Page 17 of Baran
“Sit on the side desk and fill these out, but first I want to say something to you.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said in a calm and respectful tone.
“Listen, Baran,” she began, her voice low and menacing. “I’ve seen plenty of people come through here, and I can spot a gold digger a mile away. Don’t think for a second that you can use Darien for your own gain.”
Baran’s eyes widened in shock. “What? I would never—”
She cut him off, leaning forward with a glare. “Don’t play innocent with me. Little gold diggers like you get nowhere. If I even suspect you’re taking advantage of Darien’s kindness, I’ll have you deported and on your way back to Turkey faster than you can blink.” The sharpness in her voice was impossible to ignore.
Anger and pain overwhelmed him. He had been through so much, and this accusation was the last thing he needed. “I’mnot using him,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion. “I care about Darien. He’s been nothing but kind to me.”
Miss Archer’s expression remained stony. “We’ll see about that. I’m watching you, Baran. Don’t make me regret allowing you to stay here.”
Baran clenched his fists, trying to keep his composure. “I just want to build a future for myself. That’s all.”
She straightened up, the warning clear in her eyes. “Make sure that’s all you’re after. Now, let’s get these applications sorted.”
They worked in tense silence, Baran’s mind racing with frustration and indignation. Miss Archer’s words stung, but Baran was determined to prove her wrong and carve out a path for himself on his own terms.
About an hour later, Darien walked into her office.
“How’s it going?”
“I have one more to go.”
Miss Archer said, “Let’s hope he’s telling the truth on his applications.”
“Why would I lie?” Baran asked.
“I was reading your finished ones. Your grades are excellent according to you, but when we get your transcripts, then we’ll know.”
“You won’t be able to read them,” Baran said.
“Why not?”
“They’re in Turkish unless you can read Turkish.”
She got up from her seat and walked over to him. “Baran, they will send translated ones to US universities. I won’t see them since they will go directly to the schools.” She walked out of her office, leaving Baran and Daddy Darien alone.
“What was that all about?” Darien asked.
“Nothing really. She thinks I’m after you for your money. I’m not.”
“I never thought that for one minute. Miss Archer is very protective of me. She doesn’t want me to be taken advantage of by anyone. I’ll talk to her.”
“Does she do that to all your dates?”
“She never knows about them because I never date guys here.”
“Why me?”
“You’re a different story. I feel more than I should have for the short time we’ve known each other. I go with my feelings. I haven’t felt anything for a long time and then you showed up.”
“I like you a lot. You’re my knight in shining armor. You don’t treat me like I’m a homeless foreigner.”
“I don’t see you as that.”
“How do you see me?”
