Chapter 16- Disappointment and unknown feelings
"Your eye looks dreadful."
Marcela and Anne were sitting in the Gryffindor common room, and Andrew laughed. Anne had just arrived from St. Mungo's after being in a bed for two days (Anne's mom had insisted).
"I can't believe you couldn't see Chris," Marcela said, her voice filled with concern.
"He's fine, Dad saw him several times and he said that Chris was as sarcastic as ever," Anne smiled weakly.
"I knew it would be dangerous. But you never seem to listen," Andrew reproached.
"Save the lecture," Anne said as she looked around. The portrait hole opened violently and Wayne appeared, his face very red and sweaty.
"Anne!" He ran over to Anne and embraced her.
"Wayne… my ribs…"
"Sorry," Wayne said, letting go and looking anxiously at Anne. "I was so worried, I couldn't get out of here, I thought-"
"We'll leave you two alone," Marcela said and she and Andrew left.
Anne couldn't look at Wayne. She felt like she had cheated on him. She had lied about where she was that night and now the confusing feelings about Chris.
"I'm sorry I lied," Anne said in a small voice.
"Hey, you're a Potter," Wayne smiled. "You're supposed to do crazy things like that. But next time let me know. You can tell me anything."
"Anything, eh?" Anne said thoughtfully.
"Yes, dear, anything."
Anne looked at him and her eyes were filled with tears. "I'm afraid… I'm afraid we have to stop seeing each other."
Wayne stared at her in disbelief. "What? Why?"
"I don't want to hurt you," Anne said. "I'm confused right now at the moment. You're a wonderful guy, you don't have to be with someone who can't think straight. You deserve better."
Wayne remained silent, only staring at Anne. He looked at his hands and neither of them said anything in what seemed an eternity. Wayne finally decided to break the silence.
"I just want to say… that no matter what, you can always trust me. I can be your friend, and if you need me… you know, I don't have to continue, right?"
Anne chuckled and sighed. "I'm so sorry."
Wayne nodded. "Do what you think is right." Anne smiled and hugged Wayne for a long time.
The next day"Wait!" Anne was running behind Andrew, June and Marcela. The four of them were already late for breakfast, and Anne was very behind.
"Hurry up!" Marcela squealed. Hagrid had told them that the OWL results would be given at breakfast, and Anne was eager to see what she had scored.
Anne's robe tangled with one of the statues and her friends disappeared from her sight. "Damn, damn, damn!" She also realized one of her shoelaces was undone. She kneeled down and cursed all the while.
"Late?"
Anne raised her head and gasped. Chris was standing in front of her, wearing regular muggle clothes and his face featuring a few scars.
"A hug?" Chris opened his arms wide, smiling widely. Anne almost jumped into his arms, her heart bouncing with relief.
"I was told your face would be unrecognizable, but those scars really suit you," Anne mocked without letting go of Chris.
"Yeah, I'm definitely a chick magnet," Chris chuckled.
They looked into each other's eyes, but Anne felt uncomfortable and looked away. "The OWL results! I have to see them, come on!"
Anne started walking away, feeling extremely nervous, and she knew it wasn't because of the results.
"I already have them. I just came to say goodbye." Anne turned to look at Chris, confused.
"I mean, my parents are waiting outside. I'll see you starting next term," he said, sensing Anne's reaction.
Anne walked over to him and frowned. "I want you to read this letter," Chris grimaced as he handed Anne an envelope.
Anne took the envelope and clutched it tightly. "Don't read it right now," Chris said seriously. "You will have all summer to read it and think about it."
He started to walk away, but suddenly stopped. He didn't turn to look at Anne. "I heard you. I guess I wasn't that unconscious."
Anne looked at Chris as he walked away. He disappeared from her sight and she sighed, clutching the envelope in her hand tightly.
To be continued…