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Post by viola on Jun 10, 2008 10:00:15 GMT -5
Xander didn't understand as much as he thought he did. Yes, this was about her reputation and about what she would lose if she was seen again as the person she was first seen as... but there were many more that liked him than he knew. Didn't he hang out with students? Offer them guidance probably more than any other professor on the campus? Indeed, he was the one that was more well liked, and by sending him away, it would only come back to haunt her. If not because the students would find out, by from her own self misery that would succumb her. She'd never be able to live with herself if she turned him away... what was she going to do?
What else, Annemarie? what else can you rub in my face that I already know? "Xander, that's not what I'm trying to do..." she whispered in retort. She didn't want to rub anything in his face or hurt him anymore than she could see and feel that he was, but she was only trying to make him understand why for her it was so hard for her to drop everything she'd worked so hard to gain in the last year. I'm already not the most likeable teacher here, what else? "You're wrong, Xander," she told him, her voice still soft, but forceful. "There are many who like you.... so many. Just because a few older students do not, doesn't mean the whole school finds you distasteful." From what Annemarie had seen, he'd had it pretty easy compared to she. But he wouldn't know anything about that, and it frustrated her.
"Tell me what to do, I don't know what to do. I don't know..." he said in a muffled voice. "You love your reputation so much, and I love you. I'm not asking for a change, I'm just asking you what do you want me to do"
A small intake of breath as if a pin had stabbed into her heart, she filtered her hand through her long brown locks as her other hand rested on her hip. Again, this was probably the last opening she would have to tell him... and yet, she only wondered if he would believe her. If he could believe her anymore. "I want you to stay..." she said, exhaling her slight sob and looking around to make sure no one was listening.
Sister Mary Ellen's footsteps down the corridor echoed even louder than hers. Annemarie eyes were still locked on the picture that she had in her hand, her vocals not even making a sound. Was he her purpose? That seemed ridiculous. "I can't find it, Sister..." she whispered, the Head Sister's head turning towards Annemarie. "Can't find what, my child?" she whispered. "My purpose," Annemarie responded quickly, her eyes darting back up to meet the Head Sisters.
"Your purpose, my dear?" she asked, making sure she heard Annemarie right. Annemarie nodded, not really knowing what else she could say. Her purpose in life is all what she wanted to know... "Isn't it simple to see?" Sister Mary Ellen asked, a warm smile gracing her features. Confusion spread across Annemarie's face as if she had no idea what the Head sister was speaking about. "You are a lover, Annemarie. And always have been..." the Head Sister paused. "I found you broken hearted, and alone in the college world you buried yourself in. With your students, you guided them and showed more love than I knew any training nun to show. You loved each and every one of those girls with the fullest of your heart that you could possibly give them, without giving them the whole thing. When your faith faltered after what happened in America in two thousand and one, you were showing love even for so many strangers that you didn't know...."
The Head Sister stopped walking and turned towards Annemarie, and following suit Annemarie did the same thing. Sister Mary Ellen's hands cupped Annemarie's shoulder, and a single tear fell down both women's cheeks, just opposite of one another. "Annemarie, you are meant to show and provide the world with a love that you feel is beyond you... that is your purpose in life. No matter where you go, there will always be something or someone that needs your love... your students, your peers, the school you're at now...." Mary Ellen took the picture from Annemarie's hand and looked at it again. Her dear, Annemarie, had a smile on her face like she'd never seen, and the young man's face was just as happy, if not loving. "...even this man..." she whispered handing back the picture to Annemarie.
"Are you saying then..." Annemarie whispered to Xander. "That, no matter what..." a small gulp escaped her lips as she walked over to the chair, and sat down on the arm of it so that she could have a better look at the man that was now Alexander Griffiths. "I'd be the right woman for you?" her face slightly squinted at the words she used, but at the same time she couldn't help feel slightly disgusted. It wasn't that she didn't want to be the right woman for him, or even that she didn't want him... it was just odd for her. Everything was odd for her... and even in the last four months, there had just not been enough time for her to comprehend it all.
