Chapter Twenty
The Continuation
XXX
-Lily’s POV-
About ten minutes later, I hear James coming down the stairs again and I excuse myself from the kitchen to go find him. I let the swinging door shut behind me as James comes down the last few steps and smiles over at me. “C’mon, I wanna show you something,” I say, motioning for him to follow. I hold out my hand and he takes it before letting me lead him into the living room. “Now don’t laugh at me,” I say, releasing his hand and going over to the hutch to retrieve a photo album. He starts laughing anyway, knowing exactly what I’m going to show him. He had caught me looking through one of his, having discovered it while wandering around his house earlier in the week.
I give him the album and he excitedly opens it. I just roll my eyes and take his wand from him, flick it at the fireplace, and then give it back. He pockets it and sits fully on the couch, spreading his legs out before looking at me expectantly. I merely smile and curl up on him, lying back in his arms, my head resting just below his on his shoulder while he rests the photo album on my knees and starts going through it. I only pay a little attention to the pictures as he goes through them and he doesn’t ask about any of them because they all have little descriptions next to each, compliments to my mum.
After a while, he finishes looking through and puts the album on the floor next to the couch before snaking his arms around my midsection. He turns his head into my neck and kisses me softly before pulling away and letting it rest back against the arm of the couch. “I like it when it’s just you and me,” he suddenly whispers, moving his hands to my waist.
“We’d get sick of each other sooner or later. You and I both need someone to fall back on sometimes.”
“That’s true.”
“Go check on them,” I hear my mum say.
“She’s so paranoid,” I mumble, letting my knees unbend and my legs slide down, enmeshing with James’.
“You two are so disgusting,” Petunia spits as she walks into the room and stands in front of the couch.
“And?” I say, giving her a curious look.
“Can you please not lie all over each other? We have company coming tonight.”
“Of course. Wanna go make out in my room?” I inquire, sitting up.
“Sure,” James responds, sitting up straight and waiting for me to get off. I walk away, him following and I shoot a nasty glare back at Petunia before rounding the corner into the hallway. The doorbell rings but I ignore it.
“Lily! Get the door!” Petunia screeches.
“Busy!” I yell back before running up the stairs, James hot on my trail. “You didn’t think I was serious, did you?” I ask as he closes the door behind him.
“Nope. I knew you were just trying to piss her off. But…”
“James.”
“Alright.” He takes up a seat on my bed as I walk into the bathroom to fix my hair.
“Have you started studying for NEWTs?” I ask as I hear James lie back on my bed and look around his bag for something.
“Kind of,” he mumbles before giving a triumphant laugh and then throwing his bag back on the floor. “I solemnly swear I am up to no good,” I hear him mutter right before I walk back into my room and raise my eyebrows at him. A map unfolds before him as he is lying on his stomach, propped up on his elbows. He studies the map as I curiously make my way over.
“What is that?” I question, looking down at it once I reach the bed.
“The Marauder’s Map. It’s quite a nifty little tool. Sirius, Remus, and I were thinking of letting Filch confiscate it, if you know what I mean. Let the next generation of Hogwarts find it and cause all sorts of mayhem.”
“That’s outstanding. Did you three make it?”
“Well, Peter did too but only a little. I wonder where that little bugger is. I think he’s still at Hogwarts.” James turns a few different pages, if you will, until he lands upon the Slytherin common room. “Hmm, not there.” He continues turning until he finds Hogsmeade and looks around the different shops before finally spotting Peter walking around with Snape and Malfoy near the Shrieking Shack. “Typical. Stupid kid is always hanging around them.” He sighs and folds the map back up before putting his wand to it and saying, “Mischief managed.” The writing immediately disappears.
“You know, I never gave the Marauders the credit they deserve.”
“No, you didn’t,” James responds, turning on his side and watching as I sit in my desk chair and move my bag over to me via wand.
“We could get really lazy now that we’re able to do things without even moving.”
“Yeah, I know, isn’t it awesome? But,” James starts, “I can’t do this with a wand,” he finishes in a whisper before kissing the side of my neck. He continues down my front before turning me around in the spiny chair and kissing me fully on the lips.
