Chapter Seven

Darien

Darien parked his car outside the medical center, the neon lights flickering against the darkening sky. He glanced at Baran, who was trying to put on a brave face despite the pain. They walked inside, the antiseptic smell and hushed conversations of the waiting room enveloping them.

They found seats and settled in, the tension between them thick. Darien could see the worry etched on Baran’s face. He placed his hand on Baran’s arm. He planned to find Hawk and return Baran’s suitcase to him.

“How are you holding up?” Darien whispered.

Baran shrugged, wincing slightly. “I’ll be okay. Just hurts a bit.”

They fell into a thoughtful silence before Baran spoke again.

“Hawk…I never expected this. I mean, I knew he didn’t like me, but I never thought he’d get violent.”

Darien’s eyes hardened. “What he did was plain wrong. I’ll deal with him, but right now, we need to focus on getting you better.”

Before long, the nurse called Baran’s name, and they followed her into a small examination room. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting a sterile glow. Baran sat on the examination table, his legs swinging nervously.

The doctor entered, a kind-looking woman who introduced herself as Dr. Patel. She examined Baran’s injuries with gentle hands, her face a mask of professional concern.

“Well, Baran,” Dr. Patel said after a thorough examination, “the good news is you don’t have any broken bones. Just some bruises and a split lip. You’ll need to rest and let your body heal.”

Darien nodded, relief washing over him. “Thank you, Doctor.”

She turned to Darien, “Two Tylenol every six hours is all he needs.”

“Will do. Thank you, Doctor.”

As they left the medical center, Darien kept a protective arm around Baran’s shoulders, guiding him towards the car. The drive to Darien’s home was quiet, but the tension of the day had lessened somewhat.

“Here’s my house. I hope you like it,” Darien said, breaking the silence.

“Wow! It’s all decorated for Christmas. It looks like something on a book cover or postcard.” Baran smiled a sweet smile, and his eyes sparkled with happiness.

“Will you be okay spending Christmas with me?”

“Yes! It will be my first one. Do I have to go to church?”

“No. I practice my faith in the real world. You’re safe.” Darien grinned and rubbed the top of Baran’s head.

During Christmas, Darien’s three-story, New York City brownstone was a magical wonderland of twinkling lights and decorations. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree stood in the front window, its ornaments glistening in the early winter evening. The front steps, flanked by wrought-iron railings wrapped in sparkling fairy lights, led to a sturdy wooden door crowned with a lush wreath. He held Baran’s hand to make sure he was secure. Holding hands with Baran didn’t appear to bother him at all.

“Did you decorate all of this?”

“No. Some boys from the shelter did. Even Hawk helped.”

Inside, the home was a cozy haven of holiday cheer. The foyer opened into a spacious living area, where a massive Christmas tree was decked out in an array of colorful ornaments, tinsel, garland, and twinkling lights.

“That tree is so tall!”

“It’s a real tree. I cut it down myself at the tree farm.”

Stockings hung from the mantle above the marble fireplace, which crackled with a warm, inviting fire. The scent of pine and cinnamon filled the air, mingling with the sound of holiday music playing softly in the background. Everything was set to a timer, and luckily, it was perfectly timed for their arrival.

He walked Baran to the dining room. “My dining room. I don’t use it much since I’m alone here. I have Miss Charlotte, who lives on the third floor. She takes care of the house and cooks. I told her you were coming so you might see her tonight.”

The long mahogany table was set with red festive linens, sparkling crystal, and a centerpiece of holly and berries. In the corner, a smaller Christmas tree stood with delicate glass ornaments hanging on its branches.

“Here’s the kitchen. You can have anything you want here. Don’t be shy. I just ask that you don’t drink alcohol because of your age.”

Baran nodded. “Thank you.”

The kitchen’s state-of-the-art appliances and granite countertops were spotless. Branches of evergreen and strings of lights framed the windows, and a gingerbread house sat on the island.

Darien poured water into a glass and handed him two Tylenol from the kitchen cabinet.

“Thanks.”

“Let me take you upstairs to your room, then I need to return to work. Miss Charlotte went shopping and she’ll be back within an hour. If you need anything, ask her. We’ll talk. Don’t worry about your clothes. If I can’t get your suitcase, I’ll replace your things. Okay?”

