Shedevil |Vamps|James McVey|

Chapter 2

Crossing the street, James saw the two turn at the corner and made his way over. They crossed the street, him hot on their heels until he saw where it was they were headed. The large building loomed above, casting a shadow across James' body. He suddenly became aware of how the goosebumps on his skin decided to make an appearance and his stomach started to churn.

Why here?

His curiosity got the better of him as he followed behind them, trying his hardest to not be seen. Maybe he was mistaken; maybe it wasn't her. No. He knew, deep down, that it was her. He'd spent too many days staring at her to not be able to recognize her straight away. Then why was she at the hospital, of all places?

Maybe she's just visiting someone, he thought to himself, not being able to contain the worry in his fingertips; causing him to tap against his leg. A nervous habit he's picked up since the band had started. Eyes darted around the entrance and he sees her dark, auburn hair in his peripheral vision. James ducked behind a wall, stealthy coming closer to her and eavesdropping on the conversation being held on the other side.

"Your tests came back," a nurse said, a heavy tone in her voice, "I'm afraid it's bad news again."

"Is it?" he heard her speak for the first time in two years, to say it hadn't made his chest restrict would be an understatement; he could hardly breathe, "What's next then?"

"I think we both know the answer to that, miss," the nurse replied; James was sure her face was set in a frown, "It's the same as it was two years ago. Although, I am saddened that it came back to this. I'm very sorry."

"No worries," she said, trying to sound positive but failing horribly, "I wasn't expecting any good news anyways."

And with that, the conversation ended and she turned away from the desk, walking towards James' hiding spot. With teeth gritted, he made up his mind to face her head on, no use in hiding. Turning the corner the exact same moment she had, they tumble into each other. She apologized before looking at the body she ran into, at who he was.

"James?" she asked meekly, her face had become paler than before.

She looked at him, studying him. It's been so long since she's seen him. Almost, she thought. She almost forgot him. But of course he had to come back. He seemed to have some sort of radar system that let him know when she was at her worst and something related to him would pop up out of nowhere, sending her crashing down even further. And now that she was at the lowest she's ever felt, the man himself had to show up.      

       Now that he had had a chance to look at her straight in the eyes, he was shocked. Her usual cheery complexion had vanished, replaced with hollowed cheeks and bags under her sea-green eyes. And her eyes, oh god her eyes, he thought; they were what really gave him a scare. Her irises looked tired, like they had stayed up too many nights worrying about too many things. Suddenly, revenge never looked so far away. He was weak.

"Hey, Charlotte," he offered, feeling the awkwardness seep in; his earlier vengeance gone at the sight of her, "Long time no see."