“Ugh!” someone suddenly shrieks as the door is opened and then almost instantly slammed shut again. James pulls away and looks up at the door, blinking confusedly. “Are you decent yet?” Petunia huffs from outside the door and I can just imagine her standing there with her arms crossed, tapping her foot impatiently.
“Yeah!” I call back before pulling James back to me. He only grins and kisses me again.
“Lily! Please!”
“Oh, sorry, did you want something?” I ask as we part again. James just laughs and walks away to my bed where he falls back on it and stares up at the ceiling.
“Yes. Dinner is ready,” she says curtly before stalking out rudely.
“I don’t like her,” James says from my bed and I just laugh before walking over and giving him a quick peck on the lips.
“Let’s go,” I say, holding out my hand. He takes it and moves his fingers in between mine before we head out the door and down the stairs. Dinner is quite the interesting meal…
XXX
The next morning
“You’re not wearing
that, are you?” Petunia snaps as she stands in my doorway and looks at me with a horrified glare. I’m still in my pajamas, which are red and black striped bottoms and a matching red tank. James is still in my bed, under the covers, with nothing more than boxers and a pair of plaid pants on. He looks wearily over at Petunia, turning on his side, half his exposed upper body showing.
“Obviously not,” I say, grinning as she looks James over. “I just got out of bed, jeez. Give me time to get ready. Besides, it’s only the rehearsal. Why do you care?”
“Because
everything has to be perfect,” she says, stressing ‘everything’.
“Yes, of course it does. Now out.” Petunia just glares at me heatedly before snapping the door shut and walking away in a rampage.
“She really isn’t nice,” James comments as he falls onto his stomach and stretches, groaning as he does.
“You have to get dressed so hurry up and get out of bed,” I say, running a hand through his hair before heading over to my closet.
“I have to pee,” he announces before slowly climbing out of bed and starting toward the bathroom. I poke my head out of the closet and watch him, admiring his person.
“You don’t have to dress super fancy,” I say as I hear him coming back out of the bathroom, “I’m not. I’m just wearing pants and a nice shirt.”
“Okay. So I can wear jeans?”
“Not ripped ones, though.”
“I had a feeling you were going to command that of me so I brought ones that weren’t.” I walk back out of my closet, my pants and shirt draped over my arm. I toss them on my bed before going into my dresser and looks for undergarments. After changing into a blue and white striped bra and white boy cuts, I walk back out of the bathroom and over to my bed. James starts to walk over to the bathroom so he can change his boxers when he stops and stares at me.
“So, we’re going out for… what?”
“Wow.” He just shakes his head and walks away toward the bathroom and I merely roll my eyes before sitting down on my bed. “What were you saying?” he asks a few seconds later as he returns and is just stepping into his jeans.
“We’re going out for dinner after the rehearsal so you have to look sort of nice for that and we won’t have time to come back and change.”
“Okay.” I get off my bed after going through my jewelry and picking out the right necklace and earrings. I step into my white pants that have a thick blue line going around the semi-bottom of the right leg, a T-shaped thick green line going over it and extending up to my knee while two other thick green lines are on my other leg and one goes all the way across just below my waist. I slip a blue belt through the loops and am about to reach for my shirt when James is suddenly right in front of me and stopping me from moving all together. He puts a hand on my bare stomach, all the while looking me straight in the eyes. “I don’t know why you ever thought you weren’t beautiful,” he whispers, tracing his fingers through my hair and letting his hands rest on me, one at the side of my neck, the other at the small of my back. “You’re so incredible,” he continues, his eyes soft and his tone sweet. I swallow the lump in my throat and smile slightly, the corners of my lips just barely turning up. “I love you,” he concludes before kissing me delicately and gently but all the same just as passionately as ever.
“I love you,” I whisper, my eyes still closed and his as we part and I lean against him, my head on his bare chest. He cups my chin in his hands, pulling me back, and kisses my forehead first before my lips before he retreats and goes to find his shirt somewhere. I sink back onto my bed, feeling tears in my eyes. How did I manage to find this man inside the boy James Potter? How did I come across someone so caring and loving and amazing? How do I have it this good? It’s seems impossible but it’s all so real. It’s indescribable.
