bThe Unravelling Chapter Four:
Nothing Like the Holiday's/b
A warm mug of tea in her hands, Chloe grinned as she watched Ryan pick up every single one of his presents and shake them. He was waiting for Chloe and Sirius to finish getting their coffee so he could open his Christmas presents. Behind her, Chloe could hear Sirius as he whistled 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas' loudly as he stirred his tea. Chloe laughed as Ryan tried picking up a large present and nearly dropped it due to its size.
"Happy Christmas love," Sirius whispered, encircling his one arm around her waist, and continuing to kiss her neck. "I hope it's all you could hope for." He murmured in her ear, and than swooped over to Ryan on the floor switching into father mood quickly.
Chloe stood still for a few moments, enjoying the sight of Sirius getting on the floor with Ryan to check out the presents. Knowing that they wouldn't stay patient for long, she entered the living room and took her spot on the sofa, Sirius getting up and sitting next to her. Ryan sat on the floor, holding a present in his hands, and smiling at Chloe waiting for the sign he could open it.
"Go ahead darling," Chloe told him, and laughed as Ryan began tearing the paper away. She laughed as it went flying, and Ryan started shouting as he realized it was a mini Quidditch uniform. He went over to Chloe, and pushed them into her hands. Laughing, she helped him put the uniform on. When she had finished he started jumping up and down, jabbering about how he was the fastest seeker there ever was.
"If that is so, why don't you try to open the rest of your presents as fast as you can." Sirius suggested, and Chloe flashed him a dirty look as Ryan squealed and began ripping open his presents as fast as he could, only pausing when he found the undeniable need to look at a certain present. Finally, when he had finished paper lay every where, and his gifts were scattered around him.
"I finished!" Ryan cried, throwing his hands in the air.
"What did you get?" Chloe mused.
"I got robes, and I got bedtime clothes, I got toys, and I got a broom! Let me ride it please!" Ryan said, jumping up and grabbing the small broom Father Christmas had given him.
"Not here Ryan, but when we go visit Grandma we can find a field to play, I promise." Sirius assured Ryan, ruffling his hair.
Ryan nodded and went back to his gifts and began playing. There were still four presents under the tree, and Sirius retrieved them for him and Chloe. Handing the two addressed to her, he motioned for her to open hers first. Raising her brow, she opened the bigger one first that was from Ryan.
"Oh, it's lovely," Chloe found herself saying as she pulled a warm red jumper with a deep v-neck. Ryan continued to putter on with his toys, and Chloe looked at Sirius and smiled. "I'll wear it tonight," she told him.
"I thought you would like something new and bright to wear." Sirius muttered. His eyes seemed to follow her every move, and Chloe couldn't help but feel like a teenager again. She couldn't help but scoff at herself on the thought before continuing to open her next present, this time from Sirius directly. A slim black box, Chloe already had an idea as to what it was; a Sirius staple, jewellery.
Opening the box, Chloe took out the velvet case, and opened it up. Inside a silver necklace glinted in her eyes, and a small teardrop sapphire twinkled. Gasping a little in shock – it looked expansive, and she always felt a little guilty about Sirius spending so much money on her – Chloe looked up at Sirius and smiled. "It's beautiful Sirius."
"Of course it is, it's for you." Sirius said, standing up taking the necklace into his hands. Standing behind Chloe, he placed it around her neck, his hands brushing her shoulder and sending a shiver down her spine. Turning to look at him she grinned again, and leaned up to kiss him gently on the lips.
"Thank you, again and again." She murmured as he took his seat on the floor next to Ryan again. Ryan hadn't noticed the interaction, too engrossed with his new toys. Sirius merely smiled at her, shaking his head, and continued to open his presents.
"Want to help me buddy," Sirius said to Ryan and together they opened the presents from Ryan and Chloe; a magic razor from Ryan and set of new dress robes as well as silver cufflinks from Chloe. Sirius kissed her happily, staring at the robes in amusement. "Do you plan on taking me somewhere fancy?"
