F.I.S.H. – 3.13 Escape

Weeks went by, and Stefan spent as much time at the police station as he did in school it seemed. His family also had their fair share of interrogations. Once the law enforcement was convinced that Stefan had nothing to do with Olivia’s disappearance, he was free to go on with his life. But, he couldn’t. Not without Olivia in it. He had known her all his life. His other friend, Nigel, was older than they were and had graduated already. Stefan had Olivia, and Nigel had a girlfriend too. Over time, they naturally drifted apart. When Nigel and his girlfriend found out they were unexpectedly expecting a child, he had to grow up quite quickly and didn’t have time for his teenage friends anymore. That left Olivia as his oldest friend, and now she was gone too. He was gutted and didn’t quite know how to deal with his feelings. He was quiet all the time. His grades dropped.

Melody did everything she could for him, but he was depressed. She didn’t know what else to do. She thought that maybe he needed some privacy to deal with his feelings and sent him to his grandparents for a weekend to be alone. He came back in no better shape than when he left. Then she thought that maybe he needed to be completely alone and sent the other kids to the grandparents while she spent the day with Presley. She wished she knew what was happening at home, but at the end of the day, upon everyone’s return, she simply found him asleep in his bed. River came by a few times to check on him. Stefan appeared to enjoy his visits, but of course after he left, he was back to his same sad self. Melody didn’t like seeing her son in such anguish and came up with a plan.

She called River and asked him to take Stefan somewhere for the weekend just the two of them. River knew exactly what he needed. With camping season over, he knew it would be the prime opportunity to snag a tent and head up to Granite Falls. Stefan didn’t need to be engulfed in crowds. He needed the peace and quiet that only Granite Falls could offer that time of year.

“This is nice, huh?”

I’ve missed this.

“I’m sorry about your friend, Stefan. I really am.”

“See? You haven’t forgotten. Good catch, son.”

Oh yes! Come to papa.

Stefan reeled in his line. “I’m gonna go roast my fish.” He walked back to the campsite.

“Ok. I’m gonna go to the ranger’s station and get some stuff.”

When River returned, Stefan was still roasting his fish. He sat on one of the benches and recalled the last time he was there.

“I brought your mother here for our honeymoon.” He got up and sat next to Stefan. “We stayed in that cabin right there.” He chuckled. “I’m quite sure that’s where you came from.”

Stefan snorted. He recalled the days of old when it was just him and his parents. Those were good times. The love between his parents was comforting and constant. It made him feel safe. But now that they were separated, and he was unsure of what was to come, his world was unstable–especially now that he didn’t have the love of his dear Olivia.

“I told you something when you were little. You wouldn’t remember. You were just a baby. I promised you that when you got older, I was going to take you camping and go on fishing trips with you. We never did any of that stuff. I’m sorry.”

Stefan shrugged. “It’s ok, dad.”

“It’s really not. I haven’t been there for you guys like I should. I know it’s not entirely my fault because of my job, but it doesn’t mean I don’t feel bad about it every day.”

“Dad?”

“Yes, son.”

“What’s going on with you and mom?”

“I’m glad you asked. I didn’t know she hadn’t told you guys anything until we went to the flea market.”

“I saw you kissing.” He was hopeful that it boded well.

“Stefan, your mom has her reasons for making me leave, and if she hasn’t shared them with you, it’s not my place to share them either. However, I want you to hear my side directly from me. I have never been unfaithful to your mother! I have never even considered being with anyone else. Your mother is the only woman I’ve ever wanted! You have to believe that despite what she says or whatever anyone else thinks. This thing has nothing to do with anything like that. You understand?”

“When are you coming home, dad?”

He sighed. “I don’t know, son. I need to figure out how to accomplish what I need to do at work quickly without being gone all the time. When I get that figured out, I’ll be home.”