Page 52 of Baran
Baran sighed, still looking uncertain. “I’ve done nothing like this before. Meeting someone’s parents is a big step.”
Darien squeezed his hand gently. “I know it is, and we’ll take it one step at a time. We don’t have to stay long if you’re uncomfortable. But I think it could be a fantastic experience for all of us.”
Baran thought for a moment, then nodded slowly. “Okay, I’ll try it. For you.”
Darien smiled, feeling a wave of relief and gratitude. “Thanks, Baran. This means a lot to me. We’ll make it a fun holiday together.”
As they continued to talk, Darien shared stories about his parents and their home in Connecticut. He described the cozy house decorated for Christmas, the warmth of the family gatherings, and the traditions they followed. Each story seemed to ease Baran’s anxiety a bit more, and by the end of their conversation, he was looking forward to the trip.
Darien felt a renewed sense of excitement. He knew introducing Baran to his parents was a significant step in their relationship, and he was determined to make it a positive and memorable experience for all of them.
As they approached Sunset Park in Brooklyn, Silas in the back started singing Jingle Bells. The others quickly joined in, some on key, others off, and the bus soon erupted into a full chorus of holiday songs. Silas grabbed an imaginary microphone and crooned dramatically, drawing roars of laughter. Hawk and Finley started clapping to keep rhythm, and by the time they pulled up to the park, even the most reserved of them were smiling. Darien sang along, but Baran didn’t seem to know the songs.
Darien stood back as the group spilled out of the bus, grabbing the new sleds from the bus’s baggage area. Baran lingered close by, his eyes bright with excitement Darien hadn’t seen in a few days. Together, they made their way to the hill, where the rest of the group had already started sliding down in pairs, trios, and the occasional chaotic tumble.
“Bet you can’t make it down without falling!” Hawk shouted at Darien, waving a sled above his head.
“You’re on,” Darien replied, smirking as he handed a sled to Baran. They lined up at the top of the hill, their breath visible in the crisp air. “Ready?”
Baran grinned. “I was born ready.”
With a push, they were off, the wind rushing against their faces as they raced downhill side by side. Baran let out atriumphant whoop when they hit the bottom at nearly the same time, and Darien couldn’t help but laugh. Behind them, others were shouting, teasing each other for wipeouts, and laughing so hard they could barely stand.
“Hey, what happened to you guys?” Darien asked.
“Hey, you guys had beginner’s luck,” Hawk said.
Darien and Baran made it back up the hill together. Darien kissed Baran, but in a way no one could tell. He was sneaky that way.
“Ready to race just me now?” Darien asked, a playful glint in his eye.
“Absolutely,” Baran replied, grinning.
They sped down the hillside. The thrill of the ride and the joy of the moment filled them with exhilaration. When they reached the bottom, they tumbled off their sleds together, laughing and brushing off the snow.
For an hour, the hill echoed with joy. Snowball fights broke out, and now and then, someone would feign defeat, flopping dramatically into the snow. By the time Darien called them back to load onto the bus, cheeks were red from the cold, but everyone’s spirits were higher than they’d been in weeks.
The bus ride to the Italian restaurant was quieter, the contented silence of exhaustion and happiness. At the restaurant, a long table was set up for the group. Darien and Baran moved along the table, handing out neatly wrapped presents—winter jackets, scarves, gloves, and hats—items Baran had purchased as his job.
When Hawk opened his gift and found a bright blue beanie to match his jacket, he immediately pulled it on. “Stylish, huh?” he teased, striking a ridiculous pose. Everyone at the table erupted into laughter.
By the end of the meal, as plates of pasta and breadsticks dwindled, Darien sat back and took it all in. Baran nudged him,offering a small smile. It wasn’t much in the grand scheme of things, Darien knew, but tonight it was everything.
“Did you have fun with Charlotte today?” Darien asked.
“Yes, you gave her quite an extensive list for me. I have money now because my mother sent me some now.”
“I know you do. Save it for college.”
Once they arrived back at the shelter, Darien made sure everything was in order. Baran followed him as he checked all the rooms.
“Sometimes, the heaters get fussy, so I make sure no one is cold.”
Once Darien finished, they walked out to the car.
“You did a fantastic job with the gifts. I really like that we can work together until school starts.”
“I enjoy helping people.”
