his lips. "Where's your ring?" He stood up suddenly, closing his eyes and trying to stay calm while his hands fisted by his sides. "He took it didn't he?"

[Cham]

Gia managed a mall smile to cross her lips. He removed her hands from his face, but she clutched his tightly, not wanting him to release her. She would have him in any form she could. His voice bristled with anger, but it was stony with determination. And she could sense the love he had for her.

"Isaac, none of this was your fault. Dont you ever believe it. There WILL be times when we cannot be together 100 percent of the time. Not saying that wouldnt be brilliant if it was possible..." Her cheeks tinged pink, but she forged on "You cant worry. They have them" Trying to brush over that quickly. Seeing the hardening in his eyes already "Im safe. Your safe. Baby. Were safe" How many more times did she have to say it to convince him.

But he brushed right over her words, as she spoke, his eyes moved down to her hands, his brow furrowing in anger. What was wrong with her hand... Besides the obvious that was. "Where's your ring? He stood sharply, and moved away from her. She frantically grasped for his hands, failing. Out of sheer terror at the thought he would literally kill his own father, but selfishly, that he would leave her, she wrapped her arms around his thighs, whincing at the streching of her muscles and scabs.

His words were hard and stony. "Isaac. Baby please... Dont freak out. Please calm down!" Her breathing became a little laboured as panic set in. "The ring is not that important. It can be replaced."

[Lotus]

He didn't listen to her words. As long as his father and sister were out there they weren't safe. As soon as he let his guard down they weren't safe. Never again was he going to be stupid enough as to endanger Gia's life again. He was going to protect her and he wasn't going to give up. Every minute he would be on edge, just in case something came to destroy them again. He needed her more than he really realised and he couldn't let anything happen to her again. Hadn't they had their fair share of bad times? Wasn't it time for their good times?

He heard the next words she spoke though. Through the anger that was coursing through his veins he still heard her. "It's not that important?" His eyes flashed open and they were stone cold as he turned his glare upon her. "Not that important?!" He bellowed and this time his mum came running back into the room. "Do you not understand Gia?" He ripped out of the grasp she had around his thigh and moved to the other side of the room so he wouldn't hurt her any more. "He took it! That son of a bitch took it 'cause he knew how much it meant to me and I was hoping how much it meant to you!" He shook his head as his fists clenched tighter. "I can never have anything permanently good 'cause he comes along and rips it away! He's ripped you away from me more times than I can count.! I know it's a ring, but it is important. I'd hoped you see that..."

With that he stalked out off the room and back up to the bathroom, slamming the door behind him. He was seething as he leant against the door. "Not important..." He growled to himself. With that he swiped everything off the sink into a loud clatter on the floor.

[Cham]

At the first shout, Gia was stunned. But he continued on, screaming at her. She curled up into a ball, tears flowing down her cheeks. Isaac had NEVER yelled at her like this before. In fact, the last time she had been yelled at in this manner, she had been hospitalized. Her child had been ripped from her, and there was nothing she could do about it... Feeling a sharp pain in her chest, she whimpered. But Isaac was already gone.

Uncurling slightly, she looked about the room. Sighing softly and standing. Using the wall to support herself. Finding Mrs. Waterman nowhere to be seen. Perhaps the screaming had sent her running as well... Gua proceeded into the kitchen. finding an easy box of brownies. Chocolate sounded good about now. And looking down to see a finally flat stomach, but ribs poking out, she decided she could risk it.

Opening the box, pouring in the few ingredients, she tried to wisk by herself. But failed miserably. Moving over to the electric mixer, she put it on the lowest setting, trying not to evoke the wrath of Isaac for moving about. Finally she could grease down the pan and slip it into the oven. Finally moving to the breakfast bar and sitting on one of the stools, laying the rest of her body flat on the surface. It was cool and felt fantastic. She closed her eyes and rested.

[Lotus]

Isaac gripped the edge of the basin as he breathed in deeply and then let it out slowly. Why wasn't he calming down this time? He groaned and ran a hand over his face just as he heard a knock on the door. He swung it open to reveal his teary eyes mum and she stepped inside, closing the door behind her.

"Isaac Zachary Waterman, what the hell do you think you're playing at?" Isaac took a step back, his eyes widening slightly. His mum hadn't used his full name in a long time. This was bad. "How dare you go around yelling in my house? I know you're angry, I know you're hurting and I know you don't want to be in this situation right now. But, you are and you're going to have to deal with it. Gia needs you to be the strong one for her, not the one to go around yelling at her. You need to calm this tough act of yours right down 'cause it'll get you no where. So go downstairs and make things better."

He shook his head and took a step back before his knees gave way and he fell to the floor. His fists curled and breathed in and out as steadily as he could. "You think this is an act? You think I want to be like this right now? Well, for your information I can't help it. What if I don't want to be the strong one for anyone. What if I want someone to just tell me it'll all be okay and let them take charge of being the strong one? Why do I always have to be the one to put on the brave face and act like I'm okay with this. 'Cause I'm not. I'm no where near okay with this!" He was starting to yell again and this time his mum crouched down next to him, but she didn't dare touch him. "You have no idea how I feel right now. You have no idea what I go through every single freaking day just to pretend everything is okay. It's never going to be okay! Do you understand that? It's never going to be!"

His mum stopped him right there and quietened him down, but he still carried on and this time she stayed quiet, shocked to the spot. "Y'a know I got accused of being like father and Issabelle. I got arrested and locked up in a god damn cell all night when you all thought I was letting off steam. They accused me mum! He has ripped everything away from me. I'm not calm, I'm angry, I'm hurt and I'm hating..." He trailed off as he groaned in frustration. His mum knew he'd changed ever since the day Gia went missing, but this much she had not expected.

"I'll go and talk to Gia." She quietly spoke before standing up and walking away. Yeah, he really was on his own.