Middle Jacob Sibling

Chapter 2

Thieves

Later on that night, Callie woke me up and the couch was opened into a bed, so we could all sleep on it. Lena, the darker one skinned one, apologized for us having to share the same couch a couple of times over and over. I sent her a strange look and glanced at Callie, she just smiled at me, nodding her head. So, what, this lady was really that nice?

I could help, but feel disbelieving at the thought. I guess I had to wait for them to be done with us, or show us their dark sides. I knew it would show up, they always do.

/ / / / / / /

I felt someone shaking me, I groaned before I heard Callie's voice. "Charlie, come on."

I opened my eyes to see her above me, her lip busted. I looked at her surprised. I then remembered what happened yesterday. I winced, remembering I was still in pain and that we were with Callie's temporary foster family. I sent a wary eye toward the kitchen, where I could hear Lena cooking something.

Callie squeezed my shoulder, sending me a smile. "Go get cleaned up and come eat, okay?"

I frowned. "Are you sure? Where's Jude?" I looked around worried. "Did something happen?"

She shook her head. "No, he's in the kitchen, go on."

I smiled. "Thanks Callie."

I grabbed my bag and went into the bathroom. I jumped back as it slammed open. It was one of their kids, I don't really know his name, he was younger than Brandon, he was my age. I just remember Brandon because I talked to him last time. He saw me and grinned. "Sorry."

I shrugged back. "It's okay…"

He sent me a kind look, still grinning. "Jesus. I'll meet you downstairs!"

With that, he ran down and I went into the bathroom, wanting to hurry up. I didn't want to take too long. One of the kids might get mad. I looked in the mirror and was happy to see my black eye was yellow instead of the dark color it had before. I locked the door and turned the water on, making it at a decent temperature. I liked it warm, but not too cold or too hot, yeah I didn't get it the way I wanted to most of the time.

I then took my shirt off to access the damage. I winced just from looking at it. It was black and blue just on my ribs, the color bright and glaring on my light skin. I shook my head. That'll take at least a week to heal maybe a little less. With another shake to the head, I undressed and took a shower.

Afterward, I pulled on a blue short sleeve shirt and jeans. I walked out to see the other girl in the house, tapping her foot with things in her arms. She sighed dramatically. "Finally!"

I forced a smile. "Sorry."

I wanted to get angry at her for being impatient when I couldn't have been in there long, but I needed to control my temper, I didn't want us getting kicked out, so far things were going fine. I walked past her without a word.

I grabbed my bag and put it on the couch. I walked in the kitchen to see Jesus, Callie and Jude sitting with Lena walking around, doing whatever it was she was doing. I was a little confused, where's Brandon and Stef? I sat on Jude left as Callie was sitting on his right.

Jude whispered. "Everything okay?"

I nodded my head, my hands tapping on the table. "Yeah, buddy. Everything's good."

I heard the other adult in the house, the cop, Stef come in. It was a little unnerving seeing a cop, considering the last one arrested my sister for protecting us. It just proves to show you, no one cares about foster kids. Stef said. "Mariana! Where is Mariana?"

I spoke up, looking at her. "She in the bathroom."

Stef was dressed in her police uniform. She called. "Mariana, let's go! Babe, gotta eat!"

I didn't jump much, I was used to yelling, though not in such a kind way. Lena said. "Callie, can you get the juice out for everybody?"

Callie nodded. "Sure." She got up to go do what she asked. Callie told me she was only here for about a day, slept here for just one night. Well, Callie also had no reason to disobey them, but they were being so nice and normal. Something I remember with Mom and Dad, though we never lived this nice.

Mariana came down. "I didn't have time to do my hair!"

She shot me a glare and I scowled at her. "I said I'm sorry 'bout that."

Stef just said. "It's alright, Charlie. Sweets, it's too late now."

Mariana looked back toward the stairs. "We still have 15 minutes."

I looked around as they set plates down. Now that I think about it, I was hungry. I didn't eat since lunch at school yesterday. Stef shook her head, pouring coffee. "No, no. You have to walk to school today, we have a thing. C'mon, come and eat."

