Stepping Into The Light (Hidden Under Darkness Sequel)

Chapter 10

**Fairlight's POV**

I walk into the twins' shop just before closing time as the last stragglers are being ushered out by their parent's. Ana and Vel are standing on the second floor, talking with Lee and Fred and George are behind the counter, serving a young boy. The boy takes his bag and skips out, grinning like a Cheshire cat. George looks up and smiles at me.

“We'll start cleaning,” Fred says, walking towards the stairs. George walks over to me and stops about a metre away, assessing my mood.

“How was it?” I ask.

“Fantastic,” he says, his eyes lighting up, “we were packed all day. Had to take it in turns to have lunch.”

“That's brilliant,” I tell him earnestly, “I wish I could've been here.”

I step towards him and wrap my arms around his waist.

“I'm so proud of you, George,” I tell him, “so proud!”

His arms wrap around me tightly and I lean my head against his chest. It's difficult not to push him away sometimes, but I'm trying. I don't want to hurt him, I want him to know how much I love him. I've made it my mission to say or do something nice for him every day.

“Not that this isn't lovely and all,” Fred says appearing by my shoulder, “but, do you want to give us a hand?”

He holds out a mop and I roll my eyes, pulling my wand out. I sweep it across the shop, watching as everything returns to its rightful place and all the dirt and scuff marks on the floor disappear.

“Better?” I ask Fred. He smirks.

“I knew there was a reason we kept you around,” he says, “thanks.”

“Any time.”

“Now we just have to restock,” he says, “unless you have a spell for that too?”

I shake my head. He sighs.

“Ah well,” he shrugs, “best get to it.”

George gives my hand a squeeze and follows Fred upstairs as Lee, Ana and Vel come down.

“Lee and I are going out to dinner,” Vel tells me.

“Does Father know?” I ask her. She rolls her eyes.

“Yes,” she says. I raise an eyebrow and her cheeks turn pink.

“Home by eight,” I tell her. Her mouth falls open.

“Fair, that's completely unfair!” she exclaims.

“Or you could go home now,” I say, “I know which Father would prefer. Should we ask him?”

“No,” she scowls, “I'll see you at eight."

"Yes, you will," I say cheerfully as she walks out with Lee.

"Sometimes I forget they're only fifteen," George says, pausing by my shoulder. We look over to where Ana and Fred are stacking shelves. Ana is talking animatedly to Fred. Fred is smiling and responding, but he seems distracted.

"Is-"

"Please don't kill him," George blurts out. I turn and look at him. He bites his lip guilitly and takes me by the arm, leading me up stairs.

"This isn't my fault," he says, "please don't freak out. Fred... He..."

"Doesn't like her anymore," I say in a measured tone.

"He does, but-"

"As a friend."

George nods. I walk over to the window and lean heavily on the sill. All my life I've done everything in my power to stop Ana and Velvet from getting hurt. I wouldn't have this scar if I hadn't been protecting Ana. I know that Fred's going to hurt her and the idea makes me so angry I want to scream. I take a few deep breaths and straighten up. I walk straight past George and downstairs. I take the box of merchandise from Ana and take her hand.