New Beginnings (Mai and Cam)

[Cham]

Gia was resting on the counter when she felt a hand on her back, oddly enough it was the no to sore spot. An area where the whip hadnt touched her. She shot sitting up, and babbled over an apology to Isaac when she realized it wasnt him. Thats why it didnt hurt. Mrs. Waterman knew exactly where her injuries were. Gia slouched back down, sighing softly. "Mum..." She murmured, but gave up, having no words to say. What could she say anyways? Control your son? No. Isaac was her problem now. "Im sorry Mum... Im so sorry" She whispered.

Her arms folded across her face, and Mrs. Waterman hugged her gently. Gia adjusted to a more comfortable position, and sat, listening to the Kindly womans advice "Gia, you must be with him. He needs you, but you have to be cautious. He hurts darling. He hurts so badly. For you, for them, for me, for himself. After all this time of being strong after... After the baby." She swallowed with some difficultly, but Gia managed not to cry, and kept listening "After the baby he didnt have time to mourn. He is overspilling with emotions he doesnt know how to handle. You have to be a silent strength to him. Hold him up in times of need. Give him solace dear."

Gia nodded her head numbly, and smiled softly as she pulled herself out of Mrs. Watermans grip. "I understand mum..." Imelda took her head in her hands "One last thing dear. Show him you hurt too. He has to understand your in this together. Its not just him" With a little flit of a smile she added "Dont spoil him is all im trying to say I suppose"

Still shaking her head in agreement, Gia stood, grabbing the large jar of soothing ointment, and a wrap of bandages off the table she whispered "I think i have an idea for that mum, will you help me?" She nodded and the two women headed up the stairs. She helped Gia out of her shirt, and began removing the bandages from her back whilist Gia lay flat on Isaac's bed. Whincing every few moments from pain as the layers of bandages were removed.

[Lotus]

Isaac stayed sitting on the bathroom floor, his fists gripping his hair as he tried to calm down. He always had to be stronger than everyone else, but now he needed to be calm to. It finally hit him then, he had yelled at Gia. He had lost his temper at Gia. What was he doing? What was he playing at? He groaned as he felt the self-loathing coming back. All of this because of one man and woman that were to cruel to leave them alone. He wanted them gone, he wanted a good life, but when you wanted something you never got it. He'd found that the hard way.

He heard shuffling up the stairs and he lifted his head up slightly to see his mum helping Gia into their room. Wasn't she supposed to be staying downstairs? What was his mum doing bringing her upstairs? He stood to his feet, leaving the bathroom in a mess with his shirt lying around somewhere. "What are you doing? Why did you help her upstairs? Don't you know that's going to hurt her more if she keep moving around?" He tried not to be too harsh with his words but the way his mum flinched told him he'd stepped too far again.

He ran a hand over his face, screaming at himself mentally as he sunk back against his wall. The marks on her back made him angrier so he tried not to look. He sunk down to the floor again and ducked his head down, breathing in slowly and letting it out as he fisted his hands in his hair. He needed to learn how to control himself. What was wrong with him all of a sudden?

[Cham]

Gia tried to shrink away at Isaac's tone at first, but a gently, albeit sticky hand on her shoulder from Mrs. Waterman told her not to move, to stand her ground Metaphorically speaking that was as she was laid up on the bed. Imelda turned to Isaac and said softly "We have to keep her moving around. If we let everything dry out it will be more painful to move, and the skin and muscles will tighten up. Its better to have her moving now rather than later dear"

Simply shocked at how Mrs. Waterman had handled the situation, Gia decided to take her turn. A soft whimper and flinch as Imelda's hand slipped placing down the last bandage. She mumbled about getting more, and Gia rested her forehead against the mattress. Then turned her head toward Isaac. Looking at him with pain in her eyes "Please Isaac... Tell me something. Tell me what your thinking. Your hopes, your dreams, your fears..." Sighing softly "Anything. Tell me everything baby..."