Mariana was still standing, she said in protest. "Okay! I am not going to school like this."

I frowned, is that really what normal girls my age think about, I think she's my age? I'm 15.

Stef smiled. "Well, then you're not going anywhere, ever again."

I felt my lips twitch into a smile and I looked down at the table.

"Stef, your pancakes are burning!"

Mariana grumbled to herself. Jesus said, waving a piece of bacon at her. "Good girl, want a treat?"

She glared at him. Lena said. "That's enough, you have to leave in 10. Stef and I have a meeting with Bill and I'm going to take Jude and Charlie with me late to school so I can show them around."

I felt my eyes widen at the name, I knew that name. He was our social worker. I felt fear twist in my chest. I could sense the freak out going on in Callie's head. Before I could say anything to her, Lena did, saying quietly. "They'll be okay, I promise. I won't let them split the three you up again, ok?"

I stiffened in surprise, giving her a strange look she didn't see. But I nodded to reassure Callie. "It'll be fine." I sent Callie a look. It's okay, I'll be here with him.

She sent me a relieved one back, still worried. Thank you, be careful.

She nodded at Lena. "Yeah."

My hand hovered over the bacon plate when it came my way. I was hesitant. Was I allowed to take some?

Lena said. "Charlie, go ahead. There's enough for everyone."

I felt my ears flush red as the looks of everyone at the table were aimed at me. I took a couple, tossed them on the plate and handed the bacon plate off. I didn't know what was worse, getting angry or embarrassed/awkward.

Stef came around. "Pancakes! Who wants pancakes?"

I felt my face light up into a grin. Stef asked. "Sweets, want some pancakes?"

I nodded with a bigger smile as I went red a little at the nickname. Charlie was the only nickname I was used to. Her's was too…endearing. "Uh, yeah."

She also gave Jude some. I jumped slightly as I heard a crash behind me. Stef exclaimed. "Ow! Jesus, how many times do we say not to do that in the house?! Did you take your pill this morning?"

"Yes."

Stef said. "No."

Jesus replied. "No."

Pill? I shook it off, it had nothing to do with me. I looked over and saw Jude saturating his pancakes with syrup. Callie took it. "Jude, come on, dude."

He muttered. "Sorry."

I smirked. "And that's how Jude's pancakes died."

Jude shoved me slightly with a laugh. "Leave me alone."

I smiled, grabbing the syrup. I poured a nice amount on my bacon and pancakes. Callie said in an exasperated tone. "Charlie."

I chuckled, handing it off. "What, it's a great seasoning."

Jesus snorted and it brought me back to how easy going I was being. I just felt okay, which made it was not okay. Lena said something about fruit. I grabbed the bowl of cut up fruit, putting a decent amount on my plate. I saw Lena looking at me and I smiled awkwardly. "I like fruit."

Stef said after sitting down. "Isn't that great." She looked at her kids, which gained her two eyerolls as Jesus was the only one standing, grabbing his pill or whatever.

Jesus called out. "Let's do this!"

I jumped and stared at him. I could feel the others doing the same thing. I ate my food a little slower than them as I would not be going with them. They all left while me and Jude ate. Callie squeezed both our shoulders before she left.

I was grabbing my dishes and the others, about to do what I usually did and clean them.

I heard Lena said. "Oh, you don't have to do that."

I shifted from foot to foot. "It's fine, I got it."

Stef shrugged. "If you really want to, go ahead."

I nodded, cleaning them quietly as Lena and Stef were talking to each other. I finished ten minutes later and saw they wanted to have a private conversation. I asked. "Where's Jude?"

Stef smiled at me. "Right outside, sweets."

I tensed at that and then sped walked out there. I sat on the ground, leaning against the house. Jude came over and sat next to me. "What's gonna happen now?"

I frowned. "I don't know, we'll always be together. You know that?" I put an arm over his shoulder, wincing as it stretched my side. "You know that, right?"

He looked up at me with a something that looked like barely a smile and he said softly. "Yeah."

I squeezed his shoulders a little. "Good."

