On that day, Lily felt like she got the day off, she finished work early and was home alone. She decided to read a book. One month changed a lot of things, she was too busy to think about her father and when she did, it would be at night when she couldn't sleep. And she hadn't thought about Jacob either, he too would be something to ponder on in the evenings. She wondered why he didn't pass or even write a letter. After that she would feel sad, thinking that now Isobel was wondering the same about her. Juniper lived halfway around the world but managed to send a letter every two weeks, why couldn't Lily do the same? She sat at the window, up in little Sarah's room, immersed in the plot and a bowl of nuts.

It took Lily a long time to notice that William had gotten back, he knew where she was the moment he drove up to the estate but Lily was deaf, deaf, and blind. She was in another world and maybe the crunching drowned out the sound of the engine.

She pounced up from the knock at the door.

"William!" She held the book behind her. "You're back early."

"Yes, I am." He loosened his tie. "I take it mother isn't home?"

"She left for her sister's last night. I thought you knew." Lily cupped the book tightly, slowly finding her way back to where she first sat.

"No." He looked behind his head for an explanation. "I don't remember."

"It's on her schedule in the kitchen, Mr. William and she told you about visiting Ms. Garlene last Tuesday."

"She said she was thinking about it. I didn't think she'd actually go without telling me." He nodded. "Anyway, I suppose we're having dinner alone tonight.” He held his chin, all delicious foods ran through his mind but one, in particular, seemed appropriate for that night. "Do you know how to make crepes?"

"I'm afraid not."

"Great. You don't know, that means I get to show you." He clapped. "Come on, first we need to get some ingredients in town."

It didn't take long for William to get changed or for Lily to grab her coat. Before they knew it, they were on the road again, together, after a long time. He was quick to make conversation and was pleased even if Lily just nodded her head.

It all made sense to Lily now. William was a real estate agent, at least that's what he told her. He- buys and sells properties from all around Europe- , and the calls he'd get were from people dying to get rid of their houses and buildings. Lily was skeptical though, but it all made sense; this way about him, he used it to make money. As far as she was concerned, William always liked getting what he wanted and with a job like that, it was clear he always did. He leaned on the topic of being a convincing agent to his buyers, whether it meant being extremely polite or blunt.

"I study my clients, you see, both of them and when I bring out the icebreakers, Lily, you should see their faces. They can't possibly say no to such deals. They always fall for it." He slapped the wheel, he noticed Lily's silence. "You're staring."

"I, uh," She watched out the window. "I'm sorry."

The car stopped.

"What are you doing?" She glared, William hopped out and walked to her side, opening to the door. "That's my seat now, Missy."

"I don't understand." She blinked.

"You're driving."

"No, William. I don't know how to."

Lily took a deep breath. slowly heading to the other side.

She grabbed the wheel, it was intimidating but she managed to follow William's instructions perfectly. It took fifteen minutes to get to the square but he was patient with her, she was actually laughing. Lily remembered the time she had to hit the brakes so she didn't hit a lamb, Her heart had skipped a beat. She could remember William telling her it was okay, telling her that she was lucky it wasn't a person. He'd trust her enough to let her drive to the market. Even though she drove, he opened the door for her, and even though it was the second time he did it, she felt privileged a bit. The world seemed colorful again, it felt like she'd used all the colors in the rainbow that day. They had a lovely time, picking out fruits for the rest of the week. The only thing that stopped her sunshiny day was the fact that she had to face Jacob again. He was the last thing she wanted to think about but when she saw the bakery, all Lily wanted to do was walk in there and apologize to her friend.

"You're dazed." She felt William's stare.

Jacob and Taylor had really hit it off. A month had gone and they felt they already knew each other for an entire lifetime. Jacob put all his free hours into Taylor, and those free hours went to the pub or they'd visit where ever they could together. Taylor had Tammy's blessing overall and she was a really good talker. She'd won Tammy over, they'd talk for hours and hours when Jacob wasn't there. He felt she was his saving grace, Tammy was right, he'd rushed things with Lily but with Taylor, he didn't have to do that. Jacob's free hours with Taylor were mostly at the pub, they'd drink together and talk about all sorts of things. Taylor poured her heart out to Jacob but he felt sorry he couldn't do the same. He knew if he did, he'd break down and cry like a kid that got his candy stolen.

