Page 33 of Baran
She picked up the wet clothes and left them alone.
Darien sat on the edge of the bed, sipping his tea and watching Baran get comfortable under the covers. The room was dimly lit, the gentle glow from the bedside lamp creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Baran looked up at him, his eyes reflecting a mix of exhaustion and relief.
“Baran, we need to talk about something important,” Darien began gently, setting his cup down on the nightstand. “Idon’t want you taking the subway to places you don’t know. It’s not safe, especially at night.”
Baran sighed, pulling the covers tighter around himself. “I know. I wasn’t thinking clearly. My father…I wasn’t in my right mind.”
Darien’s heart ached for Baran. He moved closer, taking Baran’s hand in his. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that. But you have to promise me you’ll stay safe. You don’t have to go through any of this alone.”
Baran nodded, his voice trembling slightly. “I felt so lost and hurt. Hearing my father say that…it just broke something inside me.”
Darien squeezed Baran’s hand, his voice filled with compassion. “You’re not alone. You have a family here with me and Miss Charlotte. My home is your home now. We’ll get through this together.”
Baran’s eyes filled with tears, and he managed a small smile. “Thank you, Daddy Darien. That means more to me than you’ll ever know.”
Darien leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Baran’s forehead. “We’ll make a new life here, one step at a time. And I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
“Thanks.” Baran’s voice cracked on the word.
“I’m going to read you a story. Then we can eat if you’re hungry.”
Darien picked out another Christmas classic,The Christmas Trainby David Baldacci, and began reading. Baran’s eyelids grew heavy, and within five minutes, he was asleep fast.
As Darien watched his boy sleep in the quiet of the room, the weight of Baran’s past seemed to lift just a little, replaced by the promise of a hopeful future. Darien knew they had a long road ahead, but with trust, love, and companionship, they could face anything that came their way.
He wrote Baran a note, then Darien drove back to the shelter, his mind racing with thoughts of the confrontation ahead. The evening had been a blend of warmth and joy, but the discovery he had made upon returning home soured his mood. He knew he had to address it immediately.
Entering the shelter, he went straight to his office and called for Miss Archer. The room was dimly lit, the shadows from the overhead light casting a serious ambiance over the space. His desk was neatly organized, a stark contrast to the turmoil he felt inside.
Miss Archer entered, her expression guarded. “Yes, Mr. Moore? You wanted to see me?”
Darien gestured to a chair, but Miss Archer remained standing, her posture stiff. “I need to discuss something important with you. Baran’s father’s name was back on the list of donors to call after I specifically deleted it.”
Miss Archer’s eyes flashed with a mix of surprise and defiance. “I thought it was a mistake, so I added it back. We need all the donations we can get, and if his father is willing to contribute, why not?”
Darien’s patience was wearing thin. “Miss Archer, that was not your decision to make. Baran’s situation is delicate. His father disowned him, and having his name on that list was not only inappropriate but also harmful to Baran.”
Miss Archer crossed her arms, her tone turning cold. “I was only trying to help the shelter. Baran’s personal issues shouldn’t interfere with our funding.”
Darien stood up, his voice steady and firm. “This isn’t just about funding. It’s about respect and understanding. Your actions show a complete disregard for Baran’s well-being and my directives.”
She took a step closer, her voice rising. “I’ve been loyal to this shelter, and to you, Darien. But it seems like all you care about now is that boy. You’re blinded by your feelings for him.”
Darien’s anger flared. “This isn’t about favoritism. This is about doing what’s right. Your behavior has been unprofessional and disruptive, and it cannot continue.”
Miss Archer’s face hardened, her eyes narrowing. “You’re making a mistake, Darien.”
He took a deep breath, his decision clear. “No, the mistake would be allowing this to continue. You’re fired, Miss Archer. Effective immediately. Please pack your things and leave.”
Miss Archer froze for a moment, her face a mixture of shock and anger, before she turned on her heel and stormed out of the office.
Darien sank back into his chair, feeling the weight of the confrontation lift slightly. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one. He knew that protecting Baran and maintaining the integrity of the shelter were paramount. As he took a deep breath and tried to calm his racing thoughts, he resolved to continue creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone at Rainbow Haven.
Chapter Fifteen
Baran
Baran made his waydownstairs, drawn by the aroma of homemade bread wafting through the house along with the stew. The kitchen was a warm and inviting space, with its polished countertops, wooden cabinets, and the soft hum of the oven working its magic. Miss Charlotte stood at the stove as she stirred a pot of steaming stew.
