Just Breathe

Chapter 7

I woke up on Saturday and stared at the ceiling. A smile slowly creeped onto my face before I started laughing. The sun shone through the window and it was a beautiful day. I remembered yesterday. It was so wonderful I had never seen anything like it! I checked my phone and saw a missed call from Mrs. Granger. I ignored it and got up for breakfast. I sat at the table and turned on the tv. Witney soon came and we had some cereal and tea. I got ready and found the keys. Witney came into the car and gaped at it. "He refused to not give it to me." I said opening the car door. I got inside and we drove to the studio. I hugged her before entering and seeing Mark already there. "Hey." I smiled walking over to him and hugging him. "How did Ya sleep." He said. I smiled at him brightly. "Amazing." "Fantastic!" I laughed and set up to practise. We did the dance all day and then went to pick out costumes. "I just don't know!" I said frustrated. Mark laughed at me. "You'll find something." He said lacing our fingers together. My smiled faded as I remembered when Harry would do that. "Hey, my uncle invited me to a party next week. If you want to come with me and take a day off, we could do that." I said taking a dress out and looking at it. "I'd love that!" He said. I smiled. "I will send him a letter then." I said smiling softly at him. We laughed and looked at more costumes. Once we found them we went back to the studio.
It was Monday morning and we were scheduled to dance tonight. On Sunday me and Mark practised the dance in our costumes and it was fun. Today we had the stage rehearsal. I opened the door to the building and the cameras came over. I was tired and actually quite sick. I was wearing my sun glasses and saw them come over. "I'm really having bad luck, right now." I croaked out. My voice was raspy and my face pale. "I am sick and tired so after this I need a nap." I said smiling weakly. They turned the camera off and left. I went up to the studio and saw Mark on his phone. I dropped my bag on the floor which made Mark turn his attention to me. I stood in the door way wearing my leggings and tank top with an oversized sweater over top. Mark started laughing and stood up off the bench. He walked over to me and hugged me. "Someone's a bit tired?" He said. "more like throwing up all night." I mumbled burying my head in his chest. He laughed and kissed the top of my head. I took off my sweater and I was wearing: http://www.polyvore.com/m/set?.embedder=12172887&.svc=copypaste&id=140995007
I put my pointe shoes back in my bag and we went to the stage. It was our time to practise and we had an hour and a half. We set up and the music went on. We started dancing but I kept messing up little things such as loosing my balance or forgetting something. I got really worked up over it. "Hey, Riles it's okay." Mark said hugging me. At this point I was crying. "I just don't like messing up." I said as he rocked me back and forth. The cameras were on but I really didn't care. Eventually I got the whole dance and we kept on practising. By the end I was all good and we just sat on a couch talking for a bit. "I don't know why but I'm just really scared for this one because I keep like forgetting it or messing up and I'm scared I'm going to do that onstage." I said looking at Mark. "You'll be fine I promise. Your an amazing dancer and it's in,y the third week!" He said. I smiled weakly before we had to go get ready. He kissed my cheek and I took my tea in a travel mug and went to hair and make up. I sat by Witney so we could talk. We laughed and got all of our nerves out. We had to start with the group dance so we got into those costumes first. Once we were ready I went over both dances quickly. Then it was time to go on.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8sKaPF4WgY0
I was so energized after it! I ran backstage to get ready for mine and Marks's dance. Once I was ready we waited until it was our turn. We were backstage waiting and I was jumping trying to calm down. "Mark I really don't feel well." I said. "I promise it will be okay." He said taking my hands. I took a deep breathe and it was our turn.
