There seem to be a few problems on this site once more. I did not receive E-Mail-notifications for any PMs, updates or reviews during the past few days. I hope this will be solved soon. I considered waiting with this update until those problems are fixed, but I am giddy to post it, so here it is. I hope you will be able to read it despite the issues with this website.
So, initially the whole time in Pasadena was supposed to be only one chapter. Of course, as always, my writing got a bit more extensive than I wanted it to be. Somehow, I seem to have some trouble, keeping it brief with this story.
I almost managed to do it in two chapters, but this week was completely off the charts, and I just was not able to edit or write as much as I wanted to, so I chose to split this chapter yet again. I had to put the meeting between Sheldon/Amy and President Siebert, as well as Missy reuniting with her son, into the next one.
To avoid any confusion: This chapter starts out a few hours before Missy found out about Joshua running away.
As you wander through this troubled world
In search of all things beautiful
You can close your eyes when you're miles away
And hear my voice like a serenade
Balancing Heaven And Earth
Chapter 18 – "Lullaby"
Sheldon's POV:
On Thursday afternoon, Sheldon took the bus home from work back to his apartment.
Not because he had to. He was sure, one of his friends would have driven him home. Or he could have called Amy and asked her to pick him up.
The night before, when they were having dinner with her parents, she had made plans with her mother to go through some old boxes this morning.
Afterwards, she had wanted to read the newest book of a series she had discovered recently, so he assumed she was at his apartment right now.
And that's why he took the bus. To surprise her.
He wanted to surprise his lovely fiancée who was – again – supporting him through a difficult time when he was worrying about members of his family.
After all, this was her thing. Supporting him. Being there for him. Providing him with a safe place.
And now, after four days in Pasadena, getting to work in his office, having lunch in the cafeteria and spending a few evenings with his friends, his anguish over the situation with Joshua, although it did not vanish completely, started to feel more bearable.
He had not heard anything from Missy during these days, so he assumed that Joshua's week with his father must be going well. Which was good.
His little nephew deserved a break. He deserved to feel happy for a change. Maybe Amy was right. Maybe after this week, Joshua would finally stop ignoring him and things could go back to normal.
And so, today, he was in the mood to just be happy. To spend time with Amy and shower her with love. Not just because he knew, he had not done that a lot lately, while worrying about his nephew. But also, because he craved it. Craved her.
He had finished his work early, so he had decided to take the afternoon off and surprise Amy with starting their usual Thursday date night a bit early, with a few hours of uninterrupted couples' time.
Maybe she would be in the mood to watch one of the movies she loved so much. Or maybe they could find a nice park to take one of their walks together. Oh, or maybe, they could drive thirty minutes and find one of the lovely neighborhoods they had looked up online and take a walk there to see if they could imagine living there.
Or maybe they could scratch all that and just make use of the fact that their temporary roommate was still at work. They could always go out and do everything else later that night.
He would let her make the choice, he decided, smiling to himself as he got off the bus.
"Excellent choice.", he whispered into her ear half an hour later.
They were stretched out facing each other in his bed, a thin blanket draped over their naked bodies. It was so warm and cozy and for a while, he was able to really put his mind off all the things that were happening outside of their little fortress.
Amy's fingers were travelling up and down his spine, tickling him just the right way while he was lavishing her neck with hot, wet kisses.
He just loved the taste of her skin and the way she shuddered when he hit the right spot just underneath her ear.
She hummed in agreement and ran her fingers over his chest, brushing through the small patch of hair there.
"For a man who doesn't like surprises, you really do manage to surprise me in the best way possible.", she murmured, giving him goosebumps with her words.
He trailed more kisses up her neck over her jaw until he reached her mouth again.
She rolled on her back and pulled at him until he was lying on top of her, all the while she was kissing him urgently.
He groaned out loud as their tongues danced the familiar, yet almost torturously sensual dance.
All too soon, he found himself resting between her open legs.
"Slow down.", he chastised her then although he could hardly think clearly anymore. "I did not take the afternoon off for a quick way to get satisfaction. I want to make this last. I want this to be spectacular."
He meant it. He wanted to savor this. Savor her and the way she made him feel.
But it was not easy to keep himself in check. Not when she touched him like she did. Not when he felt her mouth on his upper body, kissing and licking at him while she was rubbing herself against him wantonly.
"I cannot help it, Sheldon.", she moaned. "Just getting to feel how much you want me... Everything you do is spectacular. I am aching for you, Sheldon. But if you need to slow down, then let's slow down for a bit."
He groaned again.
Even if he wanted to, he was not able to slow down even a little bit. Her love, her touch, her passion… it was intoxicating.
He had no choice but to give in to his desire.
