Inside the quiet office, on the other end of the mahogany desk adorned with typical items such as cups filled with pencils and pens, stacks of folders and papers, there are also greeting cards...some of which appeared to be created by children, sits a woman. Quiet, fragile. Her eyes heavy and sad as they're slightly lowered. Next to her sits her daughter who appears to be around the age of 4. Normally kids this age are rambunctious and looking to get into something of their surroundings, but she's just as quiet as her mother. Before being escorted into the office she hasn't had said more than two words and only spoke when spoken to. From the minute she sat down she hadn't uttered a word. Eventually she hears, "Ms. Rose" prompting her to look up and into the eyes of the man who called her name. Her eyes move from his down to the name plate at the front of his desk. It reads Laurent Francois, Director. The director of Social Work to be exact. He knew a long time ago that he wanted to go into a field that helps people, and being afforded the opportunity to go to school to study his field, he couldn't wait for the day he would be able to. Being promoted to director was a dream come true because he would have the power to make any and all changes that would allow his facility to be of more help to his community. He gives her a friendly smile and asks, "how can I help you"? She appreciates the warm, inviting atmosphere and the professionalism he exudes, but she just doesn't have it in her to return the smile given the reason she's here. It's also difficult to answer his question though she really does need help. Finding it difficult to put her words together she just lowers her eyes again. Silence falls again until there's the sound of her daughter kicking the desk prompting the mother to become angered and raise her voice to instruct, "Mila, stop it"! The precious girl jumps as she stops then looks at Laurent with tears building in her eyes. His heart drops at the sight and to cheer her up he asks, "would you like a coloring book"? She uses the back of her hand to wipe her tears as she softly nods so he sweetly tells her, "come with me sweetie". She stands up and follows him over to the bookcase where he retrieves two coloring books then shows her and smiles as he asks, "which one would you like"? Her eyes dart between them before she points to the one she wants. He puts the other away and retrieves a box of crayons then leads her over to the table in his large office that's just for children. With her happily coloring now he heads back to his desk and as he takes his seat he looks at Ms. Rose with a smile as he tells her, "I see coloring is fun for her". She nods and softly thanks him in which he replies accordingly. It goes back to silence until...

Laurent: "You can talk to me, Ms. Rose. I'm here to help".

Rose: "I know, Mr. Francois, and thank you".

Laurent: "Welcome, and please, call me Laurent".

Rose: "Will do, and you don't have to call me Ms. Rose. Call me Lynn".

Laurent: *smile* "Will do".

For the first time since arriving she smiles. She then turns around to look at her daughter color for a few moments then stands up and walks over to her. She observes her work and smiles then drops a kiss to the top of her head then leaves her to her creation. When she's back at her seat she looks back at Laurent...

Lynn: "I shouldn't have yelled at her. I love her".

Laurent: *smile* "I'm sure she knows", he replies softly. 

Lynn: *smile* "Thank you". *pause and deep sigh* "I do need help. I really need help".

Laurent: "Just tell me what I can do". 

Lynn: "I recently got out of an abusive marriage with her father. It took what felt like forever to get out, and for a while I thought I wouldn't be able to, but I did. The problem is, I don't have many skills to get a good paying job that will provide for my daughter".

Laurent: "Well you definitely came to the right place. We have several programs available for people who have had hardships and are trying to get back on track including job assistance that include computer training classes and interviewing tips. That program is also available for ex inmates who need to acquire job skills that will help them gain employment and we also have a food pantry on site that has fresh fruit and vegetables as well as a freezer section". 

Lynn: "And it's all free of charge"?

Laurent: *smile* "Yes".

Lynn: *sigh* "That is such a relief".

Laurent: "Since you have a daughter we have free child care while you're in training class and there's after school care if you need that. We also partner with a local women's shelter so if you and your daughter need a room I can have someone from my team take you there".

Lynn: "I don't know what to say".

Laurent: "My team and I just want to help in every way we can. From what you told me about your ex husband, do you need the shelter"?