I looked out the door to see Bill, sitting with them. Bill wasn't a bad guy. He wasn't cruel or anything, but he couldn't help us. No matter how much he tried, he couldn't. One kid was bad, but three of them together. Forget it. We were going to be stuck in the system for at least 2 to 3 years.

Jude said. "You're still hurt."

I frowned at that. "Not badly, don't worry."

He nodded and said, standing up. "I gonna climb that tree."

He pointed to the big one in front of us. I nodded. "Alright, be careful."

"I will!"

He ran over and started climbing the tree. I sighed and leaned my head back. A couple of minutes later, Lena opened the glass door and said. "Are you two ready? Just say hi to Bill."

I stood up, wincing again. "Yeah, come on Jude!"

He nodded and slowly came down, coming to my side.

I nodded at Bill, Jude at my side.

Bill smiled. "Hi, Charlie, Jude, how is everything?"

Jude said. "Good."

I nodded. "Yeah."

Bill looked at me. "Charlie, is everything alright with you?"

I knew what he was talking about. My voice was hard. "Yes."

Either he didn't notice the tone or he ignored it. Bill smiled again. "I hope you both enjoy yourselves."

He left and Lena asked. "Are you two ready to leave now?"

Jude nodded his head, not saying anything. I said. "Yeah."

We walked with her to her car, her saying small talk and what not as she drove to school, which wasn't far. Apparently she was the Vice Principal there or something.

She said as we walked into her office. "So, the seventh grade are in the south corridor."

Jude asked. "With all the high school kids?"

Lena nodded as I leaned against the wall. "Yeah."

Jude smiled. "Does that mean I get to see Charlie and Callie?"

I nodded my head before anything else was said. "Yeah, Jude. You know you can always find me."

Lena smiled. "That's true, but you might not always see them. If you ever need me, you can come in here. Both of you can. And Charlie, you'll probably have either Mariana or Jesus in your class."

I nodded my head, doing my best to be distant. I didn't want to get too close. A man with tan skin and black hair came in. I moved back a little as I was right near the door. He looked awkwardly at me and Jude, indicating he wanted to have a private conversation. I waved at Jude. "C'mon Jude, we'll wait in the hall."

He nodded, following me. I looked at Lena as she came out and she had a strange look on her face. I frowned and stepped in front of Jude, see didn't notice what I did, but she told us we had to wait, so we did.

/ / / / / /

Later on, Lena brought both me and Jude to our classes. I watched him worriedly as he went into his classroom. I felt a hand on my shoulder. I tensed, but saw it was Lena. I should've guessed it was her, she was only one next to me. "Charlie, are you okay?"

I frowned to myself, feeling angry at showing how upset I looked. "Yeah, we going?"

She squeezed my shoulder, before walked forward. I shoved my hands in my jeans pockets, walking with her. "Charlie, it's going to be okay. I told your sister this, but we won't separate you."

I remember Stef saying something similar. I just said back. "Okay."

I didn't know what to think, I just told myself two things, keep my wall up and my mouth shut.

/ / / / / / / /

My classes were alright. I did have a couple with Mariana and Jesus. Mariana didn't really hate me it seemed, she just was annoyed she didn't get the shower. Jesus was easier going, but he was jittery and on edge for some reason. Mariana was sending him looks, making me think the way he was acting was not normal. I didn't say anything though.

The teachers were like all the others I've had. The only one who stood out was the guy that showed up to see Lena earlier. He was an English/Writing teacher and he was very enthusiastic about his job. Another thing was that he had us call him Timothy and his accent was strange, non-American, but I didn't know where from.

I got my lunch and sat away from everyone. Afterward, we had a couple more classes and toward the end, I saw Callie waving from outside the window at the door. I raised an eyebrow before asking my teacher if I could go to the bathroom. She let me, so I got up and went out the door, walking out and into the hallway, closing the door behind me.

"Callie, what is it? Is everything okay?"

She nodded, smiling a bit. "Yeah, I just wanted to see if everything was okay. What happened with Bill?"

