A/N: So here is chapter 2. Enjoy and please remember to review.
Jonathan was standing over the sink cleaning up breakfast when Maria came back down the stairs. "So how is the boy doing?" he asked
"He isn't really talking at the moment. He doesn't seem scared it's more like he's confused. But at least he doesn't seem injured." Maria said with a forced smile. "I mean he kind of kept the bed between us when he woke up so I just left the clothes on the bed and told him there was food when he was ready to come down." Maria couldn't help but let a tear slip down her cheek.
John hurriedly put the pan down and went to wrap his arms around his wife, "Look at it from his point of view. He just woke up in a strange bed in a strange house with strange people. What did you expect his reaction to be. Remember he was asleep during everything that happened. And to be honest he might have amnesia. After all what good thing could lead to the position we found him in last night?" John said comfortingly as he gave his wife a small squeeze.
"Your right I'm just overreacting. That's all." She said with a small smile as she leaned into him. "I'm sure he will be down soon enough. He has to be hungry after all. Where is it by the way?"
John just pointed to the kitchen table. "Right there love. It will stay warm for a little while. At least long enough for the boy to make his way down here I'm sure." Just as John finished his sentence a thumping could be heard coming down the stairs. "Speak of the devil" at that John and Maria just chuckled. It didn't take long for the boy to make his way to the kitchen. The couple had to hold in their laughter at what they were seeing. The boy was literally following his nose to the kitchen sniffing every couple of steps. "Hey there." John said startling the boy. The boy looked over to see John hugging his wife from behind just looking at him with a grin on his face. After a few seconds apparently their little starring match was over because the boy pointed to the plate of food and then back to himself. "Yep that plate is all yours buddy." The boy immediately sat down at the table and started stuffing himself with plateful of food. "Oi slow down there, slick, the food isn't going anywhere." The boy just looked up at him and nodded. 'Well' John thought 'at least I got a nod this time.' "Would you mind if we sat down?" The boy shook his head. "Go ahead love I'll grab us some tea and the kid some orange juice."
As her husband went off to the fridge Maria went and sat down across from the boy. "So do you like the food?" She got an enthusiastic nod as a response and just had to smile." My husband can definitely cook that's for sure. Good thing too because I'm worthless in the kitchen. My name is Maria by the way. What's yours?" She got a shake of the head. 'Well that's disheartening' she thought. "Is there a reason you won't tell me?" A nod. "Can you tell me the reason?" A nod. "Well what is the reason?" The boy then pointed at his bangers and mash. "Because your eating?" A nod. 'Well at least he has an excuse for not talking now.' still she couldn't help thinking that she was beginning to like this kid and his cheek. "Try not to eat to fast or you might get the hiccups." It didn't matter though he kept right on going. Well that is until he did indeed get the hiccups.
"You should listen to her. Maria is pretty smart after all. " John said while depositing a large glass of orange juice in front of the kid and gave his wife an adoring look. "We aren't going to take it away from you, you know." John told him with a wink as he took the seat next to his wife. That seemed to get through to the lad and he started to eat a little slower, if only just. And there the threesome sat in a companionable silence waiting for the little one to finish eating while the adults enjoyed their morning tea. Eventually the boy finished and finish he did, not even a crumb was left nor drop of orange juice. "Well why don't you two chat while I clean up." John said reaching for the plate and glass. "It's one of my many chores. Beware of Maria, she is a slave driver. How will I ever lift this plate." John told the boy winking and making a spectacle of himself trying to lift the dishes. That is until Maria slapped his leg playfully. "See what did I tell you. I better get going before she gets the whip!" John laughed with another wink which elicited a chuckle and smile from the boy, the first that they have seen. "You're up." he whispered to his wife as he headed to the sink.
Maria just stared at her husband in disbelief. How did he do it. He was a bloody natural with the lad. Every time she had even tried to talk to him the best she got out of him was a nod and in comes her husband and makes the kid laugh and smile. That was it she obviously would need lessons. Unfortunately the teacher was busy washing dishes. Well here goes nothing, "So can you tell me your name now?" She asked with the smile she could not keep off her face when the boy was around.
"My name is Merlyn."
