After Arundel (RP)

Emma watches as Sarah’s shoulders hunch further and her gaze drops to the floor. As much as she wanted to press and find out what’s really going on, she knew that pushing her too hard would send her running away, possible never returning again. Something deeper was at play, and she was already beginning to suspect the worst, but finding out what exactly would have to wait. Maybe for the break, or better yet, when they were done for the evening.

Quickly, she turned the group’s attention away from Sarah. Everything to make the young woman more comfortable:
"How about you, Oliver? Why don’t you share something from your book next? We’d love to hear it."

Emma was far less critical of Oliver’s work than he was of his own. The entire point of their writing community was to gather for constructive feedback so they could improve their craft. And besides; it was tough to come up with something entirely new and original. She didn’t consider her first novel to be groundbreaking either. Strong characterization and solid writing were usually enough to keep readers turning the pages. Not every book needed to be entirely unique.

She had a few polite questions for Oliver, and some encouragements to give, but Sarah’s quiet departure had her worried. She was hoping for a moment to speak with her, to understand what was bothering her. Something about the young woman’s reaction to her reading unsettled her, and she didn’t think she would open up on her own. Right now, talking with her seemed more important than giving another critique. There were plenty of other people in their authors’ circle. Let one of the others pick up the slack.

Standing up, she gave Oliver a reassuring smile before heading straight to the door, catching Sarah just as the young woman headed outside

"Be right back"
She didn’t wait to see Oliver’s response. She was too worried about Sarah, and didn’t want the young woman to leave without talking to her first.

Emma didn’t believe Sarah was fine, but she wasn’t about to push her. Instead, she chose a gentler path.

"I’m sorry" she said quietly "I didn’t mean to bother you. It’s just..." her gaze dropped for a moment as she gathered her thoughts "I’ve been going through something recently. Something... difficult. I’m still trying to make sense of it all."

She took just a small step closer "I could really use someone to talk to. Someone who understands. You don’t have to share anything with me. Just listen, if you can."

Emma trailed off, her eyes meeting Sarah’s once more

"Not everything in my stories is made up" she added, hoping Sarah understands her intention

An empty and quiet castle. Perhaps they would be lucky, and this dimension, whatever it was, was empty of living beings (or any beings). But Jacob doesn't want to push his luck, so he keeps moving in a sneaky way, checking all corridors and rooms before making the next step, to make sure they are not caught off-guard. He just hopes that magical pond really exists.

Emma bit her lower lip. She glances back the group sitting inside. At her parents in law.
Why did I follow her out here? Emma curses herself. If she hadn’t, she wouldn’t have to deal with this dilemma. How could she possibly help? Taking her back home seemed risky; what if the vampire still claimed her as his? What if he came looking for her? And how would she explain all of this to David?

She considered what to do in silence.

This is too much trouble, the selfish part of her whispered. She’s not your problem.
But deep down, she knew she couldn’t just turn away. She would never be able to forgive herself if she saw Sarah's face in the headlines: ‘missing’, or worse – ‘body recovered from the Thames’. That’s not something she could live with.

Or could she?

With a heavy breath, she looked into her pleading eyes:
"Let’s go sit somewhere. I’ll buy you some coffee" Maybe things will be clearer once they sat down somewhere. For now, she knew she couldn’t just abandon the poor girl alone.
"Come on" she urged her softly "let’s get out of here"

Jacob looks at the pond with disgust. He doesn't really feel like getting soaked in that green water.

"After you," he offers Crowley. It was his idea, after all.

Emma hesitates. She has a hunch that if she goes back inside to say 'goodbye' to everyone, Sarah wouldn't be there when she came back.

With a quiet sigh, she pulls out her umbrella and extends it toward the young woman.
"It's just around the corner from my house" she offered a faint smile. It wasn't far, but with the relentless downpour both of them might arrive completely soaked, despite huddling under the umbrella.

She did text Charles once they started walking. Just a quick message apologizing for having to leave so abruptly, but that it was urgent, and that they shouldn't wait up for her. Her mother in law will complain, of course, but she couldn't help feeling that she made the right choice.