“It is my ticket to claim my car when I’m ready.” Darla turned to the revolving door and gave a generous push, engaging the swing to allow the doors to move in a circle. Once inside, she watched as Kinley and Jenkins entered the revolving door together and tiptoed as the door swung around.
Darla was already at the front desk checking in when they caught up with her. The longer they were with Darla, the younger they looked, so helpless and innocent. Darla’s chest tightened, and she was desperate to get them upstairs and safe, away from the world they knew.
“There is a bathroom over there past that big aquarium. Why don’t you go together to relieve yourselves, and I will get us checked in. Don’t wander off though. Just come straight back here.” Darla’s motherly instincts kicked in, and it felt natural, the way it was when she was Jane, when she’d raised her daughter Lizzie.
Kinley’s face lit up at the promise of relief. She grabbed her brother’s hand and dragged him towards the bathroom.
Darla watched them as they walked off hand in hand, and her heart ached at all the years she had spent alone, avoiding the extra effort of having a family in her pursuit of financial stability.
Now that I have made it, maybe there is room in my life to care for them as my own.
The front desk attendant appeared from the back office and gave Darla a warm smile. Her brown eyes crinkled as the smile reached all the way to the edges and her matching brown hair bounced around in tight curls.
“Hi, I’m Claire. Are you checking in?”
“Hi, Claire. Yes. The reservation should be under Samson, first name Darla.”
“Welcome! We’re so happy you will be staying the evening with us. Were you interested in extending your stay for an additional evening?” Claire beamed, exuding all the earmarks of excellent customer service.
“Unfortunately, I am just passing through for the night. I am on a tight schedule and will be staying in another one of your hotels in another city tomorrow night.”
“Well, we’re happy to have you choose us for your lodging needs. Just give me a moment to complete your check-in, and I can get the bellhop to get your bags up into your room.” Claire disappeared to the office behind the desk.
Kinley and Jenkins reappeared by her side. Their clothes would need to be addressed first thing tomorrow morning. Jenkins’s right shoe had a hole over his pinky toe, and there was a large tear in the hem of his shorts which also looked to be two sizes too big for him. Kinley’s outfit didn’t look much better with the grease stains. Neither outfit was suitable for the chilly spring weather.
Darla watched as Kinley looked around at the high ceilings and the chandelier that hung in the center of the expansive room. Jenkins wandered over to the center of the lobby, hisface plastered up against the large fish tank. He watched as the fish circled around in the bubbly water. They both looked like they needed a proper bath and food. Kinley joined Jenkins in watching the fish swim in circles.
Claire returned from the back office and brought Darla out of the mental inventory she was taking for the children’s needs.
“I am sorry, Ms. Samson. I forgot to ask you for your identification, and will you be joining us for breakfast in our dining room, or would you prefer to have a breakfast sampler sent to your room?
“Breakfast in our room would be great. Please just make sure they send enough for all three of us.” Darla handed her identification card to Claire and gave the kids a reassuring smile. “Is it possible we can have some sandwiches delivered up to the room tonight as well?”
At the mention of food, the kids perked up and whispered amongst themselves.
“Of course, Ms. Samson. And as a courtesy, we have upgraded you to our Royal Suite, Room 601. We appreciate your patronage, and please let me know if there is anything we can do to make your stay with us more comfortable.”
Darla took the key from Claire’s outstretched hand. “Thank you so much for taking such good care of us.” Darla grabbed her purse from the counter. “Follow me, kids.”
Kinley grabbed Jenkins and dragged him from the fish tank falling in line behind Darla. Their worn-out sneakers squelched against the polished floors.
Darla followed the signs to the elevators and pushed the button. The elevator bell dinged, and the doors opened. Once inside Darla pushed the button next to the sixth floor. The elevator ascended, and Kinley grabbed the handrail while Jenkins clung to his sister.
“Have either of you ever been inside an elevator before?” Darla asked, an eyebrow raised.
“No, we have lived in that small town all our life. Our parents both loved drugs and alcohol. They didn’t exactly focus on taking us to fancy hotels,” Kinley huffed and brushed some dark strands from her face. She stood taller, adjusting to the elevator’s slow climb. “They died a few years ago,” she stated in a matter-of-fact way.
“And now?” Darla encouraged.
“Well, now we live with my Uncle Ted in his small trailer. He made me start working when I was twelve. The diner was the only place that would take someone so young. But I had to prove myself.” Kinley looked at Darla. “He told me my only value was in how much money I could make for him.”
“And Jenkins?” Darla looked down at the round and wide bright blue eyes, still unsure of the moving box.
“He has been sickly since he was young. Our uncle wanted him to work in the diner, too, but I told him I would make enough for both of us. Don’t touch that.” Kinley pulled Jenkins’s small hand away from the call button below all the floor options.
Darla could see that there was a sadness deep in Kinley’s expression. A deep wound had been made by this man.
Am I capable of switching with someone who has been through so much already? The more I learn about these kids, the more I want to help them completely.Her stomach knotted at the thought.