"Oh Ha Ha, I was thinking you could where them tonight for James and Lily's party." Chloe told him, standing up.
The floor was covered in wrapping paper, bows, plastic, and whatever else had once been covering the toys in Ryan's hand. Once finished cleaning it up, Chloe went into the kitchen and started making breakfast while Sirius supervised Ryan on his new toy broom. Her family would be over any minute for breakfast and she had a feeling Danielle would be starving after her late night of partying. As she thought this Chloe heard a knock at the door, and Sirius went to go answer.
"Merry Christmas!" Mrs. Roberts cheered, and it was quickly echoed by Sirius. "Where is my grandson?"
"Granny!" Ryan squealed, and Chloe left the kitchen to greet her family. She quickly noticed that Danielle wasn't with them, but before she could ask her Aunt spoke.
"Where is Danielle?" she said looking to Chloe.
"Shouldn't you know?" Chloe asked, confused.
"I'd assume you would when she said she was going to stay the night here." Mrs. Roberts said from her spot in the living room, Ryan in her arms.
"Yeah, she wrote a letter around one o'clock saying she was too tired to Floo home safely." Chloe's Aunt explained.
"Oh, I only meant shouldn't you know – she's still asleep in Ryan's room." Chloe quickly covered, trying to hide the horror from her face. Sirius's eyes snapped to her, and together they both went into the kitchen saying they had to make food.
"I can go out and look for her if you want." Sirius said quickly.
"You won't find her." Chloe breathed hard.
"Well if something bad happened to her we would have heard by now." Sirius assured Chloe.
"That doesn't help Sirius," Chloe groaned. Her entire body was shaking.
"You keep them distracted, I'll pretend to go out to throw the rubbish our or something and look for her." Sirius suggested.
Still shaking Chloe nodded, forcing the tears not to fall. "Okay, okay, do it." Chloe gave in.
Holding her face, Sirius had her look him in the eye. "I'll find her Chloe – she probably just slept at her friend's house."
"Then why isn't she here now?" Chloe said frantically.
Sirius frowned, and went to answer when the sound of the door opening could be heard from the hall. Both of them rushed out into hall where Danielle stood taking off her shoes. Chloe's mother and Aunt came into the hall looking just as confused as Chloe and Sirius felt.
"Happy Christmas," Danielle said looking around, "Sorry everyone was asleep when I got up and I wanted to go for a walk." Danielle blasted off, and gave a meaningful look.
"Your mother brought some fresh clothes to put on." Chloe's Aunt said.
"Oh good, this is gross." Danielle joked, and rushed into the back room, grabbing the clothes from Mrs. Roberts as she went.
Sirius merely glanced at Chloe, whole Chloe couldn't help but frown in anger. Danielle had scared her to tears – literally – and she did not like it. Forcing a smile she motioned for everyone to get settled again, and she and Sirius went back into the kitchen.
"At least we know she is safe." Sirius said, opening the fridge to get a carton of eggs.
"Yeah, that's what you think now. She has so much explaining to do." Chloe grumbled.
Sirius grinned. "You are such a mother."
"I hope so," Chloe said, glancing at him as she started to cut up some peppers for the omelette she was going to make for everyone.
"I'm sure she has a good explanation, Danielle is an idiot so I'm sure it's good." Sirius reasoned.
"It better be." Chloe muttered.
"Go and talk to her, love." Sirius said, coming up next to Chloe and nudging her gently in the side. "I bet you she's expecting it."
Rolling her eyes, Chloe nodded, and set down the knife she was holding. "I'll be back," Chloe mumbled as she went. Pausing for a moment to talk to her mum, Chloe quickly went to the bathroom and knocked on the door.
"Come in Chloe," Danielle's muffled voice said.
Chloe opened the door and found her sister wearing trousers and a sweater, trying to wipe the smeared make-up from her face. Danielle's eyes met Chloe's, and before she could say anything Chloe asked, "Where the hell did you go last night?"