"Alright.", he growled as he quickly reached for one of the foiled packages in his nightstand. "Have it your way, little lady. I will gladly give you what you're aching for."
"Hooo.", she breathed out, and he did not know if it was because of his words or because of the way he was pushing into her. Hard and fast. Letting her feel that he was aching for her just as much.
He was living for this. For the way she looked at him as they moved together. Her arms slung around his shoulders and her breath escaping her parted lips in short puffs matching the rhythm of his thrusts.
He wanted this to last. But he knew he was losing the battle when she gripped his shoulders and shuddered against him.
And when she growled out his name in her throaty voice, it was simply too much, and he had to succumb to his own pleasure. His eyes rolled back in his head as he was trying to keep up his rhythm to prolong both their climaxes.
Afterwards, when the blood came rushing back into his brain, he stared down at her, baffled, still after all these months, at how much he felt out of control with this woman.
But although, Sheldon had always felt the need to be in control of everything, with Amy, he did not mind letting go of it for a while. Which, maybe, was the best thing about being with her. His ability to trust her and to let her see him in ways no one else would ever be allowed to.
He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers for a sweet kiss and he could feel her lips turn into a smile.
"We should do this more often.", she said, grinning at him.
"What, you mean hanky panky during work hours?", he said, raising his eyebrows.
"Exactly.", she nodded. "This was quite a nice surprise."
He agreed.
Making love to Amy was always amazing. But surprising her with it during the day and seeing how ready she was for him, affected him so much more than he had expected.
He shifted so he was lying next to her again and pulled her into his arms as he closed his eyes.
For a while, they stayed just like this, curled up together naked and feeling each other's presence. Forgetting about the rest of the world. It had no space here in their happy place.
"Do you want to take a shower together?", she asked, just the moment when he started to feel itchy at the thought of all germs they had just shared.
He nodded. Amy just always knew exactly what he needed and when he needed it.
They washed each other thoroughly and he was tempted to initiate round two of their vigorous lovemaking, but he reminded himself, they still had other plans.
"We could still drive to one of the neighborhoods with available houses we looked up.", he suggested as they stepped out of the shower. "Monrovia is not too far from here. Or maybe we could look at the beautiful house in Sierra Madre we looked up a few weeks ago."
"I'd love to.", she agreed and stood on her tip toes to steal a little kiss.
Her hair was still slightly wet, and he could feel droplets of water trickling on his shoulder. He took her into his arms, letting his hands roam over her towel-covered body and he was just pondering if they could postpone their plans for another hour.
God, the things this woman was doing to him…
But just that moment, his phone started ringing and he groaned before he went to the bedroom to retrieve it, Amy following close behind.
"It's Missy.", he stated, slightly disappointed. "I guess I should take this."
Amy nodded in understanding. It had been a while since they had heard from his sister. And he knew they both were dying to hear how his nephew was doing.
"Hello M…", he did not get farther than that before his sister's voice interrupted him.
He hardly understood a word she was saying.
She was sobbing, her voice seemed to be breaking and he could only make out a few words between her cries.
Joshua. GPS. Pasadena.
It did not make sense. But he knew, something had happened. Something serious.
"Missy, slow down, please.", he told her. "What happened? Is something wrong with Joshua?"
There were a few labored breaths on the other line.
And then, finally, Missy was able to talk, not calmly, but in a way he understood.
His heart thumped in his chest as he comprehended the information.
Amy kept looking at him slightly confused.
"What's going on?", she mouthed.
"Quick. Get dressed.", he whispered to her as he put the phone on speaker and changed into his day clothes as well.
"Are you sure, Joshua is in Pasadena?", he implored. Amy's eyes widened in shock. He would explain the details later. "If he really took the train… that would have been… at least 38 hours. He is only six years old. Isn't it more plausible that his watch got stolen?"
"In Houston? Just to turn up in Pasadena? A few blocks from where you live? Sheldon, you are the genius. Does that sound more plausible to you?"
Missy was right. It did not. Just a quick calculation told him that the odds of Joshua being here in Pasadena were much, much greater.
"I just… don't understand.", his sister said on the other line. "When I saw it on the map… I assumed he was with you. I thought that… and I am sorry for how this sounds… maybe you helped him get away from Texas. Now that I am saying this out loud… of course you wouldn't do that without talking to me. But how… how did he get there? Sheldon, please, can you go out and find him? I'll send you a picture of the map, so you know his exact location."
"Of course.", he promised, and Amy nodded firmly as well. "And while I am doing this, you should call him on his watch. Maybe he'll pick up."
There was a gasp on the other line.
"The watch!", Missy exclaimed. "Of course. How could I not have thought of calling the watch?"
Sheldon rolled his eyes slightly. Really, wasn't that the obvious solution from the beginning?
