Chapter 2

"For God's sake, why, Virgil?" Sophia was shouting now. "I just don't understand!"

Virgil had known that this wasn't going to go well but he had underestimated just how bad it was going to be by some way. He ran his hands through his hair in frustration.

"I told you. Because I just can't give you what you want."

"But you ARE giving me what I want: love, friendship, great sex, but without being too clingy. Nothing's changed."

"Yes, it has. You want to spend time with me at the Island and it's just not possible."

"Only because I love you, that's all." Tears were starting to spill from Sophia's eyes again. "I know you have to stay on the Island a lot because of that secret government work or whatever your Dad's involved in but when I have a few weeks off from work why can't I stay with you? I'd like to get to know your family and I wouldn't go into any rooms that I mustn't."

"It's a bit more complicated than that."

"How can it be? Why are you dumping me just because I want to spend more time with you?"

Virgil sighed. "We weren't going down this road, remember? No strings, that's what we said. Look, this isn't achieving anything. I think I'd better go." He turned and headed for the door. His hand was just on the door handle when Sophia ran across the room and grabbed him. She could see she was fast losing the battle and the tears weren't impressing Virgil. She tried a new tack.

"Virgil, we're good together…." She put her hand to his shoulders and kissed him, her body pushing his against the door. Virgil knew he shouldn't respond but he couldn't resist one last kiss. His arms slipped around her waist and he pulled her closer, kissing her strongly. Then, with huge reluctance, he moved his head away from hers and started to push her away. Tears began to run down Sophia's face for a third time.

"You love me," she stated firmly. "You might not say so but I know you do."

Virgil sighed. "Of course I love you. What's not to love? But you've heard that expression: if you love someone, let them go. That's what I'm doing." He released Sophia and opened the door.

"But I don't understand!"

Virgil turned and walked out of the apartment. As he walked to the elevator the words "You bastard!" echoed after him down the hallway.