The First Catch

Chapter 13: Breaking The walls

Melanie stood in the living room next to Anthony once she started the song.  "Okay..  So the move goes.  1, 2.."  She started moving, counting along with the beat while showing him the steps.

Once Melanie agreed to go on a date.  The two discussed where they should go.  And what they wanted to do.  After looking through choices, Anthony told Melanie of a place called Electric Cowboy.  And since they'd planned on going there to see the band.  Anthony asked if Melanie could teach him some simple dance moves.  He never was much of a dancer.  But he wanted to learn.  And also thought it would be another way to spend a bit more time with Melanie, before the date.

While Anthony started getting lost in thought.  He forgot Melanie was in the middle of showing him a step.  Until he heard an "ouch!"  This brought Anthony back to the present.  "Sorry."  He mumbled, seeing he'd stepped on her foot.  Then gave her an apologetic look.

"I won't be able to go dancing if you keep that up."  Melanie grumbled.  Anthony gave Melanie a small glare.  "I apologized, didn't I?"  Melanie bit her lip, running a hand through her hair.  Then let out a small sigh.  "I'm sorry."  "What was that move again?"  Melanie noticed Anthony brushed the comment off.  Choosing to leave things be.  She took a few moments to compose herself.  Then repeated the steps.  "Alright.  You try."

A grin formed while watching him copy the movements.  "Not bad.  Not bad at all."  "I'm a fast learner."  He winked.  Melanie couldn't help but let out a chuckle.  "Oh. I am sure you are."  As Anthony made the comment.  An idea formed in Melanie's head.

"If you're such a fast learner.  Why don't we try this?"  Melanie stepped back before making her move.  Choosing a difficult step on purpose.  To see if Anthony could keep up.  The grin on her face widened, as she watched his expressions.  "Pssht..  I got this!"  Melanie rolled her eyes. "Alright then.  Let's see what you got?"  She said, stepping back.  Allowing Anthony some space.

Melanie let out a laugh watching him attempt the move and fail.  As Anthony approached her, she raised an eye.  Giving a questioning look.  She didn't have to find out long what he was up to. In one swift motion, Anthony moved in.  Melanie didn't have much time to react, as he took her hand then gave her a twirl.  Once she was turned back, facing him.  She felt him slip an arm around her, pulling her closer to him, before getting dipped back.  "How's that?"  He asked, giving Mel a wink.

Anthony grinned, noticing Melanie's face flush.  She wasn't expecting the move.  "Not..  What I was showing you.  But excellent.  Very excellent.  Are you sure you don't know how to dance?" Anthony pulled Melanie back up towards him.  Before stepping his feet in time to the rhythm of the song.  The two of them stayed where they were.  Slow dancing in place.

"I'm positive."  Anthony smirked.  "Levi told me you liked dancing.  Were you in any competition?"  Melanie shook her head.  "No.  I did take a few lessons when I was younger.  I decided it wasn't my cup of tea."

"How so?"  "I began realizing I loved other sports more..  Baseball."  "Oh yeah.  I remember Levi mentioning that the other day."  Melanie nodded.  "So what you're learning.  Are the few moves I remember.  I still like dancing.  Just not competition."

Anthony chuckled.  "Well, from what I have seen as a preview so far.  I wouldn't have expected you weren't in any lessons."  Melanie's face flushed more red at the compliment.  "I'm sure there's better dancers than myself.  If you want to learn some more.  We can take a look, see what's on the internet for videos?"  She suggested.

After some time.  Anthony glanced over at the clock.  "How about a small break?"  Melanie snuck a peak also.  And was surprised to see three hours had passed so quickly.  

"Yes we should do that.  I'm sorry..  I lost track of time."  Anthony managed a small smile.  "No worries.  It's okay."  "Would you like me to get any snacks out?  Or something to drink?"  Anthony shook his head.  "I'm fine, thank you."  Anthony's eyes wandered over to the cupboard filled with movies.  Out of curiosity, he walked over, looking at which movies were available.  Once she shut off the video.  Melanie turned to face Anthony.  Noticing him scanning the films, she wandered over, standing next to him.

"See any favorites?"  Anthony swept a sideways glance.  "I see a few.  Whoever has these has good taste in movies."  Melanie chuckled.  "With three of us living here.  You get a variety."  She noticed Anthony growing silent for a few moments.  And found herself wondering what was going on in his mind.

"Do you have any plans?"  Melanie let her eyes wander over to the titles of the movies.  Debating which answer to give.  "Not really."  She shrugged.  Anthony returned his gaze on the movies.  "Look..  If you don't want to.  All you have to do is say no.  It's as simple as that."  Anthony said. He knew she was going through something difficult right now.  So he did his best to be patient. But sometimes it didn't always work.

Melanie let out a sigh.  Running a hand through her hair before turning to study Anthony. "Anthony..  I'm trying.  I told you, there are some things I have to sort through.."  Melanie mumbled.  For a split second, she almost decided to tell it all.  And get it over with.  But she wasn't ready to share Paul's memory yet.  Not with Anthony.  "I'm not sure what Levi told you.  I.. I need time."  She responded in a quiet tone.

"Do you even want to go on the date this weekend?"  Anthony asked in an icy tone.  Which caught Melanie off guard.  She hadn't seen that side of him.  Melanie clenched her fists at the question.  No, I don't!  You're forgetting you forced me to by playing that stupid bet!  She wanted to shout out.  "Alright fine..  I get it.."  Anthony said through gritted teeth.  Since he didn't get a response from Melanie, he assumed it was a no.

"Get what."  Melanie questioned.  Her voice sounded almost as icy as Anthony's.  "I should've known you're not interested.  You're not the one who wanted to see me anyways.  You're only here because of Levi and Victoria.  I should get going."  Melanie watched as Anthony took his exit from the living room and headed towards the door.  A small sigh escaped as she watched him disappear.  Stop him.  Though she was hesitant about listening to the voice.  Melanie started making her way out.  Following Anthony to the door.

"Anthony..  Wait.."  Melanie could feel her heart racing a little.  She had no intention of stopping him.  She was going to allow him to leave.  It was too late to back down now.  Anthony turned around.  Eyeing Melanie, waiting to hear what she would say.

Melanie took a deep breath.  Clearing her throat, checking her voice before speaking.  "You should stay."  She almost sounded shy at the next words.  "I mean..  I want you to stay."

Anthony stood in silence.  Shifting from one foot to the other.  While trying to figure out how he should respond.  He was very tempted to take the offer..  But Anthony knew he had to cool down.  And it was best he wasn't around anyone right now.

"I appreciate it.  But I have overstayed my welcome.  And I should be going."  He remained silent for a few more moments.  His eyes remained on Melanie.  "I'll see you Friday.."  He said.

Melanie nodded.  Lifting an eye when she noticed Anthony wasn't making any move to leave. "Or..  Not."