Letting out a breath, I stand up again and pull on my shirt. It’s green with small sleeves and a bright splash of blue on the right side. There is a white material right at the end of the low V-neck to make the shirt look more appropriate. Along with that I have a two-length necklace with green pearls and matching blue earrings to go with. I slide into my blue sandals, lacing them up when I get them situated. James is in faded jeans, a collared, short-sleeve brown, blue, and white striped shirt, and battered black and white Converse. He slips into a soft black jacket and then turns to me, looking for my approval.
“Very handsome,” I say, standing up and holding out my hands. He takes both of them and looks down at me, his face changing. I see a new twinkle in his eyes, a new feature smoothed out upon his façade. James Potter really does truly love me and I can see it physically now. “Come on, they’ll be waiting by now.” He only nods before starting out the door with me behind him.
When we arrive downstairs, everyone is gathered in the living room so we enter through the kitchen and the talking ceases as the door swings behind me. “I believe introductions are in order,” my mum says before lifting from her seat and placing a hand on James’ arm. I let go of his hand and he looks back at me right before my mum drags him in front of everyone. “Alright, James, this is Ryan, Lily’s eldest and only boy cousin. He’s about your age, nineteen. This is Alan, my brother and Lily’s uncle. You already know Anna, but this is her husband Joel. This is Lily’s other aunt, Kathy, and her husband Matthew. This is Angeline, Lily’s youngest cousin, and her parents, Melisa and Jack. These are Petunia’s there bridesmaids, Vanessa, Allison, and Jolene. Everyone, this is James, Lily’s, uh, friend.”
“Okay, mum, now let him try to remember all that,” I say, laughing as I reach out my hand. James puts his in mine and I draw him over to me. He stands next to me as I am sitting at the back of the arm of the couch and now leaning into him, his arm around me.
“We were just in the middle of discussing a few things before we all head out to the rehearsal. Alright, so when Petunia…” I tune out my mum and instead look up at James, smiling as I see him looking around the room.
“Hey you,” I whisper, tugging on the front of his shirt. He looks down at me with big eyes. “Wanna get out of here?” I laugh quietly as he sighs and nods, a smile crossing his lips. I catch my mum’s attention and she keeps talking even though she’s watching me. ‘We’re going outside,’ I mouth, pointing toward the door. She just nods and continues to talk. Ryan and Uncle Alan look back as James and I silently make our way out of the living room and into the backyard. I hear Ryan suddenly speak up and I know he’ll be out here in only a matter of moments, most likely with his dad. Uncle Alan divorced his wife when Ryan was just a little boy after she tried to attack them and they’ve been the closest dad and son I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet since. “So, what do you think?” James just shakes his head and walks over to the swing set. He sits down on one of the swings and looks down at the ground.
“Your mum confuses me,” he finally says, looking up. I just laugh and go over to sit next to him on the swing beside him when my back door slides open and Ryan appears. He spreads out his arms and jumps slightly.
“I could so totally tell you were going to leave. You’re so predictable.”
“And I so totally knew you were going to follow me and drag your dad with you,” I retort, making a face. He mimics the face before heading over to us and grabbing the swing next to me.
“So…
friend of Lily, how long you two been going out?”
“You’re a loser, Ryan.”
“And you know it.”
“About three months,” James responds, looking over at me. I nod in confirmation just as the door slides open again and my Uncle Alan walks out.
“How you doing kiddo?” he says, hugging me briefly before standing back and looking James up and down.
“And the verdict is?” I ask. My Uncle Alan has always been the one to judge anyone I bring home, even though it’s always just been one of my girlfriends. Like when he first met Jayde, oh he judged her so harshly and it was so funny to watch them bicker back and forth as he interrogated her. And now here I am with my boyfriend and his approval means the world to me.
“Do you go to the same school?” Uncle Alan questions, staring James down.
“Umm, yeah.”
“You’re not very talkative.”
“He’s nervous; leave him alone,” I respond for James and he looks at me in horror. “What?”
“You’re just like Sirius.”
“I’m like Sirius? Oh my God, puh-lease. There are not two more different people.”
