Just Breathe

Chapter 8

"It's the semi-finals! I don't know what to do!" I said pacing the studio. It had been five weeks and was now the semi-finals. The people left were me and Mark, Witney and Alfonso, Bethany and Derek, and Jamel and Val. "Riley, calm." Mark said sternly. I took a deep breathe and we went back to practise.
Finally it was performance day. I stood backstage, actually shaking. Then the video started playing. "A couple weeks ago, it was right after our dance, I got a little over excited..." I heard my voice. Then it showed the clip of when I was sick. Mark laughed so I nudged him in the ribs. I looked into the audience and saw bill, flier, Remus, and surprisingly Arthur and Molly Weasley! "She is really fun to work with and I'm happy she got to be my partner or else my life would be totally different." I heard the voices say. Finally the video ended so we went outside and set up. Then, it was game time.
http://youtu.be/brRY85CXmBc
I was breathless after but we ended up being awarded 36. We ran backstage to get ready for the second dance. I found it really cool how they did that but it could be a bit stressful. Once I had my costume on and makeup done, I went to the balcony with Mark. Finally, it was the end of the night, and me and Mark were the last ones. I took a deep breathe, and stepped out onto the stage.
http://youtu.be/Z-enOWchU9Q
It was amazing. In the end, we were awarded 39 points which gave us a total of 75 points. We were in the lead! I was so excited. I want home early, since I was more than tired.
The amount of time I spent practising for finals isn't even funny. I'm actually dieing right now. Kidding but seriously, it feels like I am. It's five am and I'm at the dance studio. I tied my shoe and Mark came in. "Your late!" I said in a fake French accent. "You should never be late for practise! 20 push ups!" I said smacking him with a rolled up magazine. He laughed and I went to serious face and my normal voice. "I'm serious." I said. He rolled his eyes and I giggled as he went down and started doing push ups. I climbed under him and every time he came down he would kiss me. We are so cheesy I'm surprised we don't come with crackers. Once again, cheesy. But that's me so mwah. Once we had practised our dance for 16 hours straight I decided to go home and wait for sleep to take over my body and never let go.
Finals day rolled around and I was more nervous than ever. Derek and Bethany had been eliminated so it was just me and Mark, Witney and a,do so, and Jamel and Val. I was bouncing in the studio as we practised the group routine. Finally, it was performance time. I looked into the crowd and saw Remus, Bill, Fleur, Molly, Arthur and some of my other friends. Me and Witney were also in the troupe so we had on our red costumes. "Let's do this." I said as me and Witney high-fives before walking on stage. The music started, and that was our Que.
http://youtu.be/zSTVyoBwURE
When the group one was over, cheering and clapping filled the room. I smiled and we ran to go get changed for our performances. Then we had to do the repeat dance. So, we got into our costumes from one of the dances and went onstage.
http://youtu.be/raIZaClehzY
Then we ran to get ready for our first dance. It was the freestyle and this one had to have been my favourite.
http://youtu.be/pCc0pIX_NJI
I could tell all of my friends like Arthur and Molly didn't know I could tap or dance like that by ear expressions. Then we ran to get ready for our last dance. "Rilles, listen to me," Mark said as we waited backstage. I took his hands and looked into his beautiful eyes. "I love you no matter what. You made this season so fantastic and I couldn't of done it without you. Thank you." He whispered. I pulled him into a hug and kisses him one more time before we went onstage.
