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Not A Love Story Update #24

Garreth stood waiting for Ainsley to speak, his gaze trying to memorize every last inch of her face like this may be the last time he saw her. "So?" "What?" "You came all the way here from Windenburg. Why?" "I…" she had spent the train ride planning out what to say, but those words alluded her now

Garreth took a seat and gestured for Ainsley to follow. "Here's the thing," she began. "I love you Garreth, I do. I love you so much all I want is for you to be happy. I know that my situation right now, with Fiona, has to be less than ideal for you and I don't want to hold you back from anything."

"I just think it'd be best for you if we broke up," she said. "No," Garreth replied. "What? What about your life? If you're so preoccupied with me and Fiona how can you focus on your writing." "Ainsley, I don't need you to tell me what's best for me. I can figure that out all by myself."

"I don't want you to think I'm a burden…" "Ainsley, I love you. I could never think you're a burden. All I've wanted all week is to just be with you. Hell, I would have went all the way to Windenburg just to scrub toilets with you if it meant I could spend even a fraction of my time with you."

"I don't care if you're going to take custody of your sister or not, I just want to be with you," Garreth continued. "In fact, I want to be there for you. I know Fiona is probably going to depend on your for a lot, and you're going to need someone you can depend on too, and I want that to be me."

"It's a lot of responsibility. What if you resent me for it someday?" "That's not possible." "It could be, and I'd hate myself if that were to be the case." "It's not like Fiona's a toddler. She's 15, she doesn't need round the clock supervision." "I just…" she trailed off unsure of what to say.

Garreth took note of the change in Ainsley's expression, and pulled her closer. "Is taking custody of Fiona something you want to do?" Ainsley met his gaze, "I don't have a choice. I can't throw her into foster care." "That didn't answer my question." "No," she admitted. "And I'm a horrible sister."

"What I want," Ainsley continued. "Is to just be her sister. I love her unconditionally, and I will take custody of her because I can't abandon her, but I wish I could just be her big sister. I'm so sick of having to be responsible for someone else all the time, but I don't have another choice."

"What if I said you do have another choice?" asked Garreth. "What do you mean?" "You could ask my parents to take Fiona in. They'd do it, I know they would." "I can't ask them to do something like that." "My mother hates having an empty house, and she adores you and your sister. She'd do it."

"What would I tell Fiona?" Ainsley asked. "The truth. I'm sure she'd understand. You've been taking care of her your whole life you deserve a break" Ainsley stood up needing time to contemplate all of this, "Garreth, that is a lot to ask of your parents." "Trust me, I know," he admitted.

"Ainsley," he said and she looked up meeting his gaze. "You're my priority, and if you say taking custody of Fiona is something you don't want, then we'll figure it out. My parents basically took in my brother in law, Tristan, when I was in high school. I know they'd take Fiona in if you just ask."

"Promise me you'll at least sit down and talk to them about this," Garreth pleaded. "I want you to be happy." "Okay," she relented. "I'll ask them, but if they say no I'm not pushing it. But, I'm scared you'll stop living me if I have to take custody of Fiona." "You don't need to worry about that."

"But what if-" "Ainsley, if I were able to stop loving you I would have done it a long time ago." "What do you mean?" Garreth took a deep breath, "I mean that I've been in love with you since the first time I laid eyes on you. I was 14, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about you ever since."

"There are no conditions to my love for you," Garreth continued lifting a hand to her cheek. "Whatever happens we'll deal with together, because if I were able to stop loving you I would have done it already, but I couldn't. I have loved you for the last 8 years and I have no plans on ever stopping"

Not knowing what else to do or say, Ainsley threw her arms around Garreth. She'd forgotten what unconditional love felt like, and then she'd met Garreth. All her worries now felt foolish, because she knew now that he'd never leave her. "I love you," she finally said. "I love you so much it hurts."

"Together then?" he asked, Ainsley's arm still clinging to him. "Together," she agreed before kissing him Ainsley pulled away for a moment a grin spreading across her face "So when you said you didn't remember me from high school, you lied?" "Through my teeth," he muttered before pulling her back in

Naturally, there was only one direction their evening was going to head in.

They spent a few hours just laying there in each others arms enjoying each other's company. "Can I ask you something?" Garreth finally said, Ainsley nodded giving him the okay to continue. "Your step father, did he ever…" "No," Ainsley said quickly. "I think he was waiting for me to turn 18."

"There's more though," Garreth observed. Ainsley sat up and turned around giving him a weary look. "What did he do to you?" Ainsley remained silent before quietly saying "You were serious when you said nothing could ever make you stop loving me?" "I am, but I think this is a downstairs conversation"

"Downstairs conversation?" Ainsley asked as Garreth led her back down the steps. "Yes," he said. "Because I'm deciding we don't have serious conversations in the bedroom. That place is for rest and relaxation." "And woohoo?" "And woohoo," he agreed. "Seriously though, what did Paul do to you?"

When Ainsley stayed silent, Garreth decided to tell her a secret of his own, "I've never told you this, but I'm in therapy." "You are?" Garreth nodded before telling her about his childhood, how he used to struggle with controlling his emotions as a kid, and why he started going back to therapy.

When Garreth finished, he asked, "so, did any of what I just told you make you stop loving me, because that's not really something I share with other people." "Not at all," Ainsley assured him. "I still love you." "And I promise that whatever you tell me won't stop me from loving you, okay?"

Ainsley nodded before saying, "He never touched me. I think he wanted to, sometimes he'd look at me with this predatory look that made me feel gross, but I always thought he was waiting for me to turn 18. That way he wouldn't get any statutory charges. He did start hitting me though, when I was 16."

"I figured if he wasn't above hitting me, what was stopping him from hitting Fiona," Ainsley continued. "He was telling the truth, I am the reason he got sent to prison. I framed him, planted substances on him and sent an anonymous tip into the police which got him arrested. Everything is my fault."

"I'm scared you'll think I'm a terrible person for framing him like that. Nobody other than Gloria even knows…" "I think he deserved it. I think you had to make a difficult decision to protect yourself and your sister, but I don't think you're a terrible person." "You don't hate me now?" "Never."

Ainsley gazed at him, nothing but pure love in her expression. "So, what now?" she asked "I want you to move in with me," he blurted out. "I mean, if my parents agree to take in Fiona, I want you to live with me. I want to spend as much time with you as I possibly can, wake up beside you every day."

"That's a big next step," she noted. "I know, and I don't care." "What about Scarlet and Jae?" "Pretty sure Diego will happily take your room there," Garreth smiled. "You know he hates the dorms." "They'll probably fight over who gets my room." "So is that a yes then? To moving in with me?" "Yes."

Ainsley grabbed Garreth's hand leading him back towards the stairs. "Where are we going?" he asked, his brows raised. "Back upstairs, to do one of your designated bedroom activities." "Rest and relaxation?" "I was thinking that third one," she said a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

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Not A Love Story Update #23 Part 2

When Ainsley finished work, she headed up to Fiona's room. "Can we talk?" "Yeah," Fiona said her voice soft. "I think I owe you some explanations, about everything," Ainsley told her. "How much of my childhood was a lie?" Ainsley took a deep breath before telling her sister, almost, everything.

"I wanted to give you the childhood I never got to have," Ainsley said. There was one thing she left out, something she wouldn't ever be able to tell anyone other than Gloria. "At the expense of your own?" "My childhood ended when my dad died," it was the first time she'd admitted it out loud.

Fiona stayed silent for a while, "say something Fee," Ainsley urged. "I don't know what to say," Fiona admitted. "I feel stupid. Like, how have I gone 15 years and not noticed that any of this was going on in the background." "I never wanted you to notice. Never wanted it to ruin your childhood."

Ainsley took a seat beside her sister, and Fiona put her head in Ainsley's lap "You know," Ainsley began. "I have loved you since the day Susanna and Paul brought you home from the hospital. You were so small, and so innocent and you were my baby sister. I vowed then and there to always protect you"

"You were 5!" Fiona exclaimed. "And I don't regret it," Ainsley admitted, and it was the truth. "The only regret I have is not telling you sooner, because maybe it would have saved you some of this hurt." "I wish you'd told me sooner too," Fiona agreed. "Can we make a promise to one another?"

"What kind of promise?" "Just to be honest with one another going forward," said Ainsley. "No more secrets?" Fiona asked hopefully. "No more secrets," Ainsley agreed. "Okay then, I can agree to that." "Me too," Ainsley smiled leaning her head against Fiona's. "I love you Ains." "Love you too, Fee."

After their heart to heart, Fiona had wanted to spend Friday night at her friend Eleanor's house and Ainsley had allowed it. She tried to use her evening to read, but she couldn't focus. Her mind kept going back to Garreth and the fact that despite everything, she missed him terribly.

That night, Esther prattled up to Garreth giving her a sad meow. "I miss her too," he said leaning down to pet Esther's head. He'd tried calling Ainsley multiple times a day every day, needing to just hear her voice, but the calls were always ignored. He was starting to brace himself for the worst.

He made the attempt to sit down and read that night, but his mind kept wandering back to Ainsley. This whole thing was ridiculous. He was sick and tired of this waiting around to talk to her, but Garreth didn't know what else to do short of going to Windenburg himself to talk to her.

Abruptly, Garreth stood up. What was stopping him from doing that? Going to Windenburg and demanding to speak to Ainsley himself? If she was about to break up with him, the least she could do was say it to his face instead of ghosting him like this. Garreth strode for the door.

He'd take the last damned train of the evening if he had to. Garreth wretched the door open and his heart did a summersault, she was here. "Hi," Ainsley said her voice soft. "Hi," Garreth replied breathlessly. "I think we should talk." "I think that's a good idea," he said and invited her in.

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Not A Love Story Update #23 Part 1

Garreth didn't speak to Ansley for the remainder of the weekend. She'd said she needed space to sort through everything in regard to Fiona, and he was trying to give it to her. He'd spent nearly every day for the last 6 weeks with her, and now he felt as though he were missing a limb without her.

He found himself excited for Singh's class Monday morning, it meant he'd get to see her. Except, when Jae came striding in, Ainsley was nowhere to be found. "Where is she?" he asked. "I thought she would have told you, family emergency. She'll be doing class remotely for the last 2 weeks of school."

He slumped back in his seat clearly disappointed. "I thought you'd be the first person she'd tell," Jae admitted Garreth was unsure of how much Ainsley had told their friends about what happened this past weekend, knowing her it wasn't much. "We were busy with homework this weekend," he finally said

As much as Garreth wanted to fulfil Ainsley's desire for space right now, he also couldn't help but feel like this was her way of phasing him out. He'd gotten too close, and now she was getting ready to bolt. "You do not look good," Diego observed as they headed to meet their friend's for lunch.

"I have a lot on my mind," Garreth told him. "Is this about Ainsley?" asked Diego Garreth paused for a moment before asking, "how much do you know? About what happened this past weekend." "Some kind of family emergency she said. But, I've known Ains longer than anyone, so I know it's more than that"

Ultimately, Garreth decided to tell Diego everything. If anyone had any idea of where Ainsley's head was at it'd be him. "All that stuff about needing space is bullshit," Diego finally said. "Call her, do something, otherwise, yeah she might be getting ready to bolt." "You're sure?" "Positive."

As the week progressed, Ainsley felt like she was hanging on by a thread, just barely keeping her head above water. It wasn't that Fiona was difficult to take care of, she was more or less self sufficient. It was the state in which Paul and Susanna had left things, a complete and utter mess.

There were overdue bills, things around the apartment that needed cleaning and repairs. Not to mention the stacks of custody papers Ainsley now had to go through if she wanted to be Fiona's legal guardian. All while working full time at the bookstore, and trying to stay up to date with her classes.

Needless to say, Ainsley was drowning. She'd stopped considering what she wanted a long time ago. Though, if she were being honest with herself, this wasn't it. Becoming Fiona's legal guardian at almost 21 was the last thing she wanted to do, but Ainsley also couldn't abandon her only sibling.

