A Child's Haven - 5. Chapter 5

I ordered two pizzas for delivery and waited for the children to come upstairs. The delivery came before they were finished showering. I think the smell of the pizza made them hurry and finish.

They knew about the vending machine. Pat must have told them. With their drinks, they sat and ate their pizza. As we chatted, they told me their story. Their parents had died from an accident, hit and run, rather than take the chance of being separated, they ran away. I asked them what their names were. The young man said his name was Jeff and his sister’s Beth.

“What can we do to be able to stay here? The outside isn’t good for my sister, and I’m running out of money.”

“You both can stay here, but I don’t want your money, provided you stay drug-free. You can stay here and pay for it by doing chores. For example, you can take charge of the shower area for boys, and your sister can take charge of the girls’ area. Those areas must be kept clean and properly sanitized to prevent a buildup of fungus. The toilet area will need to be cleaned daily, as well. As more boys and girls come, duties will change. Does that sound fair to both of you?”

Jeff shook his head yes, “I need to go and get the rest of our clothes. I’ll be right back.”

“Beth, while your brother is gone, could you help me?”

She nodded her head, yes. I gave her a sheet of paper and a pencil, explaining I wanted to know each of our guests.” Put Pat Casey on the first line, your name, and Jeff’s on the second and third line. If more people come in, I’ll send them over to you, and you can add their names to the list.

I was amazed at the number of kids that came that day. I kept ordering pizza for them. The delivery boy asked why so many pizza’s. I explained what Sanctuary was all about, and until I was able to set up a kitchen, I had to order pizza.

It was 5 when Pat returned. I thanked him for getting the word out; he said he was glad to do it. He told me how some guy was trying to pick up one of the boys for sex. I told him I knew of a place where he could go that didn’t require sex. The man was angry, but the kid decided to follow me. “He’s that blond kid over there eating pizza.”

“Pat you did a good job today. Do you think you could get those kids over to Beth, she’s sitting over there, I’ve asked her to record the names of each kid that comes to Sanctuary?”

Looking over the small crowd, I called everyone’s attention. They quieted down, “This place is called Sanctuary. It’s meant to be a safe place for you, but there are some rules. If you want to be here, the rules are simple. No drugs, no smoking, no stealing, no alcohol, no fighting; if you can abide by these rules, you’ll be welcome here anytime. The doors are locked at nine and reopened at seven. If you wish to enter after nine, ring the bell, and someone will let you in. This place is meant to be a safe place, and you can help make it a safe place. If you want to take a shower, Jeff will show you where to go. If you’re going to spend the night, you’ll have to sleep here in the dining hall until the bedrooms are finished. If you have any questions, I’ll answer them for you. Do any of you have any problems with these rules?”

One boy raised his hand, “If I get a part-time job, must I pay to stay here?” “No”

There were no more questions. “Those who want a shower follow me.”

Most of the boys followed Jeff. “Pat, go over there with Beth. If a person is staying the night, mark it on the sheet. As soon as the cocoons are ready, you can show them how they work, and between you and Beth, you can assign them to a cocoon.”

I placed one of those large laundry carts as they use at hotels at the end of the stairwell to the second floor. Pat took a look, and he knew exactly the purpose of the cart. It was apparent I was going to need more help. “Pat can you also ask the ages of our guests? We are going to need more help. I’ll see if the older ones want to help before we select from the younger group.”

When I locked that door that night, it felt strange. I had a small bedroom I carved out of the first floor. And that’s where I slept.