Chapter Two

Baran

Baran stopped at a small café and sat at a table near the window so he could watch the people walking. He ordered coffee and the ninety-nine-cent special from a server named Silas. He had wild, curly brown hair and was a little younger than Baran.

Silas returned with a cup of coffee that tasted odd to him, very weak compared to Turkish coffee. Someone had left a newspaper on his table, and he looked for the job section. He probably couldn’t work here. He could only stay in the United States for two weeks and despite having a return ticket, he could not go back to Istanbul. Gripped by fear, he hesitated to go home or reach out to anyone for help, feeling utterly alone.

Later Silas brought him the breakfast platter, then left. Baran’s stomach growled loudly, a reminder that he hadn’t eaten since his flight to New York City.

After ten minutes, Silas returned to the table and asked, “Hey, can I sit with you for a few minutes?”

Baran nodded, then sipped more of his weak coffee.

“I’m Silas Robles, but you can call me Silas.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Baran Aslan.” He couldn’t help but notice Silas was wearing a shirt with a vibrant rainbow, making Baran feel safe around him.

“You look so troubled and tired. And you have a cut lip. Do you need help?”

“It’s complicated. I need to find shelter.”

“Where are you from?”

“Istanbul. I got here yesterday for a visit, and things didn’t work out.”

“What happened?” Silas’s big brown eyes widened.

“I flew in to visit my father for the winter break. I really wanted to spend time with him and was hoping he’d let me stay and attend school here. That didn’t happen.”

“What did?”

“He disowned me because he found out I was gay. He closed my bank accounts and told me there was a hit on me in Turkey. I don’t know what to do.” Baran’s voice quivered with emotion, and tears were just a breath away.

Silas listened patiently, nodding in understanding. “I’m gay too.” He pointed to the rainbow on his shirt. “I know a place you can go,” he whispered. “It’s called Rainbow Haven. It’s a shelter for gay men. They’ll help you out.”

“Even if I’m not an American?” Baran didn’t understand where to begin and how to apply for a green card. If he returned to Turkey, his life would be in danger.

Silas nodded. “Most of us call the owner Daddy Darien instead of Mr. Moore. He’ll help anyone. He helped me get this job, and I’m back in school. I’m still there.”

“What happened to you?” Baran asked.

“I was in school, then my mother died. I had to drop out and since I had never worked before, I couldn’t afford rent as I had no money saved. All my money went to school. I was out on the streets for a while, then I heard from this guy on the streets about Daddy Darien at Rainbow Haven. I’ll stay there until I can afford to rent. He’ll help you.” Silas handed him a card with Rainbow Haven’s address.

“Thanks, Silas. You’re a lifesaver.”

“You’re going to fall in love with Daddy Darien. He’s hot!”

Baran’s spirits lifted slightly as Silas gave him clear directions, a flicker of hope igniting within him. He thanked Silas profusely again, feeling a sense of relief washing over him. Rainbow Haven felt like a lifeline, a chance to find some stability in the chaos.

When Baran arrived, the building looked modest from the outside, but there was an air of warmth and welcome about it. Inside, the shelter was simple but clean. The walls were adorned with colorful murals, and the common room was filled with comfortable furniture and the soft hum of conversation.

As he approached the front desk, Baran’s palms grew sweaty, and his heart raced as he began explaining his situation to the shelter manager. “I’ve been left in the city with no money,” he said, his voice trembling. “I don’t know anyone here, and I need a place to stay.”

The manager nodded, her eyes kind and understanding. “I’m Miss Archer, the manager. You’re in the right place, young man. We’ll take care of you.” She handed Baran a pencil and a sheet to fill out. The inventory sheet asked for a list of his sizes, along with a series of medical checkboxes.

Once Baran filled it out, he handed it back to Miss Archer. She left the desk and went to another room, returning with clothes, shoes, socks, and a jacket.

“These are for you. I see you have a suitcase, but just in case you need more, use these too. This pamphlet includes rules, mealtimes, and all the room locations. Do you have questions?”

