Unbreakable Faith - 15. Chapter 15

Unbreakable Faith

Chapter 15

On the Wednesday after his second weekend stay at the Delmar’s, Ian was a little nervous to see Mr. Delmar standing in the entryway to the group home when he got home from school. He stopped just in front of the man and looked up at him. “Is something wrong?”

Ron smiled and shook his head. “Nope,” he said cheerfully. “I just came to help you pack up your stuff. You are going to stay with us from now on.”

His mouth falling open he threw his arms around the man. “Oh Dad, I’m so happy. How’d you do it?”

“Used my pull as a man of the cloth.” He answered his arms tightly around Ian. Ian moved his head up so his chin was on the man’s chest and chuckled. “I’m not sure that sounds right, but I like the result.”

Ron chuckled, and he gave Ian an extra squeeze then let go of him. “Well let’s go get your stuff.”

Ian nodded and led the man up the stairs and into his room. He was so excited he could barely think and knew he’d forget something. Jeff was in the room sitting on his bed when they walked in. Watching as Jeff looked the reverend over Ian got the impression Jeff was sad.

After packing up his clothes Ron took his bag. Sensing Ian wanted to talk to Jeff he said. “I’ll meet you back downstairs.”

Ian nodded waited for Ron to leave the room then walked over and sat by Jeff on the bed. “You okay?”

Jeff nodded miserably. “I’m just jealous man,” he stopped talking suddenly and wiped at his eyes. “I just don’t know why no one wants me.”

Ian’s eyes smarted as he saw a tear slip down Jeff’s cheek. He put his arms around the other boy. “It’s just cause the right people haven’t come along. It’s not you Jeff.”

Jeff put his arms around Ian. “I just hate not having anyone. I want a family too. I don’t care if people think I’m too old to still want it. I do.”

“You’re not too old. No one’s too old for a family. And you’ll get one Jeff. I’m sure of it. You’re much too nice not to. You’re the only other kid here that bothered to make sure I was happy here. The only one who always tried to make me feel better. The only one who didn’t pick on me.” He paused, not sure if he should say what he was going say next. “I know you don’t necessarily believe in God, but I believe its people like you that he’s got real special plans for. One day you’ll see your reward.”

Jeff pulled away from him and smiled. “You think so?”

Ian nodded. “I sure do. He doesn’t waste personalities like yours. He’s got special plans for you. I just have no idea what.”

Chuckling Jeff nodded as he wiped at his eyes again. “You’ll come back and visit us right Ian?”

He nodded again. “Sure I will. And you can come visit me. The Delmar’s are real nice. I know they won’t mind if you come over to visit.”

“I will miss you Ian. I wasn’t nice to you cause I felt I had an obligation. I was nice to you cause I really like you.”

Ian smiled. “I really like you too Jeff.”

Back downstairs he had a tearful goodbye with the Harvey’s, though he wanted nothing more than to be with the Delmar’s permanently, he was still going to miss Mr. and Mrs. Harvey. The two had been nothing but very nice to him. Had always been patient with all his questions and had even given him plenty of good advice. After promising them as well, that he’d be back to visit, he followed his new ‘dad’ out of the house and to the black Stratus.

Once he put his stuff in the back seat he sat down in the front.

Ron turned to him and smiled. “Come Friday Tony will be with Natalie and Dan permanent too.”

Ian’s smile lit up the cloudy day. “That’s great. I am so happy. I don’t think anyone could ever know just how happy I feel right now. Like I may bust open or something.”

Ron started the car and backed down the driveway. “I’m very happy you are so happy Ian. Greta’s beside her self with joy. She’s not the only one. Matt got in trouble for talking three times in class today. Filling everyone in on his new brother.” Ron chuckled while Ian glowed even more, though he hoped Matt didn’t get into too much trouble.

When they passed the house Ian pointed back at it. “Where we going?”

“We just have to run down to Social Services to make this all official.”

When they walked into the Social Services Building Betty, whom he instantly recognized as his social worker, hurried over to them and pulled him into her arms. “You look so handsome hon. So much healthier than you did a month and a half ago.”

