Author's Notes:

The song I used for the lullaby in this chapter is "Golden Slumbers" by The Beatles. The version I prefer, and that I listened to as I wrote this chapter, is by Peter Frampton.

These first few chapters are heavy on introduction of characters and low on action. I promise this will change as the time skipping begins around chapter 4 or 5. Thanks to everyone for sticking around for the fun to come! :-)

Chapter 2

Mama opened the door to the bar and stepped inside. She left enough room for Brielle to follow her comfortably. The men stayed several steps behind them so that the girl wouldn't feel crowded.

Immediately upon entering the lively building Brielle scanned the surrounding rooms; her hand resting on the blade of the knife. Mama Welles seemed genuine enough. But, then again, so had the driver who helped them cross the border into Night City. It's amazing how a perceived act of kindness can turn so quickly into a fight for survival. She'd made a mistake that night that could have cost both she and Ian their lives. She would never again allow herself to be lulled into a false sense of security.

"This way," Mama said quietly and led Brielle down a narrow hallway. She could feel the tension radiating off the girl and hoped the others would have the sense to stop following and move into the bar. The last thing they needed was to give Brielle the impression that their kindness came at a cost.

Padre held up his hand as the teens made to follow down the hallway. "Drinks are on me, gentlemen," he said as he motioned toward Pepe. "I think Mama Welles can handle everything from here."

"Thank you, Padre," Jackie said, following closely behind the fixer. Gustavo stayed rooted in place, watching the young girl carefully make her way down the hallway. She exhibited the strangest combination of strength and vulnerability. And who was he kidding? Under all the dirt she was very pretty. He knew both Mama Welles and Padre would try to get her to stay. He hoped they were successful.

"Gus! Come on! Free tequila, hermano!" Jackie yelled from his place at the bar. Gustavo shook his head to clear his thoughts and plastered on his brightest smile.

"Yeah, yeah! Comin'!" he yelled back. After the events of this night, he agreed that they could all use a drink or five. And just maybe, if Padre consumed enough liquor, he would forget to resume his lecture about the Maelstrom fight.

o~~~~~~~~o

"Here is the room that I mentioned," Mama said as she unlocked a door at the end of the hallway. She stepped inside and turned on the bedside lamp. A darkened space would be less than ideal for her guest. Brielle followed her and looked around warily. Though the room was small it was clean and warm. Sleeping under an actual roof would be a blessed change for them since arriving in the city. Alleyways and bridge underpasses provide little in the way of restful slumber.

Mama continued her tour by opening a door on the opposite side of the room. "The bathroom is through here," she said. "I will bring in fresh towels and some blankets that you can use as a sleeping area for Ian. I am sorry that I no longer have an available crib. As you no doubt noticed earlier my Jaquito has outgrown such things."

She was pleased to see Brielle smile at her comment. Under the fear and mistrust, she was certain there was still something of the girl who once knew joy. Anger rose in her chest again toward whatever darkness had placed the two children on the path they now walked.

"Don't be sorry," Brielle said. "I doubt you could have predicted the need for infant bedding when you woke up this morning."

Now it was Mama's turn to smile. "Definitely not," she replied. "It has been a truly momentous evening, I must admit." She stepped toward Brielle and held out her hand. In her palm was a small key. "This is the only key to this room," she explained. "There are no fancy cybernetic locks or anything of that sort. I will leave it here with you. Once we have you settled in for the night, and you lock that door, no one will be able to enter without your permission. You may sleep in peace tonight, Brielle."

Brielle nodded, reached out and carefully plucked the key from Mama's hand. She turned and laid it on the night table next to the bed.

"Do you have clothes to change into?" Mama asked, glancing over at the duffel bag. It wasn't very big, and she assumed any clothing inside likely resembled the tattered ones that Brielle now wore. The girl shook her head, her face downcast. "No worries. I have some things that I can give you that should fit. I also have some old baby clothes that belonged to my sons. They may be a bit big for Ian, but they will still fulfill their intended purpose."

