Kristen and Clare

“I will go with Kristen and Clare,” Frank told the assembled women. He figured those to be the safest group to travel with, even aside from Kristen's apparent interest in him. He followed the two women as they split off from the rest of the group and headed away from the beach at an angle through the neighborhood that took them past colorful shops and stands selling all manner of clothes, food, and other assorted summer sundries. The walk helped push out some of the tension that Frank felt and he even found himself relaxing.

As they entered a small brownstown section of buildings and offices Clare gestured at an older building that stood out more for its feeling of lived in care that seemed to radiate off in waves. Women leaned out windows shaking off rugs and sheets, watering window boxes full of flowering blossoms. People milled by the steps chatting and laughing. The entire building bustled with life and a positive energy that took the last bit of angst from between Frank's shoulders.

The two girls led him upstairs to the top floor and ushered him into their spacious apartment. Kristen and Clare chatted about the supplies they needed to bring as they moved about the apartment, grabbing baskets, hats, blankets and shoving them all together into a neat but siziable bundle. Frank stood by the door waiting for an opportunity to assist, but both women seemed to have forgotten his presence in their haste to assemble everything they needed.

After everything was gathered Clare stretching mightly announced that she was taking a shower. Kristen deciding this was a wonderful idea as well followed Clare down the hallway and into what must be the bathroom. Frank was left to stand and peer towards where the women had disappeared and wonder what he should do while he waited. Curiosity got the best of him and he slowly worked his way around the apartment looking at the various pictures and paintings on the wall. They seemed the basic sort one would find in a sitcom, chosen more for their background appeal than any seeming connection with the occupants. He was just bending down to inspect a group photo of both when he heard Kristen's voice from behind him.

“Southgate province” she said. Frank jumping in surprise and spun around to face her. “Stone prefecture” she added, apparently as a point of clarification. The why of what importance that had died on Frank's lips as his mind caught up with eyes and confirmed that the woman who had just spoken to him was decidedly very naked. Frank felt his mouth hanging open hurriedly, trying to peel his eyes off Kristen's wonderfully curvaceous form, a blush heating his face. Kristen did not seem to notice as she gestured him towards the bathroom. “Come on” she said. “It will be faster to take a shower here than at the beach.” Frank hesitated for a moment at the decision to go take a shower or stay out in the living room.