The Sixth Catch

Chapter 4: Uncertainty

"Is everything alright?"  Luke tuned to face Patrick hearing the question.  Patrick was driving towards the lake for some fishing time this weekend.  Another week went past after Luke tried an attempt to tell Beth what he felt.  But he wasn't sure how well that worked out.  When he told her, Beth remained silent.  So Luke didn't know if that should be taken as a good sign, or bad.  If that meant she didn't like him.  Or she was needing space after hearing his words and debating whether she liked him or not too.

"Yeah..  Everything is fine..  Why wouldn't they be?  We're going fishing."  Luke grinned.  Patrick raised an eye at the reaction.  "Well..  You've been quiet most of the trip. Which isn't like you."  Patrick explained.  Luke ran a hand through his hair.  Debating whether to tell his dad or not.  It would be strange talking to him about Beth.  But Luke had a feeling he had an inkling already, observing the two of them over the last year.  That Luke possibly developed feelings for Beth, now they were a little older.  Plus, Luke remembered Beth mentioning that their parents were possibly trying to get them together.  But Luke just laughed at the thought.  Mostly because he was nervous about the idea that it could actually happen. 

"You know if you do have anything you want to talk about..  You can tell me.."  Patrick told him.  He was curious what his son was thinking about.  And had a feeling it had to do with Beth.  But he wasn't going to push.  Luke usually told him everything.  Except for the exception of last year dealing with Garrett.  It took for Beth almost getting hurt to tell him what was going on.  So Patrick figured when Luke was ready, he'd say.  Or at least he hoped.  Last time was too close of call when Luke finally told him.  So Patrick hoped that was a lesson.  And Luke would be more willing to ask for help whenever there was trouble.

Patrick studied Luke's face for a moment.  It looked like he wanted to tell him.  "I know..  But I think it'll be fine."  Luke was tempted to tell his dad.  And thought he probably should.  For it seemed he ended up telling Patrick what was on his mind at some point or another anyways.  So he might as well should tell him now, get it out of the way.  But with things concerning Beth, Luke thought it would be strange to talk about her with his dad.

When Patrick finally arrived at the location by the lake where they wanted to go.  He got out of the car then headed to open the back door.  Grabbing the fishing items.  "It's just..  Last time you were this quiet.  You told me about Garrett.."  Patrick originally wasn't going to try and push too much.  But the silence did worry him.  Luke looked up hearing his dad's comment.  And could see the worry.  "Don't worry.  It's not that bad.  I'd of let you know if it was.  It's..  Just school stuff.."  Luke responded. 

Patrick hesitated some more as they started walking down towards the lake.  "Like..  Beth?"  He questioned.  Since he was walking a little behind Luke, he didn't see as Luke scrunched up his nose.  "Dad!"  Luke groaned.  A smirk formed on Patrick's lips.  "I'm assuming that means I've hit a bulls eye?"  He teased.  Luke turned his head giving a small glare.

"Alright..  Fine..  Maybe..  But do we have to talk about Beth while on our trip?"  Luke questioned.  Patrick raised an eye.  "But isn't that what trips like these are for?  Is bonding time?"  I'm only asking because to see how she's doing.."  "You saw her last week."  Luke reminded him.  "Well yeah, but we didn't get a chance to really talk."  Luke ran a hand through his hair.  "Well that's because you and Melanie set it up so us two would talk."  Patrick gave his son an innocent look.  "I don't know what you're talking about."  Luke though noticed the smirk on his dad's lips.  "She's..  Doing about as good as she can be I guess.  She's worried.."  Luke responded.

Patrick started getting the items set up as Luke explained a bit what was going on.  But Patrick had a feeling that it was something more than just worrying about Beth.  "About Garrett.."  Patrick questioned.  When Luke didn't continue his sentence.  Luke nodded.  "She thinks not hearing from him is a bad sign.  That there's a plan and Garrett will come back for her."  Luke took his fishing pole as Patrick handed it to him.  "Thanks."  He turned so he was facing the waters.  Stepping forward to cast the line in.