Nicky's POV
24 hours! 24 hours had passed and yet we had no idea where Lily was . I called the hospital, all her friends ( including all the personal shoppers at
Barney's !) and even called up Mrs Evans to say hi. Obviously, I didn't want to upset her..but, I was pretty upset when she asked ME how Lily was.
Only me and James know about this. I couldn't bear to tell Richie. He's already got a lot on his mind. Last night was scary. Without Lily, I feel so
handicapped. I can't stay in this apartment all alone!
I changed into my pj's and tied my hair in a pony using the chic torqouise shell band Lily had bought for me just two days ago.
I sighed and closed my eyes, pressing my fingers to my temple.
Think Nicky, think...
If I could get information from the airport..but obviously not, they have all those crappy privacy policies..
The bell rang and I nearly jumped. Gosh! W-was that Lily?
I rushed towards the door , my heart racing with anticipation.
"Oh.."
"Oh? Is that how you'll greet your future husband?" sneered Richie as he bent down to kiss me.
"No..Come inside , Richie." I said closing the door as Richie entered.
"Where's ginger?"
I rolled my eyes at him. Lily and Richie were really close friends. If it wasn't for her, we wouldn't even be together. While Lils called him 'rss' , Richie teased
her by calling her 'ginger'. Sometimes, they really drive me crazy with all their arguments and pranks..but , whatever said and done..I couldn't live without
either of them..
"She's not here." I said weakly
"Woah! Ginger's not here? We are ..alone?" he said winking at me and pulling me closer.
OK. Now was not the time, Nicky. Focus !
"Richie, Lily is...missing."
He stopped dead and his jaw dropped as he shook me by the shoulders,
"What do you mean she's MISSING ?"
"I-I don't know w-where s-she is, Richie. I've asked everyone, even her parents..She's gone."
I hugged him as I cried , resting my head on his firm chest.
"Nicky, honey ! We'll find her, OK? We'll find her and convince her to come back. We need her for the wedding-"
Convince her? Oh God. This wasn't about us ! The wedding was the last thing on my mind. My best friend had left me, without saying a word. I don't give
a damn if the wedding is ruined!
I backed off and looked into Richie's stunning cerulean orbs as I shook my head vigorously,
"This isn't about the wedding ! Richie, she's much more than just the Maid of Honour. I thought she-"
"Honey muffin! You know that's not what I-"
"Get out. NOW !"
"Nicky..." he said softly, pulling me closer as I cried .
"Sweetheart, you know I didn't mean it in that sense. You both are my girls. You are my girlfriend and future wife. Lils is my little sister. I won't let anything
happen to my girls. Never!" he said, moving a few strands of hair which were sticking to my tear-stained cheeks.
"I love you Richie.."
"I love you too, Nicky. We'll find her.."he said, kissing my forehead.
Lily's POV
The alarm rang and I opened my eyes and jumped out of bed. First proper day at home. I wanted to do things the right way. I was going to be the Lily ,
mum and dad know to be their daughter. Not the obsessive, pathetic..K, Don't !
I took my ipod and wore my pink fluffy bunny slippers, as I entered the bathroom, brushing my teeth while dancing to the music.
Haha..This was fun! I opened my wardrobe and selected my favourite jogging suit in hot pink. It felt nice how I could still easily fit into these clothes. I
climbed downstairs, jumping down the last five steps. Woah! That wasn't impressive..
Mum and dad were still in bed, so I made them coffee and entered their room carrying coffee, chocolate crossaints and today's copy of The Daily World on
a tray.
"Good morning! Mum, Dad!"
I smiled as they sat upright, blinking their eyes and eyed me in consternation.
"Lils, honey ? Are you alright?" asked mum worriedly.
Honestly, can't a daughter make coffee for her parents these days? OK, fine..Maybe, her reaction has a little bit to do with my tendency to laze around in
bed, hogging and chatting the whole day..But geez! I wasn't a teenager anymore.
"Baby, I haven't seen you wearing that outfit since you turned 18 ." commented Dad
K. That's it . I'm going.
"Bye mum, dad . I'm going for a run." I said kissing them both.
Mum suddenly looked excitedly at dad who nodded and cleared his throat,
"Honey, just go to the hardware store and check the new arrivals, will you?"
"OK..." I agreed suspiciously.
I closed the door behind me as I breathed in the fresh air and smiled. Wow..I was so used to polluted cities..This was like heaven! I turned on my ipod
and started jogging, enjoying the beautiful scenery, tasting the sweet misty air on my tongue and loving the way my legs stretched as I ran..clearing my
mind of all the pain, purifying my senses..
I didn't realise how I'd nearly missed the hardware store. I slowed down as I walked inside.
Omg...
MUM !
Oh no, oh no, oh no..
" Yes?"
Oh God. He had the voice of an angel. My eyes raked over his perfectly toned body, tanned arms with veins and sinews bulging enticingly, his sexy short
curly brown hair and gorgeous chocolate brown eyes.
"Hi.I'm Lily Evans.."
