Lucien

Chapter 1 - Reagan

As I walk down the sidewalk, I take out my phone to check the time. 7:30. I need to hurry up and get home before it gets too dark. At least it's Friday. I pick up my pace.

As I round the corner by Lucien's bakery I hear a muffled cry. It must be coming from somewhere in the alley. I decide to check it out. I can spare a few minutes. Who wouldn't wanna walk down a dark alley and follow a strange noise? Not me.

I follow the sound farther and farther until I come to a dumpster. I look inside only to find nothing. Strange. Where could it be coming from? I hear another cry, this one coming from behind the dumpster. I slowly make my way around and when I reach the back I am surprised by what I find.

A child. More specifically a young boy, no older than 4. He is wrapped in a pale blue blanket that's covered in dirt. The child is shivering, and looks like he hasn't eaten in days. I can't just leave him here.

"Hello?" I say as gently as possible, not trying to scare him. He says nothing. "Excuse me, where are your parents?" Again, no response. I'm not sure he hears me. "Can you tell me your name?"

I reach down to touch his shoulder, he flinches. Okay, well he's obviously not dead but I still can't leave him here. "Hey, I'm not going to hurt you my name is Reagan," I say quietly. "Why don't you let me help you up, and we can go get some food and warm you up a bit."

He lets me help him up. But when he stands he almost falls over. I don't think he's strong enough to walk on his own. "Do you want me to carry you?" I ask, he looks up at me nods his head weakly. I pick him up and hold him close to my chest, trying to warm him up. He seems unsure of how to react, but soon grows more comfortable and eventually rests his head in the crook of my neck.

As I walk home, I hear light snores coming from the child. He must be asleep. I could tell he was tired when I found him because of the dark purple bags under his eyes. He wouldn't tell me his name, so I'm not sure what I should call him. I decide to call him Lucien for now, like the bakery I found him by.

After a few minutes I turn down my street and see my house. My plain, old, empty house. I walk up to the door and struggle to get the key out of my back pocket while trying not to wake Lucien. I finally get it out and open the door. I walk into the house to find no one home, nothing new there. My parents will be gone for at least another few months. They're always gone on business trips. I can't remember the last time we went on a trip as a whole family.

I've learned to take care of myself over the years. I taught myself how to cook, wash my own clothes, and most of the things my parents should be doing. Or at least teaching me how to do. But do they teach me anything? No. The only thing I get from my parents is a monthly check. No phone calls. No texts. No nothing.

It's like they've forgotten I exist. When they are home, they hardly pay me any attention. They're only home for a few days at a time anyway. Lucien wiggles around in my arms, effectively bringing me back to Earth.

I should probably give him something to eat and a decent bath. He's covered in dirt and looks like he hasn't eaten in days. "Hey little man, time to wake up. You want something to eat?" I ask him softly. He sleepily nods his head yes.

I set him on the kitchen island and turn to open the cupboard. I search around for a minute before finding a can of chicken noodle soup. I grab a pot and place it on the stove, turning it on. I turn around to check on Lucien. I should probably ask him for his real name.

"Hey buddy, could you maybe tell me your name?" He shakes his head no. "Do you have a name?" No again. Alright then. "How about we call you Lucien then, Lu for short?" His mouth curves into a slight smile and he happily nods his head. "Okay it's settled." I turn back around and continue making the soup.

After he eats I take him upstairs for a bath. I run warm water and search through the closet for my old bubble bath and any toys I can find. I add the bubbles to the water and quickly check to make sure it's not too hot.

"Alright kiddo, time to get in," I tell him. I turn around to see he's shaking. He looks scared of the water. "Hey Lu, what's wrong buddy?" I ask him. He visibly calms down at the sound of my voice but I can still tell he's scared. What could he possibly be afraid of? I ask myself. He looks from me to the bath.

"Are you afraid of the water?" I ask him gently. He vigorously nods his head, eyes wide. "Lu, you gotta get in, the water can't hurt you." I tell him. He shakes his head no. "You're gonna be fine, I'll be here with you the whole time." He seems weary, but hesitantly agrees. I begin helping him undress and he slowly steps into the bathtub. He keeps a tight grip on my hand.

I grab a washcloth and begin washing him off. As I scrub, I notice circular burn marks all along his back, almost like they were from a cigarette. I decide not to question it, wanting to avoid making him uncomfortable.

When he gets out he seems even more tired than before. "We need to get you to bed mister." I tell him. He sleepily nods his head. I lead him to my bedroom where I lay him down in bed and pull the covers up. "Goodnight Lu." I whisper to him before I grab an extra pillow and walk over to my couch.

I lay down and wait until I hear his breathing even out. What am I going to do with this kid? I ask myself. This is my last thought before I eventually drift off into a dreamless sleep.