INSANELY FALLEN

RAIN

Miller’s PoV

“Hello. Shawn?”

“Who else would pick up my phone, Nathan?” I asked, irritated. Isabelle has left and I have this missing feeling inside me, which I do not know why exactly. I know I am fascinated by her, but I am doubting if it could be claimed just that. 

I cancelled rest of the meetings and was sitting nonchalantly in the office armchair, with my legs propped up on top of the desk. My mind was whirling around her recherche character and how often her bitchy nature was dwindling around me.

“Some bold a*s girl you are so interested in, maybe.” I realize he meant Isabelle as I am spending most of my time with her, but played dumb. 

“Who?” Nathan laughed, making me smirk.

“Have it your own way, you hiding liar. But one day you will require my advice on this. Trust me.”

I shook my head, smiling. Me, seeking him for guidance, that too for a woman. 

“Dream on, buddy. Why did you call?”

“My dream will turn to reality, Shawn. And about the call; I won’t be coming today. I am spending the night with your ex-secretary.”

I hummed in response, not appreciating the thought of being alone tonight. Nathan has become a brother from another mother to me, and it’s been years since he moved in with me. His house remains vacant, and he stays at the place once in a while to tidy up, for which I accompany him. It’s usually like a withdrawal for us from all the work. We would spend few nights there with enough booze and foodstuff, and cleaning is the last thing we do there. 

“I know you will miss me, Shawn. Just one night and I will be back tomorrow morning in a yippee.”

I chuckled at his childish tone. What would I do without him?" 

“Okay, Nathan. See you tomorrow.” 

“Yes, chief” And he ended the call. 

There was nothing for me to do in the office today as I cancelled everything. Going to home was again not a preference because I don’t need to remind myself how lonely I am. I turned the revolving chair to the face the downtown and my spirit lifted faintly. The sky was a shade darker and more grey mists were visible north. 

I grabbed my car keys and headed towards the lift, informing John on the way to take the day off. He is an outstanding worker, and I would have appreciated him if he has not tried flirting with Isabelle. 

I sped to the shore, which was a twenty-minute drive and the place where I discovered the grey clouds, promising rain. I dumped my coat and tie in the car and rolled up my sleeves. I felt much younger than I act. This business and complications have worn me out. 

The beach only had few people around here and there and some left seeing the climate. What’s so wrong with the rain? 

After about thirty minutes I was ready to leave and go to my sister’s house, at least I could play with her toddler there as the rain was not meeting my expectation. That’s when I noticed a child running towards the sea. He looked very familiar, but my mind failed to recognize him. But the next person who ran behind the kid caught my attention. He was the same boy who greeted us at Isabelle’s house that day. What was his name? Jeremy? No. Jerry? No. I thought hard and then it clicked. Jacob... Jacob Stapleton. 

I stood up to leave as I do not want an interaction with them. But the third person who was slowly walking behind them stopped me from taking any step. Isabelle was watching her with a smile and her hair was everywhere, sticking onto her face and neck. It was a sight to be seen. Without thinking of my actions, I took out my phone and snapped a picture of hers. I slid the phone back into my back pocket. 

I sat back on my spot which covered me from their vision and found Isabelle and the little boy walking towards the water while the Jacob guy went somewhere else, probably to buy something as he was heading to the row of stores. 

After a few more minutes, the kid splashed water over her, and surprisingly, she splashed him back. I thought she would shout at him or something. They played with each other for a little more time along with Jacob, but soon they settled on the shore eating doughnuts. 

This person who has a striking resemblance to Isabelle was not the person I know. She was enjoying herself and those mesmerizing blue eyes held love as she looked at her brothers. An emotion that I never knew was inside her. 

I was enjoying the scene way too much. I wish I could see Isabelle like this often, unlike the broken, revengeful girl I know she is. That’s when a thunder stroke and Bryan clung on to Isabelle. They three ran to the umbrella shelter that was a few feet in front of me but separated by a banner, blocking me from them. 

I was having lots of surprises today as Isabelle pushed Jacob but was dragged along by him and they both were soaking wet. I took out my phone again and started recording a video of the three dancing. Their song was not heard due to the heavy pour, but their expressions seemed as if they were screaming. Before dancing, Isabelle looked around and I hid behind the banner, giving her the confidence that no one was watching. 