"Lily? Of course! I've heard all about you. " he said cheerfully as he leaned over the counter, smiling at me.
"Ryan Adams."
I shook his hand nervously as he said, "You are sort of like a celebrity over here. Every one knows you ...Neurosurgeon living in the States!You are quite
the role model..Don't be surprised if kids come rushing forward just to meet you."
Oh God! Mum and dad...
"Ryan, you are John Adam's son ?" I asked trying to change the topic
"Yes. I know your dad really well. We play golf together at times, you know when I'm free.."
"Yeah..My dad told me to come here and check for new arrivals.." I said lamely.
"Then I guess I should be really grateful to Mr Evans..Care to join me for a walk?"
"Yea..sure!"
I waited as he gave instructions to a boy . Funny, I hadn't noticed him before..
James's POV
One week ! I was getting married within a week. I turned around to see Stella sleeping peacefully beside me. I moved her bangs aside and kissed her on
her forehead. She was so tired, now that Lily was gone; Nicky and Rich were hardly bothered about the marraige. Fucking morons! I should have told
Nicky the truth..
Flashback
"James..."
I turned around to see Stella, tears rolling down her pale cheeks. Within a second, I was beside her and held her frail shoulders as she sobbed,
"James..she..Lily! She told me things.."
"What things , honey ?" I asked breathlessly. What did Lily tell her? Did she tell her everything about our past?
"She insulted me James! She said that you didn't love me. She said she knew that you liked her m-more than me ."
What the fuck? How dare she ! Why that sly redheaded bitch!
"T-then she said she wasn't interested in this marriage. She said she was in love with someone else and they had decided to elope ."
Wait! What was going on here? Lily Evans wouldn't elope ! She never seemed the type to run away from responsibilities! For Christ's sake! This
was her best friend's wedding..and who the fuck was this other guy?
I looked into Stella's eyes as I asked her clearly,
"Stella, are you sure she said all that?"
"What? Of course I am! You think I'll make this all up?" she asked, her eyes narrowed.
"Absolutely not!" I said hastily
"Besides..Didn't you notice the way she was acting all weird when we decided to have a combined wedding and pre-pone the date ? I think she
was upset because Nicky was always talking about the wedding. I mean, Lily's nearly 30 and still unmarried !"
'28!' I mentally corrected her, but she had a point there.
"Yes..yeah!" I nodded, as she hugged me.
"James..We don't need her. Let's just forget all about her. Please?"
"Yes, darling." I said as I kissed the top of her head.
Lily wasn't coming back..It was insane but even when Stella was telling me whatever Lily had said, I had been hoping to finally know if she
loved me or not..Of course she didn't ! She fucking ran away! Should I tell the others?
"Oh, listen James..please don't tell Nicola about this. I don't want her to get upset. We should never let them know the real reason.."
Flashback over
A week had passed. One whole week. Nicky and Rich were still trying desperately to search for Lily. This has to stop ! Sorry Stella, I had to do this.
"Hey James !" said Rich as I entered Lily's apartment. Since Lily had left , I guess Rich had moved in.
"Listen bro, I have to tell you something about Lily. It may help you in searching for her."
"Let's hear it." said Nicky as she marched out of the bedroom, one hand resting on her hip looking actually a bit intimidating.
I looked at Rich as I said, "Lily left us because she was sick of this wedding."
I watched with satisfaction as Nicky clapped a hand to her mouth and sat down on one of the sofas.
"She was in love..with someone else and it bothered her how you were always obsessing about your boyfriend and your marraige." I said, staring coldly
at Nicky.
"So she decided to elope."
I watched Nicky lower her head and then suddenly, she raised her head laughing.
What the fuck ?
Rich was laughing too . I looked incredulously at them as they laughed, clutching at their sides..
What was so amusing?
"Oh James..That was priceless!" gasped Nicky, sitting upright.
"What makes you think she'll elope?"
"Because she said so !" I retorted
"To whom?" asked Rich shaking his head.
"Stella."
There was pin-drop silence at the mention of her name. I saw Nicky's murderous expression and stared at her in confusion.
"You complete ARSE , James Potter ! You believed that cow?"
"Watch it -"
"Are you fucking insane, mate ?" yelled Rich as he balled his fists, walking towards me.
"Listen to me, you conceited moron. It's more probable that Stella told Lily some nonsense bullshit story which hurt her so much that she left!" snapped
Nicky as she rushed in between us.
"Why would Stella do that?"
Nicky rolled her eyes and looked at Rich who was looking at the floor in disgust. K! I thought everyone liked Stella..
"Oh God! " said Nicky, "Oh no, oh no, oh no! This means that wherever she is, she must be really upset and hurt..God! She must be crying her eyes out
thinking how she absolutely hates her life!"
Lily's POV
Omg! I absolutely love my life! I stayed at home for 12 days...and already life didn't feel like such a burden anymore. I felt as if I was 17 again !
"Lils..darling.." I heard mum say, and smiled brightly at her.
"Honey, we got a call from New York."
My smile froze on my face as I stared at her in shock.