[Lotus]

Isaac watched as his mum left the room and as he turned his gaze back upon Gia all his anger came back. He was angry that he let this happen to such a beautiful, good-natured person. How could he have let this happen? His fist clenched, but when she turned her face towards him he saw her pain. He saw every ounce of it reflected in her eyes, but yet he couldn't go to her. He feared he'd hurt her further by being who he was or touching her in the wrong place. He couldn't and wouldn't do that.

Instead, when she spoke he stayed rooted to the spot as he tried to think about what she said. He shook his head and his fists clenched together. He looked away from her and closed his eyes momentarily, trying to will some of his anger away but all he kept doing was shaking his head. "I can't and I won't tell you everything." His tone was harsh and he wanted to punch himself in the face for letting it slip out like that. At that moment, his fathers punch to his jaw made his fists clench even tighter and his jaw lock down as his whole body went rigid. That man will pay, he thought angrily to himself.

Slowly, he turned back to Gia, still shaking his head. There was one thing he needed to get out. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry something bad happened again and I'm sorry I couldn't stop it. I'm sorry you've been lumped with my worthless life. You deserve so much more than what I give you. I never meant to yell at you, so I'm sorry for that to." He groaned and ran a hand over his face. "I'm just sorry..." With that he turned and walked out his room, fighting the need to scream and break down. He wouldn't do that in front of her, not when she'd been through so much already. Even though he didn't want to be the strong one for once he found himself doing it anyway; he would always be strong for her.

At the top of the stairs he bumped into his mum before he headed to the bathroom and swiped up his t-shirt. He slipped it over his head before he felt someone watching him. "What mum?"

She walked over to him and placed a soft hand on his shoulder, but his whole body tensed at the contact automatically and when she pulled away he cursed under his breath. He was going to scare everyone away at this rate. "I was listening you know and you shouldn't have walked out. What is Gia going to think now?" His shoulders sagged and he let out a groan before pushing past his mum with his head dropped down so his chin was nearly touching his chest. He was losing it.

"I don't know what she'll think. I don't know what anyone will think. But seeing as your the only one that seems to be able to handle this, why don't you talk to her like she wants. I can't handle this and I need to get out." His mum sighed as she shook her head.

"You're not going anywhere young man and you will stay with her. Do you understand me?"

He didn't understand why no one could see how much he was hurting on the inside. Why no one would comfort him. He didn't want to talk it out, he just wanted someone to hold him and tell him it'd all be okay. He was sick of it all. He was hurting, and he was hurting big time; yet no one could see that. He turned his back on his mum and walked to his bedroom door before sliding down to the floor and sitting outside. He couldn't leave like he wanted to, but he was sure as hell going to protect Gia.

[Cham]

Isaac began speaking, and it wasnt what Gia had expected nor anticipated. Tears filled her eyes at Isaacs nonsence appology. He had nothing to apologize for! "Isaac Please" She whispered, but he steam rolled over her. Seeing his tightness, she tried to move to stand, but the fresh pain from stripping the bandages and reapplying them got the best of her. A high pitched whince escaped her and immediatly she wished it back. Especially since Isaac was not stalking out the door away from her.

She turned her head into the sheets and let the tears flow. Silently at first, then huge, unladylike sobs that wracked her body, evoking physical and emotional tears to mix. What could she do? She had tried to be strong for him, but he wouldnt talk to her again! He felt the way he did because he refused to share the load with her, even when with his tricky ways, he always unvegled her feelings from her. It wasnt fair! Such a double standard...

The tears began to cease as a shard of bitterness settled in her. When she realized what it was, she whiped it away immediatly. She couldnt be bitter over all this. She would lose the only thing she cared about. And that would literally kill her...

Hearing a shuffle outside the door, she gritted her teeth and turned to look and see who it was. Through the open doorway, she saw Isaac sitting so dejected. Empathy touched her, and holding her breath so as not to let him know she was coming. And as quickly as she could which was actually quite slow, she moved toward him. Kneeling on the ground and forcing her arms around him. Holding tightly to his chest. She didnt even care that she was half dressed. "Just hold me" She whispered "I love you. If you love me, please... just hold me..." Her voice came out needy and childish. Not exactly the way she had planned. But if it worked, she wouldnt care.