Ian smiled at her as he squeezed her back. He had her to thank for letting him stay with the Delmar’s sooner than scheduled and his gratitude for her went deep. After letting him go she led him and Ron through a maze of desks. They sat down in front of one that was in about the middle of the room while she sat down behind it.

She pulled several papers out of a folder, clipped them onto a clipboard then handed the board and pen over to Reverend Delmar. “Just sign where I’ve X’d.”

Ron went through the papers and signed them. He’d already been sent copies of all of them and read through them thoroughly; so that once he was here all he’d have to do was sign. Ian fidgeted in his chair, his legs swinging back and forth. He didn’t know Ron had already read over the papers and was fearful the man would read something he didn’t agree with and the whole thing would be off.

Sensing the nervousness that was radiating from him like a heat wave Ron snickered and looked over at him. “There’s nothing to be nervous about Ian. This won’t hurt a bit.”

Ian chuckled but kept on fidgeting. He couldn’t seem to control it. It was like the trembling he used to do when facing off against his father. Though this was a bit more obvious than just a little trembling, he just couldn’t seem to stop moving. He didn’t relax until every paper was signed and Ron handed the clipboard back to Betty. “We set then?”

Betty nodded, her face filled with a smile. “All set.”

Back in the car Ron turned the key to start it. “What had you so nervous in there Ian?”

Ian looked over at him feeling nervous about answering.

Ron reached over and put his hand on the boy’s knee. “Tell me son, whatever it was I won’t be mad or upset with you.”

Leaning his head back against the side window Ian sighed. “I was just worried; worried that you’d see something in those papers that would make you change your mind.”

Squeezing his knee Ron shook his head. “Nothing written on a piece of paper would ever make me change my mind about you Ian. Nothing anyone could say or do makes one bit of difference in how I feel about loving you or wanting you to live with us.”

Ian blinked back tears, though one still slipped out. “You love me?” he squeaked out.

“Of course I love you Ian. Everything you say and everything you do just makes me love you more. You are an incredible person. You’ve survived through so much, so much pain and hatred. Yet here you are still the great person you are today. One who’s sympathetic to others. Who cares deeply about those around him. You’ve got so much love to give, Ian. And all of us, me, Greta and Matt are all going give it back to you.”

Fully crying now Ian wiped furiously at his eyes. Ron smiled sympathetically as tears burned his own eyes. He leaned over the front seat and pulled the sobbing boy into his arms. “You aren’t going to be the ‘foster kid’ at our home Ian. You are our son now. As much a part of my family as Greta and Matt are.”

Ian buried his face in the man’s chest, he didn’t like the fact he was bawling so hard but could do nothing to stop it. These words he was hearing were words he’d always ached to hear. To hear he was loved and to hear someone praise him simply for whom he was. He stayed there, snuggled in his dad’s arms for a good five minutes before he slowly pulled away and wiped at his eyes. “You sure make me cry a lot.” He chuckled weakly.

Ron laughed and tousled his hair. “I do, do I?”

Ian nodded without hesitation. “But at the same time you make me feel so good. I guess crying isn’t always bad.”

“Not at all son. People cry for all types of reasons. You don’t have to be sad to do it.”

He cried all over again when he walked into the house and saw a large banner hanging from the back wall. One that was highly decorated and said, “Welcome Home Son’ and in a different color was added, ‘And Brother.’ He was enveloped into Greta’s arms that held him tightly, as she kissed the top of his head tears pouring out of her own eyes.

Ian put his arms up around her back and held on as though for dear life. Even going so far as to get up on his tip toes to hold her more tightly. After they finally separated Matt was right there to take her place and they gave each other a long strong hug as well. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house by the time all the hugging was over. They all made their way to the living room where there was a box of tissues and Greta handed them around.

She started to chuckle. “Well aren’t we all a sorry sight.”

Ian chuckled as well. “I’ll need extra water with dinner. With all this crying I don’t want to dehydrate.” That got the rest of them laughing, and with the help of the tissues their tears dried up.

Greta walked into the kitchen area. “I made you a special first official night dinner.”

Ian walked up to the counter. “What is it?”

“Well I’ve come to the conclusion that your favorite meal is steak.”

