Chapter Four

Baran

Baran made his way to 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.

“How come you’re here?” Baran asked.

“I aged out of group homes. You’re lucky you’re here. Daddy Darien will fix you up like he did us.”

Just as Baran began to feel comfortable, the door opened and a tall, muscular guy, with a shaved head and a tattoo of a hawk on his left arm among other tats, entered. This has to be Hawk.

Hawk’s piercing blue eyes immediately locked onto Baran, a scowl darkening his face. “What the hell are you doing in here?” he demanded, his voice harsh and accusatory.

Baran tensed, feeling the hostility radiating off Hawk. “I live here now,” he replied evenly, keeping his voice steady. Upset but determined, he was ready to confront the thug.

“Baran came from Turkey and now he’s homeless. His father disowned him,” Silas explained.

Hawk’s glare intensified. “I don’t want some Turkish guy in here,” he spat, the words laced with prejudice. “You’re probably a Muslim, aren’t you?”

Baran’s stomach churned at the accusation. “I’m not a Muslim,” he said, his voice firm. “I don’t practice any religion.”

Silas stepped between them; hands raised in a calming gesture. “Hey, Hawk, chill out. Baran’s like us, needing a place to stay. There’s no need for this hate.”

Finley, meanwhile, stayed silent on his bunk, eyes wide, clearly uncomfortable with the confrontation.

Hawk’s anger didn’t dissipate easily. “I don’t give a fuck,” he growled. “I don’t trust him.”

Baran felt a mix of anger and sadness at the unjustified hostility. “Look, I’m just trying to get by, like everyone else here. Like Silas said, there’s no need for this hate.”

Silas kept his voice soothing. “Hawk, we all have our struggles. Let’s try to help each other, okay? We’re supposed to be a community here.”

Hawk finally seemed to relent, though his expression remained guarded. He removed his clothes, pulled his bedcovers down and turned away, muttering under his breath.

“Everyone shut the hell up. I have to get up early. Some of us work,” Hawk said, then slid under the covers. The room was chilly.

As the tension slowly ebbed from the room, Baran took a deep breath, grateful for Silas’s intervention. He glanced over at Finley, who gave him a small, reassuring nod. Despite the rocky start, Baran felt a flicker of hope that he could find his place here and that things would get better. He felt a sense of camaraderie with Silas, and he was grateful to have found a friend in this new and uncertain environment. It wouldn’t be easy, but with support like Silas’s, he knew he could handle it.

Baran waited in his room, a mix of anticipation and nostalgia swirling within him. His father had once mentioned taking him ice skating in New York City, but he had doubted that would come to pass and now knew it never would. The prospect of going with Darien however, filled him with a distinct sense of excitement.

When Darien knocked on his door, Baran’s heart leaped. He opened the door to find Darien standing there with a warm smile, a backpack slung over his shoulder.

“Ready to go?” Darien asked.

“Absolutely,” Baran replied, grabbing his jacket.

As they drove to Rockefeller Center, the conversation flowed easily, the city lights blurring into a festive backdrop.

“Did you ever visit your father in New York City?” Darien asked, glancing over at Baran.

“No,” Baran admitted. “But I’ve wanted to.”

Darien smiled, his grip on the steering wheel relaxing. “Well, today’s the day. You’re going to love it.”

When they arrived at Rockefeller Center, the sight of the iconic ice rink took Baran’s breath away. The glittering lights, the towering Christmas tree, and the joyful skaters created a magical scene.

Darien reached into his backpack and pulled out a pair of brand-new black skates, handing them to Baran. “I got these for you. Thought you might like them.”

Baran’s eyes widened in surprise and gratitude. “Thank you, Darien. This means a lot.”

They laced up their skates and stepped onto the ice. They glided across the rink, laughter and conversation filling the air.

As they skated, Baran felt a sense of freedom and joy he hadn’t experienced in a long time. Darien’s presence was comforting, his encouragement boosting Baran’s trust of Darien with each lap around the rink. The crisp air was invigorating as they moved around the ice in sync.

At one point, Darien skated ahead, turning to face Baran with a grin. “You’re a natural, Baran. Look at you go!”

Baran laughed, feeling a surge of pride. “Thanks to you.”

They continued to skate, the world around them fading into a blur of lights and music. For those precious moments, everything felt perfect. Baran realized that this was more than a day out—it was the beginning of something special. The connection he felt warmed his heart and reassured him of the possibility of a future.

As they stepped off the ice, Baran’s heart swelled with gratitude. With Darien by his side, he knew that anything was possible. They had made a memory that day, one that would stay with him forever.

“I appreciate you helping me. I didn’t think I would make it. I’m lucky I found you.”

They sat on a bench, carefully removing their skates and slipping on their shoes. Darien took the skates and put them inside the backpack.

“How did you find Rainbow Haven?”

“I had breakfast where Silas works. He told me.”

“Silas is a successful guy. He’s young, but he has a big heart. He’ll make a good friend. It’s good he’s your roommate too.”

“Yes, that was a surprise. I have two others too.”

“Finley and Hawk. Don’t let Hawk intimidate you. Despite his tough demeanor, he is incredibly loyal and fiercely protective of those he cares about. He takes a while to warm up to new people. He’s had a rough time. He’ll love you once he gets to know you. And Finley is a hard worker. He grew up in group homes. He never had a family until he came to us.”

“Hawk is scary. He looks like a gang member.”

“He’s an ex-gang member. He’s made a lot of changes. Give him time. How about lunch?”

“I’m hungry.”

“What kind of food do you like?”

“All kinds.”

“Do you like pizza?”

“Love it.”