"Don't look at me like that," Danielle groaned, putting the cloth on the bathroom counter. "The party got moved from the Leaky Cauldron to my friend's house. Everyone went home around three, but I had to help clean up. We didn't finish until six and I ended up sleeping for a few hours before coming here. I had hoped I would make it before they go here so I could clean up a bit."
"I don't believe you." If there was one thing Chloe knew, it was how to spot a liar. Whether it was Sirius trying to hide something from her or a patient lying about how they got an injury, or even her son who had done something he should not have – she knew.
"Prove it," Danielle bit back.
"Just tell me the truth." Chloe repeated.
Danielle sighed, and turned around to close the toilet so she could sit down. Chloe moved to sit on the bathtub ledge, and looked at her sister expectantly. Danielle gave her a small grin and launched into her story. "We were all drinking and having a blast at the Cauldron – we weren't the only ones there. A whole bunch of people were there, some older Hogwarts people that were in your year and all."
"Danielle you're seventeen." Chloe interrupted.
"I'm of age, you know that. It's not like I was doing anything you didn't – er, well, would have." Danielle grinned innocently.
Chloe shook her head, rolling her eyes. "Continue with your story."
"Well, do you remember Clark Clearwater?" Danielle search.
"Yeah, he was in my year. A Ravenclaw," Chloe replied, giving Danielle a suspicious look.
"Well, he was there. And we started to talk. He asked about you and Sirius, wondered if you two were still together and how Ryan was. He is a really nice guy. Anyway so we dance a whole bunch, and when Tom got tired of us, he kicked everyone out and we all went to the nearest Muggle club – Clark got me in because he knows the guy who owns the place." Danielle quickly explained.
Chloe sighed heavily, having a faint idea where this was going.
"By three o'clock everyone had left that we knew and it was just us. We weren't even dancing; we were just sitting at one of the tables. So he says to me 'let's get out of here' and we go to his flat that he shares with his friend – who was totally passed out on the sofa. So we go into his room-"
"Danielle! I knew it! Clark was probably just asking about me to make sure that you're the sister of the girl who got knocked up at fifteen! He probably thought you were easy-" Chloe started.
"Chloe it wasn't like that! He didn't even try to kiss me or anything. We just talked and talked. We talked until seven in the morning about everything, Chloe! And then I kissed him or well, I made out with him. And then we fell asleep on his bed. Around ten he shook me awake and told me that I should probably get going because my parents would be worried. So he Apparated me around the corner and walked me to the apartment – he gave me his address to owl him and everything! Oh, Chloe it wasn't what you're thinking at all!" Danielle said, her cheeks turning a rosy colour.
Chloe didn't know what to think. "Why wasn't he with his own family? It is the holidays after all."
"He said that his parents had gone to France to visit his brother, and he was going later today. He had wanted to stay in the city and party." Danielle smirked.
"He still sounds suspicious to me," Chloe said, standing up. "He kept you out all night-"
"Chloe stop it." Danielle grabbed Chloe's arm to make her face her. "I'm a big girl now – I can take care of myself. Clark isn't some creepy guy who is using me. I know that times are tough, and it's hard to know who to trust but Clark isn't going to turn out to be a Death Eater. He's not scum and you know that." Danielle finished.
"It's not that… you scared me Danielle. When Mom and Aunty showed up without you and thought you were here, I thought something horrible had happened. You have no idea what I see at work. Girls your age, my age come in all the time raped or injured from Death Eaters. Aurors get attacked and die – James almost died!" Chloe said shrilly. "I don't think I could handle if that happened to you too."
Danielle looked at her hands. "I'm sorry, I should have written you and told you what was going on. I guess I sort of got lost in the excitement."
"Really," Chloe remarked.
Danielle groaned, cocking her head to the side and leaning it against her hand. "I'm sorry," Danielle mumbled.
