I'm not gonna leave you (Kidfic)

Chapter 17: ~Nightmares~

Lauren sat on the couch, contemplating on what to do; whether or not she should tell Mila at all. The oldest Jauregui heaved a sigh, finally deciding that she was going to tell Mila once Shawn leaves.

Damian returned after many attempts at getting Camila and Shawn into the house, finding them huddled behind Lauren's car. He took off his mask, assuring them that it was him and they were relieved that it was only him and not someone else entirely.

"That was not a cool joke you pulled on us," Camila frowned at Lauren, arms crossed over her chest.

"Well, consider it payback for all those times you got me," Lauren half smiled, poking Camila's nose teasingly. "Alright, alright, I get it. Come on, Shawn. Let's go trade," Camila and Shawn proceeded to dump the pillowcases filled with candy onto the floor.

"Oooh, dibs on the Snickers," Damian kneeled beside the ten-year-olds as Lauren chuckled at his antics. "Get your own candy, Damian," Camila stuck his tongue at him, followed by a smile. The candy trading kept going while Lauren sat in thought."

"Babe, can I talk to you in the kitchen?"

"Yeah, be right back, kiddos," Damian said as he entered the kitchen, frowning as she watched Lauren pace. "Everything alright?" he asked. She paused.

"No," she whispered as she sat on one of the kitchen stools. Damian sat next to her and waited patiently before she spoke.

"Where do I start. Well, Mila and I have an evil Aunt and lawyer who are in cahoots with each other, coming after something that our parents left us. Are you with me?" Lauren asked, looking at Damian who nodded, urging her to proceed. "Okay, well when Mila was three, going on four, they plotted to have my Aunt win the custody battle surrounding her." Lauren hated recounting this event in her life.

"They abused her, neglected her, and the aftermath left Mila in a state of fear. She was not herself, frequently having nightmares, and she refused to even be close to me. And now, we have another problem on our hands and I have no idea what to do about it.

"About what?"

"They are getting out of prison," Lauren explained. "And I'm afraid that if I tell Mila, it'll trigger some of the traumatic experiences. What if they come after her, and hurt me again," she cradled her head in her hands.

"Hey, that won't happen" he pulled his girlfriend into a hug. "You got me, I'll protect you."

Lauren smiled at his comforting words, curling herself into his touch.

>>>

After Shawn's mom picked him up, Camila got ready for bed, brushing her teeth and putting on her PJs with Lauren's help.

"Hey, nugget. I need to talk to you,"

Camila frowned. "Am I in trouble?"

"No, no, umm let's just go to the kitchen, and have some hot chocolate," they make their way down, seeing Damian had prepared three cups.

"Is it bad?" The girl sat on the stool and pulled a mug towards her, blowing the steam away.

Lauren stiffened as she took her own mug into her hands. "What makes you say that?"

"We don't have hot chocolate before bed unless something bad is happening. Remember when you ran over my bike? This is how you broke the news to me."

"Look Mila, um, remember Brian and Maria?"

Camila tensed up. "Uh yeah, they're in prison, and away from us, right?" Lauren looked at Damian. "Right?" Camila repeated, fear laced in her tone of voice.