Remnants
By Misha
Disclaimer- These characters are the property of NBC, Aaron Sorkin, or whoever. I am not writing this for profit in any way, shape, or form, but because I have a lot of spare time on my hands.
Author's Notes- This is a companion to "Fragments". This one is told from Ainsley's perspective. I didn't intend to write it, it just happened. Like the first one, it's really angsty. Also, everything in italics are memories, things that were said in the past. They're in no particular order, just as they fit. Like "Fragments", it's kind of strange, but I think it works. Well, that's all for now, enjoy!
Spoilers- Nothing, really.
Rating- PG
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Marriage was supposed to be forever.
That was one of the many thoughts and memories running through her head as she watched him sign the papers and waited for her turn.
She had always taken the commitment seriously. Never even imagined that it would end like this when she took the vows.
I, Ainsley, take thee Sam...
She watched him lower the pen to the paper and signed his name. It didn't seem real.
It seemed like just yesterday he signed their wedding certificate.
Mrs. Seaborn... My wife... I get to call you that now.
He stepped away when he finished and she saw the sadness in his eyes. The sadness that had replaced the love for her that had once shone there.
The sadness that filled her own eyes and heart.
Mama, I know it'll be difficult, but we'll make it work. We'll find away. We love each other so much, how can we not be able to make it work?
She stepped close and prepared to sign the papers.
Everyone had warned her that she was a making a mistake, but she had been so sure that they could make it work.
Marriage is forever, Ainsley. I always believed that, I still believe it. I took a vow and I meant it.
She raised her pen to sign the papers and end her marriage.
She really had intended it to last, had never meant for it to end like this. But at the same time, she was smart enough to know that it had to.
I can't take it. We're destroying each other. I want out.
She paused for a second, trying not to cry, reminding herself that this had been her idea.
It had broken what was left of her heart to ask him a divorce, but she knew that it was the right thing to do.
What happened to us, Ains? When did the love and happiness stop?
She signed her name, biting her lip as she did so.
She hoped that by doing this, by ending it now, she'd be able to keep the memories of a time when they had been truly happy together.
She's beautiful, Ainsley. Our daughter.
They had had some wonderful times, she knew that.
They had two beautiful children, a son and daughter, who were the centres of both of their worlds. Just like they had once been the center of one another's world.
I love you too, Sam, more than I ever imagined that I could love anyone.
She straightens and turns away from the papers.
It's over. Their marriage is over.
I now pronounce you man and wife.
Her eyes long with his and they share a moment of bittersweet remembrance.
Finally, she breaks it, and turns away.
Lisa doesn't matter. The past doesn't matter. She wasn't the real thing; you are, this is. This is what I've always wanted and it's going to last the rest of our lives I know it.
She wants to break down and sob.
It's not fair. Once she had everything. Once she had a love that most people would kill to experience for even a moment.
And now she has nothing.
Only the shattered remnants of a marriage, of a love, of a happy life.
I love you.
The End