Return To Paradise

42

Brielle walked out and placed the drinks down then sat down away from Shaun upsetting him. "I hear you want to be an architect?" "That's right. It's been a dream of mine since I was young" "that's a long time studying" "well worth the wait" Shannon grinned "you are right. A very good career. It doesn't bother you that my son is a dancer?" "No. Everyone has their own lives. They should be able to do what they want without judgement" "a very good mindset" Brielle nodded. 'my father doesn't think do' "Shaun, your wife is not here?" "My wife left nine years ago. Well, I asked her to leave. I found out she wasn't being faithful" "that would make it hard" "it was but I had my girls" "you have another daughter?" "Yes. She is being tested at the moment for bipolar. Her moods flick like a switch and Im concerned" "how old is she?" "Eighteen. Brielle and Claudia are twins" Andres eyes widened "you didn't know, Andre?" "No. They look completely different and Brielle seems to be more mature" "Claudia was always handed everything whereas Brielle worked hard to be the person she is" "your choice Brielle?" "No but I didn't want to rely on others" "and good for you". "are you always quiet?" "She has her moments. Tired?" "I'm not tired" "you were out all day" "enjoying sanctuary" Shaun inhaled a deep breath 'something is eating at her. I know it' "it's good you have a place you can feel that way. How was it on the island?. Was it traumatic?" "Not for me. It was peaceful and the views were spectacular" "I'm sure it was hard on you" "on others yes. me, no. I like to experience what I can and make the most of it" "that's very strange. Being out there alone unsure if you will survive. Many would be frantic" "Miley was but I kept her as calm as I could" "who is Miley?" "A close friend" "you are annoyed we pulled you away?" "She has plenty of time for her friends" "no" "I don't mean to cross a line but you don't seem happy" "I had plans" "they can be rescheduled" Andre swallowed hard 'that doesn't sit well with her' "yes they can" Brielle turned her eyes and walked into the kitchen. "BRIELLE. I WILL SERVE IT" 'im not fucking serving shit' Brielle grabbed the bourbon and opened the bottle. Having a few sips, Brielle put the bottle back. "I better go serve this up before Brielle does" "of course" Shaun entered the kitchen and looked at Brielle as she sipped out of the scotch bottle "brielle" brielle looked at Shaun as his tone was full of warning "do you want some?" "no" Shaun knows if he raises his voice they will hear "we have guests..." "I had plans" "they can wait. You have plenty of time in the.." "they saved my life. But you don't care. You just think that Andre and I are going to live happily ever after in this fucked up world and now you want to play happy families".
Shauns eyes watered. 'she planned to see John and Sam but I pulled her away. I know they mean a lot to her. I thought by doing this it would help her get to know Shannon and Irene and me too. The way she just said those words.. she's angry and upset. I thought it was miley' Shaun put the bottle of scotch up and looked at the other bottles. 'the bourbon too. Fuck' brielle walked back out and sat back down. "Everything okay?" "Dad is serving dinner. Good with numbers, Irene?" "They were always a love of mine but I get to help people while using them so that's a bonus" "a good choice then. And you work at Highgate?" "Yes. Been there for over twenty years. Second in charge. My father used to work there. It's good and honest work" Brielle nodded "that's wonderful. Every job helps out one way or another" "even dancing?" "Yes. It's inspiring to those who like to dance. Young children who want to try something new. Different categories. It encourages them to move" "you are right it does. You never wanted to follow in your father's footsteps?" "No. I want to take my own path in life" "and good for you" shaun walked out and placed Shannon's and Irene's food down. "Wow. This looks incredible" "thank you Shaun" "you are welcome" 'usually she would offer to help but I know I have upset her' Shaun grabbed the other three plates and placed them down. "Thanks" "thanks Shaun. This looks great" "you are welcome. Please enjoy" Shaun, Shannon and Irene talking over dinner, brielle and Andre continued to eat without speaking a word. As soon as all three left, brielle walked upstairs and closed her bedroom door not wanting to socialise with shaun. 'my daughter spoke but was very hostile all night. I didn't know she had plans until after I made arrangements. I know John and Sam mean a lot to her. They pulled her from the rough waters. She didn't speak to me once except when she was in the kitchen and there wasn't one sign of affection from either Andre or Brielle. I don't understand, I thought she liked him. I guess she won't come back out tonight. I may as well tidy up and go to bed'.

Having a long hot shower, Brielle relaxed her body under the hot water as she laid in the bottom. 'im not telling him shit. Im going tomorrow morning and spending the day with both men' after washing and rinsing her body off, Brielle got out and dressed for bed before climbing in and putting her phone on charge. 'Its Andre'.

Andre - it was great to see you this evening. But you weren't yourself. You have been distant for a few days. If it's because of Me, I apologise. I needed to pull away. You have a pull on me that makes me lose control and I don't want to rush anything with you. I have a feeling you had no idea about this evening. You didn't look shocked but your face expression wasn't welcoming. I'm not sure if you need time and/or if you have changed your mind but I really hope it's not the case. I really do want you beside me.
- no I wasn't aware until after I had made plans and had to cancel. My father should've discussed this with me, not demanded it like he did. Your parents are pleasant. I'm going to get some rest. I have plans tomorrow. Goodnight.

Andre read brielles message over and over again. 'shes very tense. It's like she stated that so we don't make plans without her knowing. This dinner was short notice for everyone. I'm unsure what the plans are but I will ask her tomorrow. Hopefully she is more approachable after some sleep. She didn't mention anything in regards to if I have done something but her mind isn't on that. She is right, she's an adult and should've been able to do what she wants. I didnt know Shaun had taken her away from Miley. Was it Miley?'

Waking up to her alarm, Brielle jumped out of bed and put on some warm clothes. 'i know it's going to be hot today but I will remove my pants from over my shorts later. Right now its fresh. I know dad said he wanted to come out but I'm doing this for myself. He didn't even listen to me yesterday. Ugh' Brielle quietly walked downstairs and made herself some food for the day. 'i still have that money but I will use it if I need it. This food will get me through the day. Time to go' exiting the house, Brielle zipped up her jacket and took the long walk to the pier while taking in the fresh crisp air. 'oh the sun is about to come up' Brielle picked up pace and ran to the docks. 'just in time. John and Sam aren't here yet but I want to see what the sun looks like from here' sitting down on the dock near John and Sam's boat, Brielle kept her eyes on the horizon. Splashes of color spreading across the sky, Brielle had a gentle grin on her face. 'to me, this means more than any money in the world'.