My Quiet Kind of Love

The rain had started again. Isaac stared through the large window of his apartment, watching water slide down the glass in crooked lines. Somewhere below, a car horn blared twice before disappearing into the noise of the city. He sighed and rubbed his forehead. He had been in the city for only three weeks. Three weeks. And somehow, in those three weeks, his life had already become a complete disaster. First, someone had broken into his apartment building. Then the plumbing had malfunctioned. Then the ceiling in his bedroom had developed a leak. And now, after spending the better part of the afternoon moving his belongings away from the damaged section of the apartment, Isaac was seriously beginning to question every decision that had brought him there. His phone buzzed again. Mike. Isaac stared at the name for a moment before answering. “Hello?” “Isaac.” That one word already told him everything. His older brother was annoyed. “What?” “Where are you staying?” Isaac leaned against the kitchen counter. “My apartment.” There was a long silence. Then Mike sighed. “Isaac, you cannot stay in that apartment.” “I can.” “No, you can’t.” “I have been staying here for three weeks.” “And in those three weeks, your apartment has flooded, your neighborhood has had a robbery, and half the plumbing doesn’t work.” “It’s not that bad.” “Not that bad?” Isaac closed his eyes. Here we go. Mike continued. “Firstly, the apartment was robbed.” “Not my apartment.” “Your building.” “Still.” “Secondly, the apartment is malfunctioning.” “I know.” “Thirdly, now the apartment is practically falling apart.” “It’s not falling apart.” “I saw the pictures you sent me.” Isaac looked toward the hallway. One section of the ceiling was still stained from the water leak. “Okay,” he admitted. “Maybe it’s a little damaged.” “A little?” “Mike.” “You cannot live there.” Isaac sighed. “I have friends.” “Good. Stay with one of them.” “I already told you I would.” “Then stay with Derek.” Isaac immediately straightened. “No.” Mike didn’t even hesitate. “Yes.” “No.” “Isaac.” “Absolutely not.” “Why?” “Because Derek is mean.” Mike laughed. “Derek is not mean.” “He is.” “He is not.” “He barely speaks.” “He’s quiet.” “He looks like he’s constantly angry.” “That’s just his face.” “Exactly.” Mike laughed again. Isaac wasn’t amused. “Derek has been cold since we were children.” “Derek is my best friend.” “Exactly. Your best friend. Not mine.” “You know him.” “I know of him.” “You practically grew up together.” “And I was younger than both of you. That doesn’t mean I want to live with him.” Mike groaned. “Isaac, listen to me. Derek doesn’t have a problem with you.” “He doesn’t have a problem with anyone because he barely talks to anyone.” “That’s not true.” “Mike.” “Isaac.” They both went silent. Isaac could already imagine his brother rubbing his forehead the way he always did whenever Isaac became stubborn. Mike finally spoke. “You have to stay with him for a couple of weeks.” “No.” “Until you find another apartment.” “I can find my own apartment.” “I know you can.” “I have a job.” “I know.” “I make my own money.” “I know that too.” “Then why are we having this conversation?” “Because you just started your job in a completely new city.” Isaac said nothing. Mike continued. “You don’t know anyone there.” “I have friends.” “People you’ve known for three weeks.” “They’re still friends.” “Isaac.” His brother’s voice softened. “Just listen.” Isaac leaned back against the counter. “Okay.” “You left home because you wanted to build your own life. I understand that. You wanted your own career, your own apartment, your own money. You didn’t want Dad’s money, and nobody stopped you.” “I appreciate that.” “But now you’re trying so hard to prove you can do everything alone that you’re putting yourself in unnecessary danger.” Isaac looked down. Mike wasn’t wrong. That was the irritating part. “I can handle myself.” “I know you can. But handling yourself doesn’t mean refusing help when someone offers it.” Isaac didn’t respond. “And Derek has a beautiful house.” Isaac frowned. “That doesn’t make me want to live there.” “He has security.” “That makes me want to live there even less.” “Why?” “Because it’s Derek.” Mike laughed. “You’ve really decided this man is your enemy.” “He is not my enemy.” “You’ve called him mean at least six times.” “Because he is.” “Derek is a good guy.” “He has the personality of a locked door.” Mike laughed so loudly that Isaac had to pull the phone away from his ear. “You know what?” Mike said. “Fine. Stay in your apartment.” “Thank you.” “I’ll tell Dad to send you money.” Isaac’s smile disappeared. “No.” Mike became quiet. “Then stay with Derek.” “I don’t want to use Dad’s money.” “I know.” “I don’t.” “I know, Isaac.” Mike’s voice was gentler now. “You cut yourself off from the family’s money because you wanted to make your own. I respect that. But you’re also barely starting your career.” “I’m a psychologist.” “I know.” “And I make decent money.” “You’re a psychologist who just started working in a new city.” Isaac sighed. “Psychology isn’t exactly the most lucrative career when you’re starting out.” “Exactly.” “I don’t need Dad’s money.” “I didn’t say you did.” “You basically did.” “I said Derek is the better option.” Isaac stared at the rain. “Mike…” “Derek has money. Security. A safe house. A spare bedroom. He’s established in the city. He knows the neighborhoods. He can help you find somewhere suitable.” Isaac remained silent. “You could stay with him for a couple of weeks.” “No.” “One week.” “No.” “Until you find a place.” Isaac exhaled. