The Fourth Catch

Chapter 34: A Fishing Trip Gone Bad

Once Anthony and Beth were in the boat, Anthony began steering them towards the spot on the lake. Beth looked around as they made their way down the water to their destination. Smiling and watching some of the scenery pass by. Beth was excited they were finally out. Anthony looked over at Beth noticing her reaction of the place. Giving a small smile to himself. "What do you think?" He asked. Anthony hoped Beth enjoyed it as well. Beth pulled out of her thoughts glancing at her dad. "I think it's amazing out here. It seems so nice and calm." Anthony smiled. "It is one of my favorite places to be. I haven't as much anymore. But I used to come here out on this lake quite a bit. Even before Vic and Levi got their cabin." Anthony always enjoyed being out by the waters. It made him feel peaceful on days he couldn't calm his emotions down. It was a nice place for thinking. There had been a few favorite spots he liked going to back in Florida when he was younger. Shortly after Greta's passing. Anthony liked going there for thinking, or even forget about the events that had happened with his sister.

Beth looked at him curiously. "Really? Why not?" Anthony's attention stayed on his daughter. He remained quiet as he tried thinking of a way he could explain. He wasn't quite sure he should answer her. Beth was smart, but still too little for understanding some things. And some things Anthony didn't think she should know just yet. But he couldn't lie to his own daughter, so maybe it could be modified. A few explanations could be left out. Anthony smiled a bit. "Because I have you and Melanie, to get me through things. I don't need anything else except the two of you.. When I'm around the both of you, you guys help me forget.." "Forget what?" Beth suddenly grew curious. Noticing her father let the sentence linger. Anthony fidgeted. This wasn't the type of conversation he should be having when out with his daughter for a fun filled day. Let alone his five year old daughter. Anthony was tempted to change subject, distract her. But after all, this was the reason for their trip, to spend time with each other. Become closer with his daughter. As Anthony didn't always get to spend as much time with her as he wished. With work taking him away. It felt like at those times, they were distant from each other. And he hated that feeling. Perhaps Beth could learn a little bit about the other side of her family.

"I guess.. Of some things from the past.." He answered slowly. "You mean grandma and grandpa Clark?" Anthony raised his eye. "What makes you think that?" "Just a hunch." Beth grinned, repeating his earlier words. A small laugh escaped Anthony's lips. "You're too smart for your age.." He winked. Beth giggled a little, shrugging her shoulders. "Guess I can just read people easily.." She admitted. "I noticed how you never talk about your parents, or your family at all.. It's even more noticeable especially around the times when mom's parents come. And when someone brings it up, you go all quiet, and get all awkward about it.." Beth hesitated some more before continuing. Anthony forgot how some children tended to notice things adults didn't. "And.. Please don't be mad.." This got Anthony nervous. "Why would I be mad?" Beth suddenly shied away a bit. "I was playing in the basement one day.. I happened to find an old box with some stuff in it. I thought it was some junk at first. There were some old toys you didn't get a chance to get rid of. Then at the bottom I saw an old photo album. I glanced through and saw it had some pictures in there.. The one looked like a picture of you with maybe your grandparents. And the other a picture with you and some girl about your age. I didn't see any pictures though with you and your parents..."

Anthony sighed. "No.. You wouldn't find any pictures with me and them at all.." "Why not?" "Because we didn't exactly get along all the best. They weren't very good parents." Beth grew quiet at the answer, dwelling on it for a moment. It was one of the few things she didn't quite understand. She thought most people got along with their families. That all families were good. Just like hers. "Who are the people in the two photos?" She asked hoping her father would answer. "The one picture is of my grandparents and I.. My sister and I stayed with them when we were eight and seven. After my parents were.. No longer in the picture.." Anthony gave a small smile as a thought came to him. "You know... You were named after your great grandma.." Beth grinned a bit. "Really?" Anthony nodded. "Mmhmm..." He answered going quiet once again.