Cookie: Wheeeeeeeee chap 28!! OMEGOSH! THIS STORY IS ALMOST OVER! *cries* 2 more chappies...*sniff* *sniff*

Pic is of our Gio

Youtube song link is "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

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(Giovannie's POV)

"Gio?"

      "Shh," Shanna scolded, "leave him alone, Momo. He doesn't want to talk about it."

      "But we wanna help."

      "He doesn't want our help, Ben," Tyler snapped, "let him wallow in his misery."

      "Be quiet, Tyler," Shanna snapped back, "you're not making anything better."

      "But he's been like this for a week now," Momo whined

      Ben sighed. "A sad Gio isn't our Gio."

      "Shh," Shanna shushed them, "all of you shut up about it."

      I stared at the row of bookshelves in front of me, cheek pressed against the cool surface of the table. I had lain my head down on the table like this ever since we entered the school library to study with the rest of our fourth period English class. It's only been thirty minutes since then but the annoying ticking clock on the wall made it seem like it's been forever.

      Though they had tried their best to keep their voices low, I've heard every single one of my friends conversation...and of course they had all been about me. Yeah, I get it, I've been a complete bore but can you blame me? For the past week nothing I had done had brought me closer to Hunter.

      He was still ignoring me.

      I sighed. How long was he going to keep this up? One more week? Two more weeks? Forever? Had he really given up on me? On us? Not that I can really blame him. After the things I've put him through...I would have given up on me too.

      I've been such an idiot.

     "Look it's Nick," I heard Momo whisper. "Hey Nick!"

      "Shut up, Momo," I heard Shanna smack her. I'm sure she was trying to be considerate to me.

      "Ow," Momo grumbled, "what did I do?"

      I looked up and sure enough there was Nick, headed towards the librarian with a couple of books in his hands. He glanced at me as he past by and I smiled weakly. He nodded back but kept right on going. It's like everything had gone back to normal. Like Nick and I had never...never...

      Tears stung my eyes.

      "Gio?" Ben said my name, a slight hesitation on his voice.

      I stood up, grabbing my books and bag.

      "Gio," Momo frowned, "where are you going?"

      I paused, glancing at them before looking away. I didn't want them to see my eyes. They'd instantly know that I was about to cry...or at least I wanted to.

      "I need to...I need to take a dump," I muttered before walking away from the group.

      They didn't come after me nor was the teacher around to stop me from leaving. I kept walking, passing the bathrooms, passing the cafeteria until I found myself walking hurriedly right out of campus. I was lucky that there had been no security around to question me because I really didn't have a good excuse to be skipping school.

      Did a broken heart count?

      I walked home slowly, thinking about Nick. About Hunter. About how badly I've screwed things up. And the ultimate question hovered in my head.

      How am I going to fix it?

      I've tried calling Hunter but he'd never answer or return any of my calls. I've even tried using Jenna's phone just to be sneaky but she caught me, snatching her cell phone from my hand. She said something about not bringing her into my problems anymore.

      Pfft.

      Friggin' Jenna. She could have at least let me use her phone. Heartless hoe.

      I took out my cell phone from my pocket and stared at it. Should I...should I try calling him again? No...he wont answer. Texting him hadn't been any better. He never returned those either. I even tried to Facebook stalk him but how the heck can you Facebook stalk someone who was never on their friggin' Facebook?

      I huffed.

      I mean really, why had I gone through the trouble of making him a Facebook account if he wasn't going to use it? It had taken me forever to convince him to make one a year ago, adding all his friends, even showing him how it worked. Yeah, Hunter wasn't a MySpace-Facebook type of person. Sorta old fashion now that I think about it...

      I sighed, shoving my phone back in my pocket. Well damn...what do I do now? Go to his house? I shuddered at the very thought of it. Ever since that day, no matter how many times I found myself walking towards the direction of his house...I would always end up turning right around. Why?

      Because I'm a coward.

     I was afraid to actually face him...afraid that he'd act the very same way he had towards me a week ago. I didn't want that. It hurt. Seeing Hunter that upset with me hurt. But really, what else can I do? If he wont answer any of my calls, texts, emails...what else was there left for me to do? My only choice was to actually confront him.

      But I'm afraid.

      Giovannie Moretti, afraid? Yeah...it happens.

      I sighed, unlocking the front door of my house and walking in. I closed the door quietly behind me, leaning my back against it. I stared at the stairs, not really seeing it. What I saw was the past...when I found out that Hunter and Jenna had tricked me. When I had found out that Hunter loved me.

     My eyes stung.

      Yeah...right there by those stairs...he had confessed his love for me. He had shown me so much emotions, everything he had kept locked up inside...and what had I done in the end? I killed it. Walked all over his love for me...because I'm an idiot.

      "Gio?" My mother walked out from the kitchen, hesitating by the door. "What are you doing home so early?"

      One look at my Mother and my face crumpled. "Mamma."