“No, no, you’re exactly like him. You both like to torture me.”
“Aww, c’mon, I’m not torturing you. And besides, he’s very mean when he does so.”
“You know, I bet you two have a lot in common.”
“We so do not.”
“And he would deny it too.”
“Fine. Should we end this right now?”
“I thought you said you weren’t allowing him anywhere near here.” I just huff and James grins triumphantly before going back to his swinging.
“Can you get through to him without the mirror?” James seems to think for a minute before nodding. “How?”
“Animagus,” he says, shrugging his shoulders.
“You guys can communicate even this far away?”
“Yeah. It’s kinda faded and, like, hard to decipher but, hey, it’s Sirius. We’ve been doing it forever.”
“Alright, tell him to apparate here.”
“Seriously?”
“He’s not coming to the rehearsal.”
“Then what’s the point?”
“To prove you wrong. We’re not alike.”
“Want me to just tell you his thoughts on the matter?”
“Go ahead. I’m waiting.”
“Okay, hold on.” James pauses for about a half a second before speaking again, “Wait, when is he going out with Kate?”
“Oh, that’s right. I’m not sure. Never mind then.” James just shrugs before looking over at the door as it opens.
“Kay, kids, let’s go. Time to leave,” my mum says before bustling away. James, Ryan, and I all get up and start to go inside with my Uncle Alan when I feel James’ fingers slide in between mine and I give his hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Don’t be nervous. Just be yourself and you’ll do fine,” I whisper as we stop at the door.
“I can do that,” he says before looking around us.
“Yeah, my mum just might forcibly separate us if we show any public affection.”
“Well then.”
“But has something like that ever stopped you?”
“Your mum seems like she could be very scary.”
“You’re so cute.” James just smiles happily before I stand on my tiptoes and kiss him softly, he kissing me back immediately. We part after a few moments and James’ face literally lights up as he stares down at me. “You’re so giddy, boy, and it’s so adorable.”
“I can’t help it. I’m just so madly in love with you.”
“Then I’m glad to be yours.” His smile only widens before he dips his head down and kisses me one last time before we quickly hurry out of the house through the front door and clamber into my mum’s car with Petunia in the front, my Uncle Alan and Auntie Anna in the middle, and James, Ryan, and I in the back. I tuck my feet under me and lean into James after we pull out and he instinctively puts his arm around my shoulders. “I’m worried about Jayde,” I whisper as we watch the scenery fly by.
“Why?” he inquires, looking down at me and lifting a loose strand of hair and tucking it behind my ear.
“She’s not herself anymore. She’s very… umm… well, Dylan’s a lucky man and not in that sense.”
“Wow, really? I didn’t ever see her as giving herself up so easily.”
“She wasn’t, like, always pushing herself onto you when you guys were dating?”
“We never really dated. I dunno, Jayde and I had a weird relationship. I don’t think you can even classify it as that. She was kind of like,” James stops, sighing as he tries to figure out how to explain it, “She was kind of just like a friend but… wow, I never thought about how awkward it was.” I laugh, causing my aunt and uncle to look back at me.
“I used to see you guys kiss, though.”
“Not really. Just really quickly. Hmm… well we did date for about a month in sixth year and then we were just very,
very close friends after that. It never really faded off. Not until you started to become my friend.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I think I actually told her off one day about it cos she wouldn’t leave me alone.”
“Hmm, wow, the famous James Potter standing up for himself. Loving it.”
“What? I don’t stand up for myself normally?”
“Well, not usually to people like Jayde.”
“You’re just not ever there. I always used to tell Jayde off.”
“And now you hardly speak to her.”
“Yeah, well, she screwed up Sirius pretty bad. She messed with his head something awful. I mean, seriously, who does that? Dates you and then ditches you for your brother? That’s just wrong. Especially since Regulus is younger.”
“I feel so bad for Sirius when it comes to his family.”
“It’s a pity, yeah. I wish they could just accept him.”
“And now with…”
“Yeah,” James cuts me off, nodding as he looks out the window again.
“Are we never going to talk about that?”
“Lily, not now.”
