Samantha and I went on many dates over the next month. We talked a lot about our futures, and we related on many things. I'd started to really fall for her.
I'd been training Lucas, Kade and Kyre every day without any breaks. I told them today we'd go out as a reward.
I walked into the library after getting lunch with Samantha. I unlocked the door to find Kade standing near a bookshelf browsing books in the historical fiction section. He browsed intently as we walked in.
"Kade, you know we're closed during lunch…wait, how did you even get in?"
He put his finger up, gesturing for me to wait. I walked up to him and looked at the book he was reading.
"Blood Meridian. You're getting into historical novels now? What happened to your fascination with dark fantasy?"
Kade looked up.
"I read every masterpiece that's a dark fantasy book, I want to read the masterpiece in every genre."
"You're really interested in books, I see you here all the time. You should get a job that has to do with them. Like work here," Samantha chipped in.
Kade looked back down at his book. His hands started tapping the book.
"No…I want to read books, but I want to review them. I want people to hear my opinions on them."
Samantha walked closer to us.
"Well, once you get out of high school you should do that," Samantha said.
"I don't go to school," Kade said.
Samantha looked at me, shocked. I put my hand on Kade's shoulder.
"I could help you get into school, Kade," I said. "I can talk to a school and help you get in if you want."
Samantha motioned for me to talk to her in private.
"What the hell, Rowan, where did you find this kid?" Samantha whispered. "Does he not have parents?"
My eyes darted around the room as I lied.
"I had no idea. I'll try and help him get into a school," I said as I felt the weight of my lie rest on my shoulders.
Samantha shook her head. "This kid needs parents, he needs to be reported and turned over to the police or foster services."
I grabbed her shoulders and looked at her intently.
"Samantha, I've got this. He trusts me, I've known him for a while. I'll talk him into going to the police, okay," I said.
She nodded and we hugged. I walked over to Kade, now he was reading the novel. I saw Samantha watching in my peripherals.
"Kade, can I talk to you quickly?"
He looked up, annoyed.
"I'm kind of busy right now, what?"
"My girlfriend is really worried about you and I can't tell her the truth about you, so we need to leave the store and talk."
He sighed and put the book back. We walked outside. I sighed.
"So Kade, I didn't know you wanted to be a book reviewer."
"Yeah, since I met you I've been reading a lot of books and I've found my passion."
"I almost forgot, how did you get in at lunch? I have my key."
Kade grinned mischievously.
"I took your key one night when you didn't notice, and I took it to a keysmith," he explained. "I got a copy."
I blinked.
"You're a criminal, plain and simple."
I smiled and looked at Kade. He'd grown so much since I'd met him. This kid filled with vengeance is now passionate about books. With a less destructive goal, the kid I wanted to see grow old and have a family might be able to do it.
"Kade, I'm proud of you."
He looked blankly at me.
"For what?"
"Hey Rowan, hey Kade!" a voice yelled.
Lucas waved at us from the end of the street. Kyre stood next to him, hands in his pockets. Lucas ran up to us, catching everyone's eyes. Kyre hung back slowly, approaching us.
"Is Kade talking about books again?" Lucas asked.
"Yeah, is there a problem with that, Lucas?" Kade asked.
Lucas punched Kade's arm when he approached.
"You're just a big nerd is all," Lucas said with a laugh.
Kade chased Lucas around, trying to punch him back.
"You're just saying that because I'm not a dumbass like you, Lucas."
I stood between them as Lucas hid behind me from Kade, trying not to get punched. Everyone who passed by glared at me. Kyre finally caught up and stood away from us, but still walked near us.
"Get your kids under control, will you?" an old man said.
I grabbed both of their shoulders and squeezed them tight. Kade kept trying to swing for Lucas. I wouldn't trade either of them for anything. My life was really turning into one that I told Ethan about. Maybe they weren't blood, but these kids were my family.