UNREQUITED LOVE

Kai

Three Years Later

It was my biggest affliction, accrediting Russell Adams to kiss me. Yet at times I would regret walking away also. Things were bound to happen that way, if only I just had obviated the situation. Though he would be dead, if not for my intrusive manner.

Maybe he would've survived, although he had been grateful for my help despite the fact. I couldn't escape the feeling that he only kissed me, because he felt he owed me just that. Just because I'd saved his ass twice, he felt the need to experiment. He knew things went south when he mentioned his late wife, and I was repulsed because if only he would have just liked me for me being me.

Not the Guy who reminded him of his late Wife, just because I cared for him. I wasn't trying to replace his Lucy, or to even just stay in his life. But then he just had to be curious and kiss me, completely fucking me and my emotions over. I felt so bitter and it lasted several, hard months after the incident. However I had to move on someday and I did. Or maybe I didn't.

I didn't forget about Timothy, and how much he had brought some light to my life. He was the reason for me sitting in a Foster Home, in hopes of filling that void. That emptiness inside my heart, needed to be filled. And no Romance would do it for me, so I figured the next best thing was the right choice to make.

'Things have been really bad around here, and sadly the Board cannot oversee renovations just yet. The Children really need new and comfortable Facilities.' Mrs. West, the Oakland Ridge Foster Home Caregiver muttered sheepishly.

The woman put me in mind of a curious cat. With large eyes the color of a rainy sky. Her silky, straight, chestnut hair was medium-length, worn in a precise, simple style. She had an angular build and her skin was cream-colored. knobby ears and a large mouth, accentuated her round, chubby face. Her wardrobe was risque, with a lot of blue and gray that was surprisingly, not so terrible looking. She looked to be in her late fifties, so her sense of style didn't beg to question.

'What about sponsors. I'm quite sure they have those. Why aren't they helping?' I asked the Woman, watching her grey eyes blink awkwardly. I could tell she felt nervous, and by the looks of it not many had visited this place for a while so she did have just cause, to be nervous.

Her office was in a bit of a clutter, and the woman herself seemed just as disheveled as the room. Small, square and cluttered. With matching plastic, metal, and wooden Furniture. The floor was wood and the walls were papered, in a cream color that reflected the lights. Provided by wall lamps and a ceiling light. The Office itself, was dusky and overall had a quirky look.

Mrs. West had already showed me around the compound, making my heart melt with each little face I looked upon. I wanted to just take them all home with me, and just give them a new Home. The place needed a Sponsor, and I was slightly concerned as to what would happen to the Home in a few more months. They had to close down at some point, and I could tell Mrs. West feared that day was coming soon.

'The sponsors have backed out entirely, and the yearly contracts have already expired. We need somebody new to take over. A fresh face that can pull in new Sponsors.' She explained and I nodded, understanding her but not quite understanding the policy, completely.

'A fresh face? But you've been here for a while, this place is basically your Home. That's highly unfortunate and unfair.' I argued with a grimace and the Woman chuckled lightly, her eyes glistening with new enthusiasm.

'Yes well I'm getting old. Nobody wants to take over here, so I'm afraid we might be shutting down earlier than I expected. Poor things will be transferred or put out on the streets.' She shook her head, finally digging into her desk drawers. She soon pulled up a neat file, opening it and scanning over the documents inside.

'Isn't that what the kids need? Comfort and a friendly face? Who runs the Administration here?' I shot out the questions and she shook her head, sadness filling her eyes once more.

'As I said they want me out, but nobody will take over. I've been waiting for almost 15 years, and nobody even applied. I just decided to stay, because well. I couldn't leave them here, my heart wouldn't allow it.' She explained and I frowned, gazing out the window to the left of the Office.

Her words had me thinking about the Foster Home, and all the children in it. There was a total of 22 children, and only three of them were over the age of fourteen. Including one 16 year old, who only had two more years before he had to go out on his own. Sooner too by the looks of it, and it was breaking my heart. I suddenly wondered what it took to get authorized to run a Foster Home, but I resisted the urge to ask her. Planning on just reading up on it when I got home, since when life gave you questions. Google would surely you answers, maybe not all correct but still, it was Google.

'Uh huh, right. Can't they wait till all the children are accounted for?' I asked incredulous, and she shrugged.

'No they cannot-, Carlisle I didn't know you were still here, I thought you left earlier.' Mrs. West was smiling brightly as her gaze flew over my shoulder.

'I couldn't leave, apparently I need to figure out the needed repairs in the kitchen. Why won't the Government won't help fix this place and keep the kids warm?' A deep voice spat behind me, and I could sense the frustration in his voice. 'They give us lousy food, and lousy clothes. If only I could afford to get some new material, but that won't be until the next couple of years when I get a promotion at the Company,' I spun around as he spoke, and was honestly quite pleased by the handsome figure that stood tall behind me. Dressed in paint stained, black Overalls, could Bering his thick black Work Boots.

