Orchards and Moonlight - a Mialotte story (TNN)

Behind bars

TW for mentions of abuse, child abuse and rape

Today was the day.

It was the day that Charles King was going to prison, probably for the rest of his life. 

Charlotte had asked Mia to stay overnight. It really helped her. Mia was great with her girls, and she made Charlotte feel safe. This means Charlotte got some proper sleep that night.

That morning both women woke up, bodies tangled together. They hadn't even kissed yet, But they would wake up like this every time Mia slept over, and they stopped feeling embarrassed about it. 

They just lay there for a few minutes looking into each other's eyes. This happened often, they would be sitting in silence just staring at each other. It was a calm moment between all of the chaos of life. Just a few moments of just them. 

They reluctantly got up and got the kids ready to take to Charlotte's parents. Reece and Autumn had closed the two nurseries for the day, so everyone could be there to support Charlottle. She was grateful but the only person that really mattered was Mia. She was all Char needed to keep her sane for the day.

In the car ride, Mia would sing with the girls, any song they wanted. She never said no to them. Except when Char said no. She would always play, sing or dance with them, and it made Char's heart swell with happiness. She felt so lucky. She could also feel herself falling in love with Mia more every day. 

When the four arrived at Char's parents, the girls jumped out and ran to their Grandparents. Mia helped Char with their bags, the smile never falling from her lips. They walked side by side into the house and put the bags down. Char hugged her parents and they wished her luck.

Mia went out to open the car door for Char again when Char's mom called her.

"Charlotte darling. When are you going to tell that poor girl how you feel?" her mom asked her. Char's eyes widened, her mouth gaping.

"Oh please, don't look like that. Anyone can see that you love her. Tell her darling." her mom gave her a smile, which she returned. She took a deep breath and walked to the car. She shot a smile at Mia and turned to wave at her girls one more time, before getting into the car.

the entire drive home, her mind was turning in circles. When they pulled up in her driveway, she spoke up for the first time.

"I want to move." Mia turned her head so fast that she almost got whiplash. 

"What?" Mia choked out, absolutely terrified of Char's answer.

"This house. I can't, I can't stay here. If you aren't here, all I dream about is what he did to me. I... I want to move, maybe closer to the nursery, I don't know, I just don't want to be here." Mia let out a sigh of relief. 

"For a second I thought you meant, like leave, far away." Char smiled softly and took Mia's hand

"Now why would I ever want to do that, all I need it right here." she leaned in slowly and kissed Mia on her cheek. Mia's face practically matched her hair with the amount of blush covering her face. 

They headed inside and got ready for court. Both were nervous, but once it's done, it'll all be over. 

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"On the count of abuse, attempted child abuse, attempted murder and over half a dozen counts of rape, how do you plead Mr. King?" The judge looked at Charles. 

"Not guilty your honour."

'Bullshit' Mia mumbles under her breath. Char just holds her hand tightly. Her legs shaking.