S E E K I N G
I can't stop the flood from pouring out of me.
• • •
"Hey poopsy. Feeling better?" Audra walks into the kitchen, nudging her hip with Calum's, as he tested Nova's bottle, before handing it to her.
"Haha." He deadpans. Since they had returned from Phoenix, a week ago, he kept complaining about a stomachache. Audra was pretty sure it was just all the cake he had eaten. Come to find out, it was a case of traveler's diarrhea: a bad case. "Nothing a little water and Pepto Bismol couldn't cure love."
"And rest; can't forget rest." She takes the leftover potpie from the refrigerator.
"Can't forget rest." He repeats. "How was your day?
"Long." She groans. "We only finished up two of my client's songs. Her album is due by the end of the month. She was so busy complaining; we barely got any writing done. I swear, these upcoming artists have such an ego to them."
"Sounds about right."
"If that wasn't tiresome enough, I spent like thirty minutes at the mechanic before coming home."
"All's good?"
"Yeah, I just needed a quick oil change. It's fine." She takes her plate from the microwave. "What about you? Seemed like you and ladybug had quite the day." She refers to the toys scattered in the living room.
"I was supposed to get to cleaning those up. But yes, we did actually. Question though, can we give Elmo away?" He nods toward the red toy. The annoyingly repetitive laugh had basically given him a migraine. He even tried removing the batteries at one point, only for Nova to start crying when no sound came out. She was too smart for her own good.
"See, I told you getting that would be a bad idea. You never listen to me."
"Never, is a bit of an overstatement; but fine, you were right. So can we get rid of him or not?"
"I'm afraid that'll be a pretty difficult feat." She nods to where Nova was scarfing down her bottle; Elmo tucked close to her side. "But hey, if you can somehow get her to fixate on another toy, then Elmo can go."
"I'll put it on the agenda." He forks at a piece of the crust of her potpie. "We still on for movie night?"
"Yeah, as soon as I get a shower and Novie clocks out, we're good to go."
"Sweet. No romcoms though."
"Awe, come on. Not even Pretty Woman?" She protests.
"Let's do something different tonight. What about action?"
She sighs. "Fine, but no Marvel movies."
"Fair enough. I was thinking of something along the lin— ." The doorbell goes off; a string of knocks following after. They look at each other. "You expecting anyone?"
"No, you?"
"Nope." He drops the fork on her plate, fishing for his phone. Opening the home security app, he sees a lady; two officers enclosed on each of her side. His eyebrows furrow as he shows the girl.
"The police?" She mouths before Calum heads towards the door.
"Uhm, hello?" He says through the intercom first.
"Goodnight, sir, we're from DCFS; The Department of Child and Family Services."
He looks back at Audra, before quickly unlocking the door; pulling it open. "Can I help you with something?"
"Yes sir, we have received reports of child endangerment at this residence."
Calum's stands there speechless. The phrase child endangerment ringing in his ears. Had he heard her correctly? "Wait, I'm sorry. Come again?" He manages after a few minutes.
"We have reports of child endangerment at this residence." She repeats.
"You're obviously mistaken ma'am." It's Audra who speaks this time, coming up behind the tan boy.
"This is the home of Calum Hood and Audra Lee, correct?"
"Yes."
"Well, we are not mistaken, and we have an order to temporarily remove the child from your home." She holds up a paper.
"With what evidence?" Calum questions.
"We have a witness statement sir."
"That's ridiculous! You have no right!" Audra's frantic voice sounds out. She runs to where Nova sat; quickly taking the small girl in her arms.
"Ms. Lee,—"
"You're not taking our daughter!" Audra exclaims, backing away.
"We need to remove the child ma'am." An officer calls out.
"No, no, no. What you need to do, is get the hell out of our house!" Calum goes to close the door. That is, until one of the officers wedges his foot between it.
"Sir step back!" He warns, reaching towards his holster. That was never a good sign. "We have a warrant to remove the child; then we'll be on our way."
"Don't take my baby!" Audra sobs. "Calum don't let them take my baby!" She holds tighter to the girl, who began to cry as well.
"Who the hell is behind this huh?!" Calum looks toward the three. But they don't answer him.
"Give her to me now Ms. Lee." The lady slowly approaches Audra; carefully prying the brown girl's hands off of Nova.
"Nooooooo!" Audra collapses; the warmth of her girl, leaving her cold. So cold.
"Say goodbye to your pension lady! Shame on you!" Calum grits, as the woman leaves with Nova into the night; the two officers following her. "Shame on ALL of you!" He turns around, rushing over to the prostrate girl; uncontrollable sobs racking her body. "Audra..."
"Why....." The girl groans. "Why....?"
And Calum can't answer her.So instead, he only holds her.