[Lotus]

Isaac didn't really know what he was feeling anymore; it all seemed to be a mess of anger and hatred and hurt. He couldn't quite find a fine line between them as he set with his head rested against the wall outside his room. He didn't know what to do anymore. This whole thing with his father and sister had changed him and he knew he wouldn't be able to be the same again. Heck, he wasn't really care free before all of this started so he was sure going to be worse now. He was terrified of hurting Gia more than she already was, and he knew his mum was right; no matter how much he was hurting or however much he was tired of being the strong one, he still had to be that person.

He was too caught up in his own thoughts to notice that Gia had moved off the bed and was now crouched next to him. So when he arms wrapped around his now fairly well defined chest he stiffened slightly. He heard her words and he opened his mouth to speak, but he couldn't find anything to say. He just didn't understand how she could still want to be like this with him when all he brought her was pain. He moved his hands and pressed them against her shoulders, pushing her away from him slightly as he said, "You can't Gia..." He trailed off though when he saw the look on her face. He wanted to be the one that needed holding, but that look quickly pushed his thoughts and feelings for himself away. She was far more important at this moment in time.

Slowly, he moved his arms from her shoulders and wrapped them around her waist softly; he wasn't going to hold her tight, she didn't need him hurting her. He reached up and pushed her head softly to his chest and then rested his head back against the wall. He looked down at her and she looked calm, he just wished he could actually feel that way. He couldn't even enjoy holding her with what was going on in his head, but he wouldn't let her see. He was going to be the strong one for her, whenever she needed it. She was going to be protected whether it killed him or not.

[Cham]

Gia felt him pushing her away, and that hurt more emotionally than physically. But she thought he understood when he pulled her back to him, and held her. It was gentle, but she needed it. Hopefully he could feel her love for him. She was there. Why wouldnt he talk to her...

Her fingers traced patterns on his lower back where there was space as she basically sat in his lap, facing the wall and resting into him. He tried to move her head, but she tucked it into his neck. Trailing soft kisses up and down it. Murmuring "Im here for you Isaac... It hurts me more that you wont realize that. Were a team. You dont have to take on all the responcibility. I want to help you baby..." She held tightly to him, her arms gripped around him as tightly as she could. Not waning him to push her away, shun her for trying to help.

"Im here baby. Whatever you need. You can hold me up physically, but ill hold you up emotionally. We need each other darling... Dont you see that? I love you... More than life itself baby" She whispered.

[Lotus]

Isaac shook his head and sighed, moving his hand to rest in her hair. He didn't want to talk about this with her, she just needed to get better and he needed to protect her from all the evil of the world. He shook his head, but after realising she wasn't looking at him he cleared his throat, "There's nothing to say Gia, so there's nothing to help with." His voice sounded void of any emotion, but he was restraining himself from spilling everything to her. She didn't need that along with everything she'd just been through. He just wanted to know she was there for him, and that's exactly what she'd just told him.

He tried to be loving, but the kiss to the top of her head seemed stiff and lifeless. He internally groaned before he spoke to try and make amends. "I'm okay so don't go worrying. I need you better, and that will happen. So just be patient and I'll be here every step of the way making sure no more harm comes to you. I promise." He knew he'd switched the conversation around to make it about her and what she needed, but he didn't really care as to what she would think. That's all he really thought about at the moment; Gia's life was more important than his, and his anger, hatred, and fear towards his father and sister. It was worrying that may be all he would ever be able to feel, but he just hoped one day he could be the Isaac Gia fell in love with, rather than the person his father and sister had created.

After all, everything was his fault. It was his fault he'd made friends with Gia in the first place, it was his fault he had to move away, it was his fault he decided to talk to her again, it was his fault for all their problems, it was his fault for losing their baby and it was his fault now. It would never not be his fault.