Without waiting for a response, she turned and headed toward the door. "I'm going to go and get those towels and sheets for you," she said. "I will also arrange to have some formula delivered. Pepe, my bartender, has a baby at home and I am certain his wife won't mind providing it." She turned back before leaving. "You can close and lock the door now if you wish. I will knock before entering when I return." She didn't expect a reply but was pleased to see the young girl release a shuddering breath and nod.

Small steps toward trust, Mama thought as she quietly closed the door behind her.

o~~~~~~~~o

Mama Welles found Padre, Jackie and Gustavo sharing a bottle of tequila when she reached the bar. Pepe's brow rose in question when she slid onto the barstool and grabbed a glass for herself. "Does anyone want to tell me what is going on?" the burly man asked.

"We have guests staying in the spare bedroom tonight, Pepe," she began. "Padre and Gustavo found a young girl camped out in the alley tonight with a baby. I offered them a safe place to clean up and sleep."

"A baby?" Pepe asked, his voice rising in surprise. "Of all the things… what has this city become when babies are being raised in dumpsters?"

Padre nodded. "The girl is no more than a baby, herself," he added. "I would wager fourteen years old at most."

"Shit!" the bartender declared, shaking his head. "She staying awhile? I know how you both like to adopt the strays." He chuckled, jerking his thumb toward the kitchen. "The last one is currently finishing the dishes."

"I don't honestly know," Mama replied, taking another shot. "I would like to think so. She has a fire inside that I haven't seen in many years and I would love the chance to help it grow even stronger. But she is haunted, Pepe. Afraid despite her tough exterior. I think she is running from something or someone and I don't know if she is yet willing to stand and face the danger head-on."

Pepe nodded. They had both seen many others running from their past. "Baby hers?" he asked.

"She hasn't said much about the baby beyond his name," Mama answered. "It is Ian, by the way. And I need your help with something for him."

"Of course," he said. "What can I do?"

"Could you call Cynthia and see if we could get some formula?" she asked. "I will send the boys to retrieve it, but I am quite certain that she will need it." The bartender quickly made a call and, after briefly explaining the situation to his wife, hung up and nodded.

Gustavo slid off the barstool and nudged Jackie in the shoulder. "Let's go, hermano," he said. He looked over at Mama and smiled. "We will get it back here as quickly as possible."

Padre held up a hand and the two teens looked at him. "Thank you both," he said. "I think Mama Welles will agree with me that providing food for a baby in a timely manner may help to make up for your earlier lack of good judgment."

"It is an excellent start," Mama agreed. She was still angry with both teens, but they had handled the situation with Brielle very well. And she was grateful. She stood up and looked at Pepe. "We need to close down for the night. I would prefer our guests rest quietly." Pepe nodded.

"Anything you need from me?" Padre asked. "I know she doesn't wish my company, but I would like to help however I can."

Mama smiled and placed her hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently. "I think you have done more than enough for tonight," she said. "Had you not intervened we wouldn't even know of her existence."

Padre covered her hand with his own. "The young ones don't understand," he said quietly. "They only see what is before their eyes. But you and I, we have seen much. We know signs when we witness them."

Mama sighed. "The names…" she began. Padre nodded.

"They are meant to be part of this community," he said. "I saw them tonight for a reason. I feel that in my old bones."

She placed her hand on his arm. "Go home and rest, Sebastian," she said softly. "The young ones will be safe here tonight. I will have Gustavo stay so that he and Jackie can provide protection if needed." Without another word she turned and headed for the bedroom she used when she spent the night at the bar. She had clean belongings to organize.

o~~~~~~~~o

Gustavo and Jackie returned with the formula to find Pepe and V playing cards at the bar. "Shouldn't you be in bed, kiddo?" Orta asked, ruffling the young boy's hair.

"Nope," V replied. "Mama said we are all sleeping here tonight so I get to stay up later." He grabbed a chip from a bowl on the bar. "Pepe told me there is a girl and a baby in the back room. He said Padre and you found her in the alley. I wanted to meet her, but Mama said she was really tired and probably wouldn't want to talk."

