A brewing storm

“Hmmm”

Jess was silent for a moment, her face which was radiantly bright reflecting the color of the sun suddenly turned pale as she was brought back to the reality of what happened an hour ago.

My mother must be worried and probably crying her eyes out thinking what to do. Haha… but here am I caring about my own happiness.

Brock noticed the sudden gloom that had descended upon them and was feeling remorseful for bringing the topic up. I should’ve just handled it discreetly without her knowledge. But even if I wanted to do that, I have so many things which I’ve kept secret from her. I don’t want this one to be among them when she eventually finds out the truth. I don’t want her to think that I’m over stepping my boundaries.

Brock squeezed her hands in a reassuring manner. He wanted her to know that he was there for her and he will always continue to be there for her even in the darkest storm.

“It’s okay if you are not comfortable sharing your worries with me, just know that I’m here for you in which ever capacity you need. Weather as a lover, friend, shoulder to cry on and even as a punching bag… I’ll always be there by your side, just don’t punch me too hard” He said with humor in his voice.

Jess couldn’t help but chuckle at his punch joke. Is this really Brock that I thought was so frightening? I almost peed my pant on the first day of work as his assistant? Jess was stunned at his flowery words. She never imagined that he could have such a romantic side to him.

“It’s not that I don’t feel comfortable sharing my worries with you. It’s just… it’s just that I’m a bit embarrassed for you to be seeing me in such a pitiful state” Jess said as she bowed her head and peaked a subtle look at Brock from under her hair which had escaped from the bun she held it in initially.

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. You have not committed a crime nor have you stolen someone’s precious jewel. You shouldn’t be embarrassed about a situation that was clearly beyond your control” Brock said as he felt that she was not giving herself the credit she deserves.

Don’t allow anybody and I mean anybody demean you for your background or your experience, that is unique only to you. It is what made you the woman that you are today, a strong woman who loves her family and who is willing to sacrifice her happiness for the people she loves,” He continued as Jess looked on with admiration on her face.
She never thought that Brock could be this charming with his words. He had surprised her and truthfully she couldn’t help but respect this man she now calls her own. “Wow!” Was all she thought and the only thing she could utter.

“You really have a way with words. I never would have thought you are quite a smooth talker” Jess said as she giggled. Life returning to her eyes once again as it sparkled.

Jess reached out her hand intending to feel his big palm in hers as they strolled back towards the house.

“We’re late behind on our rent. The landlord wants to eject us out and lease the place to another couple whom you met a while back. Jess said as she humped and breathed out a sign of relief for sharing the burden with Brock.

Who knew it felt this good having someone to share your worries with. It’s like I have all the answers figured out even when I’m clueless about the next step to take. So, this is what mom meant when she said “when you find your soul mate everything becomes lighter and you can go through life’s struggle with the strength of two instead of one”

Dad, I hope you recover quickly and return to stand by the side of your wife. She really needs right now. Jess silently said a quiet prayer for her dad. She couldn’t imagine the pain her mom must be going through at this moment.

“I’m so sorry to hear that. Your family must be going through a hard time especially with your dad in the hospital” Brock said in understanding but deep down within him he felt bad. He wanted to make everything better for her but unfortunately he could only sort out the matter of accommodation but he couldn’t make her dad better as he was not God neither did he have supernatural powers.

“Wish I could do more for you” he whispered below his breath but Jess caught what he said even though his words were so faint.

“Your presence has been a great source of comfort at this trying time and I couldn’t have ask for more” Jess said trying to be positive. She wondered why Brock was beating himself up over her predicament when he just gave her a speech about not allowing the things beyond her control to weigh her down and here he is doing exactly that.

But she found it sweet to be honest and the thought that Brock felt a deep level of empathy towards her predicament brought a smile to her face and lightened her already dampened spirit.

“I plan on meeting with Mr. Lamba tomorrow to plead with him for more time. He’s a good friend of my dad. Well more like a family friend.
“Do you think his behaviour would be any different from today? Brock asked. Clearly he doubted that Mr. Lamba would change his mind without a little persuasion.

“It’s quite strange now that I think about it…” Jess said in a deep thought.

“What’s strange” Brock asked halting his steps to match Jess’ own.

“Mr. Lamba’s behaviour. It’s strange… it’s quite unlike him to behave that way unless he was influenced or threatened” Jess said with her eyes wide open as if she just realized something important.

“What is it? Brock asked, concerns growing in his voice.

“I feel like someone is kind of targeting me or my family in particular….”

“What do you mean Jess” Brock asked his face turning pale. He feared of Jess finding out the truth at this point in time when their relationship is just taking root.

“I received this weird message from someone… just forget about it. I must be getting paranoid due to stress” she said trying to dismiss the ominous thought she was feeling.

“Tell me Jess, no matter how silly you may think it is, I want to hear it” Brock said wanting to know what troubled his love.

Just as Jess was about to tell him after much persuasion, Brocks phone dinged. He ignored it at first but the dinging got louder and louder until Jess told him to answer.

“It might be important” Jess said trying to push their conversation till a later date.

“I’ll be right there” Brock said to the person on the other side of the phone.

Jess could sense that all was not fine judging by Brocks facial expression. Before Brock could say anything, Jess beat him to it

“Go, we will talk later. I also need to check up on my mom”

Brock really wanted to stay but he really needed to be on his way this very minute.

“Okay, I’ll call you later” he said as he lowered his face and gave him a deep slow kiss.

Jess watched as he dashed towards his car and his driver opened the door for him. The car came to life as he left a trail of smoke behind.

Jess felt a shivering chill as if someone was watching her and quickly headed inside.