Chloe stood up, and pushed a strand of Danielle's hair behind her ear, and kissed the top of her head. "I'm just glad you're safe. Take a shower, and you can come and get some breakfast."
"Yes Mommy," Danielle grinned as Chloe turned to leave.
Chloe merely rolled her eyes, opened the door and went back to the living room. Sirius looked at her, and she shrugged smiling. He simply nodded, and went back to serving food to Chloe's mother and Aunt.
The rest of the day passed without incident. Danielle went for a nap shortly after opening presents and eating breakfast. While Chloe's Aunt played with Ryan, Chloe, Sirius, and Mrs. Roberts were in the kitchen preparing dinner for that night. James and Lily and Remus were expected for dinner being that Nadine, Kathy, and Peter all had their own parents to eat with.
"How is Remus? I read about his mother in the paper – she was all he had left, right?" Mrs. Roberts asked as she was magically peeling potatoes.
"He's fine. It's been almost a year now and Remus was expecting it anyhow. She had been really sick and it wasn't until the day before that Mrs. Lupin had caught Dragon pox and because she was so old it didn't do well for her. Remus told me he knew it would only be a matter of time – his mother was never right after his dad died." Chloe told her mother.
"He was killed by werewolves; of course she would never be the same. I only feel sorry for Remus – having to grow up without a father." Mrs. Roberts said and glanced at Chloe, "It isn't easy."
Chloe tried to smile at her mother but it was hard. It had been a long time since she had thought about her father – not since her last birthday. Growing up there had always been pictures of her father all through her house that always had her thinking of her father. The only problem was that she was extremely young when he died and the only memories she had him was a time when he had read her a book to sleep and his funeral. Neither was much to go on.
"Remus is fine mum, as good as he has always been. He's working at a small publishing company as an editor, and he enjoys it." Chloe assured her.
"What about Lily and James?" Mrs. Roberts went on, this time glancing at Sirius as well who had stayed out of the conversation.
"Lily is good; she and James went to see her mother last night after the party. James didn't say if he was going to visit his father at the Hospital – it isn't as if he would know the difference, he doesn't even recognize James anymore." Sirius informed Mrs. Roberts.
Mrs. Roberts shook her head sadly, and turned her back on the peeling potatoes. "You are all too young to be loosing your parents."
Chloe looked at her mother, rolling her eyes. "What are you saying mum? Are you telling me you're dying or something?"
"No, no it's not that at all. I was just thinking last night how everyone was at the party because they didn't really have much else place to go. Remus and you both lost fathers at a young age, and Lily and Remus lost a parent last year. James' father is senile and his mother died when he was sixteen. Death has become all too common in your lives, and it isn't right. When I was your age the people I knew who had died were old and it was almost expected." Mrs. Roberts reasoned.
Sirius shrugged. "Since I was born people around me had died. Wizards and witches don't live long, Mrs. Roberts, especially Purebloods. Though they may have the possibility to out live many Muggles, we have a higher risk at dying. You're a Muggle-born, Mrs. Roberts, so you didn't grow up in this world. Some of my earliest memories are of going to Funerals for family members. Ask James and he says much the same." Sirius told Mrs. Roberts.
She took a seat at the table, and Chloe turned to look at her.
"Not too mention James' parents were in their early forties when they had him, and both were Aurors. Mrs. Potter died while working, and Mr. Potter is almost seventy. He was hit with a few bad spells that caused him to go senile and suffer from memory loss. Lily and Remus have rather unfortunate pasts, but that's what brings us all together. Death is a part of life and we all understand that." Chloe finished gently. There was something bothering her mother and Sirius took the hint to leave the room, making an excuse to check on Ryan.
"What's wrong mum?" Chloe asked sitting at the table.
Mrs. Roberts could barely speak, and Chloe couldn't remember a time seeing her mother so emotional. "I don't like it Chloe – any of this. I worry about all of you; you are too young to have to deal with You-Know-Who and what he is doing. He is already responsible for sixty deaths and disappearances. His followers are everywhere, and it is only getting worse. I know what Sirius is a part of, and I completely disapprove. Instead of prancing about with a group of fools he should be at home taking care of his family. Any day now I'm going to wake up and learn that he is dead and that you are too. Think about Ryan – it isn't right. People as young as you are shouldn't be doing this."