"You are in shock, Missy.", Amy said next to him. "Of course you did not think of it. That's what we are here for. Now call your son. Sheldon and I will be on our way in a minute."
"Thanks.", Missy croaked. "Thank you. Both of you. Please find my child and… take care of him until I'm there."
"We will.", Sheldon promised her. "Of course we will."
He hung up the phone then.
"Joshua's here? In Pasadena?", Amy exclaimed as she finished tying her shoes. "How did that happen? This is crazy."
They practically ran out to the living room, but just then, there was a faint knock to be heard on the other side of the front door.
Sheldon looked at Amy with wide eyes as she stepped forward to open the door.
His heart almost beat out of his chest. Was it possible…
She opened the door and they both gasped.
There he was.
A little boy. A backpack on his back. Disheveled hair and smudgy clothes. A piece of paper in his hand, which – as Sheldon later discovered – contained his address. Tears streaming down his face. He looked pale and exhausted.
He stumbled into the apartment and Sheldon slumped down to catch him just before he could fall on the floor.
Sheldon's lip trembled. The boy felt so tiny in his arms. In the blink of an eye his mind ran through all the things that could have happened to him on the long journey he had been on without anyone knowing about it.
But he was here now. He was safe.
"I'm sorry.", Joshua sniffled into Sheldon's shirt. "I am so sorry, Uncle Shelly. I don't hate you. I know you don't want me here. But don't send me away. Please."
Sheldon's heart broke into a million pieces.
"Joshi.", he said and hugged the boy to his chest. "Oh, Joshi, of course I want you here. I am so relieved that you are safe. I would never send you away."
He saw Amy take out her phone. Probably to call Missy. Which was wise of course. There was a beeping sound coming from Joshua's backpack and he assumed that this was Missy trying to call her son on his watch.
"Try mom's phone.", he told her as he held Joshua close. "Missy's phone will be busy."
Amy nodded.
"Mary?", she said a few seconds later. "Yes. He's here. No, we don't know the details yet. Please tell Missy, he cannot talk right now. But he's safe. We are going to take care of him now. Tell her we will call her as soon as Joshua is settled in. She is? Oh. Yes, I understand. Thank you, Mary."
Sheldon looked at Amy questioningly.
"Missy's booking the next available flight. She'll probably be here some time tomorrow."
He nodded. Of course. This was to be expected. But now, there were other things to consider. But what exactly?
How do you handle a little boy who had been on the road for about two days by himself. He was upset. But a hot beverage seemed insufficient. Maybe hot chocolate? Or soup?
But Joshua was still crying into his chest and Sheldon did not feel ready to let go of him either.
"Are you hungry, Joshua?", Amy asked his nephew in a soft voice. "You've been travelling for a while. I can make you something."
Joshua just nodded and cuddled deeper into Sheldon's chest.
"Thank you, Amy.", Sheldon said sincerely.
He picked up the little boy and carried him to the couch where Amy handed him a bottle of lemonade before she went back to the kitchen to prepare something.
Joshua drank almost the entire can in just seconds before he took a deep breath.
"Thank you.", he croaked. "I did not think I'd be on my way for so long. I did not pack enough snacks. And I ran out of water this morning."
Sheldon's eyes filled with tears at the thought of this little boy somewhere out there all alone. Hungry and thirsty and scared.
"Oh Joshua…", he said gently. "Why did you… I mean, how did you even… Why…"
He stopped himself. He did not want to pester the little boy.
Because even Sheldon knew, Joshua needed comfort right now. Food. Water. Sleep.
"I just… needed to get away from it all.", Joshua mumbled nonetheless. "I had to. It was all… getting too much for me. Those kids at school. And then you and Aunt Amy talking about leaving. And my Dad… everything was changing all at once. I did not know how to deal with it. I just… had to get away from everything."
"I understand.", he told the little boy. A surge of affection and protectiveness ran through his veins. "I know exactly what that feels like. I'm just glad that… out of all places, you decided to come here."
"It was not my first plan.", the boy admitted. "I just wanted to go away. As far as possible. Because… no one in Medford wants me around anyway."
"That's not true, Joshua.", he said gently. "And you know that."
"The other kids want me gone.", Joshua croaked. "They have stopped insulting me because of what Miss Sheridan said to them. But they let me know how much they hate me for all those stupid exercises the social worker made us do. And mom… her life would be easier without me, I know that. Everyone's life would be easier without me. And you already told me I could not move away with you. So… I wanted to go somewhere else. Somewhere I'm not a burden to anyone."
"Joshua, you are not a burden.", Sheldon insisted. "We all love you. So much. You are one of my favorite people in the world. And while I cannot allow you to live with me, mainly because it would break your mother's heart, I promise, you will always have a place wherever I live. We will figure something out."
Joshua smiled at him weakly.
