A Safe Haven

One

Mark was doing some investigating on his laptop when his smart phone rang. Sighing, he picked it up and clicked on the call. "Hello," he said as he didn't recognize the number. It was coming from Michigan. 

A woman's voice said, "I'm Mrs. West, a social worker here in Detroit Michigan. I'm calling because its come to my attention that a boy that lives here is related to you, possibly a cousin. His name is Andrew Gearings.  It would be through a woman named Leslie Gearings and her maidin last name was Wilds."

Marks eyes widened as he heard that name. He had never met her but had heard his father mention her many times and not in a very nice way.  Usually, he used the term, 'that slut.' "Yeah, I've heard of her. She was my father's sister. What about her?"

"Well, she recently died of a drug overdose and left a 16 year old boy here. He doesn't know his father or any other relatives. Your name was in his mothers address book. Is there any chance you would be interested in caring for him?"

Mark could only imagine the kind of life this kid has had. He hesitated only a few seconds. "Yes I'll take him. Can you send any pertinent files on him to me? And I live on an island off of Florida, so he'll need to take a plane over here."

"Of course," she said and paused, "You should know he's not too excited about leaving here. I can't just let him live on the streets though. He knows if he doesn't come, I'll have to place him in a detention center for boys."

"I can imagine. Believe me, I have a good idea what I'm dealing with. Just get him on the plane."

"That is very good to hear. I will make the arrangements," she promised and said good bye.

Several hours later, Mark drove to the airport and held a sign with the name Andrew Gearings on it. Soon, he saw a tallish young man with sandy blond hair that was a bit on the long side in the back which he wore in a pony tail. His bangs were shorter and dipped to the side. He was wearing a jeans jacket with a gang insignia on it that said, 'Warriors' and faded jeans with several holes. He came up to him and looked at him cooly with his blue eyes. Mark held out his hand, "Hello, I'm Mark Wilds."

Ignoring his hand, the young man said, "I'm Ace. Don't call me Andrew."

"Alright, Ace then, " Mark said going to where the luggage was being brought out and watching Ace grab a ratty looking suitcase. Then he walked to his truck getting in the driver's seat.

Ace threw his suitcase in the back and got in pulling the door closed hard. "I don't belong here," he mumbled.

"It's pretty nice here. I live right by the beach," Mark said as he drove.

Ace scowled at him. "I don't swim."

It wasn't too surprising as he had grown up in the inner city of Detroit. Soon, they could see the beach as Mark drove. He loved the smell of the ocean and the sound of the seagulls. It always felt healing for him and he hoped it would be for Ace as well. Then he turned into the driveway of his house and glanced at Ace's reaction to the large house.

Ace's eyes widened at the size of it  and turned seeing Mark watching him. He sat back, his expression turning back to a scowl and folded his arms.

Grabbing the remote, Mark opened the garage door and drove inside. None of Ace's attitude surprised him because it was like looking in a mirror to his youth. Taking Ace into the house he showed him around and Ace continued to act as if he wasn't impressed. Whether he was or not, Mark didn't know. He was proud of his house though because it had come from a really good friend who had helped him out long ago.

Mark opened a door to the large bedroom on the second floor. Up until now it had just been a guest room so it only had the essentials; a bed, dresser, closet and also a bathroom. "I can get you some more things within a day or two. You'll need some new clothes."

"Is something wrong with mine?" 

"No, but they aren't appropriate to wear to school and I would prefer if you don't wear the gang jacket anymore," Mark said kindly but if Ace really balked, he would make it a demand.

Ace turned towards him and said hotly, "I had to leave behind my friends and everything and now my clothes too?"

"I know the change will be difficult and believe it or not I have some idea of what your going through. I was older though and had just gotten out of prison."

Ace blinked obvious surprise in his face at that information but once again he put up his shield. Taking off the jacket and flinging it on a chair. "Fine I wont wear it, but I'm not getting rid of it."

Mark gave a small smile and nodded. "That will be fine. Make yourself at home." He left Ace in his new room then to settle in.

 Thank you for reading my first chapter. Please leave a comment and vote if you enjoyed it.