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?” “No.” “You’re incredibly annoying.” “I’m your older brother. It’s my job.” Isaac laughed despite himself. Then Mike said something that made him stop. “Besides, Derek already knows.” Isaac’s eyebrows pulled together. “Knows what?” “That you’re coming.” Isaac sat up. “What?” “I called him.” “Mike!” “What?” “You called Derek?” “Yes.” “Without asking me?” “You would’ve said no.” “Because I don’t want to stay with him!” “Well, now you don’t have to worry about asking.” Isaac rubbed his face. “I can’t believe you.” “He’s expecting you.” “Mike.” “Isaac.” “Please tell me you didn’t tell him I was moving in.” “I told him you’re staying temporarily.” “I am not moving in.” “Nobody said moving in.” “It sounds like moving in.” “It is not moving in. It’s staying.” “Those are synonyms.” Mike laughed. “You’re impossible.” Isaac groaned. There was another silence. Then Mike spoke again. “You know Dad’s company has been dealing with enough problems already.” Isaac’s expression changed. “Don’t.” “I’m just saying—” “I don’t want to talk about it.” “You know the lawsuits aren’t exactly—” “Mike.” “Fine.” Isaac looked toward the window again. His father’s company had been in the news for years. Industrial waste. Asbestos. Health complications. Lawsuits. People getting sick. Families blaming the company. Isaac had grown up surrounded by wealth, but he had never been comfortable with where that wealth came from. He loved his family. He loved his brother. But his father’s business was something he had never been able to reconcile with his conscience. “I don’t want anything to do with Dad’s money,” Isaac said quietly. “I know.” “I don’t want people thinking I’m using his name.” “I know.” “I want my own life.” “I know.” Mike sighed. “And I’m proud of you for that.” Isaac swallowed. “But that doesn’t mean you have to make everything harder than it needs to be.” Isaac smiled faintly. “You’re really determined.” “Very.” “You’re annoying.” “I’ve heard that before.” “Fine.” Mike went silent. Isaac stared at the ceiling. “Fine what?” “Fine. I’ll stay with Derek.” There was silence. Then Mike practically shouted. “Really?” “Yes.” “For how long?” “A couple of weeks.” “Good.” “Until I find another apartment.” “Yes.” “And you are helping me find one.” “Of course.” “And you’re not telling Derek anything embarrassing about me.” Mike laughed. “I wouldn’t.” “You probably already did.” “Maybe.” “Mike.” “Okay, okay.” Isaac shook his head. “Send me his number.” “I already sent it.” Isaac looked at his phone. Sure enough, a new message had appeared. Derek: +1… Isaac stared at the number. His stomach tightened. He hadn’t spoken to Derek properly in years. Not since they were younger. Not since Derek had always looked at him with that unreadable expression that made Isaac feel like he was being silently judged. Mike’s voice came through the phone. “Call him.” “Now?” “Yes.” “Absolutely not.” “Isaac.” “Mike.” “Call him.” Isaac sighed. “Fine.” “Good.” “And if he kills me—” “He won’t.” “If he throws me out—” “He won’t.” “If he says no—” “He won’t.” “How do you know?” “Because I already asked him.” Isaac froze. “You asked him?” “Yes.” “And?” Mike smiled through the phone. “He said you can stay.” Isaac’s eyes widened. Derek had agreed? Just like that? “Really?” “Really.” Isaac stared at the number again. “Okay.” “Good.” “I’ll call him.” “Tonight.” “Mike.” “Tonight.” “Fine.” “Love you.” Isaac smiled. “Love you too.” The call ended. For several seconds, Isaac simply stood there. Then he looked around his apartment. The damaged ceiling. The boxes. The half-packed suitcase. The water stain. The miserable couch he’d bought because it was cheap. He sighed. Maybe Mike was right. Maybe it was time to admit that he needed help. Isaac picked up his phone. He stared at Derek’s number. His thumb hovered over it. “Please don’t be as horrible as I remember,” he muttered. Then he pressed Call. The phone rang once. Twice. Three times. Then the line connected. A deep voice answered. “Isaac.” Isaac froze. He hadn’t even said hello. “Derek?” “Yes.” “Oh.” A pause. Then Derek asked calmly, “Are you coming tonight?” Isaac blinked. Tonight? He glanced around his apartment. “Uh…” Derek continued. “Mike said you need somewhere to stay.” “I do.” “Then come.” Isaac frowned. That was it? No hesitation? No complaints? No coldness? Just… come? “I don’t want to inconvenience you.” “You won’t.” “I’ll only stay for a couple of weeks.” “I know.” “I’ll find my own place.” “I know.” Isaac swallowed. “Okay.” “Send me your address.” “Why?” “I’ll send someone to help you move your things.” Isaac’s eyes widened. “No, that’s not necessary.” “It is.” “I can move them myself.” “Isaac.” There was something about the way Derek said his name. Calm. Firm. Unquestionable. Isaac sat down slowly. “Okay.” “Good.” Another silence. Then Derek said, “I’ll see you tonight.” The call ended. Isaac stared at his phone. He frowned. “That was weird.” Derek hadn’t sounded mean. He hadn’t sounded cold. If anything… He had sounded almost concerned. Isaac immediately shook the thought away. No. It was Derek. The same Derek who had barely spoken to him when they were children. The same Derek who always seemed intimidating. The same Derek he absolutely did not want to live with. Isaac stood and looked around his apartment one last time. Then he grabbed his suitcase. “Two weeks,” he muttered. “That’s all.” He had no idea that those two weeks were about to change his life completely.