The first chapter is up! WARNING: Brief mentions of child abuse in this chapter. Enjoy :)
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she slid into the driver's seat of her car. Mia then leaned back against the seat and looked up at the ceiling.
"Christ, what a long ass day." She mutters under her breath.
It seems this job only proceeds to get tougher each day. Yet, it still never stopped her from taking it very seriously. Truth be told, with her type of job; you need to have nerves of steel. Still, it didn't mean the ones that work this kind of job don't feel the need to break down and cry once they get through the front door of their homes.
A couple of today's cases really got to her though. A six-year-old girl who was molested by her drunken father and ended up nearly killing her when he threw her down the stairs. A four-year-old boy whose mother poured scalding hot water into his eyes because he accidently knocked his dinner plate off of the table and onto the floor.
Her superiors warned her that social work wasn't for the faint of heart. And they were absolutely right. It was both tragic and revolting what these disgusting subhumans that don't deserve to be parents do to their own kids. It was people like that that made it hard at times to keep her anger in check. Sure, burglars, rapists, and murderers are the true scum of the Earth. But even Mia, who wasn't religious in any way still hoped there is a special place in hell for those who intentionally harm innocent children.
It was heartbreaking meeting with these youngsters and physically seeing the harrowing results that was left behind on them. The little girl walked in with gauze still wrapped around her head and her left arm in a sling. The small boy, who still had bandages on his eyes, and sadly won't be able to see ever again. All physical and emotional scars they will have as reminders for the rest of their lives.
Mia leaned her forehead against the steering wheel and pinched her eyes shut. But even then, it didn't stop some tears from escaping and rolling down her cheeks. No matter how much material she has read during her college years, it still baffles her how any human being could do such despicable and sickening things to a small child.
At thirty-two years old, she feels she is still no closer to figuring out what would drive a mother, a father, or both parents to treat their own offspring the way they do. All the research certainly didn't feel like it shed any light on why her own parents had done the things they had done to her when she was a child.
'Some people are simply just born wired wrong, Mia. And the ones who grew up in that environment; well, it's the only way of life they knew, and it's something they sadly will likely repeat with their own kids.' Her coworker and friend Jen said to her once.
Unknowing at the time that Mia had been one of those unfortunate kids that endured that same kind of hell. She internally cringed when Jen said it but hid how much the statement truly affected her. A part of her doesn't believe that's always the case either. Just because her parents were fucking lowlife pieces of shit, doesn't mean she would do that to her own kids when she eventually has them.
Mia took another deep breath and sat back up. There was too much overthinking going on again like always. She just needs to get home and unwind. The day is officially over, and it was time to go home for the day. She started up her car and pulled out of the parking lot.
At 5pm, the sun still has yet to fully go down. She drove down one of the back roads to her condo, passing by still many bare trees that have yet to bud in the late March Sun. At least Spring was finally here, and she can go back to enjoying many fun outdoor activities. But still keep up some time at the gym. Mia was contemplating going tonight after dinner.
Let's face it, after dealing with such cases and hearing about what these people did to their kids; it's not hard to want to go and beat the hell out of a punching bag all while pretending it's one of those scumbag parents. It was one of the few ways to get out that pent up anger and frustration, all while getting a good workout in.
She pulled into the parking spot off to the side of her condo and got out, pulling her small leather briefcase out with her. Mia opened her front door and braced for impact as her oversized German Shephard, Max jumped her, and started showering her with kisses. She smiled and let out a small chuckle as the large fur ball continued jumping up and into her arms with all the excitement of an energized toddler.
"You going to let me in all the way so I can close this door, you overgrown baby?" Mia asked, with some laughter in her voice.
Eventually, he calmed down enough and backed off, giving her space. Mia hung up her coat in the closet right by the door and dropped the briefcase on the couch as she walked past the living room towards the kitchen. Like always, the first thing she did was fill up Max's food bowl before heading towards the fridge to pull out ingredients for dinner.
Once she pulled out everything she needed, Mia went upstairs to her bedroom to change into more comfortable clothing. She had just slipped a tank top over her head when she heard her phone start ringing downstairs on the counter.
'Shit.' She hissed.
Mia ran down the stairs and into the kitchen. She had just gotten to it before it would stop ringing. The Caller I.D. on the screen read 'Bulma' in big bold white letters. She smiled and answered the call.
"Hey Bulma, it's been a while." She says.
'Hey Sweetie. Uhh, did I catch you at a bad time? You sound all out of breath.' Bulma replies.
"I'm good, just pulled a 'Flash Gordon' running down the stairs to get to my phone on the kitchen counter before it stops ringing. I know you've been there countless times before and are familiar with that routine." Mia jokes.
