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Rain and Payu had never thought about the possibility of adopting a child, at least not currently.
But there was little Max, sleeping in the room where Payu did a brief project while the documents were running
The two were teachers at the city's school, Rain graduated in languages and fine arts and Payu graduated in science, but with an old specialization in architecture, the director knew Rain from a few times in his work and extended an invitation in his second year of college. , that year he met Payu at school and they started dating. Payu always guided Rain in his activities at school, his classes and projects, it was obvious that he was completely in love with Rain from the beginning.
So it all led up to the second year that the two were working together, the school had an audience of children up to 14 years old, and so they surfed between classes. There were moments of monitoring and interaction during breaks between teachers and students, in addition to diverse subjects and individual assistance for the children. They had the option of choosing who would guide them, for a year, in academic, professional and personal matters, even if they were not nominated.
Rain's personality immediately matched Max's, but she had chosen Payu to mentor her. Even so, the two talked and exchanged ideas about series and films that they shared similar tastes in, and Payu would inevitably comment on the girl at home at times.
Rain knew that the girl's parents were difficult. He remembers finding a very tense Payu sitting at desk after attending a parent-teacher meeting. Payu kept quiet about the subject for a whole week, but soon opened up to his love about the complicated situation. Her mother was strict, her father was compassionate but afraid of her mother, leading him to agree with the unpleasant situations that Max had once described. She had no siblings, she couldn't use the phone for long periods of time, not even at home, and she attended prep courses so that she wouldn't “run out of things to do.”
Until now, Rain and Payu had analyzed the situation as a form of protection, even if mistaken at times, from their parents, until a mark of a squeeze appeared on the girl's wrist after the weekend. It was clear that it was a squeeze made by hands, not a simple knock on the furniture at home as she had justified.
Then the anxiety attacks and disappointments about returning home for the holidays became frequent.
But one day things got worse, little Max didn't show up at school, and disappeared from the networks, not even answering messages from friends. The day before she was very agitated, afraid of being beaten at home because of her school grades.
— She's never disappeared like this, P'Payu…
— Rain, dear, she may have some commitments that she didn't tell her friends, her parents didn't seem so stupid when I answered them to do something stupid.
Payu was wrong. After two more days, the girl showed up at school completely different, quieter, more withdrawn, wearing a sweatshirt and covering all of her body. So Rain found it very strange and didn't buy the talk about the change in weather, since he felt hot that day.
During the break between classes, Max pulled Rain aside and began to cry softly in front of him. His heart broke, he instantly asked if he could hug her, and she agreed, but as soon as they hugged he heard her whimper and pulled away.
— What's wrong, nong? — Rain asked, moved.
The girl simply took off her sweatshirt, and Rain felt like he could simply set the whole world on fire. She had some bruises on her body and still kept her head down,
— Help me — she said whispering between her sobs. Rain's heart broke even more.
— Can I call P'Payu? We can help you together.
Sniffing she nodded, and Rain ran after his Phi. When he found him, the look of despair in his boyfriend's eyes said everything Rain couldn't put into words, so he followed him to where Max was.
Payu froze when he saw the girl crying and with angry marks on her arms, pulling her into a gentle hug.
— It's going to be okay, Nong, it's going to be okay.
And so they headed to the principal's office, and then to the police station, where the parents were called. The complaint for assaulting a minor is not so easy to get rid of. The poor girl would be sent to a children's home, since her parents could no longer have custody of her, there were no uncles and her grandparents were already deceased.
This broke Rain's heart, who held her hand the whole time, he on one side and Payu on the other. The greatest expression of sadness was when she learned that she would be taken alone to the adoption home and that the adoption agent was on her way.
— I'm Deputy Kit, I'll be in charge of today's steps, that includes the legal processes of the abusers and the referral of the child to the adoption center — introduced herself the tall woman with blue hair.
— It's a pleasure, ma'am — the principal replied — Nong Max, they'll take better care of you there soon — the principal told her.
Max shrank towards Rain, who took her in his arms while sobbing.
— Rain, dear, what do you think about taking Max out for some fresh air? — Payu said to him and Rain took the girl in his arms, leaving the room they were in.
— Her mother and father are still defending themselves, they'll both end up being indicted. But the child shelter will be the one to take care of the girl for now — the police chief said.
— Isn't there anything else we can do? — Payu asked.
— If she stays in school, at the center's choice, the most we can do is support her at school — the principal replied.