[Cham]

"Isaac stop this" She whispered, wrapping her legs around his waist. "Dont feel like this... Please" begging him. Sighing softly when he just pushed her comforting words away. "Darling... I want to go to the trial. I want to testify against them." A hardness came into her voice as he tensed up. "Im going anyways, so dont even try to stop me Isaac. I want to go"

Hating herself for being so forceful when all he needed was her love and affection. "Im not trying to be angry with you, but I need to go. I need to see the sentancing. And you need to go too." She tightened around him, terrified he would push her away again. "I think it will make you feel better. You dont need to speak to them or anything. But the trial will likely be tomorrow. And I will go."

She moved up and kissed him harder than she meant to but held him to her. "I love you. I dont want you to slip away from me because your angry with them."

[Lotus]

Isaac stiffened at her words. He understood the fact that he wanted to go to the trial, but why would Gia. Why would she want to face the two people that did this to her? All the evidence was in the favour of a painful sentence, so why did she need to go? He shook his head, but he knew he couldn't deny her something at this stage; something that could potentially hurt her, yet make her feel better all at the same time. He nodded his head slowly, "I'm going anyway. If you're going it just makes it that much easier to keep an eye on you. Besides, I need to see those two pieces of filth brought to justice, and hopefully a painful one at that." His eyes clouded over as his anger took hold, and his body started shaking as he tried to reign it in.

He couldn't help it though, he'd seen the scared look in Gia's eyes and that caused him to calm down instantly. Whether it was his words or his actions that caused that look in her eyes, he wouldn't show either of them to her again. He'd keep it bottled up, just like he said he would do anyway. Yet, he'd failed already.

He sighed and rested his head back against the wall, slackening his hold around her waist. "I love you too Gia." It came out sounding anything but love filled, and he cursed himself again. But he'd said the words, and hopefully Gia wouldn't hear the cold tone he'd used. He just didn't think he had it in him to be loving any more. Protective, but never loving.

[Cham]

Gia shivered slightly at the stony sound of his words. They were harsh and cruel. Regrettably, she thought he was beginning to sound a bit like his father. Pushing that thought aside, she continued to hold him, trying to swallow the fear she was beginning to feel towards him. Would he ever hit her? He didnt seem the type, but he had just screamed the house down towards her...

Her fingers caressed the sides of his face as he leaned back. "Please dont say it if you dont mean it darling. Dont try and make me feel better if you dont actually feel that way. I understand if you no longer love me. Just dont lie to me." Hating herself for saying those words, but they had to be said. Feeling more alone than she ever had as his hold on her loosened, not even hanging on to her.

She had enough, pushing him away. Unable to stand without the willpower, resulting to crawling across the floor as she said softly "You dont have to force yourself to be with me anymore. I understand" Her voice was cross, dejected, and worthless as she dragged herself to the bed. Laying on the floor as she had no will to move anymore. What was the point anyways?

[Lotus]

Isaac groaned and ran a hand across his face as he pushed himself up from the floor. He walked into his room and over to Gia where he slipped his arms under her as gently as he could and lifted her with ease before laying her down on the bed. He tried to be gentle and loving as he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and knelt down next to her.

He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. He shook his head and groaned as he moved away from the bed slightly. He could tell Gia was uncomfortable with him being so close. "I..." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I wasn't lying. I just... I just can't be the person I was before. I can't be the person you fell in love with. 'Cause being that person allows things like this to happen. That person wasn't strong enough or good enough to protect you." He looked away from her as he clenched his hands to fists. "I can't and won't be that person ever again. I will always love you, but I can't let something else happen to you again."

He looked up as he caught sight of someone at the door. His mum. He stared as he felt tears prick behind his eyes, but he wouldn't shed them in front of anyone. He had to be the strong one. He had to be. He stood up slowly, looking down to Gia sadly before his eyes clouded over with rage at what his father had done to her. "Mum, Gia needs you. I'll go get a glass of water for her or something." With that he turned away from the bed and walked out of the door, brushing past his mum in the process.

[Cham]

Gia tried to hold onto Isaac, but her body stung in pain. Moving around really hurt, but once she rested for a moment she could get her bearings and breath back. Isaac spoke, but she couldnt stop him. He ran right over her. She watched as his eyes misted, and she reached out for his hand. But he was gone. He probably couldnt stand being around her any longer than he absolutely had to...

