The First Catch

Chapter 17: Falling Apart

Melanie remained quiet most of the trip back to Levi and Victoria's place.  She knew she should apologize.  But couldn't trust herself to speak.  Melanie knew it was past time she explained her behavior.  Now wasn't the time.  They both need to cool off first.

Anthony drove in silence back to the house.  Allowing that quiet time for Melanie and him to cool down.  He wanted answers.  And sometimes his impatience got the better of him.  He as well knew apologies should be taking place.  Those would come later.  Once they both settled down.

Now and then, he would glance at her.  Making sure Melanie was okay.  There were some times Anthony wanted to say something.  And even opened his mouth to do so.  But changed his mind. Deciding it was best to say nothing at all.

As Anthony pulled into the driveway and parked the car, he glanced over at Melanie.  Then took a deep breath.  "Look..  Mel.."  Anthony tried thinking of a way to explain.  That wouldn't get him in trouble.  He couldn't, and silence replaced chatter.  "I should go.  This....  This was a bad idea." She whispered.  Wasting no time, Melanie got out of the car so he couldn't see the tears. Knowing their minds wouldn't change this evening.  Anthony took off, without another word.

Melanie didn't even look to watch Anthony back out of the driveway.  Then take off down the street.  She didn't notice Victoria's car sitting in the driveway either.  She rushed to the door. Wanting the night to end.  Once inside, she slumped down to the floor, burying her face in her hands.

Levi's eyes flung open upon hearing the sound of a car door shutting.  He lifted himself up out of bed.  Glancing out the window in time to see Anthony's car rushing down the street.  That isn't a good sign.  "Melanie must be home."  Victoria's voice came.  Levi glanced over.  Turning on the lamp.  "Looks like it. I'm sorry if I woke you."  He said in a quiet tone.  "I was awake."  Victoria lied.  "I should go check on her."  Victoria began sitting up.  But Levi stopped her.  Resting his hand over hers, giving it a gentle squeeze.  "I'll go check on her.  You stay here and get some rest."  "Are you sure?  She's my best friend.."  "I'm sure.  She is my friend too.."  Melanie and Levi hadn't gotten to spend a whole lot of time together lately.  And thought this could be taken as a chance for them to bond again.  As Levi made his way downstairs, he could hear Melanie's faint cries.  Once Melanie came into his view, he saw her slumped down and curled up on the floor. She was shaking, and he could tell she was crying.

In a few quick strides, Levi walked over, sitting down next to Mel.  Then wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.  "Melanie..  What happened?.."  He asked, after she'd calmed down a little.  Melanie swallowed, opening her mouth to explain.  She felt like she should tell someone. But as soon as she lifted her head to look right at Levi, a new fresh set of tears began falling.  And all Melanie could do was wrap her arms around Levi, continuing to cry.  She buried her face against his chest.  "Hey..  Hey.."  Levi glanced down at her, keeping a tight hold.

"Did you want to talk about it?"  He asked.  Once he thought it safe to do so.  Melanie pulled back so she could look up at him.  Then shook her head.  "I..  I thought you weren't getting back till later."  Was all she muttered, switching subjects.  Levi could hear quivering in her voice.  "They were ahead of schedule.  We got back an hour ago.  Mel..  Please tell me what happened." Melanie closed her eyes, debating what she should tell.  She could hear the worry in his voice. But was afraid if she tried speaking, she would keep breaking down.  And also knowing Levi was Anthony's friend.  Melanie didn't want him getting in trouble.  After all, she and Anthony would talk.  They'd get it sorted out at some point.  Melanie didn't want to do so tonight.  Besides, the less people involved, the better.  "I just want to go to bed.  Forget about tonight.  I'm kind of tired."  She answered, once she found her voice.  It took most of her strength, even to get those words out.  Levi nodded, placing his hand on her arm.  "Of course, if you need anything." Melanie shook her head again.  "No..  Thank you.  I'll be better once I get some sleep."  He stood up as Melanie did.  The two of them walked back in silence to their rooms.

"Is Melanie okay?"  Victoria asked as soon as Levi walked into the room.  Levi hoped Victoria would've gone back to sleep.  But he should've known better.  "I'm not sure Vic.  Something's wrong..  She won't tell me.  I haven't seen her like this since.."  He grew quiet not wanting to finish the sentence.  Like Melanie, he didn't like saying it out loud that Paul died.  Because then it meant it was true.  He himself still had troubles believing his best friend was gone.

Victoria sat up and placed her hand over his, giving it a small squeeze.  "I know you miss him too."  She said in a low voice.  "And so do I."  Levi glanced over at her.  Taking a deep breath, as Victoria approached.  "This doesn't have to do with that."  He knew Melanie was having a hard time dealing with Paul's death.  This was different.  "Something went down.  I'm not sure what. I'm guessing she and Anthony had some kind of argument.  About what, I don't know."  Victoria nodded.  "Do you think we should go ask?"  Levi shook his head.  "For now, it's best we let her sleep.  I know you're worried.  So am I.  Right now, it's best we give her space.  I'm certain she wanted to tell me earlier.  Then changed her mind.  She'll tell us... In time..."  He gave Victoria's hand a small squeeze.  "Let's get some sleep..."