By Any Means

Chapter One

From: Thalia Grayson

To: Danielle Winters

Danielle,

You won't answer my calls or texts. I guess I understand why. I'm sorry Elle. I shouldn't have left like I did but I was scared. Buying a house together I would have understood but kids and marriage? I wasn't ready and I am sorry that I left without telling you and that I never responded to any of your calls or texts. I needed my space and I am sorry I couldn't do that like an adult.

I wanted to make sure my head was in the right space before I came back. I wasn't exactly myself back then otherwise I would have stayed but most importantly I wanted to make sure I knew what I wanted and who I wanted it to be with. Please visit me tonight at my place around Nine? I'll have your favorite meal cooked and ready for when you get here. I love you Danielle Winters and I will win your heart back again... By any means.

Thalia.

Who the hell does she think she is? I thought. She cannot just walk in and out of my life whenever she wants too and expect me to be here every time. I am not anyone's doormat; not anymore.

I wanted to reply to her and tell her I wasn't coming but even hearing her voice would mean giving her the satisfaction of knowing I actually read her texts and now, emails. Instead I pulled out my phone and called Aria; she didn't take long to answer.

"Hey babe. What's up?" Aria's honey voice rang through the speaker.

"I'm coming over."

"I thought that was the plan?" She giggled nervously. "I already have the meatloaf in the oven and the veggies and potatoes cooking on the stove."

"Yes I know that babe. I'll be there shortly." I replied quickly. "I love you."

"Love you too." She hung up letting me sink back into my thoughts. It's nearing five oclock and I wasn't exactly sure if I was going to see her or not. It's been almost eight months and she's just now reaching out? I don't understand that nor do I ever think I could forget that.

I walked out of my bedroom after changing into a pair of Light blue ripped skinny jeans with a pair of black strappy heels, grabbed my car keys and bolted out of the door.

I wondered why she thought I was going to come over at the mention of my favorite food and some wine from some bullshit vineyard that I don't even care about. Is she seriously this crazy? Or am I crazy for wanting to see her and talk to her? Maybe both. As I got in my car and drove north on Main I started to list off the pros and cons of Thalia and our relationship together and after that I made another list about Aria and my relationship with her. Can you guess which one had the most pros and which one had the most cons?

I was lost in my thoughts. I hadn't realized I had been sitting in her driveway until she came running out of the house asking me if I was okay and what happened. I wasn't sure if I was able to tell her but I did. Aria's face paled as she stopped dead in her tracks.

"The fuck do you mean she's back?" Aria hissed. I looked around watching for anyone that might be listening.

"Aria. I'll tell you and show you everything once we get inside." I sighed, reaching out to take her hand. "I promise." She huffed bitterly, stomping her foot before walking inside. We walked downstairs into her bedroom, sitting down on her unmade bed before I started.

"She's been texting me and calling me for over a month. I haven't replied and I have kept every text and voicemail on this little flash drive here. If you want to read and listen to them feel free." I gave her a small smile as I passed over the flash drive. "She sent me an email this morning. She asked me to come to her place tonight at nine. I don't want to go and I am not going - I want you, Aria and that's why I have been acting funny lately. It's because of her, she fucked me up when she left and she screwed me up even worse when she came back."