The First Catch

Chapter 4: Trying To Get By

Melanie jolted awake, hearing Paul whisper her name in the dream.  She took a deep breath, trying to calm down.  Once she let things sink in, Melanie glanced over to the other side of the bed.  It was empty.  She closed her eyes.  It was always the same dream.  Ever since the accident.

"Melanie?"  She opened her eyes at the sound of knocking.  And someone's voice calling her name.  It was Victoria.  "Yeah?"  She asked.  Her voice sounded strained.  "Are you okay?  I heard screaming."  "I'm fine..  You should go back to sleep."  Melanie looked at the clock.  It was three am.  There were a few moments of silence before Victoria responded.  "Let me know if you need anything."

Morning came, without much sleep after that dream.  It was now eight thirty.  So there was no use going back to sleep.  Melanie got out of bed, then got ready for the day.  After getting ready, she headed towards the kitchen to grab some coffee.  "Morning.."  Levi said, as she walked in. Melanie glanced over, seeing him sitting down at the kitchen table, reading the paper. "Morning.."  She walked over, sitting down across from Levi, without another word.  Pouring some coffee into her cup.

"How are you?"  Levi asked.  Not sure what else to use for a conversation starter.  With Melanie's mood swings, he never knew what topics were safe, and which weren't.  Even a simple good morning, triggered Mel.  Depending if it was a good day or bad.  "I'm getting sick of people asking me that."  She responded, while sipping on her drink.  Her voice sounded colder than she meant.  Levi remained quiet.  Letting Melanie adjust.

"I..  I was asking how you were this morning..  Not.  Because of the situation.."  He stated, clarifying the question.  Though it's been about a year since Paul's death, Melanie still had troubles dealing with it all.  She seemed to lock everyone out.  Her closest friends, and even parents.  Levi and Victoria did what they could to help.  Victoria let Melanie stay at their house. Till she could get back up on her feet.  And also so she wasn't alone after the accident.  Melanie seemed reluctant at first, but in the end, agreed.  Knowing it was better, someone was with her.

There were a few moments of silence.  Before Melanie responded.  She felt a bit guilty, snapping at Levi.  What happened wasn't his fault.  "I know..  I'm sorry.."  She muttered.  Melanie knew Levi and Victoria were only concerned.  And trying to help.  Sometimes, they went overboard.

"There's no need to apologize..."  Levi responded.  He kept his watch on her.  While the rest of the time passed in silence.  Realizing Melanie wasn't going to say anything more.  Levi flipped the paper back open, then continued reading.  Allowing Melanie to finish sipping on the coffee in the quiet.  "What's new today?"  She asked, trying to find a small conversation starter.  So things weren't awkward between them.  Levi pulled his head up, hearing Melanie's question.  "Hmm?" She pointed at the paper in his hands.  "What are you reading?"  A grin formed on Levi's face. Melanie could see a small hint of amusement.

"I'm not sure if the look on your face is a good or bad sign."  Melanie stated, a small smirk formed across her lips.  Levi chuckled.  "Nothing you need to worry about.  The section I'm reading is the horoscope section.  Melanie raised an eye, showing a bit of curiosity.  "Oh?  What does it say about you this time?"  Levi looked back at the paper so he could read.  "Apparently, I'm going to be rich.  And good fortune is heading my way."  Melanie managed a small laugh.  "What's it say about me?"

Levi once again skimmed to Melanie's section.  "It says that you will.."  He stalled mid sentence, reading the next line.  Clearing his throat, he glanced back up at Mel.  "I'm not sure you.." Melanie waved her hand, cutting him off.  "No no, it's fine.  Go on.  I want to know."  Melanie noticed Levi fidget.  As he hesitated.  He wasn't sure he wanted to continue.  Things were going well.  He wasn't sure he wanted to ruin their small moment.

"Don't give up.  You will get through the rough patch.  Learn to trust others again.  And you will find your happiness.  And you will find.."  Levi furrowed his brows as he read on.  Sneaking a peak from time to time at Melanie.  So he could see her reaction.  Noticing her expression, and her hands clenched into fists.  He stopped.  "I will find what?  Melanie asked, her voice sounding cold and distant.  Levi shook his head.  "Never mind.."  He mumbled.  "You don't want to know." Melanie rolled her eyes.  "You've read this far.  You might as well finish.."