#Aubrielle Burke

[thewalkingplumbob]

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Liam was waiting near the door when Aubrie finally emerged from the classroom, a small smile on her face.

Liam: So what did the new teacher want?

Aubrie: He just wanted to talk about my writing. He invited me to join an after school writing club. But…

Liam: But what?

Aubrie: It’s nice to be complimented. I’m just not sure I’m ready.

Liam: I know I should be encouraging you to join and all that, but I’d much rather you hang out with me after school.

Aubrie rolled her eyes and started walking towards her locker. Liam followed, jogging a bit to catch up.

Liam: Okay, okay. I’m just being a brat. But you have to admit, I am the better person to hang out with.

Liam was standing close. He was so close that Aubrie could feel the tickle of his breath on her skin. She knew if she turned to face him now, they’d be close enough to kiss. The thought made her uncontrollably blush, so she turned her back to him, hoping he wouldn’t notice how flustered she was.

Meanwhile, a few feet away, stood Luisa. She was watching, jealousy building up inside her. What did this new girl have that she didn’t? Why did Liam seem so enamoured with her?

???: Lulu, you coming?

#The Sims 4 #Sims 4 #ts4 #ts4 story #ts4 storytelling #Behind Your Smile #BYS #Aubrielle Burke #William Lunsford #Luisa Cruz #twp post #long post #just a fyi if you noticed something looks different it's bc I'm using a different gshade preset #my preset for this series stopped working? idk why

[thewalkingplumbob]

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English class was over and Aubrie gathered up her textbook, ready to follow Liam out to the hallway. Before she could leave, Mr. Olsen called her over to his desk.

Mr. Olsen: You’re Aubrielle Burke, right? Uh... Mrs. Douglas mentioned your name in her notes to me.

Aubrie, surprised: She did?!

Mr. Olsen: She said you’re a very talented writer. Judging by your homework assignment, I’d have to agree with her assessment.

Aubrie didn’t know what to say. She was flattered, but for some reason she felt uneasy receiving the compliment from Mr. Olsen.

Aubrie: O-oh. Well, um, thanks.

Mr. Olsen: The reason I wanted to talk to you was to invite you to join my after school writing program. It mostly focuses on essay and short story writing. It’s meant to help prepare students for the SATs, ACTs, college English classes... Y’know, stuff like that.

Aubrie: I’m flattered. But--

Mr. Olsen, standing up: Just take a day to think about it.

Aubrie, small smile: I will. Thank you for the offer, Mr. Olsen.

Aubrie gave a polite smile and started walking towards the door, eager to meet up with Liam and tell him about the offer. Mr. Olsen didn’t follow her. Instead, he simply watched her leave, a sly expression on his face.

Mr. Olsen, quietly: This is going to be fun...

#The Sims 4 #Sims 4 #ts4 #ts4 story #ts4 storytelling #Behind Your Smile #BYS #Aubrielle Burke #Timothy Olsen #twp post #the walking queue

[thewalkingplumbob]

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Aubrie sat in class, her mind wondering, unable to focus on whatever it was the teacher was teaching. Mike had left earlier that morning, assuring her that she was safe and going over the after school plan: she was to ride back to Hiro’s house with him but in a different vehicle to make sure they couldn’t be followed. It seemed a little too much, switching cars every day before and after school, but it was Liam who had insisted on doing so. He was probably right; who knows the lengths Loretta and Jerry would go to get to her?

Mrs. Jones: Miss Burke? Miss Burke…? Could you please answer the question on page 47?

The teacher’s voice snapped Aubrie out of her wondering thoughts and back to reality. Of course she couldn’t answer the question, but thought of being humiliated in front of everyone had her flipping through her textbook, her eyes focusing on the page numbers until she reached the page she needed to reach.

Aubrie, nervous: The answer is, uh...it’s...um, uh...

Hiro: The answer is 1.9 g/ml.

Mrs. Jones: Uh, thank you, Mr. Yamazaki. Would you please come up and show the class how you reached that answer?

As Hiro got up, he quickly turned to Aubrie and winked, letting her know he was covering for her. She let out the breath of air she had been holding and tried her best to untense her shoulders. She wasn’t humiliated; Hiro had came to the rescue.

Still, Aubrie couldn’t help but think to herself, will there ever come a time where I don’t need rescued?

