Family Struggles - 5. Helping Hand

Family Struggles

Helping Hand:

A few weeks had passed; the shock of Doug and Lily’s retirement subsided leaving a bit of an emptiness in Blu’s heart even though he knew his Mom and Dad would always be there for them when needed. Kyle kept a cheerful tone around the house to help lift his husband's spirits.

Monday morning arrived it was a cool, rainy day leaving no doubt that fall would soon be upon them. “Babe, we need to get to work,” Kyle called out as he pulled on his jacket after filling Khan’s food and water dish. Blu filled their travel mugs with coffee, walking toward Kyle, who took his travel mug from him with a quick kiss. The two made their way out to the SUV to go to work.

“Did you make the extra sandwich, Blondie? I want to make sure young Arabella eats today,” Blu asked.

Kyle smiled adoringly at his husband, “It’s in your lunch bag Babe I threw in an extra orange too.”

“Thanks, Blondie, I love you,” Blu took Kyle’s hand kissing the back then gently laid the clasped hands on the console between them.

Kyle started the SUV as their trek to work was set in motion, “It’s nice that you’re looking out for Arabella like I am for the twins, the kids seem to need a caring adult in their lives.”

“Hmm, I don’t want to assume her parents don’t care without meeting them. I hate how some of the older teachers just assume these kids come from scum, therefore treat them that way. It’s really not fair. Even the kids that live in bad circumstances deserve better. They are just kids living someone else’s consequences. They are too young to do anything about it, and they certainly don’t know any better really. I hate it.” Blu said through clenched teeth.

Kyle pulled the SUV into the spot they always park in, “I agree, I just hope when we finally get to be parents we handle things as well as your Mom and Dad do. Kyle placed the car in park and shut the engine off, “Such a nice day to have bus duty,” Kyle said sarcastically.

“You’ll be okay Blondie, you know how to swim,” Blu said as he reached into the back of the car grabbing their umbrella handing it to Kyle.

“Okay smartass,” Kyle chuckled as he opened the umbrella, “Well I need to run my briefcase and stuff to my classroom before the buses start arriving,” a loud clap of thunder rumbled, “I hope this isn’t setting the tone of the day,” he said as the pair made their way to their destinations.

*****

Kyle stood outside, convinced the rain was intensifying as he watched the school buses drop off the students for the day. Suddenly, he spotted Lincoln, Levi, and an older girl sneaking out the emergency exit of the library, heading toward the main entrance of the school. Plagued with a ton of questions, Kyle decided he would address them when he could get time with the twins. After the final bus had finished, Kyle made his way into the deserted library. Kyle spotted a storage closet door hanging open, he ducked his head inside spotting a pile of tattered blankets neatly folded in the corner of the room. Kyle continued looking around and found a few old gym bags containing boys and girls clothing. Kyle couldn’t shake the bad feeling in his gut, the questions that kept popping into his mind as the first bell rang, he had to head to his class before he faced a room of unruly students.

Throughout his homeroom period, Kyle pondered how to handle the situation he stumbled upon this morning. By the end of homeroom, Kyle had made the decision he would talk with the boys after their music class this afternoon, but he would talk to Jared or Blu in a couple of hours and see what they thought beforehand.

Soon it was Kyle’s lunch break, he went to the staff lounge opening his lunch up once he sat at the table. Kyle sat picking at his food not really in the mood. Jared came into the room spotting his twin who appeared to be deep in thought.

Jared sat beside Kyle after he poured himself a fresh cup of coffee, “What’s got you so quiet?”

Kyle got a startled look on his face, “Huh?”

“What’s going on with you today?” Jared asked as he sat his coffee mug down giving his brother all of his attention.

“You remember me talking about the twins?” Kyle took a bite of his apple as Jared nodded. “Well, they came out of the Library’s emergency exit this morning while I was on bus duty and then went to the main entrance.”

Jared took a sip of his coffee, “Hmm, that’s definitely weird.”

