The Sixth Catch

Chapter 10: An Unexpected Visitor

Luke was sitting in his room. A book propped open on his lap. But not concentrating on the reading. He was glancing out the window, looking at the scenery. He and Beth had hung out quite a bit these last few days. But today was different. Beth was busy, so Luke was in his room alone, trying to find something to do that would pass the time. Patrick was home today, and had asked if Luke would be interested in doing something. But turned the invitation down. And now he wished he hadn't. Tempted to go back down and tell his dad he'd changed his mind. Luke took a deep breath before turning his attention back on the book. But couldn't get into the story. Screw it. Luke thought, closing the book. His mind was too much on Beth. I need something more distracting.

He set the book down on the nightstand then headed downstairs to find Patrick. Who was sitting on the couch flipping through channels to find a show. Luke needed something to pass the time till he could see Beth again. Or his thoughts would go crazy. Patrick looked over hearing footsteps. Seeing Luke coming down the stairs. "Hey.. How'd the reading go?" He asked. Luke shrugged. "I didn't get very far. So I thought I'd join you instead." Luke responded, approaching the couch then sitting down. Patrick smirked, knowing the reason why his son couldn't concentrate as well lately. However, he didn't make any comments. After all, he'd already gotten everything that was needed saying. Or mostly everything. But that could wait for a later time. When things were more set in stone.

"Anything interesting on?" Luke asked. Patrick shook his head. "Not really. We could find a movie on Netflix or go rent one?" "I think a movie marathon sounds good to me. It's been awhile since we've done one. I checked up netflix the other day. There weren't a lot of good movies. Our best bet I think is to go rent some. I heard of a few good movies that might be out now. Or we can watch some classics." Luke suggested. Patrick watched as Luke continued rambling on. Assuming he didn't recognize he was doing so. Patrick was tempted to tell his son Beth was rubbing off on him. But once again, left the comment be.

"What do you think is best? You're the one who has school in the morning." Patrick responded. Luke tilted his head, trying to decide. "I wouldn't mind staying home watching some classics." The two of them got up and wandered over towards the movie shelf. Skimming through the handful of movies they had. "How much do you think we will have time for?" Patrick asked after they picked out the third movie. "Hmm.. I think we could get one more movie picked out." Patrick nodded. Before picking up the Dead Poet's society. "How about this one?" He asked. Luke grinned, giving a nod in response. "I haven't seen that one in ages." Patrick brought the four movies over and set them on the table. "Which one do we watch first? I picked the first movie out, so you get to pick which we watch first." Patrick suggested. "Sure.. Have me pick when it's the hardest to choose." He mumbled. Patrick laughed, then shrugged his shoulders. After a few minutes, Luke reached for the movie Jaws. "This one."

The two boys sat back down in their spots on the couch once Luke got the dvd taken out of the case. Then placed it into the dvd player, pressing play. Luke reached for a blanket once he got comfy, curling up on the right side of the couch, while his dad sat on the left. The two of them content on watching the movie once it started. As the movie was halfway through, Luke heard the sound of a car door close and dared a sideways glance towards the living room window. Itching a bit to go see Beth since she and Melanie were back home. But now that he agreed to spend the day with his dad. Luke didn't want to ditch and make him feel bad. Especially since Patrick finally had a day off. WIth the nice weather approaching, he'd been getting quite a few construction hours, and hadn't been home as much these last few days. Besides, Luke didn't mind the guy time. And sort of missed spending time with his dad.

Patrick noticed Luke's sideways glance sweep towards the outside window. As they heard the sound of the car door shut. "You can go if you want." Patrick chuckled. "I'm not going to stop you." "No no. I am fine staying here." Luke smiled. "I said I'd spend the day with you. Plus, you've been working a lot lately, so we haven't gotten to spend as much time together. And I sort of miss it." Luke admitted. Patrick nodded, giving a small smile in return. Then the two boys returned their attention towards the film.

After the third movie, the boys had lost track of time. It was getting towards dinner hour. But they both were enjoying just having an evening to spend together. And visiting at times in between scenes. They lost track. Patrick glanced at the clock, noticing it was going on almost five. "Should we get something ready for dinner? We can order, or go pick up some fast food." Patrick questioned. Since it'd been a while that they got to have a guy's day, and they rarely went out to eat. Patrick thought it was a good occasion to order food or go out." Luke sat quietly a moment thinking. "We haven't had pizza in awhile. What about ordering some pizza?" Luke suggested, not feeling like going anywhere since he had school tomorrow.

"Alright, I will get the pizza ordered." Patrick reached for his phone to dial the number for the pizza place. Luke paused the movie as his father got their food ordered. When Patrick hung up, he pressed play to resume the movie again while they waited for their dinner.

As time passed a little more, and they were further into the movie, there was a knock at the door. Patrick glanced at his phone. Luke noticed the expression on his face. "The pizza shouldn't be quite here yet." He stood up making his way towards the door. Luke turned his head so he could see what was going on. Maybe it's Beth. Luke thought, then felt guilty for hoping it was her. He really was enjoying the guy's day with his dad. Luke raised an eye when he noticed Patrick's steps stalled. "Dad?" He asked, a bit worried. Luke paused the movie once more. Standing up, then walking over to see what was going on. But stalled his steps as well when he noticed the second car in the driveway. Both of them knew whose it was. The hell? Patrick took a deep breath hearing the knock at the door. Tempted not to answer it at all. But unfortunately that wouldn't work. Their car was in the driveway. She'd know they were home. And most likely would keep knocking or calling until Patrick answered. So he couldn't just ignore. She shouldn't be here. Luke watched as Patrick reached for the doorknob and opened the door. "Mom.... What are you doing here?!" He asked. Lucy stood, looking up as she heard Luke's question. Glancing at her son. Taking a deep breath before finally speaking. Ignoring the question. "Hello Luke. We need to talk..."