There were tears in her eyes, and Chloe could feel them too. She understood her mother completely, but at the same time couldn't. Wiping her face, "It's not that easy mum. What Sirius is a part of isn't just a fool's group. They are not only keeping people like me safe, but other's families as well. I don't think Sirius could live with himself if he sat aside and watched as countless people were killed. If there were more people like Sirius, James, Lily, Remus, and Peter then this world would be a lot safer.
"You can't say that I'm not thinking about Ryan – there is a reason I'm not a part of the group. The less links I have with them the safer we are. I stay oblivious and stay home. I'm in no more danger than you are." Chloe finished.
Mrs. Roberts shook her head wildly. "That isn't true Chloe. Though the whole Wizarding World may not know that you and Sirius have a son, they do know that you are together. Don't you think You-Know-Who may have an idea that you two have a child? Especially after that party you had – nothing is kept quiet in the Wizarding World. You are in just in the same amount of danger as Sirius is, if not more. You and Ryan could easily be used as leverage."
"Mum," Chloe said unsteadily. "Can we not talk about this anymore? It's Christmas and I want to have a good one. I know things are perfect, there is a war going on and it is getting worse. But isn't there a saying? Things get worse before they get better. The only thing I can do to stay sane is to stay positive and take life as it comes – enjoy it as it comes. So if this is my last Christmas, if fate chooses it, then I want it to be a joyful one. So can we stop talking about all this?" Chloe almost begged.
It took a few minutes before Mrs. Roberts spoke. In this time she had ceased her crying, and finally stood up to kiss and hug Chloe. "I'm sorry – but I worry. I am only a mother."
"I know," Chloe let go of her mother, "You can take a break if you want mum."
Mrs. Roberts shook her head. "No, no, I'll help. Only a few more hours to go before everyone gets here, you need the help."
"Okay," Chloe agreed going back to slicing some vegetables. A few minutes later Sirius came back into the kitchen to check the chicken. He took a moment rub Chloe's shoulders, kissing her on the neck before doing so, and sent her a meaningful look. It was only two hours before there was noise in the living room and Chloe knew that Lily and James had flooed themselves into the living room. Ryan had started shouting, and Chloe and Sirius both went into the living room.
"Happy Christmas!" James cheered, hugging Chloe tightly.
"Happy Christmas," Chloe said, letting go and hugging Lily. "How are you?"
"So good, we have some really fabulous news to share." Lily said the last part quietly in Chloe's ear, but Lily's excitement good be known from a mile away.
"Look at all these presents!" James said playfully, bending down to hug Ryan. "Are you having fun?"
"Yes! Come," Ryan said dragging James to where his toy broom was hovering. "Look!" he shrieked getting on it. Everyone watched as Ryan flew into the air, did a circle, and as his feet touched the ground and he got off.
"That's great Ryan, how about you show me again." James said sitting in front of Ryan as he played.
Lily shook her head, and looked at Chloe. "He is such a kid," Lily grinned.
"Hate to break it to you, but all men are." Chloe laughed, watching as Sirius got settled on the floor next to James, and together they started talking Quidditch, and saying how Ryan was going to grow up to be a big Quidditch player. "They never grow up." Chloe said, and turned back to the kitchen, Lily following.
As they entered Mrs. Roberts turned shouted 'Happy Christmas' and gave Lily a big hug. "What's all the excitement?"
"What excitement? It's Christmas is it not?" Lily smirked, taking over Chloe's job chopping some vegetables and throwing them into a pot of bowling water.
"You are a lot easier to read than you may think." Mrs. Roberts winked.
Lily's face turned a little red. "Well, you'll just have to wait until supper to find out then Mrs. Roberts."
