Moon Child (A Camren KidFic)

four

The weekend came fast for Lauren and excitement rushed through her body knowing Lucy was coming over. Lauren and Lucy anxiously waited for Miss Cabello to dismiss class. "Okay. One more reminder before we are dismissed. "Next week is parent-teacher conferences. I know it may seem early, but the teachers want to meet your parents and familiarize themselves. Just in case anything comes up. If your parents can make it, there may be a special reward for you. I am passing out information. Give these to your parents!"  

After Lauren and Lucy received their papers, Miss Cabello dismisses her students. "Let's go, Lucy!" The girls giggle walking out with their bags excited to be spending even more time together. 

Clara was waiting for her girl to join her, however, she had to be the bearer of bad news. She met the enthusiastic girls in the school's common area. "Hi, mija..." Lauren noticed her mother's tone.  Lucy's mother joined the girls making them even more confused. Lucy greeted her mother and handed her the slip discussing the conferences.  "Listen, Lauren, Lucy cannot come over tonight. Maybe some other time okay?" Lauren's eyes immediately started to water as did Lucy's. "But why, Mami?"  

Lucy's mother interjected, "Luce, say bye to Lauren and I can take you out for ice cream." Lucy hesitantly hugged Lauren, "I will see you Monday." Lauren nodded and said goodbye. Clara and Lauren followed the two out, but Lauren let tears fall as they got into separate cars. "It will be okay, Lauren. I know you're upset, but Papi has not been feeling well." Lauren's sadness turned to anger. "Just because Papi is grumpy, Lucy cannot come over!? It isn't fair." Clara was taken back by her yelling. "Lauren Michelle Jauregui!" Lauren regretted raising her voice. "You do not ever shout at me like that again, understood?" Lauren sheepishly agreed, "I am sorry. I was just so excited, Mami." Clara sighed, "I know, baby. I know." 

Lauren took off her shoes by the door and set her bag down beside them. "Miss Cabello asked us to give you this." Clara read over the slip, "Okay, we can talk more about going next week." Lauren nodded and walked into her room shutting the door. She was still upset she would be spending the evening by herself. She had so many fun things planned for them to do together for the night. Then Lauren got an idea. 

"Papi?" Lauren opened the door to her parent's room. Mike was slouched overhead in his hands. Lauren was unaware of the stench of beer.  "Papi? I was thinking maybe you wanted to do a puzzle together. I was going to do it with Lucy, but Mami said you weren't feeling well-" 

"She said what?"

Lauren picked up un the uneasiness of his tone and took a step back. "She said you weren't feeling well." Lauren's voice was gentle. 

Mike clenched the bottle on his nightstand and threw it against the wall scaring Lauren. Lauren backed herself in a corner of the room. "Papi?" 

"Lauren?" Clara's voice called from the kitchen.  

Mike took steps towards  Lauren limping. 

"Lauren!"

Lauren saw her mother standing in the door frame and ran to her dodging her father wincing as she stepped in the glass. Clara noted the broken glass and quickly picked Lauren up. "Mike, what were you thinking?" Clara huffed and took Lauren to the restroom. Lauren sniffled quietly. "Papi was angry at me. I just wanted to do a puzzle." 

Clara held back her tears, "I promise it is not you, Laur. Do you remember when Papi got hurt at work? His leg?" Lauren nodded remembering seeing her father in the hospital months ago. "He is still feeling hurt from that. He doesn't know how to deal with it." Clara tried to explain as she was nursing Lauren's foot. Clara kissed Lauren's head, "All better?"

Lauren nodded, "Can we do a puzzle now?"

Clara agreed to ease her mind, "I will even make cookies for us too." Lauren beamed at her mother's idea, "Can I help?" Clara laughed, "Of course!"