“It gets even stranger,” Kyle took a deep breath exhaling slowly. “After the final bus left I went to check the Library, I found a bunch of blankets in a closet and some clothes in old backpacks.”

“Did you talk to the kids?” Jared asked.

Kyle shook his head, “I’m going to talk to them after class this afternoon.”

“Kyle you can’t jump to conclusions, talk to them. If they can’t provide answers then speak with the principal,” Jared said before taking a bite of his sandwich. Kyle nodded his head and sat quietly throughout the rest of his break. His mind working overtime trying to figure out what was going on with the two young boys.

*****

Blu entered the cafeteria for second lunch, he was there to make sure Arabella had some food. It can’t be good that she’s giving any food she finds to the other kids she sits with. ‘No wonder she falls asleep in class,’ he thought to himself. He stood off to the side until he spotted Arabella, she sat down at a table by herself toward the back of the cafeteria, pulling a book from her bag then started reading. There was no visible sign of food, and the other students were giving her a wide berth. Blu being the typical English teacher and avid reader, he had a book in his back pocket. He pulled it out making his way over to the young lady. He sat down across from her and opened the brown bag pulling out a sandwich, Blu unwrapped it taking half, then slid the other side over to Arabella. He didn’t say anything to her, just laid the sandwich in front of the girl and went about reading his book.

After a few minutes of Arabella staring at the sandwich then at Blu, who pretending he wasn’t paying attention to her, she picked it up and started to eat while she read. When that sandwich had been inhaled Blu pulled another out of his sack and did the same again. Arabella ate the second half slowly this time. As far as Blu could figure the girl either had already eaten, or she rarely eats, and her stomach can’t take a lot of food. Luckily Kyle had the foresight to just make jam sandwiches in case her tummy couldn’t handle anything too heavy. Once the sandwiches had disappeared Blu pulled two oranges out giving one to her. Arabella snuck it in her bag. He smiled trying to hide it behind his book, not wanting her to see his delight that she’d eaten.

The bell eventually rang. Blu cleared away his trash, then made his way to his classroom not saying a word to the girl. He was prepared to go the long haul to make sure she was comfortable with him before he approached her about her situation which had him concerned.

*****

During Kyle’s free period in the afternoon, Kyle sat at his desk with tests he was supposed to be correcting scattered over his desk, but his mind remained on the twins. There was a frantic knock on his classroom door that snapped him back to the present, Kyle stood up and went to the door opening it revealing Lincoln in tears.

“Lincoln, what’s wrong buddy?” Kyle asked with growing concern.

“He’s hurt you gotta help,” Lincoln sobbed.

“Who’s hurt?” Kyle studied Lincoln’s face.

“Levi, he fell down the stairs. He can’t get up,” Lincoln cried.

“Show me where he is,” Kyle said as Lincoln turned running toward the stairwell.

Kyle followed quickly behind the twin, as they got to the stairs, Kyle rushed down to Levi’s side. Levi laid there screaming in pain. Kyle knelt down beside Levi checking him over, “Levi what hurts?”

“My arm I can’t use it,” Levi sobbed uncontrollably.

“Does anything else hurt?” Kyle asked as he finished checking over the boy for any other injuries, Levi shook his head as tears continued to trickle down his face. “Okay, I think you broke your arm buddy. Lincoln run up on my desk in my classroom and grab the rulers out of my desk drawer,” Lincoln nodded his head and ran back to the classroom.

“Am I gonna be okay?” Levi asked through sobs.

Kyle rubbed Levi’s shoulder, “You’re gonna be fine, you’ll probably get some colorful cast and have girls chasing after you to sign it.”

Levi scrunched his nose, “Yuk, I don’t want girls writing on me.”

Kyle chuckled as Lincoln came back with the rulers handing them to him. Kyle took off his tie to secure the makeshift splint to Levi’s arm. Once the splint was in place, Kyle looked at Levi, “Okay the hard part is over, I’m gonna pick you up and carry you to the nurse’s office hopefully she’s here today okay?” Levi nodded as he supported his arm on his chest as Kyle picked him up. “Lincoln, I need you to stay in front of us and open the doors for us ok?” Lincoln became a man on a mission to help his brother in whatever form it may be.