"Because, I couldn't stand it if you left..." Annemarie said, looking away as another tear fell down her cheek, her hand rose and gently placed against his arm. "...not again."
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Alexander Griffiths
Hogwarts Staff
Professor History of Magic
...Angels guide me, but fate plays with me...[on:Color][of:Black and white]
Posts: 327
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Post by Alexander Griffiths on Jun 10, 2008 16:18:45 GMT -5
I want you to stay...
Xander looked up at Annemarie as she said this, he didn't expect it at all. He expected her to just tell him to leave, he sat up a little straighter and winced. His leg was now more in pain because of the position it had been in recently. "Then...I..I..I will" he said, stuttering a bit. Unless he was forgetting something, he really didn't want to leave Annemarie. Maybe he was just waiting for her to say it, he didn't even listen to what she said about him being liked in the school. He was just waiting for her reply, or rather her approving of him staying.
Are you saying then... That, no matter what... I'd be the right woman for you?
Xander listened at the whispered question, but does it really need answering when the answer was so obvious already? He looked up at Annemarie and nodded, "Yes, forever and always." he answered. He loved her, more than anything and he would do anything for her. He just couldn't love anyone as much as he loved Annemarie. "I'll never love anyone as much as I love you" he added, looking at Annemarie and smiling slightly.
Because, I couldn't stand it if you left... ...not again.
Xander stood up and put his uninjured arm around Annemarie, "Then, I won't ever leave you again" he whispered to her. "I love you"
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Post by viola on Jun 10, 2008 17:00:22 GMT -5
Was it shock she heard in his voice? Her eyes traveled back to his, and it was evident that it was. She sighed, for he said he would stay, and Annemarie figured that if only for the students that day, she'd done a wondrous thing. She kept a professor from leaving due to her own negligence and stupidity. If anyone knew that he left because of her, again, she wouldn't be able to stay herself. She would have gone back to Dublin to swear herself to God, and that would have been that. No matter what the Head Sister said.
She shied away, his answer strong as it always was frightened her slightly. It was as if she was making a commitment all over again, and this time she wasn't as flexible about it as she once was. What did she have for herself back then? When they were children? Nothing that Xander couldn't add to and become a part of that would improve her life. She could only hope that he'd do the same now, and yet, she still had an urge to back away from all she had said and done. Her face blushed, and she was glad for the darkness that covered the both of them...forever and always. His words echoed in her head, and she could only hope that they wouldn't provoke nightmares as she slept. I'll never love anyone as much as I love you...the heat increased drastically and Annemarie felt herself retreating slightly standing from the arm of the chair in which she sat.
As she stood, Xander followed and wrapped his arm around her. She looked up into his face and her head cocked to the side slightly. She laughed, but not in a vindictive or hurtful way. Her giggle was soft and at first, Annemarie kept her arms against her chest. Then, I won't ever leave you again...I love you. Again, the words he spoke were strong, but she could see in what facial expression the darkness did not hide, that he was sincere. He always was, though, and that was what scared her the most. Hesitantly, she lifted her hand and traced his cheek and smirked slyly. "Mr. Griffiths..." she said coyly, her eyes lighting up slightly. "Don't you dare be a distraction for me... my love..." she whispered the last word, almost afraid to say it out loud. Annemarie shook her head and laughed again...
Alexander Griffiths was going to be bad for her... the snake could already begin to feel the beak of the bluebird... Dangerous, indeed.
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Alexander Griffiths
Hogwarts Staff
Professor History of Magic
...Angels guide me, but fate plays with me...[on:Color][of:Black and white]
Posts: 327
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Post by Alexander Griffiths on Jun 11, 2008 5:33:32 GMT -5
Xander could only smile as he heard Annemarie laugh, it was the kind of laugh that she had that he had missed. Well...everything about Annemarie was perfect for Xander, that was how much he loves her. Maybe it was because of this mysterious power that she had over him that made him fall for her, or was it her laugh, her smile and how she thinks. He didn't know, but one thing's for sure... No one can replace her in his heart. He then felt her soft hand on his cheek and could see a smirk in her face, even in the dark.
