epiphany, james potter

28.

When Lyla awoke it was dark, and lonely, and cold.

She squinted around the shadows and memories of the quidditch match came back to her.

Lyla sat up slowly, wincing at the aching in her ribs.

She slowly crawled out of bed, looking for someone, anyone.

She made sure Madam Pomfrey wasn't in sight, and she crept out of the hospital wing.

Her feet were cold against the floor, her socks not providing much comfort.

A loud crash made Lyla jump, and she twisted around, only to see Remus.

"Lyla it's James, you have to come." Remus said anxiously.

Lyla furrowed her brows in confusion but complied and followed him quickly.

Her mouth gaped when she saw James, he was lying on the floor with a somber expression.

"James?" Lyla's voice came out raspy, "What the hell are you doing?"

James gave her a drunken look, "Lyla. We need to talk."

Lyla and Remus exchanged a secret look, he nodded and walked away.

Lyla sat down next to him, not saying a word.

"I can't do this anymore." James whispered to her.

Lyla shot up in surprise, "What?"

"I've never actually liked you." James let's out an intoxicated laugh. "You were just a distraction."

Lyla sat there in a pure state of shock, "You're throwing this away? After everything?"

James just shakes his head and moves to get up, but Lyla grabs his arm roughly before he can.

"No you're not doing this! I know you're lying!" Lyla shouts at him, "Just tell me the truth James, and everything will be fine." Her voice starts to break.

James shakes her off forcefully and gets in her face, "Leave me the hell alone, we're done."

Lyla shakes her head, "But why? We were fine yesterday."

James just starts to walk away, but Lyla can't let that happen.

"No you know what! If you walk away from me now you're not coming back!" Lyla yells at his figure, "So help me god I will never forgive you if you take one more step."

James pauses for a minute, hesitating, he feels a piece of him break as he takes another step. He quickens his speed to leave.

As soon as he turns the corner, he's a mess. He feels his knees shake and his chest feels like it's gonna explode. His body slides against the wall and his body is in agony. His cries come out as shaky sobs.

Meanwhile, Lyla is back in her dorm, staring at the wall having a revelation of her own.

Her face said nothing, but her thoughts were going through her like a tidal wave.

Eventually Sirius found James, curled up in a ball near the common room.

He practically had to drag him back to bed, constantly questioning what the hell happened.

Lyla was emotionless, it felt like everyone she ever loved left her.

Was this her fault too? No it couldn't be. She didn't do anything, she told herself.

A loud knocking was at Lyla's door, she opened it up and was met with fury.

It was Lily, her sworn enemy if she was to say so herself.

Lily wore a huge smile on her face, "I heard you and James were done."

Lyla just stared blankly, "How'd you hear that, we just broke up."

Lily blushed and it was obvious she was spying on them.

"Well anywho I just wanted to let you know I'll be there for James, comforting him." She gave a smirk.

Lyla couldn't take it anymore, she didn't even realize what she was doing until she had slapped Lily across her face. Lily jumped back in fear.

Before Lyla could blink, her cheek was stinging too. Lily had slapped Lyla back.

Lyla slammed the door in her face, not being able to control her anger further.

Lyla stumbled back to her bed, slamming her face down on it and screaming into her pillow.