"I was at the train station, thinking about where I could go. And then they announced a train that was going to California. I remembered your address, because it's on grandma's fridge. So… I just… bought two tickets and boarded that train."
It seemed, his nephew wanted to talk after all, so after Amy gave him an encouraging smile from the kitchen, Sheldon dared to ask further questions.
"Which was the best decision in that situation.", Sheldon nodded. "But… how did you pay for the ticket? Why did you buy two of them? And how did no one notice you were alone on that train? How did no one contact your mother?"
Joshua looked away, avoiding Sheldon's gaze.
"I… borrowed… one of mom's credit cards.", he admitted. "Before I left for Dad's place."
Sheldon gasped.
"You planned this.", he realized. "You did not want to spend Spring Break with your father at all. You just pretended so you could run away."
"Yeah.", the boy said quietly. "I knew I could outsmart my Dad and Nora. They are… not smart. Not like you, Uncle Shelly. And they don't even like trains."
Sheldon couldn't help but smile at that remark.
"So… you went on the train. And then?"
"I did not know it would take this long to get to California.", Joshua admitted. "I just sat down and when a man came to check my ticket, I showed him both tickets and told him my mother was using the restroom."
Sheldon shook his head in awe.
That boy really had thought of everything.
"And then I made sure to always sit close to families. So, everyone would assume I belonged to them. I changed to a different wagon every few hours, so no one would get suspicious. I just… did not expect having to spend two nights on that train. And when I arrived in Los Angeles in the morning, I had no idea where to go from there and I did not want to ask because I am not supposed to talk to strangers. It took me hours to figure out how to get to Pasadena. I was so scared."
Joshua's lips started trembling and Sheldon pulled the sobbing boy into his arms again.
It was unimaginable, that this poor boy had been in California the whole day without anyone knowing about it.
"The important thing is you are here now.", he said soothingly. "You are safe now, Joshua."
The door to the apartment flew open, startling all of them.
"Is he here?", they heard Raj's voice before he came in, slamming the door shut. "Oh, thank God."
For a second, Sheldon wondered how Raj could know about this situation, but there was no time right now to worry about that.
"Rajesh, calm down.", Amy told him as she walked over to the couch, handing Joshua a plate with a grilled cheese sandwich with a handful of cut up vegetables on the side. "I'm making soup. But I thought… as a first snack, you could eat this. And then I am going to run you a bath."
Raj was standing there, staring at them. It took a few moments for him to compose himself.
"What can I do?", he asked then.
"You could run to the store.", Amy told him, and Sheldon was thankful for her taking charge of the situation. "Buy a few fresh changes of clothes his size. Don't forget underwear and socks. Pajamas. A toothbrush. Toothpaste, shampoo and soap for kids. Maybe a stuffed animal to help him sleep. I think we have enough breakfast food he likes. Everything else we can get tomorrow. Oh, and please call Missy on the way. Tell her Joshua's eating. Tell her he's tired and scared but safe. She must be worried sick, and we don't have the capacity right now."
"Consider it done.", Raj promised. "Oh, and he can have my room tonight. I'll sleep on the couch. Also, there's cocoa powder in the top drawer next to the mugs. The good stuff. Prepare him some. It can fix almost every problem."
"Thank you, Raj.", Sheldon said.
His friend just nodded at him seriously and then he was out of the door.
Sheldon let go of Joshua enough so he could eat.
The little boy was sitting in his spot, but Sheldon could not care less.
He looked at the sandwich that Amy had prepared. There was a little smiley face carved into it and he felt his eyes water as emotion almost overtook him.
"Thank you.", he whispered and took her hand, pulling her on the couch next to him.
He wrapped an arm around her as they watched Joshua dig in.
Even without talking, he knew they were thinking the same thing.
This little boy had gone through so much. And he had been in an extremely dangerous situation because of it. This had to end. Right now.
Sheldon got up to find the cocoa powder Raj had talked about.
"So, is this where you two are going to be living?", Joshua asked, as he was finished with his sandwich.
Sheldon looked at Amy helplessly. He was not good at this. And he absolutely did not want to say something more that could upset the boy.
"Probably not.", Amy said in his stead. "This is your uncle's old apartment. He used to live here before he came to Medford. If… we move away from Medford, then we will find something else."
"So, your plans are not final yet?", the boy asked tonelessly. "You are not just going to leave without telling me? And then forget about me?"
"No, Joshua.", Amy said and put an arm around the boy. "We could never forget about you. We love you. You are so important to both of us. And while I cannot promise that we will stay in Medford forever, I promise we will never just leave without telling you. And we will come up with a plan so we can always be in your life."
"What happens when you have children of your own?", the boy asked, his lips trembling again. "You won't love me anymore then. You will be too busy."
