I waited {L.S}

1.0

I sat in the police car, a blanket wrapped tightly around me, finally getting some sense of warmth that I wanted. Lights were flashing in the setting sun, radios crackling to life one after another.

I closed my eyes, pulling my knees closer to myself. I shook slightly, not bothering to try to fight it. He couldn't see me, he wouldn't know.

"Louis!" I heard someone yell. I flinched on instinct and pushed myself further into the car and away from the sound of the voice. "That's my son! I want my son!"

I shook my head, not wanting anyone near me. I finally didn't have people touching me whenever they wanted. I never wanted to be touched again.

"Ma'am, ma'am, please," an officer commanded. I continued to shake my head while he talked in a lower than normal voice to whoever it was.

After a few minutes, they finally started walking over to me. I shut my eyes even tighter, pushing myself against the back door of the car. I didn't want anyone to touch me. I wanted them as far away as possible. Who would even be here for me anyway? 

"Louis," the voice said calmly. "Baby, it's Momma."

I slowly opened my eyes, tears filling them as they landed on my mom. I stared at her, almost convincing myself that it wasn't actually her, and this was just one of the thousands of dreams I've had of her rescuing me.

"Loubear, it's me," she promised. When she said that, I launched into her arms, holding onto her like my life depended on it. "God, my poor baby. I'm so happy they found you."

I just cried and held onto her, even when she stood up. I could hear her talking to someone, but I didn't even attempt to try to  pay attention. I had my mom back. My mommy.

She carried me to the car and set me down in the front seat of another car. I didn't want to let go, afraid I would get ripped away from her again. 

"It's okay, baby. I have to drive, but I'm not leaving." She had to convince me for a while before I reluctantly let go of her and she closed the door before walking over to the driver's side and getting in.

I wanted to ask her questions, I to tell her things, but I was scared to talk. Talking was bad, I learned that quickly. I stared out the window instead, watching everything since I had been stuck in a dark room. It was getting dark outside too, so it meant that I could be outside. I shouldn't be, that shouldn't have happened, but I was okay.

The drive wasn't long at all, and soon we were at a house I didn't remember. I turned and looked at my mom, confused. Well, even more confused than I already was.

"It's one of your cousin's houses. They live a lot closer than we do. We're going home tomorrow, alright?"

I nodded slowly and she got out of the car, pausing by her door for a second before walking around to mine and opening it. She wrapped an arm protectively around me as we walked to the door and she knocked lightly. A woman slightly younger than my mom opened the door and pulled my mom in for a hug. I stepped away before she could begin to reach for me, and my mom explained to her it's better not to touch me.

She smiled warmly at me still. "Hi, Louis, I'm Katelyn." I looked away from her and to the ground, stepping closer to my mom.

We walked in the house and I kept close to my mom, my arms wrapped around myself. "Are you guys hungry?" Katelyn asked.

"Yes," my mom answered. "Louis?"

I looked at her, unsure of what to do. I wasn't supposed to take food when it was offered. It always ended up badly. He would give me food when I deserved it, which wasn't very often, but I was sure it had been days since I ate last. I was so hungry.

"Are you hungry, Louis?" My mom asked again, her voice very gentle.

I nodded, wishing I could explain. I wanted to talk but the words wouldn't form. My eyes filled with tears as I got frustrated with myself.

"Hey, baby, it's okay," she whispered. "It's okay." I fell into her chest when she hugged me, hiding my face in her shoulder. "You're safe now. They won't hurt you again."