Before the storm

Chapter 1- meeting in the rain

Brielle

watching the rain from the library steps as it falls so effortlessly from the dark overcast sky above, I pull open my umbrella.

I knew I should have parked my car closer, but no brie had to park it in the shopping mall car park two blocks from here.

In my defence, it was cast to have light showers today, looking up at the clouds hanging so gloomily overhead I chuckle.

I guess Emily and I got carried away with overlooking study notes for our big end of semester test coming up, after such a long tiring day of class and study, I feel so bone-tired like if a gust of wind was to blow in my direction I would be swept away like a leaf.

It is Seattle after all. With a fast stride, I head in the direction of where the car park is hopefully I make it before the rain belts down.

Walking down the pathway holding on to my umbrella with cold numbing hands, I try to sidestep the small puddles of water forming in the small creases and dips in the pavement.

Making my way passed the local establishment where they throw the most exquisite event. I see cars lined up with guest arriving in such lavish clothes, Getting closer I hear the classical music flowing out the door as the bellboy I know as tony greets new on-comers opening the door for them with a smile.

Smiling up at tony and giving a small wave.

"Get out of this rain, you don't wanna catch a cold around such an important time for you"

he shoos me away with his hand before opening the door and greeting the new arrivals.  I bid my goodbye and continue on my journey.

Over the years Tony and I have become familiar with each other, he reminds me of my grandpa Joe we always stop for a quick talk and hello.

Walking up around the corner and heading towards the small dog park. The rain decides to pick up now pelting down. All I want is to get back to my apartment and strip these cold clothes off rug up and jump into my warm bed.

of course, fate isn't on my side Scanning ahead I notice a figure laying down with their head on the pavement as the rain spews down atop of them.

Stopping in my tracks I evaluate the situation should I approach and help after all they could be bleeding out and need my help, or should I cross the road to be safe.

My feet had a mind of there own I feel myself taking steps closer to the figure laying on the pavement. Before I know it I'm standing over them, If it wasn't for the street light about a meter away I wouldn't have been able to tell it was a man.

With hesitation, I speak up

"Uh excuse me sir are you okay" not moving from where I am, I overlook his features and the structure of his face, what he's wearing in case I have to describe to the police later.

Looking down I can tell he is breathing scanning him from head to toe, I notice the male is dressed in a very tidy suit and tie.

Looking down at my ballet flats that are now sporting a good amount of water in them, I use my foot to poke him to see if he moves. He starts to stir opening his eyes he rolls over so he is flat on his back staring up at the clouds.

"Uh excuse me, are you okay? Are you hurt?" I announce again trying to make my presence know to him.

Turning his head to look up at me I gasp, this isn't just any random guy, this is the most eligible bachelor. William Miller, he just took over the family business at miller enterprise.

I would of know all this if I didn't work in a small book store, where I stumbled across his face on the former magazine where they did an article of him about taking on the business.

"Oh sorry I didn't realise who you were, are you okay Mr miller?" I ask him, with a heavy sight he sits up, the motion makes the flask fall out of his pocket landing on the grown with a clink.

He pulls himself up slowly and clumsily to sit on the bench behind us, picking up his flask for him I follow him to the bench. Knowing if I sit my pants will be all wet making sure my bag is closed so my books don't get wet.

Placing my phone from my back pocket into my by to protect it, zipping my bag up I place it on the ground with the umbrella on top of it to give it some shelter.

Taking a seat in the pouring rain next to William miller on a park bench seems like a dream.

"What are you doing?" he gruffs out in a rich and jovial voice.

"I'm sitting, in the rain with you", I say stating the obvious

With a groan, we continue to sit in the rain side by side. Looking over to him I ask

"Penny for your thought?"

Sighing he looks at me scanning my face.

"I'm wondering why a young lady like yourself stopped to sit with me? I could have been a murdered, rapist or something." he spits out with a confused frown lacing his face.

"I honestly couldn't tell you why I stopped, I was just trying to get home before the heavy rain set in" looking you at the sky I guess I lost the rain is getting heavier as the minutes go by.

"Why are you out here?" I ask In a shaking tone, the rain sending a shiver through my body giving me goosebumps.

"I'm escaping a party I'm meant to be hosting" William looks ahead at the cars driving trying to get to there next destination.

"If you don't mind me asking, but why?" why would someone like William Miller be trying to escape his function?.

"It's for my late father that passed away recently, I don't see why people would want to celebrate the life of a crooked old man with an alcohol and gambling problem, the reason he passed was that he was behind the wheel intoxicated crashing into a car with a family not only killing him but the father and son in the other car too, that's one thing that was kept out of the media they painted him to be this big warm, caring and generous guy when he was cold and hostile, never had time for his wife or his son" he spits out with so much venom.

"How can I to continue a business in the footsteps of a man I know wasn't all but he seems, I would be a fraud just like him" he exclaims, taking a swig of his flask.

Taking in what he just said I access him, he's still sporting that frown on his face a sign of distress.

Without realising a black SUV pulls up to the curb, a slim build man in a suit pulls up, hoping out he opened his umbrella, proceeding to open the back door of the car for Mr miller.

Feeling Mr miller standing up to head towards the car, he turns to look back down at me. Starting up at him.

"Well, this is me. I didn't get your name but thank you for listening to me ramble on, you should try to get home before this rain gets any worse, I would offer you a ride but you don't seem like the type to get in a car with a stranger?" he laughs out the last bit, but he's right.

"I'm okay and my name is Brielle, you're more than welcome" I smile and give him a curt nod, standing up I grab my bag placing it on my back and holding onto the umbrella, turning back I ask

"Have you ever read the book, the long walk by Stephen King?, this is a card for the book store I work, come by when you want I can lend you the book maybe it will give you a different perspective on your situation" I announce handing him the card with "Luv books" the name of the store on it.

Looking down at the card he takes it from me with a smile, giving me a nod if his head he continues to the car, grabbing the straps on my bag I set off and continue on my journey to the parking lot where my car is parked.

Finally making it to the car. I grab a towel I keep in the boot of the car for these occasions and dry myself off before getting in and starting the car.

Now to get home, before the storm.