A Forever Home, Chapter 2
Kain's day started out better than most of them had recently. Although he was concerned about his grandmother, he did his best to concentrate on his school work. Given all of the drama in his life up to that point, he'd learned to shut out a lot of distractions.
At noon, he met up with Gabe, in the cafeteria, who steered him toward the table where he often sat. Kain didn't care one way or the other where they landed because he'd never made any close buds at school anyway. The kids he sometimes sat near, though polite, tended to keep to themselves.
There was more chatter around Gabe's table. He was well-liked and respected for his friendly attitude toward others as well as his athletic ability. Kain soon found himself conversing with others more than he had in the past year. Of course, last year had been messed up with sporadic closures and online-learning as the pandemic had surged.
He felt like he had made two new friends in Todd Barger and Aiden Frey who seemed very pleasant and easy to chat with.
They were nearly finished with lunch when Gabe's dad came to their table. He motioned to Kain to follow him. When they were out of hearing range, Rod gave him an update on his future.
"I'm pleased to tell you that everything is on target for you to be my foster son. Your grandmother was thrilled that you have a place to go and she signed the necessary forms with a witness present.
"I managed to take care of it during my prep time. I'm fortunate to be working with an administrator like Dr. Olsson who allows teachers to do emergency business during the school day, as long as we make up the time. Ms. Lange met me there right on the dot. She was much more efficient than I've given her credit for.
"By the way, I found your grandmother to be cordial and sharp as a tack. She thanked my profusely for giving you a home and she had a list of things she wants you to keep if we have room for them. So, we're covered in taking the chest of drawers. She wants you to take anything you desire and to give the rest to Goodwill or Salvation Army. She doesn't want your parents to get anything because she said they'd just sell it and use the money for drugs. Those are her words, not mine.
"I thought she looked remarkable good for being taken away in an ambulance yesterday."
"Will they let me visit her or are there too many restrictions?"
"You are welcome to see her. I'll text Gabe to give you a ride to Westridge after school. I would have texted all this to Gabe to share with you, but I thought maybe you'd like to hear it directly, and I don't have your number."
Rod and Kain exchanged contact info immediately so that they could stay in touch more easily. Then Kain went back to join his noon-time companions just as they were getting up from the table to take their trays to the conveyer belt.
"So, what's the word?" Gabe asked.
"It's all systems go!"
"I knew it would be. Oh, I have a text from Dad. Yes, I can take you to see Grandma right after school. We can't stay really long or you'll have to walk home because I need to get to my job by 3:45."
Because of Covid, nursing home visitors were limited to family and clergy, so Gabe sat in his car doing homework while Kain went in. The weather was chilly but not cloudy. Gabe parked in a direction which allowed the most sun to shine in the windshield. His black car tended to soak up the rays, so he was comfortable enough to shed his sweatshirt.
Kain had to check in using a machine which asked health and exposure questions, and took his temperature as well, before printing out a sticker with his name on it. It was a bit complicated and would have taken more time had not the attendant at the desk helped him navigate the system.
To say that Edna was pleased to have her grandson visit would be the understatement of the year. She had spent a restless night worrying about what would happen to him in her absence. Ms. Lange had assured her that the church would find a place for him, but Edna hadn't been convinced. Having learned that he was with a family who had a son his age had made her doubly happy. The man who was now his guardian had impressed her well. She knew he was likely to be trustworthy since teachers were well vetted before being licensed. Of course, there were always a few who preyed upon teens, but in this case, she didn't believe that would happen.
Seeing Kain's joyful countenance brought her peace. She didn't have to fight anymore to stay alive. He would be okay when she was gone.
When the hospice nurse came in to chat with Edna, Kain figured it was time to make his exit. Gabe still needed to go home to change into his black slacks and white shirt before going to HyVee.
Kain wanted to get a job so he could make some spending money. Rod had assured him that he didn't need to earn his keep, but Kain still wanted to do what he could. He asked Gabe if the store needed any more sackers and stockers. Gabe said that HyVee was desperate for more help and that Kain could likely get hired if he wanted to work. So, Kain accompanied Gabe when he went in to work, saying he could easily walk the distance back to the house.
Mr. Moline, the manager, was please to give Kain a quick interview when he found that Gabe was recommending him. Gabe had an excellent work record and Moline trusted his judgment. Within half an hour, Kain had been promised hours which would correspond with Gabe's. Kain would begin the following afternoon and would shadow Gabe during that time.