http://youtu.be/lh9Ibn9NVqw
Once we finished and got our scores, which was 32, we were backstage. We were by the stairs to go up to lights and video but I was too sick. "Mark I think I'm going to be sick." I said. "Okay here we go, your okay." He said handing me a garbage can. I put my head into it and threw up. I took a tissue and wiped my mouth. I looked up at the camera and shook my head. Mark laughed so I hit him. "Cmon, your done for the day, let's get you home." I nodded and we walked out. I couldn't change because I had to go to the balcony, so I just grabbed a sweater and fixed my make up putting on some perfume. We were at the balcony for the rest of the dances. After we got to go downstairs and I just wanted to go for a couple minutes. We met some people but then I didn't feel well again so I found Mark. He took me to the studio to get changed and waited outside the room door. I was completely changed and had just opened the door when it came like a wave. Mark had put a garbage in the room just in case so I bent down and started throwing up again. The camera was there so it would be on the screen next week. Mark sat with my running my back until I felt well enough. I texted Witney to take the car alone and where I put the keys. Mark drove me home and took me inside. I had changed into sweats and a tshirt and sat on the couch with him. "Can't you stay over." I whispered. "Let me run over to my place and get some stuff okay." He said stroking my hair. I nodded and he got up grabbing his keys. "Try not to be sick while I'm gone." He said. I smiled and waited till he came back. Shortly after him Witney came home. "Mark is staying over." I said. She nodded and I took Mark to my room. We laid on the bed for a bit until we actually fell asleep. I woke up wrapped in his arms. I took a picture of us while he was still sleeping. I posted it on Instagram and then woke him up. He saw the picture and laughed. "How Ya feeling." He said playing with my hand. "A lot better." I smiled looking as our fingers tangled together. We linked them and got up for breakfast. "On Thursday is the party so my uncle will come pick us up since I can't apparated yet. Unless you can?" I said grabbing an apple. "I am Seventeen as of this summer so yes." I smiled. I sent a quick letter. We talked about what our dance should be and we came up with an awesome idea. I didn't like the idea of being 'sexy' in my dances but did sometimes. For the group ones though there wasn't a choice.
It was Wednesday and we were finishing up our dance. "Oh my god it's perfect!" I said laughing. "Alright cmon, we need to leave for your uncles." Mark said. He linked our fingers together and I grabbed my bag laying my head on his shoulder as we walked. I didn't care if he was a year older than me. He was amazing. I packed some stuff into my duffle bag and then we got ready. "My uncle has a small dance studio in his house he got for me so we can still practise." I said as I double checked I had everything. Once we were finished I held marks hand and Mark apparated and we landed in the front yard. I walked up to the door and knocked. "Riley!" He said smiling as he opened the door. I hugged him back and introduced him to Mark. We went inside and put our stuff away. "Hey we are going to go to the studio and practise." I said. Remus nodded and I took Mark outside. I led him to what looked like a garage without the giant door. "My uncle let me build it." I said. We went inside and off course, it was bigger on the inside. I had everything. Mirrors and this wood bar with black posts. The walls were a dark blue and it had Polaroids of me and my friends dancing. Mark stared at the wall filled with pictures. "Ready." I laughed as he snapped his attention back to me. He laughed and we put the music on. "One and two, three four, five and six, seven and eight." I counted as we did the steps. I heard a knock at the door. "Riley, dinners ready and we have company." I heard Remus's voice. "Be there in a sec!" I yelled. "Don't ask me who 'company is because I have no clue." I said making Mark laugh. I hit his arm and turned off the music. "Race Ya." Mark said with a smirk. "Deal." I said. I started running and he followed after me. The studio was a bit away from the house so when I looked behind me and screamed he made word faces. I kept running as my long dirty blonde hair flew behind me. No one knew that it wasn't my natural hair color. I was originally a brunette with natural light highlights but right now I had it: http://thefashionfoot.com/2013/07/26/shades-of-blonde/ and liked it. Mark caught up with me just as we reached the house and I ran inside behind him. My face was red but went pale when I saw the figure standing in the kitchen. "Um, hi." I said nervously standing next to Mark. They looked me down and I realized all I was wearing was my short black yoga shorts and I grey shirt showing off my yellow bandeau and converse. She looked at me disgusted. "Well then, Molly, let them change and we will set the table." Remus said tension in the air. "Just wait till she sees who's in the dining room." I heard her whisper. Shoot. I had to pass the dining room in order to go to my room. I held Mark's hand tightly as we walked by. I rushed by catching Fred look at me. I ran up the stairs and screamed when Mark started chasing me. I laughed as I closed my bedroom door. "What was that all about!" Mark said catching his breath. "That is Molly, the one who hates me for leaving. And the guy who kissed me and ruined my relationship is in the dining room." I said taking out white jeans and a lime green tank top and denim jacket. He nodded and took out black skinny jeans and a navy blue t-shirt. "Don't worry, my uncle will let us eat in here." I said. "Oh it's fine." Mark said. I shook my head. "No, it is not." I said causing him to laugh. I hit him in the shoulder and we walked downstairs to the kitchen. "Remus, could we eat in the studio." I asked leaning on the counter. He looked at me as he took the pot off the stove. I looked at him with pleading eyes. "Sure. Just grab a plate from the dining room and fill it out here." He said. I too a deep breath. "Okay." I said. I walked into the dining room with Mark. My face was red and I took two plates and pairs of utensils quickly as everyone stared at me. I walked out quickly. "That was the most awkward situation in my life." I said as we helped ourselves. We got two Pepsi's from the fridge and I quickly kissed Remus's cheek before we ran off to the studio. I quickly put my converse on and we started walking. I laughed as we talked and looked at the window. Fred and George were staring at me. I looked away and kept talking. Once we reached the studio, we ate and danced. I put on the song and we started. "We should make a mini dance. For fun." Mark said. I laughed. "Sure. Something we can do when we are bored." I smiled. I chose the song "stutter" by Marianna's trench. I loved that song. We came up with a small jazz routine. I didn't even hear the door open or close. We kept dancing and laughing until it finished and Mark kissed me. I smiled but snapped my head to the door when and I heard clapping and saw Remus standing there. Hiding behind him was Fred and George. My face turned beet red. "Hi Mr, Lupin." Mark said awkwardly. I stared at my feet. "Heard the music." He said smiling. "Uncle Remus I told you too not come in when I was dancing!" I said embarrassed. "Well too bad so sad" he said making me pout. "Okay, you two continue us we are going to leave." He said going out the door. George went after him and Fred looked at me before leaving. I laughed with Mark and we practised out dance.