"Joshua, we will always love you.", Amy promised. "No matter how many children your uncle and I are going to have. You will always be part of our family."
Sheldon came back to the couch with a mug filled with hot cocoa and little marshmallows. Amy made room for him so he could sit back down next to his nephew.
"Your Aunt Amy is right, Joshua.", he agreed. "It is true, there are things that might change soon. But the fact that you are one of our favorite people in the whole world will never change. And we will always love you and care for you."
Fresh tears filled Joshua's eyes. He handed Amy the empty plate back and cuddled into his uncle's chest again, sobbing almost uncontrollably.
Sheldon did his best to comfort him. There was nothing left to say, so he just held him close until his tears had dried.
Their friend returned then with all the supplies necessary, and Amy drew the little boy a bath.
"Missy's doing okay.", Raj reassured Sheldon, while checking on the soup that was boiling on the stove. "She has booked a flight and she will be here tomorrow in the early afternoon. I can pick her up from the airport. And she has asked me to take care of Joshua before that. She mentioned you and Amy have your meeting with Siebert in the morning."
Sheldon hadn't even thought about that meeting. It seemed so irrelevant right now.
"It's okay.", he said. "We can postpone this meeting. Or maybe Amy can go by herself to sort out her job offer. I can make an extra appointment for the rest some other time."
"No way.", Raj exclaimed. "It's high time you talk to Siebert. This is important. I bought a few DVDs and a new video game in the store. And enough snacks to last for a week. Joshua and I will be having a blast."
Sheldon shrugged. He could not imagine leaving Joshua in his friend's care, but it was nice of him to offer.
"We'll see about that tomorrow."
An hour later, Joshua was wearing his brand-new set of pajamas.
Sheldon blinked twice when he saw that there were little trains on it. How did Raj know Joshua liked trains? Maybe it was a coincidence.
He refocused his attention to his nephew. The little boy's belly was filled with soup and hot cocoa, and he was almost drifting off to sleep right there on the couch.
Amy offered to bring him to bed, but Sheldon felt the need to do it himself.
Raj had been kind enough to change the sheets on his bed, so Sheldon tucked the little boy in quickly.
"I'm sorry, Uncle Shelly.", the child mumbled. Something he had said repeatedly over the course of the evening.
He looked so fragile and tiny there in this big bed, a little teddy bear in his arms.
"You have nothing to be sorry about.", Sheldon emphasized. "I love you, Joshua. And I am so sorry for hurting you with what I said at the zoo. No matter what anyone else tells you, you are an amazing child and one of the best people I have ever met, and I want you to understand that nothing will ever keep me from being in your life."
"But you don't want me to live with you.", Joshu said sadly.
"You need your mother, Joshua.", Sheldon told him. "And she needs you. But we will find another way to stay in each other's lives.
The little boy bit his lip and shook his head.
"Mom does not need me.", he said in a small voice. "And… once she figures out what I did… she will want me to live somewhere else."
"What do you mean?", Sheldon asked concerned.
"I…", Joshua croaked, fresh tears filling his eyes. "I did a bad thing, Uncle Shelly. A really bad thing."
Sheldon sat down on the bed and waited for Joshua to explain.
He gasped as he learned the truth.
There it was. One piece of the puzzle that had always been missing.
"We have to tell her, Joshua.", he said seriously. "I will help you tell her."
"She will hate me."
"Never.", Sheldon said firmly. "She might be upset. But she will never hate you. And if you tell her the way you told me, she will understand. I know I do."
"Really?", the boy asked.
"Really.", Sheldon told him. "Joshua, you've been through so much more than any child should ever have to go through. I understand that it is hard for you to trust me when I tell you this. But there are people in your life that will always love you. No matter what you do. Your mother is one of those people. As am I."
Joshua smiled weakly.
"Thank you. I think I can sleep now."
"Good night, Joshua.", he said and kissed his nephew's head.
"Night, Uncle Shelly.", the boy yawned and pulled the covers over his head.
Sheldon stood in the doorway for a few seconds, looking at the little kid.
The last hours still felt surreal. He had no idea what to think of it. How to process it.
And he was exhausted. Just as he closed the door, Amy walked past him, already dressed in her nightgown.
It was hours before she would usually go to bed.
"I just got off the phone with Missy. She's calmed down a little and is doing okay regarding the circumstances.", she explained. "Raj has already set up the couch to sleep in the living room. And I thought, maybe you would want to talk privately. But if you'd rather watch a movie or…"
He quickly pulled her into his arms and kissed her lips.
"You're perfect.", he breathed out. "I'd love to talk to you. About this day."
She stood on her tip toes and pecked his lips.
"Go use the bathroom. I'll be waiting for you in bed."
He finished his nighttime routine as quickly as possible.
