Chance for a Better Life
Chapter One
The first thing he saw was his misty breath. He didn't need another reminder that it was another bitterly cold morning, and he wasn't surprised. He hated the cold because it was harder to hide. The police would take anyone that they felt was homeless to a shelter. He feared that he would be sent to a group home. It had been two days since he'd seen his mom. He hoped that the police had found her and taken her to a shelter rather than the grim alternative. The only reason she'd left is because they'd rand out of food a three days earlier and they were hungry.
Jameson Patrick O'Hare or Jamie as he preferred was debating which was worse; when he and his mom were back in their apartment at the Bitterman houses where his dad would abuse them or on the street where they never had anything, but they'd felt relatively safe. They'd been living on the street for the last two years since his dad had been arrested. He and his mom were worried about what would happen when his dad got out of prison because he threatened that he would kill them. Even at seven years old Jamie knew his dad was capable of killing them based only on the abuse that he'd survived already.
By the third day without his mom, Jamie was scared. He knew that she wouldn't leave him alone for such a long time if she were okay and could get back to him. He understood how dangerous the world was, life had forced him to grow up quickly. He'd had no choice. He was tired, cold, and hungry, and his mom told him to go to the St. Brendan's soup kitchen and get help if she'd been gone for three days. He'd only ever been to the soup kitchen with his mom, and it would take him almost an hour to walk there. It was snowing so hard he couldn't see that far in front of his face, but he kept going because he couldn't fail his mom, she'd done too much to keep them alive.
Mary Reagan volunteered at St. Angela's since her youngest Erin started preschool and the older, he kids get the more time she spends volunteering. Her biggest problem at the moment was getting her oldest, Daniel to take school seriously. He only had one year left before she hoped he graduated. She wasn't sure that he would. Her son Joseph likes school and aspires to attend college and her youngest Erin was determined to go to Law School and despite a wild side she did well in school. Her husband's a Detective with the NYPD. She came from a family of cops and married into another. She never really knew what it was like to not worry about her family facing the evil on the streets.
"Mary, it's quiet tonight. You can go home if you want." Shelly, her friend, and manager of the soup kitchen said knowing Frank wouldn't want Mary out in this weather.
"No, I need to go over the schedule for next month and check some of the finances." Mary wasn't ready to go home to an empty house. Frank was working as usual, Danny, Joe, and Erin were all at a school event and her mother-in-law was busy with her father-in-law who was the NYPD Commissioner. She loved her life, and family but it was lonely now that all of her kids were older.
"Okay. It's snowing pretty good out there if you change your mind I understand. I hope the shelters are full and the streets are empty tonight."
"I agree. The temp's really dropping out there too." Mary worried for all those that didn't have a safe warm place to be.
Ten minutes later one of the doors opens a crack and a tiny little boy slipped through. His little hands were in the pockets of the coat that's at least one size if not two sizes too small for him. He only had on a very old and warn pair of tennis shoes and a knit hat with two holes large enough that both Shelly and Mary could see. They both knew that the snow was coming down hard outside and knew that he had to be cold and soaked to the bone. They both wanted to cry at the sight of him but jumped into action instead. They had a feeling that he was either homeless or that he was running from a bad situation at home. They both hoped that they could get him to talk to them so they could help.
"Hi sweetie, what are you doing out in this weather?" Shelly asked. Mary had gone to find him some warm clothes.
"I need to find someone." Jamie said in a small, scared voice. He was looking around with wide eyes.
Shelly could barely hear him his voice was so soft and quiet. "Who do you need to find? Is someone with you?" Shelly was worried. The boy looked malnourished and only about five years old.
"Are you Mary Reagan?"
Shelly had grabbed a warm blanket and led Jamie over to the kids' corner where all the children's books and toys were. She knew Mary would be out as soon as she could find clean, dry, warm clothes. "No, but she's here I'll go and get her sweetie. Do you like hot chocolate?"
"Yes. Can I read a book?" Jamie loved to read. His mom taught him when he was very little, and we he was the most scared books helped him.
"Of course, you can play with any of the toys you want too. I'll be right back. Please don't go anywhere." Shelly hated leaving him, but knew Mary needed to know that he was here to see her.
Ten minutes later she found Mary in the back room going through the donated clothes. So far, she'd found a couple pair of jeans that she thought would fit him and was looking for a long sleeve t-shirt and sweater or sweatshirt. Anything that she could find to warm him up.
"Mary, he's here alone and he's looking for you!" Shelly exclaimed worried that such as small boy was out all by himself on night like this.
"Help me find him some dry clothes and then let's figure out what's going on. I'll call Frank and see if he can come down here too."
"Good idea. Will Frank call CPS or do you want me to?"