Perhaps she was procrastinating signing the custody papers, but she decided to work on the few things around the apartment that were relatively easy fixes, like cleaning all the spoiled food from the fridge. As she scrubbed, her mind kept wandering back to one thing, or rather one person, Garreth

He'd called multiple times a day since Monday, but Ainsley hadn't had the heart to answer or return his calls. She knew what he was likely to say, and it wasn't a reality she was ready to live just yet. She could continue living in her delusions, at least for a few more days, until the inevitable.

She knew that no sane 22 year old would willingly date someone who had to take over parenting duties for their younger sibling, so it was only a matter of time before Garreth decided to break things off with her, and frankly Ainsley didn't want to think about how that heartbreak would feel.

After finishing as many chores as she could, Ainsley headed downstairs to begin her shift at the bookstore. "Sit with me a moment," Gloria said gesturing Ainsley towards the sitting area. "We're about to open." "I'm the damned owner, if we open a few minutes late then we open a few minutes late."

"Tell me, how are you doing dear? After everything," Gloria was the only person who knew absolutely everything about Ainsley's situation, even the details she refused to tell Diego. "I don't know," she admitted. "I suppose I feel like this is all my fault. That if I hadn't done what I did…"

"Don't start down that path of guilt, sweetheart," Gloria told her. "Remember what I told you? People aren't just black and white, they're gray. Sometimes people, especially women, have to make difficult decisions in order to protect the people around them, but that doesn't make you a bad person."

"But if I hadn't…"Ainsley trailed off, but Gloria knew what she meant. "Then none of this would have happened." "Then what?" Gloria asked. "He had been hurting your mother for how many years? He started hurting you, how long until he started hurting Fiona?" "I don't know, but he might not have…"

"Sweetheart, men like that will never stop at flesh and blood. Trust me, I would know," Gloria reminded her. "What you did, you did to protect yourself and your sister, do not ever feel guilty about that, okay?" "Okay…" "And stop blaming yourself for choices you were forced to make."

After her talk with Gloria, Ainsley officially opened the store for the day. She was grateful Gloria allowed her to do schoolwork standing at the counter, otherwise she had no idea when she'd have time to get it done, and it wasn't like they were particularly busy in the middle of the day like this.

It took nearly 2 hours for them to receive their first customer, and much to Ainsley's dismay, it was not someone she particularly wanted to see. "What are you doing out of class in the middle of the day like this?" Garreth's mother asked her. "I'm doing class remotely, family emergency."

"I see," Christine said. Ainsley could tell she was a bit skeptical. She didn't know how much about her current situation Garreth had told his mother. "Well, I'm here shopping for some books to add to Garreth's grad present. Speaking of, you should bring Fiona to his party, she's such a good kid."

"She really is" agreed Ainsley. She liked Christine, she really did. Ainsley had never felt as welcomed as she did on Bunny Day when Garreth had brought her home to meet his family. Now, the White family was just another thing she'd miss when he broke up with her. "Are you alright?" Christine asked.

"I'm fine," Ainsley did her best to put on a happy face. Christine raised a brow, "I was devastated when Garreth left for uni," she said changing the subject. "The house is just so empty now. It's hard to believe it's already been 4 years and he's graduating. I so miss having a full nest."

Not knowing what to say, Ainsley nodded. "He's so good as well," Christine added. "I want you to know that he loves you so much." "He told you?" "No, but I know. He has always looked at you the same way his father looks at me. He might not want to admit it, but he's Henry's son through and through."

Ainsley found herself at a loss for words. That was no issue for Christine who said "It's best I be going, but just remember there's nothing in a relationship that can't be fixed with a good conversation." "Alright." "Oh, and it's quite hard to heal from something in the same place that hurt you."

That afternoon, Ainsley was tasked with shelving books. She was still reeling from her conversation with Christine, trying to make sense of everything she'd told her, but it only made her more confused. "What the hell are you doing?" Ainsley turned to find Diego there looking none too happy with her

"Working…" said Ainsley clearly confused. Diego rolled his eyes, "With Garreth." "I don't see how that's your business." "None of my business? He's my friend, Ains, because of you might I add, and he's been miserable all week because you refuse to return his calls. So, I think it is my business."

"He loves you," Diego continued without letting Ainsley speak. "In fact he's in love with you. He's probably the best guy you've ever been with, that you'll ever be with. He would do anything for you, and he's miserable without you. I can't let you bolt this time, I can't. For both of your sakes."

"You don't know what you're talking about," she finally said. "Don't I? I've been with him all week, and trust me he's miserable. Just talk to him." Without another word, Diego stormed off leaving Ainsley with the realization that she still had at least one more tough conversation to have today.

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Not A Love Story Update #22

If you'd have asked Garreth 24 hours ago how he thought a nice romantic evening with Ainsley would have ended, he would have never thought it'd end with him sitting behind bars, but here he was. Of course they'd also taken Paul into custody as well, even if that's the least of what he deserved

Garreth had cooperated when they'd asked him to perform a sobriety test. He knew the test would show he was sober. He hadn't ever been tempted to even try alcohol before, always too scared of what it might do to him. The idea of not being fully in control of himself, of his emotions, terrified him.

He'd been 12 the last time he'd lost control like that. He'd beaten up a boy 3 years older than he was because he'd said unforgivable things about Garreth's sister Cecily. After that his parents, at the behest of Dr. Rand, put him into boxing as a way to manage his anger when it bubbled up like that

Over the years he'd gotten good, really good, at understanding himself and his emotions. He knew the warning signs, what it felt like when his anger started to get the best of him, so he always knew when to take himself out of a situation so as not to hurt anyone. He didn't want to hurt anyone.

He'd nearly lost control the night he'd caught Isa cheating on him with Anthony, but then he'd recognized that feeling, his anger, coming to the surface and he'd taken Esther and went to his parents house. He'd spent the evening in the shed, boxing until his knuckles bled. Then there was tonight.

That comment Paul had made about Ainsley practically insinuating he'd force himself on her, and then hitting her. Garreth had snapped, worse than he ever had before, no warning signs. But yet, he didn't regret it. A rattling from the cell bars caught his attention, "ready to make your phone call?"

Ainsley sat in the waiting room with Fiona, unable to wrap her mind around everything that night. They had willingly answered all of the questions the officers asked. Ainsley made sure to note that it was Paul who threw the first punch, so anything Garreth had done could be considered self defense.

Despite that, they still had Garreth in custody and she had no idea when they'd let him out. What she did know was that Paul's sobriety test had revealed him to be way over the legal limit, and that Susanna started swinging when the officers took Paul, which resulted in them arresting Susanna too.

"What's going to happen to them?" Fiona asked. Ainsley took a deep breath, she might as well start being honest with her sister. "Usually when they let people out early from prison, they're put on a kind of parole. I have a feeling Paul's actions tonight violated his, so he's probably going back."

"Good," said Fiona. "I never want to see him ever again." "He is your father," Ainsley reminded her "I don't care!" exclaimed Fiona. "In fact I don't ever want to see either of them again, because he hurt you and she sat there and watched. She's suppose to be our mother, and she watched him hit you"

"I don't know what they'll do about Susanna," Ainsley admitted. "I hope they send her to prison too and she rots," Fiona's eyes teared up, all the emotions catching up to her. "What are they going to do about me if I don't have parents anymore?" "I'm an adult, and you'll always have me. I promise."

If it came down to it, Ainsley knew she'd take custody over Fiona in a heartbeat, even if it wasn't what she wanted, if she had to put her whole academic career to the side, she'd still do it.

Just then the station door burst open and Henry White stormed in looking pissed. "I'm here for my son."

The only person who could get Garreth out of here anytime soon was his father. Famed attorney Henry White. After getting briefed on the situation by the officers, they allowed Henry in to speak with his son. "Was she out there, Ainsley?" "She was, so is Fiona." "Is she okay?" "She's fine, Garreth."

Garreth let out a sigh of relief, he'd spent most of his time here worrying about Ainsley and if she was okay. "I need you to tell me exactly what happened," Henry instructed his son, so Garreth told him everything. "You're angry," Garreth observed upon finishing. "Look, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"I know that you probably think I'm one big disappointment, especially after tonight," Garreth continued. "I know you wanted me to got to law school just like you, and your dad, and his dad, and I'm sorry. I'm sorry for ruining your night tonight. I'm sorry for everything. I know I'm a failure."

"I'm not mad at you, son," Henry interrupted. "I'm mad because these police officers can't seem to understand that this is a case of self defense. He threw the first punch, so you were just defending yourself. I'm not mad at you for anything. I'm actually quite proud of you, Garreth."

"You are?" Henry nodded, "I know I shouldn't condone violence, but I can admit that sometimes there is a time and place for it. The things he said and did to Ainsley are unforgivable, so no I'm not particularly angry with you for beating him into a pulp. And, you're not a disappointment either."

"I just know you probably wanted something different in your only son," Garreth admitted "Not for one second," Henry's face softened. "The only thing I have ever wanted for any of you children is for you to follow your dreams and be happy. I'm hard on you at times, yes, but it's because I love you."

"If you want to be an author like your mother then I support you," Henry continued to explain. "I want you to succeed more than anyone, but I want to make sure you have a backup plan just in case, watcher forbid, you don't succeed right away. I want nothing but the best for you kids, alright?"

Henry stood and pulled his only son into an embrace. "Paul is still pressing charges," Garreth muttered. "Your mother and I will handle the charges, don't even worry about it," Henry assured him. "I just want you to know that we love and support you." "Gentlemen," said the voice of an officer.

Both Henry and Garreth whirled around to face the officer. "It appears as though the charges have been dropped," the officer explained. "Or, more that Paul Koats has drunkenly admitted to throwing the first punch and starting the fight." "Are you letting me go?" asked Garreth "We're letting you go."

As soon as Garreth stepped into the waiting area his eyes landed on Ainsley. She stood up immediately, and he drank her in searching for any sign she was harmed. Thankfully he found nothing. "I have your glasses," was the first thing she said. "So you can see." "Thank you. Can we talk?" "Of course."

Ainsley and Garreth headed outside to have a bit of privacy as they spoke. The sun was just starting to rise over the horizon. "Are you okay?" he asked, needing to make sure. "I'm fine." He let out a relieved sigh, "I'm sorry, for everything," he paused before adding. "What's going to happen now?"

"They found several substances in Susanna's system," Ainsley explained. "They're going to send her to rehab, but her custody of Fiona has been revoked, child endangerment, and Paul violated his parole so he's going back to prison." "That's good. Susanna and Paul get what they deserve." "Yes, but…"

"But what?" "I'm not about to toss Fiona into foster care. For all I know she'll be worse off there, so I'm agreeing to take custody of her," Ainsley met Garreth's gaze. "This is a big change, and I'm going to need some space to sort all of this out." She had to put Fiona first, now more than ever.

"So what are you saying, about us?" Garreth asked, he could almost feel his heart about to shatter. "I still have feelings for you," Ainsley assured him. "No doubt about that, but I just need time alone to sort through everything with Fiona, at least for a little bit." "Are you breaking up with me?"

"No, I don't know," Ainsley said. "All I know is that I need space to figure out what's best for Fiona right now." "What about what's best for you?" "That doesn't matter. This is about Fiona, and I have to focus all my attention on her right now. There's so much I should have told her but haven't."

Garreth contemplated this, he could give her space. If that's what she wanted, he'd do it, even it it tortured him. He was realizing now that he'd do anything for her no matter how much it hurt him. While Ainsley didn't think of herself as a priority, Garreth did. "Okay," he finally said. "Space."

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Not A Love Story Update #21 Part 2

I'm going to add a Trigger Warning to the beginning of this part. There are a few scenes that involve violence, and some dialogue that alludes to SA.

Ainsley skidded to a halt as soon as she flung the bookstore doors open. She needed a moment to catch her breath, but between pants she asked "when did he come home?" "On Bunny Day." "Why didn't you tell me?" "He asked me not to, said we'd make it a surprise when you came home this summer."

