Middle Jacob Sibling

Chapter 1

The Fosters

I have fallen in love with this show. I started it on Tuesday the nineteenth and now I'm starting Season 3. I knew I had to write something about it.

"Charlie?" I was lying down in my bed with my eyes closed when I heard Jude's quiet voice.

I opened them to see him gazing at me worriedly. "Yeah, kid?"

His voice had gotten even quieter. "When do you think Callie will be back?"

I did my best to hide my wince. "I don't know, soon? It's already been awhile."

His look fell and it ripped me up inside, making me hate myself. I was already guilty that Callie was in Juvie protecting Jude, but it was my job to watch him now, more than before. I worried for her, we were only a year apart. I wished I could do a better job.

I patted the area next to me and he gave me that sweet smile of his, I automatically smiled back. He was 12 years old and still the sweetest kid around, shocking with all the things happening to us. Me and Callie always did our best to make sure he was safe and protected. But I was 15, Jude 12 and Callie was 16, there wasn't much we could do.

Anyway, he came to my side, laying down next to me. I spread my arm out, letting him lay his arm on it. I picked up my book, opening to the page I was at and started reading. I loved to, it was an escape from the world. That's why whatever foster home we were at, I made sure to get a library card and if I had money that was left, I'd get the books I like the best. Jude loved it when I read to him.

I picked up where I left off, reading quietly so I didn't bother our foster father. He was starting to fall asleep about a few minutes later. I said quietly. "It'll be fine, you'll see."

He mumbled back, his eyes fluttering. "I'm sorry about your eye and face."

I smiled softly. "It's fine, worth it. It's no biggy."

He let out a laugh. "'biggy'?"

I shoved him lightly. "Shut it, dork."

He laughed again, falling asleep. I kissed the top of his head and then his forehead as he peacefully slept.

I heard our foster father yelling and sighed to myself, counting to five. I carefully moved my arm, sliding out of bed and quietly opening the door, locking it behind me just in case. I already had a bruised eye and face, I didn't need Jude getting hurt.

As I walked in the living room, he saw me. He spread his arms wide, an angry look on his face. "What is this?"

I bit my lip from giving the sarcastic answer that was, 'a living room'. Now was not the time nor place. I clenched my fist in fear and anger. "I don't know."

He snapped harshly. "I don't know, she says. Are you stupid?"

I felt my face tighten and that feeling in my chest I knew was anger, but did my best to squish it down. "No. I'm sorry. I'll clean up."

He snorted with a sneer. "Damn right you will. I'm going out. If it's a mess when I get back, you'll have me to answer to."

He grabbed a bottle of who knows what, walking out the door. I had a dark thought that I hope he got killed the same way mom and dad did. Then I winced, because I shouldn't think like that and it brought bad memories. How much Jude cried, how Callie went crazy on her room. How angry and hopeless I felt. But I remember the anger the most.

I went into the cabinet, taking a garbage bag and picking up bottles, cans and paper plates. It was around nine o'clock at night.

I finished picking up the trash and tied the bag, going to do the dishes. By the time I finished that it was nine thirty and I didn't want to vacuum, it would make too much noise. I was about to sit down, but the phone rang, I went to answer it. "Hello?"

I heard a hushed voice. "Charlotte!"

I frowned. "Callie, you know I hate-wait Callie!"

I felt my face split in half from the grin on my face. "You're out! Are you okay? Did you get hurt? Was Juvie that bad? Come on, tell me!"

I heard give out a quiet laugh. "Calm down, Charlie. I'm fine. I'm okay. How're you and Jude?"

I knew what she was asking. "Dave didn't hurt Jude since you left, I made sure of it."

Callie voice was upset. "Charlie…"

"I did what I had to, if redirecting his attention to me is what it takes…"

Jude came out and I waved him over quickly. I whispered. "Someone wants to talk to you."

His eyes widened in shock and he ran forward. I handed him the phone and leaned in close so we both could hear. "Jude, I'm happy to hear from you. I'm coming for both of you, I promise."