"Let Frank do it. We need to find out what's going on first."
A few minutes later Mary and Shelly had found Jamie some clothes to change into.
"Sweetie, I'm Mary Reagan. Shelly said that you're looking for me."
Jamie's eyes got big. She was here just like his mom said she would be. "Yes."
"We need to talk, but first I want you to go into the bathroom and change into some dry clothes. Do you need help?" Mary couldn't help but worry he was so small.
"No, I'm okay." Jamie smiled.
"What's your name sweetie?" Mary asked as he was getting up and untangled from the blankets.
"Jamie. My mom told me she talked to you." Jamie was scared and it showed.
"Go change and get warm and we'll talk when you get back."
In that instant Mary remembered a conversation with a single mom while her son sat in the kids' corner reading a book. That conversation had been almost two years earlier.
"Excuse me." Patty's fear was obvious, but she couldn't do anything about it anymore. She always worried when she'd talk to someone, but she was more worried about what was gonna happen if she didn't.
"Yes, can I help you?" Mary smiled.
"My name's Patricia O'Hare, and that's my son Jameson is in the corner reading a book."
"Hi Patricia, I've seen you here before. I'll try my best to help in any way I can."
"Will you promise to not report me to CPS. I'm doing the best I can. I can't lose my son." Patty had to hold back tears. Jamie was all she had left, and she was doing everything she could to make a good life for him.
"Ok, don't worry. Patricia, can you tell me what you need?" Mary couldn't imagine what life was like a mother out on the street.
"My husbands in prison, but he's threatened to kill me and my son when he gets out. I don't think he's gonna be in long. He wasn't in long last time. I need somewhere safe for my son to come if something happens to me. Can he come to you?" Patty cried.
"Yes. I'm here full time, and if I'm not here there are a lot of people that can easily get in contact with me. I really hope it never comes to this, but if it does tell your son to ask for Mary Reagan."
"Thank you so much." Patty smiled for the first time. "My son deserves a chance. He's nothing like his father. I promise. He hasn't had it easy, but he just keeps going."
"He looks like a good kid. I have three of my own. Patricia how old is he?"
"Please call me Patty, and he's five. He's always been small for his age."
"Patty, do you know when your husband is supposed to get out?" Mary figured she could use her connections to really help this women.
"He's supposed to be in for five years, but I've heard from a friend that he's been trying to get a parole hearing based on his good behavior and promise that he'll start counseling. They found me to let me know because they know I'm homeless and he's made it known that he wants custody of Jamie, and I can't let that happen."
"My husband is a NYPD Detective. He could find out what's really going on. Since he's threatened both of you, he may be able to keep him in longer."
The thought of her husband being a cop scared Patty she was afraid that she would get reported to CPS.
"Thank you for all your help, Mary." Patty worried that she may have just lost her son. Mary had always been very kind to them, but she had no idea that she was married to a cop. She just wanted to run as far and as fast as she could.
With that last thought as Patty had walked away from her in her memory, Jamie walked out of the bathroom in dry clothes and socks on his feet. The clothes were a little big, but they would work for now, at least he was dry and warm.
"Jamie, where's your mom?" Mary couldn't imagine any of her kids at seven finding their way to the soup kitchen.
"I don't know. She told me that if she's gone for three days that I need to come here and find you." Jamie was scared for a lot of reasons, but knew he needed to be brave just like his mom told him.
"Where did she go?"
Shelly had made her way to join the conversation and give Jamie his hot chocolate. She had also called Frank for Mary and he was on his way.
"To find food for us."
"Why didn't you just come here for food?" Mary was confused.
"Because we were staying far away from here. It took me almost an hour to get here from my hiding place."
"You walked an hour in this weather!" Shelly couldn't believe it. At that moment Frank came in.
When Jamie saw Frank, he shrank into the corner. To Jamie, he was big and scary, and his mom didn't say anything about talking to any men.
Shelly hadn't told Frank much. Just that a young boy had shown up at the soup kitchen alone, cold and scared asking specifically for his wife.
"Mary, has he said anything yet?" Frank worried that he might cause trouble.
"Just that he walked an hour to get here in this snow." Mary understood that Frank was a cop, but she didn't understand how he could be worried about this hungry, tiny little boy.
"Wow. Strong kid." Frank looked at Jamie in wonder, his first impression was changing.
Frank turned to Shelly. "Is there somewhere private we can go with him in case you get others that come in?"
"Let's take him into the office. It's warmer in there too." Mary said knowing Shelly would help anyone who came in.
"Jamie, this is my husband, Frank. We want to ask you some questions will you come with us?" Mary asked as she got closer to him.
Jamie's eyes were big. The idea of going with him was very scary. He was gonna hurt him, and he worried what he would do if he said the wrong thing.
