Chapter 20: And Now, the End is Near

Lily, Carey and Mariah were woken up by gentil kisses on their foreheads. They had been coaxed into retiring to bed at 9:00 p.m. by the guys. Unannounced to the girls was that they guys stayed up until12:00a.m. themselves. They were preparing the lving room and researching spells to make the last day of their vacation as perfect as possible.

Lily, sweetie, it's 10:00a.m. Don't panic. We let you sleep."

They girls woke and dressed in casual clothes as instructed by the guys. Lily wore a short jean skirt and pale green tank top. Carey was in shorts and a red t-shirt. Mariah dawned a set of capris with a black sleeveless mock neck top. Simple.

When they arrived downstairs, they were met by 100 water balloons and a 12ft. sq. tug of war pool. Lily knew what was going on as James had done this once before. Carey and Mariah didn't get it. They needed explination.

"Ok, girls," began Sirius, "we play tug of war, then we have a water balloon fight. More to come, but you'll have to find out later."

Suddenyl, James snaked his arms around Lily's waist. He pulled her close to him. She leaned her head on his chest and she heard his heartbeat. She looked up into his gorgeous face.

"well, we better go, Lily. They've started with the balloons."

Lily made no effort to move. She enlarged one balloon, hugged James and let the balloon drop on them.

"There, we played. Now, we can dry off and sit, ok?"

James didn't answer. He just nodded. So, they dried off and moved close together. Then, they sat in a chair far away from all the flying balloons until Sirius called them.

"C'mon, Lily. Ole Padfoot'll flip if we don't go over."

"I got another idea. They play at one end. Why not you carry me and drop me in then get in yourself."

"You know what?" I think that's brilliant."

So, he lifted Lily off the sofa into his arms. He walked over to the tub and stepped in, Lily in his arms. Then, he stood her up. He let himself fall backwards into the tub. Lily stood looking at him and, without getting covered, she got out, wiped off and sat down, legs crossed, back facing the pool. She smiled to James.

"Hey, you suggested this! Get in here, now!" he argued.

"Hmm, well, the truth is I much prefer just seeing you."

James wasn't impressed with her answer. He moved himself closer and kissed her. She slipped her arms around his neck. All he did was side step, and, since she was holding him, she lost her balance and fell in, followed by James.

"Ah, James! You nut. That's why I love you. You're my sexy bitch."

"Why, Miss Evans, language. I'll have to punish you. Do you want that?"

"No! PLEASE!" She actually did shrink back. She was scared!

"Whoa, shh, Lily, it's ok. God, why are you so scared? I was joking." But she was crying.

"Well, remember that time you walked in on me in 4th year?" she sobbed.

Lily sat whimpering in the corner of the abandoned classroom. Malfoy had just beaten her for talking to him. She hated him.

"Had enough yet, Evans, you Mudblood?" She spit at his shoes.

"Why, Miss Evans, attitude. I'll have to punish you. Do you want that?"

"Fuck off, Malfoy!"

"Bad move." He began to kick her in the abdomen and mouth. Lily thought she was gonna die. Then, the door clicked. Lily shrank into the shadows and Malfoy disappeared out the door.

"And then," bragged James, "we colored her hair bright purple."

Lily knew James was talking about her. She remembered the purple hair prank. But, she was unable to hear more because she blacked out.

"You mwan, you heard  all the braggin then blacked out?" She nodded. "My God, Lily. If only you hadn't fainted, you have heard us continue…"

"Man, Sirius, we never should have done that. That was horrible."

"C'mon, Prongs. That's why we did it. 'Cause it was Evans."

"That's my point. That's why we shouldn't have done it!"

"James, do you…do you like Lily Evans?"

"You know what, Pad? I think I might. I mean, at first, I hated her attitude, but the truth is She's just perfect. I love her."

"Aww. My little Prongsie. All grown up. So fast."

"Oh, shut up, Padfoot. I told you 'cause I trust you."

"Thanks. I'll take it to the grave." And then, they left.

