__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Lily," Sonya asked softly, as she laid her towel down by the pool.
It was a sunny day, perfect for a recount of last night's adventures. Although it was still slightly cold, the weather was clearing up, and Lily and Sonya were taking full advantage of this by sitting in the bright sunshine next to the tropical style pool and spa.
"Yup!" Lily chirped.
"What happened between you and James last night?"
Lily smiled dreamily, recalling every last second of the magnificent evening. After they had fallen asleep, Lily had dreamed of the beautiful boy next to her, only to wake up and discover that all of it was real. They had left early, leaving little time for talking, but Lily had savored every last moment.
"It was a dream," she said truthfully, laying her head on her arms, smiling happily.
"Lily?" Sonya asked again.
"What?" Lily snapped, as she trailed a finger into the water. She wanted to think about James, not answer these incessant questions.
"Well," Sonya began hesitantly, before drawing up more courage, "don't you think this is all happening a bit quickly? James was horrible to you before yesterday, and you're willing to just forgive him? Just like that?"
Lily sat upright and tried not to glare at her cousin. What right did she have to decided Lily's choices? James was different. Her life was different.
"Of course I'm willing to forgive him."
"But why?"
"Does it matter?" Lily answered irritably, before jumping up and suddenly leaping into the pool. "He was good to me yesterday. That's all that counts."
Sonya sighed then leaned forwards, so that her nose was about an inch away from the quivering water. Lily followed her actions, with her eyes narrowed. If she had the courage she would have yelled at Sonya. As it was, she figured that Sonya was just jealous. That was it, jealous. Her Mother had always told her that girl who acted badly we're envious, and so Lily assumed this was always the problem.
"Of course it matters," Sonya said firmly, shoving her face onto her arms.
"And why is that?"
"How can you just forget? Life isn't a dream, Lily."
"How do you know it isn't? James saw something in me last night," Lily cried desperately, "he noticed something that made him sit up and pay attention. I might have been beautiful, the way he was looking at me. He looked at me, Sonya! He looked straight at me and decided that I was worth it. Sonya, can't you see it? He saw something special about me."
Sonya stared at her for a second, quietly contemplating the pure need etched onto her cousins face.
"Its just make up, Lily."
"Its not just make up!" Lily cried, pulling herself roughly from the pool, spraying icy water about her. "How could it be when my life has improved so much? Its not just make up!"
"Can't you understand? It doesn't make you a better person, or improve your quality. You don't automatically turn human just from wearing it. I thought I was doing you a favor. I thought it might help you get some confidence. God, Lily, look at your self. You think that make up is going to make James like you any better once you finally start talking to him? Don't look at me like that. I saw you. You didn't speak more then six words to him the entire evening. Snap out of it Lily. BJ might like you now, James might kiss the ground you walk on, but will it last? You answer me that Lily, is it worth it?"
"God Dam it. It's worth it!" Lily yelled brutally, tears staring to mingle with the chlorine water, speckling her face.
"Then I hope you have fun."
"I will."
They stared at each other, dark brown eyes smoldering against the green crystal, burning with angry hurt. Finally Lily broke the contact. Grabbing her towel, she glared at Sonya before walking hurriedly out of the pool area, slamming the green, Iron Gate behind her.
Sonya watched her retreating back, and then dived into the pool, destroying any traces of the tears that were freely running down her face.
~*~
Later that afternoon, Lily wandered throughout the kitchen, a towel tied loosely about her waist. She couldn't understand what had happened with Sonya. Where had that anger come from? That hot, putrid, mess of emotion, knotted throughout her body like millions of deadly snakes. Was that tone of voice she had used yelling? Lily had never yelled. Why did Sonya just her so angry?
Maybe she just hit a sore spot"Shut-up," Lily muttered, arguing with the sudden thought that had worked its way into her brain. "I know that he cares about me. I just know it. The way he looked at me. It was something more then..."
It was lust.
"No, it wasn't. It couldn't be. I'm no sex symbol- he cared about me."
Don't kid yourself. Do you think he would've reacted the same way if it were just you standing there? Looking like the mousy little rodent that you are?
"No!"
"Lily?" Came Karen's voice, echoing through the halls. "Lily? Are you in there?"
"Yes," Lily muttered.
