City by the Sea 2

Joseph

I flash a smile and squeeze her hand.

Melissa

I smile fully, happy his smile is back. I kiss his lips gently and my smile remains.

Joseph

I match her smile and kiss her back before reaching the diner.

Melissa

We walk in and the place is the same, nothing has changed. We sit at at one of the tables and look around. Only a few people are here, which is good.

Joseph

I keep her hand and catch scent of everyone inside, even though there aren't many.

Melissa

I do not stop holding his hand. "Just focus on me." I say. Frankie comes over and jumps once he sees me.

"Melissa, what are you doing here?" he asks.

"I am here to eat Frank." I say. "Great to see you too." I smile at him.

He nod, rolling his eyes. "So are you two a thing now?" he asks, pointing at both of up.

"Yes, I want a water by the way." I say.

"About time." He mummbles.

Joseph

I nod and don't take my eyes off of Melissa, ordering the same and flashing a smile at the joke Frankie makes.

Melissa

He leaves and I look to Joe. "How are you holding up? You are doing really well." I say.

Joseph

I flash another smile and move my hand to my throat for a moment, "It itches."

Melissa

I nod and move next to him. "I know." I say. I lower m voice to a whisper. "When you feel like you are about to strike, then feed from me." I say.

Joseph

I nod and kiss her cheek in thanks, squeezing her hand.

Melissa

Frank comes back over and gives us our waters. "Okay what do you want to eat?" He asks.

"Oh, I do not want anything." I say.

He looks at me like I am stupid. "Then why did you come?" He asks.

"Aw Frank, I wanted to see you." I say.

Joseph

I keep quiet and squeeze Melissa's hand again, Frank's heart seemingly beating in my own ears.

Melissa

I look to Joe and see him staring at the table and squeezing my hand. Because he is stronger now, it hurts a little but I let him. "Goodbye Frank." I say.

Joseph

As soon as Frankie leaves, I release my grip on Melissa's hand and pull her into a kiss. Before it heats up, I move my lips to her neck and feed quickly.