54 — Noah Foster
“I whispered under my breath
But you heard, baby
You look perfect tonight”
Perfect — Ed Sheeran
Going to John's last night was the best decision I could have made, Lynn met us there and we were able to ease the tension with them, in a way. Of course, Nina's crazy friend pulled my ears — so as not to raise suspicions — about the fact that I haven't yet gone looking for the rings and everything else, however, she knows that I'm going to stall as much as I can, because if everything goes as it should, With the new planning, in two weeks we will be a complete family, with our boy being part of everything.
After a few calls and, according to my father, some favors, we got permission to visit Tyler at Saint Peters Orphanage. I confess that, standing here in front of the building, I keep imagining the interior situation of the place.
— Ready to come in, love? I ask, sensing his nervousness.
— I wish I could take him away from here. The situation of the place is very precarious.
— Unfortunately, that's what it seems, it makes me think that until today I've never been interested in helping somewhere like that.
— We can think of something further down the line. Now let's see our little one.
We passed through the metal gates, heading through a garden, with some toys in a dilapidated state. In the distance, I observe some children, between five and eight years old, playing. I look around the place to see if I can find Ty, but nothing.
— Aren't they with him inside, waiting for us? — Nina asks.
— He had taken.
We are welcomed by the place's receptionist, a lady in her sixties, very cordial, who directs us to the institution's director's office.
— She's waiting for them. — he says as he opens the door and, at the same moment, I see my boy cowering in a corner.
— Good afternoon. I'm Noah Foster and this is my wife, Catarina Foster.
— Welcome to Saint Peters — he greets us dryly. — Tyler, you can come here now.
— I'm sorry if I'm being invasive, but why isn't he outside playing with the other children?
— We have a rigid system here and he seemed a bit rebellious, if you know what I mean, but I understand that, without a family, they become uneducated — he explains harshly, making me go to him.
— Hi, buddy, how are you? — I stroke your hair.
— Yes. — murmurs
— He is being looked after very well, but we know it is difficult for someone to adopt a child his age.
— We are here for him. We want him — Nina says, slowly and deadly.
— Oh, I thought it was a charity visit — he replies. — We have two babies here, if you want to meet them.
— Could we be alone with him for a moment?
— Yes, just a few minutes. — he answers, leaving us alone.
—Want to tell us what happened, little one?
— I said I wasn't hungry and then she brought me here. He said I was rude, but I just didn't want to eat. — This makes me furious.
— Just hold on a little longer, you’ll soon be with us again. — I stroke your hair.
— They don't treat the children here well. And I heard a woman saying that she was going to do everything to prevent me from being with you.
— Noah, if it's who I'm thinking, I'll fix this soon — Nina threatens.
We spend a few minutes chatting pleasantly, when the director returns, saying that we've stayed long enough and now we need to go.
— Behave, buddy, as soon as we can, we'll come get you.
— Mr. Foster, it's not healthy to promise something you can't deliver. — I roll my eyes, controlling myself not to answer her.
— Come on, love. — I call Nina, who is saying goodbye to Ty.
We left there directly for the company, where we agreed to meet Gael and, so, Nina took the opportunity to pick up some things she left on her desk, before all those events.
When we arrived at Foster, we went straight up to my room, I had already sent a message for him to wait for us there. However, we heard some voices that we recognized immediately.
— I know that for You guys are complicated, I just need some time to digest it all. You, more than anyone, know how special you are for me, even making me that devil's coffee, but it's just a matter of getting used to it. Who knows, maybe we'll go out to dinner today, you, Jack and I? — Gael asks.
— Of course, my boy. Send me a message letting me know where we should meet you. And, who knows, maybe he won’t sleep at home today? Or spend a few days with us? — Norah speaks.
— We can look at that later, ok? — After that, silence ensues and we decide to enter.
— Norah, Gael, how are you? Do we get in the way? — I question.
— No, we were just chatting while you didn't arrive. How is the little one? — Norah says.
— Not good, and even Gael, I believe we can investigate Saint Peters. That place doesn't seem to offer affection and healthy conditions to little ones.
— What's the name? — he asks, widening his eyes.
— Saint Peters. Do you know?
— Unfortunately, however, I thought they had closed that place many years ago.
— Apparently, no.
— Well, I really wanted to let you know that, after talking to some contacts, and Jack too, I have some good news.
— Finally! And which one is it? Is it about Ty? We're already married, what else do we need to do? Speak quickly, Gael! — Nina starts asking.
— Congratulations to the new Manhattan dads!
— Wh... How?! — I ask, not believing what I just heard.
— I got you permanent custody of Tyler and also his new certificate and documents.
— Congratulations, my dears! Gael, I think we will have a celebration today, my son. What do you think?
— Perfect! I have a nephew to spoil from now on! — Hug me. — Happy Birthday brother!
— I don't know how I'll ever be able to thank you!
—Making that boy happy! — it says.
—What are you still doing there, standing around like idiots? — Catarina takes us out of the torpor of the moment. — I want to get my son!
— Let's go, or I'll sleep on the couch again.
— I'm glad you know, Noah Foster. And, Gael, I need to talk to you alone for a moment.
I call him out and, whatever the matter, I decide to see with Norah how the marriage situation is going and also, how she is in relation to Gael.
— Do you need anything else? For me to decide something?
— I was actually thinking, together with Lynn, about having a girls' night out. Which would be a goodbye, without her knowing. You guys can have a barbecue at the house, or something like that. Just so it doesn't go unnoticed, what do you think?
— As long as you don't break into any nightclubs. Gogo boys, everything is all right.
— Stew. — We burst out laughing, however, when it comes to these women, I don’t doubt anything.
— And how is the situation with Gael? — I ask.
— For now, getting used to it, I believe that the lack of love he had during his life made him a little skeptical in some aspects, but I am confident that little by little he will get used to it, as nothing would make me as happy as having him closer of us.
— It's just time to get used to it, soon he'll be enjoying mommy's lap. — I blink in complicity, more relieved.
I just hope they really enjoy a peaceful night, because I don't know what I'm capable of if I suspect they're going to do something.