"Lily!" Karen cried, seeing her. "There you are. I was looking everywhere for you. Want a cup of tea?"
"Certainly."
Karen padded over to the large marble counter and put the kettle on to boil. Lily watched as her aunt fetched two gleaming, white mugs and a few tea bags. When the steaming tea was finally ready, Karen handed one mug to Lily, smiling nervously.
"Would you mind terribly if we had a little chat?"
"Sure?" Lily answered, looking into her Aunts eyes quizzically, searching for clues.
"Good," Karen answered, obviously relieved. "Shall we sit at the table?"
"Fine," said Lily, sitting down heavily into on of the tall, white chairs surrounding the large, timber table.
"Look, Lily, this is going to be hard to say, but…"
"Yes?"
"Did you and Sonya get into a fight?" Karen held up her hand to silence Lily as she started to talk, and then continued, "I usually wouldn't interfere, I was just wondering if you wanted to chat a little."
"Nothing happened," Lily answered sourly, "nothing. Just a little tiff."
"Are you sure? Sonya is obviously hurting."
Lily snorted, and then stared hard at the flower-print cloth. Karen sighed, and then started to fidget on a napkin.
"Look Lily, I know Sonya can be hard to get along with- she's rather willful. I doubt she would do anything intentionally though. You must know how much she cares about you? She's never met any of her family, and I believe in this last week she's become rather attached to you. You complement each other, you see? Your serene nature cancels out some of her boisterousness, and I'm upset to see something coming between you."
"Is it the boys? Is that it? Because you were two were fine before you went out yesterday. I don't understand it. Is it something to do with-"?
"No! Its…look, just don't worry."
"This is my daughter and my niece we're discussing. I think I'm obligated to worry. Look Lily, I didn't want to make this any harder than it has to be. All I ask is that you and Sonya try to get along. I don't think I could take seeing you two mad at each other until you leave. Make the first move, Lily. I know Sonya, and trust me, she's much to proud to apologize."
Lily looked up into her Aunts eyes, and was immediately wracked with guilt. She hadn't thought about her actions and the consequences on the rest of the family. She hadn't considered that she was still there guest.
And Sonya. Lily started to feel sick as she thought about what she had yelled at her. Sonya was her first real friend- even ignoring their family connections things had been wonderful. How could she have treated her cousin so horribly? She was only trying to do the best for her?
Sighing loudly, Lily stood up and smiled shakily at Karen.
"Thanks. I know that I've been selfish. I'll go speak to Sonya now."
"Great- you don't know how relieved I am. I was worried you two would start armed warfare!
Lily giggled, then smiled hugely. She would apologize to Sonya, and everything would be ok.
~*~
Sonya stared at the picture of a frangipani decorating her walls and sighed. At the moment she hated the color of her room. The bright turquoise was all right when you feel like being happy, but there was only so much of the happy color that a sad girl can take.
Why had Lily behaved so badly towards her? She had only pointed out the obvious- that make up wasn't everything…
And I was right! Make up isn't everything…can't Lily see that a good personality is so much more valuable?
A sudden knock captured her attention as her head snapped towards the door.
"Come in?" Sonya said grumpily, hoping it wasn't her Mum with another cruddy pep talk.
"Hi…" came Lily voice, as she stuck her head around the door, smiling shyly.
"Oh. Its you," Sonya muttered moodily, turning her head towards the wall.
"Yes, its me. Look, I was wondering if you could talk?"
"Sure you can associate with someone like me? I'm not James you know."
"Look. I just want to chat. I know that I wasn't that nice earlier."
Sonya muttered something that Lily didn't quite catch. Sighing she walked over and sat down on the silk bedspread next to the stationary Sonya.
"Please, I really want to talk."
Sonya rolled her eyes and sat up, facing Lily with the hurt plain on her face.
"Ok, if you want to talk, we'll talk. I was really hurt by the way you treated me earlier. Do you know how much I've sacrificed for you these holidays? I have friends you know- friends that I've practically abandoned just to hang around with my 'all so sweet' British cousin. It hurt when you said all that to me Lily. It hurt."
"I know," said Lily heavily, "but I swear I couldn't even comprehend what I was saying. Will you let me explain something to you?"
"Sure."