The trio made the way down the hall passing through the English wing as they headed toward the nurse's office.

*****

The class was busy reading a chapter of ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,’ by Mark Twain, while Blu sat at the desk marking a quiz he had given another class on Friday. One-by-one the students were distracted by the sounds of a boy crying in the hallway as he got closer. Blu went to the door to see who it was and to help. When he opened the door, his husband was hastily passing by with a boy whimpering in his arms and another flanking him crying. Arabella pushed passed Blu running after the boys and Kyle.

“Arabella,” Blu called out as he shuffled his students back into the room. “Mr. Anderson, Ms. Baker, could you please make sure everyone reads until I come back. There will be serious consequences to anyone who steps out of line. I am not joking.” Blu stated as he left the classroom to get Arabella and check on Kyle to find out what is going on.

He ran down the hallway following the path he saw the others go, assuming they were heading for the nurse's office. Once he found them, all three kids were in tears, and Blu wasn’t too sure his husband was too far off with his own tears.

“What’s happened Blondie?” Blu asked as he caught up with them.

“Levi fell down the stairs, I’m pretty sure he broke his arm,” Kyle said as they continued toward the nurse’s office.

“Hmm, the nurse isn’t here today. I’ll call the ambulance now, we shouldn’t wait for the staff in the office. Is that okay?”

“That’s fine,” Kyle said as they continued their fast-paced walk, “Somebody needs to reach the boy's parents.”

“Let me worry about that, you look after the boys,” Blu turned to Arabella, “Why did you run out of class young lady? How do you know the twins?”

“They are my brothers,” she sniffled, wiping her eyes, “is Levi going to be okay?”

Blu observed Arabella, “You come with me, and we will contact your parents after I ring the hospital.”

“Uh… okay, I don’t have a phone,” she blurted nervously.

“That’s okay, you can use mine,” Blu answered as he dialed 9-1-1.

Blu waited for a response, “Windsor Middle School, Boston,”

“Broken arm, eleven-year-old boy,”

“Yes, he’s conscious, talking, yes Ma’am,” Blu answered.

“Yes, Ma’am I will wait at the front gate.”

“Thank you, yes, Ma’am I will call back if his status changes.”

Blu turned to Arabella, “Run into the office, let someone know to go to Kyle and that the ambulance is on the way. Then come meet me at the gate, and you can call your parents.”

Arabella ran to the office ahead of everyone while Blu veered off to the parking lot entrance. Once Arabella joined him he gave her the phone. He watched as the girl turned away pushed some buttons on the screen then waited. Blu held his breath waiting for her to speak to someone, anyone. After about thirty seconds. She turned around and gave Blu his phone back.

“Nobody answered,” she said sheepishly.

Blu nodded his head checking the phone, Arabella hadn’t called anyone. His suspicions were getting more evident, “Is there anyone you can call?”

Arabella shook her head crossing her arms defensively. Blu didn’t say anything to her, but he was certainly going to address the matter on the way to the hospital. “We’ll drop by your place on the way to the hospital to see if someone’s home.”

“B...but nobody is there,” She said, Blu could hear the fear in her voice. His stomach sank, and his chest tightened. There is something very wrong with these kids situation.

Arabella stood next to Blu crying silently, although, he was acutely aware of it. He put his arm around her shoulders throwing caution to the wind. The poor girl needed comfort more than she needed stuffy standoffish rules right now. She buried herself into the side of Blu; he held her letting the young girl cry. Once the paramedics arrived Blu directed them where they needed to go, and he and his student ran to catch up. As they made it to the nurse's office the bell rang for the end of the period, Blu was scheduled to run study hall. The Ambulance would not let Lincoln nor Arabella go with them, Kyle would follow the ambulance to the hospital but was unable to take either of the kids with him without permission. Blu went to the office to talk to the Admin lady.