I sighed. "I don't know much, he said hello, but he left in a good mood, so I think stuff with Stef and Lena went okay."

She let out a sigh of relief. "That's good news, I'll see you later, ok?"

I nodded. "Yeah, you too."

I went back in my classroom.

/ / / / / / / /

When I got to their house, I just stayed on the couch, not sure where else I was supposed to go. Jude was sitting on the floor, doing his homework at the table near us. Callie was next to me, looking through her bag. I saw the cop from last night come in and walk into the kitchen with Stef leading the way. Stef sent a smile at both of us, but I wasn't paying attention, only looking at Brandon's dad. He had a walk along with a look on his face, that angry look I've seen on plenty of foster father's faces.

And it made me nervous.

They were in the kitchen and Jude grabbed my hand, squeezing it. I looked down to see him smiling at me. I forced a smile back, realizing he saw my fear. Callie's hand was on my shoulder. I hated it sometimes that they could read me so well.

I second later I heard raised voices, but didn't hear what they said. I felt Jude stiffen and I squeezed his hand in mine, comforting him this time.

The voices stopped and I grabbed my book from my bag, one of the only ones I owned. I leaned against the headrest of the couch and started reading.

I heard Callie say. "Sixteen."

I looked over to see her telling Jude the answer for his homework. Jude pointed to another problem. "And this one?"

Jude was looking at me and I laughed with a grin. "You know I'll help you with the English and Callie does the Math, I suck at math."

Callie pushed my shoulder and said to Jude. "You know that one, how do you do it?"

It was silent and I shoved my nose in the book.

Callie said. "You have to divide it by the 'Y'. The answer's four, you should've known that."

Yeah, like I should be able to do 10th grade math, but am in 9th grade classes because I'm stupid. I felt my fingers tightening on my book and stopped, trying to calm down. It was hard sometimes, to calm myself down when I was angry.

Jude sassed. "You should've known that."

"I did know that!"

I felt the anger slip away and it was replaced with a smile. No matter what, both Callie and Jude helped me stop getting angry, no doubt about it, every time.

They were teasing each other and I was concentrating on my book and yelped when they fell on me. "Ow! Callie, Jude! Off!"

I heard them snickering on top of me, I figured they didn't know about me being injured and I realized I hid it a bit too well.

They did get off and I sucked in a breath without them noticing. Jude asked. "How long are we going to be here?"

Callie gave him a grin. "I don't know, kid. Finish your homework."

Jude grumbled. "Okay."

I was just finishing the chapter I was on when Callie asked me. "You do yours?"

I looked at her innocently. "What?"

She rolled her eyes with a smile. "You know what I mean."

I nodded my head. "Uh-huh, I did it earlier."

"Your math?"

I stopped myself from making a face. "…yep."

"Charlie?"

I looked at her. "Callie?"

She sighed, shaking her head. "Come on, go do it. You don't want the teacher to complain, right?"

I sighed. "I'll do it in the morning."

Callie grabbed my bag from the floor and placed it in front of me. "But I can't help you in the morning."

I scrunched up my nose. "I'm not stupid, Callie!"

She shook her head. "Calm down, okay? I know you're not. You don't have to be bad at one thing to be stupid."

"I'm 15, leave me alone."

Callie looked at me honestly. "I just don't want any trouble here."

I frowned, feeling guilty, even if Callie didn't mean to make me feel like that. I opened the math book, ripping out a piece of lined paper and working on it. It had to do with Algebra.

I heard Jude get up and leave, to go to the kitchen.

I scribbled out another answer, feeling frustrated. Callie asked. "You want help?"

I grumbled angrily. "No."

She said back. "Okay fine, I'll be over here if you do."

Later on as I finished, all the other kids from the house came over and I heard Stef say. "Ok, everybody. Have a seat."

Mariana sat on the end next to Jesus, I was between Jesus and Brandon who sat next to Jude and Callie was next to Jude, sitting at the end.

Stef and Lena were in front of us. "So, we have something to talk about obviously."

Lena said, talking firmly. "We had our meeting with Bill and we've come to a decision."