http://youtu.be/1ESF1cu2zm0
After, we held hands. For the longest time. Once everyone finished dancing, we all stood to get our placements. Me and Mark stood on the right side, waiting nervously. I was currently terrified. "And the winner, of the 19th season I'd DWTS is..." The voice speaker, a large pause for what felt like an hour went on. "...Mark and Riley!" It said. Cheers erupted from the crowd and I hugged Mark tightly. He kissed me passionately which made the crowd louder. I leaned against his forehead smiling. I couldn't believe it, we won! They handed us the mirror ball and we held it up for everyone to see. I went over and. Hugged Witney and Jamel and the. Val and Alfonso. I was so happy. It was the best moment of my life. And I didn't know that my life was about to go downhill. "Riley." Mark whispered poking my cheek. I smiled but didn't open my eyes. "I don't have to get up yet let me sleep in." I groaned. He laughed. I had been staying at Marks house for a while. I still love with Witney but I spend most nights with Mark. He ended up dragging me out of bed. It was the day after the finals and I was so happy we had won. "We have to get ready for good morning America." He said chuckling. I sat up and stuck my tongue out at him. Whatever. We got dressed and ready before driving down to the studio. It was the last three finalists dancing. We hung out a bit before going out to dance. While Witney was dancing, Mark leaned over. "I have a surprise for you after the show." He whispered. I looked at him as he cocked an eyebrow, making me laugh. Once it was our turn to dance, we did our freestyle from the finals. I noticed all the Weasleys were there. Wow. Although, I didn't see Arthur, it was close to Christmas I guess. The show was almost over, when the host dude asked Mark a question. "So Mark, I have heard rumours about you?" He said with a smirk. Mark smiled widely. "Well, they are true. I will officially be returning as a pro." He said. I squeezed his hand, containing my excitement. After s couple more questions, including everyone figuring out we were dating, it was over. I was packing my bag when I heard someone call my name. "Riley?" I turned around to see a tall redhead standing in the door of my dressing room. He sounded broken and was quite pale, looking nervous. "Um, hey Ron." I said quietly, going a bit pale myself. "I just wanted to say, your a really good dancer. Mum has no reason to be mad at you." He said. I smiled a bit. "Well, she was pretty furious when I hurt myself this summer." I said. He grinned. "So, what's up?" I asked as I started to fold clothes into my bag. He shrugged. "Hermione hates me." He said staring at the floor. I looked up. "Why?" "Lavender Brown." He mumbled. I bit my lip, "don't tell me your..." I could tell by his expression. "Oh no. Ron! Don't you see! Lavender hates Hermione! And Hermione..." I stopped myself. I wouldn't tell. I couldn't. I won't betray her. "Ron, you need to stop this." I said as I started to put more clothes away. "Riley, you need to come back." Ron said. I froze. "I'm not coming back Ron." I said shaking my head. "Bloody hell Riley! It's not hard!" He said walking in towards me. "Don't you understand ron! Harry saw me kiss Fred after we broke up and he hates me. That's not s good enough to reason. I can't leave. I have a life here. I have an apartment, a boyfriend, I'm about to go on a tour!" I yelled at him. He shook his head as he stepped back. "Riley, your blind. You have been here for six months and you are already changed. Like running away from your problems at a party." He snapped. I felt the tears well up in my eyes. I will not cry. "I ran, because of Harry. It's obviously better without me there!" I shouted. "What make you think that!" He shouted back. "Because Harry said so!" I yelled as the tears began to fall. Ron stopped and his face softened. "Riley...I'm so-" "stop. Get the hell out of my face. I never want to see you again." I said. He didn't move. "Out!" I yelled. He hesitantly ran out, leaving me there alone. I held back tears and finished packing. I took my coat and bag and walked out. I saw the weasleys staring at me so I wiped my tears and quickened my pace. Once I was outside marks car was waiting for me. "Rille's, what's wrong." He said taking my hand. I shook my head and smiled at him. "Nothing." I replied softly. He didn't believe me. He drove back to his apartment and carried me inside. "Can I put you down now?" He asked once we were inside. "Nope." I replied cheekily. He laughed and dropped me on the couch. We ended up watching movies for the rest of the day.
It was Christmas and Mark was sad for me to leave for London. "Remus! There is someone at your door." I yelled smiling. He opened up to reveal me standing there with my bags. He engulfed me in a tight hug before helping me with my bags. "So, when will you be able to apparated?" Remus asked me. I had been taking lessons since I'm not at school and my test was the day I came back to L.A. "Day I felt back." I replied sitting on the couch. "So... You have been invited to a party..." Remus said handing me a folded piece of paper. "...at hogwarts." He finished. My eyes were the size of golf balls. "I already said you would go." Remus said. My mouth dropped open. "What! That isn't fair!" I said standing up. "Riley, bring Mark you will be fine." "I can't, he's with his family." I whined. "Then take someone else! Your going!" Remus said. I took a step back. He has never been so angry before. He stormed upstairs leaving me alone. Life is ass. I huffed before sitting