"I don't wanna." I whined stuffing my face further into the pillow. Remus was currently trying to wake me up. Mark just stood back laughing. "Why do you always do this." Remus said. I turned my head towards him. "Why do you always bring over the people that hate me." I retorted. He stared at me and I flashed him a giant smile. He laughed and hit my head. "Get up." He said before walking out. Mark came over and looked at me. "I love how you never get up when your told too." He said laughing. I groaned and sat up wrapped in my covers. I really don't want to wake up. "Mark, I don't feel well." I said as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed. He laughed before sitting next to me and throwing his arm over my shoulder. "You'll feel better once you eat." He whispered. "Not that kind of sick." I said as he smirked. "Cmon." He said grabbing my hand and dragging me downstairs. I laughed as he dragged me down the staircase. "Hey! Your actually awake!" Remus said. I stuck my tongue out at him and made some toast for me and Mark. I finished mine and laid my back against the counter. I took Marks toast and took a bite of it. I put it back on his plate and grinned at him as I chewed my food. He laughed and picked me up, throwing me over his shoulder. "Mark put me down!" I screamed hitting his back. Remus stood back laughed as Mark spun my around the room. "Mark Ballas put me down right now!" I screamed. "You sure about that." He said stopping. "I will hex you." I said sternly. "Okay." He said smirking. Then it hit me. "Mark no." I said. He laughed before dropping me. My feet hit the floor but he grabbed my arms to stop me from falling. "I hate you." I muttered as he smirked at me. "You love me." He said. I smiled hitting his arm. "I'm going to get changed." I said going up on my tippy toes and kissing his cheek. I ran up the stairs and closed the door. I brushed out my hair and straightened it. I pinned some of it back and clipped it. Then I took out my clothes which consisted of my mint coloured skater skirt and a white sleepless crop top. I put my auburn leather jacket on and pulled my hair out from under it. I put on some pink lipstick and light and dark brown eyeshadow on with a hint of mascara. I put on my silver bangle bracelet and looked at my black and white painted nails. They were fine. I grabbed my phone and put on my new case from France. I grabbed my black purse since I was going out for lunch with Mark. I walked down the stairs to see that Mark had already changed. He wore grey skinny jeans and a black shirt. He wore black combat boots and a black fedora with a brown belt. I smiled as he grabbed his black coat and I waved goodbye to Remus. "We are walking." I said as he put his coat on. "Alright." He said. I smiled and we linked our fingers together. "You wear a lot of black." I whisper as we walk by a forest. "Yes I do but when I go onstage you never see it." He says. I laugh. We keep walking until we reached a muggle village. We walked into a small cafe and found a seat. The waiter came over and we ordered tea and I ordered a small sandwich. Mark also ordered the same thing and we sat talking. We laughed and talked about our families until I heard the small bell and looked over to the door. I silently cursed under my breath when I saw who walked in. Hermione. I forgot that they had a small break this year. I turned back around and finished my food quickly. Mark noticed that I was nervous and took my hand. "Are you okay?" He asked me. I felt butterflies in my stomach. Actually, I don't think those are butterflies. I think I'm going to be sick. I shook my head and stood up grabbing my bag. Mark followed and put his hand on the small of my back. We went outside and i leaned against the side of the building. I took deep breathes trying to calm down. "Shh, your okay." Mark whispered. I nodded and we started walking home. We were halfway there, and by the forest when I stopped walking. "Riley..." Mark started. Everything was becoming a giant blur. "Mark, I-i can't breathe." I said stumbling. Mark rushed over to me and apparated us to Remus. He turned around and saw me as a rush of worry came over his face. "Oh my god." I started crying and fell to the floor. Mark crouched next to me as Remus grabbed something to help me breathe. I too a couple breaths and felt better. I stopped crying and began breathing. I saw Mark relax a bit as he pulled me into a hug. I smiled embracing his warmth. "I love you Riley." He whispered. I felt my smile become bigger. If that was possible. I pulled back and stared into his beautiful eyes. "I love you