Kai

Five Weeks Later

'All you need to do is sign here, and here.' Kary, my Lawyer spoke as I peered down at the files before me.

The were legal files granting me the complete adoption of Ryu Ken and James Bellicose. I thought I was finished with the legalities, but apparently not. After sending in all the paperwork, it took me all of two weeks to get a response. But everything had sped up by the time I'd gotten my recommendation letters from my sources.

But the process was finally complete, and I was now a Father. Mrs. West had also suggested that I changed James' name, since it would look weird on papers if he had two last names, or rather two first names. They were finally about to have my last name on their Legal papers, and whatever was done concerning them, was now up to me.

Everything was finally over, and today marked the official day James and Ryu have no ties to the Government. Unless it was their immunization charts. Luckily everyone in my corner was in favor of me adopting Children, even the Courts and Agency.

I peeked to the side, seeing James help Ryu fix his hat, atop his head. They couldn't have been any closer, and I was now feeling lucky and excited, with no words to explain my exhilaration.

Ryu sat on Jax's lap as he sat on the bench, waiting and waiting. The reading of the deeds, rights and guidelines took some time. And I was anxious to get them settled, for I had already enrolled James in a School. He would have to repeat a year, for the Foster home couldn't send all the children to Schools, but now he could finally afford to. He was excited, and he made it clear that he was just happy he gets to share a Father with Ryu.

Over the course of three weeks, things ran smoothly for all three of us. Ryu and James settled into the House, as if they had already lived there, and it was their Home.

James had a few sleepless nights, and Ryu insisted on sleeping in his Room, smart enough to know that his Brother needed comforting. James learned to do laundry by himself, and Ryu learned new words each day. Up to three Social Workers had visited, unannounced to observe the new environment the Boys were in. I didn't have to worry, for everything was smoothe, because I ran a tight ship and keeping children disciplined was my day to day job.

Though I couldn't complain, for Ryu and Jax were wonderful, other than the noises they made while watching the Tele. Or just playing outside in the backyard, which I planned to install a miniature playground for Ryu soon enough. I wanted to spoil them, but I withheld and decided to teach them that they should appreciate life, without all the riches in the World. They learned fast, and weren't the type of children to constantly demand Toys, or the newest gaming console. They simply did as they were taught, and showed appreciation for whatever was granted to them.

I kept visiting Oakridge, saddened that I couldn't adopt anymore, for I'd felt bad that I took Ryu and James away from their only Friends and only Home. Mrs. West had received her Grant Checks, and was putting things together as much as she could. I prayed for a miracle, that could help her in some way and days after I asked, I received news.

My Mother called one day out of the blue, and I'd thought that it was just her checking up on me and the Boys as usual, but it wasn't. We began talking then, and she notified me that two years after she and my Father had divorced, and their finances were in haywire. It appeared that they both had planned a Trust Fund, that went up in flames, after an investment issue with their accountants. Accounts and funds went missing, and half the percentage of their insurance coverages had just vanished.

Apparently their lawyers were trying to milk them dry, but were caught early enough to avoid such atrocities. They solved the issues after seven years, and came into some big money that was due to them years before. Only the money was tripled because of their many investments, and insurance policies.

My Trust Fund was finally granted to me, and I ended up with all of Four Million dollars, that I could use as I pleased. So I decided to invest into something, that was sure to make my Parents and Sons proud.

After many discussions with Mrs. West, I came up with a solution to their problems. Carlisle and herself had a joint percentage of Shares in the Oakridge Foster Home. Since it had started with Mrs. West's Father many years ago. I pondered on how I could help, and contacted my Lawyer to help with some financial solutions. I was only planning on donating to the Home, but Kary suggested that I bought Mrs. West's shares.

In that way, I could own seventy percent of Oakridge, and become the primary handler. She gave me time to think about my options, but after hours I decided to make my move. I needed Mrs. West's blessing, but a part of me knew that she wasn't going to deny my help at all. It was even more exciting for me, and I knew this investment would pay off, even if no profits were assured.

'Ok, are they fully mine now?' I asked excitedly and Kary smiled the brightest of smiles.

'Congratulations Mr. James, you are now a Father.' The woman mused and I chuckled, turning to James and Ryu.

'You guys hear that?' I asked and James smiled at me with excitement evident in his grin. Ryu too busy with his rubber ball to know exactly what was going on, but he had already gotten used to having me as a Parent.

'Can we call you dad now?' Jax asked, and my heart leapt in my chest.

'Only if you want to,' I smiled and the Boy grinned brightly.

'Ok dad.' That was all he had to say to make my day brighter.

I knew I loved them already, But each day that love grew to unimaginable heights, and I couldn't wait until they even had my last names on their Birth Certificates.

'Ok, so the documents for the name change are inside this File Jacket. You must fill out the forms within, bring it to the Foster home and get Mrs. West's signature. Once done you can just bring it here or submit it to the Social Office in Brantworth. You will receive their brand new Birth Certificates in a couple weeks or less.' Kary announced and I fought the urge to squeal.

'Thank you so much Kary. I really appreciate it that you flew out here for this.' I said with immense gratitude, and she flashed me a proud smile.

'I have been representing your family for years, of course. You just take care of these boys like I know you will.' She smiled as she rose from her chair.

We had gathered in a conference room, inside The Consulate. An organization of exchange and local lawyers, from all around the world. Kary was the only person I trusted with these matters, so I flew her out of London to help quicken the adoption process. She was even more excited that I was adopting, and threatened me if I didn't make her their Godmother. She was such a sweet individual, and I could see why my Mum and Dad liked her. She had been representing them for years, each and every little case after the divorce. She was the woman who found all those frozen accounts, and the one who made sure they were freed. Thanks to her I had a little smidgen of wealth, that I was willing to use in order to keep Oakridge from closing its doors.

I already had two accounts in the U.S, one being a fixed deposit account which grew more and more each month. I had solemnly decided that I would only keep adding, to maintain College Funds for both James and Ryu. All my finances were now budgeted for three, because I vowed to make sure their lives were at least comfortable. Even when they grew up and decide to leave me, to be their own adults. I was dreading the day, but for now I would just enjoy being their Parent. I was also silently hoping that they would find comfort, strength and love in me. I wanted them to have nothing less, and even the remaining children at the Foster Home had a place in my heart.

It was official that this day, was the happiest moment in my life. Now I was able to fill that empty void in my heart, and allow myself to be content and proud of the person that I've become over that past few years.

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