"Mr. Griffiths..." she said coyly, her eyes lighting up slightly. "Don't you dare be a distraction for me... my love..." she whispered the last word, almost afraid to say it out loud.
Xander chuckled, "On the contrary, Ms. Van Aller. It would be you who's going to do the distracting." he retorted, winking at Annemarie. Then there it was again, that laugh that was so hard to miss. "You know, I miss being this close to you. On the other hand, I haven't been that close to anything, but if you count mummies and tombs, then I have." he said, adding a joke. Xander could feel his leg throbbing from standing still, and his arm was kind of being squashed between her body and his. But Xander couldn't care less, he just hopes they aren't bleeding again.
And there is was... Annemarie was back... The Eagle that fell inlove with a Snake. Rare? Definitely.
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Post by viola on Jun 11, 2008 16:40:47 GMT -5
Annemarie looked down in between the both of them and noticed Xander's arm, not really taking into account that it probably hurt that she was up against it as she was. Not to mention, it was he who was holding her so closely, and as she realized just how close, the former nun-in-training's face began to heat up again. What was she doing? Was this right? Annemarie sighed and shoved aside the thoughts of right and wrong at that moment. She couldn't handle the overload it was to her thoughts and to her mindset. She looked up slightly as he spoke and smiled. "Oh, am I now?" she whispered. "I don't find myself to be that distracting..." she said innocently, as if she had no idea that she was probably the only thing that had been on Xander's mind since he had found she worked there. On the contrary though, she knew Xander well enough to know that he had never stopped thinking about her. If he had, would he have worked so hard or stuck around her as long as he had to, to be this close to her again?
You know, I missed being this close to you. On the other hand, I haven't been that close to anything, but if you count mummies and tombs, then I have.
Annemarie couldn't help but laugh again at this and shake her head. He was always joking around... well, so it seemed he was if they weren't fighting about something or other. It was his sense of humor that had always brought her back to him when she had lost her temper when she was younger. Their relationship wasn't perfect, it definitely had its flaws, but there were always much more she found she got out of it than not. Of course, that was years ago... anymore Annemarie was hoping she'd come out of it alive more than anything else.... she wouldn't tell Xander so, yet, though... Not when everything could work out.
Annemarie's laughing stopped, but the smile on her face that was small and somewhat higher on one side, didn't fade as she looked up at Xander. "Well... if it's any consolation," Annemarie said, trying to act guilty, though it wasn't working quite right. "I almost married a man... a Lord of one..." Annemarie jested, at the same time hoping that God would understand her teasing. "And yet, for some reason, He sent me here instead..."
Annemarie's hand rested palm down on Xander's chest and she looked down at his injuries again. "If you won't accompany me to the hospital wing... at least let me help you with those wounds. I have a potion or two in my office..." she said looking up at him concerned like. "I'd like to know that you're alright, Xander...." her words trailed off, her tone soft but stern. She wasn't backing down from this... not this time.
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Alexander Griffiths
Hogwarts Staff
Professor History of Magic
...Angels guide me, but fate plays with me...[on:Color][of:Black and white]
Posts: 327
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Post by Alexander Griffiths on Jun 12, 2008 5:26:26 GMT -5
If you won't accompany me to the hospital wing... at least let me help you with those wounds. I have a potion or two in my office...
Xander ignored everything she said, but the one about his wounds. They were kind of annoying him, but he knew they couldn't be healed by magic. He looked down at Annemarie and sighed, "These are cursed wounds, they won't heal by magic. I can only take blood replenishing potions, I can't even take pain releavers. There is a chance that some of these cursed wounds will react badly to healing potions, except blood replenishing potions. That was one more reason I didn't want to go." he explained.
"My sensitive artifacts react badly in weather, and because all of them came from deserts and hot places, they react badly to Europe's weather. It could be a danger to me, and to whoever comes across them. And the reason why I also have them is because in the historian main office, they have young apprentices, so... they can't keep them." he explained further, looking at Annemarie and then at his arm. He didn't really want to tell anyone about it, but the danger of the artifacts need to be known. It could just be a reason for him to get fired, or worse, killed.
