New Beginnings (Mai and Cam)

[Cham]

Gia nodded her head softly closing her eyes as he touched her with the cloth. Holding her breath as he went over one... two... then three of the open slits on her back. Gritting her teeth down so as not to let Isaac know just how much pain she was in. But tears slid down her cheeks. Burying her head into her knees so he wouldnt have the chance to see them.

"Can you try pouring water over it first?" Her voice was shaky, "I think it will help a little..."

[Lotus]

Isaac stopped instantly and he shook his head. He'd hurt her by not doing something properly and his self loathing intensified. He stood up, pulling his hand from hers. "I... I'll get mum and she can do it." He walked out of the bathroom and found his mum.

"You need to clean Gia's back. I can't do it without making her hurt more than necessary." She nodded her head immediately and rushed into the bathroom. This time though Isaac didn't walk away. As his mum got to work he crouched down at the head of the bath and found Gia's hand again.

He tried to make his voice sound calm, "I'm not leaving. Grip as tight as you need." In actual fact all he wanted was her to grip the shit out of his hand. If he could he'd make her hold his broken hand; which come to think of it was probably why he couldn't be gentle with her back. His wrist was stiff from jumping out of the window and he sighed. He felt the grip Gia was placing on his hand and he squeezed it back for reassurance.

[Cham]

Gia nodded, still not bringing her head out from its shell. "Thank you" She whispered, taking Isaacs hand and holding onto it hard. Crying out only once or twice. Mrs. Waterman worked quickly, but not all that carefully. Knowing it was better to get it done and over with rather than wait and drag the pain out.

By the time she was finished, Gia was trembling. Tears streaking down her cheeks. A white knuckle grip on Isaac's hand. Trying to stand, but slipping on the residue of soap and sitting back down into her crouched position.

[Lotus]

Isaac's temper wasn't calming because every time he felt the squeeze from Gia's grip, he knew she was in pain and every time he heard her whimper or sob, he knew she was in pain. She was in pain because he hadn't managed to find her quick enough! Still, when it was over he gave her a little time to calm down and get over it all. His mum packed up the things she'd been using and gave Isaac a pointed look; she looked angry with him. He didn't understand why but it was probably his fault after all.

He'd zoned out for far too long because he heard the splash of the water as Gia felt back into it. Instantly his hands were under her armpits; or his arm where his broken wrist was concerned, and he pulled her up out of the water. He set her on the floor and, despite the fact she was naked and in pain, he wrapped his arms around her gently. "It's all over sweetheart." He kissed the top of her head and reached for a towel to gently rub her body dry.

[Cham]

Gia felt like a small child again. Curling up and cowering away from pain. Isaac was so gentle with her though. Pulling her wounded, wet body against his. Probably soaking his clothes. "Isaac..." She whimpered, looking up to him "Thank you" Leaning up to kiss him tenderly. Hoping that would calm him somewhat. His hand did seem a tad bit gentler as it slowly, methodically wiped her dry.

Standing felt better than sitting. It didnt take long to dress. The tank top and shorts she donned were quick and easy to pull over her even more so shrunken frame. Breathing heavily, she made her way back into the bedroom and slipped on shoes "Im ready to go then..." She whispered, sitting back on their bed. Shoulders slumped forward. Feeling exhausted and drained. But something drew her to this. She needed to go...

[Lotus]

Isaac sighed as she walked away, but her kiss had calmed him somewhat. He turned to the sink and splashed his face with cold water, before washing. He dried his face roughly on a towel and groaning softly when he forgot his broken hand. He flung the towel into the linen basket and made his way back to his bedroom. He nodded his head at Gia's comment, "I'll be a second." He walked to his wardrobe and changed into a pair of low hanging jeans and a slightly baggy, grey t-shirt.

He turned his attention back to Gia, running his unharmed hand through his hair. He walked over to her and bent over, placing a soft kiss against her lips. "You're so brave sweetheart. I'll do anything to make this easier." With the he reached out and entwined his good hand with hers. Her gripped it tight, pulling her up from where she sat and pulling her into his side. "It'll all be okay. After today you're safe. I promise." His anger had slowly slipped away from him, leaving him broken, terrified and hurting; but the fact Gia was coming with him made him act loving and carefree for her. She needed someone strong to stand by when all of this went down.

