Page 13 of Jasha
“Do you know why your father left Russia?”
“I was eleven and my father told me we had to leave the country. He never explained why. It was because my mother died.”
“I’m sorry you lost your mother at such a young age. Was she sick?”
“No. She was gunned down and died two days later.”
“No wonder he left. Do you know why she was gunned down?”
“My father refused to discuss it with me.”
“Was it hard to change schools?”
“Yes, it was. The language wasn’t the issue. I knew the language, but it was a cultural shock. My Russian name didn’t help me. Kids called me a Commie. Then we moved to Brighton Beach. Things got better. I met friends from Russia living there.”
Mr. Wells entered the room. “Arlo and Frankie will be here within twenty minutes, sir.”
“Thank you.”
As Mr. Wells walked out the door, his footsteps echoed down the hallway, gradually fading away.
“Let’s change into something else.” Kaleb had a starting point now that Jasha shared information about his life withhis last daddy. He would love to see his little side show up unexpectedly.
“Do we wear slippers when they come too?”
“Yes. They’ll also wear slippers.”
“But Mr. Wells and Miss Nadia wear shoes.”
“They wear their uniform shoes which never go outside, like slippers.”
Chapter Eight
Kaleb
After Kaleb dressed, he went to Jasha’s room to walk downstairs together to meet his friends. He knocked on Jasha’s door and when he heard him say come in; he did so. Jasha wore sexy black jeans, a vibrant red Santa tie, and a gray shirt that mirrored the color of his captivating eyes. He was beautiful and if he could get him to love and trust him, it would be the best Christmas present.
“You look stunningly handsome,” Kaleb said.
“Thank you for the Santa tie. I really love it.”
“My pleasure. Are you ready?”
“Yes.” He followed Kaleb to the stairs. Arlo and Frankie were already in their new red slippers that Mr. Wells had purchased that morning. During the holidays, they always spent a magical week together. Kaleb was really looking forward to them all spending time together for Christmas.
Arlo gave Kaleb a big hug, then Frankie did. “Who is this handsome young man?” Arlo’s hazel eyes sparkled with warmth, perfectly complementing his ginger-colored hair and beard. He was the same height as Kaleb.
“This is Jasha Kozlov.”
As they made their introductions and exchanged greetings, a warm and friendly atmosphere filled the air.
“Why don’t you and Frankie get to know each other while I talk business to Arlo? The front living room is a good place,” Kaleb said.
Arlo quietly trailed behind him to his study, and they found seats on plush chairs overlooking the lake.
“So, is Jasha Valentin’s son?”
“Yes. The scene was bad. Jasha is traumatized by what happened.”
