Where Life Takes Us - 1. Chapter 1 - Home

It was in 2010 when Wyatt met his future family. A stock broker/Banker had given his orphanage a large check for $100,000 and there was a major celebration going on. Many newspaper reporters and even the local news had sent someone to the scene.

Kenneth Luis, the generous banker, had brought most of his family to the event. His only son Talon, and youngest daughter Caitlyn were both present. Along with his wife Diana. Their oldest, Kayla decided she didn't want to be seen with homeless nobodies.

Talon at this time just turned ten. He was playing around with some of the children playing soccer. Talon was very athletic, and had the body to prove it. His blonde hair featured a fohalk that went down to the tip of his nose. His blue eyes constantly being distracted by it.

Caitlyn was playing dress up with other girls her age, six. She had pigtails in her dirty blonde hair. He blue eyes were glittering at the dresses that the orphanage had that she wanted.

Wyatt though was in the bedrooms reading one of the book series that have been recently donated to the orphanage, Harry Potter. He was fully caught into the story of Harry and Hogwarts and was already one third of the way through the first book.

Wyatt had seen many kids come and go at the orphanage. He had been there since he was able to leave the hospital. Wyatt had obtained many friends over the years, but all of them had left him. He now spends his time 'hiding' from potential parents and staying back and reading.

That day though it was a different story. Talon, who was covered in grass stains, had wondered into the orphanage looking for a bathroom and had stumbled upon Wyatt reading on his bed. Wyatt heard him walk up. “Do you know where the bathroom is?”

“Next door down the hall to your right.”

“Thanks.”

What Wyatt hoped for was for the boy to return, but he knew in his heart that he wouldn't. No one ever did. They would all ask where the bathroom was and go do their business and leave. A few minutes later though Wyatt's heart skipped a beat when the boy returned.

“I'm Talon by the way. I thought it was rude when I didn't introduce myself before.” Talon offered his hand for a hand shake.

Wyatt responding not even moving from his position. “Wyatt.”

Talon retracted his hand, “What are you reading?”

“Harry Potter.” Still not a single motion happened other than his lips. Wyatt, though used to people leaving him be more so, was also used to people pestering him. He gave the simplest answers he could, hoping they would just go away and leave him be. This time, he just couldn't shake the habbit.

“Oh cool, I've seen the movies. What book you on?”

“First one.”

“I see.” Talon could feel that he was getting the cold shoulder. He could also feel something more that he couldn't describe then and there. It was the feeling of need coming from Wyatt. The need to be loved and wanted in someone's life. A feeling neither boy could ever explain for a long time.

“I should probably get going now. When my dad comes back I'll make sure to come visit you okay?” Wyatt said nothing. He just thought to himself how unlikely Talon's return was.

But to Wyatt's surprise Talon did return, on a bi-monthly basis. Each time trying to strike up conversation with him and only him. Each time Talon returned Wyatt would talk ever so slightly more. They eventually had an entire conversation on Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire.

By Talon's tenth visit he had Wyatt coming outside and playing soccer or some other form of play. Wyatt had become accustom to Talon's visits and he worried more and more as they got to know each other.

It was almost a year after they first met, in fact on Wyatt's birthday when Wyatt worried the most. After receiving all of the Harry Potter movies to date from Talon and them siting down and watching the first one together, Talon had said, “I wish you were my brother.”

Wyatt had heard that line with other kids many times. It ended in one of two things: either the child was adopted after a short time, or the visiting child started to visit less and less until they never showed up again.

It wasn't long after that comment though he met Mr. and Mrs. Luis personally. Talon introduced them as his mom and dad. Wyatt retreated back into his shell, sticking to one word answers. Kenneth was at first unimpressed with Wyatt, that wouldn't last long.

When it came the end of the school year, Wyatt showed Talon his scores on his final tests and what he got in all his classes. When Talon told his parents about his friends straight As they were very happy for little Wyatt.

The visits with Talon never stopped and if he wasn't able to make it once of twice, Kenneth would always inform Wyatt the reason for Talon's absence. Then the next visit Talon would beg forgiveness for ten minutes even though the events were out of his control.

On those odd times Kenneth would sit down and have chats with Wyatt. Usually about how life is and things like that. It wasn't until Kenneth's fourth alone visit did anything serious pop up.

“Talon has really taken a liking to you.”