“James, please, you have to talk to someone about it sometime or another. You’ve bottled everything up.”
“Lily,” he says sternly, looking at me, “Please, not now.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” I merely sigh and snuggle up closer to him, closing my eyes and waiting for the drive to end…
XXX
The next night, we are once again crammed into my mum’s car, going to dinner since we ran late the night before and weren’t able to fit the dinner in. Thankfully, they let us change our reservations, understanding that everyone is really stressed out with the wedding. Halfway there, I feel James’ hand move slightly on my leg where it’s enclosed with my own and I look up at him, clicking my tongue as I see his eyes shut. I rub my thumb over the top of his hand and he slowly opens his eyes, turning his head and looking down at me. “Are you tired?” I whisper, pulling up my falling strap. I am wearing a turquoise spaghetti strap top with a low V-neck and a light green ribbon crossing underneath my chest. My skirt is a silky, various-shaded mixture of blues and greens. James nods, sitting up a little straighter and blinking a few times. “We can sleep in late tomorrow.” He just nods again before turning his head to look out the window. I see his eyes shade over and become glossy and I feel my heart aching. I know exactly what he’s thinking about. “I love you,” I whisper, leaning into him. I watch as his eyes close and he lets out a short breath before he opens his eyes again and looks down at me. The car comes to a stop and everyone climbs out. Once outside, I take James’ hands in my own and pull him toward me. “It’ll be alright. They love you and I know they were so proud of you,” I manage to say, feeling my own eyes filling up.
“I miss them,” he whispers, looking down at the ground.
“I know. But don’t forget that you have people around you who love you and care about you and want to help you through this.”
“Thank you, Lily.”
“Anything for you.” I hug him, letting myself be taken in by his strong arms and feeling that sense of complete safety and that all is right in the world…
XXX
Later that night, James is sitting on my bed, his knees drawn up to his chest, and already in his plaid pajama bottoms and white t-shirt when there’s a knock on the door. James looks over at the door and it swings open. I look back at him from my spot at my desk and smile proudly. The whole time he’s been here and even a little while still at school earlier he has been working hard to perfect nonverbal and wand-less spells. So far he’s doing amazing. “Lils?”
“Desk,” I respond, turning back to my Transfiguration book. James puts his head back in his arms, continuing his conversation mentally with Sirius. Ryan comes over to me and is about to say something when a black owl suddenly shoots through my window and skitters to a stop in front of me. It drops a small piece of parchment in front of me before disappearing out the window again. I pick up the paper and turn it over, grinning at the messy handwriting.
Can I come for just a few minutes? He needs someone to talk to.
-Padfoot SB
Suddenly the black owl zooms back into my room and looks at me expectantly. Typical, Sirius’ owl is just like him, always forgetting. I scribble a response on the back of the parchment, let the owl take it in his beak, and then watch as he flies off. “What’s up?” I question, turning toward Ryan.
“I have to stay the night cos my dad passed out on the couch. Your aunt already has one of the guest rooms and Petunia’s friends took the other one. Can I stay in here?”
“Sure. One second.” I get up and quickly close the door and no less than three seconds later, there’s a loud pop and Sirius Black has appeared in the middle of my room.
“Hello love,” he says, smiling over at me. “Oh, hey,” he continues, looking at Ryan fearfully.
“Don’t worry, Sirius, he knows.”
“Oh, okay. Alright, James, scoot over.” I turn back and watch as James lifts his head but doesn’t budge. “Move,” Sirius tries again. He’s in silk black pajama bottoms and a plain blue shirt with, of course, no socks. “Am I going to have to do this forcibly?”
“No, don’t,” James tries but Sirius has already jumped on my bed and onto James. James laughs and tries to push Sirius away but the two just fight like the boys that they are as Ryan looks at them strangely.
“Right,” he says, nodding and looking back down at me. “I’m gonna go get my stuff and then I’ll be right back.” I wave him away and he leaves, allowing me to talk freely with Sirius and James.
“You okay?” I question, fixing my eyes on James. He shrugs as Sirius sits down next to him and scrunches up his nose. “What are you doing?” James too looks over at Sirius and laughs right before he sneezes.