Mrs. Waterman proceeded into the room, sweeping down and clutching Gia close. But she pushed the kindly woman away. "Please dont touch me..." Gia murmured. Why was everyones touch stinging? Not as in an actual pain, but it felt deep. Like everything resonated into her chest. "Dont touch me any more that you absolutely have to... I just... I cant handle it right now... Im sorry"

Imelda nodded and let Gia fix herself. Then proceeded to gently press the bandages onto the injured skin. Gia jumped in pain every time her hand actually pressed onto the flesh. Once she was done, Gia slunk to the far corner of the bed. Why couldnt she stand being touched at the moment? It hurt... So badly it hurt... Worse than the whippings even...

[Lotus]

Isaac practically ran down the stairs and into the kitchen. He gripped the side of the counter and bent over, trying to breathe and calm the rage that was brewing within him. He hated his father and sister more than words could describe, but the hatred he felt towards himself at that precise moment in time was topping it. He couldn't take it and he yelled out, pounding his fists against the table and then swiftly cursing at the pain that shot through his whole arm.

He spun around and clenched his fists into his hair before sinking to the ground and yelling out again. Why couldn't he do this? Why did he have to be so weak as to let this happen and then not be able to handle it? He needed to get a grip of himself before he pushed everyone out of his life. He needed them, he knew that, but he didn't want to explain himself. He didn't want to talk it out. He just wanted comfort. He didn't want non-existent words that held little meaning, he wanted closure. He wanted his father stopped for good. He wanted him gone; for good.

Slowly he stood, his eyes misting over with rage and hurt, as he reached for a glass and filled it with water. He had to be strong and his hand shook as he tried to not spill the water. He walked back up the stairs, hoping he was masking his emotions as well as he could. In his bedroom he saw the slumped figure of his mum in the chair in the corner and Gia exhausted on their bed. He sighed and walked over to her, sitting gingerly on the edge of the bed and handing her the glass. "Here, it'll help." He tried to look at her softly, and he hoped to god it worked.

[Cham]

Gia watched as a slightly calmer looking Isaac came back into the room. Mrs. Waterman rubbed her eyes as though prepping herself for another round. But Gia was determined not to let anything happen. She took the glass from him, but cringed in pain as she felt a zing run from her hand to her chest. Gasping softly.

"Thank you" She murmured, nearly spilling the water with her shaky hand. Sipping softly, then setting it on the side of the bed she was on, finding herself curled up on Isaac's side. She pulled his pillow inbetween her legs and curled into it. Attempting to pull a light blanket over her. When Imelda stood to help her a harsh, hoarse "NO!" burst from her lips. Gia winced and softened her voice and eyes "Im sorry... Just please... Dont touch me"

She curled up and wondered to herself what kind of a monster she had become...

[Lotus]

Isaac jumped at Gia's outburst and he sighed softly. What had he done? How had he managed to make such a hash of things? He ran a hand over his face before standing and walking over to the other side of the bed. He crawled onto it and laid down next to her, as close as he could get without physically touching her. He saw her turn her head away from him and he felt his heart breaking even further. How was he supposed to carry this on?

He knew he didn't want to talk about everything. He knew it would only hurt everyone further, but that's what Gia had asked him to do and who was he to deny her something. He swallowed over the lump in his throat, "I'm trying Gia. I'm trying to be calm and act as if this is all okay. But I've changed. Those days without you and not knowing where you were drove me into darkness and I haven't made my way out yet." He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, clenching his fists slightly. "I'm not meaning to take my anger and hurt out on you or my mum. I'm not trying to make you hurt more than you are already, heck I'd do anything to take away the pain you're in now instantly. But I can't and that's the horrid part. I'm completely useless."

