Kai

Three Months later

Judge Valdez was a hard-working, optimistic man with a penchant for Justice. He was not easily pleased, and would rather dismiss a case if he felt it didn't sit right, with his cynical outlooks. But today was another day, and he was in fact pleased with my proposition. He had a round face with a receding hairline, high cheekbones, dark, large eyes and thin eyebrows leading down to his flat nose and full lips.

It was obvious that he was once a very handsome man, with a very tall soft, tending to rounded build but now he was slightly overweight and had rough light-olive skin, with tan lines around his eyes.

Two long hours was what it took, to get him to see that closing down the Oakridge Foster Home would be a dire mistake. Considering it was the only known Foster Home, that suited the needs of the Government and its clientele. The Children raised in its Environment, were the best options for Couples or an individual, seeking to adopt. It was no news that the Warrants were made to demolish the building, to put up some useless business Building in it's place. But I was not about to let that happen, even if it meant going broke for a few months.

Carlisle didn't hesitate in selling his shares to me, as me and Mrs. West supervised the renovations for Oakridge. The plans were being set into motion, and a few walls were being knocked down to rebuild, and old furniture being heaped away for disposal or repairs.

After my very long phone call with Kary, I had high hopes for the sponsors, who would help with the long term run of Oakridge. Those Sponsors would be long term partners as well for the Foster Home, including Kygo Foods and The Jackson Clothing Warehouse.

Not only were they sponsoring food and clothing, for the Children. They were also sponsoring Funds for other expenditure needs as well, that would be necessary to continue Oakridge into another decade or more. They were also an important aspect in getting the Courts in my favor, with purchasing the shares and handling the investments. It was a big step for me and Oakridge, but I was willing to take the leap because of my Sons. And though it was only a few months, I was having the time of my life, despite my new schedules and routines.

I didn't intend on quitting my job as a Teacher, but over the next few months I would have to see how well that Career works out for me. I was now being thrust into a world of Business and entrepreneurship, and I was excited and both anxious at the same time. I had even thought telling Mrs. West that I would be taking over the foster home, would make her grow upset. But she cried instead, thanking me for carrying on her legacy for her.

'The Adoption Council has come to an answer, concerning the handing over of Ownership to the Oakridge Foster Home, to one Kai Bartholomew James,' Judge Valdez spoke with slight cynicism in his voice.

I grew nervous when the man paused, but my hopes and spirit were high. 'I am glad that it is you Mr. James.' Mrs. West spoke beside me as we stood before the Judge's high desk.

Kary was present, but only as reference to the Judge, and as a Witness to my capabilities. And to also be the person who has known me long enough, to trust my judgment. Kary hopped onto the opportunity, when I brought forth the proposal even Though she was already my Council. She nearly hugged me to death, after I had told her the news, that the Council was in high consideration of my proposal. It also helped that I'd adopted from Oakridge, and it has been proven a success, due to James' outstanding performance in his Academics.

I was hoping my father would contact me, but he was way too busy making our relationship suffer, as it seemed. I hated it, but I supported him and his Career even if it meant barely even seeing or talking to him. I could only understand as my mother had, but I just wished he would take time off, because I missed him dearly and I knew he would be proud of me in this moment.

'Mr. James will now relinquish his statement, as a final appraisal to the Council. Mr. James?' Judge Valdez motioned to me, and I breathed in heavily and straightened my shoulders, ready to address the Council of eight members.

'At first I wanted to fund schooling for the Children at Oakridge, and try to get sponsors for College Scholarships as well. But I thought about how much those Children wanted a better haven. Not that Mrs. West failed at providing for them, she is quite wonderful. But the woman is penniless, and I couldn't watch her lose her accomplishment.' I explained thoroughly, gaining a few smiles and nods from the council that sat before me, adjacent to Judge Valdez.

'I then came into some money, granted by my Parents and after contemplating and having many previous discussions with Mrs. West, I came up with a solution to the many complications that she and the Home faced, with my Lawyer Kary Coron. I am quite aware that this is a long shot, but I know I am capable of carrying on her legacy and avoiding the warrants for a lockdown on Oakridge.' The Judge nodded at my words, and the Members of the Council began writing in their files.

I was overly nervous, but very much confident that they would grant me ownership of the Foster Home. However Carlisle was there, and even though he lacked the funds to do what I did. I had planned to make sure he was apart of that legacy, in anyway possible. He was ecstatic, and even he too had gone along with my plan of not telling Mrs. West until it was a certainty. We just had to get past the States permits, and the Council's grants before making any announcements.

