-This is dedicated to my Rosie. Always, love. Always.-
-Chapter Three: I've Decided That I Love Him-
-By Natali-
"It was a dream," Lily said out loud, preparing herself a cup of coffee the next afternoon. She'd overslept. "Fucking awesome dream," she laughed, upset that she didn't have a hangover. She'd always wondered what it felt like.
"Thank God it wasn't real," she continued, sitting down at her table. "I can't believe it. I've decided that I love him. Bloody hilarious. No, it's great that it was just a dream."
It would be so terrible if it had been real, because that meant that he thought they could get together.
And why couldn't you? asked an annoying voice in her head. You swear that there's some sort of thing in your way, and-
The voice was cut off by Lily herself interrupting it.
Oh, shut up, shut up! You know that I'm going to go over there right now, so why the unwanted lecture? Just let me collect my thoughts and actually remember what happened last night!
Fine, the voice replied caustically.
"Now, what happened?" Lily asked herself, pacing the kitchen. "Did it even happen?"
Yes, something inside her answered. She could feel that she'd been with him.
"Alright, so that's solved. So what next?"
How about trying to see how you got here?
"Ah, just my luck!" Lily squealed like a little girl, eyes lighting on an envelope. She ripped it open, and a ring fell into her hand.
The ring she'd rejected so long ago. Something told her that she wasn't going to like what she read, but she read it anyway:
I figured you should have this, since I have no use for it. Last night was… great, needless to say, and thank you for letting me enjoy it again. I'll remember that. I wish you all the happiness with that new guy, and I hope you won't mind if I hope he rots in hell. -J
"It's ok," she told herself. "Just go over there and tell him how much you love him! …After you figured out what happened last night. Now, why are you here and not over there?"
You came over in the middle of the night because the two of you decided it would be fun to take a bubble bath, and James had lacked the necessary ingredients.
And why did he leave?
With a feeling that felt oddly like nausea, Lily realized: Because he can't stand to see you anymore. Because you told him that you were going to marry that guy you'd met. You'd basically told him he wasn't good enough.
But he is! Lily told herself. He is worth it, and oh, Lils, you've really done yourself in this time.
"But," she smiled wickedly, sipping her coffee. "I'm going to prove it to him in a simply wicked way. So now the question is, white lacy lingerie, or red lacy lingerie? Or, even better, no lacy lingerie or anything at all?"
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"James!" Lily called out, having apparated to his house. "James, I-holy fuck, hello there, Erica." Lily gulped as she watched the idiot girl rummage through James's cabinets.
"Hello, Lily! Just give me a moment, I'm looking for a tea cup."
"Two cabinets to your left," Lily said automatically. "Third shelf. Get the white ones. James is connected to the blue ones. They were his mum's."
Erica glared, but covered it up immediately. "Why, thanks. You must still remember from your friendship with James."
No, I remember because A) I screwed James for a whole year, many times here and B) I was here last night, getting a coffee cup.
"Exactly," Lily replied coolly. "Is James here?"
"Poor dear was so tired from last night," Erica giggled. "But I don't suppose you need to know about that."
I know that he didn't shag her before he shagged me! Lily thought. But then she caught herself. She had been the one to come to him. Not the other way around.
"Could I speak to him?" Lily asked dryly. "It's rather important."
"He's asleep."
"I'll wait."
They stared at each other, both with an intense hatred. Then Sirius entered the room.
"Bloody hell, it's as cold as the Arctic in here. What's the matter with you two?" he asked. "And what are you doing here, Lils? You too, for that matter, Erica. Must say I'm surprised."
"I needed to talk to James," Lily answered.
"James called me over," Erica said at the same time. They glared again. "You could just leave, Lily," Erica said sweetly. "I'm sure Jamie will get to you eventually."
"He hates being called Jamie."
"Not when I do it," Erica shot back.
"Funny," Lily laughed, "here I was thinking that you actually had class. But really, all you truly are is an imitation of me with a bitchy twist."
"Funny," Erica mimicked, "I thought you were the bitchy twist. You can get out of the house now."
