Word Count: 530
Petunia wonders if she should be annoyed. It seems that Lily is on a quest to rekindle their friendship. Her latest attempt comes in the form of a girl with short chestnut hair, a patch of freckles across her nose, and a beautiful smile.
Alice Fortescue, Lily explains, is a witch too, and she may be the kind of girl Petunia might like.
Petunia doesn't know how Lily could possibly know about that. She hasn't dared to tell anyone how she feels. If she's honest, she's still coming to terms with the fact that sometimes she looks at girls the way she's supposed to look at boys.
It doesn't matter, though. Alice is beautiful, and Petunia cannot say no.
…
"I can't believe you've never been ice skating before!" Petunia says, stepping onto the ice.
Alice is wobbly as she follows behind. It's cute, really. Petunia doesn't think she's ever met anyone who hasn't done this before. Admittedly, Petunia's skills are only slightly above average, but compared to Alice, she looks like a professional.
"I'm going to fall!" Alice squeals, giggling as she clutches Petunia's arm.
"No you won't," Petunia assures her. "I won't let you."
She's never allowed herself to be this physically close to another girl. In the back of her mind, she's told herself it's abnormal and wrong, and she shouldn't want this. Now, she doesn't care what that voice says. Alice is beautiful and kind, and Petunia wants to stay here in this moment forever.
…
Snow drifts to the ground as they walk out of the cafe, holding their cups of hot cocoa. Alice moves a little closer to her so that their shoulders are touching; Petunia shivers, and she suspects it has nothing to do with the cold air that caresses her skin.
"This is really good," Alice says, sipping her drink, her eyes lighting up with delight.
"It's the cinnamon," Petunia tells her.
They walk through the streets mostly in silence. Sometimes Alice will see something she doesn't understand, and Petunia will explain. Petunia thinks she should find it annoying, but it's actually sort of endearing the way Alice is so fascinated by the smallest things.
"I really don't want this night to end," Alice admits when they reach Petunia's house.
Petunia shakes her head. "Neither do I."
It would be wonderful to find a way to extend the night, but there is only so much they can do, especially in this weather. The best Petunia can hope for is a second date.
Alice leans in, kissing her quickly, a rich pink staining her cheeks when she pulls away. "I hope that was okay," she says. "I usually don't kiss on the first date, but you're special, Petunia."
Petunia pulls her close, kissing her again. She could do this all night, but she knows they have to part ways. "Let's do this again soon."
Alice nods. "I would love to."
Lily is waiting for her when she gets inside. "Well?"
Petunia sniffs. "I'm not one to kiss and tell."
Lily jumps up, grinning broadly. "So you kissed her!"
Petunia can't help it. She laughs. "I had an amazing time," she says. "Thank you."
