Jack Blossom
The next morning Anna woke up early as she had a busy day and has to run errands. As soon as she completed her morning chores, she called her chauffeur Max and headed towards the airport. It was still early but the airport was bustling with people.
A beautiful smile erupted on her face as she caught the sight of Jack, Emily's husband who was no less than an elder brother to her. He was a tall and charming young man who lived in Seattle. He was one of the best psychiatrist of Seattle. In fact, he was the one who brought Anna back to life after Ashton's demise through constant counseling and support. He was very well aware about her state of mind and her nightmares which she hid from even Richard and Emily to keep them away from any apprehensions. However, being her doctor for a long time he knew and understood her well and respected her decisions. In all these years, she could not thank enough to God for giving her such lovely people around her who were more than a family.
She quickly went to him and yelled in excitement, "Jack"
He instantly identified the source of sound and found Anna standing behind him. He took no time in engulfing her in a bear hug and exclaimed, "Oh my God Anna... it so good to see you. How are you doing?"
"Jack I can't breathe..."
"Oh my bad! Sorry dear..." He released her and smiled sheepishly.
She pecked his cheek and said, "You didn't changed a bit right? I am good Jack. Look." She twirled around to show him.
"I didn't know my baby sister learned to lie." Though they were not related by blood, he always considered Anna as his baby sister just like Emily. He was one of the few people who witnessed her growing up from a girl to a woman with all the sufferings and hardships that she faced. He always kept himself updated regarding her whereabouts from Emily.
She gave him a gentle smile and replied, "Nothing that you should be worried of. Just some work stress. And how can I lie? Because I can deceit my brother but not the best psychiatrist of Seattle."
"Oh! I am flattered Anna." He laughed freely and said again, "Anyways jokes apart . How is Em and Dad? I so badly wish to meet her but I want to surprise her as well and you will assist me in that okay....."
"Certainly. But let's get out of here first then we will plan your surprise. I am sure you would have already planned something in your mind."
"Indeed" He swung his hand around her shoulder and then exited the airport talking and planning about the surprise baby shower party. They sat in Anna's car and drove off.
However, they didn't realized that their every action was observed by someone who was standing afar. It was Regan. He could not hear what they talked but clearly saw their actions and closeness which filled him with rage. He was clenching his fists. He lost all the bars when they hugged each other and Anna pecked his cheek. He subconsciously tightened his grip which squeezed the coffee mug in his hand and the hot coffee spilled over it. For the first time he felt that her smile sent daggers to his heart. He didn't even felt the pain until Drake shouted in shock, "Jesus! What did you do Reg? Your hand? Be careful there.....come. It needs urgent care."
Drake was talking to him but he was standing there looking at nothing. He literally dragged him to his car and applied some ointment to bear the pain.
It was Drake who called him the previous night informing about his arrival in New York. He insisted Regan to come and pick him up from the airport. However, they had no idea that they would get to see Anna over there. At first, Regan was happy to see her there and thought it to be the best start of his day as he got the opportunity to see her but soon it turned bitter as she was with someone else.
'She looked calm and happy with that man. Who was he? Was it Ashton?' He thought. The name itself left a bitter taste in his mouth. He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes to get back to his senses. He knew that someday or the other he would have to face the fact of her being in someone else's arms but he never thought that it would be so heart wrenching for him and give him so much pain. It was the first time that he invested his emotions in someone and the feeling of enviousness and insecurity about his place in her heart and life... he didn't know how to handle that.
'Do I even hold any place in her heart? Or it's just me who is predicting things the way I want them to be? What are you doing to me Anna? What should I do about you? I had always been in control of my life but with you nothing goes right. First you messed with my heart and now mind...Everytime I want to hold myself back and resolve something..... you crumple each of them and give me hopes but the very next moment you crush them with your own hands Anna. Why? Why do I always act like a fool around you? Why?' He bitterly exclaimed to himself.
"Reg let's go home." It was Drake who put his hand on his shoulder and brought him out of his reverie. He stiffly nodded his head and sat in the car. Drake could clearly see the storm in his eyes but decided to give him some time. He too saw Anna chatting happily with that guy. Initially he was not much concerned about it but after seeing Regan's reaction he was worried about his outburst. However, he didn't react in the way he expected which further increased his strain. The whole ride to his place was awfully silent. As soon as they reached home, before Drake could speak anything to pacify him, he heard the door being slammed.