"I know he's big, but I promise you he's very nice. He won't hurt you. He wants to help you find your mom." Mary could see his fear.
Those were the magic words that had Jamie slowly make his way into the office, but he was always closer to Mary than Frank., and he hadn't said anything since Frank entered the soup kitchen.
"Jamie are you hungry?" Mary asked knowing the answer is yes.
He just shook his head yes, but he wasn't sure that he'd be able to eat. His tummy hurt and he was so scared.
"Frank, will you ask Shelly if she can make Jamie a peanut butter and jelly sandwich."
Frank looked to Jamie. "Jamie, would you like some milk too?"
Again, all Jamie did was shake his head yes. Frank's heart broke.
"Jamie, please answer Frank's questions. I promise that he won't hurt you and I'll be here the entire time."
"I'll try. What's gonna happen to me?"
"Answer Frank's questions then we'll figure that out." Mary smiled.
A few minutes later Frank came back with a PB and J and chocolate milk. Jamie couldn't believe he was getting chocolate milk and he smiled at Frank. It was brief, but Frank saw it.
"Thank you!" was all Jamie said before he ate his sandwich.
"Jamie, what's your full name?" Frank was a little worried that Jamie would be too young to understand some of the questions he was gonna ask.
"How old are you?" Mary asked after Frank's question.
"Jameson Patrick O'Hare, and I'm seven."
Frank couldn't believe he was seven. None of his kids were ever this small at seven including his daughter.
"When's the last time you saw your mom?"
"Three days ago. She left me in my hiding place to go and find more food for us." He was afraid, but knew if he didn't talk, he wouldn't be helping his mom.
This puzzled Frank and Mary a little. There were soup kitchens all around town to help people and make it easier for them to find food.
"Why not just go to a soup kitchen like this one?" Mary wondered out loud.
"Because my mom said that my dad was released, and he was gonna hurt us."
"Do you know what your mom and dad's names are?"
"My mom is Patricia Marie O'Hare, and my dad is Mason O'Hare." Jamie didn't like talking about his dad.
"Jamie, have you ever lived at the Bitterman Houses?" Frank knew a Mason O'Hare and he was someone that belonged behind bars for life, but always managed to get away without jail time or would manage early release. Mary could see the concern on Frank's face.
"Yes sir, that was the last place we lived. My mom is trying to get us a place to live, I promise."
"We know she is, sweetie. Don't worry about that now." Mary said remembering how afraid she was that Jamie would be placed in the system.
Frank had gone quiet. This wasn't the first time that he'd met this boy. The last time he'd seen him his dad had been beating the life out of him. Mary was getting concerned how quiet Frank had gone.
"Frank?"
"Okay Jamie, do you have any idea where your mom was going?"
"No, she had a friend that helped us out sometimes, and she would meet her, but she hadn't been able to help us for a while." Jamie was sad.
"Do you know her friends name?" Frank wanted to find his mom. They were all each other had in the world.
"Lauren Mayfield, I think. Mom met her last time we were leaving the hospital."
"Thank you, Jamie. Everything you've told me has been really helpful."
Frank motioned for Mary to follow him. Jamie had slowly eaten his sandwich and drank his milk and was now curled up in his chair. Now that he was warm, and his belly was full he was having a hard time keeping his eyes open.
"Mary, I arrested his dad last year."
"What for?"
"Domestic abuse, and I had hoped attempted murder, but he got a good lawyer. I don't know how. Mary that little boy has lived through hell. How he's so sweet is beyond me."
"He's worried about what's going to happen to him, and he's scared to death." Mary was worried too.
"He can't go back to his father. He will kill him." Frank hated the evil of the world. He wanted to save everyone, but knew it was impossible. "Mary I'm going to call CPS and tell them that Jamie's coming home with us and that's he's in protective custody."
"Frank, can you do that?"
"I can and I am. I will not let anything happen to him."
"Ok. I'll take him home and get him set up in the fourth bedroom next to Erin."
"Mary. Don't be surprised if he's afraid of the boys or if he clings to you. I don't know how long he'll be with us either. I'm assuming that he doesn't have anything."
"Frank, honestly, I don't care if he never leaves. He needs us. He needs a safe loving home, and we can give it to him."
"He needs his mother if I can find her. I'll be home as soon as I can, and yes, I'll be careful."
Frank left and Mary had Shelly grab some of the other clothes that she had put together for Jamie including some pajamas and other that they knew he'd be able to use. It was a big bag, but one of the things was a winter coat that was actually warm enough for the harsh conditions outside.
"Shelly, I've got to get him home. I don't know if I'll be back tomorrow or not. I'll see if Betty can fill in for me."
