Season 5, Episode 4: Reconstruction

Disclaimer: I don't own anything from the Fast and Furious Franchise. Only my ideas and original characters. Also, please excuse any minor grammar/punctuation errors.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Los Angeles CA

Darryl's POV

I was happy that Brian was home safe. Yet, I'm also furious. For six damn months, he had us worried sick that something horrible happened to him. Yes, it's unfortunate what happened to Elena, but that wasn't Brian's doing, It was Ciphers'. I just really hoped that Brian had talked to us about what was bothering him. Because regardless of the situation, my brother is still a righteous person, and even though I'm still working on dealing with some pent up anger, you never turn your back on family.

Luckily today, the family and I were headed into a much-needed therapy session with an intended goal on how to move forward. All we have to do is twist the story a bit so that Dr. Harrison doesn't realize Brian's form killed Elena, causing I'm confident that wouldn't end well. At least I don't have to be at school till 11 today instead of 8.

"So, what brings you all in today?" Dr. Harrison prompted with her clipboard and pen at the ready.

All of us turn to glare at Brian, who squirms anxiously in his seat.

"Yeah, Brian. Why exactly are we here?" Mia asked in a strained voice.

"We are here because I did a terrible thing," Brian answered somberly.

"Hmm, and what exactly was this terrible thing?" Harrison asked curiously.

"I abandoned my family for six months. A close family friend of ours recently passed, and I didn't react properly to the news. Instead of being honest and open with my feelings, I took the cowards way out and disappeared with no communication till just a few days ago. I should have never put my family through that," Brian explained with great emotion.

"I see. What made you come back at this moment?" Harrison asked.

"I missed my family and couldn't stand being away from them for much longer," Brian said.

Roman scoffs in anger.

"You didn't miss us that much if it took you this long to come home!" He snarled.

"Roman…" Ramsey said softly.

"No, fuck that!"

Roman abruptly rises from his seat and points an accusing finger at Brian.

"He had us worried for six damn months! We thought something horrible happened to you! I understand Elena's death was difficult for you, and It has been for all of us! But we're your family, Bri! Didn't you ever stop to consider how this would affect all of us?! Not having you around just made things worse!" Roman ranted on the verge of tears.

"I know! I'm sorry, Roman! Yes, I realize now how my leaving brought about a heavy toll on the family. But, at that moment, I was scared and reacted instead of thinking!"

Harrison nods and jots down all the recently stated information.

"This is good! Letting out is a great first step in moving forward. By doing so, you all have a better understanding of the opposing viewpoints. Does anyone else have something they'd like to add?"

"I think Roman took the words right out of my mouth," Tej remarked as Ramsey, Alyssa, and Letty nod. Dom, however, turns to face his brother-in-law.

"I will say this. You know how I feel when it comes to my baby sister. You abandoned her when she, Jack, and Darryl needed you the most. But, as our motto goes, "You never turn your back on family" It'll take time for healing, but I believe your immediate family deserves it first."

Harrison lets out an intrigued hum.

"Mr. Toretto does make a valid point. Darryl, Mia, and Brian, would you three be interested in having a private conversation?"

"Of course," Mia and I both said.

"Lead the way," Brian added.

~The Fast & Furious Family Chronicles~

A few minutes later.

Third Person POV

Brian, Mia, and Darryl sat in silence for what seemed like an eternity. Neither of them wanted to be the first to initiate conversation. Brian, however, bit the bullet and began to apologize with remorse.

"Darryl. Mia. There are not enough ways in the world to say how truly sorry I am. I'm riddled with guilt for what happened to Elena and for disappearing suddenly. I love you both so much and want to make this right," He expressed.

"We love you too, Brian," Mia said with a strained voice.

"And we're glad you're okay. But the pain still stings," Darryl sobbed.

"I know, bud. I'm not expecting immediate forgiveness. Just merely a chance at redemption."

Mia and Darryl both display glistening eyes.

"Fair enough. Dr. Harrison suggested a family therapy retreat in Santa Barbara before you arrived. I think it might be worthwhile to check it out," Mia explained.

"I'm down for anything. When is it?"

~The Fast & Furious Family Chronicles~

Snowflake Production Factory Hideout

Athens, Greece

Third Person POV

Deckard, Hobbs, and Hattie finally have arrived at the Snowflake production factory. They would have arrived a lot sooner if it wasn't for crashing into the river just a few days prior. However, with the additional time, the trio was able to create an efficient plan. As discussed, Hattie and Deckard would sneak in first and take out any security guards guarding the entrances, followed by them doing the same for the upper floor region. At that point, Hobbs can easily take out the remaining guards on the ground level, safely retract Snowflake, and then proceed to blow the factory up to smithereens.

"Alright, team, are you ready?" Hobbs asked the Shaw siblings.

"As ready as I'll ever be," Hattie replied.

"Likewise. But, what's to say Cipher doesn't have more production factories?" Deckard prompted. "If that's the case, receiving the sample from here is just a waste of time."

"You're right, Deckard. I can't ensure this is the only factory. However, once we apprehend Cipher, it'll be easier to stop the production of Snowflake. We won't know till we try."