“Ew. Expulsion of bodily fluids,” he mutters, causing James and I to crack up. “Okay, you, spill all.”
“I’ll be back,” I say, getting up and leaving the boys to chat. “Hey mum,” I mumble as I enter the kitchen.
“What are you wearing? You don’t sleep with James in that, do you?” she gasps, staring at my pajamas. I’m currently dressed in plain pink bottoms with a few stars at the top and a matching pink tank.
“Yes, I do. There’s nothing wrong with how I’m dressed. Is it okay if James’ friend is here right now?”
“How did he get here?”
“Magic.”
“Why is he here?”
“Just to talk.”
“As long as he doesn’t cause any trouble.” I start to say he won’t but then remember it’s Sirius I’m dealing with. I shrug, hoping he’ll be good.
“I’ll make sure he won’t. Do we have any… Ow!” I exclaim as Petunia brushes by me and slams into my shoulder.
“Watch where you’re standing, freak,” she hisses bitterly before continuing on her way. And then we hear her scream and my mum and I both run through the swinging door in a great hurry to see what her problem is. “Mum! There’s a stranger in the house!” She runs the other way and I just start laughing as Sirius looks after her with a horrified stare.
“Is that your sister?” he questions and I can hear the laughter in his voice, making his voice sound gruff and deeper than usual. I am about to respond when there’s a small squeal from beside me and I turn just in time to see Jolene running off, her cheeks flaming, obviously having thought Sirius was a looker.
“You should stay; you make things that much more interesting.”
“Haha, I’m sure, but I’m gonna have to get back to Kate sooner or later. I left her all alone in the mansion to watch after things by herself.”
“That’s never fun.”
“No, not at all.”
“So what are you down here for anyway?”
“Oh, you know, a little bit of this, a little bit of that,” he says slyly, wrapping his arm around my waist and grinning.
“Sirius,” I begin.
“Yes, love?”
“This is my mum.”
“A pleasure, Mrs. Evans. You have such a beautiful home complimented by such a gorgeous daughter. I’m James’ friend, Sirius,” he says, reaching forward to shake my mum’s hand before looking down at me. “May I borrow you?”
“Me?”
“Yes, you and a drink. That girl likes to chase me around the house.” I just roll my eyes and motion for Sirius to follow me into the kitchen. My mum trails behind us, eyeing Sirius curiously. “Your cousin kid, he’s annoying me,” he whispers, leaning on the fridge while I open it.
“And?”
“Well, I’m kinda trying to get through to James and he’s standing right there, hovering over us.”
“Is that why you’re borrowing me?”
“Yes, you need to kick him out or at least tell him to stop eavesdropping so badly.”
“Sirius,” I start but he interrupts.
“Lily, sweetheart, this is James we’re talking about. I’m practically forcing the words out of his mouth right now. He doesn’t want to talk about it and with the added disturbance it makes it that much harder. Prongs has never liked to talk about his feelings and he’s never going to so please, do me and him a favor… and to a certain extent, yourself.”
“Why do your arguments always sound so persuading?”
“Cos I know how to work with my words. Even if there is a short limit of them,” he adds as I stand straight and sigh. “Thank you. I’m forever grateful,” he concludes before placing a soft kiss on my cheek. “Now then, up to your lovey dovey downhearted boyfriend. Go, go, go,” he says, shooing me away. “Very nice meeting you, Mrs. Evans,” he finishes before going through the door and hurrying up the stairs.
“Hey Ryan, a word?”
“Sure.” Sirius slips into the room, closes the door behind us, and then I can hear him pounce on the bed… or James…
XXX
I groan as the sunlight hits my eyes suddenly. “C’mon, Lils, up you go,” Ryan’s voice whispers in my ear. I merely groan again in response before snuggling up closer to the still sleeping James and breathing in his scent. “Lily,” Ryan says sternly and I wait to hear his padded footsteps leave and the door open and snap shut before I open my eyes and stare up at James. His beautiful hazel eyes are hidden beneath tired lids and soft eyelashes. But, oh, those eyes. I always used to promise myself that I wouldn’t fall into them and now here I was, melting so furiously in them. With splashes of brown and green against the grey solid, they are so invitingly warm and happy. His chiseled face and prominent features complimented by his messy black hair that sticks up everywhere is just so adorable and handsome.
