❝she was a beautiful dreamer.
the kind of girl who
kept her head in the clouds,
loved above the S T A R S
and left regret beneath the EARTH
she walked on.❞
“ MAYBE … ” he paused, unsure as to whether or not he should finish his thought. james knew family was incredibly important to lily and that she possessed a greater desire for second chances than he did. she was undeniably nicer than he was. but he promised to be honest. “ maybe forgiveness isn’t always justified. we accept the love we think we deserve … and i think we both know you deserve better than that. ”
“ IT’S GOOD TO KNOW I’M DOING SOMETHING RIGHT. and if it makes you feel any better, i’ll be sure to invite you to my wedding. ”
though it was hard to hear the words she knew to be true, it also provided a sense of cathartic release. it wasn’t enough for lily to know she didn’t need to forgive petunia, hearing it from someone else somehow made it okay to give into the thoughts she’d had for years. ❝you know what, you’re right. i’m so DONE with feeling like shit just because she wants me to. i’m not a bad person so why in the hell does she have the power to make me feel like one.❞ with a soft sigh, the redhead squared her shoulders and mustered up a soft albeit genuine smile. ❝i’d like that, i’ll be sure to go. you won’t miss me, just look for the girl in white.❞
“ you know it, babe.” gwen winked and christened the flask with her first sip. “ mad respect for that self-control! if i had that, maybe my mum and dad wouldn’t worry so much. speaking of them, GOD, it is so good to be back! i mean, i love my parents, but they’re so on top of me, you know? just let me live for christ’s sake! i tried sneaking out ONCE and they spent an hour lecturing me about how we live in a dangerous world and all that shit. what about you? hopefully, your holidays were a bit more exciting. ”
❝parents can be a little testy sometimes especially given the circumstances but i guess they’re just trying to do their best with what they’ve got! i can totally understand though my dad was very protective of me, he’d go mental whenever i’d stay out five minutes past curfew. it’ll get better though.❞ lily offered the girl a soft reassuring smile, following her lead and taking a small sip of her drink. ❝i was travelling with my boyfriend and his family so yes that was significantly more exciting than what i’m used to. it was like nothing i’d ever experienced.❞
“ the cleverness, it’s just a gift, I swear, “ edgar deadpanned. he paired the dry tone with a bright smile, shaking his head at lily. “ I don’t even try. ah, but three years ago was such a long time. my dearest, most earnest apologies for the fact that I don’t even recall what could have been more important than seeing to your satisfactory christmas. “ his brows lifted, though far be it from him to back away from a challenge. he plucked a seemingly empty blue plastic cup off the table, shrugging it towards lily in offering. “ would this chalice suit? I’d hate to think we don’t meet maximum interest because I messed up the cup choice. “
❝long time or not, that still does not mend my itty bitty broken heart. a world of pain you’ve caused me, how will i ever go on. i suppose you’ll just have to go right on ahead and make it up to me this year, i’ll be expecting something wonderful.❞ lily shrugged, taking the cup from him and surveying it thoroughly, jumping back slightly as she unwillingly dumped out the rest of its contents with a sour expression coloring her features. ❝don’t worry mate, with me in charge you’ll have nothing but tip top conditions in order to ensure our success.❞
❝if you’re looking for the punch, it’s over by the far left corner but i’d be quick to get some if i were you, it’s likely to be spiked soon and as fond as i am of the odd drink or two, you never really know WHAT they’re lacing it with. better safe than sorry.❞
lily cleared her throat and quickly wiped away the few tears that roamed down her pale cheeks once she heard someone walking up to her, a bright smile plastered poorly upon her reddened lips ready to fool any bystander. luckily, the familiar face she met allowed for her to relax slightly, her shoulders falling visibly. ❝hey there stranger. what brings you to this dimly lit corner, looking for some trouble?❞
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