"Just go and take care of Jamie. We'll figure tomorrow out tomorrow. If the weather stays the way, it is we won't be very busy."
When Mary returned to the office and found Jamie asleep, she frowned. There were more comfortable places that he could have slept than the uncomfortable office chair. She thought about waking him up but decided that she'd just carry him to the car. He was very small for his age, and very tired because he didn't wake up at all when she lifted him out of the chair.
Fifteen minutes later they were pulling into the driveway and Jamie's still asleep. His exhaustion won out over his fear.
Mary took Jamie upstairs to his room where she laid him on his double bed. After what Frank had told her she didn't want to put Jamie in his pajamas and scare him more that he already was. Since they were the only one's home she decided to stay in his room, so he wouldn't be more scared when he woke up. If she was being honest with herself, she didn't want to leave him alone. She feared that he'd spent enough time alone in his short life already.
"Mary, where are we?" Jamie said looking around the big room. Not yet understanding that this would be his room for a while at least.
"My house. Let me show you where everything is. I want you to feel comfortable here."
"Your house is so big." Jamie said after touring each of the six bedrooms, and three bathrooms that were upstairs.
"It's the people that make it a home."
Jamie was afraid to touch anything, but he loved all the pictures. The family was so big, and everyone seemed so happy.
"My kids will be home soon. They were volunteering at a homeless shelter and then going out for pizza. My oldest is Danny, he's seventeen, then there's Joe, he's fifteen, and last is Erin she's thirteen. They might be loud when they get home, but it's because they are happy that they don't have school tomorrow because the snowstorm is supposed to get worse overnight."
"I won't bother them. I'll be quiet. I promise." Jamie was afraid of most people, and he didn't want to make anyone mad. He had good reason for his fear. He didn't know anything different besides a life of living in fear. The only people who had ever been nice to him were his mom and the people at the soup kitchens that they would eat at sometimes.
"Erin is gonna love you. Your room is right next to hers. You don't have to worry about bothering them, they'll most likely drive you crazy because you're not used to them."
As the tour of the house continued Mary worried about the impact her kids would have on the little boy more than his impact on them.
"I'm not sleeping on the couch?" Jamie had seen two couches so far and didn't know if there were more in the big house.
"No, you'll sleep in bed you woke up in earlier. That's your room for as long as you're here."
"My own room! I've never had my own room before, and that bed is so big!"
While Mary gave Jamie a tour of the house, he was very quiet. He'd never seen a house that big that wasn't on tv. He couldn't believe that he was going to sleep there. He worried what he would have to do to stay and what would happen if he did something bad. What he wanted most was his mom.
"It's still early Jamie. You can watch tv, I'm sorry I need to get some toys for you out of the attic."
"Can I take a shower?"
"Yes. You'll share the bathroom across the hall from your bedroom. You should have everything you need in there. Will you be, okay?"
"Yes. I won't be long I promise."
"Take your time. It takes a little bit of time for the hot water to warm up."
"It's okay. I don't need hot water." Jamie smiled. He didn't want to upset anyone.
"Yes, you do. How about I get the shower ready and then you get in." The list of concerns for Mary was growing. This little boy's life was so difficult compared to hers, her husbands or any of her own children.
"Ok, I won't be long. You can set a timer for ten minutes and I'll be out." Jamie smiled. He knew hot water was expensive.
"Jamie, you can take your time, and you can either come back downstairs or go into your room if your still tired."
"Thank you for your help." Jamie smiled.
A half an hour later Mary came back upstairs to check on Jamie and found him asleep on top of the covers. Again, she was able to maneuver him under the covers without him waking up.
Mary was still upstairs when Frank and the kids arrived home. The kids were thrilled because they'd heard that school was cancelled because of the snow storm.
"I thought Mom would be home already." Erin was concerned about her mom getting stuck at the soup kitchen. After spending most of the day at the homeless shelter she couldn't imagine spending the night there.
"Yeah. Ma needs to be home so we can have a big breakfast after we sleep in tomorrow." Danny smiled. He was the only one out of the three kids that couldn't really cook and had no interest in learning.
"Daniel, your mother's purpose in life isn't to cook and clean for you." Frank said with a glare. "I need all of you in the dining room. We need to have a quick family meeting." Frank had to take a breath. With the storm it had been a long day. "Your mother is home, she's upstairs. Now think things through, we saw her car in the garage."
Frank had a feeling he'd find his wife in Jamie's room. As he made his way up to the spare bedroom, he thought back to a few years earlier when they were trying to fill that bedroom with another child. It had never worked out, and the last doctor that they had seen had warned that they didn't think Mary would survive another pregnancy. It broke both of their hearts, but they decided together that they weren't going to take the risk.