Lynn: "I do. He isolated me from my family so I haven't spoken to them in years. I was staying with a friend, but he harasses her so I told her I'm finding somewhere else to go so he can leave her alone. She wants me to stay and said she will call the police if necessary, but she really underestimates him and she has her own family to protect so that's why I need the shelter. My daughter and I will be safe and she won't worry so much".

Laurent: "Say no more. We'll take care of you. Just give me a moment".

Laurent picks up the phone receiver to call a team member who only takes a few moments to appear at Laurent's office...

Laurent: "Jackson, this is Lynn and I need you to take her and her daughter to Safe Haven. If there's anywhere she needs to go first to collect any belongings or whatever she needs, please take care of her".

Jackson: "Yes sir".

Lynn stands to her feet then extends her arm to give Laurent a handshake...

Lynn: "Thank you so much, Laurent".

Laurent: "My pleasure and here's my card. Call me if you need anything else".

Lynn: "I will".

She turns around and walks over to her daughter...

Lynn: "It's time to go baby so you have to leave the coloring book".

Laurent: "It's oki. She can have the book and the crayons". 

Lynn looks at him and she's speechless for a moment because of his kindness, but ultimately thanks him then takes her daughter's hand as she asks, "can you say bye to Mr. Laurent"? With a tight grip on her book and crayons she looks up at him with those adorable, round eyes and in the sweetest voice...

Mila: "Bye Mr. Laurent".

Laurent: *smile* "Bye sweetie. Enjoy your coloring book, oki"?

The sweet girl softly nods then they follow Jackson out of the office. Laurent then takes his seat and notices that it's almost lunch time so he begins thinking about what he wants to eat. Just as he's decided what to order his friend and colleague, Greg, knocks on his door prompting Laurent to look up...

Laurent: *smile* "Hey bro".

Greg: *smile* "Hey. How's your day going"?

Laurent: *smile* "It's going well. How about yours"?

Greg: *smile* "Pretty good, but I'm starving now so how about we go to lunch? My treat".

Laurent: *chuckles* "Sure. Thanks bro".

Laurent tells him what restaurant he's had in mind and Greg couldn't agree more. On the way out they speak to a few workers. Greg also offers to drive and they don't have to go far which is a good thing since they're both eager to eat...

*****

Upon being seated they sip on their drinks and as they wait for their entrees they talk to each other about how the first half of their workday has been. Ultimately a steak sandwich and fries was placed in front of Laurent and a club sandwich, also with fries, was placed in front of Greg who has a question to ask...

Greg: "So, you're still not dating anyone"?

Laurent: "I'm not really into dating right now. I love what I do, but it can also be an emotional drain because we feel so much for the people we see everyday and it also keeps me busy so I just don't have time".

Greg: "I get that bro, but that's also why you should enjoy yourself more. You don't want to get to a certain age then look back on your life and realize that you haven't stopped to smell the roses. Live bro. Make time to have fun and just...live".

Laurent: *chuckles* "I hear you".

Greg: *smile* "Good, because there's someone I want to set you up on a date with".

Laurent: *smile* "Oh do you"?

Greg: *smile* "Yes and she's beautiful. I think you two will really hit it off. Her name is Monica and she's a friend of Jalisa. She had a bad breakup so she's been single for a while, but she said she's ready to start dating again. What do you say? Friday night. We'll double".

Laurent: "I don't know bro".

Greg: "You really should Laurent. Even if it doesn't go further at least you will be getting out to enjoy good food and fun with a really nice woman. She's good people. I wouldn't steer you wrong".

*brief pause*

Laurent: "Oki. I'll go".  

Greg: "Great. I'll let her know".

Laurent: "So how is Jalisa"?

Greg: *smile* "She's wonderful. She's funny, beautiful, incredibly intelligent. She's the most alive and vibrant woman I've ever been with and I'm ready to put that ring on her finger".

Laurent: *smile* "That doesn't surprise me. Your face lights up every time you talk for her".

Greg: "I already have the ring and I'm proposing on our two year anniversary. Her family is in on it and I want you there too".

Laurent: *smile* "Of course bro". 

Greg: *smile* "Next Saturday, 8 pm at the Palmeraie".