Jacob had the bakery all to himself, his boss left to deliver and his boss's wife visited a friend for a day. Taylor sat up on the counter, swinging her legs back and forth, asking all sorts of questions.

"What do you like about me, Jacob?" She tilted her head to the side, to see his face. He was busy focusing on rolling the perfect circle.

"Everything." He mumbled.

"Alright, change of question. What exactly do you like about me?"

"Hmm." He sat up, staring at her with a slight chuckle. "The way you talk, your hair." He held her face. "It's hard to explain but most of all, you."

"That's all?" she poked her lower lips up.

"Yeah." They kissed, with Jacob chuckling. "Now let me get back to work." He took his attention back to the dough.

It was long before Jacob caught a glimpse of Lily through the glass, he dropped everything he was doing, including the hands of the girl beside him, and went over to the door, he watched as Lily laughed and talked with someone. She was happy, all Jacob could do was smile, he waited so long to see her face like it used to be.

"Jake? Jacob? What's going on?" Taylor was nowhere near figuring out what the matter was, she watched Jacob watch something outside. She wrapped her arms in his and rested her head on his shoulder. "The kids look lovely, don't they?" She smiled.

"Yeah, she is." Jacob sighed. He felt his heart fluster, pressing the pane and his face to see her better. He quickly fought the trance and went back to work, and back to Taylor but it wasn't long before Lily and William entered the bakery. She was fighting him, she didn't want to go there, she didn't want to see Jacob but William was unaware of her feelings, her insisted. He told her that they'd be better off with something to eat since they spend so much time in town and lunch had already passed.

Jacob didn't realize there was someone there, and Taylor had to call his name. He hadn't the words to express himself, his face was all dusty with flour and his skin began to gleam from sweat. He tied a knot on his apron, watching William look around, hands stuffed in his pocket. If Lily wasn't with him, he would've thought William was an inspector of some sort. Jacob then glanced at the girl in yellow. Her soul matched the color of her dress.

"Lily." Quietly, her name was called.

She couldn't say a word, one moment of staring and all she could do was hide her face and tug on William's shirt.

"Right." He got in front of her. "I think I'll have a bun and she wants a puff." He paid and collected the goods but somehow, William couldn't stop looking at Taylor. Jacob watch him watch her, Jacob thought he'd been strange the way he looked at her but then he was certain that William knew her when he said.

"Taylor?" She stopped picking her nails, glancing up at the young Beckingham.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

"William, what a pleasure." She got up, they shared a hug. Lily and Jacob couldn't help but watch in silence as they talked about how they went to the same school together.

"This is Jacob." She held his hand and stared at him with curled lips. He shook William's hand.

"It's nice to meet you. William."

"I'm Lily." She stretched her hand out to shake Taylor's and they shared a polite smile.

"Pleasure. I'm Taylor." Taylor nodded before turning to William. "So is she your new mistress?"

"Oh, please. Heaven's no, she's a really~" He turned to Lily. "She's a really good friend."

"Really good friend?" He chuckled, he was furious but tried his best not to show it.

"Is that so hard to believe?" Lily butted in, folded arms.

William and Taylor both figured out that these two had unfinished business so they pardoned themselves to have a conversation of their own.

They had nothing to say, Lily felt like she was being judged the moment she walked into the bakery and Jacob felt like this was some kind of joke, they could hardly hear the words from the other side of the room.

"Glad you're doing okay." Lily choked out.

"I, I'm trying. It's been a while though, hasn't it? When do you plan on going back to the house?"

"Haven't decided."

"I have something to tell you." He finally turned to her, and she to him. "I'm going away for a while, could be months."