'That is all,' I closed my short statement, deciding not to delve too deeply into my reasons. Judge Valdez nodded with a prim look, and I shifted my gaze to Mrs. West.

'And you are in Favor Mrs. West?' He addressed the older Woman who smiled brightly at him and nodded.

'I am well in favor of Mr. James' proposal, and would like to grant him pardon and full ownership of Oakridge.' She spoke proudly, and my heartbeat sped up in my chest as I focused my gaze back to Judge Valdez.

'Ok, I have heard the case and I know you Mrs. West. You've constantly shown your loyalty to this Foundation you have built. Passing it down before it being demolished is admirable by any moral standard.' He spoke and my heartbeat slowed, as I awaited his final answer. 'Mr. James, also has a wonderful record. Experience with handling Children, and has very good reviews from people in his corner, as well as Costa in Boston. The Council will now make their decision.' Judge Valdez finished leaned back into his chair, as the last person on the council rose from his seat.

He was a surly man, who looked to be in his late forties with Curly Black hair, and a straight nose. He was dressed in casual clothing, of Blue Denims and a burgundy checkered blazer and expensive looking loafers. He shot me a smile, and my anxiety rose as he handed the opened envelope to Judge Valdez. He quickly took his seat again, and I watched as Judge Valdez opened the envelope, spilling its contents of a blank looking piece of white paper. His eyes scanned the paper, and his lips pursed momentarily as he placed the paper down atop his desk.

'Well, you people are in luck. Ownership, of the Oakridge Foster Home has been granted to Kai Bartholomew James.' He paused and I could have sworn my heartbeat stopped, making me suddenly queasy.

'And as for the closing of the Home, rejected. Congratulations Mr. James, I wish you luck in your new endeavors.' The man spoke with a bright smile, and before I knew it. Mrs. West threw herself onto me, hugging and crushing me with her warm chubbiness. She was sobbing again, and I rubbed her shoulders in reassurance, not only to her but myself.

'Thank you Kai, thank you so much. You are a hero in my eyes.' She said pulling away, and I felt like crying at that moment, as her eyes glistened with teas of Joy.

'For months I thought I was going to lose the Home. But now that you are the owner, I can see it continuing on for another generation. Thank you, again.' She wiped her cheeks, and chuckled awkwardly.

The Council begun dismissing themselves, and Judge Valdez disappeared but I was too excited to care what happened after that. I was finally granted ownership, and after weeks of planning the Oakridge renovations, they could finally begin.

'I couldn't watch them rip it way from you, I've worked with Kids almost all my life on my own. I think this is truly my calling, to make sure that these Children get wonderful people to adopt them." I spoke and she nodded. 'They just need to be in tip top shape whenever anyone arrives. As well as other things that we will sort out.' I finished and she rubbed my left shoulder gently, smiling up at me pleased.

Someone rested their hand on my shoulder and I turned around to see Carlisle smiling down at me, and I watched as his handsome face twisted in a proud grin. He mouthed a thank you, before quickly patting my shoulder. He strolled over to where Kary sat, and they began speaking. Kary skipped through documents with him, as he would nod. He looked up to see me staring, and I quickly turned my attention back to Mrs. West who shook hands with a Member of the Council.

Over the past couple months, Carlisle had been there for me every step of the way. I didn't have feelings for him, but I could see it in his eyes that he felt something for me. Even the way he would address me, and goad over me like I was Family, or even more. I just hoped that we didn't complicate our Friendship in any way, but I was certain that I was up for anything. Even if it was something more than just that bond we had forged these past weeks.

I gathered the files Mrs. West handed to me, and hugged them to my chest. They were stamped documents, proving my ownership of the Foster Home. My final ticket to an accomplishment, that I was too proud of to describe.

I was looking forward to more Children coming into the Foster Home now, but very saddened by the thought of them not having a home or Parents to love them. But I was ready to accept them with open arms, and a promise of a Home that they could be happy. I had decided that the Home needed to expand, because no longer will anyone be put out at the age of 18.

Now they would get to stay as long as they needed to go out on their own, even if it took ten years. I doubted it would, because Chicago had many schooling opportunities for a wide range of people, all ages in society. If they didn't get to be adopted, they were promised to be nurtured until they could make it on their own in terms of finishing school, and being appointed jobs.

It might be hard, but I made that promise to myself. To make sure that Oakridge was a place of not only safety, but love and support.

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