I pinched my hand to assure myself that I am not dreaming. She was not the bold girl I know or the girl who has lived through a terrible nightmare, but someone who is just an ordinary girl enjoying her day out with siblings. Warmth spread through my heart seeing her so happy, and I wished I could join them. 

What the heck was I thinking? I don’t dance or sing, for that matter. Then why would I want to join them? This is getting out of my hands. But the urge to suddenly talk to her overcame me. So I waited till they took their position back under the umbrella and I sneaked behind them. I felt like a teenage boy about to surprise his girlfriend. Shawnnnn!!!! 

“Nice dance.” I blurted. She jumped a little as she turned to look at me. And the sight made my heart go crazy. Her blue orbs were twinkling as she gazed at me with wide eyes. Jacob and Bryan saw me but I did not see their reaction as their sister took all my attention.

“Shawn???”  

Ufffff her voice.....

...................

Seb’s PoV

“What are you doing here?” I asked, not believing my eyes. 

“I could ask you the same question.” He said still smirking. Why was he smirking? Dancing is not a crime, is it? I tried to convince myself that he has nothing to do with my personal life, but my inner mind had another theory. 

“We were just..... Chilling.....” I don’t know why I should answer to his questions, it never mattered before. 

“I can see that. That’s your little brother?” 

I know he already knows Bry, but they haven’t been introduced to each other. So I pulled a silent Bry forward. 

“Bry this is Shawn Miller, we work together, at least for a short period. And Shawn, this is Bryan, my youngest brother and Jacob, my third brother.”

Shawn held out his hand at Bryan, and he shook it like a gentleman. Jacob responded to Shawn’s nod of recognition with another. 

“I remember meeting you that day.” Jacob said with a hint of amusement in his eyes. 

“Me too.” Shawn was uncomfortable around people other than business related and I know that, so I started the next conversation. 

“So tomorrow the diagram will be ready?” He thought for a second and then said,

“Oh yeah. It will be. There’s some job for me to attend in the morning. What about we meet after 4?” 

“Sounds cool.” I said and fidgeted with my fingers, thinking about what to say next. 

“Do you like my sister, sir?” My eyes went wide hearing Bry’s words. Shawn mirrored my expression, and Jacob covered Bry’s little mouth with his palm. 

“Uh....” He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, which I found cute,

“Your sister is a pleasant person. I sure like her.” 

My heart rate increased hearing him say that. I know he meant he liked me as a friend, but something in his voice excited me. 

Bry tore away Jaco’s hand and folded his’ like a big man. 

“Like her as what?” 

Where was all this coming from? I was too stunned to stop him from saying the next sentence.

“If you break her heart, I am going to break your bones, mister.” 

“Enough” Jacob said, anger clear in his voice. 

“Apologize to him, Bry.”  

Bryan scowled but murmured a sorry looking down. I was speechless and my mind was clouded. Thank God Jacob interfered, otherwise who knows what Bry would have said next. 

Shawn nodded, then smiled before bending himself to reach Bry’s length. He leaned in and whispered something that I and Jaco could not hear. Though it lasted only for a few seconds, Bry’s face lit up like a bulb. 

“Yes, sir.” He said and gave a salute to Shawn. I and Jaco exchanged glances after seeing our brother acting weird. 

“I will keep going then.” Shawn said after straightening himself to his full ‘6.5’ feet height. 

I nodded, noting that the rain has subsided considerably and now only droplets fell. 

“We are leaving too.” Jaco said for me. 

After exchanging brief ‘byes’ we parted our ways. 

After getting inside the car, I sat on the passenger seat and immediately turned back to glare at Bry. 

“What the hell was that Bry?” I asked at the same time Jaco revived the engine. Bry didn’t answer, instead he tilted his head to the window with a permanent scowl plastered on his adorable face. 

Jaco gave me a Pat on the shoulder and mouthed to leave the topic. So I laid back on my seat, closed my eyes and listened to the slow beats of the rain. 

...........

Bry ignored me as we got inside the house and headed straight to our bedroom, slamming the door on the way. 

“What happened to him?” Char asked while tapping vigorously on his phone.

“Long story.” He raised his eyes for a millisecond before switching off his phone and paying complete attention to me. 

“Care to make it short.” His eyebrows formed an arch. 

