White Lilies

Promises

Chapter 16

Despite their protests Albus and James went back to school.

Neither of them tried to think about it but it was impossible, people were always coming up to them, asking how they are, how their mother is, if they could do anything to help.

But neither of them understands why people ask those questions.

They know the answers.

They know that there is nothing that they can do to bring their sister back from the dead.

Nothing they can do to cure an uncurable disease.

It is impossible.

Albus has walked into James during his little episodes all the time.

Every time he hastily shoves the pocket knife under the sink or into a cabinet.

Of course Albus doesn't miss the action.

The last time he walked in on him he just sighed.

"James," he started, taking hold of his brothers arm.

"Why?" He asks.

The eldest just shrugs, hoping against hope that his brother doesn't see his tears.

"Because its all my fault he whispers."

Albus closes his eyes. "It... It is not your fault James. Its no body's fault. Okay? We just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time." He says. James doesn't even look like he heard him.

"James." His brother says again.

"Look at me."

Still nothing.

"Please?" He asks, trying to keep the tears from falling.

This time James looks up.

"Please... Please don't. We've already lost Lily, we're going to lose mum soon too. You know what that would do to dad? It would kill him. And.. and if you left... I'd be all alone and... I can't do this on my own James... just please... don't..."

James looks up this time, fully, his eyes bearing into his younger brothers.

"I'll try. But I can't make any promises."