I sigh at these thoughts, leaving my mind to wander away to the descriptions of the rest of him. The best description is of his personality, though. James is kind, sweet, caring, lively, happy, silly, fun, funny, loving, careful but still risky, loud, paternal, friendly, outgoing, and certainly unique. I smile to myself before leaning up and pressing my lips to his temple. I pull away afterward and just cuddle up against him, my smile widening as I feel his arm tighten ever so slightly around my waist and I feel his hand on my bare stomach.
With a long yawn, I lie back down next to James, resting my head on his shoulder and draping an arm across his front, before slowly drifting off into the wonderful world of dreams…
XXX
“LILY! GET OUT OF BED!” a voice screams right before my door is thrown open. Petunia storms in as I awake with a start. I quickly wave my arms in her direction, motioning for her to be quiet as I look down at James and surprisingly find him still sleeping. “It’s almost ten o’clock. We need to leave soon and you’re still in night clothing. Get out of bed and get dressed. Him too,” she whispers, glaring steadily at me before storming out and slamming the door behind her. I roll my eyes and let my shoulders sag and am about to get out of bed when I feel James’ hands on my waist.
“Are we going back to my house after today?” he asks in a soft voice, his voice groggy from just being woken up.
“Thankfully,” I return, leaning down and giving him a quick peck before getting out of the bed and exiting the room. I hurry down the stairs as I hear James slowly moving upstairs and when I enter the kitchen, Ryan looks at me with raised eyebrows. I just send him a glare before turning to my mum. “Is everything ready?”
“Yeah, it’s hanging up by the back door.”
“Thanks.”
“Lily,” my mum stops me.
“Yes?”
“Your sister isn’t too happy with you and James’ behavior.”
“My God, mum! Stop being so thick!” I shriek before storming out of the kitchen, gathering our things, and then starting up the stairs.
“You can’t speak to me like that!”
“You don’t understand! Just because it didn’t work out for you doesn’t mean that I can’t love! Just leave me and James alone!”
“Is everything alright?” James queries from the top of the stairs.
“You’re seventeen! It’s inappropriate!”
“You were already married and prepared to have children when you were sixteen! Don’t tell me what’s inappropriate!”
“It was a mistake I now regret! But when I married for the second time, I made the right choice then!”
“So let me make my choices!”
“You’re not ready!”
“Let me go, mum! I’ve already been gone for so long and you’re trying to pull me back! It’s not going to work!”
“Lily, please! Think about what you’re saying! You’re not being rational!”
“My present and my future lies with James right now, mum! Not with you! Not with Petunia! Not in this house! Not with your opinions! Stop trying to hold me down!”
“You’re
my daughter!
My daughter!”
“Yes, I am! And I’m
his girlfriend!”
“You’re seventeen! You don’t know what you’re talking about!”
“You were sixteen! And now you’re thirty-five and you still have no freaking clue what you’re doing! You’re using this wedding as an excuse to try to get me back! It’s not going to work! I’m leaving and I’m not coming back! You can’t make me stay!”
“Yes, I can! I’m your mother! I can do whatever I please!”
“Really then? Where were you when I was scared for my life?” I scream, stalking back down the stairs and shoving an accusing finger in my mum’s face. “Where were you when dad was up there beating the shit out of me? Where were you when he was passed out drunk on the couch? Where were you when he was sleeping with women left and right? Under this very roof! Where were you when I was suffering at school, trying to figure out what was going on? Where were you when I was confused and needed a mother figure? Where were you when not you, but James’ mum took me under her wing and lent me her advice and guidance? Where were you when my whole life started falling apart and I had no one to turn to? Where were you when I needed help? Huh? You weren’t there! So you can’t tell me what to do anymore! I’m who I am now because of me and not you! I had to go through hell and beyond by myself! By my own freaking self! That’s not what a mother does! She doesn’t leave her child alone and heartbroken constantly!” I start to turn away and run off when she grabs my arm and pulls me back to her.
