Finding Home

Chapter 20 - A Day Off pt. 2

Perseus smiled at me. "Thank you, Loki."

"For what?" I asked.

"For today. I know it's was over yet, but I needed this."

I laughed. "This was Bianca's idea, not mine."

"Maybe, but I am happy you came with me."

I smiled. "Are you ready to go or do you want to stay longer?" I asked.

He smiled back. "I'm ready. What would you say to a brunch? I know this cute café that's just up the street. It has the most delicious pastries."

"Brunch?" I asked. "Is this another Midgardian term?"

"Yeah. It's a mixture of breakfast and lunch. It's basically just a meal between the two," he explained.

We left the school and walked to the café. We chose a small table in the back where there weren't many people. He didn't glance at his menu and I figured he already knew what was good. I didn't recognize any of the items on the menu and asked the server to just get me the same as Perseus.

"So," Perseus said, "I believe you have something else to ask of me?"

"How did you know?" I asked.

"I have my ways," he said mysteriously before chuckling. "Just kidding. You keep looking at me like you have something to ask, but you are nervous."

"Oh. Well, I want to ask if you would be willing to give Nolan a job at the palace. The caretakers at his orphanage do not approve of Kola learning magic and he needs an excuse to bring her to the palace."

Perseus tilted his head slightly. "Of course. There's something else though, is there not?"

I sighed. He was too perceptive. "Yes. It is a much larger request though."

He gestured for me to continue.

"I am considering adopting Nolan and Kola. Kola deserves someone who is encouraging of her abilities and talents and Nolan deserves to be a kid. He's been taking care of the kids at the orphanage his whole life."

Perseus nodded but looked troubled. "Where are the caretakers?"

I scowled. "He says they are trying their best, but he also mentioned he does the cooking and mending. He takes the kids to school and helps them with their work. He makes sure the house is kept clean. If a child has to do all of that, I do not believe the caretakers are doing much of anything."

"Of course we can take them in. I will also speak with Bianca about inspecting that place and possibly replacing them."

"Thank you," I said gratefully. "However, I would like to wait until they feel more comfortable before I adopt them. I wish to get to know them better."

He nodded and we ate our food. It was delicious and I was sure that I would be back.

After we had paid, we left the café and I asked where he would like to go next.

He glanced at me and thought for a moment before answering. "We'll go to the market. There's a booth there that I think you will love."

"Me? Perseus, this day is for you," I said in confusion.

He shook his head. "Loki, this is our day. We are doing this together, are we not?" He held out his hand to me.

I blushed lightly as I took his hand. "I suppose we are."

He smiled and led me towards the center of the city, still holding my hand. When we got there, I gasped. Unlike the other parts of town, it was chaotic and unorganized, but that just added to the beauty. There were bright colors everywhere and the smell of delicious foods wafted through the air. I immediately knew that I could spend a lifetime here.