Nothing felt right for the rest of the week. Nobody could comfort her, not Margaret, Albert, or Clarence. She felt hollow, like something had been ripped from her body. Lying on her bed, she couldn't eat. She didn't want company, and often found herself suddenly snapping when some one tried speaking to her.

Eleanor and Albert had again left town for wedding plans, and Martha suddenly peeped in to Vigil's room as she moped under the sheets.

"Vigil, dear," She said brightly, and Vigil had to keep herself from moaning. "I'm afraid I am extremely busy today, and I was wondering if you would be able to run into town for me. I'll give you a shopping list."

She opened her mouth to say 'no', but closed it again. She might as well. Her parents wouldn't dare let her in public by herself, and she needed air.

After changing into clean clothes and receiving a short list, she called a cab to take her into town. As she walked out of a shop, someone suddenly called her name. It was James.

"Vigil!" He called, and she quickened her pace.

He caught up to her and she was soon trotting. His long legs enabled him to stroll easily beside her, and she almost hated him for it.

"I thought I made it quite clear I wasn't seeing you," Vigil said sternly, staring straight ahead.

"Please, Vigil," He said, grabbing her shoulder.

He spun her around, and stepped back when he saw the furious look on her pale face.

"Please leave me alone, Mr. Lancaster." She snarled. "Go away."

He stared at her, pain washing over his face. She turned away and quickly jogged away before he could see the tears in her eyes.

~~~~~

It didn't get any better, James never giving up. She would spot him staring through the parlor windows, only to be ignored and met with a draw of the drapes. He would show up in the gardens, only to be met with an angry spat or insult.

Vigil was in her bedroom, everbody gone for the day. There was a soft rapping at the door, and she stood up defensively.

"It's only Margaret." A muffled voice said.

Vigil sat back down. "You can come in."

Margaret stepped inside. "Now, Vigil. Please just hear him out. He only want—"

"Is James out there?" Vigil interrupted. "What does he want?"

James stepped inside her room, head low. "Please just let me talk to you."

"Margaret—" She began, but the maid had already left, leaving the two together.

Vigil turned away, staring out the window. She could sense James right behind her.

"I love you, Vigil," He began. "I always did. I love every tiny broken piece that comes with you. I love your confidence, your appreciation for poetry and music. I love the lunacy that comes with you, that utter madness that comes with you, that comes with Vigil Vanbric."

"No," She whispered. "Stop."

She felt his hand on her shoulder, and she tore it from him. "Margaret!" She screamed. "Get him out my room!"

"Vigil," His voice was nothing but agony.

"Stop," She shouted. "Don't you know how hard this is for me? I'm letting go of the one thing I have ever loved."

"I don't want you to," James said.

"You don't understand," She yelled. "Why are you being so kind, so compassionate, so loyal? This is the most painful thing I have ever done in my short and miserable life, and you're making me fall in love with you more and more every second of it."

James let go of her, stepping back. His mossy eyes were glassy with tears. "I don't want to lose you, Vigil."

She shook her head, collapsing against the wall. "If you truly ever loved me, you would let me be. I wasn't meant to love anyone. I have nobody but the voices, and that's how it has to be."

James was silent for what seemed like years, until he placed a kiss upon her wild curls. She closed her eyes as she felt him walking away from her.

"Goodbye, curly."