"Oh," She felt her shoulders stiffen up. "Where?"

"With my Uncle. He heard something about my father so I'm going there to help find him. "

Lily knew little or nothing about Jacob's family, she didn't want to intrude on his mission or tell him no. Or object. She had little say in it anyway.

"What about~" She gazed to the ground then the corner where they were. "Taylor?" She struggled to say her name.

"She'll understand." He said calmly, wiping his hands on his trousers and looking over at her. "She'll have to."

They had to stop talking, a customer walked in and Lily thought it would be best if they left. She felt too ashamed to ask William for a favor but he knew something was wrong. She spilled it.

"I wish I could see, I really do. I don't know whether she's alive or dead." She looked up.

"I'm not following. Who are you talking about?"

"Isobel, she's my friend." She gave a slight smile. "More like my sister, and I haven't seen her in a month. Ever since I've been up at the manor. Please, could you let me see her?"

"You don't have to beg, Lily. Nobody said you couldn't." He thought about it and then he nodded.

Lily took William to the bean shop, where he got to meet Mr. Stalker. He asked Mr. Stalker why his daughter couldn't have come out to see Lily and he explained everything, from her sickness to the state that she was in. He told William that, he tried every medicine possible but nothing worked. Even though he never met Isobel, he wanted to help her for Lily. Lily seemed too distraught, just the thought of her friend had her back to a dull state. He could imagine the pain Isobel must be felt, being in bed for months.

"Would you accept the help if I gave it to you, Sir?" William asked, he was certain that his way would help her.

"It's a long shot, laddy but I don't know what else to do." He thought hard about it but nodded.

"Good. First thing in the morning, I'll send my doctor. I'll tell him to travel down tonight so he gets here on time."

"If it's not much trouble."

"It won't be." He had Isobel's condition in mind. "It could be that she'd just dehydrated for all I know, the headaches, the fainting. She could be depressed too."

"As long as she gets the help she needs." Mr. Stalker stopped parceling and got up from his chair. He shook William's hand, he felt tears down his face. He felt relieved, he prayed for all those months and it seemed like his prayers were heard. "I'm grateful, William. You're a good son."

"Don't mention it."

Lily felt better talking to Isobel, she was still sick but she was so happy to see Lily, she got up and started walking. She could've seen the beautiful black car right in front so she asked her who she came with. Lily couldn't answer, she was busy trying to get Isobel so it was before she fell and something catastrophic happened. The Isobel was, a simple knick on the head could kill her if she fell. She was reluctant to find out who it was though, so she peeped through the small window that lead to the shop.

"Oh my." She Started. "He's the most beautiful man I've ever laid my eyes on, Lily. You're a lucky dame, you know that."

"I'm not a lucky anything." Lily swung a blanket over Isobel, rubbing the girl's shoulders.

Isobel could barely speak but her wild tongue had a lot to say. "He's not yours?" She mouthed, her eyes widened.

"No. That's William Beckingham." She shrugged.

Isobel turned to her slowly, like an old humpbacked lady with a cane.

"You're lying." She couldn't believe it. "How did you get to be with him?"

"I'm not with anybody. I work for the Beckingham's, Bella. As a maid."

"You have to get him to marry you." She blurted out, licking her lips. "Or I will."

"Well, aren't you cheeky?" Lily laughed, she took her friend back to her bed and sat beside her.

"You seem happy," Isobelle remarked.

"I'm getting there." She nodded. "What did Miss Camber say?"

"Little improvement." She said enthusiastically then coughed before saying. "Which in turn means, I'm going to die."

"That's ridiculous."

"No. What's ridiculous is that Juniper's coming home until September. I don't think I'm gonna make it till then, Lily" Isobel was serious now, she didn't want to do it alone. "I'm scared. It hurts so much, it's getting worse every day. I've gotten used to it. Keep telling myself that tomorrow will be better, it doesn't get better." She nodded. "One day, I won't be able to handle it anymore, my body give in, Lily and there'll be nothing I could do for myself."