There were so many thoughts running wild in his head. So many confusing images in his mind.
It was overwhelming. And scary.
He craved a moment clarity and calmness. And he knew where exactly he would find it.
"Hey.", she said, as she lifted the covers for him to get into bed with her. "Are you al…"
She released a surprised sound as he scooted over and squeezed her as tightly as he could without hurting her.
And then, he let go. He had tried to be strong before. For Joshua. And a little bit for Missy. Tried not to let anyone see how completely overwhelmed he was with this situation.
He breathed out shakily before burying his head in her soft chest.
"It's okay, Sheldon.", Amy said soothingly and caressed his back. "I know how you feel. Let it out."
And he did. All the tears he had kept in before. All the pain and confusion and frustration that had bottled up over the past three months. All the fear and worry.
He couldn't stop sobbing and with every stroke of her hand on his back, he felt a little bit lighter.
"Joshua was such a happy child, just six months ago.", he breathed out. "Remember how he was looking forward to his first day of school. He was so sweet and cute, always thinking the best of everyone, even after having to live with Robbie for almost two years. He never did anything to anyone. Why? How could those kids at school be so cruel to him."
"I don't understand how anyone can enjoy being so cruel.", Amy said softly. "But kids can be mean. You and I know that better than anyone."
"He seems… years older than he did six months ago.", he continued. "He stole his mom's credit card. He came up with a plan to run away. A good one at that. He spent two nights on a train with strangers. Have you seen how exhausted he was? How… hungry? How… scared? Why did this have to happen to him?"
"It's unfair.", she agreed. "No one deserves to be bullied. But certainly not Joshua."
He nodded and tightened his grip around her.
"What if this were our child?", he whispered. "You and I have both been bullied. We both are… what other people would call unusual. Our children… might be doomed. Destined to be bullied and tortured. Like Joshua."
Amy did not answer right away, so Sheldon dared to look at her. There were tears in her eyes.
"Amy?", he asked softly.
"I want to say that this will never happen to our children.", she admitted. "I want to. But… I am scared of this too. That our children might run away too one day because we will not be able to protect them from this. But… I guess all we can do is try our best. And keep our eyes open for any signs."
He nodded. As much as he had wished to hear that this would never happen to any child of theirs, it was more soothing to hear Amy's honest opinion. His fears were valid. And they would deal with them. Together.
He took a few more deep breaths, his head still buried in her chest.
"Oh no.", he exclaimed as he realized something. "What if he runs away again? Do you think… Raj has locked the door? And even if so… he'll be asleep soon. Joshua could just walk past him, unlock the door and leave. I need to get up. I need to check on him."
"He wanted to run to you, Sheldon.", Amy reminded him. "He has no reason to run from here."
"You don't know that.", he disagreed. "He knows Missy is coming here tomorrow. And he will have to tell her… oh no. I think…"
Amy looked at him confused. Of course, she did not know what Joshua had to tell his mother.
He quickly explained and Amy's eyes widened as she heard the full truth.
"That poor boy. I can't believe he has been so desperate for so long.", she croaked.
Sheldon nodded.
"But I don't think he will run away again.", Amy continued. "He is safe now, Sheldon. You have to believe it."
"I am trying.", he whispered. "But… I feel so… anxious. And helpless. And… scared."
Amy sat up in bed.
"Tell me what you need, Sheldon.", she said softly. "What do you need to do to feel better?"
"I think…", he started. "I need to get up. Sit in front of Joshua's door. I know it sounds stupid. But…"
"Let's go then.", Amy nodded. "Let's take our pillows and blankets and sleep outside in the hallway."
"You don't have to join me.", he protested. "You should get some rest."
"If you really think I will let you sit outside that boy's door worrying for his well-being by yourself, then you do not know me as well as I thought you do.", she stated simply and sat up.
Sheldon took a deep breath and was just about to get up, when they heard a soft knock at their bedroom door.
"Joshi.", Amy said softly as the little boy entered their room.
He stood in the doorway for a while, biting his lips.
"I'm sorry.", he whispered. "I just… couldn't sleep. The bed is so big. And the room is strange and dark. And I can hear the street from through the window. It's… scary… Can I… can I…"
Sheldon lifted the covers.
"Come here, Joshua.", he said softly. "You can sleep here tonight."
"Really?", the boy asked and stepped closer to the bed.
"Of course.", Amy agreed and lay down again as well. "There is enough space for all of us."
Joshua released a sigh of relief as he settled down between the two of them.
"Thank you.", he said in a small voice. "For not getting mad at me. And for letting me stay."
Amy turned on her side and ran her fingers through the little child's hair.
"Oh, Joshi.", she said softly. "We are only glad that you are safe now. And we will do everything in our power to help protect you better in the future."