They said goodbye to his mum, and she had tears in her eyes. He tried not to cry in front of her; putting up his strong front. He kissed her cheek briefly before turning and heading outside. He took a deep breath and kissed Gia's head. "Today is the start of our new life."

[Cham]

Gia watched him with interest. He sung on the clean clothes, and she grinned at him from where she was perched on the bed, smiling softly. Isaac looked much better, and she knew he felt better when he came and kissed her so tenderly. Taking her hand and whispering to her. She stood and when he pulled her against him, her hand tenderly fell on his chest.

"After today, everything will be better. That is what I promise you my love. We will watch out for each other. It will be better. I swear" He gave her a curt, not totally convinced nod, and she followed. Gia knew at that moment what she was getting herself into. And despite it, she would follow him to the ends of the earth.

There was a short pause at the door as Isaac said goodbye to his mother softly, but once they were out of the house, he almost seemed to relax. Like things were going to start looking up for them. But as they neared the city center, he tightened up somewhat. Clenching her hand hard and his jaw stiffened. Gia squeezed his hand and felt him release a little "Darling. They cannot hurt us here. They are going to pay for their crimes right now."

But even as they approached the front of the crowd, seeing so many people wondering what would become of the two scandalous criminals, Gia found herself feeling a little apprehensionable. What WOULD be desided... Some of the officials were Mr. Watermans friends. Surely they would be lenient? But she had to stop thinking now, they were announcing the crimes...

The head peacekeeper of the district stepped out onto the stage. The same one that had been used for the reaping only weeks ago... His voice was loud and firm. Scary even, "Over he past day and night, the peacekeepers have deliberated over the accusation and punishment for Zachary and Issabelle Waterman. We have found them guilty. The worst of their crimes being Manslaughter of an unborn child, Kidnapping, Disturbing the Peace, and Attepted Murder of Giavanna Longoria."

Gia gasped softly, and the peacekeeper made eye contact with her. She began to tremble, holding tightly to Isaac, feeling his grip on her as well. But the man continued...

"The punishment for Zachary Waterman is," Mr. Waterman was brought out onto the stage. Shackles binding his wrists behind his back, and his ankles close together, causing him to wobble and scoot more than walk. He looked intently at the Peace Keeper. Evidently he had not been told his sentence...

"Death by hanging. This shall be carried out immediately proceeding the sentencing of his accomplice." Issabelle was now brought out. She held her head high, hearing her title gave her confidence that she would not receive the same fate as her father. "The punishment for Issabelle Imelda Waterman is one hundred lashes. To be carried out after the hanging, and followed by an imprisonment of ten years."

Issabelle's eyes widened in fear. Zachary's eyes already looked dead... His loathing glare cast out over the crowd until it found Gia. That she could not handle. Burying her head into Isaac's shoulder, shaking like a leaf.

Dozens of common place peacekeepers decended the steps of the stage, parting the crowd all the way down to the gallows that stood, their ropes swinging innocently, eager for another victim...

[Lotus]

Walking towards the town centre and standing there amongst the crowd, Isaac felt truly lost. It was as if he was looking upon himself from somewhere else and his body was just a statue of who he should be. He glanced around the town centre and wondered why all of these people had showed up to witness such a thing, but then again, his sister and father were both incredibly well known. He sighed and all of a sudden he was looking at everything through his own eyes again as the Peacekeepers came out.

The sentences were given, but Isaac stood still. Not being able to move. He didn't care too much for Issabelle's; she was going to live. That was if she didn't die from infection in the prison from her one hundred lashes. But his father; the man who had ruled over him for eighteen years, the man who had terrified him, hit him, killed their child and nearly murdered Gia, he was finally going to face his fate. Death. All of a sudden it all seemed too real and despite everything that had happened, he couldn't help but feel saddened at his father's sentence. He would always be family and he couldn't imagine what this would do to his mum. She was going to be heartbroken, and whilst his father had never been much of a father figure in his mind, he was still going to lose him.