“Someday, you are going to understand why I did what I did. You are going to realize that I had to sacrifice your life for mine. I wouldn’t have lived if I went after you.” I stare at my mum in shock, not believing the words that she thinks are comforting.
“Do you even hear yourself?” I retort, yanking my arm out of her grip. “Trust me, mother, when I have a child someday, I will always, ALWAYS put them first! I would rather die than lose my child! But know this: I will never leave my child! I will always be there for him or her! But where were you? You weren’t!” With that, I storm up the stairs and disappear into my room, James already ahead of me. He takes the clothes from me before I sink down onto my bed, shaking with anger. “I don’t know who she thinks she is!” I exclaim, throwing my hands up. James is about to respond when my door swings open and my mum walks in. She stalks right over to me and slaps me hard across the face, causing James to jump back in shock and his eyes to widen.
“You listen to me closely, Lily, and you don’t say a word until I’m finished. You’re a rude, inconsiderate bitch who can’t live with the fact that her life isn’t perfect. Deal with it. I don’t know a single person who has it as good as you. Now you and your
boyfriend,” she spits the word, glaring heatedly at me, “will get dressed quietly and come down when Ryan fetches you. Is that clear?”
“Yes ma’am,” I manage to choke out as I brace myself. Fortunately she doesn’t hit me again and instead rages out of the room, screaming obscenities the whole way. James stands in absolute astonishment, his eyes wide as quarters and his mouth agape. My first sob brings him back to reality and he quickly hurries over to me.
“Are you alright?”
“She’s just like him,” I whisper, my chest constricting as I stare out the door, my mother’s screaming very audible. James starts to hug me but I push him away and stand up, wiping my eyes as I do.
“Lily,” he tries, looking helplessly over at me.
“Never mind it, James,” I mutter through gritted teeth, beginning to unzip the back of the dress. It’s a beautiful dress with a pink, thick-strapped, V-necked, fitted top. It immediately bursts out at the waist in layers of green and pink. My reception dress is just as pretty. It has a loose, light green top with brown, visible stitching going down the side and a forest green, layered skirt attached for the bottom. James’ suit is simple with the typical black pants, black jacket, crisp white collared, button-up shirt and black tie.
I tug on the zipper, feeling James’ eyes bearing into me as it sticks and my shoulders shake. “Lily,” he whispers, pulling me away from the dress and turning me around. I burst into tears, my knees giving out as James holds me close to him. He rubs my back comfortingly, whispering soothing words whilst supporting me. “Do you wanna just go home?” he inquires after a few minutes.
“No. I have to go to my sister’s wedding. No matter how much I hate her, she’s my sister and I want to be at her wedding just like I want her at mine someday.”
“Okay.” He slowly lets go of me, proving me right on what an amazing guy he is yet again. “Are you sure you’re gonna be fine?”
“I’m good. Thank you.”
“It’s no problem. I love helping you out,” he says, tracing a finger along my cheek before lifting my chin so I am facing him. “Someday,” is all he says before giving me a small kiss and then going over to his suit and sighing…
XXX
Oh my good golly gosh, there is just sooooooo much I wanna put in these chapters. I know this one was excruciatingly long and, believe it or not, I’m still not done with this bit. The next chapter is still going on with this break but I’m pretty sure it’ll take off into a different time… even if it’s still in the same month. I dunno, I’m just liking where the story is right now and I wanna stick with it. Wanna patch things up with James and his family, Lily and her family, put some Sirius/Kate stuff in there, show a bit of Jayde but most likely not. You know, that kinda stuff. Who knows? Stuff will happen, stuff won’t. I’ll see. But I can almost promise that the next chapter will be very long too. Then that’s probably it and the excitement returns in another Sirius chappie. Woo! Alright, so, what’d you guys think of this one? Too slow? Too dramatic? Too lovey? Anything bad? What’s good? What can I improve? The typical questions. Reviews are beautiful little things! Thnx!
-Jayde PP
PS: Again, the outfits and such:
Lily’s at the rehearsal, and the next day: 
Wedding: 
Reception: 
Petunia’s dress: 
The bridesmaids’ dresses: 
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