I moved away and let Jude talk to her in private, I used that time to clean the rest of the living room. Jude came over a few minutes later, smiling. "Callie wants to talk to you."

I nodded and took the phone. I said before she could speak. "Cal, listen. Don't do anything stupid. I don't know if you're in a foster home or a group home, but you need to be careful. You just got out of Juvie, there has to be some type of parole set for you."

She said. "I sort of miss the jokester part of you."

I smiled. "She'll be here when we see you."

I heard another laugh. "That's okay, I wouldn't want you to lose that. Don't worry, I'll be okay. You and Jude stay safe."

I nodded, feeling a lump in my throat with worry. "Yeah…I will. Here, say goodnight to Jude."

I handed him the phone and a moment later, he hung up. I put the phone back. "C'mon, let's go to bed."

I put an arm over his shoulder. We walked in and went in our own beds this time. He said. "I hope we see her soon."

I grinned. "We will, I know we will. We just have to wait, buddy."

A moment later, he was sleeping and I was worrying about Callie and if she was hurt. We never got sent to Juvie and I worried about her.

/ / / / / /

I woke up the next morning to see Jude still sleeping. The thoughts came to me from what happened yesterday and I couldn't help, but grin. I hopped up, jumping on Jude's bed. I shook him a little. "Wakey, wakey, little brother!"

He groaned and went to turn over, but I shook him again, waking him up. "C'mon, time for school."

He sighed. "Fine."

I smiled at him, messing up his already messed up hair. "Get dressed, I'll be right out."

I went in the living room, looked around and didn't see Dave anywhere. I sighed in relief, quietly walking in the kitchen, grabbing two bowls to make cereal. It was Rice Crispies or some generic brand of it. After pouring a little milk so Dave didn't notice, I knocked slightly with my foot since my hands were full.

A moment later Jude opened the door, grinning when he saw the food I had. I walked in and he shut the door, locking it. Jude was in a blue t-shirt and decent jeans, his only pair of sneakers on. He even brushed his hair a little. We both sat on his bed and started eating, Jude said after few bites. "Do you think we'll hear from Callie?"

I nodded. "Yeah, you know she can't stay apart from us long. Don't pressure her too much, buddy. She just got out."

He nodded, leaning on my side. "Yeah, I know. I just hope she's okay."

I smiled worriedly. "She will be, she's Callie."

We finished and I got up to get dressed as Jude faced the wall. I dressed in simple jeans and a blue button down. Me and Callie had the same taste in clothes when we went for simple. She usually wore a lot of plaid and jeans. I also wore the black boots I found in the lost and found a couple of blocks away.

I finished, running a brush through my hair a couple of times. I pulled on my backpack, seeing Jude do the same. I set the bowls under my bed, so that we could clean them later because I didn't know Dave was out yet. Thankfully he wasn't or we'd have a problem or I would.

Jude grabbed the phone, putting in a number. He waited for it to ring, but no one answered. I pulled the phone away. "Jude, stop."

He frowned at me. "We have to talk to Callie."

"She needs a day or two."

Jude said, looking worried as hell. "I don't want to see it anymore. I don't to see you beat up for defending me, you or Callie. I hate that, that's why we should leave!"

I waved my hands to get him to quiet down. "Shh! I get it, just…uh, bring it with you."

His eyes lightened up. "Really?"

I was so getting it later. "Yeah, really."

"Thank you, I'm just worried."

I sighed. "I know."

We walked out the house to the school which was four blocks away. I patted him on the back. "See you at lunch."

He smiled, walking off with a worried look. I sighed, running a hand down my face. Callie told me that was my tick, the thing I did when I was worried, frustrated and other things.

I went through the classes, Callie on my mind the whole time and I had no doubt Jude was thinking the same thing. But lunch was here and I grabbed my tray, filled with the free lunch we were qualified for by the school. I held it against my chest and looked around for Jude.