He wrapped his arms tightly around Gia when she hid into his chest and he stiffly ran his hand up and down her back. He looked up to the stage and caught the glare of his father, and Isaac swore he saw his father's features softened just a little. As if everything had finally kicked in and what laid before him in life, was his end. Looking at his father, he saw him straighten up and hold his head slightly higher but the cold look in his eyes was still there. That man would never bow down and apologise for all his wrong doings. Instead, he was going to exit this world with the heaviest of burdens and no forgiveness from anyone that used to love him.

Next his eyes flickered to Issabelle and he couldn't help but feel sorry for how terrified she looked. Finally her eyes moved to look at him, and she hung her head in shame. Slowly, she brought is back up and looked him dead in the eye. She had never really been fully to blame for all of this, she'd been influenced by his father far more because she had been the golden child. She had only ever done something off her own back once and that was probably because she'd had a bad day; especially when he had heard through gossip that she was having trouble with her long-term boyfriend. It was just a shame that she'd decided it would be a good idea to follow their father's every word. Looking at each other, Isaac saw a glimpse of the older sister he used to know before her so-called fame went to her head. She mouthed the words, "I'm so sorry." to him before her eyes filled with tears that she was trying not to shed; and in that moment, despite everything, Isaac forgave her. He nodded his head stiffly just as his father was walked down the path towards the gallows.

The majority of the crowd had dispersed by now, leaving only a few remaining which meant Isaac manoeuvred himself and Gia towards the front of the crowd. He knew he didn't really want to see the punishments carried out, but it was closure. Closure on a lifetime of verbal and physical abuse on not only himself, but Gia. He sighed and hung his head as the noose was placed around his father's neck. He nuzzled his nose into Gia's hair, taking a deep calming breath as he heard the words of the peacekeepers, followed by the creaking of the floorboards and the tugging of the rope. It was over. His father's life was over.

Isaac finally managed to look up as the peacekeepers started to remove his body, and for the first time in his life he felt tears in his eyes. Tears for his father. One slipped down his cheek and he felt his knees go slightly weak. He wrapped his arms tighter around Gia as he squeezed his eyes shut tightly. She was his anchor and he would be lost without her.

Now it was time for Issabelle's punishment, but he didn't know if he could stand watching that.

[Cham]

Gia looked up only when she was sure it was all over. Assuming they would remove the body quickly. But no. Seeing that man with his hardened features in life finally softened in death. A mild rope burn around his neck. Something inside of her disappeared. And she no longer felt the anger. Only pity for this man who had been so cruel. Even until the very end.

But when she looked up to see Isaac, see his reaction, she was a little taken aback. His eyes were glossy and a tear streaked down his cheek. Raising a hand, she wiped it away. A small wisp of a smile was all she could manage. Leaning up on tip toe and kissing his cheek tenderly. But people began to look funnily at her, and she moved slightly away. Watching now at the stage where Issabelle looked confused, frightened and remorseful. Was 100 lashes really necessary?

Issabelle attempted to imitate her father, head held high. But tears fell down her cheeks, her shoulders trembling with repressed sobs. Gia felt what was that... not pity like for her father... But sadness. Actual sorrow and pain. They forced Issabelle to kneel at the post, shackling her now to it. And the whips began... Gia began counting, but when the screams sounded, some where around 25, and the whip began to whistle, she stopped. On and on it went.

The Head Peacekeeper had a harsh grin on his face. Like he had been enjoying it, but now felt sick. Gia knew she did... The man called out "50 more!" and Issabelle broke down sobbing. A single glance up at Isaac's horrified face spurred Gia into motion. "ENOUGH!" She screamed, pushing Isaac's arms from her. "STOP! CANT YOU SEE SHE IS REMORSEFUL"

The crowd went silent. The horrid men at the corners making bets were ghost white. Gia moved into the whipping area, and with slow steps, and a sharp eye on the man holding the whip, she moved towards Issabelle. Kneeling on the ground next to her. The wounds on her back were not yet as bad as her own, but they were wretched to see. Her shirt tattered and torn. "Where are the keys?" She asked the peacekeeper. He held them out slowly, and Gia unshackled Issabelle. Helping her to stand and reshackling her. "Her time sentence stands. But enough of this."

