Chapter 20: Not so Sweet Home

“The guy at the store helped me set everything up so you can use it right away. There's also a couple gift cards if you need anything else.”

Giana got up and hugged Mike with all the strength she could. Her mother smiled and didn't say anything but Mike could feel the burning of her gaze on his back. He knew he was in for a scolding but he didnt care one bit.

“Papa, do you mind if I stay a bit longer? I’m not ready to go back into the house.”

“Stay as long as you need to, baby girl. You know I’d never tell you no. Tomorrow I’ll set your room up and tonight you can stay in my room again.” He kissed her forehead.

“I have one problem though… I need my clothes and stuff.”

Giana looked at both of them wondering who was going to go get her stuff for her. Roslynn stood up and grabbed a pen and pad of paper. She handed them to Giana.

“Make a list of everything you need and I’ll be sure to get it.”

Giana sat down at the counter and began her list. She was as detailed as she could be so her mother knew exactly what to grab. Mike had walked away and was in the room he had made with Giana’s dress materials. He was in there looking at something and took measurements.

Without another word Giana handed her mom the list and Mike exited the room. Roslynn walked out of Mike's house and walked down to her house. When Roslynn entered the house she looked around silently. She couldn't believe the events that occurred and wanted her daughter home. But she understood.

Giana sat at the counter deep in thought as Mike placed down a slice of pizza, a couple wings and a small salad with her favorite dressing. Seeing that Giana hadn't even noticed him place the items down, she walked around to where she sat and placed his hand on her back.

“AHH!! Oh Mike I’m sorry… I didn't mean to yell.``

“It's a fine baby girl. I placed dinner down in front of you and I wanted to check in to see how you're doing. You’ve been going through alot lately and I’m worried about you.”

Giana’s lips twisted but ultimately she decided to talk to him. He had always been there when she needed advice. So she mixed her salad and asked him to sit next to her.

“What’s going on Gigi? You know you can talk to me.”

“It’s just the break in. I don't feel safe anymore, at least not in my own home. I know it was you that grabbed me but what if it would have been someone else that would have happened to me? I’m here feeling that my space has been violated. I’m left in fear of going into the only home I have ever known and I’m angry.Who would do this to us. What were they looking for?”

Mike listened and allowed Giana to vent to him. All he wanted was for her to feel better but she was right. Her home and privacy had been violated and she had to find a way to overcome it in her own way.

“Well take everything one day at a time. The police came and got what evidence they needed so hopefully they will catch the losers. As for you and your safety… Giana you are safe when you are in my house and you are safe even if you're not in my house. I will always be a phone call or text away.”

Giana hugged Mike and finished eating her dinner. Her mother walked back in and with two duffle bags, a suitcase and a backpack. She had packed everything on the list Giana had given her and a few extra items. She placed the bags down by the bedroom door and sat down.

“The police called while I was in the house. They believe they have a lead on the people who broke into our house but that's all they told me.” she stated hoping it would help Giana want to go back home.

But it didn't. It made her want to know why their house and what they were looking for. Giana washed her dishes, gave her mother a kiss, hugged Mike and took her stuff into her room. She closed the door and threw herself into more dress making. She had music on so that she'd be left alone to think and work.

Giana stayed up most of the night lost in making her dream dress come true. When she was focused nothing around her existed.

Mike woke up the next morning and noticed his bedroom door was open. He checked to see if Giana had awakened and left but when he looked the bed had been neatly dressed and there were no signs Giana ever went to bed.

He carefully opened the door to Gianas room and noticed she had fallen asleep at her desk with fabric still in her hand. One of her ear buds had fallen out and he picked it up. He carefully placed his hand on her back and whispered her name.

“Giana honey, it's time to wake up.”

Giana’s eyes shot open and she jumped in her chair. Mike grabbed her and hugged her letting her know it was him and nobody else. He could feel her body shaking as he held her. She looked up and calmed down as she realized who it was.

Mike noticed the phone he had given her was still in the box untouched. He didn’t say anything as he knew Giana had a lot on her mind and she seldomly accepted help from anyone.

“It’s almost 8 o'clock,” Mike told her.

Gianas' eyes widened. She was late for work. She jumped out of the chair and rushed to get ready. She was almost out of the house when she remembered she had a date after work. She quickly grabbed something simple and a pair of sneakers and was out the door.

Giana arrived at work at 8:45 am. She rushed inside to be with her students. As she entered the room the kids all cheered that she had made it to work and Megan stood up from the carpet she had the kids at.

“Giana you made it. I was beginning to worry. Are you okay? You've been off your game for a few days.”

“Yea I’m fine. I overslept this morning. I stayed at Mikes so I didn't have my alarm.”

Megan was curious but let it go. She returned to her office and Giana took over her class. She had a fun day planned for the kids. She got the class together and lined them up single file. The children waited as she went to the classroom next door and emerged with a young man.