"And you actually said that? Really?"

"Yeah, I did. Don't believe me? Ask Sirius. He'll tell you."

"I do believe you. I just…never knew."

"Yeah, well, I never knew Malfoy beat the shit out of you. I'll be planning the ultimate prank for him. He's dead."

"James." She didn't let him continue. She turned his face and gave him a short sweet kiss. She didn't say anymore. She was still shaking. By this time, James had moved closer to Lily. He was holding her trying to calm her tears and sobs.

It was scary to see Lily in such a state, She was always the strong one. No one ever got to her. Malfoy must have traumatized her to turn her to such a state at the mention of one sentence. Her tears were still flowing.

Yet another thing. James had known Lily for years. Maybe she did out of view, but he didn't remember her crying even once after her grandparent's death. So, she was either a cold, heartless bitch (which he doubted), didn't' show public emotion or hated her grandparents. Then again, a potion could have made her cold by day and soft by night.

"Lily, here." He handed Lily a pin. It was really small. James had just conjured it. "If someone threatens you again, just push the pin. I'll run as fast as I possibly can. And know this, if I ever say anything like that, there are two things to do. #1 is tell me. I'll try my best not to ever do it again. #2, expect me to snog you senseless. You know, light kisses, and pinches. But for sure, if I say that, it's in no way whatsoever literal!"

"I know, James. It,s just the first time someone has said it since… It's hard. Very hard. I wish it would disappear."

"Well, my dear. Whether or not it does, I intend on doing my original intentions from when I said…what I said." He got close to her and bit at her neck and ears affectionately.

Then, all tension was gone. She felt free. She knew she had to try.

"James, can you try and tell me that again. I need to face this sometime."

"Repeat what? That you,ve been naughty and I need to punish you?"

Had Lily seen a meniacle look, like Malfoy's, she would have shrunk back again. But she looked dead into James's face and noticed his mischevious look and playful grin.

"Yeah, I need to be taught." Rather than act surprised, he just flowed with it and went back to work.

Cured!

When all six were finally done, they cleaned off and bounced upstairs to get ready for a personal little event. The guys set it up again. The tub and balloons disappeared. Then, they ran up to the ballroom. They hung streamers, banners and ornaments and set up some seats in case yu got tired. The table in the corner had some punch and gifts on it. You see, it was Lily's birthday. This party was for her.

The girls were told to dress like "if they were going to a family picnic." So, that's what they did. Seeing as how last time, they had water and egg, the girls made sure that the clothes were washable. Lily wore a knee length halter dress in a deep purple shade. Carey chose a yellow, fluttery summer dress. Mariah dawned a simple jean mini and red tank top. Meanwhile, Mariah and Carey tried to contain their excitement. They knew, but couldn't tell Lily a word.

So, they walked out of the door where they guys met them. James was in black slacks, a white muscle tee, an open green shirt and dress shoes. Remus had black slacks and dress shoes too, but instead a tucked in blue checked shirt. And Sirius chose khaki shorts and an orange muscle tee.

"Lily, we're gonna blindfold you girls." The truth was they fixed Lily's first and didn't bother with the other girls. So, only Lily was being lead. When they stopped, Lily had no idea where they were. Then, they took the blindfold off. Lily was surprised to say the least. James just walked over to her and held her close.

"Surprise. Happy birthday," he whispered into her ear gently.

"You did all this for me? Really?"

"Lily, I told you the last time I did this. I'd do anything if it made you happy. Come dance with me."

Lily and James walked out onto the floor and started to dance to "This I Promise You" by N*Sync.

After the dance, James led Lily to the dining table. That's where she realized…

"Hey, for you 2 to knew to give gifts, you knew about it, too, then?"

Mariah turned to Carey and nodded, ashamed for deceiving their friend.

"Thank you!" she hugged a couple of shocked girls. "It just wouldn't have been the same if I'd had known what was coming up next. Thanks!"

