The adoption (regression)

(18) Church

MICHEAL POV

I chewed on the spout of my sippy cup the whole way to the church, only taking a sip of the juice every once in a while.

I also stayed quiet, determined to not to brother my foster parents too much. The car ride wasn't that boring anyway, I spent my time trying to count how many white cars passed us. I counted thirteen.

When Daniel finally put the car into park I could see a decent sized wooden and brick building with a large cross above the main entrance. There are people walking into the building, all dressed modestly.

Daniel and Amelia got out of the car, with Daniel walking around and opening the door for his wife. I tried to be quick and put my cup in its cup holder and unbuckle my seat belt but I couldn't get the cup in its holder and the seat belt wouldn't unbuckle. I was shaking slightly, I was taking to long, I should be able to do this. Daniel and Amelia are going to get mad at me if I don't hurry.

"Here sweets let me help you." Amelia said with a smile after she opened the car door, noticing my struggle. She took the cup I dropped in my lap to try and unbuckle myself, and easily put it in one of the holders. She then leaned across me, her flowery perfume invading my nose, and unbuckled the seat belt with a click.

"See, it's all good now." Amelia smile never faltered as she helped me, maybe she is hiding her annoyance. I climb out of the seat, standing close to Amelia and keeping my head down.

"Are you okay bunny?" Daniel crouches in front of me, and uses a hand to tilt my head up so our eyes are level. I nod my head even as nerves course through my body, and my fingers play with the hem of my shirt.

"Words please." He asks softly and my body tenses for a second. I always forget to answer them with actual words, I'm so used to being told not to talk.

"Sorry. 'M okay."

"Good boy for using your words." I blush as Daniel stands up.

"Why don't you hold my hand sweets?" Amelia hold out her hand for me to grab and I have to stop messing with my shirt to take her soft hand. As soon as we're holding hands we start walking.

Daniel and Amelia say hello and good morning to a few people, not stoping for more than a second. I don't talk, instead opting to stand close to Amelia and act like I'm not there.

When we finally get into the church Daniel leads the way to a pew on the right side of the church, a few rows away from the back. Daniel slides in first and Amelia lets go of my hand so I go sit next to Daniel.

"Do you need to go to the potty before it starts?" Amelia asks before she sits on the other side of me.

I shake my head, "No." Amelia says nothing more as she places her purse under the pew.

I look around as my fingers play with the clean hem of my shirt. There are no loose strings or holes for me to mess with like my old shirts, this one is too new and too nice for me.

People file into the pews around us, a low chatter echoing through the space as they all greet each other and talk about random things. At the front of the church is a raised platform where a pedestal stands with a small microphone. Decorational flowers and light are placed around the room to make it feel more cozy. It doesn't help.

A tightness creeps in my chest as I look around. An unwanted stinging in my eyes and nose. The walls feel like they're closing in. How can so many people be so happy and smiley in such a bad place?

My heart beat quickens as bad memories flood my head. In a church just like this one my whole world died. Two wooden caskets laid where the pedestal stands. Everyone was dressed in black instead of the brighter happier colors today.

I didn't cry back then and I won't now. Crying is for babies. I am an adult. I wouldn't cry. I won't cry. I won't. I won't. I won't.

AMELIA POV

I couldn't help but notice the nervous ticks that Micheal has. The picking at his clothes, bitting at his lips, shaking of his leg. And right now he was doing all of them.

Maybe we shouldn't have brought him here. Was it too early? Would he hate us for making him so uncomfortable?

I do the only thing I can think of and put an arm around him, pulling him close to me in a half hug. I wish he knew how much we are here for him.

I keep my arm around him, hoping the contact will soothe his nerves. Maybe one day he'll trust us enough to open up about his dislike to churches. I make a mental note to ask him about it further on in the week, and if he doesn't want to come next week I can take him to the park or something.

I'm not sure what to do with the small boy, we've never run into a problem of a foster refusing to go somewhere. I could call Mindy, she might have some insight into the boy's thoughts, she has known him far longer.

For now all I can do is try to focus on the sermon and trying to comfort Micheal the best I can. 

A/N

short one ik im sorry, no i didn't forget about this story for some reason i've just been stuck on this chapter. I decided to just get whatever I could down and go with it. sorry for being MIA i feel bad :((

Lots of Love ❤️