Snatched (On Going) I'm Sorry---have Been Extremely Ill---will Update Soon

EIGHTEEN.

**Letter from the author**

Dearest readers,
My deepest apologies. I have been through so much these last few months. I have been very sick and had a slow painful recovery. I have no excuses only a plea for you to understand what has been going on. I will be writing again. I will finish this book. Emerson's story has been on my mind heavily. I have thought long and hard of how I want to end this book, and how I want to continue her journey. I hope you can forgive me for the extended absence. I appreciate all of you.

Thank you for all of your patience and understanding.

All my love and gratitude,
Ashley.

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Chapter Eighteen.

My stomach was in knots. I was terrified of meeting a stranger, at least it was a public place, though right? Absolutely. I talked myself up and up all the way to the diner. I stopped at the redlight just before the turn. I could see the building looming ahead. My hands felt clammy, my breath felt heavy as it passed into my lungs and out with each breath. I was very anxious of what was to come. I accelerated into the parking lot, and slowed into a spot by the door. I decided to finish my cigarette before I entered. I inhaled slowly and tried to focus on the answers I was going to receive, rather than the anxiety.

I had ten minutes until our meeting. I flicked the butt, unbuckled my seatbelt, took the keys out of the ignition, rolled up the window and opened the door. As I stepped into the unknown.. I suddenly felt very calm. My body seemed to relax. I felt generally better. Perhaps, it was being in such a familiar place. A place I spent so much time with my grandfather. An actual blast from the past.

I took in the place, it was certainly old. The red and white paint on the outside of the building was peeling a bit. The windows were large and covered the entire front of the space.

The heavy silver door handle felt so familiar in my hand. I pulled it open and stepped in. The entire surface of all the tables, chairs, booths, and bar was made of shiny steel. The floor was black and white checkered and completely spotless. The sparkling red booth seats looked so inviting. The walls were papered with posters and memorability of the past. A black and white cat clock on the walls eyes moved left and right as the tail swung back and forth. Soft 50's era music played from the Jukebox in the corner. A few people sat in the booths and in the red bar stools that stretched down the counter.

A kind faced older lady was standing behind the cash register. Her eyes lit up as she saw me walk in. Her deeply penciled eyebrows raised, her red lipstick popped against her pale skin as her lips relaxed into a smile. "Hello, welcome to Mells! Sit anywhere ya'd like, sugar."

My eyes scanned the sparkling surfaces and rested on thr booth I had shared so many times with my grandfather. I headed towards it. The table was a very bright gleaming silver. I scooted in and she walked up to my table. She had on a plain yellow dress that was absolutely spot on to the theme of the restaurant. A white frilly apron wrapped around her waist. She had long blonde hair that was put in a bun behind her head but by the looks of it very curly. Her eyes were a soft brown with heavy eyelashes. "What'll you be having, toots?" She said, her smile widening. I smiled back unable to help myself. "A Coke, please." She nodded "Coming right up!" She turned and walked away.

I stared down at the menu, my anxious feelings completely losing all of its grip. I decided I would just get a burger and fries and when she returned, I gave my order. "Back in two shakes!" She laughed and headed back behind the counter to give the order to the cook. I tried not to look around the dinner too much. After all, I had no idea whom I was looking for anyway. I was lost in a revere when a man who looked to be 6'5'' approached my table. His slender body slipped into the booth across from me. My breath caught in my throat.