Chapter 969 - The kids are growing up (1/2)

~ Los Angeles, Cliffside villa ~

Emma arrived at the Cliffside villa and before she rang the doorbell, her attention got pulled to the noise coming from the garden.

Emma was surprised to see Sarah arguing with the kids. Sarah was saying 'no' , but the teenagers (and three pre-teens) were not budging.

”Boss, you need to take us with you!”, Zula protested.

”No. You are too young.”, Sarah rejected.

Ade's small boyish face frowned. ”You always say that! We want to go with you now! Not in ten years!”

”It's not fair that Jesse and Haru can go! If they are going, so are we!”, Imani lifted her chin defiantly.

Sarah sighed helplessly. ”Listen… some things are not for kids. You are young. I don't want to risk you getting traumatized.”

”Traumatized? From what? Don't you know from what kind of a hell you rescued us?”, Nala asked.

Oni spoke before Sarah could respond: ”We were beaten and threatened daily. We have seen more than one girl assaulted right in front of us. The only reason they didn't touch us is because they planned to sell us, and virgins are worth more money.”

Since their boy-girl talks the kids understood more what was happening when they were held captive and now have labels for things like 'sexual assault' and 'virgins' .

Sarah shook her head weakly. ”I am very sorry you went through that. Aiden's and my goal is to give you a better life. A life where you can make your own choices.”

”And we chose to go with you!”, Ade exclaimed.

Sarah sighed and looked at the kids in front of her. They all were looking back at her with determination. Sarah extended her arms, and it all turned into a big group hug.

”You are growing up too fast.”, Sarah told them. ”I wish that you stay kids longer.”

Imani spoke for everyone: ”We can't stay here and pretend that everything is fine when we know that you are in danger.”

”Yeah…”, Jamari confirmed. ”Let's take care of the bad guys by the time boss Aiden wakes up and then all of us can relax and enjoy the good times. Together.”

Emma watched the touching scene in front of her for some time until her presence was noticed.

”Good that you are here.”, Sarah told Emma. ”It seems that all of us are going to run an errand. Together.”

The kids smiled widely at Sarah's words. She is taking them with her!

Sarah shook her head. ”Go and get dressed into uniforms. You have ten minutes before we head out.”

The kids swiftly dashed to get ready.

”Uniforms?”, Emma asked but spoke again before Sarah could respond: ”No need to explain.”

”It's nothing secretive. You will see them in few minutes. I like to dress them up in matching clothes.”, Sarah explained.

Sarah and Emma went to the master bedroom where Aiden is.

Sarah kissed Aiden and spoke softly: ”I will be back in a bit. Until then, Emma will take care of you.”

Emma felt emotions gush out of her and suppressed them with difficulty. No amount of training to stay calm in various situations prepared Emma for the heartbreaking scene in front of her.

Kitty was on the bed, next to Aiden. She rubbed her head against Sarah's hip, demanding cuddles.

Sarah scratched Kitty's head. ”Watch over daddy, but don't get into Emma's way. OK?”

The cub blinked.

”Is Kitty in your way? If she is, I will get someone to keep her busy until I'm back.”

Emma shook her head. ”No need. Kitty and I get along great.”