What If I Stayed?

~Chapter Four~

Ron's POV

    I woke up in a cold sweat next to Hermione. I couldn't remember why. Was is a bad dream? Was it the corn dog I had for dinner? I couldn't figure it out.
    "Go back to sleep, you twit, I have to get up at 5:30 and you're not going to be the reason I'm tired."
    Oh. Now I remember.
    For the last couple of weeks I had been thinking about Lavender. She seemed so calm and collected, open minded and kind. She had matured so much since school, like fine wine on a summer's day. On the other hand, Hermione had been acting even more overbearing and obnoxious than usual. I went to bed every night wondering what I had seen in her, but then I thought about how she made me soup and stuff, and by the morning I'd put thoughts of breaking up with her aside. Besides, there's no telling what she'd do if I ever tried to end things.
    I met Harry for one of our annual bro lunches. As he sipped his tea, I asked, "Did you ever feel like breaking up with Ginny?"
    Harry choked. "What?" he sputtered.
    "Uh, I just mean, did she ever get super annoying, and like treat you like a child, and then you saw a childhood love interest again after years, and suddenly you start rethinking all of your life choices?"
    "That's sounds very specific. Anything you need to tell me, Ron?"
    I sighed. "No."
    "Oh, ok then. Nah, I've never felt like that. You're sister's the best woman I've ever known. She's charming, smart, and amazing in bedddduhhh Bath and Beyond." Harry said, oblivious to my blunder.
    "That's nice," I said wistfully.
    Harry smiled. "Oh, yeah, while we're on the topic of Ginny, I have some exciting news. She's expecting!"
    I was confused. "Expecting what?"
    "A child, Ron."
    "Oh. OohH. Yeah I knew that. That's wack, bro," I stuttered. "Congrats."
    While Harry blabbered on, I became lost in my thoughts. When Lavender had asked me if I wanted kids, my honest answer was I really did, but ever time I brought the subject up to Hermione, she told me I was stupid for wanting to have kids instead of working on excelling in my career. I always said I didn't want to excel in the career I was in, and the conversation ended with me sleeping on the couch.
    Sadly, I trudged back to my office. Why did I do this? Why did I continue living a life that made me unhappy?
    After three and a half hours of getting nothing done, I did the only thing that was on my mind.

Lavender's POV

    I was just cleaning up at the flower shop I worked at when I got the letter.
I need to see you. -Ron
    My heart leapt. Ever since our last encounter, I couldn't stop thinking about Ron. He seemed so lost, so sad, and I wanted to help him. I sent him a reply and told him to meet me at my house. I couldn't wait.
I was surprised to see him waiting at my door when I got back. He looked distressed.
    "Hey Ro-"
    Before I knew what was happening, he walked towards me and kissed me. I didn't pull away.
    We kissed for what seemed like ages. Finally I pulled away. "But... Hermione!" I said.
    "Forget her. She doesn't care about me anyways. I only want you."
    "I... I want you too, Ron, but-"
    "Then kiss me."
    So I did.