Laurent: *smile* "I'll be there".

Greg couldn't be happier as he extends his fist for a pound then they go back to lunch. They ultimately return to work where Laurent has a few more appointments including the one that brings him to the end of the workday. After telling his team he will see them tomorrow he makes his way to his car that's parked in his reserved spot as the director. He fastens his seat belt then cranks the engine to back out and head in the direction of home...

*****

Laurent walks into his 2800 square foot home and places his keys on the table then shuts and locks the door. Before stepping further into the beautifully decorated home, he reflects on his conversation with Greg and his concern about Laurent not dating and spending most of his time alone. Admittedly, he thinks about coming home to a spouse and the patter of little feet running around and happily shouting "papa" when they see him. His home is definitely large enough for a family, but he just doesn't understand why the desire for that hasn't been strong enough to actively seek someone to share his life with. On the outside everything looks great. Amazing career, great friends and a wonderful family so he isn't really sure what's stopping him. Maybe this date with Monica will turn out to be something if she's really as wonderful as Greg describes her. For now, he decides to get changed out of his work clothes so he can make himself some dinner. Once his work clothes are taken off he puts them in the pile with the clothes that need to be dry cleaned then he takes a t-shirt and sweats out of a dresser drawer. He slips into the sweats and the instant his shirt is on his cell phone rings that he tossed on the bed before he changed. He picks it up and he smiles because the caller is his mom, Vera...

Laurent: *smile* "Hi mom".

Vera: *smile* "Hi my love. How was your day"?

They've always had a close relationship so they talk to each other regularly, practically daily, and like any conversation between them, this one continues to be filled with sweetness and smiles from both...

Laurent: "Great. How are you"?

Vera: "Wonderful. Your father and I are having a family gathering Saturday so of course we want you there".

Laurent: *smile* "And of course I'll be there".

Vera: *smile* "Oki sweetheart. It starts at 1, but you know you can come as early as you like".

Laurent: "Oki".

Vera: "I love you".

Laurent: "I love you too".

Laurent releases the call and of course he's looking forward to being around the people he loves the most. It's only a couple of days away so that's even better. He's now making his way to the kitchen to get started on dinner. He walks over to the sink to wash his hands first then to the fridge to pull out some veggies and some tender cuts of beef strips to make a stir fry to be placed over a bed of rice which he starts by putting a serving of the rice in a strainer to give a thorough rinsing then sets it aside. He then retrieves a skillet to place on a burner, drizzles some olive oil in it then turns the stove on to allow the oil to heat up. He throws a kitchen towel over his shoulder before taking out a wood cutting board and a knife to start slicing the veggies that consist of fresh garlic cloves, red, yellow and green bell peppers as well as onions. When the veggies are chopped as he likes them he picks the board up and walks over to the stove to slide them into the pan with his hand. Right away the veggies begin sizzling and he begins tossing them back and forth with a spatula. When those are done he puts them on a plate to get started on the beef then finishes up by making a gravy with the beef drippings, butter and flour. The aroma from it all as he cooked made him hungrier by the minute and now with his plate fixed he heads for the dining room table. Every bite is savory and delicious so nothing is left. He takes the plate to the kitchen and does some light cleaning before heading to his home office to continue working on the presentation he will present to his team about another idea he plans to implement at his center. Anything having to do with helping his community gets him highly engrossed so the time gets ahead of him and it's near midnight by the time he goes to bed, but will all the successful programs to date it's worth the late nights...

~Friday~

It's finally the end of the work week and the night Laurent meets Monica. Now that the time is here he's glad Greg suggested a double date because if it were just the two of them he isn't sure if he would be able to let loose and it would end up being awkward. That's when it dawns on him that he really hasn't dated much and should take Greg's advice to do more of it. He's not overly dressed or under dressed. It's just right and after a quick look in the mirror he grabs his keys to leave...