She heard the older woman laugh a little at the amusing response.
'Yep, and I can't begin to tell you how many times I have nearly face planted trying to reach the phone or how many times I was just about there before it stops ringing. So, I totally get it.' Bulma said.
"Have you ever just tried asking Goku to use his instant teleporting to get you there faster when he's there visiting?" Mia teased.
'Ha! I wish! But most times it's like he is here only long enough to stuff his face with food before he quickly leaves. And it's actually called 'Instant Transmission.' Anyways, how is everything? And how's the big fur baby doing?' The older woman asks.
Mia turns her bright blue gaze to Max, who still had his muzzle buried in his food bowl, and smiles.
"He's good, still a giant goofball, but good. Despite the fact he almost crushed me the other day when he thought it a good idea to park his big furry ass on my lap while I was watching t.v. He probably still thought he was the tiny eight-week-old puppy I brought home eight months ago. Instead of the tank he's currently growing into now." She replied.
She heard Bulma laugh again, most likely picturing the comical scene in her mind.
'Well, I hate to say it. But I'm not all that surprised. His breed does get pretty big right? I'm betting he will be bigger than you soon. If he already isn't that is. He may squish you like a pancake if your not careful. Seeing as you are pretty petite yourself.' Bulma stated.
That was true, Mia herself was considered on the short end of the spectrum. Being only 4 11' tall and a little over a hundred and ten pounds. Her height was always something she hated in the past because the kids in her class would tease her and poke fun at her calling her anything from runt to small fry. It was also shit like that that got her in trouble because she would take swings at them and try to beat the hell out of them. Something that landed her in the principal's office on quite a few separate occasions during her school years.
School was something she always held resentment for. Mainly because instead of digging deeper into her home life and trying to find ways to help her, they scolded, lectured, and suspended her for her behavior. Had the school actually done their job and gave her proper counseling and found out what was going on at home, maybe things could've turned out a little better for her in the long run. Instead, they all turned their backs on her and labeled her a troublemaker.
So engrossed with her own thoughts and memories, she missed what Bulma had said.
"Sorry, what was that, Bulma? My mind went elsewhere temporarily." Mia said.
'I asked how work was. You have a big case load at the moment or are things pretty slow?' Bulma asks.
"Well, I can't say work is ever really all that slow. No matter how many times I wish it was. But at the moment, I guess there aren't that many cases. But..." Mia stops short.
'But what, Hun?' The blue haired woman asked.
There were a couple more moments of silence before the young brunette spoke up.
"It's just, after all these years a lot of these cases still really get to me. Don't get me wrong, I do like my job, and like helping kids. But it doesn't make it any less heart breaking. Especially, when you finally meet the kids you have cases with." Mia finally admitted.
'I understand, Mia. And I give you tons of credit for being able to take on that job. And if it helps, those kids are lucky to have you. Hell, you even really go the extra mile to make sure they get placed in better homes, so they never have to endure that kind of abuse ever again. You're giving them that second chance to finally live their lives without that lingering fear and sadness.' Bulma reminded her.
Mia absentmindedly stares out of one of the kitchen windows.
"Yeah, that maybe. But the damage was done, and it will be there with them for the rest of their lives. They will never forget how the ones who were supposed to love and protect them ended up being the very monsters they were supposed to be protected from. And I'm not saying all that to be pessimistic. I'm saying it because it is the truth." She pauses, and looks down at some of the scars on her arm.
"It's just something that always stays with you, no matter what." Mia adds, barely above a whisper.
'That may be, but it will not define the rest of their lives. Just like it doesn't define yours. And even though it doesn't seem like it right now, you're living the dream. Your here, you made it, and you're making something of your life. And let's face it; your tough as nails, girl.' Bulma said.
A small smile makes its way to her face at her friend's statement.
"Thanks, Bulma. Even though I think the title of Queen of Toughness exclusively belongs to you, seeing as who your married to." Mia teases.
She heard the older woman snort.
'Yeah sure, but then I just think it helps he's hardly here half the time. Due to the fact he's always out training with Goku. Whether that be here, many miles outside of the city or over on Lord Beerus's World. And I still don't know how he didn't drive Lord Beerus and Whis crazy...yet.' The Capsule Corp Heiress states.
"Yeah, emphasize on the yet. Which is a big ass 'Yet.' I'd say give it some time, before Whis brings them back, and doesn't return for them again. When that happens, I'm sure Vegeta will start driving you crazy once more." Mia replies.
She then tries to stifle a yawn that suddenly creeped up on her. But she failed in doing so and it ended up being loud enough for the woman on the other end to hear it.
