Page 19 of Baran
Darien leaned forward, his tone firm but calm. “I’ve noticed the way you’ve been treating him. The dirty looks, the hostility. It’s unacceptable.”
Miss Archer’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I’m just looking out for you.”
“And how are you doing that?”
“Hawk was right about Baran. I don’t trust him, either, nor should you.”
“Give me one reason I shouldn’t trust him.”
“Look at what happened to Hawk. You banned him from the shelter over a minor squabble between the two of them.”
“We have zero tolerance for fighting. Hawk was wrong to hate him because he’s Turkish. He also took his suitcase.”
“It’s not just that, he’s an illegal. You ought to send him back before you get into trouble for harboring an illegal.”
“That’s ignorant thinking, as is Hawk’s. As you know, he will attend college here on a student visa. He won’t be illegal once his papers are in order.”
“He’s using you and your money to gain citizenship.”
Darien shook his head, frustration bubbling up. “That’s not true, and you know it. Baran is a good person who’s been through a lot. He deserves our support, not our suspicion.”
Miss Archer’s eyes flashed with anger. “He’s just another gold digger, trying to take advantage of your kindness.”
Darien’s patience gave out. “Enough, Miss Archer. What happens in my personal life is none of your business. And there is no room for prejudice here. We are supposed to be a supportive community.”
She stood up, her voice rising. “I’m just trying to protect you! You don’t know what he’s capable of.”
Darien stood as well, his voice steady but resolute. “I know exactly what I’m doing. Baran is not a threat. Your behavior, however, is. If you can’t treat him with the respect he deserves, then perhaps this isn’t the place for you.”
Miss Archer’s face twisted with a mix of hurt and anger. “Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
She stormed out of the office, leaving Darien to take a deep breath and collect his thoughts. He knew he had done the right thing, standing up for Baran and ensuring a safe, supportiveenvironment for everyone at Rainbow Haven. With renewed determination, he left his office and noticed Baran decorating with Silas. He scanned the room, looking for Miss Archer, but she was nowhere to be found. He found Mateo and asked him to take over as he was leaving for the night and Miss Archer had left early. He told Darien Miss Archer had already told him to take over.
After thanking Mateo, he found his way to Baran.
“We’re leaving now unless you have some unfinished business here.”
“I’m ready.”
In the car, he turned to Baran. “Did Miss Archer give you the applications to mail?”
“No. She said she would take care of it.”
Darien feared she might not have mailed them. He kept driving until he reached Jamaica Estates, where his best friend lived. Jonathan was on the Admissions Commission at New York University.
“We’re going to meet my best friend, Jonathan Fletcher. We’ve been friends since high school. I want him to meet you. Are you okay with that?”
“No problem.”
Darien drove through the upscale neighborhood, feeling a mix of anticipation and hope. He glanced over at Baran, who seemed equally nervous and eager.
They pulled up in front of Jonathan’s expansive home, a stunning estate with manicured lawns and a grand facade. They walked up the stone pathway, surrounded by lush gardens, and rang the doorbell.
Jonathan greeted them with a warm smile, ushering them inside. He was as tall as Darien, with dark hair and eyes, and a matching beard. The interior of the house was just as impressive as the exterior—high ceilings, intricate moldings, and a blend oftasteful artwork and contemporary furnishings. The living room was spacious and inviting, with large comfortable sofas and a fireplace that added a cozy touch.
“Jonathan, this is Baran Aslan,” Darien said, introducing his friend to the young man beside him.
Jonathan extended a hand. “Nice to meet you, Baran. Darien’s told me a lot about you.”