"Not one call..and it's not just from the hospital, honey..but your friends..Nicky, Stacy, Nat..I didn't tell anyone you were here since obviously, you have your
own reasons, love..but I'm worried, baby. What is going on, dear ?"
"Mum...I..can't tell you."
"Darling, we can help you !"
"No you can't mum! I don't wanna go back. I won't..."
I stormed out of the house and started walking straight towards Ryan's store. He'll understand. This was bloody outrageous! I'll get a job here. Of course
I will. I just needed some time. How would they understand ?As I pushed open the door, I found myself relaxing just by seeing his face.
OK, Maybe not. I knew something was odd about Ryan the very first day , when we went for a walk. After two days, I finally asked him the question I was
dying to ask. He said yes. Ryan Adams was gay. Damn! I knew that guy was too good to be straight ! Haha, mum's reaction when I told her Ryan's gay
was totally priceless! But still, we've become really good friends. If things continue the way they are right now, Ryan may end up being my first gay best
friend !
"Ryan! " I greeted him warmly.
"Lily, there's a sexy young man who's been waiting here patiently just to meet you." said Ryan, winking at me and glancing longingly towards the far
corner of the shop.
My breath caught in my throat, as I saw his face.
"Zack?" I exclaimed, unable to believe my eyes. Emerald locked with silver, as he casually walked towards me . Meanwhile , my brain was working furiously
...What was he doing here?...dressed in a ..tux !
"Zack, hi! W-What are you doing here ?" I asked, mentally cursing myself for stammering.
"I didn't see you at the wedding rehearsal party, Lily. "
I swallowed and looked away, unable to meet his intense gaze. I felt his hand on my shoulder as he gently led me outside the store. We walked in silence
before I finally asked him, "Why are you here Zack?"
"As soon as Nicky told me you had left without telling anybody, I knew it had something to do with him."
I didn't answer and he took my silence for the affirmative, nodding his head. We stopped near an old birch tree and sat on the bench under it.
"Zack, it all went wrong. Terribly wrong."
"You told him you loved him?"
I shook my head, closing my eyes as Stella's silvery voice echoed in my mind,
'Evans is a pathetic low life. '
"He thinks I'm a whore."
I felt his fingers brush gently on my palm as he held my hand.
"Did he tell you that?"
I shook my head and opened my eyes, aware that tears were rolling down my cheeks now.
"Worse! Stella talked to me and told me to back-off. S-she told me what he thinks of m-me, oh Zack!" I cried as I hugged him.
"W-what could I have done? I-I don't want to r-ruin anybody's marriage. N-no..and ..I was s-scared. But..how did you know I was here?" I said, raising my
head to look into his stunning silver eyes.
"I know you better than anyone else, my Lily-flower." he smiled, kissing my forehead."But James...Lily, don't forget..Once a cheater, always a cheater."
"Not if he's in love, Zack. I know him very well..atleast I thought I did. If he's still the James Potter I know, then he won't cheat on a girl if he truly loved
her."
I looked up and found him staring at me curiously. "Why do you love him so much Lily?"
I blushed and looked down, staring at our hands, still enter-twined as I spoke, "Zack, I've been in love with James Potter since the day I turned 17. I fell
in love with the guy he was being for my sake. He was perfect, whoever that person was...I can never forget him. Although, James has hurt me like a
hundred times, he has made me laugh a thousand times more. The only reason why I put up with all his whims is because..somewhere deep down, I'm
still hoping to find the guy I fell in love with him. It's this very faith, which makes me powerless in front of him. There are moments, when he lets his gaurd
down and becomes the real James Potter. Even if those moments last for a few seconds and are usually followed by his famous smirk...I'm reminded how
he's still, essentially that person... Zack, I know this all may sound crazy to you but haven't you...haven't you too loved someone unconditionally, even
though it tears your heart apart , knowing how you can never be with them?"
Zack gazed intently into my eyes and I knew the answer even before he said it,
"Yes, Lily. I have."
We stared at each other for a while..both experiencing the same dilemma, both wishing to help each other but worried of the hurt one will have to face,
later...alone. I couldn't ...I wasn't strong enough..So, Zack finally spoke,
"Lily..James is in love. I talked to Sirius and he told me."
Oh no, oh no..How could it be? He nearly cheated on Stella ! How can he be in love with HER? It's juvenile , but all this time there was a part of me which
was happy that atleast if it wasn't me who James was in love with, it wasn't Stella either. It couldn't be. Oh no...
I moved away from him, my eyes wide with shock " What do you mean?"
"Lily, James is in love with you."
It was as if I was a deaf girl who was hearing music for the first time. His words echoed in my mind and my heart was racing as I leaned closer, still unable
to believe him.
"He said that?"
"James told this to Sirius on the very same day you left for England."
He laughed as he saw me breathing hard and saying,
"Oh my Gosh, he loves me!" repeatedly.
He held my shoulder as he got up , towering over me as usual and extended his hand towards me.
"I believe you have a flight to catch , Dr Evans. You don't want to miss your best friend's wedding ."