Chapter Three

Darien

Darien stood outside Baran’s door, the significance of their meeting settling into his chest. He had seen many come through the doors of Rainbow Haven, each with their own story, but Baran’s plight stirred something deeper within him. Who dumps their son in a foreign country and tells him he can’t go home because they would kill him? The raw pain in Baran’s eyes, the vulnerability, and the loneliness—all of it resonated with Darien in ways he couldn’t fully explain.

As he walked down the hallway, Darien couldn’t shake the image of Baran’s tear-streaked face. He knew that look—of someone who had lost everything—but there was a flicker of strength in Baran’s gaze that intrigued him. Darien had felt a sudden, intense desire to help him, to be a part of his journey back to stability and hope.

The shelter was a sanctuary for many, a place where people found not just a roof over their heads, but a sense of belonging. And yet, Darien wanted to do more for Baran. He aspired to be the one to guide him, to help him rebuild his life and find his footing in this unfamiliar city.

Walking into his office, Darien’s thoughts were consumed by a feeling of connection he hadn’t expected. It wasn’t just about offering a bed or a meal—this was about reaching out, about a human connection in its purest form. He felt an unfamiliar warmth in his chest, a mix of compassion and something deeper, something hinting at a potential bond.

Sitting at his desk, Darien made a promise to himself. He would check on Baran, make sure he was settling in. He would be there, not just as the shelter owner, but as a friend. The thought brought a sense of purpose, a new resolve. He couldn’t explain it, but he knew Baran had stirred something within him he couldn’t ignore.

The sound of Baran’s surname, Aslan, echoed in his mind, as if he had heard it before. Darien, a man of privilege and wealth, hailed from a family whose lineage was deeply intertwined with the land and its resources. His family’s fortune, amassed over generations, had granted him a life of opulence and ease. As the sole heir to a billion-dollar fortune, Darien found himself the custodian of vast tracts of property and a chain of homeless shelters.

The name Aslan suddenly rang a bell. He ran through the list of invited guests to his donor Christmas party. Mr. Marat Aslan was one of the top donors. He knew little about the man other than that he was from Turkey, had family there, and made a lot of money. People whispered he was a practicing Muslim, even though he presented himself as a devout Catholic. Could Marat Aslan be Baran’s father? Unsure of Baran’s story, Darien devised a plan to uncover the truth. He wanted to know everything about Baran.

He called Mr. Aslan and asked if he could visit him today. He agreed and told Darien to visit him at his home in Long Island, not his apartment iin the city. Darien immediately set out through the heavy traffic to Long Island.

He stood outside the grand entrance of Marat Aslan’s estate, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. He had met many influential people in his philanthropic work, but this visit felt different. Baran’s story had touched him deeply, and now he was about to confront the man who might be responsible for his plight.

As the butler led Darien into the opulent living room, Darien couldn’t help but notice the lavish decor and the air of affluence that permeated the space. Marat Aslan, a tall man with a commanding presence, greeted him with a firm handshake.

“Mr. Aslan, thank you for agreeing to meet with me,” Darien began, trying to keep his tone cordial. “I wanted to personally invite you to our upcoming fundraiser dinner for Rainbow Haven.”

Marat nodded, a polite smile on his face. “I appreciate the invitation, Mr. Moore. Your work is commendable.”

Darien took a deep breath, deciding to immediately broach the subject that had brought him here. “There’s another matter I’d like to discuss, Mr. Aslan. It’s about a young man named Baran.”

Marat’s expression remained neutral, but Darien noticed a flicker of something in his eyes. “Baran? I’m afraid I don’t know anyone by that name.”

Darien glanced around the room, his eyes landing on a family portrait hanging on the wall. He walked over to it, pointing to a young man who bore a striking resemblance to Baran, holding a pair of black ice skates in his hand. “Isn’t this Baran in the picture?”

Marat’s face hardened. “That was taken a long time ago. That boy is no longer part of my life.”

“Why is that?”

“He has disgraced the family in Turkey.”

Darien turned to face Marat; his voice was steady but filled with conviction. “Mr. Aslan, your son is homeless in a foreign country. How can you turn your back on him?”

Marat’s eyes flashed with anger. “You have no right to judge me, Mr. Moore. You don’t know the full story.”

“Then tell me,” Darien urged. “Help me understand why a father would abandon his own child.”

Marat’s jaw tightened. “Baran made his choices. He knew the consequences.”

“Do you mean because he’s gay?”

“Because he refused to be a practicing Muslim, and he has brought shame on our family.”

“Are you a practicing Muslim?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“Tell me why you told him he can’t return to Turkey.”

“My family will kill him. He must make his own way now.”

“Without your help?”

“That’s right.”

Darien shook his head, his frustration mounting. “No one deserves to be left without support, especially not by their own family. You have the power to change his life, to give him a chance.”

Marat’s gaze faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. “This conversation is over, Mr. Moore. I suggest you leave, and I won’t be making any more donations to your organization.”

“The very organization that could help your son?”

“Baran Aslan is no longer my son.”

Darien stood his ground, his voice softening. “Please, Mr. Aslan. Think about what you’re doing. Baran needs you.”

Marat turned away, his shoulders tense. “Goodbye, Mr. Moore.”

With a heavy heart, Darien left the estate, more determined than ever to help Baran find the support he needed, even if it meant going against the wishes of one of his top donors.

He walked through the familiar halls of Rainbow Haven, his thoughts occupied by the young man he had met in the morning. Baran’s story had struck a chord with him. After meeting with his father, and learning of Baran’s harsh disownment, Darien felt a deep responsibility to help him find his footing in this vast city.

He found Baran in the TV room, sitting alone, his eyes fixed on the screen but his mind clearly elsewhere. The room was quiet, the soft glow of the television casting shadows on the walls. Darien approached, his presence breaking Baran out of his reverie.

“Hey, Baran,” Darien said gently, taking a seat next to him. “Mind some company?”

Baran shook his head, offering a small, grateful smile. “Not at all. I was just…thinking.”

Darien nodded, understanding the turmoil that must be swirling inside him. “I was thinking we could go out for some ice cream. There’s a great coffee shop nearby. What do you say?”

Baran’s eyes brightened slightly at the suggestion. “That sounds nice.”

They left the shelter and walked to the coffee shop, the fresh air and change of scenery lifting their spirits a bit. The shop was cozy, with warm lighting and the comforting aroma of coffee and baked goods. They each ordered a scoop of their favorite ice cream and found a quiet corner to talk.

Darien took a deep breath, ready to broach the subject. “Baran, have you thought about what you want to do now that you’re here? Do you want to stay in the US and attend school?”

Baran nodded slowly. “I do. I want to build a new life here, but I don’t know how.”

Darien offered a reassuring smile. “We’ll need to get you a green card and then a student visa. You can enroll at the community college, and we’ll go from there.”

Baran looked relieved, the burden of uncertainty easing slightly. “That sounds like a good plan. Thank you, Darien. For everything.”

Darien reached across the table, giving Baran’s hand a comforting squeeze. “You’re not alone in this. We’ll figure it out together.”

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.