"Merlyn?" The boy, Merlyn, nodded. 'Oh boy John is going to freak!' Maria thought to herself. "Merlyn is a very nice name. Do you have a last name?" Merlyn just shrugged. 'We are back to this are we?' Maria thought shaking her head. "You don't know if you have a last name?" A nod. "What is the last thing you remember before waking up here?" A shake of the head. "You don't remember anything before waking up?" A nod. Oh dear, what are we going to do. "Merlyn why don't you wait here I'll get you some orange juice. Would you like that?"
"Yes, please." Merlyn answered with a wavering voice.
Maria just beamed at him. A minute later Merlyn had another large glass of orange juice and Maria was in the kitchen with her husband. "John...what do we do? He has amnesia. He can't even remember his last name. What could those horrible guardians of his have done to cause this?" Maria was crying thinking of all the possible things that were done to this boy. "Oh when I get my hands on them prison time will be the least of their worries." Maria was practically snarling by the end.
John could tell she was ready to go on the warpath. He wrapped her up in his arms "Love listen to me. They will get whats coming to them. But for now our focus needs to be Merlyn. First and foremost we need to take him to a doctor. While we do that why don't you call your friends down at the station and get the ball rolling."
With both John's talk and some calming breaths she finally came back to herself. "You're right. So let's get started. I'm sure Merlyn has finish his orange juice my now." She said as a smile started to work its way back onto her face. They made their way back to the boy. "Merlyn did you enjoy your juice?"
Merlyn nodded but then added "I have never had it before. It was very good. Thank you."
Maria was stunned for two reasons. First that was the most Merlyn had ever said to either of them, and second how could someone never have had orange juice! "Well when we get back you can have some more. Would you like that?" A nod. 'Baby steps' Maria thought. "Right now we are going to take you to a doctor to make sure you are alright." As soon as she uttered the word doctor Merlyn froze. "Whats wrong? Do you not like doctors?" Merlyn vigorously shook his head. 'Well at least we are alike in more ways then just being cheeky' Maria thought. "I don't like doctors either. But we will be with you the entire time. Okay? We won't let anyone hurt you. Can you trust me?" Maria asked while kneeling down to get on his level. Merlyn just nodded slowly and then gingerly reached out and gently took Maria's hand. Maria squeezed his hand gently and stood up leading the boy to the car. She wiped tears of joy from her eyes. What is going on. This boy is making her so emotional. Is this what it means to be a mother? She was so busy trying to sort things out that she didn't notice John watching the entire scene from the kitchen doorway with a giant smile on his face.
John was ecstatic with the new turn of events. Merlyn was talking to Maria, and even held her hand. He had never seen Maria look as happy as she had the moment the boy touched her hand. Without further thought John picked up the phone and dialed for the police station.
The phone rang a few times but soon an operator picked up. "Hello, Westminster station. How may I direct your call?"
"I would like to talk to Captain Stalks please." John replied.
"Very well. Please stay on the line."
"Hello, this is Captain Stalks. To whom am I speaking?" The voice was all irritated business.
"Hey Emily, it's John."
"John!" The irritation and business was gone from her voice and replaced by joy. "My god man, how are you? How's Maria? It's been so long. Maybe we should get together for drinks..." Emily started rambling after hearing from her old friend.
As much as John would like to chit chat there was a purpose to the call. "Em...Em...Emily!" Finally she stopped talking. John really did like her but she could ramble. "Em something happened last night." He heard her breath hitch. "No we're fine. But we found a young boy. He seems to have amnesia so we are taking him to the doctors to get him checked out. Can you meet us at Dr. Samson's please?"
"Oh my... of course I will. Let me look through missing persons to see if there is anyone reported missing."
"Alright we will see you soon." John then hung up the phone and headed out to the car.
At the car Maria was having a rather interesting time with Merlyn. "Come on now it is perfectly safe." Merlyn just shook his head and pointed at Maria. "I'm safe?" She was a little confused now but received a nod. "You feel safe with me?" An excited nod followed that one. A small tear escaped as she bit her lip and felt a warm glow spread through her. "Well then where do you want to sit?" Merlyn just pointed to Maria and then to the front seat. "You want to sit with me?" A vigorous nod. "Alright lets get settled then." This would be a little awkward but Maria couldn't be happier with the seating arrangements. And Merlyn felt safe with her. She had to be honest that felt good. No, more than good, amazing. After a little bit of careful maneuvering she found herself buckled in with the adorable little boy.
John closed the door and locked it behind him. When he turned around the sight that greeted him made him laugh. There was Maria trying to fit the boy, Merlyn, on her lap. John walked over to the car. By the time he got there everything seemed sorted out with the two in the front seat looking rather content. "Comfortable are we?" John asked in a playful tone.
