Chapter 6.Chapter 6. A New Life Together. "I got scared when you went inside," Rafael said awkwardly as soon as I turned onto the road. I glanced at the boy and noticed that he was still upset. "I'm sorry, Raf. I didn't even think. Anyway, it was just for a few minutes," I said gently. "I know. I can't help it. I,... don't want you to leave me alone.... Ever!" the boy retorted angrily. I nodded as I rubbed the boy's bare knee gently with my right hand. I felt a surge of excitement that was all but overpowering. His slender leg was soft and warm and I could feel the young life that seemed to flow through him and into me. "I'm sorry, Raf," I said again. "I'll never leave you, not like that, forever. But you have to trust me to come back." I kept my hand on the boy's leg until we reached the freeway. I stopped at the restaurant and went inside after I told Rafael that he could watch me the entire time through the window. I kept a constant eye on the car and Rafael, knowing that the red van could be around. The boy was still not strong enough to come inside with me. I bought coffee, a large carton of milk and a half dozen hot rolls with some kind of raspberry filling. We ate in the car and I gave him two of the pills that Colin had provided. Rafael was hungry and he ate quickly, polishing off one roll after another as he slurped the milk loudly. It was a good sign and I didn't care that the boy ate most of mine as well. It took just under two hours to drive from the clinic back to my place. Most of the way Rafael dozed quietly. For the brief times that he was awake he sat quietly and watched me. I parked the car in the garage and carried Rafael up the stairs to my apartment. I was glad we didn't see anyone. I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to explain the presence of the beautiful ten-year-old boy that I cradled in my arms to some of the other residents in the building. It was pretty obvious that I would have to find alternative accommodations in the immediate future if I was going to keep Rafael with me. I carried the boy into the living room and placed him on the couch. He stretched out, made himself comfortable, and smiled. "You have a really nice place," he said. "It's a great view," he observed as he looked out through the window at the Atlantic Ocean. I looked around the room. |