Baran nodded again.

He walked Baran up the winding stairs decorated with holiday lights and garland. The bedrooms continued the holiday theme.

“This is my room. You can visit anytime. Just please knock.”

Darien’s master suite featured a tastefully decorated tree by the window and a cozy nook with plush blankets and pillows, perfect for wrapping presents. The other rooms were equally festive, each with its own unique decorations and twinkling lights.

The guest room where Baran would stay was a haven of comfort and holiday spirit. The room featured a queen-sized bed with a tufted headboard, and was dressed in soft, luxurious linens. A small Christmas tree stood in the corner, its gentle glow adding warmth to the room. The large window overlooked the garden below. A writing desk and a comfortable armchair sat nearby. The room was tastefully decorated with blue tones and gentle lighting, creating a serene atmosphere.

“Here’s your room with your own bathroom. Just wait here for a minute. I’ll get you fresh clothes and pajamas for tonight. They will be big but clean.”

Darien returned with clothes for Baran and set them on a chair.

“Can I take a shower?”

“Of course you can.”

“Thanks.”

His home was filled with Christmas cheer, a sanctuary where he could extend warmth and support to those in need. And tonight, it was the perfect refuge for Baran, a safe space where he could heal amidst the magic of the holiday season.

“I’ll be back as soon as I handle some issues at the shelter. Try to relax. Remember, Miss Charlotte will be coming.” He leaned over and kissed Baran on his cheek.

“Thanks for everything.”

Darien stood outside Hawk’s room, steading himself for the confrontation that was about to unfold. He took a deep breath, reminding himself of his duty to protect everyone at Rainbow Haven. Knocking sharply, he entered the room, finding Hawk lounging on his bed with a smug expression…and Baran’s suitcase.

“Hawk, we need to talk,” Darien began, his tone steady but firm.

Hawk looked up, a sneer curling his lips. “What’s this about?”

“You know exactly what this is about,” Darien replied, stepping closer. “You attacked Baran and stole his suitcase. That behavior is completely unacceptable.”

Hawk shrugged, his eyes narrowing. “So, what if I did? He doesn’t belong here.”

Darien’s anger flared, but he kept his voice controlled. “And there is absolutely no room for prejudice in this shelter. We’re here to support each other, not tear each other down.”

Hawk stood up, facing Darien with defiance. “I don’t trust him. I don’t trust anyone like him.”

“That’s your prejudice talking,” Darien retorted. “Baran has just as much right to be here as anyone else. Your actions aren’t only harmful but also go against everything we stand for at Rainbow Haven.”

The room was filled with tension as they squared off. Hawk’s defenses were up, and he hurled accusations and insults, each one only solidifying Darien’s decision.

Darien took a deep breath, his voice calm but determined. “I’m sorry, Hawk, but I can’t allow this behavior to continue. You need to leave this shelter. We have no place for violence and hate here.”

Hawk’s eyes flashed with anger, but he knew he had crossed a line. Without another word, he grabbed his things and stormed out of the room, leaving an eerie silence in his wake.

Darien picked up Baran’s suitcase from Hawk’s bunk, feeling a mix of relief and sadness. He knew it was the right decision, but it was never easy to turn someone away.

Silas and Finley entered just as he was leaving.

“What’s going on? Did something happen to Baran?” Silas asked.

“Yes. Hawk attacked Baran and took his suitcase, and I just finished talking with Hawk. He can’t stay here anymore.”

“And Baran?” Silas asked.

“He’s staying with me. He has some bruises, but he’ll be okay. He’ll work with me here. I hope you two will help us decorate.”

“Are we still going to have a Christmas party?” Finley asked.

“We definitely are. Do you want me to give your phone number to Baran?” he asked Silas.

“Yes, tell him to call anytime.”

Darien nodded.

“He can call me too,” Finley said.

As he carried the suitcase to his car, Darien thought of Baran, hoping this action would bring him some sense of justice and safety. At the very least, Baran would know someone was looking out for him.. Darien was determined to keep Rainbow Haven a true haven for all who needed it.