The Fourth Catch

Chapter 41: Back Where I Belong

"Are you sure we have everything?" Melanie asked, glancing around the room. She was a little nervous as they were bringing Anthony home today. It had been a week since he woke up. Melanie thought he should be in the hospital a little longer, with the proper equipment at the ready. In case something came up. But Anthony believed he was fine. Plus, with him having been snuck in. Melanie feared it would only be a matter of time until they got caught. In fact, she was rather surprised they managed to pull this off, without any of the staff finding them here. So though she didn't think Anthony should leave the hospital scene quite yet. Melanie believed it was a good time to bow out. Before they did get discovered.

"Beth and I have some stuff at Vic and Levi's cabin yet." Anthony responded. Melanie nodded. We can get those quick once we leave here. Unless you weren't up for it. I can always make the drive another day to get your things. If you wanted to get home.." Melanie smiled a little as she mentioned that word. It felt good knowing they were bringing Anthony home. Especially with the way things looked when she first brought him in from his accident. The odds were against them.
Anthony shook his head. "You don't need to make the extra trip when we're already in the area. It's not that far away." Hearing her phone ding, Melanie grabbed it from her pocket, glancing at the screen. "That's Angela.. She said the coast is clear.." It took them a few extra minutes to sneak out, before reaching Angela's car. Melanie hadn't realized till they were getting ready to go, that her car was still at the lake cabin. So Angela offered to bring them back for Mel to pick up her car.

"Thank you.. Once again for everything.." Melanie said once they transferred the bags from Angela's car to Melanie's. Angela looked at the two of them. A small smile formed on her face. Victoria and the others had gone ahead to get home. Keeping an eye on Beth until Mel and Anthony arrived. "It was my pleasure." Angela answered. She looked at them remaining quiet a few moments before speaking. "Make sure you take good care now.." Melanie smiled back in return. "Don't worry, we will." Anthony sat in the passenger's seat as the two women stood nearby talking. He slowly extended his hand towards Angela as a peace offering. "I appreciate everything. Thank you for helping Melanie and keeping an eye on her for me." Anthony winked. A smirk crossed his features at his joke. Taking a sideways glance towards Mel, to see what her reaction would be.

Melanie scrunched up her nose. "Excuse me.. She was helping me watch you.. I took care of myself just fine thank you. Thank you very much." She grumbled. Doing her best to sound annoyed, but found it hard keeping a straight face. A smirk appeared on her lips, for Melanie knew Anthony was only teasing. Angela raised her eye. "Oh sure. If you mean by taking care of yourself. By not eating or sleeping till someone.." Angela pointed to herself. "Told you to.." She grinned. Continuing to joke. Melanie rolled her eyes, looking at Anthony. "That's not true.. I ate.. And I slept.." She muttered. "Don't believe a word she says.." Melanie said, crossing her arms across her chest. Angela kept her smirk watching Mel's actions. "Only when I or Victoria suggested you should.." She looked over at Anthony. "Was she always this stubborn?" Anthony laughed. "You haven't even seen stubborn yet. You should've seen her when we first met.." He added. Looking over at Mel giving her another small wink. Which received a glare from Melanie, and she went very quiet watching the two converse back and forth. Getting lost in her thoughts.

Anthony certainly had come along ways. It could be possible, he was finally learning to loosen up a little. Learning to open up and trust others more. If he felt comfortable enough where he could kid around with Angela. He must've learned to trust her within the past week. Which almost got Melanie a little jealous. Even though Anthony had been the one between the two of them, to open up first. It felt like to Mel, that Anthony opened up quicker with Angela, than he did with her. Anthony cleared his throat, noticing the quietness. "I hope I didn't cause too much trouble." He continued. Trying to be a bit more serious. Keeping the conversation going, as he didn't want things becoming too awkward between them. Angela smirked as she watched them both. Shaking her head. "If you can believe it.. I've had worse patients." Anthony laughed. "Oh.. I doubt that."

Anthony stole a sideways glance in Mel's direction. Giving her a questioning look at her sudden change in demeanor. Mel smiled a little, reassuring him things were okay. "We.. Should get going.. Beth will be anxious for us to get home once they're back.." Angela raised her eye at Melanie's sudden coldness towards her. Picking up that something had bugged Melanie. Though she didn't want to ask and make a big deal of it.

"I should start heading back to the hospital.." Angela said, taking it as her cue she should leave. "I told Colton I wouldn't be long." She gave a small awkward smile in Mel's direction. "I'll see you guys around?" Angela asked in a hopeful voice. She did enjoy their company after all. And the three of them seemed to click well together. Melanie mirrored Angela's smile. "We will definitely contact you if we ever come this way again." She added. "Take care you too." Angela repeated. Melanie nodded her head. "We will.." She watched Angela making her way back towards her car. Before shutting Anthony's door and making her way to the driver's side, getting in.

Anthony glanced over at Mel once she got in and started the car. Backing out of the driveway. He wanted to ask her about what happened earlier. But he didn't want to start arguing right when he was leaving the hospital. He didn't want to ruin the happiness of bringing him home after everything they all went through. Besides, Anthony felt to tired for that sort of conversation. And he had a feeling he knew what bugged Melanie anyway. After it had been silent for most of the car ride. Anthony slowly reached over and rested his hand over Mel's, giving it a gentle squeeze. Melanie stole a quick sideways glance while driving. Giving Anthony a small smile before turning her attention back to the road.

Melanie could feel her heart pound as she felt Anthony brush his thumb against her knuckles. She felt a little guilty now for her earlier thoughts. She took a deep shaky breath, feeling Anthony's touch. Trying to keep tears from falling down. Melanie squeezed his hand in return, her eyes stayed focused on driving.

Anthony kept a close eye on Mel. Seeing if he could figure out what she was thinking. But he couldn't. She seemed closed off again. He knew she went through a lot. So Mel was scared again. Things would be different with them for a little while. Until they got back on their feet. Anthony took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment. Keeping his hand wrapped around Melanie's. Wanting to let her know he was there for her, but the drive remained silent.

When Melanie pulled into the driveway, she looked over at Anthony. Noticing he had fallen asleep. She smiled a little watching. He seemed peaceful. And almost didn't want to wake him up. Melanie unbuckled her seatbelt then reached over, giving Anthony a gentle shake. Anthony's eyes flung open, not expecting someone to wake him so soon. His heart began racing, forgetting where he was, until he looked over and saw Melanie. Calming down once his vision was more focused, and she came into his view. Melanie's hand stayed rested on Anthony's shoulder, hoping it would keep him relaxed. "Hey.." She whispered. "We're home.."