The head peacekeeper moved forward, pushing Gia away. She stumbled back and fell to the ground, wincing at the pain radiating up her back. Breathing in a sharp breath of air. But it was done. The peacekeepers surrounded Issabelle and marched her into the building where her cell would contain her for the next 10 years...

[Lotus]

Isaac couldn't watch it. Despite what his sister had done to both of them, especially to Gia, he couldn't stand watching this. Terror was in his eyes and his sister's screams were something he had never wished to hear in all his life; just like hearing Gia scream from pain. It was one of the worst sounds in the world, one that sent chills through his bones and made him weak at the knees. His eyes glazed over and everything rolled into one; the screams, the whip's whistling and the grunts from the ever dwindling crowd. He couldn't tell the differences anymore.

When Gia pushed away from him, he was stunned to say the least. His girl was protecting his sister, the one who had kidnapped her. He had expected the Peacekeepers to ignore her and continue, but seeing as this was all because of what had happened to Gia, they listened; after taking one look at Isaac's face. He'd already lost his father, he knew he couldn't bare to lose his sister too, because her way was far more gruelling and painful. Finally Issabelle was marched away and just as the doors closed behind her and the Peacekeepers she turned back to catch Isaac's eye and a tear slipped down his cheek, showing her he understood and forgave her once more. She needed that for where she was going, and maybe they'd allow him to visit every so often just to keep his mind calm that she was in fact still around.

Suddenly everything came back into focus and he rushed up to Gia and picked her up, so he was cradling her body. "Shh, it's all okay now. Did they hurt you?" He pulled back and looked over her. He noticed how she winced in pain and held her a little looser to prevent hurting her further. He sighed and nuzzled his nose into her hair, taking in a deep breath. "Tha-nk you." His voice cracked, showing just how much hurt he was feeling at that moment. He wanted to be the strong one like his mum had told him he should be, but he just couldn't. Not after everything. More than anything he should be relieved, but he didn't feel that at that very moment in time, he was to stunned and raw to feel anything but pain.

Just then a peacekeeper came striding up to them and Isaac raised his gaze a little to look him in the eye. "Master Waterman, I believe this belongs to you two." With that he handed Isaac Gia's promise of engagement ring. It was like some weight had suddenly been lifted from his shoulders and he nodded his head in thanks. He moved his hand and caught hold of Gia's lefft hand, slipping the ring on.

"My fiancée, the bravest woman I know." He whispered in her ear before holding her tightly again and burying his face in her hair.

[Cham]

Gia felt arms holding her. Grimancing when they moved over the ripped scabs on her back. But they adjusted until she stopped squirming. And once the pain dissapated, she opened her eyes. Looking up to see Isaac tearfully over her. When he thanked her, she could only nod her head, shaking in shock.

They had listened. It was over. But still, Gia blocked out everything, closing her eyes and rolling inward to Isaac's chest, listening to the firm beating of his heart. The reminder that they were finally going to be safe. Feeling a band slip onto her hand, she pulled it away, looking down to see a sparkling on her finger "My ring..." She whispered. Smiling finally up at Isaac. Kissing him tenderly. Unknowing of how he would react. But he returned it, whispering of her bravery. But she only shook her head, wrapping her arms around his neck, and letting the releasing sobs flow. "Were safe!" She sobbed.

He consoled her. It didnt take long before she could stand, and hand clenched in hand, they walked home...

[Lotus]

Isaac knew Gia would never believe him when he told her she was brave, but the words she'd said instead finally hit home. They were safe because as far as he knew, no one out there had a vendetta against either of them. They were safe from the world, the Games, his father and his sister. Everything had worked out and maybe this time they could start their life properly together.

Holding her hand as tightly as he dared, they walked home together but even though he knew they were safe his eyes kept darting into every small, dark corner they passed. He moved in closer to Gia and his grip tightened slightly, still very much on edge after everything she'd been through. At their front door he started to relax before he realised who would be waiting for them inside. His body tensed up again and more tears slipped down his cheeks. "How... How do I tell her?" He whispered and this time, he wasn't the strong one. Knowing that his mum was behind those doors waiting for the verdict of what had actually happened threw him. She knew it had to be bad, but death was still going to be a heartbreaking shock and he had to be the one to deliver it. He couldn't let Gia tell the news that was his duty to tell.

