Liam, Jack and I - a dumping ground fanfiction

Chapter 1

I huddle in the corner of my damp, dark, almost lifeless room trembling. Mummy hasn't returned yet. She said she would be home soon. What if she got hurt? Suddenly, I hear footsteps downstairs. "Mummy?" I cry standing up hurriedly. No reply. The sound of footsteps gets nearer. I shuffle backwards so that I'm hidden behind the door, accidentally knocking a glass bottle in the process. I don't have to wait long before they find me. It's two menwith kindly looking faces. But that doesn't fool me. Ben, mummy's looked kind but he's anything but. The two crouch down to my height so that I can see them better. "Hello, I'm Mike. I work at Ashdene Ridge,. It's a very nice place with lots of kids. And the man next to me is Rob, a social worker. We're here to help you" I shrink back. Mummy told me about social workers. They take you away. No doubt this is what they mean when they say that they wish to help me. "Where's your mum?" I shrug.     "She's gone. She left with a guy a few hours ago" The men nod.  "Well what's your name sweetheart?" "Charlotte. But Mummy calls me Lottie. Do you know why my mummy hasn't returned?" Mike shakes his head trying to put a hand on my shoulder. He doesn't manage it though because I shrink back. I haven't known him for long enough to fully trust him yet. "No, we don't know. I'm sorry. How about you stay at Ashdene Ridge until we can find your mummy?" I shake my head determinedly. "I need to stay here in case she returns. I don't want her to get worried about me" Mike sighs sensing it's going to be hard to get me to go with him and Rob. ""Listen, anything could happen to you, if we leave you here alone. By law we have to take you with us anyway" Giving up, I nod and allow him to lift me onto his hip. "Come on then"