“Ya, I can tell. Usually they are gone by now and just a memory but Talon feels more of a... I don't know what it is. It's definitely better than a memory though!”

“Would you say he's become an important part of your life?”

“I look forward to his visits and hanging out with him.”

“I know that he wishes you were his brother Wyatt.” Wyatt heart sank a bit when Mr. Luis said that. He knew this would be either good or bad for him. But even the good could be bad. “He's made more than one attempt to persuade us to adopt you.”

“I'm sorry he's been such a nuisance for you sir. I don't mean for him to be.”

Mr. Luis had a chuckle, “You speak as if you have something to do with his actions.”

“I am the one he wants you to adopt sir.”

“True enough. He's made some compelling arguments.” Wyatt did dare look at Mr. Luis, he knew this may go either way. He didn't want to show the hope he had in his eyes. “Did you know Talon's grandfather was adopted?”

“No sir, I didn't.”

“Talon had said that we had enough money to pay for all three of our children to go to private school, be active in sports, and pay for all of the needs of the family. On top of all of that, go on thousand dollar vacations each and every summer.” Kenneth sighed, “I have to admit he is a smart boy.”

Wyatt didn't really say anything in response. He just waited patiently waiting his turn to speak. Mr. Luis continued, “And our only argument is that we have a lot on our plates right now. Which is like saying 'because we said so'. Don't you think?”

“What ever you think sir.”

“No, I'm asking a serious question Wyatt. What do you think of it? You can be honest with me, I wont get mad.”

“I've been living here my entire life sir. I would do anything to get a home! I don't know anything about families, but I do know one thing: when I get told 'because we said so' or 'those are the rules deal with it' I get frustrated.” Wyatt was speaking his mind for the first time in a long time. He had gotten spanked the last time he spoke up about a ruling. “I wish to know why I can't. I want to know why the rule was made in the first place. If I don't get provided a reason I huff and puff and wish to blow the house down, like the big bad wolf. If you think your answer to Talon is 'we said so' then you have to give a better one.”

“Thank you for your opinion Wyatt.” Kenneth pulled him in to a one arm hug. “I know I'll take that into consideration when I speak to Talon next. You two are very similar.” With that Kenneth had to be on his way.

What Wyatt didn't know is that his answer to Kenneth's question created a chain of events that would end in his adoption. When Kenneth got home he explained his conversation with Wyatt to his wife, Diana. He explained that he believed what he was told is correct. They needed to find a better answer or give into Talon's request.

To find that answer they went to their budget. They looked at what they spend per-child, per year. What money they needed for food, clothing, schooling, and so on. What money they needed to pay their bills and what an extra person living in their house would do to them. They spent about a month getting solid estimates done before consulting their most important person to the situation, Grandpa Nickolas, their staying grandfather to their children.

Grandpa Nickolas, who was adopted himself, had a simple answer, “If you think you can afford it, then I'm behind you 100%. Wyatt, from what I hear Talon talk about him is a fine boy. When are you going to the orphanage next?”

From that question Grandpa Nickolas replaced Talon on that visit. Though Talon was able to go, his father said they had official business and he couldn't bring Talon with him this time. Though Talon was saddened, he asked if they could inform Wyatt of the circumstance. To which they agreed to proudly.

This visit was in early April of 2012, only two months before Wyatt's adoption. Grandpa Nickolas was introduced to Wyatt, and then left for the two to talk. They talked about just about anything really. Then out of the blue Wyatt remembered something, “Are you Talon's grandfather who was adopted?”

“Why yes I am Wyatt. I'm guessing he told you?”

“No, Mr. Luis did actually. I guess it never came up when I was talking to Talon.”

“Talon can be a bit hyper at time. Never truly grabs hold of the ground.” Wyatt giggled at the comment. “Why do you ask?”

“I was just wondering how it feels... You know to be loved?”

“Wyatt, you are loved. Talon loves you like you are his brother. I let you in on a little secret, sound fun?” Wyatt eagerly nodded his head, “Out of your advice, to find a better answer to give Talon. His mother and father did some paperwork, and some thinking. You know what they found, nothing.”

“Nothing?”

“Not a single reason better than 'because we said so'.” Wyatt's eyes grew the brightest they have ever been. “I believe, but don't hold me to it, that you will be out of this place in the coming months.”

Wyatt out of pure joy hugged his soon to be grandfather. Saying how thankful he was for Talon stumbling upon him that day, and for the information he was given.

