Finding Haven

Chapter 8

Kendra

 The back of my hand tingled throughout the rest of my shift at the memory of his actions. I swear my heart jumped into my throat when he took my hand. Normally I didn't like physical contact with people besides my family, but he was different. Everything about him was different. It was like everyone in the world was a blur compared to how sharp and crystal clear I saw him. The reality of what I was feeling scared the hell out of me, but my fear didn't make me want to run away.

The kids behaved during my shift. Ryan and Violet watched the twins who colored so many pictures it shocked me that Joe didn't run out. I helped clean up their mess once my shift was over. Before we could leave, the twins broke off and slowly approached Joe.

He watched as they timidly headed over, squatting down when they made it to him. The sincerity of the affection in his eyes warmed my heart. He really cared about them.

"We drew these for you," Max mumbled as he and Maddie held up a picture each. The pictures were of a sundae and a breakfast platter. I knew it wasn't a coincidence. Joe's eyes turned glassy as he collected the images in his hands.

"Thank you so much," he told them. "You know where we have to put these?"

I saw them tense for the insult that they expected to follow. It was too similar to something Mr. Walker would do. A fake compliment followed by the crushing of whatever he had reeled you in with. I watched as he entered the kitchen.

They glanced back at me, and I walked over and entered the kitchen with them. Joe stood by the fridge, snapping the final magnet in place. The two pieces of art were now the centerpiece of the once empty fridge front.

"You-you put them on the fridge?" Maddie asked, her voice shaking, eyes wide.

"Of course, that's where masterpieces go," he told them, as it was obvious.

Fast as lightning, Maddie was across the room and hugging his legs. He grunted a little at the impact but quickly righted himself and placed his hand gently on top of head. He ruffled her hair curls. Max quickly joined his sister.

Joe looked up at me as if questioning if it was okay. Meanwhile, I was trying to get my emotions under control. They were never like this with anyone outside of our small family. Joe had proven his worth to them and had earned their love.

"Okay, guys," I said, clearing my throat and pushing back the happy tears that wanted to escape. "Why don't you go out with Ryan and Violet and collect your other drawings?"

"Do you think Andy would like a drawing, too?" Maddie asked innocently after she detached herself. I almost choked when she called him Andy, but I honestly really liked it.

"I know he would," Joe answered.

I hoped he was right because he was getting their hopes up. It would crush them if Andreas rejected them. They ran out, chatting back and forth, trying to decide which one they wanted to give him. I turned back to Joe.

"They aren't usually that affectionate with people they just met," I told him, hoping he would see the significance of it. He shrugged.

"They like my food," he said, trying to play it off, but I shook my head.

"It's more than that. They let you in. Please don't make them regret it." He met my eyes as serious as I had ever seen him.

"I would never do anything to hurt those kids," he said. "They are more likely to hurt me. I've become attached too. I would be pretty sad if they just disappeared in the middle of the night." My jaw clenched my jaw at the accusation.