Not knowing what else to do, AInsley just stepped forward pulling her sister into her arms. Fiona began to sob, "I don't know what's happening. He's never gone off the rails like this before." Ainsley didn't feel like telling her sister that this was completely normal for Paul, so she just held her.

"It's going to be okay," Ainsley tried to comfort Fiona. "We'll wait down here until they're done, okay." Fiona nodded before adding, "I think he hit her." Ainsley opened her mouth to respond in the same moment Garreth came skidding through the door, panting the same way Ainsley had been

"What are you doing here?" Ainsley asked. "I told you to stay at the restaurant." "I just told you I'm in love with you," Garreth replied. "I could hear the screaming through your phone. I didn't know what you were running into, of course I'd follow. I wanted to make sure you were okay."

Ainsley ignored everything Garreth had just said and turned to her sister, "stay down here with Garreth, okay? I'm going to make them stop, alright." "What if he hits you too?" Fiona asked. "It's okay, I've stopped their fighting before. I can handle this, just stay with Garreth, alright?" "Okay."

After Ainsley disappeared up the stairs Garreth asked, "you still have your phone on you, yes?" Fiona nodded. "I'm not letting Ainsley walk into that alone, so I'm going upstairs, but I need you to call the police." "What if he gets in trouble?" "He hit Susanna yes?" "Yeah." "Then he'd deserve it."

When Ainsley slipped into the apartment, Paul and Susanna were still screaming at one another, it was a wonder their voices hadn't gone horse yet. "You always pull this shit!" Susanna was screaming. "Was she better than me, huh? Younger." "Get over yourself," Paul scoffed. Ainsley cleared her voice.

Paul whirled around to find his step daughter standing there, "looks like the little slut decided to pay us a visit tonight." "I'm here to tell you two to stop," Ainsley said. "Fiona's heard everything, and frankly I don't think she'll ever look at you the same way again." "She's my daughter" "And?

Paul took one step towards Ainsley in the same moment Garreth slipped through the door, "don't you dare get any closer to her." "And who might this be?" Paul sneered "Her little boyfriend," Susanna explained "You really think you can tell me how I can and can't treat MY step daughter?" "Yeah, I do."

"If you knew what that bitch did to me, I don't think you'd be defending her so valiantly." "I don't really care what you think she may or may not have done, you're not getting any closer to her," Garreth replied. "Oh really? She tell you she framed me? Planted the drugs on me so I'd get caught."

"I don't care what you think Ainsley did," Garreth replied. "You're delusional, stay away from her." Paul took a few steps towards Garreth, and Ainsley tried to put herself between them. Paul ignored her as he swung for Garreth, knocking his glasses off onto the floor as Fiona entered.

"OMW, Garreth!" Ainsley slid to the floor beside him "Are you okay?" "Caught off guard, but fine" he admitted, and it was true. He'd been using boxing for the better part of a decade to control his own anger at times, and it was clear to Garreth that Paul couldn't throw a good punch to save his life

"What the hell!" Ainsley yelled as she stood up and confronted her step father. "Are you fucking crazy! You could have hurt him." "Get out of my face, you little whore," Paul snapped. "Otherwise you're next." "You're an awful person. Prison is exactly where you belong, we're better off without you."

"You know, you're over 18 now. Think of all I could do to you if you don't do as I say." "Stay away from me, pig," Ainsley spat and as she finished her sentence Paul slapped her. This hadn't been the first time he'd hit her like this, so Ainsley was used to the sting.

As Garreth stood up an icy rage came over him, a feeling he hadn't felt in 10 years. As a boy he'd been taught how to control his anger, to find safe outlets, like boxing, to use when he felt it bubbling over. That comment Paul had just made, and how he'd just hit Ainsley. Garreth felt himself snap.

Without another thought, Garreth charged towards Ainsley's step father, punching him. As Paul fell to the floor, Garreth continued to hit him. "Stay the hell away from her," he said between punches completely unaware that two officers had just entered the room.

[00katrinka00]

Not A Love Story Update #21 Part 1

With the end of term coming in two short weeks, it was crunch time for Ainsley and Garreth as they worked to finish the finishing touches on their writing project for Singh's class. They'd taken to working in the library, because little work got done when they went to either of their apartments.

After a few hours of working, Garreth was finally able to hit the submit button on their finished story. "It's done," he said glancing up at Ainsley. "It feels so surreal to be finished," she admitted. "I feel like we just started writing together yesterday, and now we're done."

"We might not have gotten off on the right foot," Garreth admitted. "And that's on me, but I can honestly say I wouldn't have wanted to be partnered with anyone else." "Me too," Ainsley smiled at him. "Do you think we'll ever write something together again? For fun, maybe get it published someday."

"It'd be my honor to write with you again sometime, Ainsley Gains," Garreth admitted. Ainsley smiled, "then it'd be my honor to write with you, Garreth White." They sat there grinning at one another for a few moments before Garreth asked, "am I correct to assume you don't have plans tomorrow night?"

"You'd be correct," Ainsley replied. Tomorrow's friends night had been cancelled so everyone could finish all their last minute school work. "Then can I take you out tomorrow," Garreth asked. "On a proper date, I mean." "Oooo, sounds fancy." "I hope it will be, if you say yes that is." "Then yes."

When the following night rolled around, Garreth brought Ainsley into Windenburg, and to his sister's restaurant. "You rented out Tide & Terrace for us tonight?" Ainsley asked intrigued. Garreth shrugged, "more like Sloane was more than happy to let me borrow it for the night." "Well I love it."

After taking their seats, the first course was brought out, lobster thermidor, which was not something you could find on the Tide & Terrace menu. "Lobster and everything," Ainsley teased. "You're really making Naomi go all out on our meal huh?" "Well I told her only the best for you," he grinned.

Ainsley rolled her eyes at that, "you're laying it on thick, huh?" He shrugged, "I don't want to mess us up." "Garreth," Ainsley began. "There's nothing you could do that could mess us up. Me on the other hand, maybe I have to be trying harder." "No, you don't," he assured her. "You're perfect."

"I'm far from perfect," Ainsley admitted. For the first time she debated the merits of telling him why she wasn't perfect and how she'd never be, but she didn't want him to look at her differently. Hell, her secret might be the very thing that made him end it. Make him think she was irredeemable.

"I think sometimes our flaws are precisely what make us perfect," Garreth told her. "Now you're getting philosophical on me?" "I'm serious," he chuckled. "You're a good person, Ainsley. I admire everything you do for Fiona, and I am glad Singh partnered us this year so I could get to know you more."

Ainsley raised an eyebrow as dessert was brought out, "how'd you know carrot cake was my favorite? Because I know I've never mentioned it before." "I asked Fiona," he admitted. "She was more than happy to tell me." Ainsley nodded, "I remember making carrot cake with my dad when I was little."

"You did?" Garreth asked. It was rare for Ainsley to bring up her father She nodded, "he said he and his grandmother used to make it every year for Bunny Day when he was little, and he memorized the recipe after she passed. I didn't, well, I couldn't memorize the recipe before he passed" "I'm sorry"

"Nobody in your father's family had it written down?" Garreth asked "They might have, but I never knew his family," Ainsley told him. "For as long as I could remember it was always just me, my dad, and Susanna. I figured if they haven't found me yet then they must not want to know me." "Their loss."

After finishing their dessert, Garreth led Ainsley outside before pulling her in. "I thought you didn't dance," she asked raising an eyebrow. "I don't dance around people," he clarified. "There's nobody but us around right now. Also, did I tell you that you look beautiful tonight?" "Once or twice."

When the song ended Garreth stepped away, "here's the thing," he began, his face softening as he gazed at Ainsley. "I know we've only been together for a little over a month, and that's not too long, but I think you're a great person, Ainsley. You're smart, and kind, and I love talking with you."

"You make me happy in a way I didn't even think was possible," Garreth continued. "So, while I get that this might be a little soon, I need to tell you that I love you." Ainsley's heart swelled, she couldn't remember the last time she'd heard those words, and here they were, coming from Garreth.

Ainsley had spent so long guarding herself from others not wanting to get hurt like Susanna had warned her, but here Garreth was having broken through every defense. It was clear now what she needed to tell him. "Garreth, I lov-" a shrill ringing noise came from Ainsley's purse, her phone.

"Hello?" Ainsley asked after rushing to answer her phone. There was the mumbled sound of words, but she couldn't make them out beyond all the screaming she heard in the background, her stomach dropped "Fiona?" "I don't know what to do," her sister sobbed. "It was fine, and then he started screaming"

"What's wrong?" Garreth asked. Ainsley ignored him, "who started screaming?" she asked her sister, even though deep in her bones she knew exactly who. "Daddy," Fiona replied. "Where are you right now?" "Downstairs." "Good, stay there. I'm in Windenburg right now, I'll be over soon okay." "Okay."

Ainsley stood there in shock for a few moments. Susanna's words from Harvestfest echoed back to her "he could be home by Bunny Day." Why hadn't she looked into that appeal? She'd assumed Susanna was being delusional. If she'd gone upstairs with Fiona on Bunny Day, all of this could have been avoided

"What's going on?' Garreth asked again. "Look, this has been a wonderful night, it truly has," Ainsley began. "But I have to go, Fiona needs me." "How can I help? I want to help." "You don't have to help, this is on me. Just, thank you for everything tonight. I just have to go, okay."

Without another word, Ainsley took off sprinting for the bookstore. While she'd never been a runner before, her sister needed her, and that made Ainsley push through all the soreness in her legs as she continued to sprint, completely unaware that Garreth had taken off after her.

[00katrinka00]

Not A Love Story Update #20 Part 2

Soon, everyone was called for dinner. With the addition of Ainsley and Fiona to the group, dinner had to be eaten outside, but the weather was beautiful, so nobody really minded.

"Ainsley," said Henry. "You're a junior at Britechester this year?" "Oh, yes," she replied. "It's nice not having to worry about graduation just yet, I see how stressed it's making Garreth." "Speaking of graduation, have you decided what you plan to do with your degree yet?" "Dad," Garreth groaned.

"Well," Ainsley began. "Ideally I want to be a fulltime author, but I'm aware that getting published won't happen overnight. So, in the meantime I was thinking I might get a job teaching language and literature at a middle school. I'd love to be able to encourage more children to get into reading."

"I think that's a wonderful plan," Henry said. "I've always had a lot of respect for teachers, and I do think they deserve to be paid far more. You know, Garreth, you could take some tips from your girlfriend here. She seems to have a plan for after she graduates. You should have one too."

"I have a plan, Dad," Garreth mumbled. "And what's that? Hoping that you get a book deal immediately? That's not quite realistic now is it?" "Dad, can we not-" "Actually, Garreth's a phenomenal writer," Ainsley added. "And he won an award last month, 'Most Likely To Get Published After Graduation'."

"If anyone is able to get a book deal right out of college it'll be Garreth," Ainsley said with all the confidence in the world. "He is incredibly talented. I've learned a lot from him over this past year, about how to improve world building in my own writing. He can do it, I know he can."

"I certainly hope you're right," Henry said before turning to his food. "You didn't have to say all that," Garreth whispered to Ainsley. "But I wanted to," she smiled at him. "Plus, I was speaking only the truth. If anyone can get a book deal, it'll be you."

After eating, everyone headed back inside. After another few hours of talking Ainsley finally decided, "I think it's about time I get Fiona home." "Must you go?' Christine asked. "It's been so lovely having you both tonight." "It is starting to get late, and I still have to get back to Britechester"

"Is you must," Christine sighed. "It has been so nice getting to know you both." "Nooooo," Weston whined. "Ainsie, don't go." Ainsley just scooped him up in her arms, giving the toddler a hug. "What if I promise to come back sometime?" "We bake cookies?" "We can bake cookies, sure." "Okay!"

