Goldstein, Johnson & Cole - 14. Chapter 14 Benjamin's Secret

Benjamin was welcomed with warm hugs and a meal prepared by Eli. Shamira's motherly instincts took over as she learned of his life over the last few years. Sleeping arrangements were changed for the night, Shamira slept with the twins and Jacob shared with Benjamin in what had been Shamira's room. They would need to rethink when Isaac arrived the following day.

When they retired for the night Ariel would only settle on the floor between the twins beds, it was as if she felt her place was near her babies and their new charges.

*****

Shamira was up at seven thirty the following morning, after dressing she let the dogs out in the garden then poured herself a glass of orange juice, she was soon joined by Joseph and Benjamin. She noticed that Benjamin and Joseph looked to be closer in age and build than she first thought. Her 'women's intuition' told her there was more to Benjamin's story than he was letting on, if she was right he needed help more than he admitted.

Joseph poured them a glass of juice and Benjamin gathered up a few plastic bags to clean up after the dogs, carrying juice and bags they made their way outside.

The smell of coffee brewing roused Ian, Kevin, Jacob and Eli, they all helped themselves to a cup of the dark nectar when they entered the kitchen. Aaron and Asher came running through still in their nightclothes, they glanced around before running out to the the garden to join Joseph, Benjamin and the dogs.

With the sound of dogs and children playing in the garden Shamira started to rise, “I think it's time to start making breakfast.”

Eli placed his hand on Shamira's arm, “I've got this you sit and relax.”

“You look deep in thought, is everything okay?” Kevin enquired.

Shamira shared her concerns about Benjamin with Ian and Kevin, they agreed that there could be more to Benjamin's story than first thought and included Eli and Jacob in the conversation. Jacob recalled his 'gut feeling' when he saw a photo in Benjamins home of a couple and two young boys, one younger than the other, his investigative brain was already working.

Opening the refrigerator Eli took out eggs, sausages and bacon, he turned on the oven setting the temperature, then got the pancake mix and maple syrup.

“Eli, we can't eat sausage and bacon, what are you thinking?” Shamira wasn't amused.

“Don't worry it's all kosher so there is no sin, it's turkey sausages and cured turkey rashers. If you haven't tried it before then trust me, you're in for a treat, it's a heavy filling breakfast, but delicious and makes a nice change from the usual breakfast.”

Eli showed Shamira the ingredient lists from the labels, satisfied that everything was in order she helped herself to another glass of juice and sat down to relax.

Jacob went outside to check over the vehicles, fuel, oil and all other fluid levels on the coach were good. When Jacob looked at Benjamin's car he just shook his head, it was in very poor condition, probably dangerous and just one small step away from the scrap yard. He also made a call to his boss and relayed what he knew of Benjamin's family and circumstances, if Shamira's intuition and his gut feeling were right they needed expert help. Knowing he would get answers to his questions soon he ended the call and entered the house.

Ian laid the table ready for breakfast while Kevin went to get the boys washed up and ready to eat. Stomachs were rumbling as the smell of a cooked breakfast wafted through the house.

Eli had just started the last batch of pancakes when a car stopped outside and started the dogs barking. Benjamin went to quiet the dogs while Jacob checked who had stopped outside.

“Eli I hope you have prepared enough breakfast, it looks like we have two more to feed.” Having recognised the car Jacob went to open the front door.

When Isaac entered the house he was at first greeted by Ariel growling with her hackles up, either side of her was a pup copying her by trying to look and sound fierce.

Aaron and Asher looked up to see who had arrived, seeing Isaac their eyes lit up as they ran to him.

“Avi, avi, you're here.” They chorused hugging and kissing their father as he knelt.

Ariel immediately quieted and sat watching the boys greet their father, sensing the change, the pups followed the twins greeting Isaac.

Ben Cohen, Isaac's colleague, stood in the doorway watching in amusement as the excited boys and pups 'attacked' Isaac.

“Come on through Ben,” Shamira invited, “are you going to join us for breakfast or have you both eaten”

“We barely had time for coffee and bagels before Isaac dragged me into the car, so that's a yes to breakfast, especially if what I smell is what I think it is.”

“I always cook too much, so there is plenty. If by any chance I'm wrong we'll just put Jacob on a diet, he needs to lose some weight anyway.” Eli laughed as he spoke.