His knees buckled and he fell to the deck with his head in his hands, everything hitting home again. This reminded him of when they'd lost their baby girl. It had taken a while to sink in and then it hit home and he broke down. This time though it was worse. Even though it had been their little girl, he hadn't known her and grown too attached to her, but his father was different. He'd grown up around him and known him for eighteen years of his life. Now that person was gone, and even though he would never have dreamed of wanting to see him after everything he'd put them through, there was still the fact now that that would never be an option. He was gone and that was that.

[Cham]

Gia sighed softly, wondering herself how they were to tell the woman who had become a mother to her... But she didnt have a chance to think when Isaac collapsed on the porch. With tender care, and a moment to ease herself down, she sat beside him. Taking both his hands, and pressing them to her lips, trying to think for half a second.

Finally, she thought of something. "Isaac. This is for the best. I know what he was to you. And i am so glad you are not bitter towards him. But i am also glad you are nothing like him. He was cruel. You know this best of all. But he was your father and I know how much that hurts." She saw him shaking his head, and she moved into his lap, straddling his thighs "Baby, I do understand. Ive lost my family too. My father..." She choked up and took several minutes to compose herself. "My father shot himself after he killed Bethany..."

Isaac's eyes were incredulous up at her "He shot himself because he didnt want to be hanged. And he knew he would be... I saw the grave..." Shaking it off, she took a deep breath "We have to go tell her. I will if you want me to... But it has to be done."

[Lotus]

Isaac kept shaking his head back and forth. How had he not known this piece of information? He wrapped his arms around Gia and cried a little longer. "I'm sorry. I'll be stronger." With that he let go and pulled himself up off the porch, bringing Gia gently with him. "I won't ask you about it until you want to talk to me about it. But this is for me to tell my mum. I will do this, I'll just try and be gentle." He took a step forward before pausing with his hand on the door knob. He looked back at her, "Please stay by my side?" He saw her nod her head and he reached down and grasped her hand in his.

They walked inside their home and saw their mum in the living room, wrapped in a blanket. Isaac went and sat on the floor in front of his mum and clasped her hands with his free one; albeit slightly awkwardly what with that being his broken hand. "Mum?" She finally turned to look at him and her eyes filled with tears upon seeing the state Isaac was in. "You were right about their sentences. They were bad. Issabelle got one hundred lashes and ten years behind bars. But Gia saved her. She apologised and she regretted everything, it was never truly her fault. Gia saved her at fifty lashes and the peacekeepers accepted that it was enough. She just has ten years in prison now, but I will visit her if I'm allowed. I think she needs that."

Isaac had to take a deep breath for the next part. "Father's punishment was worse... He..." He took another deep breath and closed his eyes. "He was hu-ng on the spot..."

[Cham]

Gia nodded softly. Of course she would stand with him. She would never leave his side if there was ever an inkling that he needed her. Following him, she tried to be strong beside him. But failing, the tears began to slip down her cheeks silently. Keeping her head down when they moved into the living room. Taking one of Mrs. Watermans hands when Isaac began to speak. Leaning her forehead to the back of the soft hand.

She listened quietly to Isaac, When his voice began to tremble, she released with one hand, and felt for his forearm, clenching that in silent strength. Imelda gasped. Clenching onto the hands that hung to her.

And she broke.

Soft sobs filled the room. One she gave up with that, hard, unladylike sobs wracked her body. Gia had never seen Mrs. Waterman react like this before...

[Lotus]

Isaac couldn't believe his father had been so cruel as to get himself into such trouble to do this to his mum. She was broken and he scurried to his feet and curled up in her lap. He knew he was too old to do such a thing, but he didn't care. He cried with her and he pulled Gia up with him. "I'm so-rry mum. I..." But she silenced him by bringing him up and wrapping her arms around him tightly; so tightly that he started to struggle to breathe with his crying and her tight grip.