#The Sims 4 #Sims 4 #ts4 #ts4 story #ts4 storytelling #Behind Your Smile #BYS #Aubrielle Burke #Hiro Yamazaki #Allison Jones #Clara Huntley #twp post

[thewalkingplumbob]

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Jerry stood just outside the boundary of the school grounds, watching and waiting. Loretta stood next to him, tapping her foot slightly in annoyance. They had waited here for the last five school days and had yet to see Aubrie.

Jerry, angry: Dammit! I don’t think she’s ever coming back to this school.

Loretta: Of course not, the ungrateful little bitch. If you would’ve just left her alone like I told you--

Jerry, angrier: Will you shut up about that already? We just need to find her, Loretta. Think. Where else could she be?

Loretta was about to speak when Jerry saw something out of the corner of his eye. It was a black truck, and as he watched, eventually he saw a tall man walk towards the school, Aubrie following behind him.

Jerry: There she is, Loretta! She did come back. Hah!

Loretta, laughing: She really is a stupid little bitch, isn’t she? Lucky for us.

Jerry, grinning: Yes, lucky for us...

#The Sims 4 #Sims 4 #ts4 #ts4 story #ts4 storytelling #Behind Your Smile #BYS #Aubrielle Burke #Loretta McGinnis #Jerry McGinnis #Jerry's creepy face at the end ughhhhh #twp post #stalking tw #stalking cw

[thewalkingplumbob]

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Several weeks later

Aubrie had just sat down in her English class, waiting for her favorite teacher to start the lecture. She was proud of the essay she wrote for her homework assignment and couldn’t wait to get feedback. She loved to read and write, and Mrs. Douglas had acknowledged her budding talent. The bell had already rang and yet there was no sign of the teacher, until a good looking man walked in.

Man: Sorry I’m late. I had a bit of trouble finding the room.

The class, and Aubrie especially, looked at the man confused.

Mr. Olsen: I’m Mr. Olsen and I’ll be your new English teacher.

The new teacher stood with his arms crossed, observing the classroom he was now in charge of.

Student: What happened to Mrs. Douglas?

Mr. Olsen: I’m not sure. I guess she quit? I-I’m sorry... I don’t know much more than that. Well then, now that I’ve introduced myself, let’s get started with today’s lesson. It seems Mrs. Douglas left off on page 44...

#The Sims 4 #Sims 4 #ts4 #ts4 story #ts4 storytelling #Behind Your Smile #BYS #Aubrielle Burke #Timothy Olsen #twp post

[thewalkingplumbob]

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*sound of camera snapping pictures*

It would only be a matter of time now. As Aubrie smiled and laughed and chatted away with classmates she was now beginning to call her friends, someone was watching.

It hadn’t even been a full day and Jerry had already put his plan to get her back in motion. He knew the school was now surrounded by cameras and security. He also knew no one would notice a young bird enthusiast supposedly taking pictures of birds.

Jerry needed to get to Aubrie. And he would stop at nothing to do it.

#The Sims 4 #Sims 4 #ts4 #ts4 story #ts4 storytelling #Behind Your Smile #BYS #Aubrielle Burke #William Lunsford #twp post #stalking tw

[thewalkingplumbob]

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Aubrie: Hiro...um, thank you. For, you know, having my back in class.

Hiro was getting a few things out of his locker when Aubrie had walked up to him, wanting to express her gratitude.

Hiro, small smile: It’s no big deal. Aubrie, I know you think you can only depend on Liam, but I hope one day you can depend on me too.

Aubrie: I--

Before Aubrie could finish her sentence, Liam walked up to her, a bright smile on his face. His smile was contagious too; as soon as Aubrie saw him, her face lit up and she smiled just as brightly. Hiro immediately noticed the change in her demeanor, and he sighed to himself.

I’m really no match, huh? She might not realize it yet, but her feelings for Liam are obvious...

Liam, loud: Uh Hiro? Are you listening? We're going to meet up with the gang before study hall.

Hiro snapped out of his depressing thoughts and turned to the guy who was his best friend. Liam was like his brother. Liam was quite literally his savior and the only one who knew his deepest, darkest secret. So why, in this moment, did he feel hatred for him?

Why did he feel so much pain when Liam and Aubrie started walking towards study hall together?

Hiro had never been unable to understand his own feelings until now. Or maybe it wasn’t that he couldn’t understand; he just didn’t want to admit the truth.