"This isn't your house," Sirius reminded her. He didn't really hate Erica, but she didn't have the right to kick someone out, especially someone with as much history with the Marauders as Lily.
"Not yet," Erica said in a sweet tone. "But soon. And you won't have to worry about it, Sirius. You'll be the first thing I dump in the garbage. You're too old to be living off your best friend."
Sirius growled, but Lily managed to speak up before he did.
"And what makes you so sure of that?" Lily snapped, stepping closer. "Does he know just how annoying you are? By the way, purple really isn't your color." Lily gave her a glance-over. "For that matter, neither is black."
But it didn't affect Erica in the slightest. She only held up her left hand. And for a moment, it took both Liy and Sirius a minute to digest what it was that she was flaunting.
An engagement ring.
There was dead silence in the room, and Lily felt sick to her stomach. How was she supposed to interpret that? Didn't he… After only a month… How could…? There were so many questions and not one single answer.
Lily gulped, trying to fight back her tears. "It's nice, but small. I'm surprised that James would get something so utterly… well, for lack of a better word, boring. That stone is so tiny that I'm surprised I could even identify it. And, well, the metal he chose. Gold, of all things. So un-James-like, really."
"Shut up. Really, what would you know?" the evil bitch hissed.
"A lot more than you think," Sirius muttered. "If you'll excuse me, I have no wish to witness a murder, thank you. Good day, Lily."
"Well? What do you know then?"
"I know that the first time he proposed was with a platinum band with three huge diamonds and two emeralds at either end," Lily replied smoothly. "I also know, because I have experience in these things, that that ring must've cost less than my old professor's hair piece!"
Erica gasped. "How dare you? As if you know anything."
Lily gathered up her purse, which she'd put down and walked straight up to her newest enemy, just three inches from her face. Slowly, almost as if to prolong her amusement, she held up her left hand, just as Erica had done only minutes before.
"I know a lot of things," Lily smiled, savoring the enraged look on Erica's overly made up face before disappearing back to her flat.
"James, you had better get down here this very instant!" Erica shrieked, heading for her fiancé's bedroom. "And be ready to explain this utter insanity!"
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"Lily, don't give up," Emmy said encouragingly. "He's… mad, I suppose. I'm not sure. But don't give up. You're nuts. One time, shame on him, twice, shame on you. Double shame on you if twice, because it was your fault first time too."
Lily twirled a single curl of her hair, staring at herself in the mirror. "Yes, I know. I won't."
"So what are you waiting for?"
"Revenge."
"Don't be stupid, Lily. Your revenge is getting him back. So go do that this instant," Emmy said stubbornly. "I won't stop bugging you until you do. You're finally… the old Lily, and I couldn't be happier for you. So go!"
But Lily shook her head. "Not revenge on Erica. Revenge on myself. For being so bloody stupid the first time."
Emmy glared. "You're being `so bloody stupid' the second time too." With a frustrated sound, she gathered up the dress she'd lent to Lily for the opera a few days ago, and turned back to her. "I hope you know what the hell you're doing, mate. Hope it doesn't backfire."
"It won't. Just hope that they don't elope sometime without me knowing it."
"You'd only help him cheat," Emmy smiled, kissing her cheek. "Since when do you care for the institution of marriage? That Charlie chap you went out with once was married, wasn't he?"
"Very married. Happily, too," Lily smiled. "Good shag, too. Even if he was a little too old for my taste. He was well winded five minutes into it. Must say, did keep trying though."
"You evil arse," Emmy laughed, looking at her, friendly love etched on her face. "Only you, Lils. I'm glad that you're back to normal."
"I've never been normal, Ems. Maybe normal for me?" Lily offered, a slight smile tugging at her lips. "Are we still going to that house party tonight?"
"Very much so, and I've got a guy I want you to meet," Emmy answered crisply. "So look gorgeous, if you will."
"I always do. And what about that guy from the art exhibit?"
"Ah, took care of him. I did some research on him at work-"
Lily broke out laughing. "You make it sound like you launched some sort of investigation."