I saw him standing near a table, the phone at his ear. I walked quickly over to him and saw him shake his head, staring at the phone. I pointed to his full tray. "Eat, I'll try and call her."

He gave me a annoyed look, but sat down to eat. I sat next to him, dialing every five or so minutes. I ate with Jude while I waited. I rubbed Jude's shoulder. "Don't worry, it's probably a borrowed or pay phone that Callie reached us at. She knows where we are. Plus, I won't let anything happen to you."

He nodded sullenly. "Yeah, I know. I just wish it was the three of us again."

I nodded again in agreement. "I know, me too Jude."

Lunch ended and we had to go back to class. I still could not concentrate, even if I said that, I was still worried, I just didn't want Jude to be. I was walking with him home. He had the phone and was trying to phone Callie again. I figured it would make him feel better if he were to do it.

We were almost at the front door and I wanted to tell Jude to put the phone away, but I heard him say. "Callie? You picked up!"

My head snapped toward him. I moved my head closer to listen. She must me in her new home by now. "Jude, baby. Can you hear me?"

I was about to say something, but I flinched back. Dave was back and he was looking pissed. My eyes widened in alarm and I automatically moved in front of Jude. He pushed me aside and I stumbled a couple of steps. I glared at him. "Hey!"

He snatched the phone out of Jude's hand. He cringed and I moved closer to Jude once again. Dave snapped. "Don't call again! I'm not going to-don't call again."

He hung up and snatched out the battery from the phone. I felt that familiar anger fill my chest. "You can't- "

"Don't tell me what I can't do!"

He roughly pulled us both in the house. I slammed into a wall. I saw Jude land on the floor. My jaw clenched. "Don't touch him!"

His hands were gripping my shoulders tightly. "Who gave you the right to use my phone?"

He slammed me into the wall, his face inches from mine. I stared at him furiously. I said sharply. "Jude, room." He knew what that meant, go in and lock it. Hide in the closet just in case. Dave snarled. "Like I'd let you- "

"Now Jude!"

I shifted my shoulders and moved in front of Dave. I knew he didn't want to, but he also knew when I used that tone, I was serious. I heard him dart off and the door slam, I could imagine the lock being clicked into place. He pushed me and I slammed into the corner of the wall. I winced in pain. He snapped. "You don't listen. I'm sick of you, your queer of a brother and that delinquent sister of yours!"

I knew I should have kept my mouth shut, but I growled back. "Don't mock my family, you drunk waste of space!"

As his face turned purple, I knew I should've kept quiet. Then the blows from hand and leather rang down on me.

/ / / / / / /

I knocked lightly on the door, Jude opening it a second later. I hobbled in. Dave was smart about one thing, most of my wounds were on my back, arms and chest/stomach. He didn't hit me in the face. The only wounds from the face are from days before.

Jude knew I was in pain so he didn't hug me, but he had tears in his eyes. I smiled, ruffling his hair. "Don't worry Bud, I'll be fine."

"Don't do that, I hate it when you get hurt."

I smiled slightly. "Yeah, me too. C'mon, let's relax. We have chores in a couple of hours."

Jude frowned. "I'll do yours, just relax."

I snorted. "It's okay, we can do them together."

He sighed, shaking his head. "Fine, you're too stubborn."

I grinned at him. "You know it."

This time he sent me a small smile back. I sat on my bed and read one of my few books and he laid next to me, his torso touching my leg. A little while later I got up with a groan, Jude following me into the kitchen. Dave was in his room, but I saw a bunch of dishes in the sink. I crinkled my nose at them. Jude walked to them and I stood beside him, washing them.

We were both quiet as the water was rushing into the sink. I said. "Having fun, yet?"

He snorted. "Sure."

I grinned at him, flicking water at him. He moved away slightly, laughing a little.

Then someone knocked on the front door. We ignored it, knowing me and Callie agreed we shouldn't open it. Who knows who's coming to this door, someone from social services and Dave's horrible friends.

Dave came out of his room. "You deaf?!"