I rose from the chair I sat in,  just as Mrs. West did so I could greet him politely. His round, ocean blue eyes were like two swimming pools. Gazing at me, deeply in interest. His thick, straight, medium-length hair was the color of dried Hay. Worn in a very attractive style. He towered over me easily, with wide-chest and thick build, with a fresh, handsome face. He had the same knobby ears, as Mrs. West and I figured they must have been related, only he had thick, bushy eyebrows whereas hers was thin.

'Well we have Guests and I look like a Hoodlum,' he spoke in a crisp, deep voice as his blue eyes, settled upon me. My cheeks had begun to grow warm as the Man flashed me a charming smile.

'This is Carlisle, a true master among Humans.' Mrs. West mused and the Man chuckled placing a hand on her shoulders.

There was something mystifying about him. Perhaps it was just a feeling with my lack of lust or perhaps it was simply his good looks. But nonetheless, he was a stranger and he seemed polite enough to be approached. So that I did, though my legs shook in angst.

'And who is this interesting looking person.' The Man spoke, as his eyes roamed over me.

I shifted on my legs, watching as he thrust his right hand forward. Trying to conjure up words to say, not entirely sure if he was flirting. 'This is Kai James, he's interested in adopting.' Mrs. West beamed and Carlisle nodded looking amused at my baffled state.

'We haven't had a visitor in months.' The man spoke with a frustrated sigh.

'I've gotten to understand the situation a little,' I explained and he nodded with pursed lips.

'Carlisle is like my assistant, he volunteered to help me with the Children a few years ago.' Mrs. West smiled proudly up at the tall Man who beamed down at her.

'I'm not your assistant. I'm your son, don't forget it.' The man said, placing a quick kiss atop the older Woman's forehead.

'Fine, and don't think I forgot. How is the Kitchen?' She asked and he sighed, his expression contorting to a frown.

'One of the Stove Units are broken. Seventy percent of the Electrical Fixtures will be permanently damaged if we don't get someone to check out the wiring in those areas.' He said and Mrs. West looked equally frustrated, making me feel much more saddened by the situation they faced.

'I'm sorry about this Mr. James. I just have to make a quick call. I'll be back in a jiffy.' She apologized, turning to me and I shot her a smile.

'It's no problem at all. These things need to be assessed immediately,' I spoke with understanding, and she smiled at me as if surprised.

'I'll try to contact the Board again, just give me a few minutes I'm quite sure it won't last long.' She chuckled before turning away.

'So you're interested in adopting?' The man asked as soon as Mrs. West made her retreat.

I turned my attention to him, nodding politely. 'Yes, I've been thinking about it for a while. I just needed to get my life in order first.'

'You haven't thought about marrying?' He asked and I hesitated, narrowing my gaze at him. I thought he would at least realize why I was adopting, because there could be many issues. 'It's ok, me neither. I'm not thinking about marriage at this point. There are too much things to be done.' He spoke apologetically and I blushed.

'The thought of Marriage kinda scares me, but maybe in the Future.' I added and he chuckled.

'I can definitely relate to that. You've come to the right place. It may not be much, but I'm sure you'll find the perfect child.' He shrugged and I gazed up at him, getting lost in his eyes.

Eyes that reminded me of someone I once knew, and liked. If not loved, for I was quite smitten with the Individual. I tried my best not to say his name, or think about him. But at that moment, I realized that maybe he wasn't to be given all the blame. For I was the one that came along and cause confusion in his life. I was the one who gave myself false hopes, of being loved by someone who didn't seem capable of even loving himself.

'Thank you.' I replied and he cast me an endearing smile.

A few awkward seconds had passed, and I tried to conjure up the words to keep the conversation going. 'Truth be told I want to take them all home.' I added and he chuckled, nodding down at me.

'This is why I come here everyday. Nobody has been by in so long, and the kids they've gotten so used to me. I don't think I can ever leave them.' He confessed and I understood his dilemma.

'I think I know what I'll be doing for the next few years.' I smiled and he gazed at me curiously.

'Well, I wish you luck.' He smiled, confused as if he didn't get understand what I meant. I couldn't blame him either, for I was unsure of that fact myself.

Out conversation took an abrupt end, as Mrs. Carlisle walked back into the Office. Her hands folded across her chubby belly. She had a blank look on her face, and I could tell the call to the Board did not turn out well. I was saddened yet again, but there was nothing I could do.

'No headway with the Board I'm guessing?' Carlisle asked and Mrs. West nodded a no.

'You've gotta be kidding me. What do they expect us to do, if they won't get the Government to fund the Home?' He asked incredulous, shaking his head vehemently.

'Well we can't do anything about it. I've diluted everything I had, just to keep this place running. I can't put the Children out, unless it's with a Family that I know will take good care of them,' she grimaced and I gazed from her to Carlisle.

'I have a question,' I spoke and they both turned to me.

'I'm sorry about this Mr. James. I adidn't expect anybody to show up today.' Mrs. West added apologetically walking back to her seat, behind her oak Desk.

'It's fine Mrs. West, really. I'm kind of glad I'm hearing this. I used to work with Children before so all this is kind of overwhelming for me as well.' I spoke honestly, but at that moment I conjured up an initiative.

'Yes, indeed it is. What was your question?' She asked, flashing me a polite smile.

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