"Not nearly. I wouldn't waste my energy," Emmy winked. "Just looked up his name on my employer's program-you know, that odd barrister thing he's got-and turns out that he's been divorced twice and has three kids. Doesn't pay alimony. I dumped him on your behalf."
"So good of you. But damn, where'd he find the time? He couldn't have been more than 29 or so."
"First marriage straight out of a muggle high school. Lasted two year, two kids from that. Second three years ago, lasted one week. Apparently wasn't paradise. Then he had an affair with another married woman about a year ago, kid from that."
"I'm not exactly sure that's legal, Ems."
"Yes, but when have I followed the laws?"
"I thought you were interning to be a barrister? You're supposed to be a defender of the law."
"No, sweetheart," Emmy called, going to the door. She'd come in her car. "Not at all. Actually, we're really very low blood-sucking, money-hungry bottom feeders! `Til tonight, and remember: wear that slutty red dress you've got. Later!"
Lily laughed, shaking her head. How screwed up her life was.
"Prep yourself for a long year," Lily sighed, heading for the shower. "Your revenge on yourself has just started."
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"Lily, this is Brent Williams. Brent, this is Lily Evans, my best mate," Emmy introduced. "Excuse me a moment. I have to use the loo."
Lily gave herself a mental note to murder her "best mate" later.
"So, what do you do Lily?" Brent asked.
Lily looked at him. He was tall, broad-shouldered with light brown hair. Around twenty five, if her guess was right. Very handsome, in a Clark Kent sort of way. Very professional.
"Receptionist at St. Mungo's." Liar, Lily teased herself, raising her tequila shot to her lips and downing it. You dirty little liar. She gave an inward giggle. "You?"
"Accountant at my father's business. I'll inherit someday," replied Superman.
I rather like that name, Lily thought to herself. I'll call him Superman in my head. Oh my, really am drunk aren't I?
"How lovely," Lily nodded, searching for Emmy's head. She would kill her. "What do you do for fun?"
"Ride horses," Superman said.
Likes to watch porno where women ride the men, Lily amended in her head.
"Anything else?"
"Cook-"
Get cooked for.
"-watch pigskin football-"
Watch yet more porno, where guys smack each other's arses.
"-and spend time with my dog."
"Pick up women with dog," Lily said aloud accidently.
"Pardon?"
"Nothing!" she said quickly. "If… you will excuse me, I'm afraid that I don't feel right up to par." She nodded her goodbye. "Pleasure to meet you."
Lily walked away anxiously, before Superman could detain her.
"Kitchen baskets, Emmy, I'll cut your head off for leaving me with that bore bag," Lily threatened into the blonde's ear.
Emmy laughed. "Shitfaced already?"
"Damn right."
"Didn't like Brent?"
"Superman was too boring. Someone more lively, if you will, Ems. No one that's looking for long-term commitment. I am going to be a married woman soon." Lily looked around for a waiter. "Dash it all, can't a person find a good drink around here?"
Emmy pointed to the bar running along an entire wall. "Open bar, love. Really drunk, aren't you?"
"If I'm lucky."
Emmy went with her to grab a drink. "If you would like to stay a bit longer, they're playing drinking games at one."
Lily rolled her eyes, and Emmy laughed. "Do you know me at all, Emmy? Since when do I do drinking games? Especially since Hogwarts."
"You need to live a little," Emmy muttered under her breath. "And here's your little. Do you see that blonde over there, by the drums?"
Lily's eyes found the stage where the band had been playing, then found the object of Emmy's interest. "Yeah? What about him?"
"He is a top barrister, makes millions of pounds a year, has an American accent, and abhors long-term relationships. I believe that he just might be your cup o' tea, Lily."
Lily considered him thoughtfully. "You're sure about the relationship thing?"
"Dead sure. A girl at the office used to date him, and when he said that their relationship had to end because it'd been going on too long… Well, needless to say the whole office got to hear her sob story," Emmy grunted. "Gosh, I wanted to bash her. She wouldn't shut up."