He had never in his life imagined this was going to happen. Never knew the pain his father could bring his mum. Isaac calmed down a little and looked down at his mum before his eyes flickered to Gia. "If there was a way to change all of this, I would do it in a heartbeat. I don't want either of my women in pain from what he's done to us. He may be gone now, but that still hurts and I want to take that pain away." Then he was the strong one again. Strong for the two most important people in his life. He wrapped his arms around them both, holding in a sob. "Please tell me what to do?"

Then his mum pulled him back and held his face tightly in her hands. "You do me proud Isaac Za-chary Waterman. You do me proud. You take one of those offers and make something of yourself. You marry this woman sitting here with us. You have a family. You keep your friends. You make people love you. And you never become like your father. You never break people, do you understand? And if you do that, then the pain eases. I will always love you my little boy." With that she kissed his forehead before they both broke down together and he glanced up at Gia from where his head was being cradled by his mum.

[Cham]

Gia sat and listened, grieving with them, but not to the same extent. Not for the same reasons. But she could feel the horror and tender love that they felt towards each other embodying her, and molding her into the family.

But the unexpected happened when Mrs. Waterman got her grip back. Turning to Isaac and not so much chastising him, but encouraging him. Gia finally saw the confident Isaac she hadnt seen since they were children. That spark, that glint, was finally back. And when he pulled her in, she felt attached. Felt loved.


It seemed like hours that they sat there hugging and consoling one another. But after a time, Gia stood, and smiled softly. Whispering to them "How about I just go make us some dinner?" Mrs. Waterman nodded, and Gia moved into the kitchen looking around and wondering what in the hell to make. Running through a list of comfort foods and deciding on Mac and Cheese.

[Lotus]

Isaac was slowly calming down with the help from Gia and his mum; his tears slowly drying, his shaking becoming less viscous, and the raw pain in his heart slowly dying away to a dull ache. He realised then that all along he had never needed his fathers blessing to be happy or anything from him to live the life he was living now. He was going to accept an offer, and one of the best ones at that, but he'd make sure to start in a month or so to give him enough time to heal their broken family and give Gia the love and attention he had never really had much time for.

When Gia got up to leave Isaac heaved a heavy sigh, pulling away from him mum and leaning down to kiss her forehead. "You rest up, I'll go give her a hand and then we'll all put this behind us. You've got me and I'll do everything I can to make you happy again mum." He smiled softly and stood up. Looking down at her he truly saw how the years of abuse his father had put them through had had it's toll on her, but now, even though she was saddened by his death, she seemed to have a new lease of life.

***

A few months down the line and you would hardly of guessed the pain Isaac had been through. Himself and Gia were stronger than ever, and he'd even replaced the ring his father stole from her when she'd been taken. It was a different style, but still simple, because he didn't need the reminders of what happened any more so than his mind making him remember them. Every now and again he'd struggle to get through a day with the horrors his and Gia's life had held, but his friends and Gia were always there to bring him back up onto his feet. He'd accepted one of his offers and was now progressing towards new qualifications to become one of the highest technicians whilst working every now and again for some of his soon to be bosses.

Every so often, Isaac would make the choice to go and visit Issabelle. She truly had been remorseful for every little thing she'd done and from opposite sides of the bars, they'd patched things up. They would never be how siblings should be, but they accepted each other how they were and managed to have civilised conversations. At least it gave Issabelle some piece of mind whilst being inside.

At this very moment in time Isaac was out with his friends, but his mind was elsewhere. He wasn't thinking about all the bad things though, he was thinking of a way to propose to Gia. He knew he'd done it before, but that wasn't properly; that was merely his promise. This time he had to make it something she'd remember, but he didn't know how. He guessed he'd come up with it when the time was right, but the thing was, for him, the time was very right. He could not imagine his life without her and after everything they'd been through and the love they had for each other there was no reason why he shouldn't propose; it wasn't like she would say no, they were stuck with each other till the end. And that thought was the best.

[Cham]

The next several months passed quickly. Everyone seemed to be healing well. Isaac was once again full of life. Even after his visits to his sister. He would come back a little melancholy, but better. Even there he was healing.

