A Mighty Quill

That's not our love story

Daniel starts narrating aloud

"Once upon a time, in a small picturesque town called Willowbrook, there lived a young woman named Quinley. She was known for her vibrant personality, infectious laughter, and a heart that overflowed with kindness. Quinley had always dreamed of finding true love, but little did she know that destiny had a plan in store for her…"

Quinley rubbed her temples, narrowed her gaze as though her eyes turned into flaming darts toward Daniel "Are you writing about me or some kind of fairy in the woods?" Asking quite snarky. "I thought I summed you up well." Chuffed and certain of his answer, Quinley threw a crumpled paper at him.

"We have to write a love story based on a modern day Romeo and Juliet. Would you please, if only for this one time, be serious?" Daniel looked at her saying "Do you always get that crinkle in your nose when you're mad?" She looked at him and covered her face with her book.

They were at the café on a rainy afternoon. Writing their love story. Comparing notes, eating and laughing. Daniel knew something else was bothering her, he would not ask but playful picked on her until a smile would break free. After multiple drawings on Daniels' part and ink spills from Quinley, they decided to go for a ride.

As it was late, Quinley gave the keys to Daniel. The drive was calming, she fell asleep. As he watched the road, he received a text message. Pulling over, reading the contents he decided they would not head back to campus just yet. Eventually the car came to a stop and it was dark, glimmers of light danced on the windscreen. A sleepy Quinley barely eyes opened asked "Where are we? Don't say we're lost?"

Daniel looked at her, sighed as he took off his safety belt, turning towards her, "Good evening to you too and no, we are at my parents." She immediately sprung to life and fixed herself, pulled down her purple shirt, levelled her denim jacket and noticed her shoes were rather wet and from the look outside would be muddy soon.

It took her a moment but she eventually asked "why are we outside?" He handed over the car key as he pointed "I'd like to get you in there but I'd prefer you rather be awake and not covered in drool. People might assume I kidn*pped you." She quickly wiped the side of her mouth and when she realised he was only playing she could not help but hit his shoulder.

"You know even when you wake up, you're quite angry, not the princess I thought you were."

He couldn't help but laugh and dart out of the car, she went after him. They ran up the stairs and managed all the way until Quinley slipped and Daniel caught her. The door opened to a lovely brunette, smiling at them "Uh… Should I come back in a few moments?"

Daniel turned towards her, shook his wet hair and she squeaked, wincing away "Oh you are absolutely awful." As Quinley came to her senses he walked her in "That was my extremely squeaky sister, Riley." She was the complete opposite of her brother, she beamed from ear to ear. Kind and warm, generous and loving. Her parents adored her, Mister and Misses Stewart loved both their children but Daniel didn't make anything easy.

It wasn't long before another beautiful image appeared from the stairs, just above, a very soft spoken Linda Stewart opening her arms to receive her rather damp son. "We must get you out of that immediately, come dear?" The smell of freshly baked cookies, cinnamon and just a touch of chocolate enveloped the senses but the higher the you climbed the stairs the smell of wood all around.

Riley brought a few items for Quinley to change into and Daniel simply wiped his hair and stood in front of a fire. "You'll catch a cold if you do not wash up." You could not see it but his eyes rolled so far back it could have seen the moon. "I'm just waiting for my friend and I will do so father." Every exchange between them is filled with animosity, the unspoken fight between father and son. Eventually Daniel managed to reappear all quaffed and clean.

"I'm sorry but who are you?" Quinley joked at the dinner table, she had never seen him look this way before. The black shirts, denim, tattoos and rugged exterior was the Daniel she met, not the cashmere wearing all fluffed up. "He does clean up pretty nicely." Riley chuckled as she teased but he threatened her with a spoon full of butter towards her sweater.

As the mood died down and everyone ate their dinner, Daniel sat in the study finishing his version of Romeo and Juliet…

Daniel starts reading aloud

One sunny afternoon, as Quinley strolled through the town square, she noticed a man sitting alone on a bench. He had dark, wavy hair that framed his face, and his piercing eyes seemed to hold a thousand untold stories. His name was Daniel, and he was known throughout Willowbrook as a stoic yet kind-hearted soul.

Intrigued by his mysterious aura, Quinley approached Daniel with a warm smile. "Hello, I'm Quinley," she said, extending her hand. "May I join you?"

Daniel, surprised by her friendly approach, nodded silently, allowing Quinley to take a seat beside him. They sat in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the peacefulness of the town square. Quinley couldn't help but steal glances at Daniel, captivated by his presence.

Days turned into weeks, and Quinley and Daniel's chance encounter became a regular occurrence. They would meet at the same bench, sharing stories and laughter. Quinley found herself falling deeper in love with Daniel's quiet strength and gentle nature. She admired how he listened intently to her dreams and aspirations, offering words of encouragement and support.

One evening, as the sun began to set, Quinley gathered the courage to express her feelings. She took a deep breath and said, "Daniel, I have something to tell you. I've fallen in love with you."

Daniel, taken aback by her confession, stared into Quinley's eyes, searching for sincerity. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke, his voice filled with tenderness. "Quinley, you have touched my heart in ways I never thought possible. Your kindness and warmth have brought light into my life. I too have fallen in love with you."

Their words hung in the air, and in that moment, the world seemed to stand still. Quinley and Daniel's hearts beat as one, their souls intertwining in a dance of love. From that day forward, their lives became intertwined, and their love story unfolded with every passing day.

Quinley and Daniel's love grew stronger with each passing season. They shared laughter, tears, and countless cherished memories. They explored the world together, hand in hand, creating their own little paradise wherever they went.

Their love story became a beacon of hope for the people of Willowbrook, inspiring others to believe in the power of love. Quinley and Daniel's love was a testament to the beauty of vulnerability and the strength that lies within the heart.

And so, Quinley and Daniel's love story continued, a tale of two souls who found solace in each other's arms. Their love was a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary love stories begin with a simple "hello" and a chance encounter on a sunny afternoon.

Quinley watched him, standing at the door. It moved slightly, the wood creaked and she mustered the courage to ask "May I come in?" He smiled at her and motioned for her to come in, they worked together and she didn't alter a thing. Somehow they found themselves asleep on the couch, book on Daniels chest and Quinley over the pillow in his lap. The quiet moments always brought them together and so did the A+ from their lecturer that same week.