He tried really hard not to be startled, really he did... but after having been on the move for a few days now, his nerves were fraying and he was tenseness all over. The undignified little yelp was swallowed as he stood abruptly, grabbing his belongings and slowly backing away from her. It didn't feel right to be so on edge around her, and yet, he couldn't imagine feeling any other way after the little 'talk' that they'd had. James felt a fresh wave of hurt rushing through his limbs as he looked upon her, eyes reflecting the pain freely. His voice almost crackled with it when he finally spoke.
"Maybe I should've been doing a better job of it. Now's not a good time." He looked around him, hoping that no one else would be witness to this scene. Luckily, the various students milling about seemed interested in their own affairs and weren't paying the two of them any mind. James felt his heartbeat increase exponentially as he thought of what else he could say, what he could do, to delay this encounter. He hadn't had nearly enough time away from Lily to think things through.
"Er, I've got McGonagall's class to get to, if you'll just excuse me..." He turned and hoped that she wouldn't follow. He had at least 30 minutes before class, but he needed to get away.