"Hey don't look at me." Maria pointed at Merlyn who was in her lap all curled up against her. "It was the kids idea."
"You don't seem to mind" John returned playfully. Maria just huffed and turned her head away, but John noticed her gently squeeze the boy on her lap. Once again John couldn't help but laugh at his wife's playfulness. He loved it when she was this way. She would only play like this when she was happy, which he wished she always was. Just as they were leaving the driveway John remembered Emily. "Love, Emily is going to meet us at the doctors. She is looking into missing persons for us now. She will probably bring someone from child services too now that I think about it."
"Oh I forgot all about calling." Maria said shocked and a little disapointed. "I'm sorry John."
"Don't worry about it you had your hands full at the time...Still do as a matter of fact." John laughed with a wink. Maria joined in shortly after.
Merlyn just looked up at the couple as a smile graced his face. Merlyn might not have any memory but he did know one thing, he really liked these people. With that thought he curled up in Maria's lap. And with her arms around him fell asleep. What seemed all to soon he felt a hand on his shoulder waking him up. "Hmm."
"Wake up little man." Came Johns voice. "I know your tired and if it were up to Maria I don't think you would ever leave her lap, but we need to go see the doctor." John noticed Merlyn squeeze his wife at the mention of doctor. He looked at his wife who mouthed that Merlyn didn't like doctors. 'Oh dear lord another one.' John mouthed back only to receive a disapproving look from Maria. "Alright, alright I give." John shouldn't have but he smiled. He just loved her pouty faces. "We do need to get in though. The doc" John started but stopped at the look his wife gave him "um...we have an appointment after all." he wisely finished. "Come on." John said as he helped extract Merlyn from the car. The moment Merlyn was out of the car he quickly grabbed John's hand and the very moment it became available he grabbed Maria's as well. The husband and wife gave each other a quick look with a smile and then gazed down at Merlyn. The threesome quickly made their way into the doctor's office.
The couple decided that they would all stay together. A decision made due to the fact that Merlyn refused to let go of their hands. That fact also made filling out the question sheet a little difficult. So John held the clip board while Maria filled it out. They just sat in the waiting room until the nurse came to get them. The wait wasn't so bad though they did have Merlyn after all. Eventually the nurse did come and get them. She showed them into an examination room. The room was rather plain but Dr. Abrams, who turned out to be a rather portly man, arrived soon after so it didn't really matter.
"I'm sorry, I know you were expecting Dr. Samson but he isn't in today. So who do we have here?" Dr. Abrams asked in a rather jovial voice. Merlyn quickly hid behind Maria.
"I am sorry doctor," John apologized, "Merlyn does not seem to be a very big fan of doctors."
"I see well I will do my best to change his mind. Why don't I start with this." the doctor said as he pulled a sucker from his shirt pocket. Merlyn just looked up at John and Maria who nodded at him. Merlyn gingerly reached out and grabbed the sucker and quickly retreated. "There see that, I am not so bad am I?" He then turned to who he assumed were the parents. "So Mr. and Mrs. ..."
"Ashwood" Maria supplied.
"Ashwood. Well Mr. and Mrs. Ashwood what brings your son here?"
"Well he is not exactly our son," began John until he was interrupted by a "Yet!" from Maria. John just gave a small smile as he continued. "Well let me start at the beginning last ni..." John was interrupted yet again except that this time it was by a knock on the door. A nurse popped her head into the room.
"Excuse me doctor but there is a police officer asking to see the Ashwoods." the nurse announced. The doctor looked at the Ashwoods with shock and some weariness on his face. However his look changed to one of confusion when he heard Mr. Ashwood speak.
"Oh that must be Emily. Can you bring her to the examination room please." John said. The doctor seemed to relax, "I told her to meet us here. I hope that is alright?"
"Of course. I am just not used to police officers asking for my patients." The doctor tried to laugh it off.
There was a knock on the door and in popped Emily Stalks. "Emily!" Maria squealed "How are you?" she made to get up but a tug on her arm kept her down. She looked down and saw Merlyn hiding behind her even more than before. It must be all these new people. "It's alright Merlyn, this is Emily. A very good friend of mine. She just came to say hello. Why don't you say hello?" Merlyn slowly came out from behind Maria and started toward Emily. Maria felt another tug and realized that she was apparently going as well. "Emily meet Merlyn."