“Look, Patrice, they’re kids. All the pair wants is to be with their brother. We were unable to contact any family members as I am sure you are aware since you probably tried yourself. Mr. Kyle has gone to the hospital to be with him, can’t the two just go with him,” Blu argued.

The woman shook her head unsympathetically, “No Mr. Waters, I’m sorry there is nothing I can do. Sorry kids you’ll have to go back to class until you either have parental permission or the school day ends.” Patrice turned her back as if it were the end of the conversation. Uh-uh, Blu wasn’t having that.

“Patrice, mark these two down as being in Study Hall for last period. I am scheduled this period, as well as moving Mr. Kyle’s class there also, we will be in the cafeteria,” Blu said commandingly, his tone brokered no argument. The Admin lady huffed, then curtly nodded once.

“Okay kids, follow me, we can spend this period together and come up with a plan,” Blu sighed, “I promise everything is going to be okay.”

*****

Kyle stood in the emergency room arguing with a nurse over getting somebody to take care of Levi’s arm, but the nurse firmly stated a broken arm wasn’t life-threatening, and they needed a guardian’s permission for care or CYS intervention. Kyle paced around pulling out his phone to text Blu.

Kyle: Babe did you reach Levi’s parents?

Blu: Nope and these two are being cagey with giving information.

Kyle: Hospital won’t help him without a guardian or CYS permission.

Blu: F’ing red tape bullshit, just ring Liv, Hun

Kyle: Ok. you bringing the kids after school?

Blu: Mhmm, will drop by their house first just in case.

Kyle: Okay, love you.

Blu: Back at ya Blondie XX

Kyle dialed Liv’s personal cell. “Well if it isn’t my favorite Music teacher! What’s up? aren’t you at work?” Liv asked.

“Yes and no,” Kyle said emotionally.

Liv was quiet for a moment, “Kyle Waters, what is going on?”

“Remember I told you about the twins at school?” Kyle whispered trying to keep Levi from hearing.

“Yeah,” Liv answered, “What happened?”

“Levi fell and broke his arm. I’m at the hospital with him,” Kyle said in a hushed tone.

“Why are you at the hospital? Where are his parents?” Liv challenged.

“That’s a good question, and none of the kids are giving us answers, but right now the hospital won’t treat Levi because they don’t have a guardian’s permission. So, I guess we need you to help out,” Kyle huffed.

“Kyle if I give them permission, you realize I then become officially involved right?” Liv stated leaving no doubt.

“Liv, Levi, and the other kids have been in tears since this happened just do whatever you have to do,” Kyle said heatedly.

“I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes Kyle,” Liv said before she ended the call.

Kyle put his phone in his pocket as he went and stood beside Levi’s bed, “A friend is coming to get the doctors to fix your arm up bud,” Kyle rubbed Levi’s shoulder.

A short while later a short, plump woman came in the room, “I’m the social worker for the hospital. I’ve contacted CYS, and they will be here shortly to take control of the boys’ well-being.”

“Thanks, I spoke with CYS myself,” Kyle said curtly.

“You can wait in the waiting room,” the woman pronounced as she stared at her clipboard.

“No, I’ll wait right here until the CYS caseworker gets here,” Kyle crossed his arms staring at the woman.

“You’re not a guardian, I can’t permit you to be alone with this child,” the hospital caseworker grumbled.

Liv came into the emergency department asking the staff which room Levi was in. By the time Liv reached Levi’s room the hospital caseworker, and Kyle was in the form of a Mexican standoff neither giving an inch to the other. “Kyle, calm down,” Liv whispered to Kyle while she held her hand out introducing herself to the hospital caseworker. Liv signed the authorization for Levi to receive medical treatment and the caseworker left in a pout clutching her clipboard to her chest stomping out of the room.

“I’m fine, it’s Levi I’m worried about,” Kyle said as he sat in the chair next to Levi’s bed.

Levi looked at Liv, “Who are you?”

“I’m Ms. Wynter,” Liv smiled at the boy offering her hand.

“What do you want?” Levi growled as he stared at her hand.

“I’m here to help you,” Liv told him with a motherly tone.

