Secrets Only Trouble Knows - George Weasley

40 - Yours

Nova's POV

"Nova, it's me. It's Jasper."

I kept my blank stare on the canopy of my four-postered bed.

Throughout all my life, I'd never been much of a crier. I didn't do it often — couldn't seem to be able to do it — even when I was at my saddest. The only times I would cry, I had to be at a very specific breaking point. Had to be so extremely overwhelmed, frustrated, or furious about something for the tears to finally fall. Deep sadness didn't seem to cut it. It had to be sourced from anger. Tonight happened to be one of those times. The minute I'd left the boys in the backyard after the fight, I'd been so mad I'd just completely broken down.

But by now, as Jasper loomed outside my door, my tears were beginning to dry on my cheeks. I'd gotten most of my crying out already and was laying on my bed, numbly staring upward at nothing at all. My eyes ached with pain, but I didn't close them.

"Please let me in, Nova," Jasper's voice rang out again.

This time I turned my head towards the locked door of my bedroom. I stared at it for a moment or two, debating whether or not to oblige his request.

"Are you alone?" I finally croaked.

I desperately hoped he'd been smart enough — known me well enough — not have brought George or Adrian with him to apologize. I didn't want anything to do with either of them right now.

"Yes," he replied.

"Do you promise?"

"I promise."

I moved slowly to my feet, feeling almost like I was out of my body. I trudged for the door. With a deep sigh, I unlocked it to reveal what I was glad to see was just my brother standing in the hall.

I left the door open and retreated to my bed again, falling against it. Jasper stepped inside and followed, climbing onto the mattress beside me. It didn't take me long to roll onto my side and press my face against his chest, seeking comfort. When his heartbeat flooded my ears, I finally allowed myself to close my eyes.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, arm settling around my shoulders.

"Yeah, me too," I sighed. "Everything was going so well, you know? The drinking, the dancing— it was so much fun doing that with all of you. It was probably my favorite New Years yet. And then what happened between George and me... it was the cherry on top of it all. Tonight was perfect. Until it wasn't. But I guess I should have known something was bound to go wrong eventually..."

"What... did happen between you and George exactly?" Jasper wondered. "I mean, I guess I kind of know. But I'm sure there's more to the story."

"He didn't take advantage of me. That is to be certain," I made clear right off the bad. "We were arguing, actually. In the beginning. I don't even really know what about. Nothing that matters now. And then... well, somehow it all boiled into one giant confession that he fancied me. And right when the fireworks began, he kissed me to prove it. Hard. Like we were straight out of a movie. It was... better than I could have ever imagined," I breathed, pieces of the moment flashing across my mind. "I wouldn't change any of it."

"I've been waiting for you to tell me he's finally kissed you," he said, just a trace of amusement laced in his voice. "I was hoping he'd do it tonight. That kid... you've really got him hooked, Nova."

"I didn't see it. Not until he said it to my face. I was so blind," I mumbled.

"And he was too," he replied. "I knew you fancied him back. Everyone did. But he couldn't seem to believe us. I'm glad he finally made a move. I just wish the moment wasn't tainted for you now by what happened after."