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Post by viola on Jun 12, 2008 15:27:12 GMT -5
Annemarie's eyebrows furrowed slightly as she backed away from Xander just a bit to give his arm some room. Shaking her head, she really didn't like the idea of cursed artifacts in Xander's office, nor did she like the fact of how even more dangerous they were becoming. What if a student got into them on accident? What if it killed him? Or worse... someone innocent who didn't know about their effects? "Xander...." Annemarie said, a bit louder than she had been talking and a bit more strict. She'd gone from somewhat docile to that of a concerned... mother, almost. "You shouldn't have those things here. Not at Hogwarts. What if someone gets into them by mistake? What if it kills?" Annemarie looked at Xander, trying not to let disgust cloud into her eyes as they were also filled with concern. She did love him, but sometimes he just didn't think.
She shook her head as he explained them further and scoffed slightly. "Then they really shouldn't be here. Xander, you must get rid of them. What if Raynor finds out? Or..." she could think of things that were ten times worse than Raynor finding out. "You're only going to get yourself killed..." she whispered, her hand lightly touching Xander's injured arm as she looked over it again. "You have to get rid of them." It was more of an order than anything else... but Annemarie wouldn't stand for them there. Not if they were that dangerous.
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Alexander Griffiths
Hogwarts Staff
Professor History of Magic
...Angels guide me, but fate plays with me...[on:Color][of:Black and white]
Posts: 327
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Post by Alexander Griffiths on Jun 12, 2008 15:42:28 GMT -5
Xander listened to Annemarie while she lectured him, he was somewhat annoyed. "I know, and if you can figure out how I can ship away 5 of those items that are family heirlooms without being killed by my brothers or my folks, I'll appreciate it. And... I've already sent a letter to the main office, I haven't recieved one back yet." he said, looking down at Annemarie and seeing concern in her eyes. He sighed, "I know, I know. That's why I don't let just anyone into my office." he added. He wasn't stupid not to know about the dangers of those artifacts, he knew how dangerous they were.
You're only going to get yourself killed...
Xander sighed again and then felt her hand touch his arm lightly, "I know that, Anne. I'm just waiting to ship them back or trying to figure out how to ship them back without injuring an owl." he explained. "I will get rid of them, just be patient and if you want, help me. I can't always figure things out, even if I am smart." Xander looked down at Annemarie and kissed her lips briefly, "Don't worry, I won't die on you just yet."
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Post by viola on Jun 12, 2008 15:51:42 GMT -5
She could tell from his voice that most didn't know... knowing Xander as she did, Annemarie doubted even Raynor knew. Maybe she should know? Would that only bring more troubles upon the History of Magic professor? Annemarie didn't know, but she was annoyed with his lack of worry on the issue. Yes, he seemed like he thought he knew what he was doing, but Xander always had. He always thought he knew what was best... Annemarie sighed, but before she could turn away from him, he leaned in and placed his lips quickly upon her own, leaving her a peck of his own thoughtfulness, and what Annemarie knew as his only way of really telling her how he felt.
The rise in temperature in her face was evident to her before he even spoke his words about dying on her, and she bashfully turn herself, her fingers instinctively coming up to her lips and gently caressing them, almost as if she was making sure that the tingling sensation within them wasn't a sign that they were disintegrating from right off her face. Annemarie thought about scolding him for that too, for he always seemed to pull that stunt when she least expected it... or at least that one wasn't expected and she was still unsure if she was even ready for those things. The time in the owlry... well, that'd been different and she wasn't even sure if that was appropriate.
"We have to tell Raynor... I actually think that would be the best option," she looked back up at Xander, and her eyes were narrowed just slightly out of determination. She was stubborn and if he wasn't able to get rid of the artifacts sooner, then the Head Mistress had to know. However, as she went back over what she had just said in her head, her now cool face flustered itself again and she filtered her hand through her loose brown locks.
"I...I... I mean," she stuttered softly, looking around to still make sure that they were alone. "I.. I mean about the artifacts. Raynor has to know about them..." she couldn't believe that she wasn't specific before. "Just in case..." her eyes looked away as she felt like kicking herself. About her and Xander... Annemarie didn't want anyone knowing quite yet. It was obvious that in Hogwarts, nothing stayed secret for long, but she wasn't about to flaunt herself or her personal business out there in front of the whole world. Xander was her secret... and she wished to keep him that way as long as possible.