Jackie nodded. "That's right," he agreed. "She seemed pretty scared earlier."

"I think it was your gigantic head that scared her, Jack," Gustavo said, laughing.

"It's not gigantic, "Jackie argued. "Proportionate."

Pepe laughed. "Well, he's got you there," he said.

They turned to see Mama Welles walking up to them. She had delivered the clothes and towels to Brielle and had come looking for the formula. The baby would need to eat once he was clean. "Pepe," she said, patting him on the shoulder. "Why don't you lock up and head home. I thank you for your help. "

The bartender shrugged. "Sure you don't want me to stick around tonight to be safe?"

"Jackie and I will be here," Gustavo said quickly. "We won't let anything happen to them."

"I'm here, too!" V added. "We got this, Pepe!"

Pepe laughed. "I don't doubt you for a minute, little man," he said and grabbed his things. "I'll see you all in the morning. Call if you need anything."

Once the doors were secured, Mama turned to the three boys. "Time to turn in for the night," she ordered. "I will get the formula ready and deliver it to Brielle and then I will be in my room."

"Should we expect trouble?" Jackie asked. Better prepared than dead, right?

"I don't think so," Mama called from the kitchen. "At least not tonight." With a nod, they headed toward their room.

o~~~~~~~~o

Brielle had just finished dressing Ian in the clothes Mama provided when she heard two soft knocks followed by a single on her bedroom door. She and Mama had agreed on a code so that Brielle would know it was safe to admit her.

"The clothes fit well," Mama observed. Brielle was dressed in a long nightgown that she hadn't used in many years. There was a fresh set of clothes for the morning folded and laid out on the dresser in the corner.

"They do," Brielle replied. "Thank you."

"No need for thanks, child," Mama said. "None of us truly survive in this world without help at one point or another." She handed the warm formula to Brielle. "You were waiting for this, I believe."

Brielle took the formula and tested the temperature on her wrist. She smiled and walked over to the bed, pulled back the blankets wrapped around Ian and lifted him into her arms. She sat down on the edge of the mattress and offered the bottle to the baby. Within seconds he was nursing happily.

It was the first time that Mama had gotten a look at the infant and she couldn't help but smile. He was the spitting image of Brielle – tufts of hair the color of a warm sunset and green eyes that seemed to glow in the lamplight.

"I had a question, if you don't mind?" she asked, and Brielle looked up at her; nodding slowly. She knew it was too soon to inquire about Ian's parentage, but it seemed the perfect time to discuss their plans. "I don't need to know what drove you to the streets. That is a story for another time, when you are ready. Your past is your own. I am simply curious as to where you intend to go from here."

Brielle cooed softly at Ian, encouraging him to continue eating. Mama could tell that she was contemplating her answer and so she remained silent. "I have only one plan," the young woman finally began. "Ian must be safe. He must be happy. He must be protected." She took a moment to bend down and kiss his head. "He is everything to me."

"You know that he will never be safe living on the streets of Night City," Mama replied. "And neither will you."

"I know this," Brielle agreed. "We haven't been in the city long, but I have already seen the worst that it has to offer." Probably not, Mama thought, but kept her observations to herself. "If I am to protect Ian, I have to get a job and find somewhere for us to live. Somewhere safe. Or at least as safe as we can ever be here."

Mama nodded. "And if I could offer you both of those things?" she asked. "Would you accept?"

Brielle looked up, staring into Mama Welles' eyes as though searching for the truth in her soul. "Before I answer your question, may I ask one of my own?"

"Of course," Mama replied. "I imagine that you will have many questions before you are willing to commit to staying here."

"True," the young woman replied. "But for tonight, only one. Why are you doing this?"

Mama smiled. "Jaquito is not my only son," she began slowly, "but he is my only remaining son. His brothers were all killed protecting the people of Heywood. Each death is a scar on my heart – my soul. I will never be who I once was without them. But life goes on even when we wish for the world to stop so that we can catch our breath between cries of pain."

