Always There For You (Harry Potter OC X OC)

82. Locked Up-

As she walked up a path to go home the Boot's house in the afternoon, she saw Liam at the field, watching the cows. It was the perfect chance to have another payback prank. Lizzy climbed over the fence and took a twig, about a length of a ruler. Then she tiptoed behind him. This was too good of a chance, that she tickled his ear.

'Ah!' he yelped and recoiled, taking out his wand and pointed at her. That was such a surprising response, out of the ordinary. She held up her hands to show the harmless act. 'Oh...' he relaxed. 'It's you... I thought--' he put his wand back again in his pocket.

Lizzy laughed. Liam smiled, but it wasn't the cheeky smile she knew. He stared back at the cattle in silence. 'Have you got the printed photos? I just got mine, from Daisy.'

'Yeah. I was at Finn's house. I helped him print it out myself.'

'Why didn't you tell me, I really want to see how wizarding prints work!'

Liam was silent for a moment. Then he groaned annoyedly.'I have to confess.'

'Uhm, okay, confess about what?'

Liam looked at her in annoyance. 'I have feelings for you, Lizzy Clark. The reason I tease you, isn't just because you hang out with Wendy Prewett. But because you caught my attention. It sounds too good to be true that you're Terry's cousin cause you're nicer and... and just all around lovely... It's just-- I know you're dating that Joel and I know you two are happy. I know I shouldn't tell you, but I can't keep it in, you know.'

It took Lizzy a moment to reassess this situation. Liam groaned annoyedly, before he had to lay down on the grass. He couldn't look at her, as he spoke, 'What's wrong with me...' he said more to himself. 'I always do this. I blurt out things I shouldn't say... I can't believe I'm telling you about this. Don't tell Joel, alright. I don't want any trouble, I swear.' He took a deep breath. 'It's out now... great.'

'It's a problem if you can't keep a secret, Liam. You know that...'

'I know, I know...'

'But I'm glad you tell me about this... I, I don't have feelings for you, Liam... I'm sorry, but I am in live with Joel. I love him too much to second guess it. But I'm glad you tell this '

He smiled, even though it hurt. 'Okay... I'll... be friendly with you. don't worry, but now that you know, I have to tell you, we shouldn't hang out so often like just us together like this... it hurts me, you know... It keeps my hopes up. I still want to get with you.'

'Get with-- oh...' Lizzy said awkwardly. 'Okay, I get it...' It was silence now. Nothing more to say. Liam watched the sky all the while. Lizzy spoke, 'Then, I'll see ya around, brown mud,' She said and walked away.

'See ya grandma...'

Lizzy missed the more cheery side of him, but she knew she couldn't get his hopes up. Despite Liam's change, she would still eat lunch with the lot in the tavern. Of course Liam would be there. She would see him in the market and in the field. But not a single greet was uttered. Maybe this was how it was now.

***

In the shop on a Wednesday, she was reading a novel, as it was the only entertainment she could figure out in this less electricity environment. Joel would love this, to see her new interest in reading.