And his new life seemed to help. They were in the process of finding their own house. It would be small, but Isaac was learning quickly at his new job, and brought in some money when he could. But Gia was the one working full time as a nanny. Helping another family to raise their children. She really was learning how to care and clean and cook all at once. How to be a mother.

Some nights they would both come home so exhausted, that they would fall asleep before the other would even arrive. And usually they were withing minutes of each other. Though sometimes Isaac had to tend to something, and other times there was an extra story at bedtime for her kids.

Tonight though, was Gia's free night. The finished putting on the last touch of her makeup, and slid into the now tight fitting dress. The same black one that Mrs. Waterman had lent her, had it really been a full year? Wow, over a year ago. Her stomach was slightly swollen, and she had some news to share with Isaac and their friends tonight... Bethany would not be replaced, but there would be a new child joining them in the coming months...

[Lotus]

Isaac was downstairs with Max and Wes waiting for the girls to come downstairs. It was a shame they couldn't have found their own house by now, but they were working on it. He just hated the fact that Gia was the only one bringing in the money for them. He was messing around with the guys when the girls finally showed and they all straightened their ties and shirts, clearing their throats. As if on cue Isaac, Max and Wes walked up to their girl and took hold of their hand or kissed them. They were all going out to dinner, something they hadn't done as a group on a while and Isaac hoped to god his plan worked. The guys knew about it, but the girls didn't and he had his fingers crossed that big mouthed Wes would keep his trap shut.

"You look stunning baby." He whispered in her ear before giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. The box in his pocket was sticking out and he hoped she wouldn't realise. They left for the restaurant, saying a quick goodbye to his mum.

When they got their Isaac and the guys tried to their hardest to keep their faces straight and look serious as they entered, but up entering Isaac couldn't help but smile slightly. Everything was set up. He'd saved up to hire the entire restaurant so they wouldn't be disturbed and the look on Gia's face was one he wanted to remember forever. He heard the girls asking why it was so empty and he simply shrugged his shoulders, "Guess people just don't want to be out tonight."

[Cham]

Gia was so nervous. Nervous enough to the point that she found herself looking at the remains of her lunch in the toilet. This baby, and worrying about if they could afford the dinner, was killing her. She hated that they werent quite self sufficient yet. But they were working on it.

Once her stomach had settled, and the girls descended the stairs, she found herself in Isaac's arms and calmed significantly when he said nothing about the dress being too tight. Self conscious as the boys led them to one of the more prestigious restaurants.

But luckily it was empty. For one reason or another they were led to a table in the middle of the room. They sat and Gia turned to Isaac. "Babe... I need to tell you something..." she whispered, taking his hand. He looked concerned, and Gia bailed. She could always tell him when they got home...

Playing it off sweetly, Rylee and Danielle looked excited, but Gia blushed and hooked her arm through Isaac's laying her head on his shoulder "I love you. Thats what" She leaned up and pressed her lips to his gently.

[Lotus]

Isaac felt a little worried from the expression on her face, but when she brushed whatever it was off he went with it; knowing she'd tell him when she wanted to. He nodded his head and grinned down at her, kissing the top of her head where it lay on his shoulder. "And I love you." He glanced across the table to see Wes and Max giving him that knowing look and he knew it was time. "And with that I have something of my own to say." He said softly, but knew they all heard him; especially from where all the girls turned their heads to look at him.

He stood up slowly, his hands starting to shake as he reached into his trouser pocket and pulled out a sheet of paper with his handwriting scrawled all over it. He took a deep breath and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly before loosening his tie. He didn't understand why he was so nervous, because it was a given that they would be together and she'd already promised him to marry him at some stage. He guessed he was worried he wouldn't do it in the right way or she would finally realise she needed someone else to be with.