So, they ate dinner, opened gifts and then, danced somemore. They danced to "Satisfaction" by Benny Benassi, "One Heart" by Celine Dion, "Vamos a la Playa" by Various Artists, "Dirrty" by Christina Aguilera (which the boys enjoyed thoroughly), and for the finally of James and Lily's night, "I'll Never Break Your Heart" by the Backstreet Boys.

"James," she whispered in his ear as they danced, "can we be alone for a while?"

"No problem." Sirius, Remus, Mariah and Carey were so 'busy,' they didn't even noticed James and Lily slip outside. James lead Lily to the staircase. Then, he let her lead from there on. They went out onto the balcony and stood in the corner. If they had kept walking straight, they would have walked right into the pool. Instead, they simply sat quiet under the porch light which cast a dim romantic glow. The pool's underwater lights were on. The white light made the water's ripples glow against the house and the two lovers. It was beautiful!

"Thanks, James. The dancing, the water and egg fight, the outdoor set up…all of it!"

"Lily, it's no trouble at all. I love you. Anything for you, love."

"James, can we just… sit on the side of the pool? Around the middle? I wanna be near the strong lights over there."

"No problem. Let's go. I'll brng a blanket to sit on. Ok?"

So, Lily and James made their way to the side of the pool. The blanket was placed so it stopped at the pool's edge. James perfornerd a shortening charm on this slacks then sat with Lily, his and her legs dangling in the water. Lily spoke first.

"James, this has been the best day of my life. Well, all of it, even if it included the whole Malfoy punish thingy…"

James didn't want to hear about it. He pressed a finger to her lips, indicating his wish for her to stop talking. James took out his wand and conjured a letter. "We're outside. Don't come out. Please respect our wish to be alone." He zoomed it inside. With 1 meter to spare each side, he made a dome to block them from being spied on. Now, they wouldn't be disturbed and they could rest quietly.

"There, now we're alone and we can relax. Just be together…"

James held Lily in his shoulder and gently stroked her long red hair. It was wonderful. James felt whole and Lily felt safe.

Lily looked up at him. Her eyes were soft and sincere. So were his. She closed her eyes and moved into him. She kissed him softly. Neither deepened it. It was perfect the way it was.

James slid into the pool and didn't even splash Lily. He simply fell in. He went under and came up. His black hair was wet back and his glasses were dripping with water. His white muscle tee was now semi-transparent. His hunter green shirt was clinging close to his arms and enhanced his shoulders. He pressed against Lily and kissed her again. His eyes asked for him and she nodded. He lifted her by the waist and twirled her above the water, feet dangling and splashing water in a circle. Then, slowly, James let her down. She went under and came back up. The dress clung very tighitly.

"James, I need you to do something. I want you to…to touch me," she half pleaded. James was shocked. He wanted to, but he wasn't sure about her. He moved his hand u her back and over her shoulder. He stopped but Lily wouldn't let him.

She placed her hand on his extended arm and pulled it down into place. She pulled slowly, throwing her head back. When he finally touched her, she moaned and all his resistance was gone. He held her back side with his left hand and her left side with his right hand, it being level with her chest as his thumb stroked it gently. She pulled off his 2 shirts and he lowered her halter dress top to reveal a strapless bra. Realizing she said 'touch,' he left it at that. They stayed in each other's arms on their last night together. They got out and laid down in the grass without drying or adding more clothes. They pulled up the blanket and James made up his mind. Life's gotta change.

Well, ladies and gentlemen who have been kind enough to read my story. This is the last chapter of this story. I know, it's been a fun experience for me. However, it has drawn to a close. But fear not, I have my sequel ready to post. All I have to do is wait till I want to post it for your enjoyment. I'm hoping to attain about 25 to 30 reviews before I post my sequel. I am very desperate for reviews. Whoever you have as an audience, I would love if you relayed this story to others. I would really love some reviews. I see some stories with hundreds and feel depressed. So, pass along my name please. Now, if you would be so kind, please leave me a nice review at the end of this chapter.