Chapter Fifteen

Baran

Baran made his way downstairs, 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.

“Evening, Baran,” she greeted, her voice warm and welcoming. “You look like you could use something to eat. You had an upsetting day.”

Baran nodded, sliding onto one of the kitchen stools. “I’m hungry. Everything smells amazing.”

Miss Charlotte gave him a sympathetic smile. “I’ve made some hot beef stew and baked fresh bread this afternoon. Let me get you a bowl.”

Baran watched as she ladled the stew into a bowl, the rich scent of tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and herbs filling the air. She placed a generous slice of homemade bread next to it, the crust golden and crispy.

“Here you go, dear,” she said, setting the steaming bowl in front of him. “Eat up. It’ll do you good.”

Baran took a tentative bite, the flavors bursting into his mouth and warming him from the inside out. “This is delicious, Miss Charlotte. Thank you.”

She nodded, her eyes kind and motherly. “You’re welcome, Baran. Now, what’s on your mind?”

Baran hesitated, then sighed. “I called my father because he was on the donor list. We argued, and he hung up on me. He told me I was dead to him.”

Miss Charlotte’s expression softened with understanding. “I’m so sorry, Baran. That must have been incredibly painful.”

Baran nodded, his eyes downcast. “It was. But that’s not all. I’ve been feeling like Miss Archer doesn’t like me. She’s been giving me dirty looks and making things difficult. Darien said he removed my father’s name from the list, and he thinks Miss Archer put his name back on there.”

Miss Charlotte’s face tightened slightly, but her voice remained gentle. “Miss Archer has her own issues to deal with. She’s very possessive of Darien. She has feelings for him and doesn’t want him to be with anyone else.”

Baran looked up, surprised. “Really? I had no idea.”

“Sometimes people act out of fear or jealousy. It’s not your fault, and you shouldn’t let it get to you. I know Darien cares for you very much, as do I.”

“Thank you for telling me, Miss Charlotte. It helps to know why she’s been acting that way.” Baran felt a weight lift off his shoulders, grateful for her insight.

She nodded, her tone reassuring. “Darien’s parents had their own struggles when he told them he was gay. It took time, but things settled down.”

She reached across the table, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. “You’re perfect for Darien, Baran. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise. You have a family here now, and we’ll support you through thick and thin.”

As Baran continued to eat, he felt a sense of warmth and security he hadn’t felt in a long time. The delicious stew and supporting words from Miss Charlotte made him feel cared for and accepted. He felt a glimmer of hope for the future.

After finishing his delicious meal, Baran thanked Miss Charlotte again and headed back upstairs to rest. He settled into bed, pulling the covers around him for warmth. Just as he started to relax, his phone rang. Glancing at the screen, he saw it was his friend, Silas.

“Hey, Silas,” Baran answered, his voice still tinged with the day’s exhaustion.

“Hey, Baran. How are things going with Daddy Darien?” Silas’s voice was warm and concerned.

“Things are good,” Baran replied. “Daddy Darien’s really supportive and caring.”

“That’s great to hear,” Silas said, then hesitated before continuing. “I wanted to ask you something…Could you forgive Hawk?”

Baran’s expression darkened slightly. “Silas, after everything he did…I’m not sure I can.”

Silas sighed. “I understand. But Hawk wants to talk to you. He feels terrible about what he did.”

Baran frowned, conflicted. “I don’t know, Silas. He hurt me pretty badly.”

“Just hear him out,” Silas urged. “He’s been trying to get in touch with you because he wants to apologize.”

Reluctantly, Baran agreed. “Alright, put him on.”

There was a brief pause before Hawk’s voice came through the phone, sounding humble. “Baran, I’m really sorry for everything. For calling you names, for fighting, for taking your stuff. I was wrong.”

Baran took a deep breath, trying to process his emotions. “I forgive you, Hawk. But it’s going to take time to forget what happened.”

“Thank you,” Hawk replied, relief clear in his voice. “I know I’ve done wrong. Can you talk to Darien? I have nowhere to go, and it’s freezing out here.”

Baran felt a pang of sympathy. Despite everything, he didn’t want anyone to suffer. “I’ll tell him. But it’s up to Darien.”

After hanging up, Baran closed his eyes, hoping that this gesture of forgiveness would lead to some resolution. He knew the conversation with Daddy Darien wouldn’t be easy, but he also knew it was necessary. As he drifted off to sleep, he felt a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, things would begin to heal.

After a long sleep, he was jolted awake by the dinging of a message on his phone. He fumbled around in the dark, his fingers brushing against the cool surface of the nightstand before finally finding his phone.

Darien: I’m going to be late. I need to speak to two donors. Tomorrow, you are going shopping with Miss Charlotte for clothes. The art gala is tomorrow night, so you need to be well dressed. Don’t worry about anything. I’m proud to be with you.

Baran certainly needed clothes, but he’d had no idea he was invited to the art gala. That was going to be another thing to worry about. He hoped Daddy Darien would let Hawk back in.

Baran quietly descended the stairs, the house wrapped in a tranquil stillness. He found Miss Charlotte in the living room, sitting in a comfortable armchair by the fireplace, her eyes reflecting the dancing flames. The room was warm and inviting, filled with the soft glow of the fire.

“Miss Charlotte,” Baran began hesitantly, taking a seat in one of the chairs opposite her. “Can we talk?”

She turned to him, her expression gentle and inviting. “Of course, Baran. What’s on your mind?”

Baran took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. “It’s about Hawk. Silas called me earlier about him. Silas wanted me to talk to Darien about Hawk returning to the shelter. Hawk apologized for everything. He said he’s out in the cold with nowhere to go. They both asked if I could talk to Darien about letting Hawk back into the shelter. I’m not sure how to approach it.”

Miss Charlotte listened intently, her face softening with understanding. “I see. It’s a difficult situation, but the best policy is always to be honest. Darien is a reasonable man, Baran. If you explain the situation and Hawk’s apology, he will listen.”

Baran nodded, feeling a bit more confident, but still apprehensive. “I just don’t want to cause any more trouble. Hawk really hurt me, but if he’s truly sorry and has nowhere else to go…”

Miss Charlotte reached over, placing a gentle hand on his arm. “You’re doing the right thing by giving him a second chance. It shows your strength and compassion. Trust Darien to make the right decision. He’ll take everything into consideration.”

Baran took a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and determination. “Thank you, Miss Charlotte. Your advice means a lot.”

She smiled warmly. “You’re a caring person, Baran. Don’t doubt yourself. Just speak from the heart.”

As they sat in the cozy living room, Baran felt a renewed sense of purpose. He knew talking to Darien would be challenging, but with Miss Charlotte’s support and the knowledge he was doing the right thing, he felt ready to face whatever came next. The warmth of the fire and the kindness of Miss Charlotte’s words gave him the courage to move forward.