"Don't say that, Bella." Lily gripped her shoulder, lifting her head up to her. "That's not going to happen. Miss Camber is good at this, she'll help you."

"There's only so much she can do. I can't avoid reality. I can't."

"You can and you will. Look at me, Isobel. You will be okay. I promise you."

Isobel was not one to cry, she just fell into Lily's arms and felt her warmth. She was so proud of her, she didn't seem phased. It had only been a few weeks since Mr. Fullin died but Lily seemed to be handling it. When Lily told Isobel she had moved into the Beckingham manor, she was astonished that she didn't take up residence in the house itself. Lily had to leave before it got any darker, she got out to William who had the time of his life talking to Mr. Stalker.

On the car ride home, they both were smiling. They couldn't peep a word at each other, they didn't have to. The day was full, Lily didn't think William could express himself that much, he was quiet most of the time and Lily grew fond of this side he showed her, even if it happened only for a moment.

That night, William and Lily had the house to themselves. It was a light-hearted night, filled with joyful joshes and kind remarks. She felt almost felt guilty she was happy but she knew that was all her father wanted for her. William followed Lily to the annex where he recalled how much she liked the room on the second floor, he invited her to come back to the manor and stay in Sarah's room. She hesitant, knowing how intrusive that would be but William compelled her. He insured her that it would be their secret as long as she had the bed back to the way it was.

"What do you like about it anyway?" He questioned. "Is it the color? Couldn't be, I've never seen you wear anything pink in my life."

"It makes me feel safe, somehow. Takes me back to a time when everything was okay." Just being in the room, Lily could already hear soft giggles. The young Beckingham left her, it seemed like he was going to bed but when she heard the car drive off, she knew that thought was in vain.

Tucked in between Sarah Beckingham's sheet felt like heaven in a bed. Her mind ran wild. She thought about what Jacob said, he was looking for his father determined to find the man. She didn't know the situation but it made her think deeply... about her mother, where she was. She never found herself being curious about her but now she was. "Peter Fisher." She mumbled, slowly drifting off. Losing a father was hard, maybe it didn't have to be the same with her mother. Maybe the woman had a good reason for leaving her behind. And Isobel. "Oh, Isobel." She was fighting her sickness with all she had, she was trying to beat it. Lily had faith in her and God, so she closed her eyes and began praying with all her heart. She didn't want to lose any more people, not like this. They needed to live their life then die peacefully, not like Mr. Fullin. Lily asked for protection, she asked for strength to face her demons. She wanted to defeat them, be stronger than they were. She wanted to be strong for Isobel and Jacob, she even prayed that William would open up to her. There was something on his mind but she couldn't pinpoint what it was. He shared so much with her but he was still secretive. If she had known that he too lost his father in his own way, she'd pray for him too. William had plans of his own, though, and known of them included his father or praying.

He took the car to a hill, a beautiful but deadly hill. The only colours it managed to show were coal blacks, lonesome grays and a lowlight of white hat sparkled on the waters. He watched the moonlight dance on the waves, he listened as they crashed against the beach. He didn't take notice of the figure behind him until she spoke.

"I thought you wouldn't make it."

"We had a deal." He was aggravated but calm, he was a man who found it easy to conceal his true emotions.

"You don't trust me?"She said, with a pout. "You don't get to, William. Your family stained this town. It took my father years to fix what your family tore apart. After I've been compensated for my good work, I don't want anything from you... especially your gratitude."

"Save the sermon." William stuffed his hands in his pocket and folded them into fists. "Get on with it."

There was a long sigh. "I told you I'd get him out, I didn't say when."

"So you're telling me, you haven't made any progress?" He said.

"I didn't say that. By tomorrow, I'll have him chasing his tail..." Came a chuckle.

"And how will you execute this brilliant plan of yours, Taylor?" William turned his head to the side, watching as she pulled a smoke out. She sounded muffled with the bud between her lips but he could clearly make out. "You'll see."