He felt the bed dip behind him and a hand was laid softly on his shoulder. His mum. His mum had come to help him finish the rest. "I hurt so much Gia. I'm so angry and I want nothing more than for my father and Issabelle to get what's coming to them. I know I shouldn't want that for my own family, but I do and that's what's terrifying. Not only am I terrified of hurting you, losing you or disappointing you I'm angry at myself that I've already done all those things. I can't remedy anything and I let you just slip away from me and then left you in that place 'cause I couldn't find you." He groaned as he felt tears in his eyes. "I will always love you Gia, but I'm not the guy you fell in love with. I don't know if I can be again. I just want you to know that I will protect you every day till the end of my life no matter if you want me or not. I will be there, somewhere. I just can't afford to lose you..."

He trailed off at the end and took a deep breath. He knew Gia hadn't moved because he hadn't felt the bed shift and he sighed before moving to sit up, crossing his legs on the bed. His mum moved away with a kiss on his forehead and then slipped out the room. Gia was silent and with each second his heart was being crushed as well as broken.

[Cham]

Isaac crawled unde the small blanket with her, and she shuffled forward just enough to avoid contact. As much as she craved to have his arms around her, she didnt think she could handle the intense pain. She listened, and tried to respond, but what could she say? Everything was her fault... If she hadve just stayed away, then they wouldnt have had a problem...

Several seconds passed and she felt tears streaking down her cheek and nose. The salt water was a slight relief. It felt good to cry, Let it all out. The last several days had been horrid, and today seemed to top them all. "Isaac... I... I cant" Why were words escaping her???

She sat up and winced at stretching the skin. But held out a hand to stop any help. She let her hands move under the blanket, then ontop of his. Yes. She could bear this contact. "Isaac... I love you" She looked up into his eyes and her voice became very serious and scary. "I love you to the ends of the earth... but... There. The dreaded word was out, she had to finish. "b-but, I cannot live like this. I cannot have you yelling at me. We are a TEAM Isaac. Do you understand that? A TEAM. We work together. And sometimes your going to hurt, and youll have to guide me as to how to make you feel better. Because im not goo at this"

The tears began to stream down her cheeks again as she came to her point. "Isaac. If we cant figure this out..." She choked on her words and a small sob stopped her for a second as she saw Isaac's wide, hurt eyes.

"Ill have to leave"

Hearing the gasp, she immediately began loathing herself. Mrs. Waterman looked appalled at her. Gia released Isaac's hands, and stood up pushing everything away. She rushed as quickly as she could to the bathroom. Slamming the door and locking it. Curling up on the floor, and sobbing.

[Lotus]

Isaac sat there as she walked away from him. His fists clenched and his jaw stiffened. How had he managed to mess up so royally? Hadn't he just told her everything, hadn't he just tried to open up to her? Or was this her way of saying they were over anyway? He looked up to see his mum watching him, but she wouldn't step closer. "It was one time. I yelled one time..."

He heard her sigh as she said, "I know sweetie, I know."

"Don't I make her feel loved? Don't I make her happy? Or have I fucked up so much now that even that stands for nothing? Has having her going missing changed me into a monster?" Then it dawned on him and his eyes widened. He shook his head, but he knew it was true. "She thinks I'll turn into him..." He stood up and walked to his window, pushing it wide open. He felt someone behind him though and he turned around to look down at his teary eyed mum. "Please tell her I'll never stop loving her. Please make her always feel welcomed and loved. Please protect her." With that he leant down and kissed his mum on the cheek, tears springing to his eyes.

He turned swiftly and swung his legs out of the window before pushing himself off and falling to the ground. He landed oddly and he felt the crack in his wrist, but he didn't have time to care about that. The only thought swimming around his head was, 'I'm going to turn into him. She's seen it and I'm going to turn into the monster my father is.' He ran after he walked around the side of the house and into the street. He didn't know where he was going, but tear blinded his vision. He was his father and Gia knew it.

He soon found himself collapsing in their spot in the middle of the tears. His wrist had started to throb now and he saw the strange discolouration in it through his blurry, puffy eyes. He knew Gia would be safe for the night because his father and sister were in cells; they wouldn't be able to hurt her. But he would try and go back tomorrow to protect her and he'd sit outside the house all day and every day for the rest of his life if it meant keeping her safe.