"Might've just been an excuse," Lily said, winking at the guy. He'd noticed her almost immediately. "I need something just a bit more secure."
"He's got-you'll love this-a rep for it," Emmy snickered. "Jake, that's his name. They've taken to calling him Jerky Jake. I immediately thought of you."
Lily smiled. "Too easy. Thank you so much, mate. This should be fun. Anything else?"
"He likes the chase, or so they say. Apparently, that's his favorite part." Emmy swigged another shot of something that Lily didn't recognize.
"Well. So do I."
"I'm telling you, perfect boy toy for you."
"A gift from the heavens."
"So, you're still going for it, even though you're going to go for James?"
"Naturally," Lily muttered. "I need to be entertained."
"Do you think he's heading over?" Emmy asked coyly.
"Of course."
"Do you think I should leave?"
"No. Make it seem that I'm not so desperate. You said he liked the chase. This isn't going to be easy."
"Lily, I love your evil mind," Emmy sighed contentedly. "What should we talk about then, before he comes into hearing range?"
"And when I saw those posh little lacy undies, I just had to buy them! They were too sexy to ignore, you know? Ride up my arse though," Lily laughed, Emmy laughing even harder at her random topic.
"Pardon, I hope you won't mind, but I simply couldn't keep away. You're exquisite," said the American, coming up to them. "Good evening, ladies."
"Evening," they said simultaneously. "How can we help you?" They'd long ago noticed that guys found this rather irresistible, and used it to their advantage.
"I was wondering, if you'd be so kind as to take a drink with me?" Yankee (as Lily had mentally dubbed him… Blame the alcohol) said smoothly. The question was directed at Lily.
"I'd love to," Lily replied, watching satisfaction light up his face. "But I'm just leaving. Too sorry. Maybe I'll catch you around? I'm Lily by the way. Lily Evans."
"Craig Tucker. Maybe we will catch each other. I must admit, I hope so."
Lily smiled in her Lily way. "Maybe we will. I'll catch you later, Emmy." With a wink, she headed for the door.
Too easy. Only too easy to do.
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(One year later, the long-awaited wedding…)
Lily Evans, one year older and wiser stepped into the church.
She'd waited so long for this. Maybe she was being selfish about this whole thing… Oh, screw it, there was no other option now. And it's not as if Erica's parents couldn't afford it. They were rich as the Queen herself. It wasn't her fault (alright, so it was. So what?).
So much had happened: she was different. For one, men loved to propose to her, and maybe it was the fact that she actually had something to live for. After that put down from Erica that day in February… Well, she knew whatever se did, it would have to be big.
Craig had proposed. That had been interesting, needless to say. Then Chris, who'd only lasted for two weeks, had proposed not once, but twice. Rex, George, Brad, David, and one who she hadn't even known too.
What a life.
James, who was already at the altar, saw Lily (late, as always) come into the church, and look around for Emmy. What had he been thinking, inviting her? Why had she accepted?
They shared a small smile.
Damn her. A year, and he still felt so much for her.
But you're getting married.
To someone you can barely stand.
You'll never see her. She's always with her friend.
You'll never see Lily either.
Yeah, well…
You could.
Shut up, would you? I'm on the freaking altar.
You're heading for the asylum. Even Erica's clothes annoy you.
It's because she's always wearing purple. And she looks terrible in it.
Lily doesn't.
SHUT UP!!!!
James, breathing hard, turned to Sirius. "I should've had a big bottle of rum before doing this."
"I think you're an idiot," Sirius said simply, disapproving of the relationship openly for the first time. "You're mad. Completely bonkers."
"Great timing, mate," James hissed. "Remus, what do you think?"
Remus nodded his head toward Sirius. "What he said."
"You never told me anything!"
"Yes, well… You never did ask."
With a frustrated sound at the back of his throat, he turned back to the people in the pews, eyes instantly coming to rest on Lily.
What are you doing, James?
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-A/N: Alright. I had originally planned to do this differently, but I decided that I like to see Lily drunk. :-D. Sorry. Lol.
Thanks all!
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