Word Count: 550
Marlene feels the heat rise in her cheeks as she checks the time. There's no denying it now. It's been an hour, and she has most definitely been stood up by the bloke Dorcas set her up with. Tears sting her eyes, and she jumps to her feet, tossing a few coins down and stalking out of the restaurant.
It's storming now. Rain beats down, and lightning illuminates the sky with a crackle of electricity. It would be wise to Apparate, but she is too emotional to even think. She walks into the storm, the rain quickly soaking through her dress. She doesn't care. All she wants is to get the hell away from the restaurant and the reminder that she wasn't good enough.
…
It takes waking aimlessly in the rain for nearly an hour before her head clears enough. She can vividly see the house in Godric's Hollow, and she disappears on the spot, arriving with a pop outside the door. Before she can even knock, Lily opens it, frowning.
"Where the hell have you been?" Lily asks. "You're soaked." She doesn't give Marlene a chance to answer before gesturing her inside. "Kick off your shoes and relax.'
Marlene almost laughs at that. She can't see herself relaxing any time soon. The hurt is still so sharp and stinging, so fresh in her mind. She pulls out her wand, muttering a quick charm to dry her clothes before following Lily into the kitchen.
It's such a British thing. Your friend shows up, miserable and alone, so of course you put the kettle on. Marlene almost smiles.
"I got stood up," Marlene announces.
It hurts to say, but at least Lily is kind. Lily won't mock her or look at her with pity in her eyes.
The Potters' cat lets out a meow, bumping its head against Marlene's leg. She reaches down, petting it gently.
"You know what that means?" Lily asks.
"That men are horrible creatures," Marlene deadpans.
She doesn't mean it. Not really. It's just been a string of dating disasters, and she isn't sure how much more she can take.
"I see a chance for a new start," Lily says before dropping a tea bag into each cup. She takes the kettle off and pours the steaming water over the bags. "So, this bloke was an idiot. Sod him. He doesn't know what he's missing."
This is Marlene's first thought had been Lily. They've been friends for so long, practically inseparable since their third year. No one can make her smile the way Lily can.
"You know, Sirius still fancies you," Lily adds, shrugging.
Marlene snorts. She accepts her teacup, dipping the bag in and out a few times and breathing in the soothing aroma. "I know."
"Just a thought. But that's the thing, Mar. You are a free, independent woman. You can do whatever the hell you want."
She smiles at that. It's true. Besides, it isn't like she's in a hurry to get married. Why not just have fun while she can? At least she has Lily, and she would much rather have that strong friendship. It's safe and sturdy, and it reminds her that she is loved so unconditionally.
"James is out with the fellas," Lily says. "Girls' night?"
Marlene nods. "Girls' Night."