“Ya right,” Levi mumbled as he stared at a random spot on the wall.

A nurse took Levi to get his arm x-rayed leaving Kyle and Liv in the hospital room. “I tried calling the number the school had on record for the kids. It’s been disconnected, Kyle,” Liv said as she leaned against the wall, “The police are supposed to stop by their address and see if they can make contact with their parents, so hopefully we will get some answers shortly.” Kyle nodded his head sitting quietly in his chair, his knee bouncing nervously pulling out his phone as he received a text.

Blu: Blondie, the kids and I are in the waiting room.

Kyle: Levi’s in x-ray know more soon Liv is here. Did you stop by kids’ house?

Blu: Yeah, we’ll talk. Nobody lives there the house is boarded up, condemned notification

Kyle: Okay

Kyle slid his phone into his pocket, “Liv, Blu, and the kids stopped by the house they lived in. Apparently, nobody lives there; it’s boarded up.”

Liv bit her lip just like she always did when she is thinking; Kyle watched her fondly knowing she would somehow come through for them and the kids. Then her face morphed into a look of concern.

“What? Don’t lie to me either Liv, give it to me straight,” Kyle said seriously.

“Well, I’ll make some calls for emergency care in case it’s needed. I have a feeling this isn’t going to go well for the kids Kyle. If they do need to go into care, I can almost say with certainty that they will be split up,” Liv said warily, knowing Kyle wasn’t going to take the news well.

Kyle stared at Liv with a snarl, “That’s bullshit,” he said throwing his hands in the air, “the kids can’t be split up. You haven’t seen how those boys are together. I don’t know their sister, but Blu said she doesn’t eat much I’m guessing she makes sure the boys eat first.”

Liv put her hand on Kyle’s forearm, “Kyle, let me make some phone calls before you get to worked up.”

“Blu and I have our certification, why can’t they stay with us?” Kyle’s eyes pleaded with Liv for her help. “You know our house is plenty big enough for the five of us, we have more than enough money to take care of them, and they wouldn’t need to change schools.”

“We still have to go through the process Kyle, you know that. If we skip corners, the kids could be taken from you. Just let the system do its job,” Liv said confidently.

“You know that’s all a line of bullshit you feed people Liv! The whole foster care system is broken. A lot of the foster parents are in it for the paycheck, not the kids,” Kyle crossed his arms staring at Liv.

Liv glared at Kyle, “Let me see what I can do Kyle. Just wait here for Levi. I’ll go out and talk to Blu.”

“Okay,” Kyle mumbled as he sat there quietly waiting for Levi, Liv went to talk to Blu and the other children.

*****

Liv came back just as Levi was being wheeled back by the nurse, his arm in a more stable splint. “Someone will be along soon to take you to have your arm set young man,” the nurse smiled warmly at Levi as she helped him on the bed. She then turned to Kyle and Liv, “He was brave, not a tear in sight, not even a whimper. You’re a tough nut, aren’t ya?”

Levi laid on the bed staring at Kyle and Liv, “What?”

Liv brought a chair to the bed and sat down, she was quiet for a moment, “Do you know where your parents are Levi?”

“Never had a Dad,” Levi said adamantly.

“Okay, what about your Mom?” she inquired gently.

Levi laughed, rolling his eyes, “Good luck with that.”

“You do understand you are all going to have to go into foster care if we can’t find any family to take you in?” Liv advised him, “Do you have any other family that you know of?”

“No lady and no adults care,” Levi stared at Liv.

Liv waited; not wanting Levi to get the upper hand, but wouldn’t antagonize him either. Once she was sure Levi had calmed his attitude a bit, she continued.

“That’s not true, I’m here, I care. Mr. Kyle is here, your brother and sister are in the waiting room with Mr. Waters, they care,” Liv said waiting for Levi’s reaction, after silence for two minutes she tried again. “You and your siblings are going to be placed in foster care.”

