Finding Home

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Lauren kicked her legs, wanting down. She then ran to Normani and hugged her with her little arms.

"Please," Normani whispered, hugging Lauren back.

Dinah and Ally exchanged looks. Dinah nodded her head and crouched down in front of the two girls.

"How about I stay with you today? I'll sit in the back. If you need me, I'll be here, okay?" Dinah whispered, looking at the girl.

"You'll stay?" Normani asked, her voice small.

Dinah smiled and nodded her head. "You're scared. We're not going to let you go through this alone. You have us to protect you."

Normani nodded her head. She kissed the top of Lauren's head and gently unwrapped the girl's arms from around her waist.

"I'll be okay," Normani whispered.

Camila took Normani's spot and wrapped her arms around Lauren. "I pwotect her," she said, grinning.

Normani grabbed her backpack tighter (Nala was inside the backpack and she was really hugging the stuffed lion) and nodded her head.

The bell rang, and Dinah smiled. She leaned over and kissed Ally's cheek. "I'll see you at home." She crouch down in front of Camila and Lauren. "I'll bring Normani home when school is finished."

"Nope. We are picking you up. I want to see how Pooh Bear's first day went."

Dinah gave the two three year olds a hug before standing up. She reached for Normani's hand.

With one last wave, both entered the class.

Dinah lead Normani to the teacher. The woman had tanned skin and long black hair.

"Hello Ms. Mitchell?"

The teacher turned and smiled at Dinah and Normani, who was hiding behind her foster mother.

"Hello, who's this?"

"Normani Kordei. She's new to school and really scared. I was hoping I can sit in for her emotional health?"

Ms. Mitchell nodded her head, her face serious. "Of course. My students' health matters most. Stay for as many days as you need." She turned to Normani. "Hi Normani. I'm excited to have you in my class. You can call me Ms. Shay, okay?"

Normani looked up at Dinah, who gave her an encouraging smile. "H-hi."

"Thank you," Dinah whispered, leading Normani to a table with three other girls. Dinah crouch down in front of her future daughter. "I'll be back there. Whenever you get scared, just look at me. I'm here for you, okay?"

"Promise?"

Dinah smiled. "I promise you with everything I have."

Normani nodded her head.

-

Lauren was sitting at the door, waiting for school hours to end. She was waiting to get Normani back.

Camila walked to Lauren and sat down next to her. "Whatcha doin'?"

"Manibear," Lauren signed, having learned a short cut for Normani's nickname.

"Can I wait with you?"

Lauren gave Camila a nod and both sat there, waiting to pick Normani up.

-

"Hi," a short Latina said, grinning.

Normani looked up with wide eyes. She looked back to Dinah and saw an encouraging smile. Normani turned to the girl.