During the drive home, the father and son discussed how to break the news to the children that they plan on adopting Wyatt. It was decided that each would take one child and tell them privately, then discuss it as a family.

Diana would take Kayla, Kenneth would talk to Caitlyn and Grandpa Nickolas would talk to Talon after his soccer game. The plan was made and ready, all that had to happen was inform the family.

Each talk went their own way. Kayla's talk was mostly Kayla freaking out about how Talon was getting his way again. When she asked why they had decided to adopt their fourth she was given two reasons, that were predeclared. Reason one: they had no reason to say no to Talon. Reason two: Diana was not going through childbirth again.

Caitlyn's talk was easier. It was mostly her asking if he will play with her or not. She was fine with the entire idea of getting another older brother. The complete opposite to her elder sister.

Talon's talk was at an ice cream parlor on the way home from the soccer game, which he scored the winning goal in. Grandpa Nickolas knew what Talon's response would be and got straight to the point. “So your mother and father have been talking about your proposal.”

“And and!!”

“After figuring out what their budget is, and what it would do to have a fourth child under their roof they came up with their response.” Talon was on the edge of his seat waiting for his grandfather to answer him. “While it would do some damage to the vacation in the summers, they have decided that beyond 'we said so' there is no excuse. They have even talked to me about it.”

Talon wasn't even siting down anymore. He was ready to bound over the table to hug his grandfather. “And they said!?”

“Upon words Wyatt said to your father, they made the choice,” Talon couldn't stop moving. Even though his grandfather had paused for dramatic tension. “To adopt Wyatt.”

“YES!!!” Talon could of launched himself over the table but he didn't. He took the scenic route around the table, halfway to the counter and back to trample his grandfather over in the biggest bear hug Talon could give.

The rest of the conversation was to confirm what would happen with Wyatt living in the house. How they may fight a little and they would have their differences. Talon pushed off the idea and was convinced they would get along fine.

It was just over a week later when the news was finally given officially to Wyatt by Talon himself. It was on one of his routine visits and both boys had to run outside just chasing each other.

From a window Kenneth could see the boys running around as he filled out the proper paper work. It wouldn't be that trip that Wyatt was brought home and not the next one. It would be a full month of investigating to make sure the Luis family was capable. It was protocol after all.

The official working on the Luis case spent a week and was convinced they were a suitable family. Due to policy though he continued his investigation to not fine a single thing they hadn't thought of yet.

Wyatt would get one of their spare bedrooms, which had enough room for a pool table and still have space for a queen sized bed. That bedroom would have a door to a shared bathroom with Talon. Both doors could only be locked from in the bathroom itself, and the parents had a key in their room and no where else.

There was more than enough room for Wyatt to live at the Luis residence with much more room to spare. After a long month of useless investigating the official gave his review to the orphanage who was more than satisfied.

They apologized for the long wait and informed Mr. Luis he could take Wyatt in a weeks time. The chosen lad was the informed who just wanted to leave then and there.

For Wyatt and Talon that week was the longest they had ever experienced. It felt like a month for Talon and a year for Wyatt, who couldn't sleep because of it.

Sooner than later though that week was up and Wyatt was all packed up. He had his Harry Potter movies and some clothing he had obtained over the years. Lastly he had his baby blanket, his prize possession. After many good-byes to his fellow orphans Wyatt was on his way to his new home.

The ride there was filled with Talon talking. Wyatt was as quiet as ever just looking out the window at the scenery pass by. Talon was oblivious to it, but Mr. and Mrs. Luis weren't, Wyatt was nervous. It was the first time in a long time Wyatt had left the orphanage walls and the first time he's gone to live somewhere else.

In Wyatt's mind worry stirred. What if I do something wrong and they bring be back? He kept thinking. Then he kept trying to figure out the rules of their household, to no prevail.

It was only about an hour later, at 3:43PM when they pulled up to their home. It was only a little smaller than the orphanage but not by much in Wyatt's eyes. The White and blue freshly painted exterior stunned him compare to the orphanage's brown crippling paint.

When the car finally stopped Wyatt grabbed his stuff and was greeted by the rest of his new family. His new sisters Caitlyn and Kayla and his new grandfather, Grandpa Nickolas. Wyatt stood in awe at his new home wondering what waited for him inside.

Chapter end.