Laurent arrives at the restaurant and as he searches for a parking spot he doesn't see Greg's car so he assumes he's the first one here. He finally finds a space then looks in the mirror to give his glorious fro a fluff then steps out the car, closes the door and hits the button to lock the doors and set the alarm. He walks towards the entrance, but doesn't go inside as he prefers to wait for everyone outside. Many cars go by when he finally sees Greg's car pull up. He sees Jalisa in the passenger seat and a figure sitting in the backseat and a small wave of nerves, typical for a first date, come over him. He can see him park then watches the three of them get out and begin walking towards him though he can't see Monica because she's walking behind them. When he's face to face with Greg and Jalisa he greets him with a bro hug and Jalisa with a smile and a kiss to the back of her hand like the gentleman he is. Greg smiles then says, "this is Monica" as he steps to the side. Laurent is blown away because she's as beautiful as Greg said. Flawless brown skin...black, shoulder length hair that's softly curled and her eyes seem to have a sparkle in them. She also has an incredibly beautiful smile...

Monica: *smile* "It's nice to finally meet you, Laurent".

Laurent takes her hand and places a kiss to the back of it too then replies...

Laurent: *smile* "It's nice to meet you too".

Greg and Jalisa are smiling as they get the sense of a really good vibe between them already then Greg says, "well let's get the night started". Laurent and Monica are all smiles as they agree then Laurent opens the door for her. Greg motions his hand for Jalisa to go after her then Greg takes a minute to speak to Laurent...

Greg: *smile* "What do you think"?

Laurent: *smile* "She really is beautiful".

Greg: *smile* "I told you. I think you're already hitting it off".

Laurent: *chuckles* "We'll see. Now let's go inside. I'm starving". 

Greg agrees so they go inside to link back up with the girls and wait to be seated...

*****

Appetizers were ordered and as they munch away they talk about random things and share a good laugh with one another. Greg catches glimpses of Laurent who he's happy to see smiling and enjoying himself. As they wait for the entrees Monica looks over at Laurent...

Monica: *smile* "So Greg tells me you're the director of social services".

Laurent: *smile* "Yes I am and I love it". *pause* "What do you do"?

Monica: *smile* "I'm an x-ray technician and I love my job too".

Laurent: *smile* "There's nothing better than doing what we love".

Monica: *smile and wink* "Agreed".

At that moment the server brings the entrees on one of those large trays then happily distributes the food. They all dig in and continue to enjoy joyful conversation with one another while also enjoying great food. They also ordered dessert and when the feast came to an end the server came back over to ask if the bill would be split. Monica was about to speak up and request her own bill, but Laurent spoke up to tell him to put everything on one bill and that he will pay. The server nods with a smile and walks away to do exactly that...

Greg: *smile* "You don't have to do that bro".

Laurent: *smile* "I want to".

Greg: *smile* "Thanks man".

Jalisa: *smile* "Yes. Thank you, Laurent. We really appreciate it".

Monica: *smile* "Yes we do".

Laurent: *smile* "You all are very welcome".

The bill is taken care of, a generous tip included, and they all stand up to leave. When they're outside Monica asks Greg and Jalisa to go to the car as she wants to speak with Laurent for a moment. They agree then say bye for now to Laurent and head for the car so Monica turns to him...

Monica: "Greg told me that you don't date much and that's why he wanted to set us up, but I want you to know that there isn't any pressure from me. I understand taking your time. I'm slowly but surely getting back out there. I would still love to get to know you more and if it's meant to be for us then we'll know. Greg just wants the people he cares about to be happy and that's why I love him for Jalisa. She's an amazing person and a wonderful friend so she deserves the love he gives her".

Laurent: "Yeah he's a great friend, and thank you for being so understanding".

Monica: *smile* "You're very welcome, and thank you for dinner".

Laurent: *smile* "It was my pleasure and it was such a pleasure meeting you".

Monica steps forward to give him a hug as Laurent kisses her on the cheek then she pulls back...

Laurent: *smile* "I'll walk you to the car".

Monica: *smile* "I would like that".

Laurent looks both ways then gently places his hand on her back as they step onto the street and begin walking towards Greg's car. He opens the back door for her, but before she gets inside she smiles at him and says, "take care". Laurent responds, also with a smile, "you too" then she gets inside and he shuts the door. He waves at everyone as Greg drives away then makes the steps over to his car to leave...