“No way lady, you’re not separating us!” Levi shifted around on the bed attempting to get out, Kyle placed his hand on Levi’s arm to prevent him from fleeing. “We’re not going to foster care, we’ll run away if you do,” Levi’s face was flushed and full of rage.

Liv reached out for Levi, but he backed away, “I have found a couple with no children that are willing to take you, Lincoln, and Arabella. The three of you will be able to stay together,” Liv smiled warmly at Levi, “Do you think you could at least try, it’s not just about you, there are Lincoln and Arabella to consider too. You want them to be safe and happy, am I correct?”

Levi stared at Liv, “Where are Lincoln and Arabella?”

Kyle leaned forward placing his hand on Levi’s bed, “They are out in the waiting room with Mr. Waters.”

“Who’s that?” Levi gave Kyle a questionable look.

“He’s Arabella’s English teacher,” Kyle explained.

“Can I talk to them before I answer?” Levi asked curtly.

“Of course, let me get the nurse to bring them in for you,” Liv told him. She stood up, motioned for Kyle to sit in her place and keep the young boy from running away.

Liv went to the nurse's station, then returned with Arabella, Lincoln, and Blu. Arabella rushed to Levi’s side fussing over him like a mother hen. Blu stood behind Kyle, with a hand on his shoulder as they watched the kids interact.

Levi looked at the adults, “This is family stuff, can you leave? For a minute?”

“We’ll step out in the hall if you need us before we come in just hit the call button,” Kyle made sure they knew where the button was before they stepped out.

“While we have a moment, the police have located their mother – jail, I’m afraid. There is no father on any of the birth certificates. No other family on the Mother’s side, we can place them with you temporarily, then go for a more permanent arrangement,” Liv said, “My bosses are a bit wary at the moment as you have only just this week been approved. Please be aware you will be subjected to regular home visits until a more permanent solution is sorted.”

Kyle smiled grabbing Blu’s hand squeezing it, “Are you okay with us taking the kids?”

Blu chuckled, “Yes Blondie, Liv already spoke to me before she did anything,” Blu leaned over kissing Kyle chastely.

“Liv, will you be our caseworker?” Kyle turned looking at her.

“I’m not sure yet. I will fight for this particular case, but my boss is pissed that I did this without going through him,” she waved her hand dismissively, “he’s a douchecanoe anyway, I might have to mention it to the manager of my division accidentally going over his head.”

Kyle pulled Liv into a hug kissing her cheek, “Sorry if I got you in trouble, I was just worried about Levi.”

“You did what you had to do to keep a child safe; you won’t get any crap from me about that Kyle. Speaking of which, how is little Kasey?” Liv asked affectionately.

Kyle laughed, “He’s good, I think he won his fight to get a puppy.”

Snorting, Blu laughed, “The only people fighting for that puppy were you, me, Kasey and Mason.”

“Every kid needs a puppy Babe,” Kyle chuckled.

Liv laughed, “Those three in there, will be getting a horse.”

“Khan would be hurt hearing you calling him that, he’s sensitive,” Kyle admonished Liv and burst into a fit of laughter.

The door opened, Arabella stepped out and said timidly, “Mr. Waters,” looking at Liv and Kyle warily.

Blu moved over to the young girl, “What’s up Sweetheart?”

“Umm, they can come back in but can you come too?” She almost whispered.

“Sure I can,” Arabella slipped her hand in Blu’s, he turned to Liv and Kyle and flicked his head toward the kids.

Levi stared at the adults as they came back into the room, “So we talked.”

“What did you decide Levi,” Liv said letting him think he had some say in the matter.

“We’ll try it, but any funny stuff and we are out,” Levi stated.

“What do you mean funny stuff?” She asked her eyes going to all three kids.

“Stuff,” Levi stared at Liv.

“Okay, but I’m unsure exactly what you’re talking about. The couple I have you going to is a young same-sex couple who love children. I know them personally; they would never do anything to hurt any of you. They will be great parents.” Liv said adamantly.

“They won’t hit us or try touching us?” Levi questioned.