too." I whispered as he pulled me in for a kiss. "Riley, what happened." Remus whispered to me. I look over to him as he crouched down next to me. "We were at the cafe, and Hermione came in, I don't know what happened." I whispered. Remus nodded and helped me up. "Remus I don't feel well." I groaned. "Your okay Riley-" "no. I feel sick." I said cutting him off. He placed his hand on my head. "Riley your burning!" He said. My stomach churned as Mark took my hands. "Riley..." He began but I ran. I ran to the bathroom and held my head over the toilet as I threw up. I felt Mark pull my hair out of my face and he rubbed my back. "I hate the taste of puke." I muttered as Remus handed me a cloth. I wiped my mouth and stood up. Remus handed me my medicine and I fixed my jacket. "I'm gonna take a shower." I said walking to the stairs. I went into the bathroom and took off all my clothes. I put the hot water on and climbed into the shower. I let the warm water run down my back before I shampooed my hair and washed my body. I shaved my legs and then turned the water off. I went into my room and changed for the party. I put on a black leather skater skirt and a spaghetti strap dark blue lace crop top. I wore my black pumps and had my black clutch: http://www.polyvore.com/m/set?.embedder=12172887&.svc=copypaste&id=139995884
I put on some red lipstick and did a grey smokey eye for eyeshadow. I looked out the window and saw Mark laughing with Remus as they set up for the party. I giggled before walking outside. I wrapped my arms around Mark. "I'm tired." I whined making Remus chuckle. "You can go straight to bed after." Remus said. I pouted as he walked away. I turned to Mark and put my arms around his neck as he placed his on my waist. "I love you." He said grinning. I smiled widely before saying "I love you more." "Impossible. I love you the most. Our love is never ending. It's like the universe, beautiful, never ending, and still waiting to be discovered." He said making my blush deeply. I heard a crack and saw a group of people, talking, walk over to the tent set up. I groaned as I realized who they were. I grabbed Mark's hand and dragged him up to the house as I yelled "Remus!" Loudly. He chuckled appearing at the door. "Yes Riley?" "People. Here. Socializing. I don't want to." I said. "Your staying." He said walking out. "Ya, I want to me these 'friends' of yours" Mark said. "I don't want to." I said. He laughed and put his arm around my shoulder. I laid my head on his shoulder as we walked to the tent. I took a deep breath as we entered the white tent. I rushed over to Bill and Fleur, avoiding everyone else. "Hey!" I said hugging them both. "Hey Riley! You really are an amazing dancer from what I saw. You as well Monsieur Ballas." Fleur said. I smiled thanking her. "So, from looking at this, may I ask if your engaged?" I said chuckling. Fleur smiled and blushed slightly. "We are." Bill said proudly. "What I need to know, is if you two will ever be?" He asked raising an eyebrow. I blushed deeply. "Um..." I said nervously looking at Mark. "Maybe." He said shrugging his shoulders as he stared into my eyes smiling. He took my hand and swung it back and forth. Bill chuckled and I turned around and we walked to the snack table. More people started outing in. I took a bite from a strawberry and sat at a table talking with Mark. "I need to go to the restroom." Mark said standing up. He kissed my cheek before running off to the house. I laughs lightly and walked over to get more food. I was putting some fruit on my plate when I someone tapped my shoulder. I turned around with a smile but it soon faded. I was frozen in place as the green eyes stared at me. "Um, hi?" I said, it sounding more like a question. "Hi..." They said. We both stood there staring. I looked down at my feet. What was taking Mark so long! "I just wanted to say um, good luck. With your dance show thing." He said quietly looking around the room. I looked up at him. "Harry-" "no. Don't Riley." He said before walking away. He left me standing there motionless. Ron came over to me. "Hey Riley. What's wrong?" He asked. I opened my mouth but nothing came out. I didn't run, but I walked fast. Out the tent and towards the house. Mark was on his way back when I passed him. "Riley, where are you-" he reached for my hand but I yanked it back. I didn't look back. I kept walking ignoring everything and everyone. I felt tears spring into my eyes and start streaming down my face. "Riley!" Mark yelled. I didn't dare look back. I reached the door and opened it walking in. I left it open and ran up the stairs. I