#The Sims 4 #Sims 4 #ts4 #ts4 story #ts4 storytelling #Behind Your Smile #BYS #Aubrielle Burke #William Lunsford #Hiro Yamazaki #twp post #I do feel bad for Hiro #bc Aubrie's feelings for Liam keep growing #I can't wait to get further along #and show you what Hiro does in his jealousy #he kind of becomes unhinged tbh #but yeah SPOILERS #I'm not saying anymore than that lol

[thewalkingplumbob]

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Mike let Aubrie know that they were having a meeting with the principle to go over some things before school started. She followed behind him, trying her best to hide her anxiety. Truthfully, she hated these kinds of meetings. It wasn’t her first time being called to the office of her school’s principle or vice principle. They always expressed concern for her situation, but never offered her any help. It was always "you need to come to school, Aubrie" or "stop missing so many classes, Aubrie."

She was lost in her thoughts and nearly ran into Mike when he stopped and lightly knocked on the door to the principle’s office. Mr. Williams, the high school’s principle, was waiting for them both as they entered and sat down.

Mr. Williams: Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to meet with me, Mr. Whittaker. And Miss Burke, I appreciate your patience as we get things set up to ensure your safety.

Mike: So like I explained on the phone, I’ll be setting up security perimeters around the entire school. There were already cameras monitoring the school grounds and I’ve just added a few extra to cover some of their blind spots.

Mr. Williams: Will there be a security detail following Miss Burke?

Mike: Not following her personally, no. I have deployed plain clothes security officers to monitor the situation around the school. Along with the security officers monitoring the entrance, exit, and the security cameras, I feel that is more than adequate protection without getting too intrusive into Aubrie--Miss Burke’s--personal activities.

Mr. Williams: Perfect. And as we discussed, this campus is a gun free zone--

Mike: None of my officers are carrying guns or weapons of any kind. They’ve all been trained to disarm threats without the use of a weapon. And trust me, I’d have no problem leaving my own life in their hands. They’re good at what they do. No one will be able to get to Miss Burke.

Mr. Williams: Great! We want all of our students to feel safe and secure on our campus.

Aubrie sat in silence as Mike and the principle discussed more details. The more she heard, the better she felt.

There was absolutely no way Loretta or Jerry could get to her while she was in school.

#The Sims 4 #Sims 4 #ts4 #ts4 story #ts4 storytelling #Behind Your Smile #BYS #Aubrielle Burke #Michael Whittaker #Gregory Williams #twp post

[thewalkingplumbob]

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Mike decided that after what happened, he should be the one to take Aubrie to and from school, alone, on her first day back. It also gave him the opportunity to talk to the girl without Liam throwing him dirty looks from the sidelines.

Mike: I’m sorry if this was too much too soon.

Aubrie: I told you before, I’m okay.

Mike: It’s understandable to be scared, Aubrie. But I’m good at what I do. Nothing is going to happen to you as long as I’m your bodyguard, okay?

Aubrie: They’re still gonna be watching me though... What if--

Mike, interrupting: I took care of it. Even if they can see you, they can’t do anything about it. Not with the security team I’ve put into place with the school’s cooperation.

Aubrie: I’m sorry for making you go through so much trouble.

Mike: You’re not making me do anything. It’s a job--my job--that I’m being well compensated for. If I wasn’t up for the task, if I thought I couldn’t properly protect you, I wouldn’t have taken the job. Basically, you’re my employer at the moment. So no more apologies.

Aubrie, soft: Your employer, huh...

The rest of the car ride was silent. Aubrie stared out the window, watching the world race by as she tried to collect her thoughts. She wasn’t sure if she trusted Mike’s word, but she trusted Liam. That had to be enough for her.

Mike, loud: We’re here.

#The Sims 4 #Sims 4 #ts4 #ts4 story #ts4 storytelling #Behind Your Smile #BYS #Aubrielle Burke #Michael Whittaker #twp post

[thewalkingplumbob]

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Aubrie stood in front of the mirror, eyeing the new outfit she had just put on. It was the first time wearing something brand new, something she hadn’t stole, since her mother died. The clothes felt stiff on her body. She knew she needed to move around some to loosen things out, but instead she stood still, her reflection looking put together, unable to show the feelings she was trying so hard to keep inside.

She was scared.

The plan with Mike had been to lay low for a few weeks, do her classes from home, and avoid being seen in public. He didn’t give her much detail, but he had informed her that he knew for certain someone would be watching her if she stepped foot on the high school’s campus.

They’re watching me.

Aubrie swallowed hard, grabbed her backpack, and headed downstairs to greet Hiro. He was to drive her to school this morning, since his car had tinted windows. She didn’t understand how that would matter, because once she got out of the car she would be easy to spot. Even with brand new clothes, she knew Loretta and Jerry would recognize her.

Hiro: ‘Morning, Aubrie.