"Hello Merlyn." Emily said getting down on a knee. "How are you?" A nod was all she got as an answer. "I see. Do you like Mr. and Mrs. Ashwood?" This time there was no nod instead he turned and hugged Maria's leg. Maria's face instantly lit up. "I'll take that as a yes." Emily said with a bit of a giggle. She knew that Maria wanted children more than anything. Especially as she was there that fateful night. Just then watching Maria run her fingers through the boy's hair did she realize exactly how much her best friend wanted children.
"Maria why don't you stay here while I go into the hall with Emily. It is getting a little crowded in here." John said nodding toward Merlyn who seemed to be feeling a little claustrophobic. Maria nodded and gave him a swift kiss. Just as the door was closing behind John he heard his wife say "Let me start at the beginning..."
"Thanks for getting here so quickly Emily." John said as he gave her a hug. "This has all been quite a whirlwind for us. If you can imagine."
Emily laughed at that. "Yes I can imagine so don't you worry about it. But I was able to pull a few strings, and of course my position comes with a few perks. Anyways I have some good news, there are no missing persons reports that fit Merlyn's description." John looked a little puzzled. "Which means that he is now under the purview of child services." John was a liitle startled. He had not prepared for this eventuality. He thought he would have had more time. Now Merlyn might be taken by the government and sent to some home. He needed a plan and needed it now and he knew it. "So like I said my rank comes with some perks as well as a favor I called in. I am now Merlyn's case worker." She said with a conspiratorial smile. John's mind went blank. WHAT?!
"What does this mean?" John asked trying not to sound too excited in case he was wrong. 'Please don't let me be wrong!' John thought.
"What it means is that I have responsibility of making sure that any home young Merlyn is apart of is a good one." She could see the gears in John's mind working and had to bite her lip to keep herself from smiling. She was about to continue when the door to the exam room opened making John jump. Out came the doctor followed by a somber Maria and an impassive Merlyn holding Maria's hand.
John took a few deep breaths to calm down before turning to Maria. "So" began John clearing his head, "what did the doctor have to say?" he didn't like the look on Maria's face.
"Well there are a couple of things that could have caused the amnesia. One is a blow to the head but the doctor said that it was unlikely after he gave Merlyn's head a quick look. The second would be trauma. John.." Maria couldn't continue she just started crying into his shoulder for the umpteenth time today it seemed. It didn't matter John new exactly what she was thinking. How could anyone do something so horrible to a little boy. Especially such an adorable one. John rubbed her back. It took a few minutes but she eventually calmed down. But this time it was mostly due to Merlyn pulling her down to give her a hug. After that Maria just couldn't cry anymore. She just picked up the boy and held him for a while. Maria put him down and wiped her eyes clear of all tears with a smile.
"Wow!" Emily breathed. "What happened to you?"
"Well.." Maria said with a shrug, "Merlyn just has that effect on me it seems." Maria gave a quick laugh while smiles adorned the faces of her best friend and husband. "So?" She asked with one last sniffle coupled with a chuckle. "What news do you bring?"
"Well, we have no idea who Merlyn is or who his guardian's were." Emily told her. Maria's head popped up.
"Wait, were?" She asked her best friend hoping this meant what she thought it did. Emily just looked at Maria with a smile on her face.
"Yes, were. With my new rank and a few favors I have been made this lad's caseworker." Emiliy smiled as she tortured her friend. Maria was practically bouncing with anticipation. "Now normally we have to wait to see if the child and perspective parents are a good fit." Maria took a sharp breath at 'parents', " But as I am the caseworker and I can cut through red tape like butter." John and Maria were both holding their breath. "How would you two like to become parents?"
Both John and Maria opened their mouths and said, "YES!" Maria bent down and immediately picked up Merlyn and pulled him into a hug. Her eye's then popped wide open, she immediately set Merlyn down again. Merlyn had a large grin on his face. He was really liking these hugs. "Honey, we have a very important question to ask you." She looked up at her husband getting an encouraging nod. "How would you like to come live with us?"
Merlyn only hesitated for a moment before shouting out "YES!"
A/N: Well i hope you enjoyed it. I wonder how many of you thought that the boy was Harry. Don't worry this is not a Merlyn centric story this is a protagonist centric story. Which means all the protagonists get their spot in the light. So don't worry.
As always please review and let me know what you think.
Until next time.