"So, it's you and me for dinner tonight and then I'm alone for most of the week," Rod said, on hearing about Kain's job. "I'll miss you guys. I'll make sure to save leftovers so you can have a proper meal when you get home. I don't want you just eating junk food."
"Aye, aye, Sir!" Kain saluted.
"I see that you're a tease like Gabe is. I love your spirit."
When Gabe arrived home shortly after 9:00, Rod warm up leftovers in the microwave and the three of them sat at the kitchen table while Gabe ate. Kain was impressed with how Rod made it like family time. Again, he was thankful that he had the chance to live with these people.
The following day, Kain and Gabe went home after school and changed into their "uniform" for work before visiting the nursing home. They followed the same pattern as the day before except that they arrived later and went directly to work from there.
This schedule turned into a regular routine.
On Thursday, Coach Northrup sent a note to Kain asking him to come to the athletic office during his study hall period. Kain was surprised by the request.
"Kain, I'd like you to go out for wrestling this season. I've heard that you're living closer to school and might be able to join the team again. I have a slot open in your weight class and I have a singlet with your name on it which had been ordered before you quit. It's big enough to accommodate the few pounds you've put on since then."
"I don't know, Coach. I haven't wrestled for about a year and a half."
"Everyone missed a lot of contact time because of the pandemic. You won't be any further behind than a lot of athletes. Besides, I'll bet Gabe would help you catch up."
"So, did he tell you to ask me?"
"Nope. I happened to overhear Rod say that you were living with them. So, I figured his son would be willing to give you a hand. The two of you are close enough in size to wrestle against each other. Your presence ln the team could be good for both of you. Please get back to me by Monday because it's getting close to the date when we can officially practice."
"Okay, I'll think about it. I'm working part time at HyVee now."
"I think you can handle a job along with wrestling. We can get you excused from gym for participating. And HyVee is very good about working around the schedule of athletes. Just ask Gabe."
"Okay. Thanks for wanting me back on the team."
Kain practically skipped as he made his way back to study hall. It felt good to be wanted! Since this was his last year of high school, perhaps he could make it one of his best.
Gabe was nearly as excited over the news as Kain was. He had considered asking the coach to talk to Kain about coming back, but he'd been hesitant to interfere.
Kain found that he wasn't as out of shape as he'd feared. While the diet of people living on the cusp of food-insecurity runs heavy to carbs, he had burned off the extra calories by walking or biking to school. Living with Rod and Gabe, he had more protein and fresh veggies, so he wasn't gaining weight even though he had more to eat. On top of that, Gabe and he spent extra time working out in the basement with the bench and weights down there.
When Gabe and he practiced wrestling, Kain realized that he hadn't forgotten the moves he'd learned. Maybe those had become permanently embedded in is brain, sort of like being able to ride a bicycle.
The following Sunday afternoon, Rod and the boys went to clear out Grandma's apartment. The agency wanted to be able to rent it to someone by November 1st. Rod said that they should take everything Kain wanted to keep. They would find room for it somewhere. Edna's queen sized bed could be put in a basement room which the former owner had used as an extra bedroom. It was now used for storage, but the things in it could be put in the garage attic. The twin bed Kain had used could be put in the basement room that was closed off from the family room by bifold doors.
"That was Kristen's sewing room and I've left it as such. I need to give away the fabric and use the space. She wouldn't want me to keep it like a shrine."
"Oh man, I don't want you to change things for me. I'll give the bed to someone who needs it. I don't plan to sleep in it again."
"Okay, but the offer still stands. If you don't want it in that room, I'm still going to reorganize the space. I'll put the computer stuff in there and make Anna's room back into a proper bedroom. If Paul and she come for Thanksgiving, it will be a good place for them to sleep. And with the extra junk out of there, there'll be room for the portable crib. I can hardly wait to get my hands on my baby grandson! The pandemic has made it a scary time for the birth of a child and a scarier one for having him exposed to others. Thankfully, we've all been vaccinated."
"Will Casey come too?" Kain asked
"We hope so!"
"Then, I can sleep in the basement bedroom and he can be back with his brother like they used to be," Kain said.
"Nope, you're staying with me," Gabe insisted. "We're family now."
Before supper on Sunday, everything in the apartment had been moved out and it had been dusted and vacuumed. Rod was confident that Edna would get her deposit all back.
The recliner was now part of the family room furniture, as was the kitchen table. Rod had said that the table would be ideal for play cards or board games. The little loveseat would fit in the new basement computer room and could be used for extra seating if they had a party. Kain's old twin bed was stored at the end of the garage until they could find someone who needed it.