"This thing with James . . . Sonya, you have to understand that I've idolized him for almost six years! Can you imagine my utter joy when he spoke to me? Let alone kissed me! Seriously- you can't understand how much that means to me. It's like being touched by an angel . . .
Sonya looked at her cousin with disbelief. She couldn't understand where this infatuation was coming from. Sure, James seemed like a nice enough guys, but he wasn't all that special. Turning to look at Lily, she tried to smile.
"Look, Lily, I know that this is amazing for you, but what I'm was trying to say was- and yes, I know I phased it badly-"
"I kind of get what you were trying to say . . ." Lily cut in, smiling reassuringly.
"Just please let me say it again," Sonya replied stubbornly. "I know that you liked James- you've told me the stories about Hogwarts. I- "
"Yes?" Lily asked, looking at Sonya's face closely.
"Look. It doesn't matter. Can we just spend the day together- have a girly time? I miss hanging out with you."
Lily smiled at her cousin, and was about to answer when . . .
"Lily! Sonya!" Sam called, running down the stairs.
"Yes, Sam?" Lily called back, making a face at Sonya, who raised an eyebrow.
"James, Dustin and BJ are here. They want to know if we want to go sailing with them today?"
"Yes!" Lily screeched, standing up quickly. "Tell them we'll be ready in a few minutes. Come on Sonya! This will be mad fun!"
She jumped about the room, grabbed her swimsuit and sprinted towards the bathroom, leaving Sonya sitting on the bed, staring at the floor.
"I hope he's worth it," she muttered quietly, "I hope he's worth the hurt you're causing me."
~*~
The bright, white sailboat sped across the water, raising a massive wake in its path, icy cold spay rising up to splash the waiting hands of its passengers. The boy pretended to be savages, pushing each other absentmindedly, then tugging back when the edge become too much of a reality. The sun shone on this scene, but refused to highlight the hidden tension weaving throughout the boat, captivating each and every passenger.
Lily sat on the stern of the boat, giggling as the spray caught her face, and pretended to be at ease as James causally splashed her.
"So tell me Miss Lily, do you like boats, or is that a secret?"
"I like boats. I love the way they move- like a rocking horse."
"A rocking horse, huh?"
Lily nodded shyly. She wasn't sure why she found it so hard to talk to James. Talking to BJ or to Dustin was a cinch in exchange for this. Everything Sonya had said to her was at the back of her mind as well, making her aware of everything she was saying.
"So tell me, if I were to sing, "Rock-a-by-baby" would that make you talk to me?" James smirked, raising an eyebrow.
"Possibly- you could get lucky," Lily said, quietly hoping that she wasn't being to bold.
James however, grabbed his chest and pretended to faint.
"Was that a joke I heard? Bless the Lord!"
Lily giggled, delighted in her success and added, "as I said before, you could get lucky."
"You're all right, Lils," James replied charmingly, "you're all right."
Before she could answer, she heard a voice calling, "Lily!"
"Yes?" She yelled back. It was Sam.
"Could you come and help me with the sandwiches?"
"Sure, Sam," she replied sighing. "Bye, James, I guess I'll see you later."
"Sure thing," he answered, as he helped her to her feet, "by the way, did anyone ever tell you that you're beautiful?"
Lily flushed heavily as she hurried away.
~*~
"Did you ever wonder why people like each other?"
Dustin turned his head to look at Sonya, as she stared into the harbor, watching the dark shapes.
"No. I figure there must be a reason though."
They were sitting at the back of the boat, dipping their feet into the water and just talking. Dustin had discovered that Sonya was passionate, inventive and loyal- the more he heard from her, the more he appreciated her.
"That's true," Sonya admitted, swinging her feet a few times, "But have you ever thought about the differences in people- why do people like what is so wrong for them?"
Dustin thought for a moment. Why did people? Why did he like Sonya? Why did she like BJ? Dustin wasn't stupid; he had seen the way Sonya started at the black haired boy- like he was perfect. Dustin wished that she would stare at him like that.
"Have you ever thought about it differently?" Dustin asked thoughtfully.
"Sort of . . .well, no, not really."
"Why do people always ignore what they have? Why do they go looking for pain?"
"I don't know."
The conversation lapsed into silence, as Dustin once again studied Sonya, as she stared at BJ. Finally Sonya turned back to him with pain in her eyes.
"Because we welcome the hurt."