Garreth and Christine walked the girls to the door. Christine took the opportunity to pull each of them into a hug. "Thank you for having us," Ainsley smiled at her. "Well, you're welcome any time. It was a pleasure." "How about I walk you back," Garreth offered. "You don't have to." "I want to."

After arriving at the bookstore, Ainsley pulled Fiona into a hug. "I hope you had a nice day." "I did, don't worry," Fiona assured her. "Do you want to come upstairs? Mama should be home by now. You could tell her happy Bunny Day." Seeing Susanna was the last thing Ainsley wanted to do today.

"You know what," Ainsley finally said. "Why don't you tell her for me." Fiona's face fell, "Oh. Yeah I can tell her." "I just really need to get back to Britechester," Ainsley explained. "Yeah, um, well, happy Bunny Day, and thanks for inviting us, Garreth." "Anytime, Fiona. Happy Bunny day."

Garreth ended up taking the train with Ainsley all the way back to Britechester. "You didn't have to take me ALL the way back to my apartment," she told him. "Remember what I said about spending more time with you?" "What about, Esther?" "She'll be fine alone with my parents for one night."

"You know," Ainsley began turning towards him. "Scarlet and Jae are both away visiting their family, so I kind of have the house to myself." "Is that so?" Ainsley nodded, "so I mean if you'd like to spend the night." "And do what?" Ainsley smiled mischievously, "you should already know what."

Naturally, there was only one thing they spend the evening doing.

[00katrinka00]

Not A Love Story Update #20 part 1

Ainsley couldn't remember the last time in her life she'd been this happy. Garreth was just so, well, he was unlike any other guy she'd ever been with. He was kind, and he always paid attention to what she said and how she felt, and he just made her happy. It was odd to feel this level of happiness.

She couldn't get enough of being with him. He always found ways to see her, even when they were both busy. Before she'd even realized they'd been together for a month, which may not seem like a long time to most, but it was the longest Ainsley had ever been with the same person, which was huge.

As they took their seats that morning, Ainsley couldn't stop smiling. Their friends had been happy for them as well. Jamal and Delilah had been happier than most, because it meant they could hang out and go on double dates together, which is exactly how they ended up at Tide & Terrace this morning.

"What are you thinking in regard to grad school?" Garreth asked Delilah. She'd been on the fence for months, and the end of term was creeping up faster than anyone wanted to acknowledge. "I'm think I may switch to Foxbury for grad school, their biology program is much better than Britechester."

"And leave the rest of us for our senior year?" Ainsley teased. "Yes, but she'll be at the same school as me then," Jamal responded. "I can take her out to lunch every day then." Delilah rolled her eyes, "I still haven't fully made up my mind if I even want to do grad school, but it's an option."

As the table discussed the pros and cons of grad school, Garreth's sister, Sloane, came out and studied their table. Of course he had yet to tell his family that he and Ainsley were officially together, but Sloane couldn't help but put the pieces together as she watched the two of them that morning.

"Bunny Day is next week," Garreth said shortly after their food was brought out. "What are everyone's plans?" "My cousin, Nat, got married last summer, and she and her husband, Leo, moved to Brindleton and she wants to host Bunny Day this year, so Delilah and I are heading there," said Jamal.

"I'm excited," Delilah chimed. "Nat's and Leo are both super nice, and Nat's daughter, Sawyer is the sweetest." "That sounds like fun," Garreth smiled before adding. "My family is getting together like we usually do, so I'll be on uncle duty all day." "But Weston's so cute," Ainsley reminded him.

"What about you, Ains?' Delilah asked. "Oh, well, usually we celebrate with Diego and his mom, but they're headed to Ciudad Enamorada to see his abuela, so it'll probably just be me and Fiona this year. I'm still trying to figure out how to make the day special for her with just the two of us."

After eating, Jamal and Delilah headed back to Britechester to finish up some school work, while Ainsley and Garreth continued to roam around Windenburg. "I've been thinking," Garreth said. The gears in his head had been shifting since Ainsley had mentioned she didn't have any Bunny day plans.

"About what?" Ainsley asked "I think you and Fiona should come and spend Bunny Day with me and my family," Garreth offered. "My mom loves hosting, and I don't want you to be stressed about making the day nice for Fiona. You should have a good day too." "I don't know, Garreth…" Ainsley trailed off.

"I mean we've only been together for a months, don't you think it's a little soon for me to be meeting your parents?" she asked. He shrugged, "to be fair they're fully convinced we've been together since Winterfest." "Really?" Ainsley raised a brow, intrigued. "I'd have o talk to Fiona about it."

"Please do," Garreth said as he took several steps forward wrapping Ainsley in his arms. "Especially since I'd love to spend even more time with you." Ainsley smiled, "you know, eventually you'll get sick of me." "That's scientifically impossible," Garreth said before bringing their lips together.

As soon as Garreth got home that night, his phone went off. With a groan he answered it, "Hi mom." "You could at least sound happy to talk to me," Christine joked, when he didn't reply she added, "I just got off the phone with Sloane actually." "Oh yeah?" "She gave me some interesting information."

"Such as?" "Well, according to Sloane, she saw you and Ainsley being rather lovey dovey at Tide and Terrace this morning. Am I correct to assume that the two of you are together now?" "Yes, we're together now." "How wonderful! You should invite her to Bunny Day, I'd love to get to know her more."

"I kind of already did," Garreth said. "Oh, well that's terrific!" exclaimed Christine. "Her sister too? She was so sweet at the ballet last winter." "Yes, I invited them both. AInsley said she'd talk to Fiona and get back to me about it" "I certainly hope they decide to come, the more the merrier."

A week later, Ainsley stood in Fiona's room as she got ready for Bunny Day. "You're sure you're okay spending the day with Garreth's family?" Fiona nodded, "Mom's off visiting Dad, and this way you don't have to stress so much about the day." "But YOU want to go. You aren't just doing this for me."

"Yes, Ainsley, I do want to spend the day with Garreth's family," Fiona assured her. "His parents were nice when we sat with them at the ballet, and I've kind of always want to know what it was like to be in a bigger family." "Okay, then," Ainsley smiled. "If you're sure." "I am." "Let's go then."

As they approached the White's family home, Ainsley couldn't help but feel a wave of deja vu wash over her, like she'd been here before "They're rich rich," Fiona gaped "Be polite, remember?" as she said the words, Ainsley couldn't help but feel like they'd been said to her in this exact spot before

Garreth spent the time before Ainsley and Fiona's arrival pacing while the rest of his family watched curiously. What if they didn't like her? "Stop with the pacing!" Marlowe finally exclaimed. "You're stressing me out." "Sorry…" while his words trailed off, his mind kept moving refusing to stop.

"Here, have a baby," Cecily stood and passed their nephew off to Garreth. "Maybe he'll calm your nerves." "Really CeCe? Ainsley going to be here any-" he was cut off by the chime of the doorbell. "Minute…" Garreth rushed to answer the door, baby still in his arms "Happy Bunny Day!" exclaimed Fiona

"This little cutie must be Landon." Ainsley cooed over the infant. "Yeah, this is Landon," Garreth confirmed while Landon continued to look adoringly up at his uncle. "Happy bunny day to you both. Thank you for coming." "Thank you for having us," Ainsley grinned. "Your house is lovely," Fiona added.

As Marlowe breezed into the room pulling Ainsley into a hug, Garreth took a seat in one of the chairs. "It's so good to meet you! I'm marlowe, the oldest of all of Garreth's sisters." "It's nice to meet you too," Ainsley smiled back "I'm so glad you could come. I can't wait to learn more about you."

Next Marlowe made he way to Fiona pulling her into a hug too, "sorry," she apologized. "I'm a hugger, really this whole family is." "That's okay," Fiona assured her. "I wanted to welcome you both, but," she turned back towards Garreth. "I think I'll alleviate you from uncle duties for the moment."

Garreth brought both Ainsley and Fiona into the living room and began making introductions. Upon finding out that Cecily was the sister who danced professional ballet, Fiona immediately sat down and launched into conversation with her. Ainsley took a seat beside Garreth, Weston soon coming over.

"Hello there," Ainsley smiled down. "My name is Ainsley, and you must be Weston. Your uncle Garf here, has told me so much about you." For the first time, Weston was at a loss for words as he gazed up at Ainsley. Garreth flashing her a side eye over the Garf comment. "Ainsie," Weston finally said.

"Yeah, you can call me Ainsie if you want to," Ainsley said, and then there was that feeling of deja vu, like this wasn't the first time she'd been called Ainsie either. It didn't take too long for Weston to warm to Ainsley. Before anyone knew it he was babbling her ear off about dinosaurs.

[00katrinka00]

Not A Love Story Update #19

Upon waking up the next morning, Garreth decided that he could get used to Ainsley being the first thing he saw when he opened his eyes. Gently, he stroked her cheek, careful not to wake her up. He was content to just lay here all day, but he also couldn't ignore the incessant growl of his stomach.

Ultimately, Garreth did his best to slip out of bed quietly. He couldn't neglect his cat, and he also figured that Ainsley might be just as hungry as he was when she woke up, so he got started on making some eggs and toast, a part of him still not believing that last night had been real.

Not too long after Garreth slipped out of the room, did Ainsley wake up. Upon heading downstairs, she found Esther waiting. "Good morning to you miss Esther," she scratched the cat's head before heading into the kitchen and wrapping her arms around Garreth, "and good morning to you too."

Garreth turned around pressing a kiss to her lips. It felt nice to be able to finally kiss Ainsley whenever he pleased now. "Good morning, but I'm afraid we have a problem." "What?" "You might have to sit in another room while I cook, because you're far too distracting and I may burn the toast."

Ainsley let out a small laugh at that, "fire safety is certainly important, but I'm not sitting in another room." Garreth pressed a kiss to her cheek, "fine, it's a compromise." He pulled her in for one more kiss before Ainsley settled onto the couch with Esther while Garreth finished breakfast.

After eating, they settled onto the couch together. "I feel like we should be working on our project right now," Garreth admitted guiltily. "We're fine. We still have another 6 weeks until Singh's finale deadline," Ainsley assured him and then added "can I tell you something kind of funny?" "What?"

"I had a massive crush on you in high school," Ainsley admitted. "You knew who I was?" Garreth sat up shocked. "I spent freshman through junior year practically obsessed with you, ask Diego." "You had a crush on me?" Ainsley nodded, "so rest assured teenage Ainsley is freaking our right now."

Garreth felt like an idiot. All those times his parents, his sisters or even Anthony had told him to ask Ainsley out, she would have said yes. Now he felt like a fool. "I don't even know what to say," he wanted to tell Ainsley that he'd had a crush on her too, but the words wouldn't come out.

"You could say, 'gee, Ainsley, thanks for finding me smoking hot in high school'," she joked. Garreth let out a laugh repeating the words back to her. Ainsley smiled, "I still do by the way." "Still what?" "Find you really really hot." "Do you now?" "Yup." "Because last night gave me no indication."

Ainsley playfully rolled her eyes. "It's your turn to tell me I'm hot." "You already know I find you attractive." Ainsley flashed him a mischievous grin, "you did mention that a few dozen times last night when we were in your room." Garreth slid an arm around her shoulders, "and I meant every word."

Without warning he kissed her again, cupping her face with his hand. "It's Sunday," he said pulling away ever so slightly. "So what do you want to do today?" "I have a few ideas, but they all involve going back upstairs," Ainsley smiled before bringing her lips back to his.

After leading him back to his own room, Ainsley and Garreth spent the rest of the day in a tangle of limbs and lips. Needless to say, it was a pretty good Sunday.

Come Monday morning, neither Ainsley nor Garreth were too keen on heading to class. "I've never skipped a single class my entire university experience," she admitted. "But boy do I want to skip Singh's class today." Garreth laughed at that, "I'd have to agree with you, but." "There's always a but."