I frowned, but Jude kicked my leg lightly. He muttered. "Don't say anything."

I grimaced, but bit my lip. I am known for saying things that make me angry without thinking, easily getting myself in trouble. He went to open the door and for a moment I wonder who it was. Maybe it was something about Callie.

I heard the door closest to us open and I stiffened, moving in front of Jude with a glare on my face. I felt him clutch the back of my shirt with his fist. I clenched my teeth from groaning out loud. I was still in pain and in a lot of it. My eyes widened in disbelief when I saw Callie, she had a split lip and bruised cheek, but other than that she was fine. I whispered. "Jude, look."

He did and his eyes filled up with tears as he grinned, a happy look on his face. She crept closer and I heard Dave talk to whoever was at the door, his voice raising. I tensed at the sound. Whenever he yelled, it didn't turn out good.

I noticed Callie look in that direction. Callie eyes widened in shock and I heard Dave shout. "What the hell are you doing?"

"I just want to talk to Jud- "

"No, shut up!"

Callie pleaded. "Please- "

"Shut the hell up!"

I backed up, backing Jude to the sink. I felt my heart pound in fear.

Dave yelled, moving closer. "You get out of this house!"

My chest clenched from the look on her face. She was scared. She told him. "I'm sorry about your car, I promise."

"Get out of here!" He grabbed her by the shoulders. I moved forward, but the grip and whimper that came from Jude stilled me. A guy around our age with brown hair came forward. "Hey, don't touch her!"

I guess he was with her. I looked between them all, I didn't know what to do. I had to keep Jude safe. And we dragged some stranger into our mess. I heard a drawer and stumbled backward more at what I saw.

A gun, he had a gun. I swallowed. I heard another choked sound from Jude. I clutched Jude to me, ignoring the pain. I whispered, kissing his hair. "It's gonna be okay."

The teenager backed up, his hands raised. I felt my jaw tremble in fear. I just clutched Jude tighter, he wouldn't get him, I wouldn't let him. I turned my back toward them, making sure Jude was out of the line of fire. He whispered, crying. "No, Charlie, no!"

I rocked us slightly, feeling my own eyes tear up. "It's okay."

I repeated this, I had to. I could still hear everything going on behind me.

"You know what buddy, just shut up!"

I called out, panicked beyond repair. "Put the gun down, Dave! Put it down!"

Jude hugged me tighter. Dave screamed at me. "Shut up, bitch. I'll kill you instead!"

Callie called, voice straining. "Don't point that gun at my sister, please stop."

I froze, trembling and Jude arms were pressing tightly on the welts and bruises, my wet eyes hurting the black one. Jude face was buried in my chest.

I heard Dave screaming some more and then a loud voice yell. "Police freeze! Get on your knees now!"

I felt confused, but went to fall to mine, I felt someone grab me. "It's fine, not you, Charlie get up."

I felt myself shutter in relief. It was Callie, she was okay. I moved Jude so she could hug him too and we hugged each other, not letting go. I heard another male voice yell about being the police. Callie asked. "Are you okay?"

Jude nodded and I squeezed my eyes shut. Callie asked. "Charlie?"

"Uh-huh, fine."

She moved back a little to look us over and I smiled slightly. "I-I'm alright, you mother hen."

She gave out a slight hysterical laugh. "Good, that's good."

I looked around and caught the eyes of a blond female cop, who was pointing a gun at Dave. I winced at her look and the strange emotion on her face. I looked back at my siblings. I saw the blue and red lights through the window and they cuffed him, taking Dave outside.

The blond women was there and she was looking at Callie with familiarity. I asked. "Who's that cop?"

Callie was confused before she said. "My foster mom or previous one anyway."

The lady came over to us. "Why don't you pack what you have and then come with us."

I nodded without saying anything as the three of us went into the small room. I stuffed everything in a green backpack. Clothes, hygienic stuff and books. I noticed Jude do the same. I was the first one done and waited by the door, then Callie and Jude followed me out of the house, the cop following us. Jude went in the car, but I hesitated. I looked nervously between my sister and the cop. We didn't have good experiences with them. Callie said. "I'll be in-in a minute Charlie."