Brielle nodded; her eyes wet as she looked down at Ian. Mama knew she understood such loss, somehow. "Over the years, many lost souls, like yourself, have wandered these streets looking for somewhere to call home," she continued. "Many of those have found their way through the doors of this bar. And, when they arrive, I have always tried to help them in any way that I could. It is my way of giving meaning to the deaths of the children that I will never see again in this life. Right now, in the room next door, lies a nine-year-old boy who came to us on a night much like tonight. His name is Vincent, but he prefers to be called V. He is dying to meet you, by the way." Brielle smiled softly.

Yes, she thought, V will be good for this young one and she will be good for him; if given the chance.

"Anyway," she said, "V was born a nomad. His parents were killed in a skirmish with some thugs from 6th Street, a local gang of racists and murderers. V managed to escape the fight and found his way here. Pepe caught him outside rummaging through the dumpster for food. He brought him to me and now, nearly a year later, he is family."

Mama paused and looked at Brielle – really studied her eyes. She is so young, she thought, but with a soul far older than her years. "I know you wanted a simple answer," she continued and chuckled softly, "and yet I gave you a story. That is because there is no easy answer to your question. I am offering you a home here with us because I see in you so much of myself at your age. And I see so much of V in your eyes. I do not wish for you or Ian to be subjected to the horrors beyond these doors until you are prepared to face them – until you are ready. This is why I have opened my home to you, mija."

Ian had finished eating and Brielle placed the bottle on the nightstand; shifting his position so that she could burp him. It took several minutes, but when at last they heard the required sound from the baby, they both smiled. She wrapped him once again in the blankets she had been given and laid him down near her pillow. Once he was settled, she looked back up at Mama Welles.

"I am not a person who trusts easily," she began. "There are reasons for that, and I do not wish to share them at this time. I hope you understand." Mama nodded. "I can only repeat what I have already told Padre and yourself. My one goal is to protect Ian and see that he gets the life that he deserves. If I am to achieve that goal, I must begin somewhere. And living on the street is not an ideal starting point."

"True," Mama replied.

Brielle looked around the room and then sighed. When she once more looked at Mama Welles, the fire had returned to her eyes. "I must be better for him," she said. "I must be stronger for him if we are to survive. I cannot promise that I will be here, as V is, a year from now. But I would like to try."

Mama felt as though a weight had been lifted from her heart. "Then we shall take this one day at a time," she said. "For tonight, get some rest. I will be in the first room to the right of this one should you need anything. The boys are in the room to the left. Once we have all rested from today, we can decide how to proceed."

Brielle nodded. "I will need to work," she said. "I have to pay for what I receive."

"Of course," Mama replied. "There is more than enough to do." She moved to the door and opened it quietly; not wishing to disturb the boys.

"Mama," She turned back to Brielle and cocked her eyebrow. "Thank you."

"You are welcome," she said and closed the door behind her. She had only moved a few steps away when she heard the lock click softly into place. She stepped into her own room and prepared for bed. As she slid under the covers, she opened her phone and sent a short message to Padre.

GW:Santa Muerte has once more seen fit to expand our family.

A few minutes later she received a reply.

SI:Amen.

o~~~~~~~~o

V fell asleep the moment his head hit the pillow of the cot placed in the corner of the small room. Jackie and Gustavo climbed into the main bed; both staring at the ceiling.

"You think she is pretty?" Jackie asked quietly. "I think she is pretty."

Gustavo bristled. He didn't want Jackie to notice Brielle, but he wouldn't lie to his friend. They never lied to each other. "Sure," he replied. "She seems pretty enough."

"You think she is gonna stay?" Jackie continued.

"I don't know, hermano," Gustavo answered truthfully. "She seemed pretty freaked out by all of us." He paused a moment before he continued; his heartbeat increasing its pace. "I hope so, though."

"Me, too," Jackie said. "Umm… you think the baby is hers? She seems too young for that."