      Her eyes widened at my expression, then face softened. "Bambino, what's wrong?"

      I went to my mother, hanging my head down in shame and remorse on her shoulder. I sniffed as she patted my back, feeling even more pathetic that I've come crying to my own Mother. Still, there was nothing more comforting than a mothers love and I needed that comfort right now.

     She led me to the living room, sitting down on the couch before making my lay down with my head on her lap. She combed my hair with her hand, petting and soothing me. I relax, closing my eyes as I savored her motherly touch. It was several minutes longer before she spoke again, breaking her gentle hum of an Italian lullaby she used to sing to me and Jenna when we were small.

      "Now," she said, still petting my head, "what's the matter, Giovannie?"

      I sniffed. "I've screwed up, Mom."

      "What did you do?"

      "I keep hurting people."

      "Do you mean to?"

      "No." I've never meant to hurt anyone...but in the end I had.

      "Who did you hurt?"

      "Nick...Hunter."

      "Ah, I see."

      Did she really see? I mean, my parents has always known about me. We've never actually sat down and talked about it though. It was just something that was there, out in the open. But now I was wondering why they never said anything about my sexuality. Never even questioned it like most parents would have probably had.

      "Mamma?"

      "Yes, Bambino?"

      I hesitated. "You...you do know that I-I like guys too right?"

      "Yes."

      "How come you and Papa never said anything?"

      She looked down at me, smiling slightly. "And what would you have us say? You are who you are, Bambino, we'd never change a thing about you for the world."

      My eyes stung again. "Really?"

     She nodded. "Really. You see, Giovannie, when you and Jenna were born, you two had been so weak, so small. The doctors thought that you'd never make it but your Papa and I never gave up. We prayed and prayed, asking God to spare our babies...and you know what? He did. You two grew up to be fine children, ones that I am proud to call my own."

      "Even though I'm like this?"

      "There is nothing wrong with you, Bambino, nothing at all. When we prayed for your lives to be spared we mad promises to love you no matter what happens, and we do love you, Giovannie. Both you and Jenna. And even if you two would have made it without our prayers Papa and I would still love and accept whoever you want to be."

      Lucky...I'm so lucky to have them as parents.

      "Mamma?"

      "Hmm?"

      "You're awesome."

     She laughed. "Awesome?" Mom tilted her head to the side, testing the word. "Awesome." She smiled brightly. "I like that. I'm an awesome mom."

     I chuckled. "Yes, yes you are."

      " Awesome," she said again, "totally rad. A home dog, mama homie G."

      I sat up, shaking my head at her. "Mom, stop, you're scaring me." Seriously...parents.

      She laughed. "Okay, but I'm still awesome right?"

      I smiled. "Yeah." My smile vanished. "Mom...what do I do?"

      She patted my cheek. "What does your heart tell you?"

     "That I love him."

     "And does he love you?"

      "He...he did." I don't know about now.

      Mom smiled. "Giovannie, love doesn't simply fade away just like that. If he loved you from the start than chances are he loves you still."

      "But he wont even talk to me."

      "Have you tried confronting him in person?"

      My face fell. "No."

      "Then there you go. You have to be more forceful. Talk to him face to face. Tell him how you feel, how sorry you are."

      "And if he doesn't forgive me?"

      "Then he doesn't deserve you."

      I smiled sadly. No matter what, Mom will always think better of me. But she was right...I had to man up and face him. I glanced at the clock on the wall. If I act now, I can make it to his school before it ended. I could wait for him outside and confront him. Bare my soul to him and hopefully...hopefully he'll forgive me.

      I stood. Yeah...I'm going to do it. I'm going to get my man back! I chuckled. Okay...I just sounded so corny.

     "Thanks, Mamma," I said, bending down to kiss her cheek. "I love you."

     "And I you, Bambino," she smiled.

     I turned and left, a fierce determination that I hadn't felt before burning in me. I loved Hunter. I had to make him see that. Yeah...make him see it. Giovannie Moretti was no quitter.

      I kept telling myself that until I reached Hunters school, pacing in front of the gates and waiting for the dismissal bell to ring. You can do this, I told myself, just tell him how you feel. Tell him how sorry you are, gravel if you have to. Hell, I'd probably even lick his shoes! I rolled my eyes. God I'm desperate.

     What am I saying? I am desperate. My heart was pounding, stomach churning, palms sweaty, knees weak...some check my blood pressure! I think I'm going to be sick...

      My head shot up when the bell rang, eyes going wide when students in their private school uniforms walking out the building. I gulped, side stepping several of those students, barely aware of the curious stares and girlish giggles. I smiled at some to be polite but my eyes were mostly locked on the doors, waiting for Hunter to step out.

      "Are you waiting for someone?" A girl with blond hair stopped next to me, two of her friends giggling behind her.

      I glanced at her then focused my attention back to the doors. "Um, yeah."

