A/N: I've reached 25! Wow! Thanks again readers! :)
When I wake up the next morning, I still have the happy feeling of Christmas in me. I yawn, rubbing my eyes, and turn over to see that Natalie is sitting up on her bed with a smile on her face, slowly eating a chocolate from the big box Sirius had given her. I scratch my neck as I watch her amusedly—she's so in love. That's when I feel James's necklace; I must have slept with it on. I quickly sit up, clutching the charm as the feelings from yesterday morning flood back.
My eyes turn to look at Natalie who surprisingly hasn't noticed. I force myself to relax—it was nothing, after all. Nothing at all. It's just a pretty necklace…yet I can't bring myself to take it off. I decide to speak, it's not safe to be alone in my thoughts anymore.
"Enjoying those, are you Natalie?" I ask, hoping my voice sounds normal.
Natalie jumps, but continues to smile, "Merlin, Lily, you frightened me."
I smile back, glad she didn't notice the worry in my voice, "So you're doing good with Sirius, then?"
Natalie falls back on her bed dreamily, "I'm loving it."
"You're loving him, too, I think," I say daringly.
She looks at me, her eyes determined, "I do love him, Lily. I really do. I just don't know if he loves me back."
I'm feel sympathetic as I say, "If he doesn't love you, he will eventually."
"What if he never does and I'm just one of his flings?" she says, her eyes now expressing doubt.
"Then he's a fool," I say back at her truthfully, "Natalie, I don't think you should worry at all. Just live your life because it's really good right now."
Natalie smiles, "It is, right? I've got it all set out. Normally people dream about this stuff. I'm being stupid, thanks Lily. For making me remember how good it is to love someone."
I smile as she gets up and goes to breakfast.
Love seems so easy, so good.
Figuring out if you're in love in the first place?
That's hard.