November 11th, Rod came into the cafeteria with a serious expression on his face. Kain knew why he was there before he opened his mouth.
"Kain, I'm sorry to tell you, but your grandmother passed away just a few minutes ago."
Kain didn't say anything because he didn't trust his voice. He merely nodded as the tears ran down his cheeks. Rod put a comforting arm around his shoulder. This time, the gesture didn't increase the flow. In fact, Kain managed a wan smile. Grandma was gone, but he still had family. He would miss her, but he was thankful that she was no longer in pain. She had toughed it out until she knew he would be taken care of. Now, she could rest.
His tablemates all expressed their sympathy. He felt like he had support.
As per her wishes, Edna's body was cremated and her ashes were place in the mausoleum next to her husband's. There was no funeral. However, the pastor of Rod's church did a short graveside service the following Sunday afternoon which the three of them attended. When it was over, they went to the church to help serve the evening meal for the less fortunate of the city. It was a fitting tribute to Edna. The three of them ate together when the serving line closed down. Rod encouraged Kain to recall some of the good times he'd had with his grandmother. It helped bring a feeling of closure.
That night while Kain took his shower, Rod and Gabe sat at the kitchen table for a few minutes conversing.
"So, you don't want to be parted from Kain when Casey is here. Are you two becoming close?"
"We are, but maybe not as close as I'd like to be."
"Does that mean you have a crush on Kain?"
"I guess. He's really a wonderful guy. He has all the qualities I'd like in a partner. He's industrious, responsible, caring, and a lot of fun to be with."
"Whoa, you could get your heart broken. He might be as straight as the proverbial arrow."
"I know. I'm not going to do anything to encourage a deeper relationship because I'm not certain about his orientation. I don't think he's sure either. That's why I'm keeping everything platonic."
"That's a difficult thing for a teenager to do, given hormones and all."
"Tell me about it!" Gabe exclaimed. "Anyway, I'll have to be content to have him as my best bud if things don't work out to go any further. I'm not going to do anything to jeopardize that."
Fall break consisted of a full week with Thanksgiving toward the end of it. Rod was thankful for the time off so he could get things ready for company and the meals which would be involved. The teens helped him prepare whatever could be made ahead, and that was a godsend. Of course, they had to put in extra hours at the store because of the shopping surge which preceded the holiday. It happened every year.
Casey had the longer driving distance, but he arrived before his sister and husband. He had gotten an earlier start, and he didn't have to make stops to feed a hungry infant.
Kain had been a bit stressed over how Casey would treat him even though he'd been cordial when the family had Skyped. His worries vanished in a flash when Casey gave him a bear hug just like the one he gave his brother.
Rusty went crazy over having company. He remembered Casey, but he had to go through the ritual of getting reacquainted.
The young men chatted for about half an hour among themselves. Casey watched the interactions between his brother and Kain. It amused him to see how connected they were to each other.
When Kain excused himself to use the bathroom, Casey took the opportunity to tease Gabe.
"You sure know how to pick a boyfriend! He's adorable."
"Shh! He might hear you. We're just good buds."
"That's hard to believe. I can tell by his body language that he dotes on you and you're the same way."
"Okay, I admit that I'm becoming very fond of him. Honestly, I wouldn't dare act on it because he's really fragile right now. He lost his home and his grandmother all within the past month. If I told him how much I care, he might feel obligated to let me do what I want. You know I wouldn't pressure him, but he might think he wouldn't be able to stay with us if he didn't please me."
"I get the impression that he might welcome your affection," Casey said.
"Speaking of boyfriends, is there a girl in your life who'd like you as her boyfriend?" Gabe asked, trying to shift the spotlight.
"Actually, there might be. There's a new girl at work who's just younger than me and I finally got the nerve to ask her for a date. It's still kind of scary to eat out, so I asked her over for dinner. I cooked it all, and it was good, if I do say so myself.
"I think she was hesitant to be with a single guy in his apartment by herself. You know there's a lot of that date-rape drug stuff going around. I guess the boss put in a good word about me, and I was a perfect gentleman. She wants to cook for me when I get back. She has all the things I'm looking for in a wife. I'm not rushing to the altar, but I'm really pleased to have her as a friend."
Kain did overhear the first part of the brothers' conversation. He had stopped to catch a spider which was climbing on the wall. With a baby arriving soon, he feared it might bite the kid. He went on to the bathroom when Gabe got into Casey's love life.
