Chapter 2

I've got a tight grip on reality

But I can't let go of what's in front of me here

~ The Only Exception – Paramore

For a moment, I just gaped at him. Then he cleared his throat.

"You're that waitress from the diner aren't you?"

"Um, yeah. I am," I replied intelligently.

There was a moment of awkward silence.

"Well, sorry for disturbing you. I usually come here at this hour so I thought no one would be here. I didn't see you from the back," he said as he turned to leave.

"Wait! I uh, I was actually just leaving. You can have your spot," I said as I scrambled to get up.

He gave me a polite nod, walked back towards the tree and sat down. I stood up, dusted my jeans and picked up my diary.

"See you around," I mumbled in his general direction as I started to leave.

"I saw you yesterday. When you left."

I turned to face him.

Oh fuck, did he see me cry?

"You were crying, weren't you?"

Shit.

"Uh- "

He shifted uncomfortably, running a hand through his hair.

"Look, its not my business, so I won't ask. But its pretty obvious you're not okay. And you were here first...so you can stay if you want. I won't bother you. You don't bother me."

"Okay," I said as I made my way back to the tree. I sat down on the opposite side.

There was a long stretch of silence. It wasn't awkward though. I felt better having someone there, even if it wasn't someone I knew well. And I guess he musn't have found me a nuisance either since he made no move to get up.

I leaned my head back on the tree and looked up at the sky once more, contemplating my life. I missed Brad. It had been two months since I last saw him. Had he remembered today? Ofcourse he would've. If so, was he sitting alone crying just like I have been? And I wasn't even there to comfort him. So much for keeping promises.

Just then, my phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Reyna, darling?" I heard the soothing voice of my Gran.

"Yes Gran, its me."

"How are you holding up today, sweetheart?"

"I'm - " I was about to say 'fine' but I knew Gran wouldn't be fooled. "I'm trying Grandma," I said instead. "How are you? How is Brad doing?"

"He's...coping. He is still so young, and I reckon he finds it easier in some ways than the rest of us. But he's been shut up in his room since last night. I only just managed to make him come out."

"What about you, Gran?" I asked again. She had been Mum's mother after all.

"I...its hard Reyna," her voice broke. "I am a mother too after all. What mother would be alright with her daughter dying before her?" There was a moment of silence before she regained her voice. "But that's okay. Don't you worry about your old Gran sweetheart! You have enough on your plate as it is."

"I can't not worry about you Grandma. You and Brad are all I have left," I faltered on the last part.

"It'll be alright, Reyna. Time heals all wounds,"

"I know. But Gran, I just...miss them. So much."

"I know, darling. I know. We all do."

There was a pause as I made sure I wasn't going to break down again.

"Gran, where is Brad? Is he around?"

"I sent him off to his friend, whats-his-name? Nathan. Yes Nathan's house to get his mind off...things."

"Oh, okay. I'll call up tonight and talk to him."

"Sure, sweetie. I'll tell him once he's back," she said. "You take care Reyna. Concentrate on your studies. Keep yourself busy."

"Alright, Grandma. You take care too. I'll talk to you later. I love you."

"I love you too, Reyna." she said before the 'click' of the receiver.

I lowered my phone, staring at my lap for a long time trying not to have a breakdown.

Suddenly, I heard a throat being cleared. I almost jumped out of my skin. I'd forgotten he was even there.

"I heard you talking," he stated.

"That's all right. You couldn't exactly help it," I mumbled.

There was another pause.

"Was it your parents?" he asked in a softer tone.

"Yeah."

"I'm sorry."

"That's alright."

There was a pause.

"I'll say it again: I know its none of my business. But, I know from experience that the best way to heal is to go on with your life. That's what they would've wanted."

"You-you've lost someone too?" I asked, turning around to face him.

He furrowed his eyebrows as he replied.

"Yes," he replied though he didn't elaborate further. I noticed an indescribable look cross his face just for a moment before it was gone.

