Fading Pasts

Chapter 5

I knew that he would swing. The first thing that you learn about Brock is that he deals with everything through fighting. I could've stepped out of the way, but I decided to let him hit me would soften the tension between us. He had a great right hook, so I wasn't even a little surprised when I tasted blood after his fist connected with my face.

"Why are you here?"

"Well, I need money."

He scoffed and looked like he was about to take another swing.

"You left this life and us without an explanation after Steve died. We don't want or need you."

I was lucky enough to catch the door from closing in my face. I pushed it back open and stepped inside the familiar house where I spent so many nights planning.

"Listen to me, Brock."

"John, you left this family, without a word, without anything."

So, I told him the story of what I'd been through since then, how my mom was sick and I needed money for her meds. He listened patiently as I told him everything. He agreed that although he was still mad, he would help me.

"Well, there's this group that's been pushing us out of all our deals recently. We need some people to check it out, and we need that money back because to be honest, we're struggling here too."

"Of course, I'll look into it for you, but where's the money come in?"

Brock stood up and walked into the next room. When he returned he held a bag.

"I can give you 5 grand upfront for solving our problem."

"Brock that's amazing! That'll at least cover the second part of her medication that's not due until she's out of the hospital and some of the apartment."

"Well, I know you only wanted one job. But I was thinking, you solve that problem and then we will hit a house I've been watching, and you can have another 5 grand. Before you refuse, you left this family, and I know you had good reasons. But this family will never leave you."

"Brock, man this means so much."

"Anytime, you just got to let me punch you before it goes down."

We sat for a couple more hours laughing and catching each other up. We both heard the door and turned our heads to see Mel walk in. She saw me and the look of disgust that crossed her face made me shudder. It's one thing to get hit in the face by Brock, the protective older brother, but Mel I cared about her and I left her behind too.

"Brock, what the hell?"

"John's back for a bit to help on a couple jobs."

"Just like that, you let him back?"

"He needs us Mel, he left on terms that are understandable."

In the same manner as her brother, she scoffed and stormed her way up the stairs. I thought it would be hard to win over Brock, but it seemed I had to win Mel back too.

"John, why are you still sitting here? Go and talk to her."

I took the stairs two at a time and found myself outside of her door knocking.

"Hey Mel, I think I need to tell you why I left."

She threw open the door and was already yelling.

"Why couldn't you just stay gone John? I was just feeling back to myself and you come back."

"I need the money."