“Oh yeah,” Ian said rubbing his hands together.

“Well tonight I’m taking steak a step further.” She opened the oven and Ian peeked inside.

“What’s that?”

“It’s a prime rib. What I consider the best steak. But it’s baked so it comes out very tender.”

Ian’s eyes lit up as his mouth watered. “Wow that sure sounds good.”

“It’s excellent” Matt piped up. “We usually have it at Christmas. Mom makes it better than anyone else.”

Greta chuckled as she closed the oven door. “And that’s direct from my number one fan.”

Ian looked at Matt and grinned. He was so happy he was actually here permanently he couldn’t stop grinning.

“Come on,” Matt said picking up Ian’s duffel bag where he’d left it by the door. “Let’s go get you all settled in.”

Ian followed him up the stairs and into their room. Matt put his bag up on the bed and Ian stepped up and opened it up. “Your dad said you got in trouble at school today.”

Matt chuckled behind him. “Yeah a little bit. They pardoned me though; when they found out I had good reason to be talking.”

After turning back around from putting his clothes in the drawer, which took about ten minutes, he saw a small wrapped box on his bed. He looked up at Matt who was smiling at him with anticipation. “Well open it.”

“You got me a present?”

“No the Easter bunny dropped it off.”

“Oh,” he walked over to the bed and sat down, he wasn’t quite sure who this Easter bunny was but knew Matt had been joking and didn’t bother to ask. He put the present in his lap while Matt sat down on his own bed just across from him. He peeled off the paper then ripped open the box underneath.

He pulled out a small silver thing that was smooth on both sides. “What is it?”

Laughing a little Matt stood up then sat down again, this time beside Ian. He took the silver thing and flipped it open then handed it back to Ian. Ian looked it over again. “A phone?”

Matt nodded. “A cell phone. You take it anywhere you go. That way if you ever get stuck or need me all you have to do is use that and I’ll be there.”

Ian ran his finger lovingly along the phone. “This is just the sweetest thing ever.”

Laughing a little more Matt put his arm up over Ian’s shoulders and squeezed him close, pressing his forehead into the side of Ian’s head. “I’m always gonna be here for you Ian. You make sure you always remember that.”

Ian turned his head so their foreheads were pressed together. “I love you Matt.”

Matt moved his lips up and kissed his forehead. “I love you too little brother.”

Ian blushed and looked back down at the phone. “You gotta teach me how to use it though.”

“Not a problem. I already programmed my cell phone number, the house number and Nathan’s number into it.” Ian grinned, so glad Matt had thought of Nathan. Matt stood up and went to his bed where he opened the front pocket of his back pack. He pulled out another phone identical to his then walked back over and sat back down by Ian.

“Okay you press this button to turn it on. You want to keep it in standby when you’re not using it. That way you still hear it ring when someone calls you.” He pointed out the buttons on the phone as he explained their purpose. “Now press this button then press number one.”

Ian did as he was told then jumped as the phone in Matt’s hand started ringing. “Is that me?”

“Don’t know let me check.” He moved Ian’s hand that was holding the phone up to Ian’s ear then put his own phone to his ear. “Hello?”

Ian laughed into the phone.

“No, no Ian,” Matt said dramatically as he shook his head. “That’s not the proper way to answer a phone.”

Laughing even harder Ian dropped back on the bed completely unable to stop it. He was laughing so hard, clutching his stomach that he didn’t hear a knock on the door and didn’t really register when Matt said to ‘come in.’

Nathan walked into the room, a wide smile stretched across his face seeing Ian in the throes of uncontrollable laughter. “What did you do to him?” he asked chuckling at Matt.

Matt held up his cell phone putting a fake annoyed look on his face. “I’m trying to teach him how to use his new phone.”

Nathan stepped up beside the bed. Sure enough clutched tightly in Ian’s hand was his brand new cell phone. His face was red, even redder now that he was really trying to control his laughter. After taking several deep breaths he sat up, then stood up and gave Nathan a big hug. “What are you doing here?”

“I got invited for the celebration dinner tonight.” He said as he hugged Ian back.