Gustavo's thoughts had been filled with just that question. Not that it mattered. If Brielle was Ian's mother, then someone had obviously abused the young girl. And if Gustavo ever found them…

"Doesn't matter, man," he said sharply and jabbed Jackie with his elbow. "Don't go asking her, either. We don't want her thinking that we are being nosey or judging her." And I don't want her to leave…

Jackie grunted. "Ok, Gus, jeez!" he complained. "I wasn't gonna ask. I was just wondering."

"Yeah, well that's enough wondering for tonight," Orta said and rolled away from his friend. "We need some sleep." Jackie mumbled his agreement and soon the sounds of his quiet snores filled the room.

Gustavo laid awake for quite some time, unable to rest as memories of the evening played on repeat whenever he closed his eyes. With an aggravated sigh he climbed out of bed and slipped on his shoes. If he couldn't sleep, he may as well eat.

He opened the bedroom door quietly and stepped into the hall. He had only taken a few steps when he thought he heard sounds coming from Brielle's room.

Don't be nosey, Gus! he chastised himself. Just keep walking.

Yeah. Not gonna happen.

He turned and crept silently toward the room. He saw a light beneath the door and realized that Brielle hadn't drifted off to sleep, either. Or maybe she couldn't stand the darkness. He leaned closer and caught himself before he gasped.

She was singing quietly. No doubt to Ian. And her voice was beautiful.

"Once there was a way to get back homeward

Once there was a way to get back home

Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry

And I will sing a lullaby"

The lyrics were sad but lovely. Just like the singer. Gustavo was mesmerized.

"Golden slumbers fill your eyes

Smiles await you when you rise

Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry

And I will sing a lullaby"

She repeated the song a few more times before softly humming to the baby. Gustavo could tell sleep was beginning to take hold and it wasn't long before the soft sounds of slumber filled his ears.

He turned away and headed back to his room, returning to his bed. He drifted off to sleep to the memory of the sweet lullaby and the entrancing singer with the magical voice.

o~~~~~~~~o

Across town, in Santo Domingo, another infant was being comforted in the middle of the night. But the circumstances surrounding it were polar opposite to the peace and tranquility that Brielle and Ian were enjoying in their warm bed at the El Coyote Cojo.

Mickey Milkovich was four years old, but he had been subjected to more violence, anger and hatred in those short years than most men Padre's age. Presently he was hiding in the basement of his run-down house in Rancho Coronado, his baby sister clutched to his chest, listening to his father rant at his mother over Mandy's birth.

"What the fuck am I supposed to do with a girl?" Terry Milkovich could shake the house with his booming voice when he was drunk and angry. Which was nearly all the time. "Iggy and Mickey will be useful, eventually! They can help run guns and collect money! They can pay me back for letting them live! I should have made you get rid of it!"

Mickey didn't even flinch at his father's declaration. He knew the old man didn't love any of his kids. He only wanted the eventual free labor. He wasn't concerned for himself or his brother. It was Mandy's fate that terrified him, and the current fight wasn't helping his nerves one bit.

"You can teach her what she needs to know, Terry. You are the best at that." Mickey heard his mother, Laura, trying to feed his father's ego in an attempt to soothe his fury. It was a frequent tactic that rarely ever worked.

The loud slap, followed by a cry of pain, was proof that it hadn't worked this time, either. "I know what I am good at, bitch!" Terry yelled. "I don't need you to goddamn tell me! Girls ain't never good at business! It's a fact. The only thing that little leech will do for this family is drain our money when she gets knocked up and adds another mouth to the house that I will be expected to feed!"

Mickey hugged Mandy tighter, grateful that she couldn't understand the words that were spewing forth from the man who was supposed to protect her. Hell, he wishes he didn't understand. But he does. It was just the way of things for someone in the Milkovich family.

Angry footfalls were heard above his head and the young child released the breath he didn't even realize that he had been holding. If Terry was leaving the house, as the direction of his footfalls suggested, he and Mandy would be safe to go to bed. As he slowly ascended the basement stairs (Mandy was heavy for him, after all) the baby in his arms cooed and reached up, grabbing onto his nose. He smiled down at her and kissed her head.

Someday he would get them out of this hell house. He silently promised her.