Page 6 of Baran
As they finished their ice cream, Darien’s eyes twinkled with a sudden idea. “How about a visit to the ice-skating rink? It’s a bit of a tradition in New York, and I think you’d enjoy it.”
Baran’s face lit up with genuine excitement. “I’d love that. I love skating but I don’t have my skates here.”
“I’ll handle the skates. We’ll plan it for tomorrow at noon,” Darien said, feeling a sense of accomplishment and warmth. Helping Baran gave him a renewed sense of purpose, and he was determined to see him flourish in his new life. Together, they could overcome any obstacle and create a future filled with possibilities.
“Thanks. I’m looking forward to it.” Baran felt a flush of warmth spreading across his face.
“We’ll go to lunch in the city so you can see the sights. I know you wanted to see it with your father.” He remembered the black skates in Baran’s hand in the photo at his father’s home. As soon as he saw the excitement and the wide smile on Baran’s face, he knew he had made the perfect choice for their first date.
When they returned to the shelter, they confirmed plans for the next day then went their separate ways.
Chapter Four
Baran
Baran made his wayto the dining room, feeling uneasy but determined to adapt to his new surroundings. The dining area at Rainbow Haven was modest but inviting. Long tables filled the room, each lined with sturdy chairs. The aroma of hot food wafted through the air but offered little comfort.
Baran grabbed a tray and joined the line, selecting a satisfying meal of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables. As he looked for a place to sit, he spotted Silas—the kind server he had met at the café. Silas caught his eye and waved him over.
“Hey, Baran! Sit here with me,” Silas suggested, a friendly smile on his face.
“Thanks.” A wave of relief washed over Baran as Silas invited him to sit at his table.
As they ate, the noise of conversation filling the room around them, they discovered they were roommates. Baran felt a sense of camaraderie forming, his earlier anxiety beginning to fade. He looked around for Daddy Darien, but he wasn’t there.
“I’ve got to say, you were right,” Baran started, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips.
“About?”
“Daddy Darien is fucking hot. He promised to help me get straightened out, and I believe him.” Baran didn’t know if he should mention he had a skating date with him the next day.
Silas chuckled, nodding in agreement. “Yeah, Daddy Darien’s got that effect on people. He really cares. We’re lucky to have his support.”
Their conversation flowed easily, each bite of food making Baran feel a bit more grounded. When they finished eating, they headed back to their room. As they walked in, Baran’s top bunk bed was stripped, and everything was piled on the floor.
“What’s going on?” Baran asked, puzzled and annoyed.
Silas sighed, shaking his head. “That’s Hawk for you. He’s our other roommate. He has a habit of taking things or moving shit around. It’s best not to say anything. Trust me, it’s easier that way.”
Frustration consumed Baran, yet he held onto Silas’s advice, accepting that it came from his experience with Hawk. He gathered his belongings, preparing to remake his bed. “So, we let him get away with it?”
Silas shrugged, giving him a sympathetic look. “I know it’s not ideal, but confronting him causes more trouble. We just have to watch our stuff and avoid conflict.”
Baran nodded. “I guess I’ll have to get used to it. Thanks for the heads up, Silas.”
“No problem,” Silas replied, offering a reassuring smile. “We’ve got each other’s backs. And remember, we’re here to help each other. If you need anything, let me know.”
The door opened to a tall lanky guy with blond hair, freckles, and tats covering his arms.
“New roommate?” Finley placed his battered notebook under his pillow. He had the bottom bunk under Silas.
“I’m Baran.”
“Finley, nice to meet you. Why are you here?”
“I was visiting my father for the winter break. When I saw him, he disowned me.” Baran didn’t want to give too much personal information to someone he just had met.
“That’s fucked up,” Finley said, as he removed his clothes down to his underwear and sat on the edge of his bed.