on the couch. I had no other fricken choice. I groaned before leaving a quick note to Remus. I took some fool powder and landed I. Hogsmeade. I walked around until I found where I wanted to be. I stood in front of the tall building before walking in. Kids of all ages ran around with different toys. I laughed until I spotted the person I was looking for. I took a deep breathe before approaching him and tapping his shoulder. I bit my lip as he spun around to face me, a smile spreading across his face. "Riley." He said breathlessly. "Hey Georgie." I smiled nervously. "And what brings you all the way out here?" He asked as we walked upstairs. "Remus is making me go to a Christmas party." I said leaning against the railing. He looked at me confused. "It's at hogwarts." I finished. Realization filled his expression. "Good luck mate." He said before walking away. "George!" I shouted. He looked back at me smirking. "I need a date." I said embarrassed. "Deal." He said before walking into a room. I laughed at him. He truly is brilliant and crazy. I smiled before disapparating to the house. I sat on the couch and watched some tv before I realized I still had to buy a dress. I groaned before standing up and writing Remus a quick note that I was going. Because I have money from the Black family, I went into a cute boutique I once saw aunt Narcissa go into. I never caught the name but it was wonderful. The woman knew I was related to Narcissa and directed me upstairs to the V.I.P section of the store. I looked at millions of dresses before deciding on one. They all were truly beautiful so I needed a bit of help. Once I got it, I got some new shoes and jewelry before going back to the house. Remus still wasn't home so I heated up some chicken with my wand and poured myself some pumpkin juice. After dinner I really just sat in bed until I fell asleep. It seemed like hours when it came the time I had to go to hogwarts. I put some things in my bag that I had enchanted with an undetectable extension charm. I then apparated and was greeted by dumbledore. "It's very nice to see you again Ms. Lupin. Perhaps even a tad happier? Congratulations on your victory." He said politely. I smiled back at him. "Thank you professor. It really has been a fantastic time." We walked to the castle before he showed me a room. It was for prefects but no one was using it so now whenever I visit, I have a dorm. I put some clothes away and my possessions in nice places, seeing as I would be here for about a week. I then got dressed and did my makeup for the ball. I heard a knock on my door while I just had on sweats and a tank top, and I opened it as I put my diamond earring in. "Oh, um, hi." I said nervously, as Harry and George stood in the doorway. "There." Harry mumbled before going back towards the boys dormitories. I let George in and went to finish getting ready. "Hey, why was harry with you?" I asked from the bathroom, as I took my dress from its bag and shut the door. "Couldn't find where I was going." He replied bluntly. "How's the shop?" I ask as I take off my sweats and shirt, leaving only my nude bra and lace panties. "It's going really good. Even though half the alley is shut down." He said. I pulled my dress on and looked at the time. We had five minutes before it started. I opened the door and turned around so my back was towards George. "Zip please?" I ask him. I hear him stand up and walk over before placing his cold hands on my back and zipping up the blue dress. "You look beautiful Riley." He said once I turned around. "Thanks George." I said placing a pin in my hair. We linked arms before walking towards the party. I stepped inside and it was decorated beautifully. George laughed as I gazed around, until he nudged my ribs. I looked over and Harry was staring at me as Luna stood by his side. I was wearing: http://www.polyvore.com/m/set?.embedder=12172887&.svc=copypaste&id=146667180
And I looked down. I turned my attention away. We started to dance as the music played. "Why didn't you ask Fred?" George asked me randomly. "W-what?" I stuttered, surprised and frankly a bit nervous. "You asked me instead. Why didn't you ask Fred. You had a thing." He said staring at me. I looked into his eyes before dropping my arms. This wasn't George. I can't believe I actually let them pull this on me. While George's eyes were brownish green, Fred's were just hazel with a sparkle in them. These eyes were hazel. "Why did you do this." I whispered, as it seemed as if we were the on,y two in the room. "I wanted to apologize." He said as he played with his hands. "Fred, I was just upset. I had no reason to-" "you had every reason! I shouldn't of done it!" He interjected. "I shouldn't of. Besides, it was a kiss. We were together for like, five minutes." I said taking his hands. "Actually, 13 minutes, 37 seconds." He said with a smirk. I smiled widely and laughed. He really did care. I pulled him in for a long hug. "I missed you Freddie." I whispered. "I missed you too Riley." He whispered. I was happy for once in a long time. Forever, genuinely happy. We danced until I heard a crash. The smile faded from my face as I saw filch drag in the one and only, Draco Malfoy. I mentally groaned. He had to didn't he. "Found this one wondering the halls. Claims to be invited to your party." Filch says smirking. Draco's eyes meet mine. I look at him sternly and I notice a slight blush creep to his cheeks. "Alright alright. I was gate crashing." Draco said after filch discussed with Slughorn, still clutching Draco's collar. "I will take Mr. Malfoy." Snape says in a