The tour across North America became a journey of extraordinary experiences for the entourage, having numerous audiences on their concerts as well as fan encounters taken place before or after shows. The travel itself proved exciting and productive as a result of constant songwriting for a possible future album. Everyone relished the succession of events, and no others enjoyed the most than Paul and Melissa. Having discovered their shared affections, now they couldn't bear to be separated for extended periods. Still they needed to handle themselves with care from external watchers so during soundchecks and performances they endured their mutual longing for the time being. That agony was valuable though, for whenever they were finally together nothing else mattered. Sporadically they sneaked out of whichever hotel they were staying at and took casual walks seeking solace in the loneliness of a deserted park where they spoke nonstop of diverse subjects, unafraid of displaying their sentiments. Anywhere one of them went, the other made sure to join if possible but always keeping their distance to avoid any suspicions from the crew. Only at certain moments were they able to love each other freely, being possible merely in the seclusion of the bedroom.
Paul overflowed in buoyancy at his present situation. It had been long time since he felt so overjoyed, so effervescent. Melissa's unexpected appearance in his life altered it in ways he could've never imagined. Her naïve nature melted his heart, filling it with immense tenderness. That was something he remembered not feeling before. Being used to confidence and ambition in women, this little one represented the opposite. Shy, introvert, outspoken when in need, a child-like spirit he fully embraced and cared for with all his soul. Despite the sweet charisma, he clearly desired the girl in the flesh as well. Getting lost in the exuberance of her body, the swirls of passion rose in nearly every destination made, never having enough of that sensuality, too developed for her youth. Common was for them to sleep in the same room in peace, only to awaken and make love often in the undisturbed silence of the four walls. Such nightly sport left both gloriously spent, especially him in his attempt to satisfy her, knowing he might fail at such accomplishment due to his maturity. His years of experience nevertheless were of help, the vibrant, young woman constantly ravenous for his eager possession.
Meanwhile, Melissa's emotions were certainly as piercing as Paul's. Solitary as she was, her current context suggested itself unusual. All of a sudden she became someone's woman. True, she wasn't technically his girlfriend but the term meant nothing. In a matter of days she turned into the center of his joys and fears, blown away and slightly amused by his keen attentions and care towards her. Inevitable it was to feel special with such high regard. Similarly, she had become the more restless on intimacy affairs. Without proposing it she stirred the man to such point she found herself prey under his burning urgency. In his arms she felt safe, assured in the knowledge of his love. Yet he kept reminding her of his words on the tour bus: "We have the rest of this month to be together. I can give you no more." There was a note of remorse in his voice everytime he stated that comment and Melissa worried much for him, enough reason to not pressure him on the subject. But those words continued its neverending chime in her head throughout the rest of the trip. Why much mystery? If it was because of Damon she understood, there was no way to confess without causing some kind of backlash. But there was something else, she could sense it, something he dared not to say for some odd reason.
"It's been awhle eh?" Damon greeted her with his usual familiarity yet his eyes indicated concern, suspicion even. If she kept her distance from him in New York, ever since she had virtually vanished from his sight. He feared her feelings have indeed changed but he still had hopes to be wrong. "Damon. Hi", Melissa responded hesitantly. Too engrossed had she been in her love-lost world, the thought of facing him with the truth had not disturbed her in the least in those weeks. Now that she had the chance to do so, she didn't feel so certain about it. But it had to be done, it wasn't fair for him to be living in deceit. Which is why after letting him speak about how much he had missed her and offering her an invitation to lunch, she cut him short saying emphatically: "Damon, we need to talk." He eyed her concerned once again. "What's wrong?" "We need to talk..." "You just said so. What happened?" This was not going to be easy. Melissa then figured she'd have to go slowly on this, even lie once more. Anything to hurt Damon as little as possible. "I've been thinking these last weeks about us, you know, our situation. I mean, we've had a great time together, right?" "Well yes, we did. I've loved our time together. But I've noticed you've disappeared lately." "That. Well, uh, I...as I was saying, I've been thinking about us. And I came to the conclusion that I need to think, again. I really need to stop and consider what is it with you and me." "But...don't you love me anymore?" he questioned with a twinge on his chest. "Damon, you never told me you loved me before, I swear to God. I'm not saying you're a liar, not at all. But you never said it." She clearly observed his intentions of demanding an explanation but trying to remain steady, which she thanked him for silently. "So is it because of that, for something I did?" Then a horrible possibility crossed his mind. "Is there someone else?" "No", she answered almost too quickly. He couldn't know about Paul and her, did he? "No, this is my thing. I'm the one who has to give it a break. I'm really sorry Damon, but I have to." Deciding her explanation was more than enough, she stood up and started her leave. "Come on Melissa, please don't do this to me..." Damon exclaimed astonished. "Believe me", she said turning around to face him. "It's better this way."
Soon enough the North American tour came to an end, the group returning to London as scheduled. Paul, discretely as always, took Melissa to her apartment and helped with her luggage. He didn't stay for long though. "I have to go see my boys, I promised them I'd do it after I arrived." Melissa smiled sweetly. She knew of them by their father's conversations and seemed like perfectly nice guys by his account. "They must be so proud of you." Paul couldn't help laugh despite his melancholy. "Well, I try." "Come on, don't be so modest." He limited to grin and grab her hands, looking at her straight in the eyes. "Listen, forgive me for my silences or for not being so clear with you. I understand your doubts and hopefully someday I'll be able to respond them. All I can say is: no matter what happens from now on, thank you my dear, thank you so much for this month. I'll never forget it." The gravity of his words made their meaning definitive, and any opinion in her quieted over his determination. Slowly, she stepped closer and kissed him in response. She would treasure those days forever, just like him.
He got off the subway in a crowded station, avoiding the surprised glances on the street without ceasing his walk . He wasn't in the mood to acknowledge any fan, it was not the moment. This visit was top priority, it had to be done. How odd; before he made it gladly, taking his time to admire the urban scenery upon his arrival. Now it was the contrary. His stride was steady and resolute, knowing this day would come eventually. Better to make it brief and do what he had to do. He got there shortly, as expected. "You can do this, you HAVE to do it." Taking a deep breath he rang the bell. Soon enough the door was open. "You're finally here!" As Paul stepped in and received an affectionate kiss from the woman, he took no notice of the frozen look on the girl standing over the edge of the sidewalk.
