The First Catch

Chapter 11: Constellation Prize

Melanie looked over at the time.  Saturday, while Victoria and Levi were in the kitchen.  Anthony and Melanie made a small bet.  In the end, Melanie regretted doing so.  Anthony's request to play the game.  Who knew their friends better, backfired.  Since she'd lived with them this last year. Melanie was certain she'd win.  Unfortunately, she lost by one question.  And now, in about an hour, Anthony would pick her up.

Quit your whining.  You know it won't be as bad as you think.  You want to go out with him.  Her inner voice chanted.  Melanie scrunched up her nose.  "You're wrong!"  She hissed.  Am I?  If so, then why are you quick to say otherwise?  A low growl escaped from Melanie's throat.  She made her way over to the closet.  Avoiding the answer for now.

Opening the closet.  Melanie began skimming for something to wear.  Hoping this would distract her from the thoughts jumbling around.  Seeing the outfits, Melanie scrunched up her nose. They didn't look very appealing.  "I should make a quick trip to the mall."  She told herself. Looking through the few dresses.  Some were a little much for a first date.  It gave the impression Melanie was interested.  And she wasn't sure yet.  The others were too plain.  There was one dress that caught her attention.  But she couldn't wear that one.  Not yet.  And especially not while on a date with Anthony.  That dress, Paul bought for her for a birthday.  Melanie didn't feel that would be appropriate to wear.  Wear it.  Melanie shook her head at the familiar voice.  "No.." She muttered.

As Melanie came out of the bathroom, finishing her hair.  She heard the sound of a car pulling up into the driveway.  She made her way over, glancing out the bedroom window.  It was Anthony. Feeling a little nervous.  Melanie took a deep breath to calm down.  Then started heading downstairs.  Right on time.  She thought, opening the door.

"Where should we sit?"  Anthony asked, once they arrived.  Melanie's eyes darted across the room.  "Looks like we wait."  She stated, pointing at the sign on the podium.  Anthony's eyes wandered where Melanie's finger pointed.  "Ah, yes."  Still feeling a little nervous and unsure about everything.  Melanie felt a bout of nerves hit.  It'd been a while since she'd gone on a date with anyone.  Except with Paul of course.

It was like Anthony could sense Melanie's uncertainties.  Taking a chance, he let his hand slip into Melanie's.  Then gave her hand a small squeeze.  Melanie swept a glance in his direction, taking a deep breath.  "Is everything okay?"  He asked.  Melanie nodded.  "I'm fine."  She said in a quiet voice.  Anthony was about to say something, when the host came by to seat them.  "Your table is ready."  Anthony noticed Melanie letting go of his hand as the host approached.

"How long have you lived here in Tennessee?"  Anthony asked after the waiter left.  Setting the glasses of water on the table.  Melanie took a moment to reach for her glass.  "Well, I came here for college.  I've been here since 1997.  Seven years."  She added after doing the math.  Thinking the timeline.  "How about you?  You mentioned you grew up here.  But left for a while?"

Anthony nodded.  "That is correct.  I went to Washington for college for a few years.  Then came back.  I liked Tennessee better."  There were other reasons he left Washington.  Anthony didn't think Melanie needed to know right now.  Later, if this continued.  He would tell her.

"Why?"  Melanie asked.  "Why what?  Why did I move back to Tennessee?  Or why do I like this place better than Washington?"  He questioned in return.  "Why do you like Tennessee better?" She rephrased.  A small amused grin appeared on her face.  She was curious to see what he'd come up with.  Since he knew she was from Washington.  "My job.  I worked for a little while.  I didn't like the people I worked with there.  They didn't make it very fun for me.  So I came back. And since it's my home state.  It has a lot of good memories to keep strong and alive.  I don't want to forget."

Melanie fidgeted as Anthony spoke about memories.  Here he was, wanting to be here so he was closer to the times that made him happiest.  When Paul died, Melanie wanted to leave.  So she could forget about hers.  "But, that's really all there is to me.  What about you?"  The question pulled Melanie out of her thoughts.  "What about me?"

"Why did you come to Tennessee?  I mean.  I know you came for college.  Surely there's other reasons?"  Melanie ran a hand through her hair.  Trying to remember what that reason was.  It felt so long ago.  Melanie shrugged.  Trying to think of an answer but couldn't.  A small grin formed as she thought of a response.  "You're expecting me to remember seven years ago?"

Anthony chuckled.  "Alright, how about telling me why you decided to stay?"  Upon hearing the question, Anthony noticed the smile fading from Melanie's face.  Her hands folded, and she began twiddling her thumbs.  "You don't have to tell me."  Melanie cleared her throat.  "I don't mind answering."

Melanie took a few moments of silence.  Deciding which direction she wanted to go.  She stayed because Paul loved it here.  Melanie had intentions of going back to Washington after college. And hoped to get a job at the hospital as a nurse back home.  But with how things turned out. When she learned Paul switched places.  And learned how much he loved staying.  Melanie decided to stay follow.

"I planned to go back home.  Because I love it there, and it's where my parents are.  But when I came to Tennessee.  I wasn't expecting to love the place as much as I did.  I also met Victoria and Levi here.  Victoria was my college roommate.  That is how we met."  Melanie was silent for a few moments.  Not sure what else to say.  "How did you meet Levi?"

"At work.  We were sort of partnered on my first day.  And he helped show me the ropes." Anthony explained as the waiter brought them their food.  The two thanked the waiter before he left.  They remained silent while tasting their meal.  Once the talking stopped.  Anthony realized Melanie didn't seem all that interested in inviting it back.

"How is your food?"  Anthony asked.  Not sure what else to say.  Something in the question made Melanie jolt a bit.  And she snapped her head up.  For a split second, she thought she saw Paul in Anthony's place.  So she blinked a few times to be sure, then cleared her throat.  "Huh? Oh..  It's good."  She managed a wobbly smile.  "How is yours?"  Anthony raised an eye.  Noticing a small change in Melanie.  "It's good."  He watched Mel close.  Noticing she was more so picking at her food with the fork instead of actually eating it.  "Are you okay?"  He dared ask.

Anthony watched as Melanie scooped up some food with the fork before finally taking a bite. "Yeah, why?"  "You looked like you spaced off there for a moment."  Melanie took a deep breath, running a hand through her hair.  "Sorry..  Things have been hectic these past weeks."  Anthony nodded.  "I can understand that."  Melanie bit her lip.  She wasn't so sure about that.  He didn't know everything that happened this past year.

"I'm not sure you do."  Anthony watched her for a brief moment.  "Try me."  Melanie took a second more to debate what she should say.  Then waved it off.  "You know what?  We're supposed to be out enjoying ourselves.  Tonight, let's focus on that.  Right now, I don't really want to think about anything else."

Anthony was a little surprised by Melanie's answer.  He didn't expect any kind of response at all. But at least he got some sort of reply.  As Anthony could hear some light music playing on the speakers above.  A small idea formed.  And a smile appeared on his lips at the thought.

"You know what?  I know something that can make you feel better."  He said, standing up from his seat.  Melanie watched with curiosity.  Raising a questioning eye.  "What's that?"  Anthony could see she looked a bit weary of what he had in mind.  Until he extended his hand.

"How about a dance?"  Melanie's eyes swept the room.  Before turning her gaze back to Anthony. "Here?  Now?  But there's nobody dancing."  Anthony shrugged.  "I don't care.  Nobody else will mind."

Melanie bit her lip.  Glancing around the room once more.  Come on Mel.  Her heart raced at the familiar voice egging her on.  She looked up at Anthony.  Taking a deep breath.  Before slowly placing her hand in his.  "Here goes nothing..."