The Fourth Catch

Chapter 4: Making Progress

The next day after Melanie woke up, Anthony had already left for work. She had heard him when he got up and heard him saying goodbye, but she was too tired to wake up to see him off. She was rather nervous knowing that Anthony would be gone almost all day, as she would be with Beth alone. Melanie had been fine with her the first few days. But since the engagement dinner, with Bethany throwing a fit, Melanie was second guessing herself again. Melanie could see their daughter was becoming a bit of a daddy's girl. Anthony had told her things would turn out fine a couple times, that Bethany just had to get used to the routine of him being gone. But Melanie wasn't really buying it. She was worried that if Beth threw one of her tantrums looking for her father, she wouldn't be able to handle it on her own. That she wouldn't be able to calm her own daughter down. Anthony seemed to be the only one to calm Beth down as of recent.

Melanie crawled out of bed so she could get ready for the day. Bethany was still sleeping, and she would be sleeping till closer to lunch time. That was one thing good that would help Melanie for part of the day at least. That Beth seemed to start liking to sleep in late, so she had at least the morning to herself, to prepare. Melanie was worried the first few months when they were woken by Beth early morning. That they would never get a day to sleep in. But luckily, she had grown out of that habit and seems to be liking her sleep. Melanie made her way out into the kitchen after getting ready, then poured herself a cup of coffee. Since Beth was sleeping, Melanie had time to relax, reading a few chapters of her book, then started to get the house cleaned. Picking up some of Beth's toys she had left lain around the night before.

She glanced over at the clock, it was eleven thirty. This was the latest her daughter had slept. Becoming a bit worried, Melanie made her way into the nursery walking quietly to her crib to check on Beth. Bethany seemed to sense her presence and just started stirring awake as Melanie approached her crib. Melanie smiled remaining as calm as possible as her daughter looked up at her with tired eyes. "Well good morning little one." She said letting her hands rest on the railing. As she saw Melanie smile, Beth pulled her head up a little more to look at her mother better, giving a smile in return. "Mum mum!" She mumbled reaching her one arm up to Melanie, letting her know she wanted out. Melanie reached over to pick her daughter up into her arms, giving her a small hug. "Hey you." She grinned at her daughter. "Now let's get you dressed."

Melanie made her way to the closet, picking out an outfit then bringing Beth to the changing table, getting her ready. She let out a relieved sigh to see that so far, her daughter wasn't fighting her in getting ready. Perhaps the extra sleep had helped. The few days before the dinner party, Beth didn't get as much sleep as she usually did. At least Melanie was hoping that's what the problem was. "Shall we get something to eat?" Melanie asked lifting her back up into her arms so they could go to the kitchen to get the high chair set up. Beth fiercely shook her head. "Na na na! Pa pa da da!" Beth cried trying to say she wanted to play with her doll. Melanie sighed at Beth's reactions. "You have to be starving with getting up late and not eating since last night. Daddy's not home right now." Mel grumbled.

"Pa pa pa!" Beth yelled. Beth began to squirm out of Melanie's arms, and Melanie had to keep a tight hold of her so she wouldn't fall. "Sweetie no no. I don't want you to fall and get hurt!" She said in a bit more stern voice than she intended. Beth began to whine as she heard her mother's voice, laying her head on her shoulder, shaking her head. "Na na na!" Melanie glanced at Beth not quite sure what to say or do. She was nervous, not really sure what Beth was wanting. Melanie started to pat her daughter's back hoping it would calm her down.

Melanie made her way into the kitchen area, heading to the high chair so she could get Beth placed in and ready for lunch. Beth once again shook her head spotting the high chair. "Na no no!" She whined again turning her head towards the direction of the living room. "Da!" She yelled out wanting to say doll. "Daddy will be home later." Melanie said. It took her a bit to get Beth into the high chair since she was squirming. Once she did, she went to grab some of the food she had ready. Making her way over, she grabbed a chair to sit down on, then began to feed her daughter.