The First Catch

Chapter 25: Surprise! Surprise

Once Melanie was ready, she made her way into the living room to wait for Victoria.  It was one of the better days she was having, but Victoria was still going to drive her to the appointment so she wouldn't have to go alone.  Melanie had tried to convince Victoria that she would be fine to go by herself.  But Victoria wouldn't hear any of it.  She wanted to go so Melanie wouldn't be alone for whatever news was given to her.  The closer to the day of the appointment and time, the more nervous Melanie became.  She knew what it was.  But she still didn't want Victoria knowing just yet.  She of course planned on telling her, just not now.

"Hey." Melanie glanced up to see her friend entering the kitchen and took a deep breath.  Victoria could sense Melanie was a little nervous, and approached over to her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder to comfort her.  "It's going to be fine okay?  I promise."  Melanie bit her lip.  "What if it's not?"  She knew that it would be.  But she had to play the part of being concerned so Victoria wouldn't catch on, and figure anything out.  Victoria stayed quiet before responding.  "We will cross that bridge if it should come to.  You should try and eat something before we go."  Melanie sighed.  Every day, Victoria had been trying to get her to eat even the tiniest bites, but it always ended up in the same results.  "Why?  Nothing seems to be working. Besides, I'm feeling good right now. I don't want to ruin that."  Victoria let out a small sigh. She wasn't sure what was going on, and she wished she knew.  But at least today she would know, once Melanie and her came back from her appointment.

Melanie walked over sitting down on one of the chairs, pulling it up closer to the table.  Then reached for the newspaper to read in order to take her mind off the appointment.  Victoria stood leaning against the counter watching her momentarily, but chose not to push her.  She knew she was getting to be too clingy again worrying about Mel.  She knew that Melanie also wanted her space so she was trying to give her that.  Victoria had been doing rather well she thought without trying to be too nosy.  But sometimes she just couldn't help herself.  Not when she was concerned about her friend.  She turned to get some coffee made then walked over and sat down across from Melanie.  "Anything interesting happening?"  She asked to try and strike up some other kind of conversation.  To let Melanie know she was at least trying.  Melanie glanced up giving a small shrug.  "Not a whole lot really.  Seems to be the same old same old.  I just like looking at the game scores."  She grinned.  Victoria chuckled.  She was aware that Melanie was a fan of sports.  Particularly baseball.  "Who's winning?  Any of your favorite teams?"  Melanie shook her head.  "The Mariners don't play until next week.  It was the Chicago cubs and the Boston Red Sox.  The Red Sox won by two."  Victoria nodded.  She hadn't known a whole lot on sports.  But she pretended to act like she knew what Melanie meant whenever she had been excited about watching some of her games.  Though since Paul's accident, Melanie rarely did anything she loved doing anymore, and that included watching her sports teams.

When it was time to go, Melanie got up and set the newspaper back where it was supposed to be.  "Ready?"  She asked looking at Victoria.  Victoria nodded her head.  "Let's go."  Melanie nodded in return still not sure about all of this.  She tried to think of everything she could to get Victoria to change her mind about coming with.  But she was coming up blank.  Victoria gave her hand a small squeeze.  "It will be fine."  Melanie took a deep breath before following her out to the car.  Giving a small smile.  "I know it will."

Melanie followed Victoria into the hospital once they arrived and stopped at the front desk.  "Can I help you?"  The worker asked looking at the two women.  Melanie swallowed trying to shake off her nerves.  "Uh yes, I have an appointment. Melanie O' Connelly."  The worker turned to her computer checking the date before pointing over to the waiting room, motioning for them to take a seat.  "The doctor will be here in a few."  Melanie only nodded and followed Victoria over to one of the chairs and sat down.