“Humpff, there's nothing wrong with my weight, just make more pancakes or you can do without.” The glint in Jacob's eyes belied his indignant words.

Joseph was the first to laugh, quickly followed by Benjamin, then Kevin, the laughter became infectious and soon everybody was laughing. When the laughing died down Eli prepared more pancakes and extra places were set at the table.

Breakfast was a lively affair with more laughter and different conversations taking place. Ben was due back at the office later that afternoon and would be leaving after a private meeting with Ian, Kevin and Isaac.

Sleeping arrangements needed to be reconfigured for the remainder of their stay and was soon resolved, Isaac and Shamira would occupy one room, Ian and Kevin another, Benjamin and Joseph sharing with the twins as there was two sets of bunkbeds in their room. That left the remaining room for Eli and Jacob.

Jacob spoke with Benjamin about his plans for the future and his concerns grew, Benjamin's young age started to show through and needed to finish his education. Benjamin wanted to be a doctor but had given up his dreams due to his circumstances. It was a conversation that didn't go unnoticed by Ian and Kevin.

After breakfast had been eaten and the cleaning up finished Shamira, Jacob and Eli took the twins, Joseph and Benjamin for a walk on the beach with the dogs. Ben wanted to have his meeting with Isaac, Ian and Kevin before leaving. He was unaware of the added complication about to be thrown into the mix.

Benjamin lagged behind the others as he watched the twins playing with the pups, there was a faint smile on his face that didn't show in his tear filled eyes. He was happy that the pups would have a good home, but sad to part with them. He made up his mind that when they returned to the house he would sign the transfer of registration then return home, he didn't want to outstay his welcome, but first he had to tell Aaron and Asher the pups names.

Using his right hand Benjamin made a circle by touching his index finger tip to his thumb tip, placing the tips in his mouth he blew, the shrill whistle made Ariel and the pups to stop in their tracks. A second blow had them running to him, stopping at his feet they sat and looked up waiting for any further command, the pups were closely followed by Aaron and Asher.

“Wow Benjamin, how did you do that?” Started Asher.

“Can you show us how to do it?” Finished Aaron.

Benjamin smiled, amused at the way one twin would always finish a sentence started by the other. “I don't know if I can, but I'll try before I go home.”

He knelt to fuss the dogs and speak to the twins. “I need to tell you the pups names, you can't keep calling them puppy, and I need to know who's who because you look so much alike I can't tell the difference between you.”

“He's Asher.”

“And he's Aaron, you can tell the difference because...”

“...he's got a small mole in his...”

“...right cheek.” Asher pointed to a small mole on his cheek just above the jaw bone. “Can you see it?”

“I can.” Benjamin couldn't help but smile. “Haver you decided who is having which pup?”

“Aaron wants the brown one...”

“...and Asher wants the gold one.”

“Well Asher your pup's name is Jedidiah, but it's easier to call him Jed. Aaron your pup's name is Zachariah, but it's easier to call him Zach, can you both remember that?”

Both boys nodded and hugged their pups. As they both received sloppy licks and doggy kisses Benjamin heard 'I love you Jed', 'I love you Zach', and he knew they meant it.

When Benjamin stood and turned to walk away with tears flowing freely, he was wrapped in a hug by Jacob. He tried to fight his way out of the hug, then he gave up realising he was fighting a losing battle and relaxed into it, crying on Jacob's shoulder.

“What's this I heard about you going home? Where you live isn't safe for you.” Jacob's concern showed in his voice.

“It's all I can afford where I can keep Ariel with me, I'm safe if I keep the doors locked. If I can find a job I'll be okay.” Benjamin may have convinced himself but he didn't convince Jacob.

“And what about school?”

“I'll give up school and go to work, at least until I'm drafted, I don't think I can avoid that.”

“If you had a choice what would you do?” Jacob asked.

“I'd stay in school and study but I can't, it's expensive to become a doctor. Maybe one day I can try again.” He felt Jacob's arms loosen and glanced at Joseph before looking up to meet Jacob's eyes. “Joseph is very lucky to have you all as family and friends, I hope he knows how lucky he is. He told me he is going to England to live with Ian and Kevin and be their brother, I'll... I'll miss him, in the short time I've known him I feel, I feel close to him. I wish I could go with him.”

“I wish you could come too.” Joseph whispered as he joined in the hug with Jacob and Benjamin.