Chapter thirty seven.

Ayla woke the next day to an empty house. Kristina had gone to work and wouldn't back until the afternoon. It was as good a time as any to go see her boss and explain that she'd have to resign because of 'health' reasons. It wasn't a lie as such, but it wasn't exactly the truth either. Still it was about the only way she could immediately resign without going into detail. Saying health reasons and giving a meaningful look did not invite questions. Especially if you were a woman.

It was a Wednesday. Her boss always came in early on Wednesdays to check things over. She got dressed and floo'd to work, hoping to catch Mike Green before any other staff arrived. For once her luck held.

"Mike, I really need to talk to you."

"Oh Ayla, just the person I wanted to talk to. We're having a little family get together at home tonight. We'd love you to be there."

"Uh, well I'm not sure. Thing is Mike, I'm afraid I'm going to have to quit."

"Why ever for?"

"It's my, uh, health I'm afraid. I doubt I'll be able to make it tonight really. I shouldn't have actually come out."

"Oh."

"I'm really sorry Mike. But this is my immediate resignation. I know it'll leave you short staffed but, uh," she paused, suddenly struck by inspiration. "I shouldn't really be around other people."

"There's a risk of infection?"

"Well anything's possible."

"Dear Merlin. Well you get yourself off home dear."

"Oh I will. And Mike, could you not mention this to my family? I'd rather tell them myself."

"Of course, of course."

"Would you like me to hand in a written notice?"

"No! No need. Well I hope you get better Ayla. You will get better?"

"Uh it's something of a permanent thing."

"Oh well. We'll miss you."

"Thanks Mike. Bye."

"Yes, uh goodbye Ayla."

It had to be said, her uncle was a nice man. But he wasn't the brightest Knut in the bank. She decided to walk home, apparating tended to make her nauseous these days. Besides Spring had finally made an appearance and the weather was cleaning up. It looked like it was going to be a nice day.

When she got home, Ayla found something rather unwanted sitting on her doorstep in place of the regular unwanted junk mail. Adam.

"Get the hell off my doorstep and out of my way. How many times do I have to tell you? You aren't wanted. I don't want you."

"Come on, can't we just talk?"

"About what?"

"Hmm. How about the newlyweds? I know you know."

"So what if I know"?

"You aren't crushed then? Good. Wood was never good enough for you. Kate maybe, but never you. I told you didn't I? That he wasn't interested in you?"

"And? I suppose you want my thanks? Well you won't get it. I never asked for your opinion then, and I'm not asking for it now. Move."

She pushed him away from the door, wanting to put it between them. He moved to stand behind her as she fished her keys from her pocket.

"I understand why you're acting this way."

"Oh really?"

"Yes. It's going to be heard you know?"

"What? Getting over Wood? I already am," she lied.

"No bringing up that baby all alone."

"Excuse me?"

"Look I overheard when you told Sarah. And well, I'm here to say that I'll help you out of this mess. Merlin only knows you can't look after yourself, let alone a baby."

"What? How dare you! It's none of your business. I don't want or need you help."

"People will talk. It's really not respectable to be a single mother."

"I don't care about being respectable. Or what people say."

"All I'm saying is I'll help you out. Say it's mine. Hell I suppose we can even get married if you like."

"Are you serious?"

"Of course. I only want what's best for you."

"What would be best for me is if you walked out in front of a charging Hippogriff."

"Jesus what is your problem? I knew I should have just done what Kate did and used the potion. You're too stubborn for your own good."

"What potion? What are you talking about?" she demanded, finally wrenching the door open.

He laughed dully. "Amotentia. Love potion. Why else to you think Wood dropped you for Kate? He may spend most of his time with his head in the clouds but he's no fool."

"She gave him a love potion?"

"Yeah and that's it. Instant happy ever after."

"And you knew? What did you do, plan this all?"

"Pretty much yeah," he said shrugging. "Well not just me, Kate too."

"You're sick. Both of you!"

" 'Fraid so. But there's nothing you can do. You can't prove it. No one will believe you. All we have to do is say you think your having his baby, and no one will listen to a word you say. Wood will deny the whole thing." he laughed again.

"Stay away from me! Just stay away!"

She slammed the door shut and bolted it immediately. This was insane. It was like something out of a far fetched love story. Yet it made sense. Everything fitted into place. Kate and Adam both had the motive and the means to do such a thing. They were both clearly mad.

And Adam was right of course. There was nothing she could do. No one she could tell that would believe her and be able to make a difference. It was terrible.

"This is mad." she said to herself, missing the pop of someone apparating into the kitchen.

"What's mad?" Sarah said handing a stuffed toy to Geraldine.

"Oh Sarah, you'll never believe it. I can't. Adam and Kate. They were working together to split me and Oliver up."

"Ok I think you're being a bit over dramatic and you need to stop watching daytime television."

"No, I'm serious. He told me. They gave Oliver a love potion. We have to do something."

"You think he was serious? Come on Ayla, it's Adam. He'd say anything just to have you listen to him. Besides what could we do?"

"Nothing I suppose. But it's just so wrong."

"True. So let's get on with the next part of your baby master classes. Today, bathing your baby!" Sarah said beaming.

Ayla could hear someone trying to open the door and her heart jumped. What if it was Adam? If he could trick Oliver into taking a love potion, couldn't he do the same to her?

"Oh bugger it." a voice muttered. Kris apparated into the living room.

"Why can't I get in? you aren't kicking me out are you?"

"No don't be daft. Just having some Adam trouble." Ayla said and retold her afternoon to Kris.

"Wow it all happens to you eh mate?"

"Yeah unfortunately."

"You think it'll rub off on me now that I'm living with you?"

"Merlin I hope not," Sarah started. "I can't cope with two of you."

"So we taking Flint's cloak back today?" Kris asked.
"You what?"

"Oh that's right Sar' you don't know. He's our new friend and as such I need to know if he's gay or not."

"Where does the cloak come in?"

"Well he left it here and we need to return it."

"I'm coming with you."

"Why?" asked Ayla.

"Are you kidding me? I don't trust you around Quidditch players. And Kris'll be too busy searching his stuff while his back is turned to know if he's up to something. Besides I want to know what his deal is."