*****

Arriving safely at home Laurent is now ready to get changed and get in bed as he's eager to go to his parents house tomorrow for family day. He gets comfortable under the covers, reflects on the evening, and only mere seconds later he falls into a slumber...

~1 am~

Laurent is jolted out of his sleep to the sound of his phone ringing. He wipes his eyes and squints at the screen to see who it is. Turns out to be a police friend of his so he groggily answers the phone. That's when his presence is requested at a home the police are on their way to. There's been a domestic dispute and a child, possibly more children are involved. Laurent tells him he'll be right there and to text him the address. After releasing the call he gets up to head for the kitchen to brew some coffee then heads for the bathroom to freshen up then change out of his bedclothes. The hot water he splashes on his face wakes him up more and once he's dressed he puts his phone in his pocket then goes back to the kitchen to fill a coffee cup with lid before grabbing his keys and heading out the door...

The coffee Laurent sipped on as he drove to the requested home has helped him in becoming alert so he can fully focus on the reason he was called. He pulls up to the home and when he sees three police cars he instantly fears just how bad this was. He parks then gets out and he sees his police friend who's also just arrived with other officers. He saw Laurent pull up so he walks over to meet him...

Laurent: "Jeff, what's going on"?

Jeff: "A domestic fight. The neighbors heard it and called us".

Laurent: *deep sigh* "I hate these cases. I take it they have kids".

Jeff: "Yeah. That's why we needed you here. Follow me buddy". 

Laurent nods and follows the officers to the front door. He watches Jeff knock on the door and belt out, "Police! Open up"! Naturally, the husband doesn't follow the order so Jeff warns him that if he doesn't he will have no choice but to use force to get in. Seconds later the door opens and upon entering, Laurent's eyes widen at what he sees. There's a lamp knocked over and different things scattered across the floor as if they were thrown first. He then looks up and sees the mother on the couch...bloody and bruised. Across the way the husband glares at her...almost as if he would have done worse if the cops weren't called. One of the cops immediately cuffs him as another takes a statement from the wife. Laurent just continues to observe everything when he suddenly hears loud crying from a child. Natural instinct tells him to go in the direction of the sound, and he's about to do just that when suddenly he touches his temple and shuts his eyes tightly as he's having what seems to be a vision of a child crying in distress. What's even more terrifying of the vision is that the child appears to be...him. He's also certain that he hears another baby crying. It's unnerving so he shakes his head to rid himself of the image. He's successful, but it takes him a minute to push forward as he's in shock at this vision...and what it could mean. When he arrives at the nursery he sees Jeff holding the baby and trying his best to console him, only he doesn't settle so Laurent asks if he can try. When he's given the precious and frightened baby he softly bounces him and softly talks to him...telling him it's ok. The baby just looks in his eyes with tears in his...a pout of his lips then drops his forehead on Laurent's shoulder only this time he's softly weeping. Laurent then tells Jeff that they should go and talk to the mother and get her whatever help she needs. By the time they arrive back in the living room the husband has already been taken out of the home and placed in the back of a police car. The mother is on the couch as her wounds are being taken care of. She's in tears, and because of her fragile state, Laurent is gentle and soft spoken with her...

Laurent: "Can I get your name"?

"Marissa".

Laurent: "Hi Marissa. You have a beautiful baby boy".

Marissa: *sniff* "Thank you". *deep sigh* "I hate he saw this. I just hate it".

Laurent: "I understand. I'm a social worker so if you need help you can come and see me first thing Monday morning".

Marissa: "Thank you", she breathes out.

Laurent softly replies "welcome" then gently hands her baby boy to her who becomes instantly calm. She wraps him up in a hug and rocks him while softly crying. Laurent sweetly and softly tells her, "my door is always open, oki"? She's so emotional all she can do is nod. Laurent looks at her for another second then looks up at Jeff before leaving...too heartbroken to say another word. As he walks to his car he feels sick to his stomach as Lynn comes to his mind since she recently came to see him after leaving an abusive marriage. The number of domestic cases his center gets is nauseating to say the least, but it also puts more fire in his belly to be of help to these women. He's eager to help her in any capacity, but until then most of what he thinks about is his vision. He'll see his mom in the morning and because they're so close he will without question tell her about it and perhaps she can provide some insight. For now he just heads home to get some more sleep...

