Finding Haven

Chapter 16

Kendra

"What do you guys think?"

I looked over my brothers and sisters. We sat around one of the circular tables at Joe's. It was early, the diner close to opening. I could hear Joe rummaging in the kitchen, preparing for the morning rush.

After the picnic yesterday, we had headed back to the motel, eating a quick dinner at Joe's before crashing for the night. The kids especially were exhausted. It felt good to see them play so carefree.

Now it was time to make a decision. Should we stay here or move on? I had been checking the news, and I couldn't find any trace of us. There was no mention of the kids missing, me taking them, or anything. That didn't mean they weren't looking for us, though.

It wasn't smart to stay in one place this long. But this place wasn't like anything I had ever experienced. The people were genuine, and they cared even about strangers. I felt a connection here I couldn't deny. I didn't want to deny it.

"I want to stay," Max declared. Maddie nodded her head rapidly, agreeing with him.

"I like Andy and Joe and Bridget," Maddie rambled on. "And we are supposed to play with Lexi today in the park."

I had forgotten for a moment that Joel had agreed to train Ryan in the park today. He said he would bring Lexi with him. The twins were ecstatic. They had talked all the way back to the motel about the adventures they wanted to take her on.

"I want to stay, too," Violet said. Her quiet voice surprised me. "I like this place. It feels good here. I feel better. Miss June said she had some new books for me to look over, too."

"You still have that good feeling?" I wanted to make sure.

"It's stronger now," she answered. Her eyes glazed over a little as she focused on something in the distance. I didn't understand her abilities, but I never questioned them. Everyone turned to look at Ryan.

"What say you?" I asked him. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest.

"The people here are weird," he muttered. "This place is weird. But I guess it's not a bad thing. I really want to learn from Joel."

"So your vote is to stay as well?" I asked, wanting to clarify. He nodded. "Okay, then. We'll stay."

"So are we gonna live next to Grandma Cho?" Maddie asked.

"I guess so," I told her. "I'll need to go by there today and accept her offer."

The doors to the kitchen swung open. I jumped around at the noise. Joe waltzed through the doors, heading for the cash register. He paused, taking us in.

"What are you all up to this morning?" he asked, smiling widely.

"We decided to stay!" Max cheered.

"We're gonna live with Grandma Cho!" Maddie added. I shook my head at her wording. By, we would live by Grandma Cho. I didn't think it was possible, but Joe's smile got wider.

"That's amazing!" he said. He walked over and bent down. Max and Maddie charged at him. He scooped them up in a bear hug. His eyes found mine. "I'm glad you've decided to stay. Do you need some time off today to get everything sorted?"

I shrugged. He released the twins and stood up. "I just thought I would head over on my lunch break and talk to her."

"Nonsense," he said, waving his hand. "Take the afternoon, I insist."

"Are you sure? You'll be short-staffed." He shook his head.

"I'll call Irene and see if she can fill in. Even if she can't, we'll still be fine," he promised. "Now I think this calls for some sundaes!"