— Exactly, what was most needed you already did and saved the life of this poor girl who was in danger. There is just one more thing that needs to be done before the center arrives. We need to document the assaults and we need to collect testimonies from the four of you,” the police chief said.
— If you don’t mind, I recommend that you and Rain return to school to finish the period and then go home. I will take care of the paperwork here.
— Yes sir — Payu replied sadly.
He would have liked to accompany Max with Rain and give the girl some support, but apparently the principal had other plans.
—----
Rain returned minutes later with Max unconscious in his arms. She had cried until she was tired and fell asleep. He hugged Rain tightly, seeking some comfort. He went to the small sofa in the room where they were and sat down there. Then Payu came out of a door, meeting his tired and almost teary eyes, and walked over to him.
— The principal told us to leave her here to go back to school. There are some procedures that need to be done and she needs to stay a little longer before going downtown.
Rain grimaced bitterly.
— I'm not leaving her, P'Payu. Look at how much we've helped her so far. She needs us. — He said, his voice almost breaking.
— I know you did a lot for the child, but professionally this has already gone too far, I'm trying to spare you from problems in the future, Rain — the principal said as he left through the same door Payu left — You need to give your testimony now, leave her there and go inside, when you're done, return to school to get your things and go home. Today has already been a busy day for everyone.
Rain was going to object, but Payu put his hand on his arm, signaling him not to say anything and to follow the instructions.
With great difficulty, he passed her into Payu's arms, Max grumbled at the change but continued sleeping. The principal watched the scene in silence.
Finally, Rain entered the room to give his testimony of the situation, he told her everything that had happened.
—---
When he returned, Rain found Max a little awake and slightly dazed, upon seeing him she went towards him for a hug. The principal cleared his throat after a few minutes.
— Well, I'll wrap everything up here, you two can go back and do as we agreed, I'll take care of it from here on out — the principal said. Max squeezed Rain's hand.
— What do you mean? You're going to leave and leave me? — Max said disappointedly, still squeezing his hand.
— Nong, we need to go back to school, the principal will take care of you and everything that's going to happen — Payu said calmly to the girl.
— No, you can't, they said they were going to help me — she said.
— I'm sorry Max, but they can't stay, come and accompany me — the principal insisted
— No — Max started to cry.
Payu took Rain's hand and started pulling him towards the exit, this suffering couldn't be prolonged. Meanwhile, Rain tried to accept the principal pulling her towards the witness room, the separation approaching. It would be a lie to say that Rain hadn't grown attached to the girl, but it wasn't exactly the right or ethical thing to do. He just gave in, being pulled away. Before they could leave, the policewoman came through the door.
— Mr. Principal, I can see that it is the child's wish for the two of them to stay. I suggest that you let this happen, otherwise I will put in my report that you are causing harm to the child — the policewoman said as she analyzed the situation.
Rain and Payu looked perplexed, the principal sighed and let go of Max's hand, who ran towards the two.
— I will return to school, if necessary, you have my phone number — and so he left. The two still did not believe it, they went back to the girl and crouched down to her height.
— I recognize prejudice and distinction from afar, you don't need to worry — the police chief said, leaning on her desk, while smoothing a picture with two people, herself and a pink-haired woman in her arms — Nong Max, sit down, I will explain how things will happen from now on and until the end of the night.
—-----
After the police chief's explanation, the three of them, hand in hand, entered the room for the statement. When they finished speaking, it was time for the most delicate part, the medical examination.
A complete check-up would be done, photos of the attacks, specific checks and blood tests, only the police chief could stay in the room to accompany the procedure with the doctors, but when they left the room, Max's crying could be heard, somehow, Payu and Rain had become the girl's greatest source of comfort, consolation and security at that moment.
— Okay, let's go, only one of you is allowed in, the procedures are a bit invasive and considering that you're both men, it gets a bit more complicated. But since one companion is allowed in, I can get around that. Which of you wants to go with her?
They looked at each other quickly before Payu let go of his hand, so he could accompany her. She had looked for him first, so he should accompany her this time to give her the security she needed.
They were directed to a room that looked very similar to a doctor's office, it smelled slightly of cleanliness, but nothing too bad.
— Nong, I ask you to sit in this chair — she looked at Rain pleadingly — Don't worry, okay? Rain will be by your side, holding your hand. — She assured with a smile.
Then a lady with light blue hair and a lab coat came through the door. Apparently she was a doctor.
