Ainsley adapted to life on her own. She juggled the bills. She cooked for herself, even when she didn't feel like it. She actually got pretty good at it, she was her father's true daughter after all.
She worked hard on her music. She preferred her guitar, but disciplined herself to refine her piano (well, keyboard) skills so that she could be more flexible. With so many movie soundtracks going full orchestra, she couldn't just rely on her guitar to make a living. Ainsley also refined her voice and found within herself a love of singing.
Eventually, Ainsley was offered the part of opening act for a few big bands when they came to the city. Her brand was definitely getting out there.
Many nights, Ainsley sat on her bed and she read. She read crime fiction like James Patterson's The Women's Murder Club and Alex Cross. She read emotional, moral fiction by Jodi Picoult. She read fantasy and adaptions of fairy tales. And Ainsley read romance novels; not only E.L James' series which became pop culture, but things like Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series and classics by Jane Austen. And she dreamed of the days when she would get swept off her feet and into bliss.
What she didn't read were ghost stories or pure science fiction.
Which is not to say Ainsley spent her spare time moping around wishing after characters in a book, nor lost in a world in her head. She invited Bob to the flea market, which was now conveniently located, practically outside her door.
Geek-Con San Myshuno was held at a different time of year that year. Which was handy as electronics and snow don't usually mix. Ainsley tried her amateur programming skills, learnt doing school projects, in the competitions. She also ran into Yuki, who was now a Munch, having married one of Gunther's brothers.
Ainsley was a little late to Addison's thirteenth birthday party. A minor gig went overtime and she was still wearing her jacket when she walked into the old dining room. Addison, in a new purple dress for the occasion, was already opening presents. Ainsley also noticed the cake had been cut.
"Couldn't wait for me. huh?" Ainsley teased in mock disapproval.
"Well, you text to say you didn't know how long you'd be. Why should I hold up my party for you?" Addison gave as good as she got.
Eliza just looked at her daughters and sighed loudly.
No comments:
Post a Comment