"Fine. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I trust you. But if I die, I'll be haunting your ass for the rest of eternity."

Hobbs rolls his eyes in annoyance. "Whatever. Let's get this over with!"

Deckard and Hattie then wait for Hobbs to signal an all-clear. Once doing so, the Shaw siblings advance to the factory. Hobbs observes in astonishment how efficiently the two take out the outside guards.

Then, after a few mere moments, Deckard and Hattie dive inside. Gunshots proceeded within the factory. After hearing the sounds cease, Hobbs takes it as his window to storm through the front doors.

Upon doing so, Hobbs elbows the guards in the face that were stationed behind the main entry doors. Surprisingly, those were the only two on the ground level. Soon after, Deckard and Hattie rejoin Hobbs.

"No fair. You had the easier job!" Hattie whined.

"It doesn't matter who had the easier job. You and Deckard didn't even break a sweat taking cover of those other guards," Hobbs replied, gesturing to the numerous motionless bodies around the factory.

"That's because I'm just that good," Deckard gloated.

Hattie then clears her throat while also sending her brother an irritated dagger.

"Sorry, we're just that good," Deckard said.

Hattie puts her two thumbs up in approval. The trio then locates their desired briefcase lying on a nearby table. As Hobbs picks up the case, he turns to the Shaw siblings with concern.

"Doesn't this seem too easy?" He asked curiously. "I honestly thought this place would be more secure."

"Don't question it, twinkle toes," Deckard scolded. "Let's just set those explosives and get the hell out of here."

"There's no need for that, Deckard," A familiar voice calls out.

The trio looks up to see Cipher standing against a nearby railing.

"It's over Cipher. Turn yourself in while you have the chance," Hobbs stated.

"I beg to differ. You may have that sample there, but did you think that's the only one?" Cipher chuckled darkly. "I'm always ten steps ahead of you. Lorr and I anticipated your arrival and placed a mass production on project Snowflake. Also, those explosives? I already took the liberty and placed some all about the building."

Cipher then removes a remote from her pocket and hits the activation button for the explosives. A series of intense beeping noises fill the air.

"You've got about 15 seconds before this place goes up in flames. Until next time."

Cipher propels herself out of the factory by a harness. The trio then dashes out the front doors at lightning speed, in just enough time. After the 15 second time, the factory blows up in fiery red flames.

"Damn it. That's the second time she's gotten away!" Hobbs cursed.

"If it makes you feel better, this just means you're only slightly terrible at your job," Deckard said

"Thanks," Hobbs replied sarcastically.

"It'll be fine. We'll get her next time."

"We? Well, since you helped me on this mission, it's also your fault she got away."

"Me? Oh no, don't you pin the blame on me!"

Hobbs and Deckard then find themselves in a verbal argument. Hattie stands on the side as she shakes her in disbelief.

"Men," She uttered.

~Fast & Furious Family Chronicles~

Family Counseling Retreat

Santa Barbara, CA

Darryl's POV

So far, this counseling retreat has been an enormous success. The counselors have been giving Mia, Brian, and me numerous trust bonding activities to partake in. After each one, I can feel the energy surrounding our family to be more relaxing, instead of tense. I even notice Mia smiling brightly like an eager teen. Something I haven't seen that since Brian proposed to her back during Christmas of 2013. I know it's going to take more time for healing. But, this retreat is a start in the right direction.

The three of us are currently on the beach with other families during one of our intermission breaks. I'm listening to music while reading part 1 of Fahrenheit 451 in preparation for next week's English quiz. Meanwhile, Brian and Mia have just emerged from a swim in the Pacific Ocean.

I take out my earbuds to initiate a conversation.

"How was your swim?" I asked

Mia sighs in relief. "Very much needed. I'm surprised you didn't join us?"

"I would have, but-"

I paused to lift my book to be in a clear view.

"I have an English quiz next week. I want to ensure I do well cause this will be our first significant assessment grade this semester. I explained.

"Fair enough," Mia answered.

"I'm proud of you, little bro. I still can't believe you're a junior now. It seems like yesterday I was reading that book in high school," Brian says softly.

I decided to ease the sadness and made a joke at Brian's expense.

"I know. You're getting old" I grinned.

Brian's mouth drops as a response.

"Hey! I'm not that old!" He protested.

I wince jokingly.

"I don't know. You're 4 years away from 40."

Mia and I both turned to each other and erupted with laughter. Brian pouts as a result.

"We're just teasing, Bri," I said. "No need to pout."

"Haha. Laugh all you want. I still look good for 36," He said smugly.

"Yes, you still are, hon," Mia answered.

The tranquil atmosphere ended abruptly with the sound of gunshots. Everyone scatters about, trying to leave the scene. We, however, weren't as fortunate in being quick to respond.

A bullet strikes Brian in the shoulder, causing my brother to fall backward as a result. Mia lets out a blood-curdling scream, demanding someone to call an ambulance for her husband. With no one willing to help, I quickly grab my phone to dial 911. I then notice the perp that caused the shooting, a middle-aged man fleeing the scene. This has to be a coincidence. Why just target Brian?

Oh, big brother, what mess have you gotten yourself into?

To be continued...