"Wait for what?" Chloe cocked her brow at Lily.
"You can wait too," Lily grinned.
Chloe didn't really need to ask. From Lily's flushed face and larger than life smile, Chloe had a feeling she knew what was going on. Chloe's insides twisted as she thought about Lily's impending bliss.
Shortly after this Remus arrived looking slightly haggard, but he gave Chloe a big smile when he saw her. Brushing the hair from his face, Chloe could tell something was up. But when she asked him he shook his head. "It's nearing the full moon, that's all." It was lie, but Chloe let it slide because it was Christmas after all.
Finally supper was ready and everyone got crowded around the table and they started serving food. Chloe had Ryan in between Sirius and herself and she tried to feed him. Once everyone had settled – Danielle as well who had returned from her nap looking very refreshed – James and Lily both stood up at the front of the table.
"James and I both have something to share with you all." Lily said with a big grin. "And since, well almost all of you, are here together we figured this would be the best time to say this."
"Just say it!" Sirius said, grinning. He too, had figured out the news on his own.
"Well, Lily and I are going to have a baby." James finally said.
Surprised and happy cheers went around the room. "I thought you were going to tell us that you were engaged?" Danielle called from the other side of the table.
"Well," James glanced at Lily. "It's a funny story."
"We both wanted to talk last night, I wanted to tell him about the baby, and he wanted to pop the question." Lily explained, her cheeks turning as bright red as her hair.
"That's so great Lily," Chloe said as she went to hug her friends. Squeezing Lily to her chest she whispered in her ear, "I'm so glad that one of us is getting hitched."
Lily laughed, "Trust me Chloe, it will happen for you too."
"Hopefully I won't be pregnant," Chloe joked, and let go of Lily to hug James.
"You take care of her," Chloe said into his ear.
"You know I will," James said back.
"I know," Chloe said, and let go. She sat down and watched as everyone took turns hugging James and Lily. After a few more minutes everyone settled back down and started to eat, asking dozens of questions – how far along are you? Two months. Do you want a boy or a girl? Either would be good right now – Chloe sat back silently, watching as Lily talked about how it all happened. This girl was meant to be a mother and a wife. She just screamed it. Where did that leave her? She was a mother, but Sirius spent more time with their son than she did, and it wasn't like she was the wife-y type. For as long as she could remember she had never once pictured herself getting married without wanting to laugh at herself.
But Lily – she was just one of those girls. Who did well in school, got the prime job, great boyfriend, and gets married young and starts a family. It wasn't though there was anything wrong with it, Chloe knew, but in her mind that sort of life is certainly easier. iWhy couldn't I just be normal?/i Chloe thought to herself.
Remus caught her eye, and Chloe tried to ignore the forced smile he gave her. She knew that her face was too easy to read, so she quickly stopped pitying herself and focused on what James and Lily were saying. Sirius had slowly wrapped his arm behind Ryan's chair, and her own so that his hand was on her shoulder, and he was slowly massaging the back of her neck. As he did this, she didn't look at him, knowing that if she did he would easily see her façade. In fact she was pretty sure if anyone looked her in the eye they would see.
When everyone finally finished their meals, Chloe rushed to collect the plates, and in the kitchen quickly began washing dishes. It wasn't long before Chloe was joined by Lily who stood next to Chloe and began handing her plates to Chloe to wash with her wand.
"You are happy for us, right Chloe?" Lily asked gently.
Chloe stopped what she was doing to look at Lily and gave her a genuine smile. "Nothing could make me happier right now Lily. It's just… well you know me; I get to thinking about things in my own life, and how if I had done one thing differently how everything would be now. I love you and James so much, and this is what you both have wanted so why shouldn't I be happy for you? I just need to stop pitying myself." Chloe looked to her hands covered in soppy water.
Lily slipped her hand around Chloe's wrist. "Chloe," Chloe looked up and met her friends startling green eyes. "You have no idea how much I envy you."
"What?"