monotone. He drags him out by the arm and I look at Fred. "I'll be right back." I whisper before running off, unnoticed. I run until I see Snape turn a corner and I bump into someone. Harry. My eyes widen as he looks at me. All he does is put a finger to his mouth. I nod and watch as Snape pushes Draco against a wall. He talks about how the dark lord marked him. Draco did it. He was a death eater! They begin walking away and I rush away. I stop at a corner. Running in heels is painful. Harry keeps going to the party as I spot Cormac looking for Hermione. A waiter comes by with dragon balls, quite disgusting I must say, and Hermione takes a handful. I can't make out what they are saying as Hermione slips under the table and Cormac comes through the curtain. He talks to harry and I take a step closer so I can hear them. Harry holds the tray as Cormac asks what they are he eats them before Harry tells him what. I grin as Snape comes and he pukes up all over his shoes. Harry tries to slip away but Snape catches him. I slip in and find Fred. "Rille's what's going on?" I freeze as I look at him. "Don't. Call. Me. That." I say sternly. I stomp away, on my way to my room. I ignore him as he yells my name but I keep walking. I feel something drip on my face and realize I'm crying. "Ms. Lupin." I hear a soft voice. I turn around to see Dumbledore standing there. "Hello professor." I say smoothing out my dress. "I do hope everything is quite alright?" He asks me. I nod. "Well Ms. Lupin. You must remember, happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one on,y remembers to turn on the light." He says before walking away. Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light. I repeat in my head. What does that mean? I go back to my dorm wiping my eyes in the process. I slam the door shut and put a silencing curse on it. I scream loudly with all my energy. I didn't realize how much I missed Mark. He was the on,y one who called me that. Now everything I saw reminded me of him. I slid down the wall, against the door, and cried. I didn't make a single noise, I just cried. I held it in for a while. Now it's all gone. No more pain, no more regret. All it takes is two words. I can leave everything. I stop crying and look at my wand. Two easy words. I start to reach for it, remembering all the things and people who broke me. I think of Fred, but then how he apologized. I think if Remus and Mark. I think of Witney and George. Everyone I love, and who loves me. My hand stops as it grasps the fine wood. I lift it up. Two words. Two easy words. I stop when I hear a knock on the door. "Open up right now before I break it down." A voice says. I can't make out who it is. I take the silence curse off, but don't open it. I don't want to. It will just make things worse. I think of everyone who actually cares about me. I think that's what stopped me. Not the voice behind the door, the thoughts. Of what would happen. I had questions. Who would it affect the most? What would their lives be like without me? But I didn't do it. I never could. "Open the door Riley!" The voice continues. I slowly stand up, trembling and shaking. My hand starts to twist the doorknob but someone beats me too it. I can't even see who it is as they embrace me quickly. I wrap my arms around their neck and smell it. "God Riley never do that agin." He says. I smile softly. "I won't. I promise." I whisper. He pulls back and looks at me in the eye. "Don't." He repeats. I nod as he pulls me in again. "Please don't Riley, I love you." He says making my heart melt. "I know you have Mark but that's not the same way but I really do. I love you." He repeats. A year of joy slips out my eye. "I love you too Georgie." I say as the poorly dressed redhead grins. He wears ripped jeans and an old sweater and his hair is a mess. Instead of its usual spike, it's flopped down and greasy. "I thought you were working?" I whispered. "Closed early. Wanted to check up on what was going on. Fred was worried sick. No one knew where you were. And when you locked and silenced the door, Harry had a meltdown." He says breathlessly. "H-Harry?" I stutter. "Riley, he cares about you more than anyone else in the world.
I sat up in the familiar bed. Instead of staying the week, I left hogwarts the next day. It was Christmas and I could smell the familiar bacon and eggs. I sat up and looked around. My room still had all of my stuff in it. The same aqua blue walls and lime green curtains. My window had a bench built in the indent with an aqua blue mattress with blue, white, and lime green pillows and throw blankets. I had a white desk and my bed frame was white while the sheets were the same co,our as my walls. I looked at the frame on my wall. It was 12"x12" painted white and my yellow Polaroid camera sat on my desk. I had strings glued to the frame and pictures from my camera clipped on. I smiled as all of the pictures from when I went camping with my friends or at hogwarts with me smiling brightly with all my friends. They weren't moving because my camera was from a muggle shop. I smiled as my eyes landed on me and Harry. We were in the common room and Ron sat in the back laughing as Hermione took a picture of me on Harry's back kissing his cheek. I pulled it off and looked at it. "Riley!" Remus called me. I stuffed the photo in the pocket of my sweater that hung on my door. I ran down the stairs and snuck up behind Remus. "Heyo!" I shouted as I jumped onto his back. I laughed as he struggled "Riley Camille Lupin!" He shouted as he yelled. He dropped my and I landed on my feet. "Mwah." I