Ian stepped back and looked down at his phone. “So I can’t call you.” He stopped to laugh for another second. “On my new phone, to tell you the great news.”

“You can still call me.”

Ian grinned then turned to Matt and handed him his phone. “Now how do I call Nathan.”

Matt chuckled and rolled his eyes at Nathan. “First you gotta hang it up from calling me.” He pushed the off button then turned it back on. “Now hit three”

Ian nodded and did as instructed, within a second Nathan’s back pocket started to ring. Nathan dug it out of his pocket flipped it open and said hello. Ian got laughing all over again and dropped back down on the bed.

Matt busted out laughing as well as Nathan. “It just seems to have that affect on him.” He laughed out loud as he shook his head. Nathan wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. He’d never seen Ian laugh so hard and it made his heart melt to see him here and see him so incredibly happy.

It was nearly a full minute later before Ian had composed himself enough to put the phone back up to his face. “Uhh Nathan?”

Nathan lifted his own phone to his face. “Yeah Ian?”

“Umm guess what?”

“What?”

“I get to live with the Delmar’s from now on.” The last word trailed off as he started laughing again.

“Oh Ian that’s wonderful. You should see my face. My happiness is written all over it.”

Ian sat up looking at him in confusion then, catching the joke, started to laugh all over again. He moved the hand holding the phone over to Matt. “I can’t take this anymore. I’ll have to wait and use it when I don’t see the people I’m calling.”

Matt chuckled as he took the phone and shut it off. Nathan sat down on the bed and Ian sat up into his arms. “I’m so happy they invited you.” He said squeezing his arms around Nathan’s.

“I’m glad too. They said I could go to youth group with you too. If you want.”

Ian turned his head and looked up at Nathan, a look of surprise on his face. “Well of course I want silly.”

Chuckling Nathan squeezed him a little tighter, as always when he held him he never wanted to let go.

Matt smiled at the two and even though he was a little jealous Ian was so close with someone else he knew enough to not let it get to him. Knew what an incredibly good thing it was that they had each other and seemed to love each other and be so comfortable around each other.

They all got up off the bed when Greta’s voice called up the stairs calling them down to dinner. Downstairs the table was already set. There was a festive fall leaf covered table cloth and Greta had gotten out the good dishes. Ian stepped ahead of Matt and Nathan and walked into the kitchen to give her a big hug. “Thanks so much mom.” He said as she put her arms around him.

“No Ian thank you. Thank you for wanting to come and live with us. I don’t even want to picture my life without you in it now.”

He turned his head up, propped his chin against her breast bone and smiled up at her. “Same here.” She smiled lovingly down at him then kissed the top of his head.

“Did I tell you?” She lowered her voice and bent a little closer. “That your boyfriend is a very sweet young man and I think the two of you are perfect together?”

Ian’s face lit up as other than saying Nathan was cute Greta had not said much else about Nathan. He’d been really worried that she didn’t like that he was gay and didn’t like that he had a boyfriend. Hearing her say that though put his mind more at ease. “Thank you.”

She smiled a little bigger and squeezed him extra tight before she let go. With the help of him, Nathan and Matt they got all the food into the dining room and onto the table.

Ron walked out of his office and sat down just as the others were sitting down. They all clasped hands with each other while he said the blessing. As soon as Ian opened his eyes back up he looked over at the beef roast, his mouth watering as it looked and smelled absolutely heavenly.

Greta sliced him a piece about an inch thick, and when it dropped onto his plate his mouth dropped open. He was surprised it was so big but had no doubt he’d be able to finish it off.

“So Nathan,” Ron said as his plate was filled with a large piece of beef as well. “Got plans for college next year?”

Matt sat back and shook his head. “Ahh Dad. It’s a celebration dinner not an interrogation dinner.”

Ron looked at his son and chuckled. Nathan looked over at him as well and smiled to let him know he didn’t mind one bit. “I’m going to college right here in town, at the University branch here.”

“What are you taking?”

“Mostly general studies the first year. I’m gonna work my way up to being a journalist.”

Ron nodded, “An honorable profession, as long as you don’t become paparazzi.”

Nathan chuckled. “No I have no plans to do that.”

