This is my first try. Kindly provide feedback as I require them to improve. If the story is acceptable, the will be a continuation of this story. This is fictitious, only letting my imagination run wild. Thank you all.
Chapter 1: The siblings meet after 5 years.
Daniel looked out of the greyhound's window as it made its way down the highway, heading towards Salinas. The vast acres of rolling hills seem to flow forever, beyond what his eyes could see. Somewhere, along this stretch of desolate calmness, a young James Dean had crashed his gleaming silver spider and a legend was born, which lives on until today. That was light years ago
Salinas has grown into a metropolis, so different from those wild days of Jimmy. At 25, Daniel was about to meet his elder sister which he had not seen for almost 5 years. Rachel had moved away from their parent's home in Fresno after her marriage to Tom Maxwell. Tom was in the insurance business and they had met when she joined his firm after college. Tom was promoted as the manager of the new branch in Salinas.
Rachel was 10 years older than Daniel. They were the only children of Hank and Mary.
When the greyhound came to a standstill at the depot, Daniel lifted his backpack onto his shoulder and made his way off the bus. Standing in the afternoon sun, he shaded his eyes from the glare of sunshine, taking a sweeping look at the busy station. Then she heard her voice, calling out.
"Danny, Danny, over here!"
Turning his head, he saw her. She was waving and smiling. Daniel smiled back in relief and walked towards her. Brother and sister hugged each other, she kissing him on his cheeks and him returning the gesture. She smelled so fresh and nice. And she looked great.
"Mom sends her love and kisses. And she said she so wanted to come too, but you know, mom's always busy with her many projects," Daniel said.
"She's fine, you'll love her," Rachel replied.
They walked to her car.
As she drove out of the depot, Rachel asked her brother about news from home. They chatted and laughed about old times when they were living in Fresno. Then they were on the highway, heading towards her house in the suburbs. The bantering between them slowed to a stop and the only sound was the gentle humming of the car's engine.
At 35, Rachel was a beautiful woman. Daniel remembered those days back in Fresno when she had so many boyfriends running after her. She wasn't the flirting type and Daniel was surprised when she finally married Tom at the age of 30. It never occurred to him to see Rachel falling in love with anyone. Maybe the closeness of their relationship refused to make Daniel accept that Rachel did love someone else besides him.
Danny turned towards her and said, "Rach, mom waited for you hoping that you'll be back for dad's funeral. I know that was almost 3 years ago but one of these days, just come home to see her."
Rachel drove on in silence although she knew that Daniel was looking at her, waiting for her response.
Daniel continued, "I don't know what your problem with dad was, but at least for mom's sake, you should have come home when she needed you most."
Rachel turned to look at him and almost lost control of the car as it rounded a sharp bend. But she was quick to react and just shook her head, driving in silence.
"Sorry sis," Daniel said apologetically, "I didn't mean to preach, just forget about it."
His sister reached out to touch his hand in acceptance.
Rachel and Tom had just got their divorce finalized and she was in the process of tying up loose ends. That was the reason Daniel came down to Salinas. She had written to him, telling him about her marriage ending. She needed to get away from Salinas and had secured a position in another insurance firm in Houston. And Daniel had taken immediate leave for 3 weeks to assist her.
Although she was 10 years older than him, they had a very close relationship. She had always looked after him when he was in his tender years, almost taking the place of his mother who was always occupied with her various organizations. When Rachel married Tom and moved to Salinas, Daniel felt a real loss of companionship.
And now, her marriage had ended in divorce. Daniel felt a deep sorrow for his sister. Fate had indeed been unkind to this wonderful woman whom he loved so very much. He was here to comfort and help her in anyway he can.
They arrived at the house. It was a nice, quiet neighborhood. Rachel showed him the guestroom and announced that she'll be preparing tea soon. Daniel took a bath and dressed in his casuals. He walked out of his room and took in the view of his surroundings. Then he proceeded to the kitchen.