"But," Garreth sat up pulling Ainsley with him. "We have that writing assessment today, and he's not one to allow make ups." Ainsley let out a groan, "I know." "How about I go get ready and then I'll walk you to your house so you can get ready" "Okay," she sighed. Garreth dropped a kiss to her cheek

The only thing Ainsley had to wear back to her house was the same dress she'd worn to the banquet on Saturday. "I'll wait down here while you get ready," Garreth told her before pulling her in for another kiss. "Ahhh!" Scarlet let out an excited noise. "Congratulations on finally getting together."

When Ainsley came out of the bathroom she found Jae sprawled across her bed. "I take it you had a fun weekend," Jae teased. "Oh, shut up." "You used protection, yes? As adorable as they would be I don't think we need any Ainsrreth babies running around just yet." "Obviously."

"Good, because I'd hate to become an auntie at the ripe old age of 21, you know?" "Do you ever shut up?" Ainsley rolled her eyes. "Do me a favor, Ains." "What?" "Don't fuck this relationship up. I like Garreth and I'd hate to have to pick sides." "I don't have any plans to fuck this up." "Good."

Upon heading out the door, Ainsley grabbed Garreth's hand tugging him after their friends. "What time are you done with tutoring tonight?" he asked. "6pm, why?" "Well I was thinking I could meet you after, maybe cook you dinner or something." "How sweet," cooed Scarlet. "How disgusting," teased Jae.

[00katrinka00]

Not A Love Story Update #18 part 2

With everyone else gone, Ainsley and Garreth decided to take a turn about the room admiring the student art pieces they had on display. "This impressionism piece here is one of Scarlet's," Ainsley explained. "She is incredibly talented," Garreth admired. "When she's not partying she's painting."

"Excuse me," said Professor Singh as he joined Garreth and Ainsley. "Hello, Professor," Ainsley offered him a smile. "I just wanted to stop and say congratulations again on your awards tonight, they were well deserved," Singh replied. "Thank you," Ainsley and Garreth said in unison.

"This is my 21st year at Britechester," Singh told them. "And I can honestly say that I don't think I've encountered a writer as good as either one of you since that very first year." "Really?" Ainsley asked, curious. Singh simply nodded before adding, "have a nice night you two." "You too."

After wrapping their conversation with Singh, Ainsley and Garreth decided to start their walk home. Garreth couldn't help but notice how every once in a while, Ainsley's hand would brush his, and he hadn't been able to stop thinking about her comment earlier, about liking the sound of them together.

It dawned on Garreth that, with all their friends gone, that he was utterly alone with Ainsley. Everyone else was partying it up in the girls' townhouse, and there was absolutely nobody around that could interrupt him. As they continued to walk he ran over the script he'd prepared in his head.

Garreth stopped walking as they passed the student union, "Ainsley," he said. "What?" she asked glancing over her shoulder to where Garreth stood. "There's something I've been wanting to ask you lately. I tried over spring break, and then again earlier tonight, but I keep getting interrupted."

"What is it?" Ainsley asked, turning around to properly face him. Garreth took a deep breath, "I like you, a lot," he began. "And I don't mean just as a friend, I mean you're a great friend don't get me wrong, but I think you're really pretty and I think about you a lot, and sometimes I can't stop."

"I guess what I'm trying to say, well not say, but rather tell you," why was none of this coming out right? "I like you as more than a friend, a lot more than a friend. You're pretty, wait, didn't I already say that? That's not the only reason I like you, I think you're smart, and so talented."

"And you're such a good big sister to Fiona," he was truly babbling now. "And that kiss on Winterfest Eve, I did want to kiss you, but I guess I just panicked when you kissed me back and then lied and said it was a mistake, but it wasn't. That kiss was the furthest thing from a mistake." "Garreth-"

"I guess my whole point to all of this is that I'm trying to ask if you'd want to go out sometime, not as friends, but like a date. I've never actually asked anyone out before, so I'm probably doing a really bad job at it right now because I can't seem to stop talking and I don't know why-"

Ainsley didn't know how exactly to get Garreth to stop talking, so she did the first thing that came to mind which just so happened to be closing the distance between them and kissing him. Just like that first kiss they'd shared months ago, this one lit a flame inside of her.

After a few moments, Ainsley pulled away. "I really hope that was consensual." "That was very much consensual," Garreth muttered, still shocked. A few more silent moments passed before Ainsley said, "Garreth?" "What?" "I feel the same way about you, you know." "You do?' "Definitely."

Garreth pulled Ainsley towards him kissing her once more. Neither of them knew how long they stood there kissing, but all they knew is that they didn't want this moment to end. "I should probably walk you home," Garreth pulled away dropping a kiss on Ainsley's cheek. "Or not…I have a better idea."

Together, Ainsley and Garreth walked back to his apartment hand in hand. They stopped every one in a while for another kiss. Before they knew it Garreth was shutting the door behind them. "All I know is I want to keep spending time with you," Ainsley told him as they both leaned back again the door.

"I want to keep spending time with you," Garreth replied. "Good," Ainsley whispered. Her breath mixing with his. "Then we're in agreement. "I suppose we are," without another word Garreth brought their lips together again. He'd never been drunk before, but he imagined this was how it must feel.

"This door is a bit uncomfortable, don't you think?" Ainsley asked him, a suggestive lilt to her voice. "If you think so," Garreth muttered. He was completely caught up in Ainsley's gaze. "I just think your bed might be a little more comfortable." "I, uh, well, I mean, if you want to." "I do."

It didn't take long for them to find their way up to Garreth's room, and even less time to peel off their clothes. "Are you sure?" Garreth asked, he needed to make sure. "Yes. I'm positive. I'm on the pill too, just so you know." Garreth nodded before pressing his lips to hers once more.

[00katrinka00]

Not A Love Story Update #18 Part 1

On the Monday after spring break, all of the students in Professor Singh's Writing 425 class gathered to hear an announcement. "So I promised the department head I'd relay the message to you all," Professor Singh began. "Now that we're back from break, the spring banquet is coming up."

"For any of you who may not know what that means, every spring all the separate art departments get together and host a fundraising banquet. The banquet is open to all students, whether they belong to one of the art majors or not. We give out awards recognizing some of our top students."

"The awards aren't that great," Singh continued. "No cash prizes or anything, we can't afford that, but rather recognition of your hard work from your professors and we hand out free books, at least to the language and literature majors. I've got no clue what the drama or art history majors get."

As Professor Singh launched into his lecture for the day, Ainsley leaded over towards Garreth, "are you planning on going?" she whispered. "I don't know," Garreth admitted "It'll be fun. Jae, Scarlet, Diego and I go every year." "I haven't been since my freshman year." "Just think about it, please."

"It's banquet season!" exclaimed Diego as he, Ainsley and Garreth made their way to the student union for lunch. "I bought all of us tickets already, and Levi's coming too even though he's not an art major." "Garreth's not sure if he's going to come or not," Ainsley explained. "WHAT!"

"Most of the language and literature majors don't really like me, and I don't necessarily want to ruin their nights by being there," Garreth explained. "Oh who cares about them," Diego brushed him off. "This is like the one school sanctioned event that they'll allow drinking at, you have to come!"

"What Diego means," Ainsley began. "Is that none of the other majors are your friends, we are and all of us want you to go." "That too," agreed Diego. "I don't like formal events…" Garreth trailed off. "It's not formal. Most people dress up a little, but it's not black tie." "I guess I'll come."

With the academic year coming to a close in just a few short months, the banquet crept up faster than Ainsley had been expecting. She had always liked banquet night, because she enjoyed celebrating the accomplishments of her peers. Scarlet and Diego were both shoe in's for some kind of art award.

Then there was Garreth. Usually they handed out awards to those who bothered to show up, so she'd yet to see him receive anything, but she had a feeling that would change tonight. Plenty of people were still weary where Garreth was concerned, but it was undeniable that he was a phenomenal writer.

Naturally, Garreth was the first to show up, and Ainsley happily welcomed him in. "Are you excited for tonight?" "Not sure yet, but I feel underdressed now after seeing you," Garreth admitted as he admired Ainsley "Don't be, I've seen some of the guys wear sweatpants so you're fine," she assured him

"You look," Garreth's breath caught. He felt the same way he had on Winterfest eve. "Beautiful." "Thank you," Ainsley grinned giving him one of those smiles that always struck him stupid. "You look handsome yourself." "I do?" Ainsley nodded and a charged silence filled the space between them.

"I've been wanting to ask you something for a while now," Garreth admitted. "What's that?" Ainsley asked hopefully. "You two make me want to puke," joked Jae as she came down the stairs. "Just date already." Before either Ainsley or Garreth had the chance to reply there was a knock at the door.

With everyone in their group now arrived, Scarlet insisted on some photos before they left for the banquet. It was nice to have, almost, their entire group together for the evening. Jamal and Delilah were visiting Delilah's parents for the weekend so they couldn't be in attendance.

University of Britechester students from several different majors gathered in the university banquet hall to celebrate their peers and all they have accomplished throughout the academic year.

"Who do we thinks is sweeping awards this year?" Scarlet asked. "It'll obviously be you for the art history awards again," Diego said. "It'll be a toss up between Ains and Garreth for the language and literature ones." "Hey!" Jae exclaimed in pretend frustration "Oh please you give minimal effort"

"You've got me there," Jae said with a simple shrug. "Honestly," Garreth began. "I'm not too active around the writing department, so it'll probably be Ainsley who gets all the awards." "Yeah," Jae agreed. "She won like half of them last year." "I did not!" Ainsley protested. "I only won 2."

Ainsley turned towards Garreth, "it's not all about involvement around the department. I mean sure they only hand awards to people who show up to the banquet, but a lot of them are for things like 'Best Short Story'. You're a phenomenal writer. Honestly I'll be surprised if you don't win something."

"Well, thank you then," Garreth said. "For having faith in me." "Always," Ainsley flashed him another smile that caused his heart to skip a beat. "Diego, don't sell yourself short. I'm sure you'll get something too." "I haven't yet," he muttered "Then we're just here for the free booze," joked Levi.

As awards for the night began, the chatter of the crowd quieted. Typically, the Art History awards were called first, followed by Drama awards, and usually Language and Lit rounded out the evening. As suspected Scarlet ended up winning 4 awards, for works of art she'd created throughout the year.

When Diego was called up onto stage to receive his award for 'Best Art Analysis' the cheers that came from his table were the loudest in the room. It'd been a long time coming for him, and it often felt like he'd been putting in all this effort for little reward, so it felt nice to be recognized.

As the awards rolled over into the the Language and Lit portion, Garreth sat waiting not for his name to be called, but to hear Ainsley's. Working with her on their project all year had really shown him how amazing of a writer she was, and he hoped that she received recognition for her talent.

It didn't take long for Ainsley's name to get called for 'Best Contemporary Fiction Piece', 'Most Helpful Student Tutor', and 'Best Junior Writer'. As she stood to make her way to the stage the cheers from her table were the loudest, but none louder than Garreth who sat grinning from ear to ear.

Professor Singh soon took the stage to give out his own awards, "As most of you know I teach writing 425 which is available every other year, and it's been nearly a decade since I've found a duo talented enough to receive the award for 'Best Collaborative Piece'. I did things differently this year."

"In the past I've allowed students to chose their partners but this year I decided to assign partners in order to challenge students to write outside their comfort zones. I can honestly say that this duo has blown me away with their collaborative piece this year, and I'm not one to give compliments"

"Now, without further ado, I'd like to present the award for 'Best Collaborative Piece' to none other than Ainsley Gains and Garreth White!" Garreth's eyes went wide, he was winning something? "Come on," Ainsley grabbed a hold of his arm pulling him onto stage to accept their award.

"I didn't think I'd get anything," Garreth admitted once he and Ainsley took their seats. "I knew you'd get something," Ainsley assured him. "You're incredibly talented." "So are you," Garreth told her. "I mean we did win the award together." Ainsley smiled, "together, I like that."

