The Fourth Catch

Chapter 36: Against All Odds

Once Beth ended the phone call with her mother, she wandered back into the living room, sat on the couch, and glanced out the window while she waited for Melanie to arrive. Beth grew quiet as thoughts slipped into her mind. She wanted to go outside and check on her father. Though Beth already was aware it would be no use. The man, whom she learned was named Travis. Would stop her. Though she didn't like the idea, Beth knew why he stopped her. Travis didn't want her going out and seeing her dad in such a state. He didn't want Beth going out there and see her father dead. If that should be the case. Beth took a deep breath as those thoughts crossed her mind. She closed her eyes letting a tear escape and roll down her cheek. She couldn't think like that. He had to be okay. Once the paramedics helped him, her dad would be fine. Beth shook her head to get rid of such thoughts. Positive, think positive. She repeated in her head. However, at this time it was hard to do. Beth feared with the paramedics taking this long, Anthony was already gone, and they were just trying to figure out a way to tell her.

Beth hadn't spoken for the last ten minutes, since hanging up the phone. She was worried, in shock from what happened. From what was still going on. And from what she thought could happen. The man had been surprised the girl even managed to get her mother on the phone and explain what occurred. Travis had been very nervous that he would have to tell a complete stranger what happened with her husband and daughter. He thought he would have to do that part. Since Beth had been freaking out. However, Beth managed to do just fine telling her mother what went down. Remembering as best she could the details that went down as she described them. And with the help of Travis, gave her mother the directions to the cabin.

Not quite sure what else he should do or say. Travis continued standing in silence, watching Beth closely, concerned for the girl. He knew he should go out and bring one of the paramedics to her. Make sure she was okay. As Travis knew Beth was in shock. So he couldn't leave her alone in this state. Travis wandered into the kitchen. Glancing out the back window so he could see if there was any progress. Unfortunately, it didn't look good, with the girl's father still lying on the ground. The paramedics were surrounding him, attempting to work on the man. However, it looked like surprisingly, he had enough energy for refusing their assistance. Which Travis thought strange. Nobody in their right mind would deny help, especially in this man's state. Most people would want all the help they could possibly get, if it meant they'd survive. Be able to live and see their family. Then again, with whatever he had gone through, the man wasn't in his right mind, and Travis didn't know his past. He didn't know anything about Anthony. Travis hoped that for Beth's sake. The man would come to whatever senses he had left and accept the aide he was getting. Because if not, then the little girl would most likely be without a father.

"Finally!" Beth cried when she saw her mother pull up into the driveway. Travis jumped pulling out of his thoughts when he heard the girl's voice. He had been so in tune, he forgot she was still there. Travis walked over following the girl to the door. She opened it just as Melanie stepped out of the car. "Mommy!" She cried. Melanie looked up after she closed the door and quickly rushed over. Travis watched as Melanie wasted no time in sweeping her daughter up into her arms and hug her tight. Noticing as well tears starting to flow down her cheeks. Travis noticed the woman had been trying to hide her tears from her daughter so not to worry Beth further.

"Mommy, they won't let me see daddy!" She squeaked out. As if she was tattling on Travis and his dad. Beth understood why of course, but at the same time she hated it. And was angry they wouldn't let her see Anthony. Especially since she may not get to see him again. Travis noticed Melanie's eyes traveled over to him, however she didn't say anything. Melanie as well, knew the reasonings they didn't want her daughter by her dad. And this thought scared Mel. It was because things weren't going good for Anthony. Her heart pounded at the thought. She couldn't lose someone again. She couldn't lose Anthony. If she did, there would be no going back this time. Victoria wouldn't be able to get Melanie back from the darkness. Melanie knew if things went south, she however would have to. She'd need to stay strong and focus on Beth, so she could be there for her child and take care of her. She couldn't let herself drown in the darkness like she did before.