[Cham]

Gia sank to the floor and sobbed horribly until she could hardly breathe. The pain she felt even touching herself was nearly unbearable. But she had to. If she didnt hold herself, she knew no one else would, or even could bear to touch her. Though it felt like it wasnt enough. She had ruined everything.

Hearing a soft, but urgent rap on the door, Gia cracked it open to see Mrs. Waterman. "Mum, i dont think you can fix this one... Ive failed him. Im just so scared... So scared he will hurt me. He is the only one who truely can..." The kindly woman pushed the door open and knelt down next to Gia. Wrapping her arms around her. But Gia shrieked and pushed away, shaking in physical pain now. But Mrs. Waterman moved close without touching her this time "Dear, you have to talk to him. In the morning when he comes back, you must. You have no choice. He thinks..." Gia looked up to see Mrs. Waterman looking grave. "He thinks you dont want him, because he acted like his father... But dear, it was once. And he learned his lesson."

Gia touched her face tenderly. "What have I done..." She whispered, struggling to stand, but managing it. She pushed past Mrs. Waterman and into the bedroom. Pulling on a pair of Isaac's thicker sweats and his hoodie. "I have to find him..." Pushing Mrs. Waterman to the side.

She strode out the front door with her shoes untied. Wandering house to house. Each of their friends, and recruiting their help. Soon the whole gang was looking for her lover. Gia continuously ran her fingers over where her ring should be. She had to find him...

After several hours, Gia stopped in her tracks. Everyone huddled around her, trying to touch her, help her. But she shrugged them away and began limping as fast as her legs could carry her. "Why didnt I think of it!??" She shouted in her mind. Rushing toward the spot where months ago she had remet her love...

Pushing through the foliage, she saw Isaac on the ground, She fell to the grass and pushed herself into his arms. Forcing herself to touch him. But this time it felt releaving. He was a gift from God to her "Im so sorry" She sobbed into his neck "I love you... I didnt mean any of that shit i said" She begged him "Please baby... Please hold me..."

[Lotus]

Isaac had no clue how long he'd been out in the open, but it was safe to say he was in more pain than he could ever remember being in; because this time it was not only mental but physical too. He could hardly move his wrist without crying out loud, his mind was tormenting him and he felt as if his heart was turning to stone slowly as someone chipped away at it.

He was sitting on the ground with his head resting on his knees as he let his much needed tears fall when he heard a crunching through the undergrowth. He looked up a little too late before he felt someone pushing themselves to him, but he instantly recognised the feel of the body in his arms and the smell of her. Gia.

He forgot all about her injuries as he wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her hair, letting his sobs ring loud and clear. He listened to her words and they just made him cry harder, and the fact he was berating himself at crying when he was supposed to be strong wasn't helping his situation. "Please don't leave me Gia..." He chocked out, trying to breathe deeply. "I don't want to lose you again... Please!" He pulled away from her and looked into her eyes. "Do not let me become like him. I understand when you say you'll leave if we can't work this out, but if I turn into him you have to get out. You have to get away before I hurt you. Do you understand me?"

He closed his eyes tightly and tried to take a deep breath. "I love you Gia..." He whispered, just as he felt people watching them. But why would people be watching them in their private space. Slowly he opened his eyes and looked around Gia to stare into the faces of his four best friends; Wes, Max, Danielle and Rylee. He sighed and ran a hand over his face, forgetting it was the one he landed on when jumping out of his window.

[Cham]

Gia felt Isaacs arms wrapping around her. Securing her body to his. Ignoring the masses of pain screaming from her back. She tightened her grip around him as he tried to warn her. Pulling his lips to crash into hers. Wincing finally in pain, but refusing to release him. Whispering back with tears rushing down her cheeks "Im not going anywhere... And Ill never let you hurt me. I think we both learned a lot tonight..."

Curling her head into his neck, she let kisses wander up it. Wanting him. Wanting to make sure they were alright. The way they did. But the gang was trouping toward them, and seconds later there they were. Isaac groaning softly. She murmured an apology to him "I was so worried about you. I asked them if they knew where you were, and everyone wanted to help look for you."

