Heimat AU: Mikey's Rescue

Chapter Four: Geneva

Lauren drove the night through. The bunk beds had two sleeping children. Mikey was still sleeping, and Lauren was surprised how easily he was sleeping the nights through. She knew that it would most likely end, once he was rested and used to a schedule of sleep.

She yawned; sleep did sound good. But she needed to make it to her mother and Wade's house before daybreak. She wanted to get the kids settled and cleaned up and fed. She needed to know those needs were met and to assure Maia and Mikey that she would be gone and back in a flash.

She hated this. But she kept reminding herself over and over that she needed Wade's help. He could or would find a way to make this happen. Mikey needed her. Needed Maia. He couldn't go back to those people or in the system. For him, she would face her mother.

However, she was terrified of leaving Mikey in her care. She was not a compassionate person. She kept reminding herself that Maia would be there. But that was putting too much on her young daughter.

Ted promised it would be quick. That's what she was grasping at. Then she could be back with the kids. Have them, hold them, love them.

***

It was almost daybreak when Lauren pulled into her mother's driveway. It was usually locked, but the gates swung open and let her forward. Her mother was expecting her and expecting her on time.

She pulled her van up to the door. She parked it and looked up at the mansion. Mother had always been wealthy, always obsessed with material things, but when she married Wade, she just got worse.

"Ma?"

Lauren unbuckled her seatbelt and made her way into the back. Maia had sat up and was rubbing her eyes. "Good morning, baby. We're here at your grandma's."

"I don't want to be awake right now." Maia groaned and flopped back down. Lauren chuckled. To be honest, neither did she.

"I know, I just need to get you two a bag ready. You can sleep some more inside."

Maia sat up. "But Ma...what about Mikey?" Lauren looked at her daughter. "Can he stay with me?"

"Yes, absolutely."

Lauren sat down on the bottom bed where Mikey lay, sound asleep. She gently shook him, and he shot up. "It's okay, it's okay baby. It's just me."

"And Maia!" Maia called from the top bunk.

Lauren chuckled again. "And Maia."

"Is it morning?" Mikey asked, he yawned and tried to blink awake. He rubbed at his eyes.

"Kind of." Lauren said. "I have to go really quick for an appointment. So you and Maia are going to stay with my mom. Okay?" Mikey looked worried at the prospect of new people but nodded. "And I'm going to put you right back in bed, you can sleep as long as you want."

Mikey put a little fist in his eye and rubbed. "I can?"

Lauren nodded, brushed his messy hair down a bit. "Of course."

Mikey looked down, and then up at Maia. "Will Maia stay with me?"

It had only been two days, but Mikey found he felt safe with Lauren and Maia around. He was learning slowly that they were not his parents.

"Yes, I will!" Maia said, and climbed down. She stood by her mom. "I'll stay with you, Mikey."

Mikey felt relieved. He was nervous to meet new people.