said simply grabbing a piece of bacon. "Riley..." He began. "No. I will not." "You have too Riley. I've got it planned." "They all hate me!" I scream. "Do not raise your voice at me Riley you will be going." He said sternly. "You need to be out of this house I don't care where you go." He finished. I huffed and stomped my foot. "What if I went camping?" I say out of the blue. Remus raised an eyebrow at me. "Like, me and a couple of friends went camping! That way I don't have to go to the weasleys!" "No." "What! Why?" "Because! All of your friends live in L.A!" He shouted. "Why can't I go back to L.A. Then! I have a house!" "Because, you are staying here for the rest of the week!" He shouted. "Bloody hell, heard you two in diagon alley!" A familiar voice says. I look at Remus and give him a look. Just then Fred and George walk in. "Closed early today. What's going on here?" Fred asked wrapping an arm around my waist. I hugged him tightly with my head facing Remus. "I have to stay at the burrow." I mumble as I dig my face into his chest. He laughs. "Bad idea me, Lupin. Very bad mum hates her." George says. I kick him in the knee. "Bloody hell! I'm only saying the truth!" He said making me smile. "If you don't want to go, just stay at our apartment. Got an extra room you can use for the next couple of days." Fred says. I grin and look at Remus win pleading eyes. "Fine." He gives in. "Thank you!" I say hugging Remus. "Alright a,right! I have to go. See you soon Riley." He said chuckling and kissing the top of my head. I packed some stuff before apparating to the twins store. "Georgie here will show you where to go." Fred said going into a room. "M'lady?" George said professionally and holding out his arm. I laugh as I link mine with his. He walks me down a hallway and into a small apartment. "Usually I stay in here and Freddy in the other one but, for a couple of days it'll be fine." He says as I walk in to see a cute apartment. "Are you sure?" I say dropping my bag on the bed. "Positive. Hungry?" He asks walking into a kitchen. "I'm good thanks." I reply looking around. "Riley, your dancing a lot now, you need to eat. Please?" He says softly. "I'm fine. I have been eating and everything is fine." I say a bit aggravated. He leaves it alone as he makes some quick soup for him and Fred. Once he arrives we just sit and talk really. "... I had lots of fun. Going on tour soon before the next season." I say as we sit on the floor playing exploding snap. "Really! By the way, you were amazing in the finals. No wonder you won." Fred said as he rolled. "You guys were there? I saw everyone else but didn't really see you guys?" I said sipping at my pumpkin juice. "Yup. We came." George replied quickly. After a bit, a storm came. We all went to bed but I couldn't sleep so I took out my laptop and watched some Netflix. I put on my headphones and started watching my favourite show, gossip girl. It was really cool. After watching the entire fourth season, I put away my laptop. It was 2:00AM. I tried to sleep but the thunder kept me up. After an hour and a half, I got up and knocked softly on the door across the hall. I slowly opened the door and saw one of them sit up. I could tell by the eyes. Fred. "Can't sleep love?" He whispers, his voice raspy. I nod and walk in further. Fred gets up out of the bed and walks over to me. "I'll come with you." He whispers as we go back to my room. "Strictly friends! Angelina would kill me." Fred says as he pulls back the covers. I raise my eyebrow. "Isn't she in our year?" I ask I sat lie down. He nods. "No words." He says as I smirk. We crawl in and he wraps his arms around my waist, making me think of Mark. I'll be fine. Everything will be fine. I hope. I just about fall asleep until I hear a loud thunder and crash as lightening strikes across the window. I jump and sit up fast, causing Fred to chuckle. "Shut up." I groan. I hear footsteps as George enters. "I'm not going to be alone." He says as he gets in next to me. I laugh as the two boys squish me in the middle. "Stop!" I shout as I laugh. Eventually, I fall asleep. I wake up as I hear my laptop. Someone is face timing me. I groan and realize how loud it is. I quickly stand up and jump off the bed trying to shut it up. Why can't I be seventeen. My sixteenth birthday was just before the summer in May. I won't turn seventeen until the 15th. I open the call and smile. "hey." I whisper. I look at the twins and rush into the other room. I close the door but don't lock it. "Hey Rille's. How Ya doin?" Mark asks me. Just the slightest things from him make me happy. I smile and sit cross legged on the floor. "I'm good. I miss you a lot though." I say staring at my lap. "I miss you to Rille's." He whispers. I smile and feel the tears come. "Great. Look what you did." I say as I try to wipe them away. "what's wrong?" Mark asks, concern in his soft voice. His hair is messy and he looks like he is about to go to sleep. "I don't even know." I say as they fall faster and more free. "Cmon Riley, something is going on." He says. "What is it?" He asks softly. I sniffle. "I just, I miss you so much and ever since I came back everything is just falling aPart Mark and I can't fix it." I say as my smile fades. "nothing is the same. Everyone hates me. No one wants to talk to me. I just feel so... Alone." "Riley you aren't alone. Your anything but. Please, come back early then! We can go to Hawaii together!" Mark says. I laugh slightly as I take a tissue and wipe my eyes. "as much as I would love that, my uncle won't let me." Mark frowns making me