Moon Child (A Camren KidFic)

twenty-five

"Camz?" Lauren salt called out coming from her room. Camila stopped going through papers she had to grade, "Baby, you're supposed to be sleeping." Lauren looked down at her feet, "I just..I miss my mami." Lauren's lip started to quiver. Camila sat down her pen and motioned for Lauren to come to her. Lauren quickly cuddled up to Camila.

"Your mami is always with you, bug. I'm not sure if you remember, but technically you are the moon." Lauren nodded slightly, "I can't feel like she is here though."

"She is just in a different place. I know it is hard to bare, but she loves you so very much." Truthfully, Camila was not sure what to say. She hoped that her cuddles and soft words would be enough to comfort her for now. "Can I see her?" Lauren asked not fully understanding. Camila sighed, "I'm afraid not." Lauren let a few tears fall. Camila thought for a moment, "but, I have an idea." Lauren wiped her face as Camila follows with the pad of her thumb.

"There is a way you can visit her, but you won't technically be able to see her," Camila vaguely explained mentally kicking herself for sounding confusing. Lauren furrowed her eyebrows, "how, Camz?" Camila lifted Lauren out of her lap, "go grab a coat and put on your shoes. Maybe a hat for your ears too." Lauren nodded.

Camila wasn't sure if Lauren had even visited her mother's grave considering that she never really had a proper funeral. Camila shook thoughts from her head and quickly googled to see where she was buried.

Lauren came out of her room dressed in Camila's hoodie, that she adores, pajama pants, a pair of fuzzy socks peeking from her worn blue sneakers, and a grey beanie resting on her head. Camila quickly snapped a picture before grabbing her coat and keys as well.

Camila watched Lauren in the review mirror making sure she was buckled before pulling out of her driveway. "Camz, where are we going? It is passed my bed time." Camila smiled, "I don't mind if you miss your bedtime this once, Lo." Lauren nodded letting out a yawn, "will Mami be able to hear me?" Camila thought for a moment, "I'm sure she will." Lauren glanced out the window beaming when she noticed the moon following the car.

Camila pulled into the cemetery and parked. She got out to help Lauren out of her seat. "Where are we?" Camila smiled slightly, "You know how your mama wanted to go to the moon?" Lauren nodded. "Well, sometimes, your mama's soul can visit here. Especially, when she knows you're going to visit." Camila, again, was not completely sure how to explain death to the little one. She let out a breath when Lauren did not ask questions.

Camila took Lauren's hand as she went through the various graves. She caught sight of Mike. Camila held her breath, "Lauren, um, we have to go, Okay?" Camila's voice was quiet. Lauren shook her head, "I need to talk to, Mami!" Mike's head snapped towards their direction. "Oh shit." Camila feared making Lauren more upset but Mike could be dangerous. Camila picked up Lauren and walked quickly back to the car. Lauren protested, but quietly thankfully. Camila let Lauren get in the car before running to the driver's seat. She immediately locked the doors.

How did they not arrest him?

How is he here?

"Lo, I am so sorry, sweetheart. I promise I will make it up to you." Camila spoke gently before anxiously leaving the gravesite. Lauren cried, "Why would you do that? I just wanted to y'all to Mami!" Camila's heart was pained, "I know. I am the absolute worst right now, but I will explain once we are home okay? We can come back some other time."

Camila was followed in by a pouty tired Lauren. She completely understood however. Once they both were inside, Camila made sure to lock the door. Lauren was going to her room, but Camila stopped her. "Lo, come here please." Lauren sat with Camila on the couch.

"I know you're angry with me, but let me explain, okay? Did you see the man that was also there?" Camila asked. Lauren shook her head. Camila bit her lip, "It was your father, hun. I did not want you to be around him, so I needed to get you away from him." Lauren's breathing started to go uneven, "no, no, no."

Camila held back her tears before pulling Lauren on her lap, "you're okay. You're okay, sweetheart." Lauren calmed down somewhat, but still felt anxious. Camila sighed, "Do you remember my friend Dinah?" Lauren sheepishly nodded. "Do you mind staying with her for a few days?" Lauren let a few tears fall, "I want to stay with you." Camila only had Lauren for barley a few weeks; she felt like a failure putting Lauren in danger.

"I know, but I want to keep you safe. It isn't forever. I promise, bug." Camila held out her pinky. Lauren connected hers and sat in Camila's lap for a bit longer. Camila texted Dinah and she was all for watching Lauren for a few days. 

Camila helped Lauren gather a few things for Dinah's house. She gave Lauren a few of her shirts as well since she usually slept in them. She was sure to pack her inhaler as well.

"Dinah is here, baby." Lauren wanted to cry, but she wanted to be brave for Camila. Lauren walked over to Dinah giving her a slight hug. Camila briefly explained what happened at the cemetery to Dinah. Dinah tightened her grip on Lauren, "Do not worry. I will kick ass over this girl." Lauren laughed a little making Camila smile.
Camila hugged and thanked Dinah one last time before hugging Lauren. "Be good okay," Camila said kissing Lauren's forehead. "I will."

Camila let her tears fall once Lauren was gone. She felt so helpless. Camila texted Ariana asking if she could come over and she agreed. Camila waited anxiously for her arrival.

Ariana knocked quietly not trying to alarm Camila. Once Camila opened the door, Ariana noted Camila's puffy eyes. "Aw, baby," Ariana shut the door behind her leading Camila to her room.

Ariana held Camila as she cried. "I am so stupid." Ariana sighed, "you aren't though. You were doing what you thought was right." Camila shook her head, "I put her in danger. Mike knows." Ariana rubbed Camila's back, "They're going to find him this time. Don't worry, okay?"