Ron and Shanon: Story 4

Chapter 11

Author's Note: I feel horrible for not updating. But I have the whole story planned out now, so the chapters will come more easily since I don't have to brainstormas much. Enjoy my return!


"When a wizard goes over ter the Dark Side, there's nothin' and no one that matters to 'em anymore..."
-- Rubeus Hagrid

Ron's foot began twitching anxiously as the Wizard Bus rounded onto Shanon's street. He felt his palms sweat and he became very anxious. The bus stopped at the corner and the driver said "Elm drive" drowsily. Ron cautiously paid his fare, and then stepped down from the bus. He looked up at Shanon's house, and instantly wanted to spring back up onto the bus. He turned around but the bus had completely disappeared. Ron swallowed and rubbed the sweat from his forehead.

For such a cold day, Ron was feeling especially hot and sweaty. He walked slowly up to the gate and pushed it open with his foot. The stepping stones seemed miles apart. He took his time to examine flowers and bugs in the garden. Everything intrigued him. Anything to stay away from the house as long as possible.

"Maybe I should just go…" he thought. It would solve everything, wouldn't it? He could just find a new girlfriend. No problem.

He turned around to go, but too late.

"Ron?"

Ron jumped and spun around. Shanon was in the doorway; mug in hand, jeans and sweatshirt on. Ron could feel his face go red.

"Er…Shanon…hello! Um, so…" He tugged at his collar. "How…how…ho…I…"

Shanon frowned and came down the steps. As if instinct, Ron stepped away. Shanon smiled sadly.

"Have we really been apart that long?" she said quietly.

Ron looked at her and felt his face go back to normal. He had forgotten her tenderness. He also smiled sadly and stepped a little closer.

"I hope not." He whispered. Shanon looked away, as if hiding something, and then said "Come inside."

Ron and Shanon climbed up the steps into the house, Ron walking behind Shanon. Once inside, she closed the door and looked him up and down.

"You must be cold." She said, at loss for any other words. And so they walked into the living room, where there was tea and a warm fire in the fireplace. Ron sat down. Looking uncomfortable, Shanon took the first step.

"I know why you came."

Ron looked at her, his eyes wide.

"I…"

"Ron, just say it. Please. I miss you." She moved to the edge of the couch.

"Shanon…" Ron looked at the mantle and rubbed his chin as if thinking. Then he looked at her. "I am so sorry."

They were both quiet. But suddenly, Shanon jumped up and ran to Ron, throwing her arms around him.

"Ron!" she cried. "Oh god…"

"Shanon, I was such a bloody idiot. I can't believe it. I…I want to forget all I said. But, the words are still there. God it's so complicated…I can't believe I…"

"Ron, stop talking!" she hugged him tighter and Ron kissed her head. "Just hold me."

He did. Ron rocked her back and forth in his arms, remembering how horrible he had been. His hug tightened at this thought and felt tears in his eyes.

"Don't cry." Shanon whispered. Ron smiled.

"I forgot how happy you make me." He said. Shanon smiled up at him and rested her head on his chest. Ron breathed deeply, and the familiar rise and fall of his chest put Shanon at an ease she had not felt for months.

"I'm so sorry about your mother." Ron whispered. He looked down at her.

"It's ok." Shanon cleared her throat. "Dad doesn't care about me anymore. He didn't care about her either. Auntie and I are the only ones that miss her."

Ron sighed and felt a tear on his cheek. He heard Shanon trying not to cry.

"Sssh." He rocked her back and forth again. Cautiously, he brought her chin up to look at him. She blinked. He leaned forward and kissed her lips softly. Shanon kissed him back. This time, she knew it was him. He was holding her, kissing her, touching her hair, her back, her breasts; it was Ron. No one else. Not David…

Shanon gasped and sat up very suddenly, pulling away from the kiss and breathing fast. She looked at Ron.

"What?" he asked. She swallowed.

"Ron, I loved you very much."

"Loved? But…"

"But no longer do I love you like I did."

Ron's heart froze. No longer?

"What?"

"I'm sorry. I love someone else."

Ron looked at her with cold eyes. Then he laughed. Shanon frowned.

"What?" she asked irritated.

"You rehearsed this right?" Ron's laugh slowly stopped and he stood up angrily. "What the BLOODY HELL do you mean???"

"Ron, SIT DOWN! I loved you, but there comes a time to move on." Shanon's heart panged. She could not believe her own lips were saying these words. But no, it was for the best.

"Ron, we had wonderful times. But, I think we should stop this."

"SHANON WHAT ARE YOU SAYING???"

"Ron…" she bit her lip and looked at him, and then took a deep breath. "I'm engaged."

And on her hand, Ron could see a shining ring.