“Oh Ian before I forget.” Greta spoke up, “I made an appointment for you with our family doctor Friday morning.”

Ian who was too enthralled with his steak to say much simply nodded.

“Um,” Nathan said nervousness tingeing his voice. “Would you guys mind, maybe if I picked Ian up for school and brought him home? That way you don’t have to do it and he doesn’t have to take the bus.”

“You had your license long?” Ron asked.

Ian, now more into the conversation, looked from Ron to Nathan.

“Three years.”

“How many speeding tickets and accidents have you had?”

Matt snorted and Ron pushed at his arm playfully. “Quiet down over there.”

Nathan chuckled again. “One speeding ticket. Going thirty five in a twenty five. No accidents.”

“You ever had that baby opened up.” Ron pointed out the window at the shiny black sports car.

“No sir, normally this isn’t something I’d be proud of, but I drive like a little old lady.”

Ron laughed. “I find that hard to believe.”

Nathan shook his head. “No sir, it’s true. Everyone picks on me for it. I wouldn’t lie to you.”

Ron smiled as he’d gotten the impression the few times he’d met Nathan that he was a very honest person. “Okay then, I don’t see any reason why not.”

“Not Friday though.” Greta spoke up again. “His appointment is in the morning. I’ll take him to that then drop him off at school.”

Nathan nodded. “Um,”

Greta, Ron and Matt all chuckled at his nervousness, he actually reminded them a little of Ian and how he always got nervous when he had to ask something. “What is it son?” Ron asked trying to control his humor.

“Well I was wondering if Ian could come to my house Friday night. To meet my mom.”

Ron nodded again. “Not for the night though. I don’t want to sound like the mean guy but I’d never let Matt stay over at a girlfriends house so I’m not going to let Ian stay over with you.”

Nathan nodded. “I certainly understand that sir.” They all looked at Ian, as Ian started to giggle amidst his eating.

“What are you laughing at?” Ron asked his face filled with humor.

Ian, still giggling, sat back and looked at them all. “I was just wondering if you guys wanted to arrange anything else for me. Perhaps what I’ll wear to graduation?”

They all looked at each other in surprise then busted out laughing, as they all realized they’d been making plans for him without even asking him what he thought about it, no less doing it while he was sitting right there.

“Well,” Greta said containing her laughter first. “Graduation is not for a few years.” She stopped and looked comically at her husband. “I think he looks nice in blue. We could find a nice blue sweater for him.”

Knowing she was joking Ian’s giggling turned into laughter.

After the dishes were cleaned up Matt, Nathan and Ian all walked over to the church. Before going inside Nathan pulled Ian away from the door and walked him over to the side of the church. Figuring Nathan had something to say privately Matt continued on into the church.

Nathan pushed Ian gently back against the church wall and stepped up so close the ends of their shoes touched. He looped his finger in one of Ian’s belt loops and smiled at him. “You don’t mind do you? Coming to meet my mom on Friday?”

Ian shrugged as he cocked his head to one side, his eyes staying focused on Nathan’s. “Well I’m nervous Nathan. But with all you do for me, I don’t see how I can not do it.”

Nathan’s eyes narrowed in confusion. “What do you mean? All I do for you?”

“Coming to church, coming to youth group.” His lips formed into a warm smile as he wrapped his hand around Nathan’s wrist. “Being my boyfriend.”

Looking quickly around to make sure no one could see them; Nathan leaned in and gave Ian a warm gentle kiss. “If you are uncomfortable though Ian,” he said as he pulled back. “Then don’t do it. I mean I don’t want you to be nervous.”

“I’ll only be nervous the first time. No matter if we waited fifty years I’d still be nervous the first time. So I might as well get that first time over with, right?”

Nathan smiled at him. “You’re so smart.”

Chuckling he shook his head. “Well it makes sense to me.”

“Being smart?”

“No,” he laughed. “What I said.” He reached out and took Nathan’s hand. “We better get inside.” Pulling Nathan to the door, he let go of his hand as soon as he opened it. They found Matt already in one of the classrooms. Ian sat down beside him while Nathan sat on the other side of Ian.