When he opened the door, he saw Mary sitting in the bed running her fingers through Jamie's hair. It was early, but Jamie had been exhausted earlier when he'd seen him at the soup kitchen. If it'd been a long day for him, he couldn't imagine how long of a day it'd been for Jamie.
"Is he okay?" Frank whispered. Jamie looked so peaceful; it was amazing to Frank how he could look so peaceful after knowing what he'd lived through.
"I think so. We need to talk." Mary didn't want to leave the room but had heard her own children arrive home.
Out in the hall they decided to leave the door open so Jamie knew he could come and get them if he needed anything.
"Mary, I had the kids go to the dining room for a family meeting."
"Okay. We'll talk to them in a minute."
"Did you have any problems before I got home?"
"No not really problems, just I asked him if he would take a bath and he asked if he could take a shower. I said yes and told him that it takes a little while for hot water."
Frank could tell that she was worried. "What happened?"
"Jamie told me that he didn't need hot water. Then he asked me if I had a timer so he would only be in the shower for ten minutes. I didn't let him get in the shower until it was a good temperature, then when I came back upstairs, he was sleeping on top of the covers. I don't know if he didn't think he could get under the covers or if he didn't know he could because he told me he usually sleeps on a couch. He was shocked that he got his own room too."
"Mary, I think he's spent most of the last two years homeless. He would only get quick showers when he could get them. Give him a little time. The longer he's with us or with his mom in a good home then he'll understand what normal is."
"I want to give him the world Frank. If you can't find his mom, I want to adopt him. What if his mom isn't able to care for him? He belongs with us."
"We'll discuss the future later. We don't know what's going to happen. We may not want it to happen, but we have to remember that both of his parents are out there potentially."
"Let's go explain to the kids what happened today." Mary says not wanting to have this discussion.
"Mom, is everything okay?" Erin asked concerned etched on her face.
"Is grandpa, okay?" Joe worried.
"Kids everyone in the family is okay."
All three kids sighed in relief. Since so many of their family members were in law enforcement someone being injured was a reality that they faced every day.
"Why's an RMP parked outside?" Danny didn't miss it, and although they were around cops all the time, they didn't normally have one parked in from of the house with two officers in it.
"There is a little boy upstairs. He needs our help." Mary said waiting for the fireworks.
"The RMP is outside because he's involved in a case that I'm investigating." Frank said hoping to clear up some confusion.
"How old is he?" Erin was hoping she'd be able to take care of him.
"What's his name?" Joe was determined to help him.
"Seven but he's small for his age, and his name is Jamie. Danny and Joe, he will probably be afraid of you. He doesn't like men, and he has a good reason for it. We want you both to give him some space. Erin, we don't know how he will react to you." Frank explained. Wanting them to understand.
"So, what are we supposed to do, leave the room if he's in it?" Danny questioned.
"No but let him come to you. Once you prove that you won't hurt him, I think he'll be okay." Mary explained. Only wanting them to understand the situation.
"He's shy and sweet despite the years of abuse he's suffered."
"When he came to see your mother today, he hadn't eaten in four days. He's going to have a very different viewpoint on the world than any of you. Be patient with him. Listen to him, despite his age, you could learn something from him if you let yourselves."
"Does he go to school?" Joe wanted to help and knew he could help him with his homework or even teach him how to read.
"He's been homeless for a long time, so I doubt it."
"How long?" Erin worried. She knew she lived a good life. She couldn't imagine any different.
"I think about two years, but I think things have always been rough. I've seen him at the soup kitchen on and off all of his life."
"How long is he gonna be here?" Danny wondered. The kid got him thinking about the things he might see when he was finally able to become a cop. He needed to ask his dad some questions when his brother and sister weren't around.
Frank glanced at Mary. "We don't know." They said in unison.
It was early the next morning and Frank was up drinking his coffee and enjoying the quiet. He knew with the snowstorm and the fact that school had been closed meant that all of his kids would be sleeping in. What he didn't expect were little hands opening the door and big blue eyes peaking in. It was only six in the morning.
"Jamie, you can come in." Frank didn't want to get up and scare him.
"Hi." Jamie said quietly.
"You're up early. Are you hungry?" Frank watched Jamie cautiously take one little step into the kitchen. He wished Mary was up, but knew she needed some sleep. She'd gotten up and checked on Jamie several times during the night.
Jamie nodded his head yes, but just enough that Frank could see it. Frank was happy that he came into the kitchen since Mary wasn't in the room. Now he hoped he could get him to talk, otherwise this was going to be a long morning before he left for work.
"What do you like to eat for breakfast?" Frank was going through everything that they had hoping that they had something that a little kid would eat. It had been a decade since any of his own kids were that small.