'You sound pretty tired. Must've been a long day for you. I know because you sound like me after I've been up all day and a couple nights straight of doing nothing but work.' Bulma says.
"It was, but then the days have been long for a very long while now. And I doubt they will be shortening anytime soon." The younger woman said.
There was a pregnant pause on the line, before Bulma spoke up again.
'Mia, I've been meaning to ask. But when was the last time you had a vacation?" Bulma inquires.
"A vacation? What's that again? Refresh my memory." Mia jokes.
'You know. It's where you take a well-deserved break from work to relax and recharge. Where you get to sleep in late, go out for drinks, partake in activities you love. Any of this ringing a bell for you yet, Miss Sassy Pants?' The older woman smartly retorts back.
"Oh yeah, that. Well, let me think, discount a few short weekend getaways I'd say; 'Never.' " Mia says.
'Then do us both a favor and get your pale butt over here. Spend a couple weeks at my place. I feel like I haven't seen you in forever and I miss you. Considering the last time I saw you is when I came to Virginia Beach for a four day visit not long before I became pregnant with Bulla.' Bulma informed her.
Mia sighs and runs a hand through her long chocolate-colored locks.
"I don't know, Bulma. Even though I have good relations with my boss, she still doesn't like last minute notices for trips or vacations. Plus, I don't have anywhere I can board Max while I'm away." She says.
'Don't worry, I'm sure your boss Deb will understand you need a break, so you don't end up crashing. As for Max, bring him with you. My place is huge and has more than enough room for him. And I know the kids would love having him around to play with.' The older woman countered.
"Still, I'm not sure I can. I mean it's been a long time since I left the state never mind the country and..."
'Amelia Gabriella Siciliano, quit making up excuses, and hop on a plane to South City. I get you are dedicated to your work which I admire because I can be the same way with my work. But believe me, you don't want to end up crashing. It takes both an emotional and physical toll on you. And then afterwards, you will be too burnt out to function properly on the job. You need this, Sweetie. You need to get away for a while.' Bulma said.
Mia silently thought it over. She knew her friend well enough that she could be quite persistent. And as much as she hated to admit it, Bulma was right. In all the eight years she has been with the agency, Mia has never really taken a real vacation.
"Alright, I'll talk to Deb tomorrow. And hope she's in a good mood. I'll get back to you after I've talked with her. Then I'll start looking up plane tickets to Japan. This sit well with you, Girl Genius?" She asks.
Bulma chuckled upon hearing that silly old nickname Mia always called her in the past.
'Already one step ahead of you, Mighty Mouse. I've already looked up dates and times for tickets to South City International Airport on the laptop while chatting with you. There are openings for a 9:10am flight this Sunday. So, I'll see you later that night.' The older woman stated.
It was hard not to laugh at Bulma's tenacity. Of course, she is always thinking ahead.
"You really planned all that out very quickly, haven't you? But I guess after six years of friendship it shouldn't surprise me. I'll print out the papers for the flight tomorrow afternoon. I can't promise you I won't be an annoying house guest though. So, be prepared." Mia joked.
'Challenge accepted. I'll pick you up from the airport.' Bulma replied.
"Ok, don't say I didn't warn you. Anyways, I'll talk to you more about it later. I'm going to start dinner now." The younger woman said.
'Oh, sorry. I quickly forget about the time zone differences. Alright, we'll talk later, Hun. Bye.' Bulma said.
"Later Bulma and thanks." Mia replied.
The Capsule Corps Heiress said, 'No problem', before hanging up and ending the call. Mia looked up from the counter where she had her phone on speaker. She felt a nudge on her thigh and looked down and was met with wide brown eyes staring up at her. Mia smiled and reached down to pet Max's head. He in turn started wagging his tail.
"Well, buddy it looks like we've been recruited for a well-deserved vacation." Mia says.
She hopes the canine will fair well on a plane. They were both gearing up for a long flight once Mia gets her boss's approval. And hopefully Deb won't be too annoyed with her for telling her last minute about the trip.
At least Mia knows Max will be on his best behavior while there. Even though he was only ten months old, she put him through rigorous training very early. And he just became approved a month and a half ago to be an emotional support dog. So far, she brought him into work a handful of times as support to the kids that came through there. The lovable dog never failed at putting a smile on their little faces.
Mia turns her gaze to the window again and looks up at the clear blue sky. Perhaps this was something she truly needed at the moment, and she may as well take it in stride. After all, Bulma was right. At the rate she was going, she was going to work herself to death.
Hope everyone enjoyed my OC's intro. She certainly doesn't have the easiest job and it shows. It was nice that good old Bulma was able to push her into coming to visit her and the rest of the gang in South City, Japan. It will certainly be a vacation to remember. Until Next Time ;)