The siblings' discussion got him pondering about how others saw Gabe and him. He wasn't displeased that Gabe found him attractive. He certainly thought that Gabe was a hunk, as well as being a thoroughly nice guy - the kind of person one could build a life with.
He joined the others just as Casey was saying he wasn't ready to settle down yet.
When Anna, Paul, and Evan arrived, Rusty got hyper again. Gabe settled him down before he was allowed to see the baby. Instinctively, Rusty got quiet as he was introduced to the youngest member of the family. It was as if he realize this was a delicate life which needed to be protected.
Of course, there was welcoming and hugging among the adults. Again, Kain found himself accepted as part of the clan.
That night, they had take-out pizza for supper. Rod had done enough cooking and would be doing more tomorrow. Everyone thought he deserved a night off.
Thanksgiving Dinner was as much like it had been when Kristen was alive as Rod could make it. When everyone was seated, he asked each person to think about something they were thankful for in the past year. He said that he would start and the rest contribute starting at his right.
"I'm thankful for my first grandson whom I finally get to see in person after waiting six months and for my third son who came into my life about six weeks ago. Both make my family richer by their presence."
Anna followed by expressing her gratitude that her son hadn't been harmed by the pandemic. Paul expressed something similar, saying that he was thankful that his wife had come through the experience of bearing a child in scary times and both had flourished despite the odds. Casey was thankful for what the others had noted, and he was grateful for having landed a good job. Gabe was pleased that he had a new best-buddy. Kain expressed his gratitude for having a home and people who treated him like family. Rusty just said, woof. Everyone laughed at the canine's timely "comment."
"Now, I want you all to eat well, but please hold back enough for dessert," Rod suggested.
Rod had prepared Kristen's favorite recipes, including her fresh cranberry relish. His sons weren't all that fond of it, but they ate it remembering Mom. Kain loved it! He could have eaten more of it but didn't want to make a pig of himself. He hoped Rod would save it to go with leftovers in the evening.
After the table had been cleared, Rod asked everyone to be seated while he brought in the dessert. A few minutes later, he came into the dining room bearing a chocolate cake with three candles on it. There was one in the shape of the number 1, a second in the shape of an 8, and a third plain one behind them.
Everyone joined in singing happy birthday to Kain who sat there grinning through his tears.
"Okay, Kain, make a wish and blow these out quickly enough so we can use them again in six months," Rod requested.
Kain easily blew them out in one breath, but the single one kept reigniting. He laughed so hard that he could scarcely draw another breath. Rod took the candle off of the cake and set it in a tiny candleholder.
"This candle is symbolic of our affection for you, Kain. It can't be extinguished. It will burn to the end."
"Wow! I don't know how to thank you. This is an awesome day. I didn't know if anyone would remember it was my birthday since it's a holiday."
"Gabe and I have been planning on how to surprise you. We all have a little something to commemorate your passage to adulthood."
Kain opened a box from Rod which contained a school letter jacket. It was something he'd always wanted but could never afford. There were also several envelopes with gift certificates to Amazon and J.C. Penney. Since most of the family wasn't sure what he would like, they felt this was the best solution.
In the afternoon, the guys settled in front of the TV in the basement family room to watch football. It wasn't Gabe's or Kain's favorite sport. However, it was tradition, so they did their best to appear interested.
Anna went up to the guest room with Evan for a nap. She didn't have her strength all back after giving birth, and the baby was often ready for sleep.
After the main game was over, Gabe and Kain went up to their room to rest. Casey stretched out on the sofa, and Rod lay back in the recliner. Before long, everyone, including Rusty, was napping.
Author's notes: I heard from the following readers about chapter 1: Ott H, Geoff S, Gordon, Randy M, Bill T, Charles G, Cary and Ken, Kenneth H, Fred S, Michael C, Mendy D, Ken McC, David J, Tim DeF, Jim W, GCD, Hayden O, Steve C, Joe W, Chandra B, Allen, Walter S, JP, Frank K, Chris S, Jamie S, Les R, Tony C, Leonardo C, Lance C, Tim T, Al H, John L, Thomas T, David W, Paul F, and Paul M. Thanks to all of you!
Thanks for reading this story. If you enjoyed it, please feel free to contact me a dlee169@hotmail.com and let me know. Your emails are the only reward I receive for writing. If you put the title of this tale in the subject-line, I'll be able to find it if it ends up in the spam box.
Thanks to David S for editing. He finds the typos and missing words! He also makes valuable suggestions.
Thanks to Nifty for providing this free service. It costs the site to do it, so please consider donating to defray their expenses.
https://donate.nifty.org/
Thanks, David