As she waited in the lobby of the police station, Charlotte couldn't help but think back on what had happened in the last 24 hours. After her neighbors in the apartment next door had exposed her mother as a heroine addict to the police, Charlotte was quickly removed from the home by CPS and brought here to the police station. What the following day had entailed would have been a lot for anyone, let alone a 5 year old, to handle. The constant stream of questions and the realization that she wouldn't be going home and would have to go live somewhere else was a lot for Charlotte to take in. Despite her mother's hands-off parenting style, Charlotte had learned to like it that way. She had the freedom to do as she pleased and wasn't ready to give that up, she thought determinedly.

"Charlotte, how are you doing?"

It was the cop assigned to her case, Michael. He wasn't so bad, but Charlotte was getting tired of his questions, how did he think she was doing?

"Fine. When can I leave?" she asked, absentmindedly kicking the table in front of her.

"Soon. That's what I wanted to talk to you about," Michael said, "Your brother Dean will be here shortly, he's going to take over responsibilities as your parental guardian."

Charlotte didn't know what to say, it had been so long since she had seen Dean. They were only half siblings after all, she had no idea that he would ever volunteer to take her. Her few memories of Dean were fond though, he had always played with her and treated her well.

"Charlotte?"

Hearing her name and recognizing the voice of her brother, Charlotte turned around. There Dean was, just as she remembered him. He softly smiled at her, before his attention was pulled away when Officer Michael addressed him.

"Hi, you must be Dean, I'm Officer Michael. I've been working with Charlotte over the last day through all of this. Everything is in order for you to take her you just have to sign a few papers. If you'll follow me please."

Dean followed the officer and quickly took care of the paperwork. Charlotte could hear the two of them talking about her. As they continued talking another person joined the conversation, the precinct's child psychologist, Ms. Bernof. Charlotte did not like Ms. Bernof. She had been very focused on Charlotte since she had arrived, basically trying to control her every move. It made Charlotte feel like a mouse in a cage. As Charlotte moved closer to hear Ms. Bernof's faint chatter, she was not happy with the conversation being had.

"I just want to emphasize with you Dean that although Charlotte has been through a lot, she still needs the structure and boundaries that would be expected of any child. You cannot let her run wild because of the situation, it is important especially now to lay down firm consequences with her and establish yourself in her life in the role of a parent." Ms. Bernof said.

"I understand," Dean went on to say, "I know Charlotte can be a bit of a wild child, but I will have no trouble disciplining that little girl when it is necessary."

Discipline? What? Charlotte started to become alarmed. She didn't want this, and she definitely didn't ask for it. She could take care of herself and would be better off on her own she thought. She had to go, before this became her life. Charlotte immediately got up and bolted out the door, knowing she didn't have much time. It didn't take long before she heard footsteps running behind her, getting closer and closer. She tried to pick up her pace but she wasn't fast enough, as two large hands grabbed her by her waist and pulled her to a stop. She was then quickly turned around where she was face to face with Dean who was looking at her with disapproval in his eyes.

"Where you going, huh?" Dean asked, still keeping a firm grip on his little sister, knowing she might bolt the first chance she got.

"I'm leaving," Charlotte responded defiantly, "I don't need someone to take care of me, I can manage just fine on my own."

"You're 5," Dean responded firmly, "You absolutely need someone to take care of you."

And with that, Charlotte exploded into a full on temper tantrum, kicking and screaming hoping to escape what she felt was a horrible new reality. It was no use though. Her brother's strong grip contained the rage being exuded out of her tiny body. Eventually, Dean turned her around and landed one swift smack to her rear end, hoping to put an end to what he saw to be completely unacceptable behavior. Charlotte calmed immediately, still softly crying as Dean turned her around to face him once again.

"Charlotte, you need to calm down. This behavior is unacceptable, you know that," He continued saying in a more comforting tone, "We will work everything out, it's going to be ok." He swiftly picked her up into his arms, which initially surprised Charlotte but quickly put her at ease, nuzzling into his shoulder. Dean could feel her body finally relax, causing him to sigh with relief. Holding her, Dean rubbed the little girl's back as he carried her to his car. At this point, Charlotte had completely worn herself out, she could not have kept fighting Dean if she wanted to. But, in this moment, there was something that made Charlotte feel absolutely at ease, despite the thoughts racing through her mind all night. And surprisingly to her, what Dean said next relaxed her even more.

"Come on Charlotte, I'm taking you home."