Moon Child (A Camren KidFic)

twelve

Lauren sat on her front porch as her parents spoke to an official representative from Child Services. She wasn't expecting anything to come out of her conversation with Taylor. She really hadn't said anything, to her knowledge, that was alarming. Lauren was worried and confused about the situation. She was scared for her family.

"Lauren, you can come in," Clara calmly spoke. Lauren felt the tension in the room; she saw the fire building in Mike's eyes. It wouldn't be long until her home caught fire too.  Lauren took a seat on the couch nervously kicking her legs back and forth. Clara smiled at Lauren as if she was saying don't worry. Mike clenched his fist trying his best to stay calm.

The representative smiled at Lauren leaving their home.

Lauren turned her head to the door closing. She turned once more to catch glass of her father breaking his silence. "Clara, care to explain why child services were here?" Lauren felt the anger in his voice; fire spewing from his lips.  Clara sighed, "I don't know, Mike. I can't protect you when our daughter goes to school with a bruised face." Clara had lost all hope in reviving her marriage. Mike slammed his fist, "Lauren, go to your room."

Lauren obeyed wanting to stay out of his way like Clara had mentioned. Maybe if she was good, he would change back. Lauren tried to tune out the yelling in the living room by drawing. She couldn't focus on anything else. Lauren took a deep breath before leaving her room.

"Mami? Papi?"

No answer. She walked into a screaming match and Clara had tears streaming down her face as Mike had blood on his knuckles. Lauren nervously walked closer mindful of Mike.

"Um, I'm hungry." Lauren hoped her comment would ease the tension in the room. "Mike, leave." Mike shook his head, "gladly." He pushed Lauren out of his way while glaring at Clara.

"Are you okay sweetie?" Clara wiped her face coaxing the girl. Lauren nodded, "I'm not actually hungry." Clara shook her head, "it has been hours since you ate. Come on." Lauren shrugged her shoulders taking her place in the kitchen.

——

Camila watched Mike take his seat in the group and sent him a small smile noticing his angry posture. "Okay, now that everyone is here. How about we talk about our weeks?" Normani asked. "Camila, you start."

"Well. My week was not exactly what I had expected. One of my students is going through a hard time and I cannot help but think about the pour girl. It was also my anniversary...which obviously hurts."  Normani nodded sending a smile towards her, "Do you want to talk about any of that?" Camila sighed, "my divorce took such a tole on me yet my ex husband is doing so well. I wish I was doing just as good without him."

"Marriages are meant to fall a part." Mike spoke anger in his voice. Normani took in his demeanor. "Mike, would you like to share anything else?"

"My marriage is falling a part." Mike's voice this time sounded broken. "I cannot grasp any control." Others nodded to Mike's statement. "I am not going to have anything left even if I go through this ten step program." The others in the group nodded in agreement. "Why I am I trying so fucking hard?"

"Okay, let us settle down." Normani spoke up. Mike kept going, "I'm tired of trying!" Normani was trained to deal with angry drunks but it did not make it any less terrifying. Normani gently raises her hands to coax Mike back to his seat when a hand meets her cheek. "Hands off of me!"

"Normani!" Camila yelled as Mike stormed out. "Don't worry Camila. I am fine. I will make a phone call to make sure he will be fine and whoever he is going home to." Camila nodded worried about Mike taking off. Camila took off in his direction, "Mike?"

Mike turned around softening his facial expression as his actions caught up to him. "I know it is hard. I mean... I cannot fully understand your situation but this is my second time. You know how shitty that is? This program is ass." Mike chuckled lightly finally calming down, "I have a family I want to better myself for, but I get so angry every time I am home."

"Take it one step at a time." Camila mentioned. "Also, Normani is making phone calls because she is worried about your anger so you might want to go back in and talk to her." Mike sighed and followed Camila back in.

"Your students are lucky to have you, Camila."