"I'm sorry."

"Its okay. Its been a few years."

"But-" I started. "Does it ever get better?"

He let out a bitter laugh.

"Not better, no. You're always going to remember. But it does get easier. Takes a few years though."

I considered that for a moment.

"That's okay. I want it to stop hurting so much. But I don't want to forget them," I said. I didn't know why I was telling him all this but it made me feel lighter to finally open up to someone.

"You won't. Forget them I mean," His voice had a certainty to it. "The ones we love never really leave us."

I looked up sharply.

What?

Oh, get a grip Reyna! He's probably heard it somewhere over the years. Kind of impossible not to. Just because he seems to fit the character descriptions...

But...

NO BUTS!

He sat there with a far-away look in his eyes, oblivious to my internal turmoil. I quickly shook myself free of unwanted thoughts.

"Yeah...I reckon that's true."

We remained in silence for awhile.

"So, what do you do? Are you in college?" I asked.

"Not exactly. I went for a year but I decided to drop out."

"Oh, really? Why?" the question slipped out of my mouth before I could control it. "I'm sorry, you don't have to tell me that! I wasn't thinking," I hastened to correct myself.

A hint of a smile appeared on his lips as he replied.

"That's alright. I was just...never really cut out for it I suppose."

"Oh."

"Are you one of those people who think there's no future without college and that dropouts are irresponsible, good-for-nothings?" he asked me. There was definitely a smile there.

I smiled back in return.

"No, nothing like that. I have a cousin who was the same. And anyway, it all really depends on what you want to do in life. There are lots of options. For me though, college is a must."

"Ah. What are you planning on doing then?"

"Arts. And a bit of Psychology."

"That's an unusual combination, that is. What kind of Arts?"

I blushed.

"Uh, performing arts. I've been, um, trained. Since I was a kid."

"Oh, wow. Interesting I suppose. Not something I'd do mind. But interesting to hear about."

"Hmm...So what exactly are you interested in, if not college?"

"Haven't a clue. I like motorcycles though."

Okay...I'm not gonna think anything

"Oh...interesting."

Just then, my stomach grumbled. I checked my watch. It was half twelve already. And I hadn't even eaten breakfast! I quickly got up, stretching my legs.

"Well, I think I better go now. Its been hours and there's a term paper waiting for me at home."

"Oh. Yeah, okay. See you around," he said.

"Yeah. And...thank you," I added.

"Its alright. Hey! I never did get your name."

"Oh, um, Reyna. Reyna Johnson." I replied, turning to leave. I was almost halfway up the path before I remembered. "Hey, I didn't get your name either," I said turning to face him.

He almost smiled.

"Sirius. Sirius Black."

AN: Ooooh, cliffy! Or is it? Just to clarify: Sirius doesn't remember anything about his past. Atleast not yet. He knows he's missing something though but he can't tell what exactly it is. I'm still debating on whether I should write from his POV or stick to Reyna's POV.

I might be posting Chapter 3 in a few days but my study holidays are ending this week so next update after that will probably take awhile (Since I have mock exams and shit starting next Friday). So expect updates on weekends mostly. Also thanks a bunch to Faded Stripe, Nimrodel626,maryhead, patronusdust, ladybug213, and andromendearules who reviewed/favourited/followed. Also thanks to all my silent readers (I do hope you review someday :p )!

AND:

Faded Stripe: Thanks for your support! You totally made my day when I saw your review for the oneshot :) And thanks for the spelling correction thing. I am aware of it too but where I'm from, we learn Brit English and they make us spell stuff accordingly (eg: realisation, colour, spiritualise, stabilise, etc.). Its not a easy to break habit. I know most of my readers are Americans though. (SO PLEASE BEAR WITH IT EVERYONE!)

And please please review! Feedback/suggestion/ideas are welcome! PMs are welcome too! Till next time,

~Bekah