The Fourth Catch

Chapter 27: Us Against the World

Anthony flung his eyes open taking a few deep breaths.  He could feel his heart race from the images that just raced through his mind.  Anthony couldn't remember everything he saw in his dream.  But it freaked him out enough where he couldn't fall back to sleep.  Anthony turned his head so he slightly faced Melanie.  Who was sleeping peacefully.  Since Anthony wouldn't be falling back to sleep.  He slowly crawled out of bed, so he couldn't wake Mel.  Then walked over quietly towards the window glancing outside.  Since it was three thirty in the morning.  The streets were quiet.  But the dream made Anthony nervous.  With the threats Clarissa had given him, he was worried.  He scanned the streets making sure he couldn't see anyone or anything.  Anthony didn't think Clarissa would do harm.  He hoped she was bluffing.  But unfortunately he knew she was delusional.  Anything was possible with her.

Once it hit the morning hours, and he was ready for the day, Anthony planned on heading to the station.  Make those arrangements.  So Clarissa wouldn't be able to go near Melanie at all.  Anthony had been so lost in his thoughts, he didn't realize Melanie woke up and approached him.  He jumped when he felt her hand rest on his shoulder from behind.  Anthony spun around to see who was there, then let out a sigh when he saw Melanie standing in front of him.  In the back of his mind, Anthony knew it would be her, but he had been lost in his thoughts.  The dream got him confused, so for a moment, Anthony thought he was somewhere else.  That it was someone else trying to catch his attention.  Unfortunately, tonight's events really messed with his brain.

Melanie narrowed her eyes when she noticed his reaction.  As Anthony spun around quickly to face her and see who it was.  Melanie reacted as well, jumping slightly back and gasping.  She knew Anthony was having trouble, with whatever happened tonight.  So she wasn't sure what she should expect.  Mel knew what he could be like in such a state.  And it wasn't always very pretty.  When Anthony was in this kind of mood, he could be very unpredictable with his actions.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."  Anthony said in a whisper.  When Mel saw Anthony calmed down, once he knew it was her.  She reached her hand, resting it gently against his cheek.  The touch seemed to calm him even more.  "Are you okay?"  Melanie's voice sounded concerned.  Anthony nodded.  "I'm fine."  Anthony didn't add anything else on the matter.  She sighed giving a shake of her head.  "You don't seem okay.  Something went on while you were there.  I'm not sure why, but I can sense it.  And you for some reason won't tell me.  You and dad both have been acting strange the moment you arrived back here at the apartment.  You guys are hiding something.  Don't even think for a second, I forgot about the looks of those two men who were in the cell with you were like..  Did it have something to do with them?"  Melanie asked as she continued rambling.  Anthony let out a sigh.

"I didn't want to worry you.  So I didn't say anything.  I wanted to.  And should've.  Brian didn't think it was a good idea.  He didn't think I should bring it up.  He thought by not saying anything.  I was protecting you.  Protecting us.."  Melanie smiled slightly.  Perhaps the two really did make up.  Maybe they really did have an understanding.  This could work after all.  She thought.  "But by me not saying anything to you.  And not keeping my promise..  Of being completely honest with you..  It was getting to me..  More than I'd like to admit..  I was afraid if I didn't say anything though, and you found out what went on.."  Anthony grew quiet.  Melanie knew he was building up the courage of saying what he wanted.  Melanie moved her hand from his cheek towards his hand.  She let her hand wrap around Anthony's, and gave it a gentle squeeze.  Letting him know she was there for him.  "Tell me..  Please.."  There was a hint of begging in her tone.  "You won't like what I'm about to say.."  Melanie took a deep breath.  She didn't know why, but Mel had a feeling she knew what it was.  She was just waiting for Anthony's confirmation.  Melanie kept her attention on Anthony.  Letting him know she was ready for listening, she wasn't planning on going anywhere.  No matter what.  Melanie planned on staying right here with him.