Lucien

Chapter 2- Reagan

"Ray! Ray!"

I wake suddenly to hear my name being called. I jolt up to see what the problem is. Lucien is sitting in bed crying. I search around for my phone to check the time: 5:30 am.

I quickly run over. "Lu what's wrong? Did something happen?" I ask worriedly. "Ray," he cries. I pull him onto my lap and wrap my arms around his small frame. He snuggles against my chest. He has a tight grip on my shirt, as if I'm going to disappear.

"It's okay," I tell him, "You're safe, I've got you." His cries begin to lessen until he eventually stops. "Did you have a bad dream?" I ask him. He nods his head shakily. He still seems a bit jittery so I decide to sit with him a little longer.

After a while, I realize that neither of us are going to be able to fall asleep again, so I ask him if he wants to watch a movie downstairs.

I tell him to choose one of the movies off the shelf, but he doesn't seem to want to let go of my shirt. Alright then, guess I'm coming too. We walk over to the shelf and he uses his free hand to point out a movie. Peter Pan. "Nice choice." I comment. He smiles a little at this.

After convincing him to let go of my shirt for a few moments, I sit him on the couch and put the DVD in. I start the movie and walk to the kitchen to get snacks. After gathering a few snacks, I walk back in and see that Lucien is frantically looking around the room, tears in his eyes.

His eyes land on me and he seems to calm down a bit, but still looks slightly panicked. I run to set the snacks on the table while making my way over to him. "Lu, what's wrong?" I ask worriedly. "I thought you left," he says with tears in his eyes. That's the most he's spoken to me this whole time and I'm surprised at how soft his voice is.

"I'm not going to leave you Lu, I just got up for snacks that's all." I say trying to calm him down. He seems relieved at my words. I sit back down and he crawls on top of my lap. This kid is seriously adorable.

By the time the movie is over it's already seven o'clock and I decide to make breakfast. "Hey buddy, do you like pancakes?" He shrugs. "Have you ever had pancakes?" I ask him. He shakes his head. How has he never had a pancake?

"Do you want blueberry or chocolate chip pancakes?" I ask him. "Chocolate chocolate chocolate!" he says happily. I'm going to assume he wants chocolate.

I pick him up and carry him to the kitchen. I set him on the counter and turn around to gather ingredients. Once I find them I turn around and begin looking for a bowl. I start putting the ingredients in the bowl and ask Lucien if he wants to stir. He nods his head eagerly in response.

He begins mixing the contents together but accidentally spills some on his shirt. His eyes widen and he looks scared. "I-I'm sorry, p-please don't h-hurt m-me," he manages to get out before his eyes start watering. Why would he think I'd hurt him? Hm. Strange.

He puts his hands over his eyes and curls up into a ball, as if trying to hide. I gently pry his hands away and look him in the eyes. "Hey, I would never hurt you, okay? Nothing is going to happen, it was just an accident." I tell him gently.

Lucien puts his hands down and nods after hesitating a few seconds. I pick up the spoon and start mixing the batter. "Here, this is how you do it." I show him. I hand him the spoon and he starts mixing again, slowly this time.

We eventually finish making the pancakes and we sit down to eat. Lucien digs in and he looks so happy. I don't think I have the heart to take him to the authorities. I decide to ask if he wants to stay with me.

"So... Lucien... whatdoyouthinkaboutstayingwithme?" I rush out all at once. He gives me a confused look. I sigh. "What do you think about staying with me for a while?" I ask him, slowly this time. He smiles so bright, I swear it could replace the sun. He nods eagerly.
   
We spent the rest of the day watching movies.