The First Catch

Chapter 15: Getting To Know You (Part 1)

As Friday rolled around, Melanie grew more nervous.   And the day seemed to move by too slow. Though Melanie did all she could to avoid going out.  And giving Anthony the notion she wasn't interested.  Melanie didn't realize till now.  That she could truthfully say she was looking forward to tonight.  And craved some conversation with someone besides Victoria and Levi.

Melanie did what she could, keeping herself busy throughout the day.  Deciding to pass the time by taking a walk.  She made her way towards one of the nearby pathways.  Hoping the adventure would calm her nerves.  And help sort out some thoughts.  The one half still felt guilty.  It wasn't all that much time since Paul's passing.  "t's been enough.."  The other half argued.  Melanie scrunched up her nose at the random thought.  "No, it hasn't.."  She said out loud.  Though she didn't mean to let the words slip.  Melanie's face paled.  Realizing she'd spoken out loud.  A small sigh of relief escaped as she looked around.  Nobody was nearby. Thank goodness.  They might think I'm crazy.  "You might.." I  AM NOT!

Melanie continued walking along the path, taking in her surroundings.  It took a moment to realize the walkway led her to Overton Park.  Where she and Paul used to go.  It was also a place Melanie felt the calmest.  While Melanie continued on, she took a few deep breaths, breathing in the fresh air.  There was a light wind blowing.  And the sun beat down on her face.  As Melanie started focusing more on the scenery, the thoughts from earlier disappeared.  She felt much more relaxed.  The thought of the date didn't scare her like before.  It's not a date.  She chided herself.

"If it's not a date, why are you trying so hard to convince yourself otherwise?"  Melanie didn't respond back.  Instead, she concentrated on the small combination of flowers before her.  Giving some time to think of a response.  Why was she trying so hard?  Melanie hated the fact the voice was right.  Deep down she knew better.  Melanie let out a small sigh.  Though the other half of her was right, she didn't want to admit it.  At least not right now.  So Melanie kept the point moot. 

Anthony sat in his office.  Thumbing through some of the paperwork.  Letting out a small sigh, seeing the unfinished stack.  If it was any other day, Anthony would stay till the pile was complete.  But this evening, he couldn't concentrate, with everything on his mind.  He glanced at the clock.  Two hours till I pick up Melanie.  If Anthony stayed till the work was complete.  There would hardly be any time allowed for him to get ready.  Anthony sat a few moments in silence, debating what to do.  "If I allow myself another half hour.."   Those can wait.  Another voice interrupted.  Anthony's head snapped up, taken aback, not expecting a response.  At first, he thought someone was in the room.  And he just didn't hear them.  But when Anthony looked around, nobody else was there.

Once Melanie finished getting ready, she glanced over at the time.  Before making her way downstairs.  Anthony would be here in about twenty minutes.  Melanie walked over, looking at her image in the mirror.  Making sure she looked okay.  Stop fretting.  You shouldn't be acting this way. It's one dinner.  Melanie's eyes remained focused on her reflection.  Shaking those thoughts off.  The purple flowy dress shimmered and sparkled in the hallway light.  The dress flowed down so it touched her ankles.  The top half of the dress had sparkly sequins.  I'm overdressed.  I should change. " You don't have time for that.  You still have to find shoes and do your hair."  Melanie let out another sigh.  Before going back to her room, and finding some comfortable shoes for dancing.  Why do I listen to you?  She questioned, making her way into the bathroom.  "Because deep down you know I'm right, and make better decisions than you." Melanie couldn't help but laugh out loud.  Ignoring her other half so she could concentrate on the hairstyle.

When Melanie felt satisfied with how she looked.  She walked back downstairs into the living room.  Then sat on the couch while waiting for Anthony.   Her eyes closed for a brief moment. Allowing her mind to clear some last-minute thoughts.  It's okay Melanie.  Melanie's eyes flung open, and her heart raced.  The voice sounded so familiar.  She glanced around, thinking Anthony made his way inside.  But nobody was there.  Something about the voice confused Melanie.  It sounded a lot like Paul.  She took a deep breath.  "No, it's not."   She mumbled. Melanie wanted to forget about the whole thing, but it was too late now.  Anthony would be here soon.  She would go this evening, then after, would tell Anthony things couldn't go any further.

Hearing the sound of a car door shut, Melanie's attention turned towards the window.  That has to be Anthony.  A few seconds later, a knock followed.  Melanie got up to let Anthony in.  Once she opened the door, Melanie stood there studying him.   The thoughts from earlier went away. And she even managed a small smile.  Now that Anthony was there, Melanie felt less nervous. This might not be so bad.  She was a bit impressed at how Anthony cleaned up, wearing a nice pair of jeans.  A plaid yellowed checkered flannel shirt, and boots.  The hair was slicked back. Told you I'm overdressed.  She thought.   He gave a smile in return, feeling rather nervous. Melanie noticed Anthony studying her.  "I'd say you look very lovely this evening.  But that would be an understatement"  Melanie's cheeks turned a light shade of red.  "Thank you.  You look quite handsome yourself."  She responded, sounding very shy.

"Shall we?"  Anthony asked, extending an arm.  "Yes, we shall,"  Melanie responded, linking her arm with Anthony.  Letting him walk her to the car.  Once they both got settled in, Anthony backed out of the driveway.  Then headed towards their destination.

Melanie followed Anthony inside the Electric Cowboy once they arrived.  She took a small glance around.  Still feeling rather nervous being back in the crowd scene.  The place already looked a bit packed.  And it'd been a while since Melanie did something like this.  Though she tried not to show it, Anthony could sense her nervousness.  He wrapped his hand around Melanie's and gave it a small squeeze.  She looked up at him noticing Anthony giving a reassuring smile.  "It will be fine."  He said.  Then began leading her to their table.

The band hadn't started yet.  But there was some music playing through the speakers above for the crowd as they waited.  Melanie spotted a small group already gathered on the floor, dancing. Realizing Anthony was trying to catch her attention.   Melanie changed the focus back on him. "Melanie?"   She cleared her throat, turning to see a worried expression on Anthony's face. "Sorry...  I'm fine...  I didn't mean to block you out.  I was...  Observing my surroundings."  She grinned a little.