Just a short one shot. Callie's thoughts during her dinner with Robert.
"It tastes like soap doesn't it?" Robert said smiling.
I looked at him and saw the crinkle of laugh lines around his eyes. He truly does love me, I can't deny that I have a connection with him. I told Daphne this morning that her daughter must sense that she's her mother on some level. If I was completely honest with myself, I really like Robert and was beginning to think of him as my father until he failed to sign the papers.
I couldn't help but smile back at him, I was truly happy to be here with him. "You know, you can have a relationship with me, even if you sign the papers."
"Callie, I don't want to be your friend. That's nice and all, but I want to be your parent."
"It's too late. I understand that you didn't know anything about Jude and I, but you can't expect me to just leave him behind. Not after everything we've been through. Plus I have a family now."
"I love Jude and want a relationship with him as well. I would never take you away from him. He can have his own room and visit anytime he wants."
"Yes, I'm sure his moms would like that. Especially Stef," said Callie.
"It was never my intention to take you from Jude and the Fosters, I just want you to give me/us a chance to love you, like they do. We're your family to Callie." said Robert.
Callie softened a bit and put her hand on top of Robert's, "I know Robert, but it doesn't change the fact that you want to rip me away from my real family. People who have fought hard for me. I want to trust you, I really do, but can't you see by not signing the papers you are leaving me at the mercy of the system and ruining my last chance at having a family that loves me unconditionally?"
"I love you unconditionally…"
Callie scoffed at Robert and cut him off before he finished "How can you love me unconditionally you don't even know me."
"You are my daughter, that's all I need to know…"
"No, I'm not your daughter. That's just it. I was broken when I got to Stef and Lena. You don't know anything that I've gone through. Stef and Lena, they stuck by me through everything and I know they will always be there, no matter what. How do I know you won't abandon me or ship me off somewhere the first time things get a little tough? Or you realize how broken I still am?" Asked Callie.
"I talked to Stef and my investigators filled in some blanks. I know some of what happened to you, but you can come to me with anything…"
Callie was mad, but hardly surprised that Robert had her investigated. "I can't believe you had someone investigate me!"
"Callie, it didn't matter what anyone told me, the minute I saw you, I fell in love. I don't care about your past or how much work I have to do."
"I would just mess up your well ordered world. Why would you even want me around? Sophia already tried to kill herself because of me. Everything I touch goes bad eventually." Said Callie.
Robert was a little hurt by what she said, "Sophia is not your fault. She's clearly been unhappy for a long time, if anyone is to blame it's me…" Robert looked at Callie.
"We just need more time. I like you Robert and want a relationship with you and Sophia, but you need to give me time to get to know you and a first step would be to sign the papers."
"Time I can give, but I just can't sign the papers, even if it means you hating me," said Robert with a little bit of frustration.
Callie didn't feel like comforting him this time. "I could never hate you Robert."
Robert smiled at that and felt a little bit hopeful.
Callie sighed, "Just take me home please."