~the next day~

Laurent planned to arrive at his parents home early this morning to join them for breakfast, but since he had a late night he slept later and didn't get there until 11. It was a still good time as he could spend time with his immediate family before everyone arrived. When he walked inside he heard the sound of the TV and he knew his dad, who he affectionately calls Pop, was in what he's always playfully called the Kings chair watching his favorite shows. He enters the living room and that's exactly where he is so he smiles then calls out, "hey pop". His dad, Kent, looks his way then smiles as he stands up to greet him with, "hey son" then Laurent walks over to give him a hug...

Kent: *smile* "How are you"?

Laurent: *smile* "I'm good. Work is amazing as always. How are you"?

Kent: *smile* "Great now that I see my baby boy".

They embrace again then look at each other once more...

Laurent: *smile* "Is mom in the kitchen"?

Kent: *smile* "Yes she is. Chrissy is in there too".

Laurent smiles and winks then heads in that direction. He sees them preparing the food for the gathering then he calls out, "hey". They turn around with smiles on their faces as Chrissy excitedly belts out, "bro"! She rushes over and hugs him while Vera smiles at their embrace...waiting to be next. She plants a kiss on his cheek then hugs him as well. Laurent then asks if he can help with anything but he's sweetly instructed to just take a seat as they have everything handled. As Laurent sits there his mind can't help but drift to such a powerful phenomena. When Vera notices the somewhat downtrodden and confused look on his face she turns to Chrissy...

Vera: "Honey I think we're going to need more avocados and tomatoes. Will you go to the market for me please"?

Chrissy: *smile* "Of course mom".

Vera: *smile* "Thank you sweetheart".

Chrissy: *smile* "Anytime".

As Chrissy leaves the kitchen she gives her big bro a pat on his shoulder prompting him to smile and when it's just the two of them...

Vera: "You look tired my love".

Laurent: "I am. I had a late night work call. It was a domestic situation. He beat his wife pretty badly, but he's in jail now".

Vera: "That's awful. He deserves to be in jail". 

Laurent: "Yeah. She has a baby boy too so I told her that she can come and see me if she needs help".

Vera: *smile* "You have always been such a light. Always helpful".

Laurent: *chuckles* "Thanks mom".

Vera: *smile* "You're very welcome". *pause* "But is something else bothering you"?

*brief pause*

Laurent: "Can you sit with me for a minute"? 

Vera: "Yes of course".

She washes and dries her hands before taking a seat across from him then takes his hands in hers. With nothing but love and concern in her eyes she patiently waits for him to tell her what's troubling him...

Laurent: "I heard the baby crying then suddenly I had a vision of a baby crying, and the baby was me. Me and another baby. It wasn't a normal baby cry like when they're hungry or sleepy. It was like a painful or distressed cry".

Vera: "Wow", she replies softly.

Laurent: "I never mentioned this, but I had a dream about my childhood only it was different from the childhood I remember. I didn't say anything because people have crazy dreams all the time, but now that I've had this vision I can't ignore it. I can't connect it to anything, but it was so vivid and felt so real it has to be connected to something. Maybe my own childhood. What do you think"? 

At that moment Vera slowly lets go of his hands as her eyes lower. She stands to her feet and as she's walking back over to the veggies she chopped she answers, "I don't know honey. I'm not sure why you had that vision". She picks up the freshly diced veggies to place in a bowl and as silence falls she washes her hands again then rips off some paper towels to dry them. That's when she hears, "is there something about my life I don't know about"? She stops then looks back at him who's already looking at her. She continues to slowly dry her hands as her eyes slowly lower again...

-----------------

A/N: Looks like it might be some deep things going on. Any theories about what Laurent's vision meant please leave in the comments. Thanks for reading. :)