Fallen

Chapter 15: Decision Made

Back to the building, to my apartment. It was my place where I could be who I really am. I had just unpacked, and put everything away, when there was a quiet knock at the door. Walking over, I reached out for me handle and pulled it open. Jared stood in the hall, hair a mess, tired expression but excitement in those blue eyes.
"I heard noises. I thought it was Shannon." He explained, almost nervous.
"Why would you think he'd be here?" I wondered about the odd statement.
"He hasn't been around much since you left. I've been worried." He bowed his head.
That made me nervous. Where could Shannon have gone.
"Okay. He can't be too far away. The only people he knows are the guys he works with. Do you know where they're working?"
"He said something about a job off of Sunset. Tearing down an old bar." Jared shrugged.
"It's a start." I grabbed my keys and bag. "Come on."
"What?"
"We're going to find your brother and have our talk. You have to be together. No matter what, you're family and need one another." I finally learned it for myself.
"You're right. I've been so worried that he's hurt or too drunk to call. I have to make things right." He sounded lost.
"I hope I can do the same thing."
"So you know what you want?"
I smiled to myself. "Yeah. For the first time in my life, I do."
"Good. And no matter which way you decide, I'll be happy for you."
"Let's go find Shannon." I pulled him along and went back to the car.
Again, there was so much traffic when you needed to get somewhere. We didn't drive far before I had to stop because of road construction.
"So what I'd you discover about yourself?" Jared sat next to me.
Taking a deep breath, I looked over, meeting his beautiful blue eyes. "That I spent too much time away. I thought they were mad at me, because of  what I'd done. Actually, they needed me to realize it for myself."
"What's that?"
"I am a good daughter and I deserved the love they gave me. Family is everything Jared. No matter what happens in the future, I hope that you'll always be a part of my life. You are family to me. The first time I ever felt that way about anyone since I started taking people in. You're going to be a success, no matter what you do."
"I hope that you're right."
"I am. You have a stubborn determination that will take you far. I also know that anyone who wants to be with you will need lots of patience."
"You don't think you can handle me?" He made a joke.
"Oh I could handle you. You need to be challenged Jared. The woman that tames your spirit will challenge you like no one else. And I want to be there to see it. You need to create and express yourself. I'm excited to see what you'll do." I reached over to touch his arm.
"So you decided." He bowed his head.
"I think I knew. The night at the club. I'd shut off my feelings for so long. That night I realized that I hadn't buried them. You turned on the light. He supplied the electricity."
He sat there quiet. I wasn't sure what he was going to say next. Lifting his head, Jared looked me straight in the eye.
"This would make a hell of a movie."
I laughed, "Someday Mr. Director."
"Let's get moving you big tease."
Slapping him playfully, the traffic started moving again. Soon after turning onto Sunset, I spotted the work signs and wire fences that blocked the building from the street. Finding a place to park, a few blocks away, we walked back to find Shannon. There were four young men outside, drinking water and having a cigarette.
"Hey!" I called from behind the fence.
They turned around to see who was yelling.
"Hey yourself." One guy, black hair, tall and large, nodded smiling smugly.
"Is Shannon working here today?" I asked.
"There might be someone here with that name. Why do you want him? I'll fix you up." He was being a smartass.
"He's my bother you dick. Is he here?" Jared replied aggressively.
He sized up Jared. Probably wondering if he should do something about what he'd just been called.
"Go get him." He said to one of the other guys.
We waited by the fence, Jared and the guys staring each other down. After five minutes, Shannon walked out. He looked tired.
"Shannon." I waved at him.
He looked, then walked over. "What are you doing here?"
"You haven't been home. You had me worried." Jared told him, relief in his voice.
"I've been fine."
"Where have you been?"
"Staying with one of the guys."
"Shannon. You shouldn't take off like that." I reasoned.
"Why not? You did." He gripped the fence and looked down.
"I did and I'm sorry. I had to go find something I thought I'd lost."
"And did you?"
Stepping over, I placed my hand over his. His head came back up to look even in the eyes.
"I did. And I know what I want. What's good for me." I spoke softly.
Shannon stood a little straighter then looked over at Jared.
"She's all yours brother." Jared smiled and nodded.
"Seriously?" He seemed confused.
"I drove home with my mind made up. Then Jared told me you hadn't been home. I was scared that you slipped back to old habits." I gripped his hand a little more. "Shannon come home please. There's nobody I want to be with as much as I want you. I want you to know everything and be with you."
"It's only been a few days but I've missed you. I don't think I've eaten since you left."
"We'll remedy that tonight. And I want to show you something else that's been part of my life for a few years."
"Okay. I should get back. Jared, I....."
"It's okay. I should've known better. She's too nice for me." Jared kidded.
I hit him. "Jerk."
Focusing back to Shannon, this was how I wanted to feel.
"So I'll see you tonight?" He leaned forward.
I noodled. "Don't clean up. I want you to be all hot and sweaty."
"It always is with you."
"Just kiss me."
And he did. Lips covered my own with a force of emotion that had been kept in. I heard shouts and whistles but all I wanted was Shannon's mouth on mine. Separating, I touched his cheek and let him go back to work.