Jamie was looking around at all the stuff in the kitchen. The kitchen was almost as big as his old apartment. He wondered what it would be like to live in a place like this.
"I'll eat what you think I deserve." Jamie whispered.
"Why don't you come over to the table and I'll make you a little bowl of cereal and will you eat a banana? But I want you to know that you deserve to eat anything that we have that you want."
"I love bananas." Jamie smiled. He was happy that he was gonna get to eat fresh fruit.
Frank put the food on the table and sat back at the table, hoping he would come to the table. "Jamie, come over here and eat and after you eat, we can find you some cartoons to watch."
Jamie made his way to the table slowly looking at everything while making sure that Frank wasn't going to hurt him.
A quiet half hour later Jamie finished his food, took his bowl to the sink, and washed it and threw his banana peel away. He grabbed a couple paper towels and got it damp and cleaned his spot on the table.
"Are all the bathrooms upstairs? I don't want to wake anyone."
"No, there's one down here. Can I show you where it is?"
"Please."
Ten minutes later Frank went to look for Jamie. He was worried that he'd gotten sick. What he found surprised him. Jamie was standing in front of the bookshelf just staring at it in wonder.
"Do you like to read?"
"I love to read, sir." Jamie smiled again and Frank couldn't get past the good feeling he got each time he saw that cute little smile.
"If you want you can pick out a book any time you want."
"Really!" Jamie was excited. He hated watching tv. Jamie picked The Hobbit. They had a lot of books he was looking forward to reading.
"You can read anywhere you want in the house. I have to go to work, but Mary will be up soon okay."
"Thank you for everything." Jamie smiled and crawled onto the large couch and began reading. He looked the happiest he'd been since they brought him home the night before.
Frank knew he needed to leave but couldn't tear himself away from the happy little boy. Having Jamie in the house really made him miss when his own kids were that little.
He was standing by the doorway when Joe came down the stairs. Frank motioned for him to follow him into the kitchen.
"Good morning, Joe."
"So that's the kid. Why isn't he watching cartoons?"
"That's Jamie, and he found a book he wanted to read. He's had a little breakfast, but I hope he eats again when your mother makes you breakfast."
"Okay. Are you heading out?"
"Yeah. His mom's been missing for days. I hope I can find her. He's putting on a brave face, but I know he's scared."
"I would be too. I can't imagine. I'll watch him. Don't worry."
"Yeah. The kid has had a rough life."
"Stay safe dad."
Joe was curious what Jamie was reading and really wanted to meet the little kid that had captured his parents' hearts.
"Hi Jamie, my name's Joe."
Jamie just looked up from his book and saw another big scary man. He wasn't sure what to do.
"What book are you reading?" Joe could see the fear in his eyes and hated it. He didn't want anyone but bullies and the bad guys to be afraid of him.
"The Hobbit." Jamie whispered.
"I really like that book. Do you like it so far?"
"Yeah, it's good. I hope I get to finish it before I leave."
Joe just smiled. He didn't know what to say. He had no idea what was going to happen to Jamie.
"I hope you do too. Can I sit and read with you?"
"It's your house you can do anything." Jamie joked. Joe was scary, but he liked him.
"Can you do me a favor?"
"Let me or someone know if you need something."
"Okay."
A half an hour later Mary was surprised that Jamie wasn't in his bed. She hoped someone was up to help him. Mary was happy to see Joe and Jamie sitting on the couch reading.
"Good morning boys. Guess what, you're up first so you guys get to pick the snow day breakfast." Mary smiled and watched Joe smile at her greeting.
"Pancakes, Waffles or Omelets Jamie?" Joe smiled. He loved snow days. They were always fun, and he was going to miss them when he graduated high school.
"I already ate breakfast. You pick." Jamie didn't think he'd be allowed any more food.
"Guess what."
"What?" Jamie was curious.
"You'll be hungry again by the time Danny and Erin get up. They sleep in late. They don't like to see the sun rise."
Jamie looked up at Joe. He didn't know what to do or say. He didn't know if they would be mad at him if he ate again or didn't eat again. He just wanted to go and hide somewhere.
"Jamie, you know you can eat whenever you're hungry, don't you?" Joe wondered.
Jamie shook his head no. Even when he had a place to live that wasn't allowed.
"Okay, as long as you're here you can eat if your hungry unless its right before a meal or something. Now what do you want mom to make us for a snow day breakfast?"
"I had a banana earlier; do you know if there's more fruit?"
"I know that we have more fruit, and you will be the first kid in this house that eats it without being asked." Joe laughed.
Jamie laughed. It seemed like everyone considered him weird in one way or another.
Mary could hear both of the boys laughing from the kitchen and it was music to her ears. She'd made coffee and wanted to see what was so funny.