— Hello P'Jin, I'm glad the department sent you to assist us — the police officer said.
— Come on Nong, I've always been great with children, if they didn't send me I would come on my own too — The lady said as she prepared some objects to perform the exams.
— Okay child, the doctor will explain better how the procedure works to you, at any time you are free to ask for a break if you need, but I want to make it clear to you that it is extremely important that you perform the complete exam today, okay?
Max nodded slowly in agreement.
— Hey, I'll be here at all times, you don't need to be afraid, soon everything will be over, and you'll be fine. — Rain turned to her and said, squeezing her hand, but the "soon" also scared her, she ran the risk of never seeing Rain and Payu again, this thought made her eyes water, she needed to accept this fate after all.
— Miss Maxine Munchmoon, 13 years old, daughter of Hata Peakin and Jenha Peakin, who are accused of assaulting a minor, who will be examined in this section. She is accompanied by his temporary guardian Rain — Rain shivered a little at having been named as guardian — Nong, do you have any consideration before we begin?
— No — Max replied.
— Okay! We will begin with the only examination in which Nong Rain will have to leave, it is a procedure in which I will take some photos for documentation, and it consists of you being without your clothes, okay? It will be just you and me in the room.
Max looked a little apprehensively at Rain, but nodded when she saw the warm smile he had for her, something that seemed like care, attention and love.
And then he and the police officer left, meeting Payu as they left the room where they were. He automatically went to his boyfriend's side, who hugged him as they approached.
— The doctor needed to do a full body exam, we had to leave, but I didn't want Phi… — Rain said and Payu welcomed him.
— It's necessary, Rain, these are procedures and even if she wants, we are not her legal guardians. We need to think a little, after all this process, she will be far from us — Payu said.
— What if she stays with us?
Payu froze. He couldn't deny that he had remotely thought about this possibility, but it wasn't really something he delved into.
— What if we go… what if we can give her everything she needs, love and care. We have so much love, Phi, and I want to have a family with you.
— Rain… — Payu began.
— You don't want to? I can't force you to do it, but I would really like to. I don't know if I would be a good father, and I'm starting to wonder if I'm imposing this on you, I'm so sorry…
— Rain! Stop for a moment, calm your breathing — Payu said, taking Rain's hand, placing it on his own chest so that he could follow the rhythm.
Rain's breathing returned to normal. Payu looked worried, he hoped that the little attacks had been overcome, his boyfriend tended to overthink, but that was partly his fault too for taking so long to respond.
— That's it, good boy, take a deep breath, like this — Payu repeated calmly until Rain showed signs of calming down.
— I'm sorry Phi, I should have kept quiet about this subject, we should have talked at home…
— No, Rain, you need to listen to me, I-
— Excuse me, I'm sorry to interrupt, but the exam is over, so you can return to the room, Rain — Hearing his name, he turned towards the hallway, where the doctor was standing, watching the two of them.
— I better go, Max must be feeling lonely — Payu saw his boyfriend get up, slightly staggering, having recently recovered, without being able to say anything else.
They really needed to talk when they got home. However, Payu understood the change in his boy's behavior and reasoning. Many things had happened recently. Giving up on thinking too much, he sighed and leaned against the wall.
—----
When he entered the room, Max seemed visibly calmer, sitting on the bed. Rain's heart broke just thinking about the trauma and pain the girl had been living until that day, and also how bad it must have been to endure all those procedures. Although they were part of resolving the situation and putting the monsters that were his parents in jail, it was still something that no child should have to endure.
— Very well, the photos are already in, as well as the physical examination, Rain, all that's left is the blood test, which is also standard for detecting any changes in suspicious substances in general, and the worst part, but after the physical examination, it didn't seem like a possibility that it had happened... — Rain knew what she was talking about, she was talking about whether Max showed signs of having been sexually abused, thank goodness the doctor claimed there were no signs of that, he shook her hand in anger — Well, I'm going to need you to stay by her side so we can finish this, the child deserves peace from now on, poor thing — the doctor said still speaking softly.
Rain walked slowly to Max's side, he slowly placed his hand on the girl's shoulder who seemed lost in her thoughts.
— Max, how are you? — he asked, feeling her relax at his touch.
— Better now that you're here — she said simply with a small tired smile and stretching out her arms to hug him.
— Was the doctor nice to you? — he asked as he welcomed her into his arms.
Max just mumbled something in agreement while still drowning in Rain's shirt.