Lily tried not to laugh at Chloe's response. "I mean, well, you've always done things your own way. You don't let anything stop you, even when others say you should. You don't let the rules of this crazy world control you; you simply change the rules so that they fit what you want. Chloe, I am constantly questioning every move I make, when you just make you're decision and move forward. I wish I could be you half the time."
"Are you kidding me," Chloe said exasperated. "If I had a knut for every time I questioned my actions I would be richer than the Black family."
"Yeah, but you still move forward. You make your decision and act. I mean, people may think I'm this perfect person, always doing what is right and expected. My temper is pretty much the only unpredictable part of my entire being. But in reality I'm just doing it all so I don't screw up." Lily admitted.
"Trust me Lily, you aren't that predictable. You're easy to read, but that doesn't necessarily mean you're predictable." Chloe tried.
"Than do you expect that I am scared shitless right now?" Lily said intensely. "I mean, I'm nineteen, about to get married, and pregnant all while a madman is running around the country killing Muggles and Wizards alike. It's not exactly the smartest thing, right?"
Chloe shook her head, and hugged her friend. "The dumbest thing you could do is put your life on hold just because it doesn't suit the times."
"Is that so?" Lily had started to cry. "I mean, James is ecstatic. He has always wanted to be a father, and have a huge family, but that future seems so dim at present. I mean, already the two of us have faced death once against You-Know-Who. Who is to say it will be our last brush with death? I mean, we're in the bloody Order of the Phoenix!"
"Shhh, Lily, you're getting stressed. You'll get used to that, by the way." Chloe laughed, holding Lily's shoulders. "You shouldn't think about any of that. It doesn't matter. All that matters is that you and James have the wedding of your dreams, and you have this beautiful baby. That's all you need to worry your pretty little head about right now."
Lily took a few deep breaths, and rested her head on her shoulder, on Chloe's hand. "You know, out of the two of us I think you're the sanest."
"Don't say that to Sirius, he'd argue that 'til his dying day." Chloe laughed.
"So, you're Christmas uneventful besides this?" Lily asked, curious.
"Ha, would it be Christmas without the drama?" Chloe laughed.
"Well, yeah, I guess you have a point." Lily agreed. Together they both finished the dishes, and quickly joined the festivities in the living room.
Sitting next to Sirius, she fell into his side, his arm wrapping tightly around her. He kissed her gently on the side of her face, his lips near her ear. "I love you," he whispered. Chloe couldn't help feel as if he was trying to make up for something; obviously he could tell she had been upset about James and Lily getting engaged.
Standing up without a thought he looked at Sirius. "Sirius and I have to get some gifts that we haven't handed out yet." Chloe said, looking to the others. It was the perfect excuse to be alone.
We went into the bedroom where the gifts were. Sirius was behind me, but as soon as the door was closed, he spun me around gently to look him in the eye. "You know I want to marry you, right? It's just not the right time." Sirius said pointedly.
Chloe shook her head, taking his hand. "That isn't why I'm upset. I mean, I'm not really upset. I just couldn't help pity myself for a little while there. Marriage isn't the answer to happiness. Being with you and having you there always will make me happy no matter the title. I just couldn't help but think that I've been doing all of this wrong. Have a baby in my teens, and repair the damage with the old flame later. I am just trying to say that I can't help but feel if I had used my brain for two seconds my entire life would have turned out differently, and it would have been a lot easier."
Sirius, slowly pulled Chloe into his arms. "Doing it the easy way has never been our thing – and I don't think I could have it any other way."
"I love you," Chloe said softly, kissing his chin and than his face. "I'm sorry for my drama – I don't know what has gotten into me as of late."
"It's okay, we have our turns." Sirius pulled away, and holding on to her face he kissed her forehead. "Now, let's spread some joy," he nodded towards the presents that sat on a chair for Remus, Lily, James, and Chloe's family. Each taking three they went back into the living room, Chloe feeling a whole lot better.
Nothing like the Holiday's to stir the drama.