“No! Absolutely not,” Liv said horrified, “they are a very happy couple. You will be shown affection, love, respect, and you’ll have a good life with them I promise you that. There is enough space for you to each have your own room. They are educated, well respected, you’ll also have an extended family of Aunts, Uncles, cousins. There are even grandparents who will be over the moon to have you as part of the family. I promise the three of you will love it there, give them a chance. They even have a dog the size of a horse.” Liv laughed leaving out the crazy Nan.

Levi closed his eyes laying his head back on his pillow to give himself a moment to think, “What if they don’t like us?”

“Well, that’s the thing Levi, you have to be willing to give them a chance too. I mean a real chance, it will be an adjustment for everyone involved. You can’t give up the first time something doesn’t go your way, boundaries are set for a reason. Just give them a couple of months, and I guarantee you’ll fall in love with them. Plus I have it on good authority they are already head over heels for you three,” Liv smiled.

“Okay, we’ll try. But how would they know us?” Levi opened his eyes staring at Liv.

“You already know Mr. Kyle, you’ll be staying with him and his husband, Mr. Waters.”

Levi’s eyes bounced warily between Kyle and Blu staring at both, “You… you’re married? You really want us?”

Kyle sat down in the chair placing his hand on Levi’s shoulder, “Levi, we have wanted a family of our own for a while now. I know you and Lincoln don’t trust adults, but if you give us a chance, I promise we will be there for the three of you as a family should be. We want the three of you to have a chance at just being kids, not having to worry about adult stuff. I know you guys have been sleeping in the library, taking showers in the gym, and Arabella we know you don’t eat so your brothers have more food in their stomachs.”

“I…uh…m…” she turned and buried herself into the side of Blu embarrassed and started to cry. Blu wrapped his arms around her whispering that she and her brothers would be safe from now on. He rubbed comforting circles on her back as her brothers watched like hawks.

“Honey you have nothing to be embarrassed about. When you love people you will do whatever it takes to keep them safe,” Kyle said to Arabella before looking at the twins, “And you two, don’t try switching clothes to try and confuse people of who you are I’m a twin too.”

“Nuh uh,” Levi stared at Kyle.

“Uh huh,” Kyle laughed as he ruffed Levi’s hair.

“Wait, you and Mr. Jared?” Levi asked smacking the palm of his good hand on his forehead. Kyle nodded his head and laughed.

Lincoln chuckled, “That’s why when I said hi to you that one day, you looked weird at me, it was Mr. Jared.”

“Okay, I’ll leave you guys to chat. I am going to find a room to get the paperwork ready so you can take the kids home with you,” Liv smiled squeezing Blu’s forearm before leaving them to get acquainted.

*****

A few hours later the newly formed family was in the SUV headed for home. Levi had a neon green colored cast that would cause people to fear he was radioactive.

Kyle glanced in the rearview mirror smiling at the three kids. “Levi, what possessed you to get the bright green?”

Levi pointed at Lincoln, “He wouldn’t quit hounding me over the color.”

“Hey it’s cool and bright,” Lincoln said defensively.

Kyle chuckled at the boys, “It is bright. We’ll be able to find you in the dark for a while,” Levi glared at Kyle, then he elbowed Lincoln.

“Quit hitting me,” Lincoln whined.

“Quit being a baby. Are we there yet?” Levi grumbled.

“Quit it both of you, they’ll send us away,” Arabella said quietly but sternly to her brothers. Blu took note of Arabella’s comment making sure to bring it up with her later. The kids were not going anywhere, he and Kyle did not want them living on eggshells waiting for the other shoe to drop. All he and Kyle wanted was the kids to be safe, happy, and themselves.

Kyle smiled at Blu, “So this is what being a parent feels like.”

Blu laughed, “Maybe, but I have a feeling we haven’t even scratched the surface,” Blu turned and looked in the back, then back to Kyle grinning, “we are going to have our hands full, with a miniature Kaleb and Nan in the house.”

“At least they’ll fit in well with the rest of the family,” Kyle laughed as he glanced in the mirror, the boys quit bickering immediately trying to look innocent.