Chapter 3 #2
I’m so distracted by how he looks at me that I don’t realize we’ve stopped at the Telfair Museum.
I freeze and drop his hand. Even though the Owens–Thomas House her frown becomes more pronounced the longer they talk.
Soon, she picks up a phone to make a call.
I watch it all like an out-of-body experience.
All I want is to get the figures and get out of here.
I can barely breathe past the lump in my throat.
After ten tense minutes, the guide and his manager return.
“This is highly unusual, but we’ve spoken to the owner, who wishes to remain anonymous.
These pieces are quite rare,” the manager says, gesturing to the display.
“And, unfortunately, the seller won’t sell for less than half a million dollars.
” She holds her hands up in a display of helplessness, as if that will resolve the matter.
“Done.” I open my purse and pull out my checkbook. “Who do I make it out to?”
Sebastian’s eyes widen, his expression more than curious.
The tour guide and his manager both drop their jaws, and they scramble to do the necessary things to secure my purchase.
The manager wraps them up carefully, places them inside a gift box, puts that in a bag, and hands over my acquisition as gently as if handling a bomb.
It’s apt.
Any inkling of an idea I had for a future, any future, for myself or the world went up in smoke as soon as I saw the figurines.
“Vivian, what’s going on?” Sebastian asks, his gentle voice easing into the silence between us.
“Sebastian, I need to leave. I can’t explain this.” I gesture to the bag. “But I can’t do this either,” I say, gesturing between us. “I thought I would have more time to figure it all out—what it is, what could be—but I don’t.”
“Vivian, wait! You can talk to me. Let me help you.” Sebastian is bewildered. He reaches for me, but I jump back, tears stinging.
How could I have been so stupid? I was this close to giving in and starting it all again—the story that’s played out over and over as the decades and centuries have passed.
Sebastian doesn’t know the favor I’m doing him by leaving. If he knew the truth, he would already be far away.
Death will find anyone I love and take them. These figurines are more than enough of a reminder of that.
“You need to leave me alone. For your own good,” I say as I grasp the bag and flee.