“Thank you, Miss Archer. Can I take a shower now?”

“There are shower stalls down the hall to the left. They are open twenty-four hours a day. You’ll see them before you see the dining room. Mr. Moore will be in to meet you when he returns from a meeting. I’ll let him know you’re here.”

Miss Archer showed him to his room—a small but tidy space with double bunk beds, four dressers, and four tiny makeshift desks. There was one window overlooking the busy street below and an overhead light. The walls were painted a calming shade of blue. It wasn’t much, but it felt like a haven.

“Which bed is available?”

“The top bunk on the right side. You have three roommates. Their names, ages, and profile pictures are on the bulletin board.” She pointed to the wallboard. “Let me take your picture.” She snapped a picture of Baran. “I’ll be right back to add your profile.” She returned with a picture of Baran and pinned it on the board with his name and age.

“Where are all the guys?” Baran asked.

“They’re spread out in different rooms. Your roommates work, so they’re working now. You’ll meet them tonight.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll be at the desk. Come and ask me anything.” As she left the room, Baran could hear the distant chatter of voices echoing down the hallway.

As he sat on one of the desk chairs to regroup, Baran couldn’t shake the loneliness clinging to him. The city outside seemed a world away, and he was acutely aware of how far he was from home. The room, though comforting, felt empty. He missed the familiarity of Istanbul, the sound of his mother’s voice, and the security of his old life.

Yet, despite the loneliness, there was now a glimmer of hope. Rainbow Haven was a place where he could start anew, find his footing, and maybe, just maybe, find a way to rebuild his life. He picked out some jeans and a T-shirt and carried them to the shower. He got out of the shower and found his clothes were gone, even the ones he’d been wearing. Shit! Who steals dirty clothes? He pulled two towels from the open shelves and wrapped his hair and his body. He left the bathroom and rushed down the hallway, hoping no one would be around. He entered his room and found another pair of jeans and a T-shirt with Istanbul University on it.

Rainbow Haven was not at all like the dorm he’d lived in, but he was grateful to have a place to stay. Since he hadn’t slept last night, he decided to take a much-needed nap. He climbed to the top bunk and noticed he didn’t have a blanket. He scanned the room and the lower bunk on the other side had two blankets, the other two bunks had one, leaving him with none.

When he lay down under the cold white sheets, he was exhausted but hopeful. This was just the beginning of his journey, filled with endless possibilities.

Just as Baran shut his eyes, there was a firm knock on his door, interrupting his moment of peace. He sat up, then jumped down from the top bunk to answer the door.

A towering man with beautiful ginger shoulder-length hair and a closely shaved beard stood in the doorway. His eyes were a piercing blue. Though his appearance was striking, it was the kindness and compassion in his eyes and expression that set him apart. His smile was infectious, lighting his face with a warmth that immediately calmed Baran.

“Welcome to Rainbow Haven, Baran. I’m Darien Moore but call me Darien. I’d like to come in and talk to you.”

Baran nodded and widened the door.

They each grabbed a chair, arranging themselves face-to-face, preparing to talk.

“Why are you in your room at this hour?”

“I’m tired as I rode a train all night.”

“Tell me a bit about yourself.”

“I’m from Istanbul and study there. It was my first year. But everything went to hell yesterday.”

“You speak excellent English.”

“My family sent me to English schools.”

“Why are you in New York?”

“My father sent for me. We were supposed to spend my two-week winter vacation together in the city.”

“Does your father work here?”

“He lives and works here.”

“And what happened to your visit?”

“He…” His eyes welled up with tears, then they were spilling down his cheeks.

Darien reached over and tenderly took Baran’s hands in his own. “Maybe it’s too soon to talk about him. I’ll let you rest for a while.”

Baran had no more words, so he nodded.

Darien handed him a card. “Call me anytime if you have a problem. I’m going to help you with what you need and want to feel okay. I want to help you.”

Baran wiped his tears away and nodded, still unable to speak.