"What's so funny?"
"Kid really likes fruit." Joe smiled.
Jamie just sat and smiled; he was afraid to say anything.
"If Danny and Erin aren't up by ten, I'm getting them up. I don't care what time they went to bed. So, what's the snow day breakfast?"
"Can you make your buttermilk pancakes with strawberry sauce?" Joe wondered if his mom had everything to make it.
"Yes. Does that sound good Jamie?"
"Yes." Jamie whispered. He wanted to help cook but was afraid to ask.
"What is it, Jamie?" Mary could tell Jamie either had a question or was unsure about something.
Jamie looked up at her with big eyes. "Can I help cook?"
Mary and Joe both had to hold back laughing. It was such an innocent question and Jamie looked scared to death. Mary knew that she had to talk to Frank about how things went earlier that morning.
"Of course, you can. I'm always happy to have someone help me in the kitchen." Mary smile hopefully letting him know that it was okay to ask questions and that she was happy to spend time with him.
An hour later Jamie and Mary were in the kitchen cutting up strawberries and starting on what Mary called the fun parts of breakfast.
"Ok Jamie, pancakes are easy. First, we need to make the batter and heat up the pan." Mary said grabbing a big bowl from a cupboard. "Will you help me mix things up?"
Jamie shook his head yes. He was so excited. Jamie listened to everything she said to do and asked questions if he wasn't sure about part of a direction. Mary loved watching this little boy do anything. All she could think about was that he had a hard life and any chance he got he smiled. Each time he smiled, she had hope that he'll be okay.
"The nice quiet morning is coming to an end. I can hear Danny and Erin upstairs." Joe laughed.
"Good. If they weren't up in fifteen minutes, I was going to wake them up."
"Smells good, ma." Danny said not even noticing Jamie. He was awake but hadn't really woken up yet.
"I love these pancakes, mom!" Erin was excited.
"Danny, Erin, this is Jamie. He's going to be staying with us for a little while."
Jamie wanted to hide behind Mary. Joe wasn't scary at all compared to Danny. Erin was scary too because she was loud.
"Hi Jamie. Did you help mom with breakfast?" Erin didn't want to scare him more than she already had.
Jamie shook his head yes.
"It looks really good." Erin smiled. "Can we eat?"
"I'm starving." Danny grumbled. He didn't know how everyone was so awake.
Jamie and Mary already had all of the food on the table. The room was quiet enough that when Jamie's stomach rumbled everyone could hear.
"Jamie volunteered to help me cook so he gets the first pancake."
"That's not fair. Erin and I couldn't help because we were still sleeping." Danny grumbled.
Mary just listened while she made Jamie's plate for him. Once that was done, Joe and Erin made their plates while Mary made Danny wait since he was complaining.
Jamie took his first bite and all of the flavors exploded in his mouth and he couldn't think of anything in his life that had ever tasted this good. He just sat and ate and watched everyone else at the table.
"Ok, so school's closed today. Joe, what homework do you have left or what can you work on for a couple hours today?"
"I have a book report to work on. It's due next Monday. I finished all of my other homework that I have from this week." Joe shot a dirty look at Danny.
"Erin?"
"I have some algebra homework, and I have to study for English and history tests next week."
"Danny?" Mary held her breath this was a touchy subject.
"Come on Ma. It's only Wednesday and it's supposed to snow all week. The kid doesn't have to go to school, so he doesn't have any homework." Danny looked at Jamie.
Jamie hung his head, and tears ran down his cheeks. He loved school and wished he could go.
"Daniel, what homework and tests do you have coming up?"
"A book report due next week, a science test, and I have to create a presentation for my history class." Danny sighed. He hated school.
Jamie just sat and watched each person in the room.
"Danny you cannot do anything until you show me that book report and that you've started the presentation."
Jamie knew that Mary wasn't happy with Danny. He was waiting for her to hit him or stand up and yell, but none of that happened. Jamie didn't understand, but just kept quiet.
"Fine. I'll get it done." Danny grumbled.
"Ok, the three of you upstairs and get to work. We'll have a light lunch in a few hours, and then we'll see what else we do this afternoon."
Danny immediately smiled at that. He thought he might get a reprieve.
"Based on what homework you have left." Mary said after instantly seeing Danny's face. With that one sentence his face fell.
Joe and Erin knew that this conversation with Danny wasn't over, but knew it was time for them to start their homework.
That left Danny and Mary at the table because Jamie had started taking all of the dishes to the sink. Mary had lost her train of thought because no one had asked Jamie to clean up. Once he'd gotten all the dishes to the sink, he found a foot stool from earlier that he'd found and used earlier that morning.
