A/N Hello again. So sorry I didn't update last week, I was working on the rough draft for my research project. I was embarrassed looking over the last chapter; so many mistakes. Really sorry. The end of this story is coming near. Remember, that only the plot is mine, and PLEASE review. Hope you like it.
Tuesday
Ding,dong
"Damn, I'm not ready yet." Ginny said hopping around on one foot in her room, dressing for their walk with Draco.
She heard the door bell ring again. Ailey was blissfully unaware in the living room, tuning out the bell, watching some children's program. Ginny skidded past the door in a rush to find her bag. As she passed it, she screamed,
"Who is it?"
"It's Draco." came the reply.
Ginny ran breathlessly back to her room after asking Ailey to open the door for Mr. Malfoy. She hastily put on her shoe and took a deep breath as she walked into the sounds of Draco greeting Ailey. She smiled to herself, happy to see Ailey acting so cheerful with Scruffy.
"Hi," she said to Draco.
"Hey, How are you?"
"Good. Where are we going?"
"I thought we could head over to the park because there is a big festival there today and then maybe coffee."
"Sounds good."
"Okay. How does that sound Ailey?"
"Fun!"
"Okay, then lets go."
Draco lifted Ailey up and placed her on his shoulders. Ginny smiled at the sight as she closed her apartment door.
()
"So how was the first day of preschool, Ailey?" Draco said as they strolled through the festival's booths.
"Wow, you remembered. It was really fun. My teacher is really nice and I made friends with a girl named Alvina. Mommy said that she could come over to the apartment soon. We sat in a circle and said our names, and then we played hide-and-seek. After that we had a snack, then rest time. Then the teacher told us to sit back in the circle and tell each other what we were doing tomorrow and I said going on a walk with Scruffy! We sang a song and mommy picked me up."
"And that was all before 1 o'clock." Ginny whispered to Draco.
Draco looked down at Ginny and smiled, then turned back to Ailey who was demanded his attention to look at the jugglers.
They walked for a little while longer until Ailey wanted to get off Draco's shoulders to play with Scruffy. She leapt off him in a peal of glee and began to chase Scruffy across the grass. Ginny and Draco both walked slowly behind the giggling girl.
"She really likes, you know. Though she is usually outgoing and talks a lot, she never really warms up to strangers enough for her to really trust them. Maybe she has a sixth sense about it."
"Maybe. She is really a great kid though. You've raised her great all by yourself. I only wish I had been a part of it more. At least now I can catch up on lost time. I really would like to spend more time with her… and you."
Ginny glanced up and smiled.
"Yeah me too."
"On both terms?"
"Yup."
"Well, that's good 'cause I was going to ask you to dinner on Friday or Saturday. Whichever was good for you."
Ginny was a little startled.
"Umm, well…"
"If you don't want to get together, its's fine," Draco said though sounding a little dejected.
"No! No, I want to get together, it's just a little earlier than I expected."
"We don't have to do anything right now you know."
"Yeah, I know, but I think if we don't do anything now, it may get harder later."
"True" replied Draco, then brightened saying "So Friday or Saturday?"
"Persistent aren't you," joked Ginny.
"Of course. Expect anything less?"
"Well…no I guess not."
"Good. I'll let you think awhile. Do you want to get coffee like we planned?"
"Sure, though Ailey should probably get hot chocolate."
"Haha, very funny."
"Of course."
"Come on, Ailey let's go. We're going to get a snack with Mr. Malfoy, okay?"
"Okay."
Together they walked out of the park and down the street to a café Ginny knew well. They all ordered something warm to guard against the winter chill and talked outside on a bench for an hour. Ginny couldn't believe how close they acted together.
'Like a real family.'
They soon started back to Ginny and Ailey's apartment with Ailey once again playing with Scruffy ahead of Ginny and Draco. They entered her building and walked up the stairs. They had said their 'goodbyes' and Ailey had rushed the kitchen to put water in a vase for a flower Draco had given her. Ginny was about the turn around at close the door when felt a breath on her neck.
"So, what day?" Draco drawled.
Ginny turned around though slightly uncomfortable at their closeness and muttered,
"How 'bout Saturday?"
"Sounds great," Draco said grinning at her, "I'll pick you up at 7."
'Okay, see you then."
Ginny smiled and gazed at his retreating figure, which turned around to grin at her. Ginny beamed back at him, then twisted to shut the door. She walked all the way back to her room and couldn't wipe the smile off her face.
Like it? I was going to make this longer but this seemed like a good place to stop. For anyone who cares Alvina means wise friend. The next chapter may be up next week, but I wouldn't count on it since the weekend is going to be hectic. Be nice and review. Thanks.