I clenched my fists tightly in my lap, wishing I was near Callie and Jude. I looked over at the both of them. I was only here for a day, but I liked this place. It felt safe.

Lena continued. "We are not in a position to offer Callie, Jude and Charlie a home forever."

Stef said. "But we would like you three to be as comfortable and safe as possible until Bill does find you a permanent home. However long that may take."

I stared at them. Are they saying what I think they are?

Lena said. "It could be a week, it could be a year. We just don't know."

Stef nodded, a warm look on her face. "Yeah and we want this to be your last way station, ever, ever, ever, ok?"

I shared a disbelieving look with Callie, who was looking the same, but she smiled at me.

I looked back at Lena as she spoke. "So, that means, we need to move you guys out of the living room. I think you'll be okay to camp down here for one more night, but tomorrow we're having some beds delivered. So, after school, let's help get them settled in okay?"

Stef said. "Yes, Brandon and Jesus, could use a little muscle, right?"

Stef smiled at Jude. "Jude, my sweet new young friend, you'll be staying with Jesus. And Callie and Charlie will be moving in with Mariana, all right?"

I didn't miss the look of disbelief she had and internally cringed, I did not want to deal with that drama when it hit. I wasn't scared of her, just worried about being kicked out of a good home.

We set up the bedding and went to sleep, I was tired from the long and tiring day, so I went to sleep easily, which was a strange thing for me to do in a new place.

/ / / / / / / / /

The next day I decided to take a shower when I got here and I just got dressed in a green t-shirt and blue knee shorts. I only had about 4 pants/shorts and 2 shirts left. I brushed my hair and walked out, going into the kitchen. We had the fruit bowl, more bacon and eggs this time.

I ate as the people around us started talking. I was eating quickly, considering we had to leave with everyone. We were running late, so not much was said.

I was sitting in math class, and I handed off my scribbled-out homework. I felt embarrassed just looking at the mess on the paper. The teacher raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything.

It was the end of class, but the teacher said before I left. "Miss Jacob?"

I looked back at him. "Yeah?"

"Can you come here?"

I bit my tongue from say anything at the snickers and walked toward his desk. "What is it?"

He frowned at me and then at the work in his hands. "It seems of the 15 problems I gave for homework, you have gotten 4 right."

I felt my ears burn. "Sorry."

He shifted in his seat. "It's no problem. I know you just got here, try to pay attention, alright?" He smiled kindly at me, but I felt my ears burn brighter along with my face. He didn't know that I was trying. "Y-yeah okay."

I walked out, ready to go to lunch. I had my tray and saw Callie out, it looked like we did share the same lunch after all. I was walking toward her when I heard someone say. "You know she went to Juvie, right?"

I froze, looking at the girl sitting next to Mariana at a table and two other girls. Mariana whispered harshly. "Kelsey, I told you not to tell anyone!"

The girl Kelsey said. "I know, but I think they should know. Watch out, she'll totally shiv you or something."

I stormed toward the table, my face and ears red for a different reason. "What's your problem?"

Mariana's eyes widened when she saw me. "Charlie?"

I didn't care though, I was glaring at Kelsey. "Don't talk about my sister like that."

I felt my anger fill my chest, something I usually wanted to control, I ignored that for now. She was judging my sister and no one can do that. Kelsey scoffed. "What's wrong with you? Charlie, is it? That's not even a girl's name."

I grit my teeth, glaring. "I don't care what you call me, don't insult my sister behind her back like a coward."

Mariana said. "Kelsey, knock it off. Charlie, just go, alright?"

Before I could lash out and punch the ignorant girl, I stormed off, leaning against the big tree in front of me. I heard Kelsey say before I walked off. "Are you sure that psychopath wasn't the one who went to Juvie?"

I angrily ignored them, I didn't care about what she said about me, but what she said about Callie. Callie spent so much trying to protect us, I did the same for her, someone needed to look out for her. I let my temper get ahead of me. Hopefully Mariana didn't say anything to Lena or Stef. I wasn't mad at her, I didn't expect her to defend me, we were no one to her, and she sort of did, by trying to get her dumb friend to shut up.

