Turbulence

Chapter Twenty Seven - Man Down

Wow, sorry it took me so long guys! Ah, we're nearing the end of the story :') this is the second last chapter unless I decide to write a little bit more. I'll see how I go. Hope you guys enjoy, please leave comments. I really love reading them even if it's nothing spectacular xD

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Lily, James and the Evans’ pulled up outside the community hall where Petunia and Vernon’s wedding reception was being held. James and Lily scooted out of the car and glanced around nervously. There was no sign of the mysterious man from earlier. Lily slipped her hand into James’ and followed her parents to the entrance.

Everyone was milling around, the girls dressed up in beautiful dresses and the men looking slick in tuxedos. The hall was magnificently decorated in all white, kind of like a winter wonderland. Round tables were set up all over the hall, creating a little dance floor in the middle.

Lily and James searched for their table. Lily was happy that she was at least seated at Petunia’s table. That was better than nothing. She hadn’t had a chance to talk to her at all since their tense moment in the kitchen. She couldn’t even talk to her at the wedding.

Lily sat down with James and her parents, looking around at all the little kids running around on the dance floor and all the groups of people socialising. Lily recognised moat of them as Petunia’s friends or old friends of Lily’s she used to know from around the neighbourhood.  She really wanted to go and talk to them. When Lily tuned back to James, he was glancing around anxiously. Lily stood up and grabbed his hand.

“Come on,” she said, “I want you to meet some of my old friends.” She led James over to a group of girls she recognised. There were four of them; Sally, Mia, Rachel and Yvonne.

“Hi guys,” Lily smiled, walking up to them. “Long time no see.”

The girls look around in surprise. Sally with her long blonde hair, ice blue eyes and luscious eyelashes; Mia with her bouncy charcoal curls and full pink lips; Rachel with her vibrant gold hair, a mix between blonde and brown, her brown eyes watched them curiously; and finally Yvonne with her chocolate brown hair, beautifully toned skin and sea green eyes.

“Lily,” Sally squealed happily, “it’s been so long!” She kissed Lily’s cheek. Yvonne still seemed to be the leader and spokesperson of the group, just as she was when they were young, Lily noticed. The other girls smiled at her with perfectly white teeth.

“This is James. James, these are my old friends Sally, Mia, Rachel and Yvonne.” Lily introduced.

“Nice to meet you,” James said politely, bowing to them. The girls giggled and blushed.

“You’ve got a cute one here, honey.” Sally winked.

“Wherever did you find him?” Mia chimed.

Lily smiled a fake-smile back. “Yellow Pages.” She told them. The girls lapsed into laughter. Lily always knew they were a bit ditsy but she didn’t remember them because this shallow. Status and an attractive boyfriend was everything to them and Lily couldn’t really care less about those things anymore.

“It’s been nice talking to you,” Lily said, “but we must excuse ourselves – more people to talk to.” Lily winked as if it was an inside joke. The girls laughed and bade them farewell. As Lily and James walked away, Lily scrunched up her hands.

“Merlin, they get on my nerves.” She said through clenched teeth.

“Then why did you want to talk to them?” James laughed.

“I don’t know, I didn’t think they were that bad!” They walked through the crowd, occasionally getting a hello or friendly wave from someone she knew.