Danny and Mary had a quiet quick conversation about the importance of school and being a good role model to his siblings. Danny felt the conversation was cut short because they were both watching the kid keep working. Danny was still trying to wrap his head around how quiet this kid was. The only person who could be considered quiet in their family was their dad and when he went really quiet they knew they were going to get a lecture or yelled at.
"Danny, I'll let you guys know when lunch is ready."
"Thanks ma." Danny went to his room with some new perspective.
"Jamie, sweetie come here."
Jamie folded the towel he was using to dry the dishes and put it on the counter next to the sink.
"Did I miss something?" Jamie looked at the table and stove. "I promise I'll clean everything." Jamie's fear was showing again.
"Oh sweetie. No. I wanted to talk to you because I appreciate you cleaning up, but I want you to know that you don't have to do it or at least don't have to do it all by yourself."
"It's okay. I don't mind and the food was so good." Jamie smiled.
"I'm glad you liked the food. We believe that everyone helps in this house unless you're a guest. I appreciate all of your help, but why don't I finish and then I'll come find you."
"Can I go and read some more?"
Mary couldn't resist giving Jamie a hug. He was going to teach all of them the importance of appreciating what you have in life. "Of course. Go find somewhere comfortable."
Jamie was enjoying his book and didn't realize that a half hour had passed. He could read all day especially when it was cold out.
"Jamie." Mary said and startled Jamie. He jumped up and looked all around and saw Mary coming into the room.
"Hi." He whispered.
"It's okay. I'm sorry I scared you." Mary felt bad. Jamie had dropped the book and lost his place and was still looking around as if someone was going to attack him.
"It's okay." Jamie saw the book that he'd thrown on the floor and freaked out. He was worried he was going to get in trouble for throwing the book, and it being on the floor and anything else his anxiety filled mind could think of.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to throw the book. I can pay for it if I ripped any of the pages." Jamie rushed out.
"Oh, it's okay. I'm not worried about the book, but I am worried about you."
Jamie gave a puzzled look. Why would this stranger be worried about him. It didn't make any sense. The only person in the world that cared about him was his mom and no one knew where she was. He was afraid that she was dead and then he'd have no one.
"Jamie, have you ever gone to school?"
"I did for a little bit before we were homeless but haven't been back since."
"How long have you known how to read?"
"I think I was two, when my mom taught me." Jamie blushed. He always hated talking about himself. He was just happy that Mary was asking the questions and not anyone else.
"Two! None of my kids were reading when they were two. That's great Jamie. I noticed that you looked sad when I was talking about school. Would you like to go to school?"
Jamie shook his head yes. His eyes were big and hopeful.
"With the storm, I don't think that the kids will go back to school until next week. We will get you enrolled, and you can start school when they go back." Mary was determined to start Jamie at St. Brenden's with her own kids. She knew she was getting too attached but knew that this kid deserved a chance just like any other child.
"I'm gonna get to go to school! Wow!" Jamie was so excited.
The rest of the day is quiet. Everyone had enough homework that kept themselves busy and not able to do more than take a quick break for lunch and a snack. Danny learned that Jamie was excited to start school, really for the first time in his life the following week and made a point to work harder. Realizing that everyone doesn't have the same opportunities that he's had.
Jamie volunteered to help Mary make lunch, a snack, and dinner. He loved helping in the kitchen and learning how to cook. It was something that he'd never really gotten a chance to do, but his mom was always telling him that he needs to learn how to cook.
Mary noticed quickly that while other children were concerned with playing and being kids and trying to ignore chores not understanding their importance. Jamie was the opposite. He had no desire to play or be a kid, but his sole purpose was to survive and learn how to live. She wanted nothing more than for him to just be a child.
Frank didn't make it home that night as the storm had strengthened, and he decided to stay at the 5-4 and work through the night. He had a bad feeling that when he found Jamie's mom it wasn't going to be a positive outcome.
Jamie was up before anyone again the next day. Since Frank wasn't home Jamie decided to read in bed until he heard someone else get up.
An hour later his door started to slowly open. It was Joe. Being in this house was making Jamie wonder what it would be like to live here all the time, but he knew that would never or could never actually live with this wonderful family that had taken him in.
"Hey Jamie, are you hungry?" Joe whispered. He didn't want to wake anyone up.
"Your mom will be up to make breakfast like yesterday, right?"
"Let's go downstairs." Joe said and grabbed Jamie's hand so they could talk with normal voices.
Once downstairs Joe went right to the kitchen. His mom and dad had spoken on the phone for a while after dinner, so Mary knew about Jamie's small first breakfast. Frank and Mary were both worried about Jamie getting enough to eat. He was so small. They were worried about a lot of things regarding Jamie but knew all they could do was their best.