He Saved Me

Chp 3

Michael's POV
     I snapped back into reality. I asked one of my men to bring in the gifts. I took out a few barbie dolls, books, arts and crafts materials, and stuffed animals.
     "These are for you Mia. You can take these home with you once you feel better," I said as I patted the top of her head. Her eyes lit up at the sight of all these new goodies.

Mia's POV
Wow. Michael kept pulling one toy after another out of this bag. That must've cost him MILLIONS! Ok maybe not millions but this was crazy. "These are for you Mia. You can take these home with you once you feel better". That was like music to my ears. I had forgotten all about my mom and the hospital. No one has ever bought me so many toys. And that too from a man who doesn't even know me. I was so excited I could cry.

Michael's POV
     Mia looked up at me with those big brown eyes and gave me the warmest smile I have ever seen. She wrapped her arms around my waist and said, "Thank you so so so much Michael. I love them." This brought a smile to my face. I returned the hug and kissed her forehead.
     "You're welcome sweetheart. I'm glad you like the presents. But make sure you read the books here too and not just play with the toys young lady," I said as I playfully poked her nose. She gave me a shy smile but that quickly faded. Maybe the young lady thing was too much. Maybe it scared her? I shouldn't have said that. All these thoughts are racing through my head. I finally decided to speak up.
     "Hey Mia I'm sorry. You don't have to read the books if you don't want to. It's just something us adults have to remind children to do. You can play with the toys as much as you want sweetheart," I said trying my best to console her. She looked up worried. And her bottom lip started to quiver.
     "No it's not that Michael. Of course I will read the books you got me. It's just I don't really have a home to go back to,"she said as tears streamed down her little face. I looked at her with concern and then turned to the hospital administrator. "I'll be right back sweetheart ok? Why don't you open one of those toys right now while I talk to the other adults?" Mia nodded as I handed her one of the barbie doll boxes.
     The hospital administrator and I step out to speak about Mia. "What does she mean she doesn't have a home to go back to?" I asked with worry.
     "Well Mr. Jackson, unfortunately Mia's mother beat her so bad it landed her here. This is the second time child services had to get involved. So now they won't allow her to back to her home. They want to put her in the foster care system. That's really what we're waiting on now. Once her social worker finds her a home, she will be on her way," he said matter of factly.
     My heart broke into a million pieces. "Are both her parents abusive?" I asked hoping for some light in this situation.
     "I know that her mother is the abusive one. Her father doesn't really stop her mother. So it really doesn't help her situation," he said.
     "So now what? The system is just gonna throw her in some random home?" I asked slightly annoyed.
     "Well Sir, that is how the system works. There really isn't much for us to do here," he said while rubbing his neck. He knew the system was failing this little girl just as much as I did. I could see the guilt on his face.
     "You know what, I want to adopt her. Please call her social worker and I'll call my lawyers. I want to sort this out as fast as I can. I'm not adding on to Mia's list of let downs." I said with determination.
     The hospital administrator looked sort of in shock. I guess he doesn't have people coming in here everyday to adopt kids on the spot.
     "I'll see what I can do Mr. Jackson," he said.
     "Thank you!" I said enthusiastically.
     With that being said, I made my way back into Mia's room. I don't how shes going to take it. What if she doesn't want to go back home with me? I mean all I did was bring her toys. That doesn't mean she'll accept me as a father. Being a parent is so much more than that. Its not all toys and sunshine. There will be times when I have to be strict and have to discipline. It's gonna be hard for her to be obedient to someone she doesn't know, especially with her traumatic background. Being my daughter will also make her the center of media scrutiny. Will she be able to handle it? Will she want to handle it?...

To be continued