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Alexander Griffiths
Hogwarts Staff
Professor History of Magic
...Angels guide me, but fate plays with me...[on:Color][of:Black and white]
Posts: 327
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Post by Alexander Griffiths on Jun 12, 2008 16:03:35 GMT -5
We have to tell Raynor... I actually think that would be the best option
Xander tensed at the mention of the Headmistress' name, he wasn't really on the best of terms with Raynor and if she ever knew that 5 of those artifacts are from his family, he doubt that he'll be in hogwarts for long. But he listened at Annemarie, she wasn't done yet. "Yes, the...artifacts, but... I'm on thin ice with Raynor. I don't know, but sure... She still has to know." he replied, paling a bit. A visit to the headmistress wasn't one where Xander would get all excited about, he was quite tense.
"And...We shouldn't reveal us yet, I dont know what will happen if we did." he added, smiling at Annemarie. Though he was still pale and kind of nervous about them telling Raynor, he didn't know what will happen to him after that. He might get fired or arrested.
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Post by viola on Jun 12, 2008 16:12:51 GMT -5
Sighing, Annemarie was grateful when he agreed to telling Raynor, and also read her thoughts (not really, he just had very good perception) about how she was feeling about them. Yes, telling Raynor was the best option. If anything, maybe she could assign a room for Xander to put the objects for safe keeping. "Well... thin ice as you may be on," Annemarie said softly, putting her hand on Xander's uninjured one. "...it has to be done. Perhaps she can give you a room to place the objects in for safe keeping until you can get them off the grounds." And then a thought occurred to Annemarie, and one eyebrow rose above an eye. "And... what do you mean, Xander? That you're on thin ice with the Head Mistress?"
Annemarie's relationship with the Head Mistress was strictly one that passed by. They had spoken maybe once or twice since her hiring at the school, and never at any length, or in any depth. Annemarie just figured the woman was busy with everything that was going on at the school, and idle chit-chat wasn't on the top of the menu. If Xander was in hot water with the woman, then he must have hit her high priority list... and something only screamed out that it had been more of a problem situation than not. "Was it about your first lesson?" Annemarie asked, remembering what he had told her about it, and what Connor Manning had also told her about it. "I didn't believe anything was too unfairly done. I mean, the students misbehaved and instead of just asking you for an alternative, they just went off... what was the harm in what you did?" she said, confused. "Unless..." Annemarie stepped a bit closer to Xander to whisper a bit more quieter. "Have you done something else that was... unliked?" she asked putting it as easily as she could.
Annemarie had heard that Xander Griffiths was a bit of a hot head, and had a temper on him, not to mention she'd seen it for herself a bit here and there, but it wasn't anything that she didn't think he couldn't control. So, what had happened that was so wrong that the Head Mistress had to see him for? "Xander... what's going on?" Annemarie asked concerned... however, the point was only stronger now that they could not be found out... not for a long while...
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Alexander Griffiths
Hogwarts Staff
Professor History of Magic
...Angels guide me, but fate plays with me...[on:Color][of:Black and white]
Posts: 327
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Post by Alexander Griffiths on Jun 12, 2008 16:55:10 GMT -5
Xander sighed and nodded, then he froze as Annemarie asked him something else. "I don't know if he ever told the headmistress of if they told her... but... I kind of, got in a fight with Alfonz Jedynak. I was giving Felicity Detention and well Thornton decided to be nosy and butted in, then Jedynak came. It was... a great blur of shouting and emotions getting out of hand and burnt pictures and stuff." he said, looking away from Annemarie. Though he wasn't entirely sure on Alfonz telling the headmistress, they just talked about his first lesson.
Xander... what's going on?
Xander sighed at her question, "A lot of things, mostly in our family. My sister went missing and she's not found yet. And.... I'm suffering from that. You know, worrying too much." he said, shrugging and still not looking at her.