"This final award of the evening," began Singh. "Well it's more of a superlative than anything. But, each year all us writing professors get together and choose which of our seniors is 'Most Likely To Get Published After Graduation' and to call Garreth White back on stage to receive this award."

"Okay, so Diego was right and Ainsley and Garreth did sweep the Language and Lit awards," Jae pointed out once the ceremony had wrapped up. "I think this calls for celebration, party at our house, Jae?" asked Scarlet. "Always, the booze here are cheep and aren't doing much to get me drunk tonight."

"I should probably go and babysit you guys, huh?" Ainsley asked. "You know what," Levi said after seeing the expression on her face. "I can handle babysitting duties tonight, why don't you and Garreth stay here." "Are you sure?" Ainsley asked, Levi nodded. "Don't need a babysitter," Diego grumbled.

[00katrinka00]

Not A love Story Update #17 Part 2

A few days later, Levi had scheduled a time for Fiona, Ainsley, and Garreth to receive their horseback riding lessons. After explaining everything and introducing them to the horses, it was time to mount. "I'm doing it!" Ainsley heard Fiona exclaim while she pulled herself up into the saddle.

As the week had progressed, Garreth hadn't have any more alone time with Ainsley where he could tell her how he felt. They were always surrounded by their friends, and it had become irritating. Garreth tried to hide this frustration from his horse as he tentatively pulled himself up into the saddle.

"This is the best!" Fiona exclaimed. Ainsley let out an amused laugh, "We've barely even started." "Exactly! And it's so much fun already." Ainsley just smiled while Garreth gazed wearily at his horse. He'd already conquered part of his fear by getting on, now he just needed to go for a ride.

"Alright," Levi began. "We're just going to go for a quiet little ride around the stables. Nothing too crazy, just stay behind me and call out if you need anything. Remember what I said about the reigns, the horses will turn whichever way you pull them." "Let's go already!" exclaimed Fiona.

As they began to ride, Ainsley was starting to understand Garreth's reservations about horse back riding. There was something unnerving about being on an animal like this. Garreth tried his best to follow the group, his shoulders tensed. He kept bracing himself to be thrown off into the dirt.

The more they rode, the easier things became, even if Ainsley and Garreth still had their shoulders tensed waiting for something to happen. Fiona on the other hand was having the time of her life. Before they knew it their lesson was over and it was time to meet up with everyone else.

Later that night, after returning from dinner, Ainsley stopped Fiona in the foyer. "You've had a good week so far?' she asked her sister. "The best!" "Good, but we are leaving tomorrow afternoon, so I think you need to get a good night sleep. I don't want to mess up your sleep schedule too much."

"Oh come on!" Fiona complained. "I'm 15, I'll be fine." "You go back to school before I do. I need to make sure you're well rested so you can pay attention in class." "It's spring break." "Fiona," Ainsley said in that tone that told Fiona her sister meant business. "Fine," she grumbled.

After Fiona had begrudgingly went to bed, everyone else (besides Diego and Levi who had snuck off somewhere) decided to gather around the fire. "You know what I see?' Jae said. "What?" "A perfectly good hot tub we haven't used yet. I think we should all change into our suits and try it out."

With Fiona occupying her room, Ainsley and Jae took turns changing in Jae's on suit bathroom. "How do I look?" asked Ainsley. "What the hell are you wearing?" Jae asked clearly offended. "What do you mean? It's cute." "Yeah maybe for a preteen. Not for a 20 something adult. Wear something hot."

"I can't," Ainsley protested. "Why not?" "Well, Garreth's going to be there…" "Let me get this straight, you're willing to sleep with guys that you've just met and are barely interested in, but wearing a bikini in front a a guy you're actually interested in is where you draw the line?"

"Here's what's going to happen," Jae began to say. "I'm going to head downstairs and get into the hot tub, and you're going to change into that blue checkered suit I know you brought, and we're going to have a great time." "But-" Ainsley tried to protest. "See you downstairs!"

"See how much better you look," Jae teased as soon as Ainsley stepped into the hot tub. "What?" Milo asked clearly confused. "I think they're referencing a conversation neither of us were privy to," Garreth explained. "Ohhhh." "Yes, now next topic," Jae leaned back in her seat.

Everyone sat in a contended silence just basking in each other's company. After spending the last week together there was little left to talk about. "You know my legs were super sore after those horseback riding lessons," Ainsley said after a moment. "The hot water is helping."

"I think Jamal and I are going to head to bed," Delilah said with a yawn. "It's getting late" After Jamal and Delilah left, Scarlet said "You know, I saw an entire liquor cabinet inside that's completely untouched. I might just have to go remedy that." Without another word, Scarlet too headed inside

"And then there were 4," Milo joked leaning back in his seat. "Actually," Jae cut in. "I was thinking the exact same thing as Scarlet, so we should head inside too." "But I don't want to get out," Milo protested Jae subtly pinched him, "we're going inside, you and me. right now." "Ohhh, right. Yeah"

Ainsley waited for Jae and Milo to get inside then said, "I think they're trying to set us up." Garreth took a moment to process that their friends had just left him and Ainsley alone, making this the perfect opportunity to tell Ainsley how he felt. "I actually wanted to talk to you about that."

"Oh?" Ainsley asked intrigued. "Yeah," Garreth took a deep breath before continuing. "I've been thinking about us and I was wondering if you-" "GUYS!" exclaimed Diego as he came bursting out the doors, clearly drunk. "Diego no!" someone called after him. "You've gotta see what we're doing inside."

Ainsley let out an annoyed sigh, "Delilah and Jamal went to bed, so I should probably go and babysit them. Make sure they don't start too much trouble." "But-" before Garreth had time to finished what he'd been saying Ainsley had climbed out of the hot tub and was making her way inside.

Garreth remained outside for a while. "Was that really so hard?" he muttered to himself. "Hey, Ainsley I really like you and I was wondering if you'd like to go on a date sometime." Garreth splashed the water in irritation, because he knew he wouldn't get another shot before they left tomorrow.

[00katrinka00]

Not A Love Story Update #17 Part 1

As snow melted and spring began to bloom, spring break crept up on Garreth rather quickly. This meant that his friends were heading on their planned trip to Chestnut Ridge, and he'd agreed to bring Ainsley and Fiona to the airport. Any extra minute he could spend with Ainsley was a minute well spent

Garreth had been planning for weeks on how exactly to tell Ainsley how he felt, and he fully intended to do so at some point this week. He wanted to find the perfect opportunity, and he hoped that with Fiona joining their group, that Ainsley wouldn't be too wrapped up in her younger sister to notice

"Hey Fiona." "Hey Garreth!" Fiona exclaimed eyes still locked on her phone. "Where's Ainsley?" "Upstairs talking with mom. She told me to wait down here, and to tell you to do the same." Garreth wondered what exactly Ainsley was discussing with Susanna that she might not wanting Fiona to overhear.

He didn't want to intrude on Ainsley's private business with Susanna, so Garreth stayed rooted in place and waited. "What are you most excited for this week?" "To ride a horse, it looks fun. What about you?" "Not sure yet," of course he did know and it involved telling Ainsley how he really felt

First it was 5 minutes that passed, and then 10, and then 15 and Garreth began to grown anxious that they'd be late if they waited much longer. "Can I run up and grab Ainsley?" he asked Fiona. "Sure, I wonder what's taking her so long." Garreth just shrugged before heading towards the steps.

Garreth hesitated outside the door, he could hear voices arguing inside, but he didn't want to upset Ainsley by hearing something he shouldn't. But, he was worried that they'd miss their flight if they didn't start heading to the airport soon. Upon reaching for the door, Garreth found it unlocked.

"You ungrateful girl," snapped Susanna. "Do you really want to get into this fight again?" Ainsley asked clearly exhausted by the whole thing. "It's rude of you to not invite your mother on vacation with you." Ainsley rolled her eyes, "It's a friends trip, and you've never been a mother to me."

"You're taking your sister," Susanna pointed out. "Because Fiona knows everyone. Diego's basically a brother to her at this point, and I don't want to leave her alone with you all week." "You leave her alone with me while you're at school." "Yeah, but I'm not thousands of miles away when at school."

"I don't see what the problem is, I deserve a vacation," complained Susanna. Ainsley let out a frustrated sigh, "from what, exactly? Because you don't do anything." "I do things all the time!" "Sitting on your ass watching TV, or visiting your husband in prison don't count. Maybe get a job first."

"I have a job!" "Doing what exactly? Gloria has offered you work around the bookstore and you ref-" just then the sound of the door opening made Ainsley turned around. "Garreth?" "I'm sorry for barging in, but we're going to be late if we don't leave soon." "He sure is handsome," muttered Susanna.

"We should leave then," Ainsley agreed. With an irritated groan Susanna stormed back to her bedroom slamming the door behind her. "Sorry about that" Ainsley apologized. "It's alright, are you okay?" Garreth asked brows narrowed in concern. Ainsley nodded, "you didn't have to come up and get me."

"I'm not a fan of being late," Garreth admitted. "But, I also wanted to make sure you were okay. I didn't know if Susanna would…" "Hit me?" Ainsley raised her brows. "No, Susanna's never hit me." "Good, that's good." "We should probably leave though. Don't want to keep everyone waiting." "Yeah…"

After arriving in Chestnust Ridge, everyone was picked up by Diego's boyfriend, Levi, who brought them all to the guest house they'd be staying in. Garreth thought guest house was a bit of an understatement, this place was huge. Everyone agreed to take an hour to change before meeting for dinner.

Garreth was assigned his own room, and although small, it was the perfect size for him. It didn't take too long for him to unpack his suitcase and change out of his airport clothes, so he was left with about 45 minutes before everyone was set to meet downstairs. Naturally, Garreth pulled out a book.

Ainsley and Fiona were assigned to the same room, After they'd both changed, Fiona flung her arms around her older sister. "Thank you for bringing me!" she exclaimed. "Best spring break ever!" "Already? We've just gotten here," Ainsley smiled. "Well, I've never left Windenburg before so…"

"Then tell me, what's the top thing you want to do this week?" asked Ainsley as they both took a seat. "Learn how to ride a horse," Fiona said. "Then consider it done, I'll talk to Levi later about giving you some lessons." "Really!" "Absolutely, this is meant to be a fun trip for us both."

After convening in the living room, it was decided that everyone would head out for dinner to see a bit of town on their first day. They found a local bar to grab some food out, and naturally Diego, Scarlet and Jae went straight to the dance floor to begin learning how to cowpoke dance.

"Am I allowed to be here?" Fiona asked her sister as they took a seat next to Garreth and Levi. "Yeah, just don't drink any alcohol and you'll be fine. I'd hate to ground you on vacation." Fiona rolled her eyes before turning to Levi, "so you can teach me how to ride a horse?" "Absolutely, kiddo."

"I can't bring everyone at the same time though," explained Levi. " But, if that's something you want to do I'll make it happen. Garreth, Ainsley, either of you want to learn?" "Why not," Ainsley said with a shrug. Garreth paused for a moment, before admitting, "Riding horses kind of freaks me out."

"You've been snowboarding in Mt. Komorebi, and you've swam in the oceans of Sulani and Tartosa, but riding horses scares you?" Ainsley teased "With swimming and snowboarding I'm the one in control over my body, but with horses I'm the one controlling the horse, what if it gets spooked or something?"

Before anyone had the chance to assure Garreth that riding horses wasn't that scary, Diego came over and pulled both Ainsley and Fiona towards the dance floor, Delilah soon following after. Despite the fact that Ainsley wasn't particularly skilled in dancing, she still managed to have a lot of fun.

Jamal and Milo swapped tables so they could sit with Garreth and Levi. "Riding horses isn't that bad," Levi turned towards Garreth. "My horses are well trained, some of the best in the business. I've also taught dozens of people how to ride before, so you've got nothing to worry about."

Garreth contemplated this, "alright then I'll give it a go," he decided. "It really isn't that bad," Milo told him. "I've got some cousins out here and they taught me one summer. It's actually pretty fun." "It is?" "Oh yeah," Levi agreed. "I find it to be relaxing. A great way to clear my mind."