— Shall we continue? And I promise you, Max, that this will be the last exam, after that I'll let you rest easy with Rain, okay? She's been a great girl, understanding and cooperating.
— She's great, isn't she? Rain said, stroking the girl's hair.
— Yes, she is — the doctor agreed — Okay, Max, here with me I have a kit to do a blood test on you. Have you ever done it?
Max cringed a little as she looked at the tray that was resting on the small table next to the bed where she was sitting, turning her head back to the fabric of Rain's shirt.
— I'll take that as a yes and that it wasn't a good experience, so I'm sorry, but I promise you that everything will be okay — It's a little painful at first, but then you'll only feel something again when I remove the needle — The doctor said as she arranged everything she needed and put on gloves — You can even stay like this, leaning on Rain, but I need you to stretch out one arm and rest it here on the support, okay?
— Come on Max, I'll be here with you, you're such a strong little girl, I know you are — Rain tried to motivate her, and for long minutes, she simply hugged her, until her left arm relaxed, and she let the doctor fix it on the support — That's it, you're doing well, dear.
— Very well, I'm going to position this belt that will put a little pressure on your arm, don't be scared, okay? It's necessary to make it easier for me to find a vein — The doctor said as she wrapped the belt around her arm, and then fastened it. Rain felt a slight tightening in his back, and offered one of her hands for her to hold. Max briefly raised her head and met Rain's eyes. She was about to cry, and that broke Rain's heart even more, but it was necessary.
— Hey, it's going to be okay, okay? I'm here with you, Max — Rain reassured her, but she buried her head in his shirt again when she felt the cotton touch her skin, letting out a groan.
— Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you the alcohol swab was coming — the doctor said as she felt the skin — Max, I'm going to go in with the needle now, okay?
Without any further answers, the doctor began the procedure, but feeling the girl's arm move along with a whimper, she soon stopped.
— Please don't move your arm, Max, you could hurt yourself like that — the doctor said in a warning tone and continued.
Meanwhile, Rain's hand was getting the tightest grip he thought Max had. On the other hand, his shirt was starting to look wet, and that worried him, it was a sign that she was crying silently. So he ran his hand up and down her back, to calm her down. What bad experiences had that innocent girl been through up until that moment, this was so unfair. She was a child who should just have fun and study.
— This hurts, P'Rain — the girl cried softly, which made Rain have to hold back his own tears as he looked to see how the exam was going.
— I know, I'm sorry, but it's necessary, honey, it's almost over, I promise — he said in a half-choked voice.
— I'm sorry Nong, but I'm really finishing — the doctor said. And indeed, a few minutes that seemed like hours finally ended, and she removed the needle — Okay, okay, I'll get you some ice water.
— That won't be necessary — said a voice behind them. — Excuse me — Payu said as she walked in with two bottles of water in his hand, walking towards his boyfriend and Max.
— P’Payu — Max said, pulling her face away from Rain's slightly wet shirt.
— Hey, you've been a good little girl so far, huh? — he asked as he approached, placing his hand on her head.
— She was, well, it's over. Nong Max, I wish you absolutely everything, I'm sure your new guardians will give you lots of love, which is all you deserve. You're a great girl — the doctor said, gathering the material she had brought into the room — And you two have a duty to take care of her, I don't know how, but you must, hugs!
And she left the room, leaving only the three of them in silence.
— Rain-
— Phi-
The two said at the same time, earning a smile from Max.
— You can say it — Rain said.
— About what you said before you came in, I want to go through with it, together with you — Payu said calmly — Maybe it's crazy, and maybe we'll put our jobs on the line, but I really love you, Rain, and I think starting to form a family with you now is the right time.
— Phi… I'm… sorry for freaking out and getting mad at you for no reason, it's just that I…
— No, Rain, we're all on edge, dealing with everything directly, it's understandable what happened. But right now I can only think about the three of us. — Payu said and Max widened his eyes — But that also depends on her, if she wants to join us.
— Are you telling me you want to be with me? — Max asked.
— Yes — Payu replied.
— Forever?
— Until the end of our lives — Rain replied.
— Like a real family? — she asked again with tears forming in her eyes.
— Yes — Rain and Payu replied together, also emotional.
— Yes, yes, yes, yes — she replied crying now as she pulled the two of them to hug.
— We will protect you, Max. You will be safe from now on.
— And you will have all the love you deserve.
And with these words Max smiled while still crying a little. She would no longer cry with sadness every night.