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Post by viola on Jun 12, 2008 17:04:31 GMT -5
Alfonz Jedynak.
Oh that young, no good twit, was always butting his noes into places it didn't belong. Always trying to make deals and offers that he thought would only better him. Her face squinted together at the name as she remembered her own encounter with the young, co-ref. She tried to ignore him as much as possible, which frankly wasn't very hard when he rarely ever left his residence... or so that's what was said about the man. "Did he bleed?" Annemarie smirked, knowing that she shouldn't be thinking, or even wishing things upon another, but he was one of the reasons... a horrible demon incarnate of a man. She felt no sympathy for him, for he was more than just a pureblood... he was disgusting.
But it did concern Annemarie that Xander had become violent with a man... a colleague, no less. She shook her head. "I'm sorry... I shouldn't ask such things," she said, now really not wanting to know. "It's inappropriate." Her face looked toward the ground. "It's just that he was one of my problems here when I first began... said some things that related us together and..." she shook her head not wanting to think of how she had at one time almost agreed with Alfonz Jedynak. As if she'd ever allow him to use her as he wanted...
When Xander spoke of his sister, however, Annemarie's head shot up and worry fluttered through her facial expressions, one right after another. "What?" she whispered in a haste. "When? How? What's happen to Ariane?" Annemarie couldn't believe what she was hearing... "How long, Xander?" she asked.
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Alexander Griffiths
Hogwarts Staff
Professor History of Magic
...Angels guide me, but fate plays with me...[on:Color][of:Black and white]
Posts: 327
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Post by Alexander Griffiths on Jun 13, 2008 0:52:45 GMT -5
Did he bleed?
Xander almost snorted in laughter at that, but refrained. He just looked back at Annemarie with an amused enxpression that quickly changed to a frown as she said the next things he was now just hearing about the man. "No good dim-wit, probably a pureblood." he muttered, looking away away from Annemarie for a few minutes and looking around the whole area to see if anyone was listening in. When there was no one, he looked back at Annemarie to see her worried expression.
What? When? How? What's happen to Ariane? How long, Xander?
Xander looked at Annemarie for a second, deciding on what to say to her. He closed his eyes for a moment before opening them and looking at Annemarie. "Last week of august, I recieved a letter from them. And even then, she was already gone for three days. I don't know what happened really, because they didn't tell me how she disappeared. I don't really know how Ariane is right now, and I'm not sure if they found her or something." he said, his voice cracking again. He remembered Ariane's twins, they just turned 6 last month. "It's been almost three months or something. Her twins turned 6 last month, and to know that they're mom is missing. That's gotta be hard, I wish I could go there or maybe they can write to me to let me know what's happening there. I don't know what's happening in my own Family, I feel so useless" he added, feeling tears building in his eyes.
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Post by viola on Jun 13, 2008 15:58:01 GMT -5
The distress was evident and Annemarie felt for Xander with all of her heart. It was more than she had felt for him since he had arrived at Hogwarts, for she knew how close he and his sister had become throughout the years of them being in contact with one another. Annemarie's face was filled with concern and worry, and as she listened to Xander, she couldn't believe any of what she heard. ...I'm not really sure if they found her or something... It was heartbreaking and Annemarie crossed her arms over herself and shook her head. "That's awful... whatever could have happened to her?" she whispered, not really asking anyone, but still saying it out loud.
It wasn't until Xander brought up kids that she feel even worse. "Ariane's married?" Annemarie laughed a little and thought of little Ariane's running around all over the place. That must have been a handful for sure... "And with twins? Imagine that..." she shook her head again, completely taken aback by not only the news, but the idea of the children being six years old. It was outstanding... and only made Annemarie question her own life more. What had she really to show for her own life, but failed attempts at everything?
"Xander, you're doing what needs to be done. You have a job, you're keeping yourself strong for her..." Annemare leaned herself against Xander, slightly hugging him but not really, for her hands were placed against his chest as she could hear his heart beat from her ear that leaned against him. "I'm sure everything will be alright. This is what she would want you to be doing... keeping strong for your family and everything..." where could Ariane have gone? And without her children of all things...
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