laugh. "I just want to go home." I whisper. "But you are at home. With your uncle." Mark says confused. "No I mean home, not just to my house but home." "Riley, your family is there. You are home." I shake my head. "They may be here, but hey hate me. L.A. is my home. This place is just another house." I reply softly. Mark nods his head. "Well, I have to go but I will be waiting for you." I smile. "Love you." "I love you too Rille's." He said. He blew a kiss before ending the call. I took a deep breath before I closed the laptop. "Hey," a soft voice came. I looked over at the door to see George standing there with it halfway open. I smiled weakly before I shook my head bursting into tears. George sat next to me and cradled me in his arms. "I miss him so much George." I said as I rested my head on his shoulder. "I know love. I know." He whispered. I ended up falling asleep so he picked me up and placed me on the bed. I was curled up into a ball and my eyes were red and puffy. "Riley. Riley wake up." I heard someone whisper. My eyes slowly fluttered open as I saw two redheads next to me. One was sitting on the bed and the other kneeling next to it. I groaned before stuffing my face into the pillow. "Riley! Please!" Someone said. I ignored them until I was hit by a pillow. I sat up and glared at the one standing at the foot at the bed. "George weasley you are Bout to die!" I scream before grabbing the pillow underneath me. I started hitting him and soon Fred joined in. "What is going on up there!" I heard someone yell. I dropped the pillow and glared at them. "Love you Riley." Fred said grinning. "Seriously!" I said throwing my arms up. I grabbed the pillow and start hitting him as he laughed and George stood back laughing. I pushed him onto the bed and sat overtop of him pelting him with the pillow. "What the!" I heard a voice. My head snapped towards the door and the smile wiped off my face. I dropped the pillow and looked down at the floor. Mrs. Weasley stood in the doorway with her arms crossed on her chest. "So the little whore couldn't stand two days." She said disgusted. My mouth gaped open. "Mum, she didn't-" "be quiet Fred." She snapped. "Mum-" "WHAT DID I SAY!" She shouted making me wince. "SHUT IT MUM!" George yelled. Mrs. Weasley looked shocked. "Excuse me?" She said obviously startled someone did that to her. "I said shut it. Riley did nothing wrong and she doesn't deserve to be treated so poorly by you! She is an amazing human being and isn't a foot mat. She is a person. So stop treating her like dirt." He said with a frown on his face. He looked at me and stared at my hazel coloured eyes. "She is beautiful, caring, and anything but a whore or jerk. She deserves better." He finished. I mouthed "thank you" to him as I tear slipped down my face. Molly stood in the door, puzzled. She stormed out and I knew she was gone the second a loud crack was heard. "Riley I am so sorry she said those things. You know they aren't true." Fred said as George nodded. "Thank you. Both of you. That was... Mental. I can't believe you said that stuff to her!" I said taking both their hands. "Riley, your my best friend. I would do anything for you." George said. I smiled at both of them. At least they care. "Hey, we have to go to mums for Christmas holidays. Do you want to stay here?" Fred asked standing up. I shook my head. "I think I'm gonna go back to L.A." I said. "you sure?" George asked. I nodded. "Positive. Thanks for letting me stay here." I said hugging them. I packed my stuff and they promised to tell Remus why I had left. I said my final goodbyes before disapparating to marks apartment. "Hey! I thought you weren't coming back till later!" Mark said as he ran over and picked me up spinning me around. I laughed. "Events...happened." I said. "I just made hot chocolate." Mark said jabbing his thumb towards the kitchen. "It may take awhile." I said making him smirk. "Even better." He said before grabbing the two cups of hot chocolate. By now he had learned that I put one splash of milk in it and whipped cream on top and cinnamon sprinkled over top of it. Of course if the hot chocolate was already spiced I had chocolate shavings. We sat on his bed as I told him the entire story from the second I stepped foot in Remus's house. He was very supportive and I was glad I had him. But it's not like two hours of talking while having delicious hot chocolate would change anything and make my life better. For Christ sakes a letter ruined my day! I had woken up to see I was still wearing jeans and a shirt and two cups that previously had hot chocolate were sitting on the small table. Mark was still sleeping but my owl sat in the window. I took the letter and saw it was from the person I least expected it to be from. Ron. I opened it and found myself almost fainting.
Dear Riley,
I'm sorry about what mum said. Please know that none of it is true. You are beautiful and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Also, the reason I wrote this was urgent. Christmas night, after dinner, Bellatrix showed up. A bunch of other death eaters were there as well. Harry chased them and Ginny went after them. Bellatrix kept screaming 'I killed serious black!' Which ticked harry off. We were attacked and the burrow went up in flames because of that evil little twat. They left and we fixed most of it, but lots is still damaged. We need you Riley. Mum might not want to admit it, but we do. Remus is having a fit because you left and he's mad at mum. Tanks is trying to calm him down but it isn't working. You need to come backs Riley. Now."
