Sea Glass: Marie and Lauryn

Chapter 32

The soft light of early morning filtered through the window, casting gentle shadows across the room. She hadn't realized how tightly she had held Lauryn through the night until she shifted slightly, her arms still wrapped around Lauryn's small, delicate frame. Lauryn was still sound asleep in her arms, her breath steady and peaceful, though the occasional tremor in her hand and frown flitted across her features, betraying the remnants of the night's storm.

Marie softened even more than she thought possible as she gazed down at Lauryn. She knew it had been a difficult night, and she wanted to give Lauryn time to adjust to the day at her own pace. But as the minutes ticked by and she thought of the day ahead, Marie couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern. Lauryn had been through so much, and now, they had to face the next challenge: going to the police.

If she's at all hesitant, I'm going to insist on going alone. She's already been so brave. 

She had already sent Marshall a text message the night before telling him to meet her at the police station at 10 o'clock the next morning and giving him a brief overview of what had happened. 

As if on cue, Lauryn shifted slightly in Marie's arms, her eyes fluttering open. She blinked slowly, still drowsy, but then looked up at Marie with a soft, uncertain smile behind her pacifier.

"Morning, baby," Marie murmured softly, brushing a strand of hair from Lauryn's forehead.

She held Lauryn a little tighter, burying her nose in Lauryn's hair and inhaling, just for a moment. 

"How are you feeling?" she asked, releasing her slightly.

Marie wasn't sure Lauryn would be verbal today, but she would ask nonetheless. 

Lauryn's small hands reached up, rubbing her eyes. Her expression was a mix of vulnerability and anxiety as she shook her head slowly.

"I... I'm ok-kay, I g-guess," Her voice was small, but it held a note of uncertainty, "L-last n-night... w-was s-scary."

Marie nodded, her heart aching. She gently stroked Lauryn's hair, her touch soft and soothing. 

"I know, sweetheart. I'm so proud of you for letting me help you through it," she paused, then asked, "But, baby, we need to talk. About today. About what we need to do next. Are you in a headspace where you can talk about it?"

Lauryn stiffened slightly, her eyes widening as she pulled her hands to her chest, but she nodded, pulling out her pacifier. 

"I-I... d-don't kn-know...," she murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I d-don't kn-know if I c-c-can... d-do it."

Marie's heart clenched, her fingers gently tracing along Lauryn's hand, trying to soothe her. She knew Lauryn's struggles all too well given the last months of turmoil, trauma, and pain.

"What is it exactly, sweetheart?" Marie asked gently, purposely making her voice full of patience and understanding, "What's making you unsure?"

Lauryn bit her lip, her eyes downcast. 

"W-w-what if... w-what if th-they d-don't b-b-believe m-me? I c-c-can't t-talk the r-right w-way... and w-what if I m-mess up? W-what if th-they th-think I'm j-just... b-broken...th-that I'm l-lying? Th-that I'm m-m-making it up?" 

Her words came out in a rush, each one more fragile than the last, the fear of being misunderstood and rejected palpable in her voice.

Marie's heart ached for her. She could see the fear in Lauryn's eyes— the same fear that had driven Lauryn to isolate herself before, the fear that had caused her so much pain in the past. Marie leaned closer, her voice soft and steady.