Hiro’s voice seemed so far away. The room was spinning and her heart was racing. Was this what it felt like to die? The tightness in her chest was suffocating as her legs stopped supporting her weight and she hit the hard wood floor with a thump.

It’s all too much.

Hiro: Aubrie... Aubrie... talk to me. What’s going on? Aubrie...

#The Sims 4 #Sims 4 #ts4 #ts4 story #ts4 storytelling #Behind Your Smile #BYS #Aubrielle Burke #Hiro Yamazaki #fainting tw #twp post

[thewalkingplumbob]

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Liam, taking a deep breath: Someone, probably Jerry, was looking for you at school today. Hiro just sent me a text letting me know. I figured this would happen and that the school would be the first place they’d look. I talked to my family’s head of security for the penthouse, Mike is his name, and I need you to meet with him so he can protect you.

Aubrie stood up and turned to face away from Liam. She didn’t want him to see how pathetic she really was. If only she had been stronger, she wouldn’t need his help.

Aubrie, hesitant: Liam, I don’t know about that. I’m not really worth the trouble. I’ll just find a different school and--

Liam, frustrated: Why are you thinking like that? You don’t have to uproot your life again! I know it’s not the best solution, but I trust Mike and I know he’ll make sure you’re safe.

Aubrie: But--

Liam walked over to her and turned her to towards him. His gaze was serious and dark and he pulled her close. His grip was firm, but not threatening. Aubrie could feel just how much he wanted to protect her, just how afraid he was of something happening.

Liam, soft: I’m going to protect you, okay? You don’t have to be afraid anymore. Didn’t I just promise that nothing would ever happen to you as long as you’ve got me here? Let me make good on that promise. Just meet with Mike one time. If you absolutely hate him, we can figure something else out.

Aubrie was transfixed by the look in his eyes, which were swirling with emotions that she herself recognized because she felt them too.

It was fear, worry, understanding, and love.

#The Sims 4 #Sims 4 #ts4 story #ts4 storytelling #Behind Your Smile #BYS #Aubrielle Burke #William Lunsford #twp post

[thewalkingplumbob]

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A panic attack. That’s what Aubrie was told had happened to her. It felt so much like she was dying that for a moment, she wasn’t sure if she was in heaven or hell. She was still a bit confused when she heard a calm voice call out her name. It was Liam’s.

Liam: Aubrie!

Liam was sitting near her. She could see fear in his eyes, but he kept his voice soft and soothing.

Aubrie, small smile: Liam...

Liam: How are you feeling? Hiro called and said you were hyperventilating. What happened?

Aubrie: I don’t know. One minute I was coming down the stairs and the next I thought I was dying, and--

Mike came through the door and walked over to Aubrie.

Mike: You okay?

Liam, annoyed: She was just about to let me know what happened until your ass had to stomp in here like the goddamn FBI.

Mike, ignoring Liam: Let’s call off going back to the high school campus today. We can work out a different plan if you’re not ready and--

Aubrie once again looked into Liam’s eyes. He nodded as if he knew exactly what she was thinking.

Aubrie: Mr. Whittaker, I really need to get back to school. The sooner I do this, the easier it’ll be, right? So...I’ll go today.

#The Sims 4 #Sims 4 #ts4 #ts4 story #ts4 storytelling #Behind Your Smile #BYS #Aubrielle Burke #William Lunsford #Michael Whittaker #twp post

[thewalkingplumbob]

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Liam headed toward the couch and motioned Aubrie to follow him, which she did. She moved to the very end, still embarrassed about her lapse into vulnerability just moments earlier. He could tell she needed space, but he didn’t want her to put even more distance, emotionally, between them.

Liam: Who’s the one person in this entire world that you never felt embarrassed giving a hug? Can be anyone, or anything.

Aubrie turned to Liam, a puzzled expression on her face. She knew the answer though. There had only ever been one person she could be vulnerable with: her mom.

Aubrie, soft: My...my mom.

Liam: I figured that. So from now on, when you feel like you need a hug, pretend I’m your mom. Yeah, I may not be a woman, or the one who gave birth to you, and I understand my good looks may confuse you, but just trust me on this one.

Aubrie: That makes absolutely no sense.

Liam: Shhh, yes it does.

Liam sat back and cracked a wide grin, while Aubrie began to feel the tension leave her body as she let out a small laugh at his remark.

Liam: There’s that perfect smile.

Aubrie, rolling her eyes: Oh my…don’t start!