“It’s just...” 

Our house phone rang, and Char stood up to attend it. 

“Yeah, dad.” 

“Ok.” 

“Me and Seb, right?” 

“Ok.” 

From all the one-way conversation I heard, I know it’s another job. Me and Char means dad wants the person to be dead. 

After placing the phone back, Char turned to me.

“Guess your story has to wait. Jaco....” 

Jaco appeared from his room shirtless and looked at Char, who was now arranging our tool kit. I helped him along. 

“Another job?” Jaco asked, peeking into my bedroom, probably to check on Bry. 

“Yeah. That d**g dealer dad talked about yesterday. Well, the police had to let him go cuz of his hold. But the Sheriff wants to finish him.” 

Char finished talking the same time he finished closing the bag. 

“He has ruined many children lately. My friend Rahul’s brother was one among them.” Jaco said while plopping on the couch as he watched us getting ready. 

“I need to change.” I said to both of them and they eyed my wet clothes. 

“Be back in five.” Char said now sitting beside Jaco and entering an animated conversation. 

I knocked on our bedroom door and got in. I saw Bry lying on the bed with his clothes already changed and sleeping soundly. I smiled thinking of his over protectiveness back in the beach and how he lit up when Shawn whispered ‘God knows what’ to him.

I silently changed into a washed jean and black hoodie with a black cap covering my hair. This was my usual work attire. I don’t like it when the opposite party takes me for just a girl and starts throwing insults. Though I take extra time in dealing with such guys. 

“Bry’s asleep.” I said as I slowly closed the door and made my way to my brothers. 

“Neb went with his girlfriend and dad with his friend. So I guess I will be alone with Bry.” Jaco said relaxing. It’s a free day for him. I really hoped I could have this day off. 

I and Char got out and went straight to the garage. I drove while Char took care of the guns. He usually enjoys loading them and switching off their safety. 

The place was a club packed with dealers and other people engaged in illegal business. We had to push past some as they danced on the floor like maniacs. The music was too loud. I wonder what kind of world they are living in? I mean, it’s just afternoon. 

“Seb.” Char was leaning to me as he motioned me to follow the other side. 

“Found him.” 

Time to have some action.

“Peter?” Char asked as he started making small talk with the guy. The short man looked to be in his early 50s, with cropped hair and a beer belly that did not let his shirt’s button do its job. From the state of his baggy clothes and hooded eyes, one could easily say he was on drugs. 

Char continued talking as I stood behind him in the corner, unnoticed. I spotted few of the criminals who are on escape near the bar. But made no moves as the sheriff gave us only one person to handle. The rest is their responsibility. We get paid from the department for our service, then why doing it for free. 

My brother lured him into our trap. Peter asked us to follow him, to which we obliged. He guided us towards the back of the building and searched his pockets. 

“I only provide this to my usual buyers, but since you look like a genuine addict, I shall give you one packet.” He slurred his words, and I mentally snorted. Char looking like a real d**g addict? That was an information. 

My brother accepted the white packet and handed him some bills in return. I adjusted my hoodie, confirming the hidden camera is in position. Done with the proof, now for action...

I did not waste another second as I raised my right leg and kicked him in his chest. He instantly crashed down on top of some card boards and looked around, surprised. He wasn’t expecting such a turn of events. He tried to get up, but in vain as the d**g was swaying his mind and body. 

“ What do you want?” He asked, fear clear in his face. 

“You” I said before hitting square on his slack jaw. Blood gushed out, and he fell to the side. Char was enjoying the show, but before he could warn me, Peter grabbed something solid and hit me on the head. The pain came second as the first thing that I felt building was anger. How dare he? 

Char took out the g*n and was ready to fire, but I blocked his view. 

“The hell Seb? Move.” Char is not at all a patient person. He is like me. When dad asks him to break someone’s leg, he usually ends up killing him, unlike Neb and Jaco who abide dad’s orders as it is. 

I turned back to face Char and smiled at him. He knows what that meant, ‘this kill is mine’. I could sense the thick red liquid rolling down my forehead and wiped it with my sleeves. 

Peter sat up straight and spat some blood on the floor. He waited for my next move, but I just stood there with no movements. 

“Run.” Was all I mouthed before watching him scurrying on the floor and running zigzag to the building. 

.............................................................................................................................................................................................