Fall

chapter four

When Samandriel got home, the front door was locked, so he couldn't get in. He rang the doorbell, before turning to look back at Adam. He shrugged and Samandriel looked at his phone.
Ten minutes passed and the door didn't open, so he rang the doorbell. Three times; nothing happened.

This wasn't the first time Samandriel had been left outside. Except this time it was raining. And he was cold.

He walked back to Adam's car and Adam rolled down the window.

"They won't let me in," Samandriel said.

"Do you have anywhere to go?"

"Well one time they locked me out and I had to sleep outside, but it's raining..."

"Get in."

"What?"

"Get in. It's fifty degrees out here and it's raining. You are not sleeping outside. Get in," Adam demanded and Samandriel walked over to the passenger side, getting in.

"This is why I don't want to come home at night. They don't care about me," Samandriel said, his voice cracking as he stared out the window silently, trying to hold his tears back. Adam swore he heard Samandriel say, "I should've jumped."

"I care about you...and as long as I'm here, I won't let you sleep outside. If you ever need somewhere to stay, just tell me," Adam offered softly.

"I love how I've only known you for a day and you treat me better than my own family," Samandriel whispered, leaning his head against the window. Adam saw something fall down his cheek. Was Samandriel crying? It could've been rain.

Adam started the car and drove off. No music was playing, it was just the sound of their breathing and the rubber of the tires on the asphalt.

Samandriel saw city lights in the distance and sighed. He loved the way the city lights looked. The way you could see the cars headlights moving...something about distance city lights made him feel better.

Adam looked over at Samandriel, just for a second. He saw a broken boy that needed a home.

So he was going to give him one.

---

Adam's house was nice. It was a two story with big windows and double doors. Samandriel thought it was the nicest house he's ever seen.

"It's not that nice..." Adam murmured.

"Are you kidding me? Have you seen my house? It's a dumpster compared to this!"

Adam led them inside and checked the time.

"Well, it's almost eleven and I'm tired. Are you tired?"

"Yeah...I guess."

Adam walked up the stairs, Samandriel following quietly.

"My aunt isn't home. But when is she ever? Um the guest room is the last door on the right. Let me get you some clothes and a toothbrush," Adam opened the door and walked into his room. Samandriel couldn't help but to peek in.

Adam's walls were white and there were still boxes in the corner. He had a small bed with a dark cherry wood frame and cream colored sheets.

"Here," Adam handed Samandriel a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. "These are too small for me, and because you're...you know, small, I think they'll fit."

Samandriel took the clothes.

"There's a toothbrush still in the package in the bathroom. You can use that. If you need anything, just wake me up, okay?"