I stiffened and frowned at her. I looked at the cop. "Okay, thank you for helping us. Don't hurt my sister."

Before anyone could say anything, I dived into the car. They were talking, but I didn't hear what said. The only thing I heard was, "not worthless", and that made me squeeze my eyes shut to keep the tears at bay, no foster parent or anyone else has told us that, not after mom died.

"Are you okay?"

I looked at the brown-haired guy. "Yeah, sorry about that."

He smiled a bit before shrugging and looking away awkwardly. "It's okay, I'm Brandon."

"I'm Charlie."

He nodded. "I know…Callie told me."

I nodded back and looked at Jude, he was always the quiet one, but now he was being extra quiet. I sat next to Brandon so Callie could sit with Jude. Callie came in the car and I noticed her eyes were wet. I had to talk to that cop later, I had to do something. My car door opened and I winced in surprise, smacking one of my bruises on my back into the seat.

It was the male cop and I leaned back in my seat so he could speak to Brandon because he was looking at him. "If your mom doesn't kill you, I will."

They told each other that love one another and to my relief, the door closed. Callie said. "I'm sorry, but you didn't have to come."

He sent her a look. "Yes, yes I did."

I asked. "I have a question."

Callie asked. "What is it?"

I smiled a little. "It's for Brandon." He looked at me. "Who are you?"

Callie snorted and I heard Jude laugh lightly. Brandon smiled. "That cop's my Mom and that guy is my Dad."

Oh, so he came from the foster home. The cop and a lady with curly hair and skin a little darker than white came in the car. The cop said. "Buckle up."

We did and then we started driving to wherever their house was. After I while we stopped and everyone was getting out of the car. I moved my bag to my shoulder. Two more kids were on the front steps and I looked shocked at how the house looked. It was nice, nicer than anything we ever been in.

Callie had her arm around Jude and she looked at me. I smiled, nodding my head. I was behind everyone and before the cop walked in the house, I asked. "Excuse me."

She turned to look at me. "Yes, Charlie?"

I flinched slightly, I didn't know she knew name. Where did she hear it from? "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

She closed the door and leaned against it. "Sure, go ahead."

I licked my lips and wringed my hands together. "Uh, Jude's a good kid, like he never misbehaves and Callie did go to Juvie, but she's a really nice person, she's the most selfless person I know, I seriously mean that and if want, I mean if it's too much, you can…I mean, you can send me somewhere else if you were to keep them or I don't know…"

I gave her a nervous smile and she smiled back, a kind look in her eyes I was not used to seeing in foster parents. "It's okay, you don't have anything to worry about. We won't split any of you up."

I jerked my head in a nod. "Oh I know, but if they're safer here- "

She sighed. "Don't worry about it, we seriously don't mind."

I smiled a bit more. "Thank you for saving us."

She smiled back. "No problem."

I came forward to go in and she wrapped an arm around my shoulder. I tensed at the contact, in both pain and reflex. She led me into the house before letting go. Callie had a panicked look on her face before she saw me. I walked to her and she sent me a look. I didn't say anything back.

She asked. "What happened to you?"

I shrugged. "Dave has a bad temper and I have an uncontrollable mouth."

She sighed before hugging me tightly. "I missed you."

I hugged her back. "Me too."

I winced as she hugged my back. She peered at my face. "You're not just hurt on the face."

I shrugged again. "Yeah, don't worry about it."

I sat with her and Jude on the couch, thinking maybe this would be okay. I leaned against the couch, my head resting on the back as Callie told me and Jude about the family. That the cop was named Stef and the other lady Lena, with the two kids from before were Jesus and Marianna.

Apparently, Stef and Lena were together which was weird. Many foster parents weren't gay. It wouldn't matter, foster parents straight or not could still beat you up. I closed my eyes, drifting off to sleep.