Page 27 of Jasha
“Maybe he didn’t have time to reach out,” Ivan said sympathetically.
“Did he give you his new address or phone number?”
“No, he said he’d write after he gets there.”
“Thanks, Ivan,” Jasha muttered, feeling a mix of sadness and confusion. “I appreciate it.”
“Take care, Jasha. If you need anything, you know where to find me,” Ivan offered before hanging up.
Jasha sat there, the phone still in his hand, feeling more alone than ever. His father was in Russia, and he hadn’t even known. The distance between them felt insurmountable, and Jasha couldn’t shake the feeling of being abandoned.Did Daddy Kaleb tell him to get out of Brighton?He needed to talk to him as soon as possible.
Jasha closed the bedroom door with a soft click and found Frankie waiting in the hallway, with Arlo nowhere to be seen.
“Hey, did you sleep in Kaleb’s room?” Frankie asked.
“Yes, he’s going to be my Daddy Kaleb for the month, and we’ll see how it goes.”
Overwhelmed with excitement, Frankie couldn’t contain himself and pulled Jasha into a warm hug. “That’s the best news. I’m so happy for you.”
“How’s everything going with Arlo?”
“He met Kaleb to plan the day for us. Are you on the way to breakfast?” Frankie asked.
“Yes.”
“Have you been to Kaleb’s New York apartment?”
“No. Only here.”
“You won’t believe how close it is to school. Daddy Arlo has an apartment in the same building so we can see each other during the year.”
“There are some things we have to iron out first.”
“Yes, but you have a wonderful daddy. He’ll do anything to make you happy. Anything. Just ask.”
“I don’t think I’m in a place to ask for anything.”
“Daddy Arlo said Kaleb is really into you like no other boy before. I agree. You’re perfect.”
“I hope so. We took a shower together.”
“We could hear you.” Frankie laughed.
“No, you couldn’t.”
“Our room is against the bathroom. Don’t worry. I was laughing my head off.”
Jasha laughed at the way Frankie said it. He took any stress or worry out of things. Having him around was like having a loyal companion by your side. The news of his father leaving the country without telling him weighed heavily on him, making him feel sick. He couldn’t bring up the topic with Frankie, since he didn’t have Daddy Kaleb’s permission to discuss his father or why he was here. He doubted Frankie was aware of what was going on unless Daddy Kaleb had told Arlo. Then Frankie’s Daddy Arlo would have to inform him. Although Jasha was unsure about how the three communicated, Miss Nadia confidently said she was well-informed about the situation. He longed for a moment alone with her to discuss it, but Daddy Kaleb was a constant presence.
As they entered the dining room, Jasha quickly found his seat next to Daddy Kaleb, who greeted him with a warm smile . Jasha leaned in to whisper. “Daddy Kaleb, can we talk alone about something after breakfast?”
“Of course we can. We’re going to leave at noon so we can stop for lunch. We have plenty of time to talk. Are you upset?”
“I can’t talk about it here. It has nothing to do with us.” Jasha couldn’t help but wonder if it had something to do with Daddy Kaleb, but now was not the time or place to discuss the problem.
Everyone had a big country breakfast, but Jasha only had toast because his stomach was unsettled over his father. Why would he leave and abandon him without explaining it to him? Despite Daddy Kaleb noticing he wasn’t eating much, he didn’t say a word about it at the table while others were present, which eased the tension for Jasha. Near the end of the meal, Daddy Kaleb took his hand as they left. He led Jasha to another room full of pastel colors and comfortable furniture.
They sat side by side. “Tell me what’s wrong?”