      "Do you need help? I can show you around campus..."

      I shook my head, heart thumping faster when I finally spotted Hunter walking out the doors. My eyes feasted at the sight of him, chest tightening as if I was suffocating. It felt like its been forever since I last saw him and now...now I just wanted to keep looking at him

      "Hey?" The girl beside me touched my arm lightly, "you okay?"

      I nodded, walking past her towards Hunter. He had stopped in front of the doors, hands in his pocket. His golden locks shifted slightly with the breeze as he stared at his right. God, he looked so good, wearing his school uniform. My school didn't have to wear uniforms but since Hunter attended some upper class private school he had to wear one. And damn if he didn't look as sexy as hell in it in his blue blazer and matching pants.

      Swallowing, my steps hastened. Then they faltered when a pretty girl with dark wavy hair stepped up beside him, sliding her arms around Hunter's. What the hell? Who was that hoe? I hesitated.

      No...Hunter couldn't have found someone else to replace me so soon. He couldn't have...but the girls arms was still locked intimately around his as if she had the right to be there...and he was letting her. Hunter hadn't pushed her away.

      Why?

      I stood frozen at the spot, watching the couple and holding my breath as they turned towards my direction. Hunter looked up and spotted me. I knew he had by the way his handsome features hardened, jaw tightening. The girl beside him noticed his reaction and followed his gaze to where I stood.

      "Ooh," the girl cooed, as they stopped beside me. "You're a little cutie, aren't you?" She glanced at Hunter. "Do you know him?"

     I waited for his answer, heart beating furiously. I couldn't even look at him now...I just stared ahead of me, hoping that he wouldn't reject me again.

     "Just a childhood friend," I heard Hunter's cool voice say. "Let's go."

     They walked past me, the girl shooting me a curious look. "Oh, aren't you going to talk to him?"

      I didn't hear his response, if he even did. I continued to stand there and...just that. I just stood there. Rejected...again.

     My chest felt heavy...burning. It was painful...so painful.

      I don't know how long I stood there but by the time I came back to my senses the school was almost empty of its students. Numbly, I walked back home. I didn't see my surroudings, barely heard anything but the sound of my heart breaking.

      Hunter had rejected...again. He was with that girl now. They made a gorgeous couple, I thought, smiling weakly. Yeah...

       "Gio?" Jenna met me in front of our house, hands on her hips. "Where have you been? Why'd you cut school?"

      "Not now, Jenna," I mumbled, "please."

      She blinked and stared after me as I dragged myself into the house. I walked right up the stairs and into my room, throwing myself face down on my bed.

      "Gio?" I heard Jenna's hesitant voice by my door.

      "Go away, Genevieve," I whispered, "please."

      "Did you go to see Hunter?"

      I closed my eyed. "Yes."

      "What happened?"

      "He has a girl now. He's forgotten all about me. Now please, Jenna, leave me alone for now okay?"

      I heard her walk towards me, stopping beside my bed. I didn't look at her, I couldn't. I've been holding these pathetic tears and I'm afraid that if I saw her pitying face I'd break down. I didn't want to break down...

     "Oh, Gio," Jenna sighed, petting my head, "now you know how it feels."

     Yes...now I know.

      Silently, she reached over me and placed something in my view on the bed. It was her cell phone. Without another word she left my room, closing the door quietly behind her.

      I stared at her phone. I kept staring at it til my room grew darker, the sun beginning to set in the sky. It was then when I finally reached for it, dialing Hunter's number.

      "Hello?" Hunter answered in three rings.

      "Please," I said quickly, "don't hang up."

      Hunter didn't reply but thankfully he didn't hang up either.

      I swallowed, chest aching, throat burning, eyes stinging. "Hunter...I'm sorry. I'm really really really sorry. I'm a sad excuse for a human being. I shouldn't be called a human being, I'm not worthy."

      My hand tightened on the phone. "What you said about me...everything...you were right. I'm pathetic. I don't blame you for hating me now."

      To my shame my voice began to crack.

      "Hunter...I'm sorry." I closed my eyes. "Please...forgive me."

     Don't reject me anymore.

     "Hunter...I love you."

      Tell me you love me back...hurry! Tell me that we belong together. That the girl was nothing to you...

      "I've always loved you...but I'm an idiot so it took me a while to figure that out and accept it. I'm sorry."

      Still no response.

      "Hunter?"

     I looked at the phone. "Call Ended' flashed on the screen. He had hung up on me...Hunter had...

      I sniffed, hugging myself into a ball.

      He had hung up...

      I sobbed.

     He didn't forgive me...he had hung up...

     "Gio?" Jenna entered my room, "what's that noise..." she broke off. "Oh, Giovannie." Without saying another word she crawled onto the bed with me, pulling me into her arms. She held me as I wept.

      We stayed that way for hours as I cried the tears I've been holding onto for week.

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Cookie: Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa GIO!!! ;(