He looked at Gia as he unfolded the paper before clearing his throat. He had to write is all down in order for him not to forget anything, but it made him even more nervous because he looked un-classy doing so. "Giavanna. You are my whole world and I know that sounds incredibly cheesy but it's true." He glanced at the guys and they nodded their heads encouragingly; after all they'd helped him write everything down because he was too nervous. "You were my first friend and my first best friend. We spent every day together and I loved you back then, but that love was different to how it is now. I know when we were younger I messed up, and I lost the one person I cared about because I'd made a mistake. But then we found each other again, and don't ask me how, but as soon as I realised it was you, that love came back and hit me like a tonne of bricks. Suddenly, that love changed from the love I felt when we were younger, to the love I feel now. In all those years when we'd lost each other, I always had my eye on you to make sure you were okay without even realising I was doing so until you came back into my life. In all those years I couldn't believe how stupid I'd been to let someone as truly amazing as you go." He took a deep breath and slowly lowered himself to one knee on the floor.

"You are my entire being and I don't know how you've done it but you've wormed your way into my heart so deep that I know I'll never be able to lose you again." He paused briefly and cast his glance back to his boys, before dropping the sheet of paper to the floor and reaching into his pocket to bring out the box. He grasped it in his hand as he continued. "Gia, you're my best friend and the love of my life. You're crazy, funny and beautiful all rolled into one and you make sure my life is never boring. I can't imagine being a single day without you and I hope you can make me the happiest guy on earth by being with me till the end." He opened the box slowly and saw her eyes grow wide. "Giavanna Longoria, will you do me the honour of marrying me and becoming my wife and best friend?"

He knelt there with the ring box open and Gia staring at him. He looked away and the guys shrugged as to why she was so silent. He turned back to her and cleared his throat slightly. "Gia...?"

[Cham]

Gia had a soft smile on her lips, and a hand over her mouth as Isaac began reading from his little paper. But once he knelt down, she blanched. Her face ghost white as he continued on. But when he pulled out the box, she felt nauseous. NO! This couldnt be happening now! Why... If she could just hold it down...

But she failed, knowing it was going to come up anyways. Gia pushed the chair back, knocking it over and fled to the bathroom. Tears streaming down her face as dry heaves worked their way up her throat. Stomach acid scalding her esophagus and tongue.


Back at the table, Rylee and Danielle were trying to explain without giving anything away. Actually lying. Rylee turned to Isaac still knelt on the floor. Looking stunned and hurt. She gently touched his shoulder and he seemed to come back to himself. Looking up at the rest of the table and saying "I think she has food poisoning... Isaac you might want to go check on her..."

[Lotus]

Before anyone dared to speak to him, all Isaac could think of was that the thought of marrying him was so repulsive it made her physically sick. He groaned and ran a hand over his face before he heard Rylee and he nodded his head stiffly. He threw the box on the table along with his speech; after having picked it up off the floor and made his way to the bathrooms. He stopped outside, wondering what the hell he was doing when thinking of walking into the women's toilet, but then realising the restaurant was empty he pushed the door open.

He slowly walked to Gia's side and knelt down, "Why didn't you say you were sick? I wouldn't have let you come out tonight and you could be getting better at home with a night in." His eyes held the pain he felt at what had just happened and the act Gia hadn't told him she was ill. He sighed and placed a gentle hand on her back, rubbing softly. "I didn't mean to make you feel worse by proposing. Y'a know a simple no would've been okay, instead of you throwing up." He let out a stiff chuckle before moving away from her and grabbing some tissue to damp under the cold water.

After he'd done that he went and sat back down next to Gia and placed it against her head, rubbing her back again. It was safe to say, this was not what he had been expecting when proposing to the girl he couldn't imagine being without.

[Cham]

Gia was trying to catch her breath. Her heart was racing, and she felt weak. "Not ill..." She whispered as Isaac began patting the cool clothe on her forehead and neck. It felt so much better, and after a moment she just climbed into his arms.

It took a moment for her to compose herself before taking his hand and pulling it from her face. Then tipping his jaw so he looked her in the eye. "Yes Isaac. Yes I will marry you. BUT!" With a small laugh, she added "I will not kiss you. Because my mouth tastes disgusting"

She kissed his cheek and knocked the towel from his hand "Isaac... Theres also... Look we..." Sighing. she pushed through her nerves. He needed to know now. "We need to talk about our future family... Because its not too far into the future..."

Isaac looked confused, and she took his hand and pressed it to her swollen stomach. "Im not ill Isaac. Im pregnant."