Dustin nodded, satisfied with her answer, then stood up and walked away. Sonya barely noticed as she stared at BJ's never turning back.
~*~
Lunch came quickly, and Lily marveled at how many of them managed to fit around the white plastic table that was sitting in the middle of the deck. Lunch was all sorts of gourmet sandwiches, as well as large bottles of fizzy drinks that Lily hadn't drunk since she was eleven.
"More Coke?" BJ asked her, holding up the bottle.
"No thanks," she answered politely, smiling at him softly.
"Are you enjoying Australia, Lily?" Dustin cut in, "I know that James is- wouldn't shut up about the scenery. . . and let me assure you, I think he appreciates the girls as well!"
Everyone laughed as James stood up and preformed an elaborate bow.
"Better watch Australia," BJ quipped, "James is on the prowl."
"That's for sure!" Sonya added wryly, glancing at her enraptured cousin.
"So what do you think about Quiddich final?" Dustin asked James, while Lily listened in. Everyone else knew little about the Wizards sport, so instead they began to discuss the Soccer World cup.
"It was Mad!" James answered Dustin enthusiastically, "Did you see the goal that Norwen shot? Wow- I wish I could shoot like that."
"You shoot well enough already." Lily said quietly, then immediately wished she hadn't.
"How do you know?" James asked, looking at her curiously, "I never told you I played chaser? You would have had to have seen me to say that I shoot well."
"Well. . ."
Dustin looked from James to Lily, wondering what was going on.
"Yes?"
"I just meant that I'm sure you would shoot well. I hate people being down about themselves."
James seemed to accept this, although he still shot her some very suspicious glances. Finally he started to talk about stunning charms, something that Lily jumped into immediately.
It was one close call.
Lily was determined that James would stay oblivious to her secret identity. At least that is, until she decided to tell him.
Hey guys!
Sorry this chapter was a bit boring- it was the chapter that I had to use to add some important things into- otherwise the plot won't make sense. Next chapter will be a big one!
Next chapter
Another close call.
Fights, snogs and all. . .
We discover where exactly this fic is going. . .
A big thanks to:
mystikalolo, me, summrmagic, winney, Moon*wolf, KV (that's for the Grammr check! I'll have to change that) , Celine, Toria, cRaZiiBuM , The_Elfin_child, DV, linaeviel, miss wings, lilypad-james, Stunned angels and Niki-chan
Ok! Heres a few replies
Auburgine- See! I'm trying to work on the characters now- gah, BJ is giving me grief. Stupid hard to write…grr thanks for the great email!
Lil-Brat888- That's as always for the great review! You compliments are always the best!
Aiya- I swear these wolves seem terrifyingly funny! (What a contradiction!) Lol, I wrote this chapter under the wolf threat!
Clearbrooke- Nah, BJ's a bit out of it at this point. He'll find out later and try to make a few difficulties. You're not slow! I just often forget to add stuff in! Thanks for the great review!
Izzy- Go team Sydney! Yes, James is coming out a bit bad, but don't worry he'll improve- this story is carrying on to Hogwarts so there is plenty of time for him to get his act together! Yes, BJ is a bit of a womanizer. That's why Sonya has such a thing for him- she can't get him! Thanks for the great review, and yes, Chatswood is the best ever! I love all the clothes shops there…and the shoes!
Lisa- I know it's a bit predictable (but hopefully not SO cliché) but I have to admit, writing a predictable fic is a lot more fun then the other one I've got going on now. This fic is heaps of fun to write! If you have any more suggestions to de-predictable it, email me! Thanks for the review!
Mystic Pixie- I know! But hey, he's a guy! Hahaha- kidding, guys can be cool, but this one ain't! He's based on one of the more irritating guys from my school.
AH- Aussie, Aussie, Aussie- OY, OY, OY
Marauderz*TomBoi- I loved this review for its randomness- random is the best word in the world!
FTCWriter- Lol, it might take awhile…but there's a reason! I promise! You guys will find out later when I continue this at Hogwarts.
iluvdanielr- I know it was a generalization, but trust me! I don't think like that. Its just meant to show how much James mother looks down all muggle populations. That why I made Australia into a bit of a stereotype! And I live here!
Thanks a bunch for the reviews guys…next chapter will be eventful and out quicker! I swear!
:o)