Gia brushed the hair off of his forehead and looked down at his wrist. "What happened..?" She asked softly, tenderly reaching for it, but seeing the swelling and odd bend of it. "Baby, you broke your wrist..."

[Lotus]

Isaac shook his head slightly, wiping at his eyes with his other hand. He hadn't kiss Gia in so long, yet his actions had caused him to miss the brief moment of peace her kiss brought him. He was too much of a muddle. He looked away from the group and back to Gia before whispering, "I was never lost." He tried to smile slightly but it came out forced. He heard the crunching of leaves and lifted his head up to see Max and Wes crouching by the side of him.

"Man, you scared us. Don't do this ever again?"

"Wes, you sound like his mother. He doesn't need his friends being his mother." Isaac couldn't help but chuckle at Max's reply and the light punch he sent to Wes's shoulder. It was too funny, and he even heard a slight laugh come from Gia too. Those two really knew how to lighten his mood, and he had always counted on them for it.

He turned back to look at his hand at Gia's comment and he shrugged his shoulder. "That's what I deserve, I guess. I hurt you and then jumped out a window. I deserved a lot more than a broken wrist..." He felt all eyes on him as he said that and he looked up to all their shocked faces. "What...?" He looked back down to Gia and she had tears in her eyes. "Gia...?"

[Cham]

Gia giggled softly, still clutched to Isaac. Her knees straddling his thighs. But she didnt care one whit. He was hers. Hers to love, hold, and be with however she damn well pleased. Tears formed in her eyes at his comment of deserving pain. It cut her to the quick. She began shaking, her whole body quivering.

"Isaac Waterman... Dont ever. EVER. Say that again." Her voice was a strangled whisper. Her finger poking his chest every so often. "You will never deserve anything less than love. You will never deserve anything less than happiness. And you will never ever deserve pain. Youve gone through a load of shit and i know that baby. I went through it with you. But never even think like that again. Because your my happily ever after... And that is perfect. Understood?"

Tears cascaded down her cheeks, and she snuffled a little, trying to keep her emotions in check, but failing miserably.

[Lotus]

Isaac started a little at Gia's words and he looked to the faces of his friends. Danielle and Rylee had tears in their eyes and Wes and Max were pointedly looking at Gia. He knew that look. They were agreeing with her. He sighed and looked back to Gia, lifted her chin up and wiping away her tears with his thumb. "I promise..." He spoke softly. He leant forward and kissed her forehead softly before pulling back and looking back to his friends.

It was one of the strongest feelings in the world when you knew there were people out there who cared enough to find you in the middle of the night. It was a feeling that could never be replaced when something like this was lost. He knew he hadn't changed back to the Isaac Gia fell in love with, but to her, he would try his damnedest to be him. He would be the guy she needed in her life and his father's ways would be pushed to the deep depths of him.

"Shall I take you home?"

[Cham]

Gia kept her eyes fervently on Isaac. Begging him to understand her concern, and listen to her. His words were soft, but reassuring. "Thank you" She murmured, cuddling closer to him. He looked around, seemingly astonished. But then looked back down to her, speaking softly in the special voice he saved just for her. The one she hadnt heard in far too long.

"Yes please darling" She murmured to him, helping him stand, then faulter herself. Thr group of couples rushed forward, and the pain hit her like a ton of bricks. Biting her lower lip as with a little help from everyone, they slowly made their way to Isaac's home where Mrs. Waterman sat in the foyer silently. A tissue in hand, clutched with white knuckles.

The kindly woman moved forward, assessing Gia first who simply shooed her off, and brought to her attention Isaac's wrist "Hes either sprained it or broken it. I cant tell." Mrs. Waterman then checked it gently, and found it broken, rushing off after a moment to grab items to splint it with. Gia said farewells to the small group of visitors as they set back to their respective destinations. Leaving Gia and Isaac alone in the foyer

"Can we go to bed after this?" She asked softly, her eyelids feeling quite heavy, and her shoulders slumped somewhat. "Im stressing the we here darling" A small smile rising to her lips as she looked up to him. Only wanting to be held at best. Perhaps more if they could afford the strength...