Ronald Weasley
I retread the letter a couple times to make sure I had it right. "Riley?" Mark asked as he appeared in the door. His hair was disheveled and his eyes were red and bloodshot. "Is everything alright?" He asked. I shook my head. "I have to go." I whispered.
"Are you sure you'll be okay?" He asked as he helped me with my coat. "Mark, I promise I will be fine. It's not even for two days, I will be back tomorrow night." I said kissing him on the cheek. I smiled before disapparating and landing on the soft grass. I stared out in front of me and I was shocked. Not even the tiniest bit of the burrow stood on the tall green grass. "Riley? You came!" Ron said as he approached me. "What happened." I said still staring at the giant black mess I front of me. "Bellatrix." He hissed. I nodded. "W-where is Remus?" I asked turning to look at him. "Follow me." He said before walking away. I followed him to a small tent. He led me inside and I was immediately pulled into a room and heard a silencing charm be put on it. "WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN!" Remus shouted loudly making me wince. "I went back to L.A." I said quietly. "I TOLD YOU TO STAY HERE! AND YOU DIDNT EVEN LEAVE A NOTE OR ANYTHING! JUST HAD THE TWINS TELL ME!" He shouted again. I took a step back and looked up to see his face soften. "Riley, I'm sorry I just, I wanted you to tell me. I knew you would leave once I left, I was just hoping you would confront me. I was horrified that something had happened." "Remus, I'm smart. I can take care of myself! I promise, if anything were to happen, you would be the first to know." I said wrapping my arms around him. "Riley I just feel like it's all my fault that your like this. I mean, you moved to L.A. To get away from it and I just keep bringing it back." He whispered and I shook my head. "If anything your the one keeping me sane." I said cause him to chuckle. "Please don't ever do that agin." "I promise." I whispered. "Riley, I don't want you to try and kill yourself again." He whispered. He was all I had left for family. We walked out to see everyone standing outside. "You broke the charm." Ron finally spoke up. "h-how much did you h-hear?" I asked nervously. "You didn't leave him a note." Ron said quietly. They knew. They knew why I left and what happened. This is just great. "I need a minute." I rushed out before running outside. I ran a bit away from the tent and sat on the ground with my legs crossed. I picked the flowers around me and made a crown, my wand in the back pocket of my jeans. "Hey." I heard a soft voice. I looked up and saw Bill. I smiled up at him as he sat next to me. "Why did you try to kill yourself Ri?" He asked. I shook my head. "Everything. Harry hated me, Molly pretended I didn't exist. Sirius died, I don't have a clue who my real father is. My life is just so...messed up." I said looking out into the bright sun. "Riley, please don't doubt yourself. You are perfect. Don't let anyway tell you otherwise." He said wrapping his arm around my shoulder. I sniffles before wiping my eyes with my sleeve. "You really think so?" I asked him. "I know so." He whispered before kissing the top of my head. I laid my head on his shoulder and we talked for a while until the sun started to set and Arthur called us back. "You'll be fine."'bill said before disapparating. I got a whole room to myself but I didn't like it. "Georgie?" I whispered, stepping inside. "Cmon." He said patting the spot next to him on the bed. I tip-toed over and crawled in, feeling more protected as he laid next to me. I woke up abruptly, sitting up quickly in a cold sweat. I let out a deep sigh as I ran my fingers through my hair and dangled my feet on the bed. Fred and George both were already up and gone. I say there for about five minutes before getting up and going into the main room. "How Ya feeling Riley." Remus said as he sat, sipping a cup of coffee. "Not good. I'm gonna be sick." I said jumping onto the other side of the couch. "Alright then, Mark sent you a letter." He said motioning towards the open letter sitting on the table. "You read it?" "It's my job as your over protective uncle to read everything from boyfriends." He said over-dramatically. I laughed before taking out the small piece of paper.
Dear Rile's,
I miss you!!!! You need to come back right now I'm so lonely!! Witney was talking and we were thinking of going to Florida for a week or two before the tour. It would be you, Witney, Sasha, Val, Emma, Ashley and me so what do you say? We would wait until you got back of course... Which better be soon. I need you rile's and I miss you more than I would miss the sun. See you soon.
