Cross My Heart

A Small Visit(12)

One week earlier.
"Hello?" I said quietly, shivering in the cold. "Is there anybody there?"
Please don't be home, Please don't be home....
"Mee-ell," I heard a voice drawl from upstairs. I eyed a broken bottle lying on the table, a puddle slowly growing on the floor beneath it. I wanted to run, wanted to sprint, wanted to be anywhere but here. But he would find me, he would always find me....
***
I woke up, gasping for air. I stared up at the bed above me, afraid to fall back asleep. After  lighting a candle, I grabbed the little box filled with my money.
After counting the coins at least four times, I counted the beds around the room. Then I heard the soft, repetitive tap of a crutch hitting the floor. I looked up to the see the eyes I'd gotten lost in at least a thousand times.
"Nightmare?" He asked. I nodded. Without another word he swung himself into the bed. Wrapped in his arms, I finally felt safe.
Right as I slipped into a dreamless sleep, I felt a pair of soft lips against my forehead.
***
Back to story
I woke up, gasping for air. I haven't seen him since I began my stay in Brooklyn. Spot would never let me leave city limits, with my old man on the loose. I wish he could come, but with his leg the walk is out of the question. I sighed. It's hopeless. I stared at the moon through the slightly ajar window, the pale green curtains waiving in the night breeze. Then, an idea popped into my head.
I'd only be gone a hour tops, and I'd be back long before sunrise. No one would possibly notice.
Moving quickly but quietly, I grabbed my shoes and sling them over my shoulder. I crept over to the window and attempted to slide it upwards. It was stuck. After what seemed like hours of pushing and pulling, in all sorts of positions, the window finally opened with a loud creak. Real smooth Doc. I froze, ducking into the shadows. No one stirred. Man, they are deep sleepers.
I crawled through the window, and slid onto the fire escape, then slowly descended the ladder. After tying my shoes, I started the trek to Manhattan. This is the first time in a long time I've been alone, I mused to myself.
When I reached the lounging house, I realized just how much I missed the old building. The Brooklyn one is similar, but it just isn't the same.
I climbed up to the penthouse, praying that Jack was at Katherine's.
When I poked my head up, I saw him, asleep on the ground. I shook him awake.
"Wha- Melody?" He stuttered out. I just grabbed his collar and slammed my lips onto his. When we broke for air, I exhaled with a smile.
"Sorry. I just really missed you."
His expression quickly changed.
"What are you doing here?"
I shrugged. "Couldn't sleep."
He sighed. "Look, I missed you more than I could bear, but you really shouldn't be here. If Spot or Jack caught you.."
"Alright, alright. I'll leave."
I hugged him one last time, breathing deeply, then climbed down the ladder smiling like an idiot.
As I started the journey back, the street seemed unusually still, so quiet that the click of my shoes on the pavement seemed eerie. I had barely turned the corner when a hand flew to my mouth.
"Hellloo Mee-ell."