"Of course.", the boy mumbled and cuddled up to his aunt. "Because you two are heroes."
"Heroes?", Sheldon asked amused and embraced both his nephew and his fiancée. "We are scientists, Joshua. Not heroes."
"You made Robbie disappear, Uncle Shelly.", Joshua mumbled sleepily. "And you two are the only ones that can make mommy smile. I know I never have to be scared as long as you two are around."
He closed his eyes then and finally, his breath evened out as sleep overtook him.
"We're his heroes.", Sheldon said in awe. He could hardly believe it. "I've never been anyone's hero."
"Well, you are mine. If it counts.", Amy told him sheepishly. "You have been since you came to Medford. Superman. Remember?"
He chuckled at the memory.
"I love you.", he whispered and moved his head towards her so he could kiss her cheek.
"I love you too.", she whispered back.
It was an odd position to fall asleep. On his side, his little nephew squished in between him and Amy. Both of Amy's arms protectively wrapped around the little boy who was resting his head on her chest. His arms around both of them.
But he knew, it was the only way any of them would have been able to find sleep that night.
Raj's POV:
It had been quite the battle, getting Sheldon and Amy to go to their meeting with President Siebert on Friday morning.
Missy had already called in the early morning to talk to her son. She also had told her brother to go meet his boss and that she trusted Raj enough to take care of Joshua in the meantime.
But Sheldon had not wanted to listen at first, when Raj had tried to talk to him.
"I'm prioritizing my nephew.", Sheldon replied stubbornly as he was heating up the pan to make scrambled eggs. "He came all the way to California all by himself because he was desperate. I failed him. I won't do it again."
"I understand that.", Raj nodded. "But I still think you are making a mistake. I took the morning off so I could watch Joshua. Plus, you'd only be gone for like two hours tops. And… if you don't talk to Siebert soon, things will only get worse."
"You can go, Uncle Shelly."
Both men turned around.
Joshua and Amy were standing in the hallway leading to the kitchen.
"Joshi, you were not supposed to hear that.", Sheldon said, his eyes widened. "I am staying with you today. We can do whatever you want. Play video games. Or watch a movie. Or if you're up for it, I can take you to the comic book store."
"That sounds great.", the boy had shrugged. "We can do this tomorrow. This… meeting… sounds important and you said before that it is one of the reasons why you even came here this week. I'll be fine staying with Raj for a while. You can show me the comic book store tomorrow."
Raj studied the little boy.
He seemed years older than he was. Which was not surprising, considering all the things he had gone through.
"I won't be leaving you here with a stranger, Joshua.", Sheldon insisted. "We can reschedule our meeting."
"To when?", the little boy asked. "Aunt Amy won't have time off again for a while. Also, he's not a stranger. You are living with him, that means you must trust him. And he was nice to me when he visited a few months ago. Mom said it's okay. There is no logical reason for you not to go right now."
Raj was genuinely impressed. That boy was smart. But then of course he was Sheldon's nephew and Missy's kid. It seemed he had inherited the best traits from both of them.
"He's right.", Raj agreed. "And I'm sure we are going to have a great time together."
He could see that Sheldon was uncomfortable with it.
Who could blame him?
Everyone could see he was worried sick for the little boy.
Raj found it touching in a way. Because who would have thought, just years ago, that Dr. Sheldon Cooper would care this deeply about a little boy. So much he would put his well-being over an important meeting regarding his career.
The thing was, Raj was worried too.
Missy had told him enough of that situation for him to know how hard things had been for Joshua. And he wanted to help. In any way possible.
In the end, after Sheldon had first taken Joshua aside to talk, he had finally agreed to go.
"I don't like this.", his friend admitted while Joshua was in his room, changing into his day clothes. "But you are right, this meeting is important. And Joshua insists he'll be okay."
"Good.", Raj nodded. "We'll make it a fun morning."
"I expect you to have the door locked at all times.", Sheldon continued. "I don't think Joshua still wants to run away, but he had people fooled before. And if there is any problem, no matter how small, I want you to call me immediately. Joshua's well-being is more important than anything else right now."
And then, he and Amy left, and Raj released a big sigh of relief.
"I think you are supposed to lock the door.", the boy told him then.
Raj nodded and did just that.
"You are not planning on running away though, are you?", he asked as he got the video game, he had bought the day before from the shelf he had put it in.
"No.", he shook his head.
"Good.", Raj nodded. "Because your mother is on her way here and I promised to help keep you safe until then."
"Are you her boyfriend?"
Raj hit his head on the shelf as his eyes widened.
"Wha…", he exclaimed. "No. Of course not. Your mother and I are… friends. Good friends. Besides, she lives in Medford, and I live in Pasadena and also, she's way out of my… I mean… we're friends. That's why I promised to keep you safe."