Love,
Mark;)
I smiled to myself as I scanned through the letter again. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Remus smirking so I kicked him. I bit my lip as I looked at the letter, happiness filling my body. "Misses you more than the sun! Well! Looks like Riley here is all grown up!" A loud voice came from behind me making me jump before I hit Fred in the ribs. "Shut up." I said as he laughed. "So, when Ya going to Florida." He said stretching out the last word. I shrugged my shoulders and grabbed the mug of tea in front of me. "Whenever I get back." I said simply as I took a small sip. "So, how's the shop?" "Well, it's closed for now until the burrow is good but it's going really well!" George answered sitting on the armrest next to me. I nodded and folded up the letter, placing it on the small table in front of me. "I'm going to go change." I said standing up and walking to my room. I pulled out a simple white, crop t-shirt that fit tightly and showed a bit of my stomach. I then pulled on my light wash denim shorts and put on some white sandals. I brushed my hair and pulled it back into a high ponytail. I put on some light makeup which included of some mascara, light eyeshadow, and baby pink lipstick. Once I was done, I walked back outside where only one person stood in the room. It wasn't who it was that bothered me, it was the fact he held my letter in his hand. "What the hell are you doing!" I shouted walking up to him and snatching the letter from his hands. "Riley I'm sorry I just-" "just went snooping! You think just because your the chosen one you can do whatever you want!" I said as a weird feeling formed in the pit of my stomach. "Riley please just listen to me." He said calmly. "No Harry! I've listened too much! It's the listening that made me decide to go to L.A!" I finished storming out of the tent. I passed the burrow as they finished putting it back up but I didn't stop. I had all of my stuff packed in my bag that Hermione had put an undetectable extension charm on. I didn't even listen to everyone who called my name. Tears threatened to spill down my cheeks as I pulled out my wand. "Riley!" Harry called, running after me. I turned around and stopped walking as he kept running. I shook my head and apparated away as fast as I could. I landed in my apartment and fell to the floor. I heard the phone ring and I carefully stood up, and saw it was Mark. I hesitantly picked up the phone. "Hello?" My hoarse voice said quietly into the receiver. "Riley? What's wrong!" Mark said, worriedly. "I don't know Mark." I whispered. "I'm coming over." He said before hanging up. I set the phone down and sat on the couch. Seconds later Mark popped into the room and sat next to me. "What happened." He whispered, rubbing my back. I shook my head and broke into tears. "Your okay now. Your okay." He whispered. We ended up sitting on the couch watching movies. He was very kind in not bothering me about what happened and waiting till I was ready to explain. "It was the note." I blurted out as Mark paused the movie. He looked at me confused. "I left to my room and when I came back, Harry was reading the note." I mumbled looking at my hands. Mark looked at me. "You still love him, don't you?" He asked me. I looked up and could see it in his eyes. "I love you Mark." I said taking his hand. "I always will." I said smiling. He planted a soft kiss on my lips making my cheeks flush red. "Cmon. Let's go out for dinner." He said. I flashed him my. Rightist smile before running up the stairs to get ready. http://www.polyvore.com/m/set?.embedder=12172887&.svc=copypaste&id=145914218
Once I was ready I went down the stairs to find Mark waiting at the bottom in black skinny jeans, a white v-neck and black blazer. He was wearing a black fedora and looked undoubtably hot. I smiled as he gently took my hand and pulled me outside and into the car. I thought I caught a glimpse of Remus and Harry standing across the street but it couldn't be them. I ignored it and just enjoyed the first time in months we had gone out for dinner. We went to a muggle fester aunt called the Olive Garden. It was amazing and I had a weird pasta dish called "fettuccine Alfredo" that tasted so good. We were walking back from the restraint since it was such a beautiful night. The Stars were brighter than anything I had ever seen. It made me feel so free to do whatever I wanted. "So, your going to be one of the pros?" I asked Mark as we walked through a forest. "Yup. And I'm going on tour." He said with a wink. I laughed as he linked our fingers together. Once again, as we reached the apartment, I saw them standing there again. "Hey, I'll meet you inside. Okay?" I said as we stopped walking. "Okay." He said as he apparated inside. I tucked my hands into the pockets of my black leather jacket and walked over to them. "What the hell are you doing here!" I snapped as I reached them. "We wanted to make sure you were okay." Remus said as harry just stared down at his shoes. "Well. I'm okay. You can leave." I whispered and turned on my heel. I started to walk away but felt someone tug my arm. I turned around as tears stung my eyes to see harry. "Riley please don't leave." He said his voice breaking. I could tell he was already crying even though I couldn't see in the dark. "Harry I have to." I said. "Riley don't leave me. I need you."'he said. I shook my head. "Harry, I'm so so sorry." I said before apparating into the house. I went straight to bed. The tour practise starts tomorrow. Then my mind will be completely off him.