grabbed my wand and a blanket and small pillow. I took a pair of pajamas and an extra pair of clothes. I shrink them down and put them in my clutch before walking out. I went back down the stairs and through the door. I caught a glimpse of Harry standing by Mark trying to figure out what was going on. I walked down the dirt road down to the small garage. I slammed the door shut and locked it. I threw my clutch and wand on the floor as my back slid down the door. I put my head in my hands and burst into tears. I was sobbing loudly and uncontrollably. I heard people knocking but I didn't open it. I heard voices whispering until I heard loud footsteps. I went over to the wall under the window and shut the blinds. I pulled my knees to my chest and heard someone mutter a spell. Suddenly Remus burst in, worry filled his eyes. "Oh my god Riley!" He said crouching next to me and cradling me in his arms. He pulled back to see if I was okay, but I wasn't. He took one look at me legs and back up to my eyes. "Why." He whispered, so Mark and Harry couldn't hear as they stood at the door. I shook my head. He used a spell to make the scars disappear. "Don't ever do it again. I will fix this." He said. He handed me a tissue and I wiped my face, the tears stopping. He looked my straight in the eye and I nodded. He helped me up and I wiped my eyes one more time. Mark came over and embraced me in a warm hug. I buried my face in his chest as he rubbed my back. "Mark, take her to her room." Remus whispered. Mark nodded and apparated us to my room. "Hey, hey, what's wrong." He whispered pushing a piece of hair behind my ear. "It's Harry." I said sniffling. He nodded. "It's gonna be hard Rilles', but you gotta deal with it." He whispered to me. I nodded contently. "Ya." I said. I stood up and wanted to change. "My skirt has dirt on it and my heels are soaking." I argued. Mark sat on the bed while I grabbed clean clothes. I went into my bathroom and quickly changed and put on some makeup. http://www.polyvore.com/m/set?.embedder=12172887&.svc=copypaste&id=138493720
I fixed my hair quickly and walked back out. I took Marks hand and he linked our fingers together. We walked outside, hand in hand. Very cheesy. Bill came over with a worried look. "What happened." He said, not letting me get a word out. "I'm fine Bill-" "what happened!" He asked again. "Harry happened." I huffed before walking away. I pulled Mark with me over to the snacks. I started eating some fruit and drinking a glass of water. "Calm down Rilles. Your fine." He said. I nodded and swallowed my food. "I'm sorry, I just don't know how to act." "Well, we could go to bed." He said with a grin. I smiled and ran over to Remus. "Can we go to sleep now?" I asked as me and Mark held hands. "Did you throw up?" He asked looking at my new outfit and pale face. "No, can I sleep?" I asked again. He chuckled before saying we could. "Race Ya." I said. Mark winked and I started running. I weaved through all the people saying "excuse me! Sorry! Coming through!" A lot of times. I reached the steps two seconds before Mark. "I win." I said happily. He laughed before quickly pecking my lips. I blushed before opening the door and walking inside. We went up the stairs and I got dressed into my lime green shorts and grey v-neck. I pulled the blankets up to my chest as Mark wrapped his arms around my waist. I smiled and fell into a peaceful sleep. "Riley Lilah Lupin!" Someone said hitting me in the face with a pillow. I heard someone laugh and my eyes shot open. Mark was standing in a corner laughing as he put on his jacket and Remus was holding a pillow. "Your helping me clean up." He said. I groaned and pulled sweatpants on. I grabbed one of marks sweatshirts and pulled it over my head. He draped his arm over my shoulder as we walked outside. I took a bag and started picking up garbage that was left on the lawn. I used magic so I didn't have to touch the bag or garbage. "So, excited for the next dance?" Mark asked as he showed up next to me. I nodded. "It'll be really fun." I said smiling up at him. "I'm going on the tour." I said, picking up another piece of garbage. "Really! That'll be awesome!" He said. I laughed and we finished up. When we entered the house, Remus sat in the kitchen with two mugs of hot chocolate on the table. I quickly thanked him before going back into my room with Mark. We drank our drink while watching vampire diaries. "Damon is hot." I said as I sat on marks lap in my bed. "Really?" He said. I looked over at him and he was smirking. I pecked his lips before finishing off my hot chocolate. We then fell asleep.