Liam’s phone suddenly buzzed and he read the incoming text message, which was from Hiro. Someone, an ugly balding man, had been asking around the school about Aubrie. Liam’s mood seemed to darken and he looked at Aubrie, realizing she needed to agree about having Mike protect her and she needed to agree now.

Liam: Look, I need to talk to you about something important.

Aubrie, nervous: What’s going on?

#The Sims 4 #Sims 4 #ts4 story #ts4 storytelling #Behind Your Smile #BYS #Aubrielle Burke #William Lunsford #twp post

[thewalkingplumbob]

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Liam’s arms felt warm around her, protective and strong, and Aubrie let herself give into sobs for just a moment. Once she realized what she had done, that she had basically forced Liam into a hug to calm her own nerves, she was mortified. She pulled back immediately and turned around, her cheeks warm and flushed from embarrassment. Aubrie truly wished in that moment that she could disappear.

Liam, concerned: Aubrie, are you--

Aubrie, quickly: I’m so sorry. I am...I’m just so sorry. I didn’t mean to force you into a random hug with me.

Before she knew it, she was crying again.

Liam, soft: You don’t have to be sorry. You never have to be sorry when it comes to me, okay?

#The Sims 4 #Sims 4 #ts4 story #ts4 storytelling #Behind Your Smile #BYS #Aubrielle Burke #William Lunsford #twp post

[thewalkingplumbob]

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Mike stood by his car, took one last drag of a cigarette he totally doesn’t smoke, and headed inside to Hiro Yamazaki’s apartment. It was the teen’s birthday and he was there under the pretense of a birthday party being held. That’s what he told Liam’s father when he was asked why he wouldn’t be at the penthouse for the remainder of the night. Under normal circumstances he would’ve told Pierce Lunsford the truth, but he wanted to meet Aubrie first and gauge the situation. He also had Jerry’s request to think about.

Upstairs in Hiro’s apartment, Aubrie sat nervously at the table, waiting for what she considered to be an interview with the head of the Lunsford’s security. Liam had insisted that it wasn’t an interview, that Mike just liked to get to know his clients and their needs before agreeing to a job, but she still felt as if she needed to “pass” today’s meeting with him. If he wouldn’t agree to protect her, what would she do then?

There was a hard knock at the door and both Hiro and Liam stopped what they were doing to answer. Aubrie’s heart felt like it would beat right out of her chest. She was sure even the people on the bottom floor of the apartment building could hear it. She took a deep breath and watched as Liam opened the door and Hiro, surprisingly, took a few steps back.

You can do this, Aubrie! she thought to herself and inhaled deeply again, trying to wish away the fear sitting in the pit of her stomach.

Liam, loud: Thanks for coming, Mike.

#The Sims 4 #Sims 4 #ts4 #ts4 story #ts4 storytelling #Behind Your Smile #BYS #Aubrielle Burke #Michael Whittaker #twp post

[thewalkingplumbob]

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Mike stepped inside and looked around, noting the lack of party decorations.

Mike, sarcastically: Some party you got going on here, boys.

Hiro rolled his eyes. He was standing back farther than before now and Aubrie couldn’t help but notice. It made her heart race even more; why was Hiro distancing himself from the person Liam says can protect her?

Hiro: If it was my actual party, you wouldn’t be here now would you?

Liam: Enough Hiro.

Liam knew there was history between the three of them, a history he’d like to forget, but today Mike was here for Aubrie and nothing more.

Aubrie didn’t dare get up. She was too nervous, too afraid. Mike noticed her sitting at the table, across the room, practically shaking. Liam was getting ready to lead him to her and introduce them, but Mike had another idea. He passed Liam and walked right up to Aubrie. She looked up at him with an attempt to wave hello, but her body instinctively pulled her back. She looked more like she was trying to defend herself than greet her potential bodyguard.

If there was one thing Mike could tell in the minute or two that he had with Aubrie, it was that she was absolutely terrified of men. He could see it in her eyes, the inclination to distrust him right away. Someone or something had hurt her and was continuing to hurt her in ways he couldn’t even imagine. Well, he could imagine, but the thought of what was being done to her angered and disgusted him. He knew he had to keep his cool though, and so he pushed his feelings aside.

One thing was for sure: Mike had decided right then and there that he was going to accept Liam’s request.

Mike, soft: I’m Michael Whittaker. And from today on, you don’t have to be afraid anymore.

#The Sims 4 #Sims 4 #ts4 #ts4 story #ts4 storytelling #Behind Your Smile #BYS #Aubrielle Burke #William Lunsford #Hiro Yamazaki #Michael Whittaker #twp post