Later that night as everyone was heading to bed, Garreth decided to walk Ainsley back to her room. "So I told Levi I'd learn how to ride a horse with you and Fiona later this week." "That's amazing! It's always good to conquer your fears," Ainsley smiled at him. "Yeah…" Garreth trailed off.

As Garreth stood there it dawned on him that now was the perfect time to tell Ainsley how he felt. All their friends had gone to their rooms. Maybe if he told her tonight he'd have the rest of the week to plan a date for the two of them, that is if she felt the same way. "I wanted to talk to you."

"Yeah," Ainsley asked, her eyes lighting up. "So, we've been friends for a few months now, and I've been thinking-" "AINSLEY!" yelled Fiona from inside their room, cutting Garreth off. "I can't find my pajamas." "I should go help her search," Ainsley said. "Night Garreth." "Night Ainsley."

[00katrinka00]

Not A Love Story Update #16 Part 3

Love Day, Present Day

Ainsley had been looking forward to this night all week. As much as she loved Jae and Scarlet, she liked to have quiet nights in by herself from time to time. While Love Day now put a sour taste in her mouth, Ainsley found herself enjoying the peaceful bath she'd drawn herself

Sometime after freshman year, Love Day had lost its spark to Ainsley. While she still enjoyed reading her romance books, she'd resigned herself to the fact that some things, like chocolates and roses and secret admirers, were works of fiction. That is until there was a knock on her door.

Love day had never been Garreth's favorite holidays. He didn't think people needed one day to show their significant other they cared, he felt like one should do that every day. As he sat alone in his apartment he couldn't shake this nagging feeling that something was missing, so he went for a walk.

Garreth didn't have a destination in mind, but before he realized it, he was halfway to Ainsley's. He supposed it made sense, he knew she didn't have plans tonight, and he missed spending nights with her like they did over winter break. But, he also wondered if she'd be annoyed at him for showing up

"Hi," Ainsley said softly as she opened her door to find Garreth standing there. "Hey," he smiled at her. "I hope it's okay I just stopped over. I knew everyone else was gone, and I guess I just wanted to spend time with you. If that's okay." "That sounds wonderful, actually."

As she stepped aside to allow Garreth in, Ainsley remembered exactly what she looked like right now and horror flashed across her features. No makeup, eye masks, hair not finished. All she could hear in her mind was Susanna chiding her for not looking her best, "I, uh, sorry. I need a minute."

Without another word, Ainsley rushed up the stairs locking herself in the bathroom. She didn't know what to do. It wasn't like she had time to put on a full face of makeup again, not that she wanted to, but she also couldn't shake the embarrassment she felt now that Garreth has seen her like this.

Confused as all hell, Garreth followed Ainsley up the stairs. "Think Ains, think," he heard her telling herself on the other side of the door. "Ainsley, are you okay?" "Fine," she answered her voice cracking. "Can you come out?" all he really wanted to do was spend time with her. "In a minute."

It occurred to Garreth that she might be embarrassed with how looked, which he didn't understand because she looked as beautiful as ever to him. "Ainsley" he said, voice soft. "I just want to spend time with you, I don't care what you look like. When she didn't respond he said "just come out please"

Sheepishly, Ainsley opened the door. "I'll just be a few-" Garreth cut her off, "I came her because I want to spend time with you," he told her again. "So I don't care what you look like. If you want me to leave I can, but I wanted to spend tonight with you" "You did?" "I still do," he corrected her

As much as Garreth wanted to confess everything to her, he didn't think tonight was the best option. Not with how self conscious she had seemed. So, instead they spent the night reading silently simply enjoying each other's company and it was the best Love Day either of them had had in a while.

[00katrinka00]

Not A Love Story Update #16 Part 2

By the time her 7th period history class rolled around, Ainsley had all but lost hope that she'd be receiving a candy gram today. The day was basically done, and she'd gotten nothing. Not a rose, or a box of chocolates, or even so much as a card. It hurt more than she'd like to admit.

This time, when the knock sounded at the door, Ainsley didn't even flinch. That is until the name was announced, "I have a candy gram for an Ainsley Gains." Ainsley's eyes went wide with excitement as she hurried over to receive her gift. This was really happening, someone had sent her something.

It was clear someone had gone all out with this gift. Not only did she receive a rose, but also a box of chocolate and a card. Ainsley read the card first.

I see you reading in the library, you have a good taste in books. Maybe we could discuss them together sometime. - Your secret admirer.

Ainsley was teeming with excitement as she sat in her seat. She had a secret admirer it seemed. She racked her brain trying to figure out who it may be, but there was only one person that made sense, her mystery boy. He was the only one consistently in the library enough to see what she was reading.

"Who do you think it is?" asked Diego as they left class. "This might sound crazy, but I think it might be the mystery boy," Ainsley exclaimed. "I thought you were convinced he doesn't notice you." "Yeah, but, who else is in the library every day who might see what I'm reading." "Fair point."

"Are you finally going to talk to him then?" asked Diego. Ainsley paused for a moment before saying, "yeah, I think I will. Tomorrow though, I can't be late to pick Fiona up from school." "Maybe you're about to have your first boyfriend," Diego teased. "Yeah, maybe," Ainsley said a smile on her face

On the walk home, Ainsley shared her box of chocolates with Fiona as she told Ainsley all about their classroom Love Day party. Once home, Fiona got started on her science fair project which was due in a few weeks, and Ainsley decided to help her. Something their mother never did for Ainsley.

After ensuring that Fiona finished her homework, Ainsley got started on making dinner. She didn't know how to cook much with her limited cooking skill, but she could read the instructions on the box of mac and cheese. While Ainsley cooked, Fiona watched TV. Her laughter echoing through the apartment

As the girls sat down to have a quiet dinner, just the two of them, Ainsley couldn't help but wish it could be like this every night. No mother complaining about every little thing, no step father cursing at the TV sloshing beer everywhere. Just Ainsley and Fiona, how it should always be.

At home, Garreth was busy setting the table before dinner. It was one of his daily chores. While carefully arranging the plates and silverware on the table, Garreth couldn't help but wonder what Ainsley's reaction had been to his candy gram. Did she smile? He wished he'd have been there to see it.

In the years since Garreth's eldest's two sisters had moved out of the house, Cecily's boyfriend, Tristan had practically moved in with them. Garreth didn't know much other than he didn't have a great home life, and Christine White was always happy to add another person to the family, blood or not.

"You should have seen Ainsley's face when I gave her your candy gram today," Tristan said and immediately panic filled Garreth's stomach. "What!" Cecily exclaimed. "You sent a candy gram? I knew you had a crush on someone, you've been moody lately. Ainsley, huh?" "Ainsley Gains," replied Tristan.

"Isn't she the one who campaigned for the candy gram funds to go to the library?" Cecily asked. "One and the same," Tristan nodded "She was adorable, and clearly into books so she'd be perfect for you Garreth," Cecily said excitedly "Can we stop talking about this," Garreth complained his cheeks red

"Having crushes is completely normal at your age, there's nothing to be embarrassed about," Christine assured him and it only made Garreth's face go even redder. He wished he could disappear. "She was ecstatic when I handed her your candy gram," explained Tristan. "I think you made her whole day."

Cecily continued to gush over how adorable Ainsley was, and Tristan wouldn't shut up about that damn candy gram. "I'm not hungry," Garreth finally said, embarassment taking over. Without another word he left the room. "What did I say?" Garreth heard Tristan ask as he made his way up the steps.

Why'd he think Tristan would forget all about the candy gram incident by the time they got home? Garreth was kicking himself for being so stupid. Now Cecily would tell Marlowe and Sloane and he'd never hear the end of their teasing. Sometimes he hated being the youngest and only boy in the family.

A knock sounded at the door, and his mother came in, "sweetheart," she gave him a pitying look. "Mom, I don't want to talk about it," Garreth sighed. Christine wasn't the type of mother to let this go, so she took a seat beside him on his bed. "Well I'm going to make you talk about it." "Moooom."

"Having crushes is normal for a boy your age," Christine assured him. "It's nothing to be embarrassed about." "Yeah but-" Garreth trailed off. "But what?" "I'm never going to hear the end of it from the girls. It's going to be all Ainsley this and Ainsley that forever. I don't want to deal with it."

"Cecily is just happy for you is all. You know us Whites have a history of meeting our forever partners in high school," Christine told him. It was true, Garreth's parents had met in high school. So did Marlowe and her boyfriend Toby, and Sloane and her girlfriend Naomi, and now Cecily and Trista

"I'm just sick of the teasing," said Garreth. "It's always me because I'm the youngest." "I can talk to the girls about the teasing, but they are your sisters and I can't make any promises." "Okay." "Do you want to tell me about her, about Ainsley? Is she the one you saw in the bookstore last year?"

"Yes," he admitted. Garreth's heart still fluttered every time he remembered that smile she'd given him. "She's the one from the bookstore last year." Garreth then sat there and told his mother everything he knew about Ainsley. It was nice to talk about her to someone for once.

In the Gains household, AInsley was just finishing the dishes when she heard her mother come home. "Mama!" Fiona exclaimed running to give her a hug. "Hey," she smiled. It was then that Ainsley saw her mother's eyes land on the rose sitting on the table. "Why don't you go play in your room." "Okay!"

"What's this?" Susanna gestured towards the rose. "I received a candy gram at school today," Ainsley said. "I have a secret admirer. I think it's a boy the year ahead of me because he's always in the library and the note said they see me reading in there. I'm going to talk to him tomorrow"

"Oh you stupid naïve child," Susanna scoffed. "Have I taught you nothing?" "Mom, what?" "Boys at that age only want one thing and it's not to talk to you about books. All they want is woohoo, so sure go talk to him tomorrow. Then you'll get pregnant with some ungrateful child at 17 like I did."

Ainsley didn't think she was ungrateful, at least she always tried to stay out of her mother's hair. "I guess I wasn't thinking about it like that," Ainsley said her voice quiet. "That's why I'm here, to make sure you steer clear of making stupid dec-" Susanna was cut off by the front door slamming.

When her step father entered the apartment Ainsley felt the energy in the room turn sour, and she knew exactly what that meant "Fucking idiots at work," Paul hissed. Then as if he just noticed her, his gaze raked over Ainsley in that predatory way that made her feel uncomfortable "You," Susanna spat

Without another word, Ainsley quickly made her way to the room she shared with Fiona. "I have a fun idea," she told her sister. "What?" Fiona asked excitedly. "You should have a silent dance party." "How do you have a silent dance part with no music?" inquired Fiona. "With headphones of course."

Ainsley pressed play on the music moments before Susanna and Paul's screams boomed throughout the apartment accompanied by shattering glass. While Fiona danced obliviously around the room, Ainsley began to work her way through her algebra homework as she waited for the fight to end.

[00katrinka00]

Not A Love Story Update #16 Part 1

This update turned out quite long, so I had to split it into 3 separate posts for Tumblr. If you want to follow along in real time I always post the updates over on BlueSky (@ 00katrinka00) first.

Love Day, 6 years ago.

Ainsley always loved Love Day, she found it so romantic. This year was particularly special, not only was it her first Love Day as a high schooler, but there was a certain green eyed boy, who's name she'd yet to learn, that Ainsley hoped might send her a little something.

She'd first noticed him on the first day of school when she and Diego had gone to the library at lunch and she'd spied him with his nose in a book. Ainsley didn't know why, but her heart had done this little gymnastics number inside her chest, and since then she'd been unable to stop noticing him.

As she prepared breakfast, Ainsley contemplated the things she knew about this mystery boy. He liked books, and he was the the year ahead of her in school, which was a bummer because he'd probably want nothing to do with a lowly Freshman like herself, but that didn't stop Ainsley from dreaming.

