The Fourth Catch

Chapter 1: The Beginning

It had been seven months (November) since Beth had been born and Melanie had moved back in with Anthony.  Given the circumstances, Melanie had thought it would be strange at first for her to move in with him.  But after awhile, Melanie managed to get into a routine, it didn't seem to be as strange as she thought it would.  It almost felt natural.  Like she had been there for a long time.  Like she was supposed to be there.  It was almost like they were becoming a family.  Melanie didn't seem to have as many outbursts as she used to have.  Her and Anthony didn't seem to argue as much as they used to.  Melanie really was keeping her word.  She was trying to make things work.  Anthony could see that, just as Melanie could see that Anthony was trying as well.

Melanie had woken up a little earlier that day.  Luckily the waking up through the night phase seemed to be past for Beth.  She had finally been letting them catch up on sleep.  Once Melanie quietly got ready, she made her way down the hall into the nursery to check on her daughter to see that she was still sound asleep.  She then made her way into the kitchen to grab some coffee along for something to eat.

"Good morning."  She glanced over as she sat down to see that Anthony was entering into the kitchen.  She gave him a small smile.  "Good morning.  How'd you sleep?"  She asked.  Anthony was just slowly getting into the swing of things, returning to work after having a few months or so off to stay at home and help Melanie with Beth.  "I slept okay."  "There's plenty of coffee left if you would like any."  Melanie suggested as she reached for her own cup to take a swallow.  Anthony gave a small grin.  "I may need it.  I know the last few months, Beth has been doing better at sleeping in.  But I still feel drained.  I feel like I missed a whole year of sleeping in, even though it was only a few months."  Melanie nodded.  "I know how you feel.  I know we have been taking turns these past few months.  I'm not sure how well this is going to go with you going back to work."  She said quietly.  Melanie was slightly nervous about Anthony going back to work being home alone with Beth.  She wasn't quite sure if she would be able to handle her alone if Beth had any of her tantrums.  Melanie wasn't sure how Beth would handle the changed schedule with her father no longer being there as often as he had been.

Anthony approached closer to Melanie letting his hand rest gently on her shoulder.  "You're both going to turn out just fine."  He slowly removed his hand, then made his way over to the counter where the coffee pot was and poured himself a cup of coffee.  "Besides, you won't be home alone all day with her.  I'll be home by five o clock.  I'll be back home in time to help get dinner set up and help get her ready for bed."  He gave a small smile to himself before turning around then heading to sit down in the chair across from Melanie.  Anthony had gotten used to the routine these last seven months, he was enjoying them being together, feeling as if they were actually a family.  It felt like there could actually be a chance for them to be a family.  Melanie nodded.  "I know we will be fine.  I still can't help but worry." 

"Beth will be fine as long as you are.  If you get frazzled, she'll think something is up.  You just need to remember to keep as calm as you possibly can when working with her."  Anthony commented in for a few pointers.  Melanie took a deep breath.  "Right.."  She grew quiet a few moments before taking another swallow of her drink.  "How is it you know so much about this stuff?"  She asked.  Anthony smirked at her.  "I told you, I read up on some things."  He winked.  Melanie laughed.  "I thought you were joking."  Anthony shook his head.  "In those few months when we were separate for awhile.  I..  Was preparing for needing to raise the baby on my own, so I read up whatever I could.."  He said slowly.  He wasn't sure if he should really of said anything.  They had made a lot of progress the last months.  He didn't want to lose that.  He didn't want to always be the one keeping on making things awkward.

Melanie remained quiet as Anthony spoke those words.  She still felt bad for what she had done.  But at least she was trying to make up for that.  "I guess I missed that train..  I should have done the same instead.."  Melanie let her sentence trail off.  Anthony looked at her letting out a small sigh.  "I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to bring that all up."  She shook her head letting both of her hands wrap around the coffee cup to try and get them warmed.  "You were just trying to state a fact."  She grew quiet again not quite sure what to say next.