His heart has started to pound rapidly in his chest. Why? He had no idea.
"Okay.", the boy just said, eyeing him curiously.
"So, I bought the new Mario Kart game yesterday. Do you want to play that?"
Joshua nodded enthusiastically.
They spent more than an hour racing against each other. Joshua seemed to have much fun. He was deeply concentrated on the screen and after the first three rounds, he seemed to get the hang of this game.
Or maybe, the fact that Raj kept losing against the child had to do with the innocent little question from before that was lingering on his mind.
Missy's boyfriend?
No. Missy was in no place to have a boyfriend right now. She had been through so much and Raj was truly proud of her for finally finding a therapist and working through some of it. There was no use in complicating her life right now with a relationship. A long-distance relationship at that.
But as he was thinking about it, he couldn't stop wondering… if things were different… would he be interested in being with her?
No. That was ridiculous.
He had just gotten over his crush on the woman who would always be unreachable.
It was such a relief. Being able to see her with Sheldon and just being happy for those two. Being able to talk to her in the evening without picturing her naked in his bed.
It had been lovely, getting to spend time with her this week. So much, he started seeing her as a close friend and was truly sad that she and Sheldon had to leave again in only a few days.
No. He was not developing feelings for his good friend Missy. Definitely not. He would not be obsessing over another unavailable woman again.
"Hey, I'm going to get started on lunch.", he said after losing the fifth race in a row. "Do you want to help?"
"Already? It's so early.", Joshua protested.
"A good meal takes time to prepare.", Raj said, raising his eyebrows. "If we get started now, we still have some more time to play video games later on."
"Can't we just keep playing and get some sandwiches from somewhere in a few hours?", the boy protested.
"Come on Joshua, your mother is currently driving to the airport. She has a long journey ahead of her. Wouldn't it be nice for her to have something home-made and nutritious when she gets here?"
The little child raised his eyebrows.
"Are you sure you're not her boyfriend? Because that's exactly what Uncle Shelly would do for Aunt Amy if she had to travel."
"Well, aren't you a little smartmouth.", he muttered.
The little boy giggled, and Raj had to grin as well.
"Besides, you might still get in trouble for running away. Don't you want your mother to be in a good mood?"
The boy almost jumped up at that.
"She likes burgers and fries.", he said. "And do you think we could make her some banana pudding? There is no way she can get mad when she gets banana pudding."
Raj smiled contently.
Although he did not have experience with children, he felt he had done a pretty good job right now.
They settled on making mini turkey and cheese sliders with sweet potato fries, mainly because Raj had all the ingredients. He did not dare to take Joshua out to the store. Sheldon would never let him hear the end of it they weren't in the apartment when he and Amy came back.
With every second he spent with the boy, he liked Joshua more and more. Not just because he was intently listening to his instructions, but also because he asked so many questions about the ingredients and how to combine them.
This was nice, he thought, teaching his cooking secrets to someone who wanted to learn them.
The banana pudding was already in the fridge and everything else was prepared to be finished later, when Raj's phone rang.
"Hey, Missy.", he said softly. "How are you doing?"
"Not so great.", his friend admitted. "I'm just calling you to tell you I'm about to board the plane now. So, if your offer to pick me up later still stands…"
"Of course, it does.", Raj nodded. "Joshua and I just prepared lunch and now he's about to destroy me at Mario Kart again. I think I'll be happy to get away from the humiliation for a few hours."
He grinned at the little boy who stuck out his tongue at him.
"Sounds like you two are having fun.", Missy said, her voice a little lighter than before.
"We are. You've got a pretty amazing kid there, Missy."
"I know.", she said softly. "Thank you for taking care of him. I would not be able to forgive myself if Sheldon and Amy missed their important meeting because of our family drama."
"Stop worrying about that, Missy.", he told her firmly. "We all want to help. Just… try to relax on your flight. Everything is fine. Joshua is safe. Sheldon and Amy are at their meeting. I am getting a fun morning with video games and snacks. It all works out. And we will figure out the rest once you are here. I promise."
There was a long pause on the other line. Missy did that sometimes. As if she did not know how to react to his words.
"Thank you.", she finally whispered. "Thank you, Raj. You… have been my rock through all of this. I don't know how I deserve your friendship. Just… thank you."
He felt a lump in his throat as he heard her voice.
Did Missy not understand that she deserved the world?
"You're welcome.", he replied softly. "And I am really happy to be your friend, Missy. It means… very much to me."
"My flight number has just been called. Bye, Raj."
"Bye, Missy. See you in a few hours."
He sighed deeply as he hung up the phone.
For a second, he had almost forgotten the little boy next to him, holding a switch controller in his hand, until he heard his voice.
"Not her boyfriend. Sure."