Ainsley was grateful both her mother and step father had gone to work already, because it meant she and Fiona would have a quiet morning for once. "Happy Love day Ainsley! How do I look?" "Like you're ready to receive all the Love Day cards from your classmates. Are you ready to go to school?"

After dropping Fiona off at school and waiting to see her little blond head disappear behind the classroom doors, Ainsley met Diego outside Windenburg High. As they made their way into school she let out an excited squeal, "Do you see what I see?" "What?" asked Diego. "On the bench with the book."

Sure enough, there say Ainsley's mystery boy his attention wrapped up in whatever he was currently reading. "He looks so good in that shirt," she gushed. Diego snuck a glance toward the boy, "That shirt looks like a parachute on him." "It does not," Ainsley protested. "It's at least a size too big."

Ainsley merely rolled her eyes at her friend, "enough about the shirt. I wonder what he's reading." "You could ask," Diego said his brows raised. "What? I can't do that, he's older than us. He'll think it's weird." "Or, maybe he's secretly in love with you too and you'll be married in ten years."

"You're ridiculous, he doesn't know I exist." Diego let out a sigh. Despite what Ainsley believes he'd caught her mystery boy sneaking glances at her just as often as she did to him. If Diego was a betting man, he'd go all in on the fact that this boy liked Ainsley just as much as she liked him.

Diego ushered Ainsley through the doors insisting they'll be late for class. "It's the candy gram table," Ainsley pointed out. Every year the student council set up a table for students to purchase Love Day gifts for their friends or crushes. All proceeds went to improving a new area of the school.

This year the proceeds were going towards updating the library's literary collection, a campaign spearheaded by Ainsley herself. "If I had money I'd send something," she sighed. Unfortunately she was saving her money in case Fiona needed it for a field trip or as lunch money. "Let's get to class."

As class began, Ainsley couldn't help but feel giddy with anticipation. What if a student council member came in to deliver a candy gram? Who would be receiving it? What would their reaction be? What if it was her? Ainsley's head shot up as soon as she heard a knock at the classroom door.

Everyone turned their heads to find a senior student council member slipping in "Just get it over with," sighed the teacher "I have a candy gram delivery for," she paused while looking at a list. Ainsley hoped it was for her. "Angela Stone." A girl in the back let out a squeal as she received a rose

As the lesson progressed, Ainsley returned to her notes. While she might not have received anything during her first period class, she still has 6 more classes to go, so she kept her hopes up. It wasn't until the clock started to tik closer towards lunch time that she began to feel a bit let down.

Ainsley and Diego settled into their usual lunchtime spots in the library. Diego pulled out some last minute homework, while Ainsley checked out a book from the shelves and began to read. She much preferred sitting in the library during lunch than navigating the hustle and bustle of the cafeteria.

As she read, Ainsley couldn't help but feel a prickling sensation crawl its way up her neck, like she was being watched. Glancing up from her book, Ainsley found her gaze locked with the piercing green eyes of her mystery boy. She offered him a hesitant wave and watched as his eyes went wide.

"I think he just noticed me!" Ainsley exclaimed in a hushed voice to Diego. "See, maybe he does like you back," Diego suggested. "He's still a sophomore," Ainsley sighed. "That really doesn't mean anything. He's just a year older than us. I still think you should talk to him." "I can't."

Garreth muttered a string of quietly panicked curses as he slid down in his seat. "What?" Anthony asked clearly amused by the whole scenario. "She saw me." "Who?" "Ainsley," He'd learned her name a few months back when he'd heard the owner of Quill & Quire, his favorite bookstore, call her that.

Garreth had spent almost every lunch period this school year in the library sneaking glances at Ainsley whenever she wasn't looking, this had been the first time she'd actually noticed. "I still think you should just go and talk to her," Anthony teased. "I can't, I don't know how to talk to girls."

"You talk to your sisters," Anthony pointed out. "They're my sisters, they don't count," Garreth hissed. "I don't even know what'd I'd say to Ainsley." "Send her a candy gram," suggested Anthony. "What?" "If you don't know what to say, send her a candy gram and say what you want to say in a letter."

Garreth contemplated Anthony's suggestion. There had been a lot he'd wanted to tell Ainsley, but he was always too afraid. What if he fumbled his words or said the wrong thing? What if she just simply didn't like him? There was a lot for him to consider, but maybe a letter was a good place to start.

As the lunch period drew to a close, Garreth headed downstairs where he found himself confronted by the candy gram table once more, the line growing ever longer. Was he really going to do this? Send a candy gram to Ainsley? A pool of anxiety formed in Garreth's stomach at he stood there frozen.

Garreth studied the table as he stood there. On the bright side at least it wasn't his sister Cecily, or her boyfriend Tristan at the table right now. He could send a candy gram to Ainsley and they'd be none the wiser, so they couldn't tease him. Garreth took a deep breath before stepping into line.

Garreth decided he had to have the worst luck imaginable, because as soon as it was his turn, Tristan came up to the table. "Hey Lauren, I'm here to take over, it's my free period," Tristan explained before turning his attention towards Garreth. "Dude, hey!" Garreth simply stood there, eyes wide.

"Buying a candy gram, huh?" "No, uh, I was just leaving," Garreth said "Wait, dude!" exclaimed Tristan as Garreth turned to walk away. "It's for a good cause. New books in the library, I guess their collection is super outdated." Of course Garreth knew this to be true, but he didn't know what to say

"I should get to class," Garreth said. "Wait, if you have a crush on someone that's cool," Tristan assured him. "Hell, I had a crush on Cecily when I was your age and look at us now, hottest couple in the senior class." "I don't know about that," Garreth muttered. "Crushes are completely normal."

"Really, it's not a big deal," Tristan assured him. "Just tell me who you want to send something to." Garreth thought about this. Tristan seemed encouraging, and maybe he'd forget about this by the end of the day and it wouldn't get back to Cecily. "Ainsley…I want to send a candy gram to Ainsley."

[00katrinka00]

Not A Love Story Update #15

On Monday, Garreth arrived to class early. He used this extra time to run over what he wanted to say to Ainsley. "Isa and I are not back together," he repeated in his head over and over in an attempt to make sure he didn't mess up his words this time. He knew he couldn't let this rumor continue.

"Good morning, babe," chimed Isa as she sat down beside Garreth. He turned to her, irritation on his face, "that's not your seat," he hissed. "That's no way to speak to your girlfriend." "You aren't my girlfriend," glared Garreth. "Well the rest of the department might beg to differ." "Excuse me?"

"I spread the word about our rekindled romance," Isa gave him a smug smile. "What part of 'I don't want to get back together' did you not understand?" "Semantics." "I will never get back together with you, now get out of Ainsley's seat." "Singh doesn't do assigned seats, so anyone can sit here."

While Ainsley knew Garreth and Isa were back together, it was still a shock to see them sitting together in class. They were done keeping it a secret it seemed. Ainsley took a moment to school her features back into a perfectly happy mask before striding down to talk to the happy couple.

"I just wanted to say congratulations," Ainsley gave Garreth and Isa a forced smile. "Ainsley, we're not-" Garreth tried say "Thank you so much," Isa smiled back Garreth opened his mouth to tell Ainsley the truth, but then Singh came in signaling everyone to take their seats so he could begin class.

This couldn't be happening, why did Isa have to ruin everything? And now apparently the whole department believed this rumor she'd spread. Without another thought Garreth stood from his chair, "Professor Singh I have to make an announcement." "Is it really necessary Mr. White?" "It's life or death."

Garreth hurried to the front of the room and faced the class. A few students let out muffled laughs. Under usual circumstances he would have been embarrassed, but right now the only thing on his mind was setting the record straight, making sure Ainsley knew that he'd never get back together with Isa.

"Any day now Mr. White," Professor Singh said dryly. "You're wasting class time." "Sorry," Garreth muttered. After taking a deep breath he began. "I don't know what all you've heard recently about me and Isa getting back together, but it's not true. I don't ever want to get back together with her."

"I heard you two were kissing the the hallway though," piped up someone Garreth couldn't place. "She kissed me," he clarified. "Unprompted and it was definitely not consensual. So, whatever rumors you've heard about the two of us are exactly that, rumors. We're not back together, and will never be."

"Addressing this was so important you had to stop the whole class?" Singh asked clearly irritated. "Yes," Garreth said, and while the entire class sat snickering at him, his eyes were only on Ainsley who sat there with the biggest smile on her face, and if that wasn't the best thing he'd ever seen.

By the time he was headed to meet his friends for lunch, Garreth was feeling like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Sure, maybe the whole class had laughed at him, but at least Ainsley knew the truth now "Garreth White!" bellowed an angry voice from behind, dragging him out of his thoughts

"What do you want, Isa?" Garreth let out a frustrated sigh as he turned around. "Did you really have to humiliate me in front of the whole class like that?" she hissed. "I'm mortified!" "Maybe take no for an answer next time." "You have no idea what it was like for me when we were dating, do you?"

"Do you know what it's like to walk onto campus the first day of Sophomore year to see that your boyfriend can't keep his eyes off the new pretty little blond girl you thought he was over?" Isa shouted. "It sucks. So you try and try to make him notice you again, but to no avail because SHE exists."

"It hurts, Garreth, to realize that to always be second to someone else, especially to your own boyfriend." "So you, what, exactly? Start treating me like shit and then sleep with my best friend?" "I wanted you to fight for me, and when you didn't I wanted you to hurt the same way you made me hurt."

If Garreth was honest with himself, he'd never thought about things from Isa's point of view before. While he didn't like how she went about things, he could also acknowledge where he went wrong in their relationship. And maybe the first step to healing, for both of them, was apologizing for that.

"Look, Isa, I'm sorry," Garreth said. "I should have ended things with you as soon as I realized I wasn't over Ainsley. I guess I just didn't know how." "I, what?" "I'm sorry. You should be with someone who is crazy about you, and that wasn't going to be me, but this doesn't excuse your behavior."

"My behavior?" Isa asked clearly offended. "Yes. Just because I'm apologizing doesn't mean your behavior is justified. We both made mistakes." Isa thought about this for a moment. "You have a point," she admitted. "I'm sorry, for sleeping with Anthony and treating you the way that I did."

"I was young and I guess I don't really know how to handle my emotions." While it wasn't the best of apologies, it was a start. Garreth nodded as he made to turn away. "Garreth," Isa said quickly. "Ainsley's really lucky you know." "I don't know if she feels the same way." "She'd be stupid not to."

His conversation with Isa made Garreth late for lunch, but that was okay. He was feeling lighter than he had in a long time. "We were talking about Love Day," Diego said as soon as Garreth took his seat. "What about Love Day?" It had never been one of his favorite holidays. "Just Love Day plans."

"Like how Levi and I are going out to dinner in Windenburg that night," Diego clarified. "I'm going out too," Scarlet added. "With who?" Garreth asked. "Not sure yet, but I'll find someone," Scarlet shrugged. "Milo and I are back on," Jae said excitedly. "I told him exactly what to buy me."

"Doesn't that defeat the whole purpose of surprise gift?" Garreth asked clearly confused. "Yes, but he's the worst gift giver, so I just had to give him some guidance," Jae clarified. "I don't think I'll ever understand your relationship." "Nobody does, it's okay," Delilah assured him.

"What about you Del?" asked Jae. "I don't know what Jamal has planned yet. Last year he made the most romantics picnic for the two of us, it was perfect. Not sure how he'll top that this year," Delilah explained. "What about you, Ains? Anyone special you'll be spending the night with?" asked Scarlet

"I was going to stay in, do a self care night, read a book," Ainsley explained. "What about the finance major who asked you out before Winterfest?" Jae asked. Garreth went rigid, there was a finance major Ainsley was into? It made sense, of course there were other guys interested in Ainsley.

"I wasn't interested in him," Ainsley clarified. "Yes but it's Love Day," Jae said. "I don't need to have plans. I'd much rather spend the night alone than go on a date with a guy I'm not even remotely interested in," Ainsley explained completely unaware of Garreth's eyes on her the whole time.