I didn't get my lunch, so I just leaned against the tree, looking around. Callie was actually sitting with some girls, so I decided to leave her alone. Maybe they were her friends or something.

I even saw Jesus hanging around. He sent me a wave and I waved slightly back. He nodded his head and went toward somewhere else. At least he was nice.

Me, Mariana, Jude and Callie were walking back to the foster home. Jude was talking. "This one kid, Conner was really nice. They're reading this book, A Wrinkle in…"

Jude looked lost, but I knew what he was talking about. "Time, Jude."

Jude looked up at me. "Huh?"

I grinned at him. "It's called A Wrinkle in Time, right?"

He smiled at me. "Yeah, that's it! I don't get it, it's kind of confusing."

I shrugged. "Not a big deal, I'll help you with it, you know I like to read."

Mariana stopped, a worried look on her face. Callie asked. "What?"

Mariana said, her voice a little breathless in worry. "Why are both my moms home?"

I stiffened at that, if that's not normal, then are we in trouble? I saw that both cars were here. I walked inside with them. As we got in, Stef and Lena were facing us, looking serious. I swallowed a nervous breath.

Mariana stepped forward. "What's going on?"

Stef said. "Mariana, can you and Charlie take Jude upstairs? We need to talk to Callie."

I glared at her, what did she want with my sister. What was she going to be blamed for? Stef met my look steadily. She then said. "Go on Sweets, she's be right up."

I was scared, were they going to hurt her? I clenched my fists tightly to my sides. I won't allow that. Callie pushed me toward the stairs. "Go."

I scowled. "Callie- "

Lena said softly. "It's okay, Charlie."

I stiffened and looking at her, knowing my face was hard. "Fine."

I walked toward the stairs, Jude wasn't there and I waited by them, halfway up where they couldn't hear or see me. I ignored Mariana, who was right next to me. She then went up after Jude.

I heard Stef say. "We have been told you sold Jesus pills and that you have been selling them at school. Is that true?"

I stopped myself from gasping in shocking, though my eyes widened. Callie wouldn't do that, jeopardize our home for money. A place where we were not being hurt. Who lied on my sister?!

Stef repeated herself and a moment later, Callie said. "No."

Stef asked. "Are you sure about that?"

I felt my hands shake. She didn't do it. Why does this always have to happen to Callie? She'll go to Juvie again and for longer if they believe it. Callie nodded. "Uh-huh."

Lena asked. "Why would a student said you did?"

I felt my hands shake in anger, something I was trying to control was getting harder to do.

Callie said after sighing. "I guess I'm just an easy target."

Stef said. "Will you give us a minute, please?"

I was panicking, I knew what that meant with adults, they didn't believe her. I had an idea that scared me, but I hardened my resolve. Since Callie went to Juvie first…

I jumped from up the stairs and walked over. "I did it, I sold them."

Callie gaped at me, eyes wide with terror. "Charlie!"

I forced myself to believe I took the pills, to act like I did it. To make sure my voice had the confidence. "Sorry Callie, you can't take the fall for what I did."

"Charlotte!"

I almost winced at her calling me by my full name, she may be only a year older than me, but sometimes she sounded like a mom and I felt so bad for her. That's how I knew I had to do this, even if I went. I faced Lena and Stef. "I stole them, Callie covered for me."

Lena frowned. "You just got here yesterday."

I smirked, even if I felt like crying. "When you need money, you do what you want."

Callie was shaking her head, her eyes wide. "Charlie, stop it!"

I let out a laugh. "Sorry Callie, I know it was selfish."

Callie glared at me and I sent her a secret look they wouldn't understand. Let it go. I have this.

She gave me a pained look, storming off with a guitar and going outside. I faced the two women, crossing my arms over my chest. I said. "Okay, I get it, I screwed up big time. Make it my fault. Leave Callie and Jude out of it."

Lena said. "I'm surprised. I'm also disappointed to tell you the truth."

I felt my eyes burn, what she said shouldn't bother me. I ignored that, putting on the front I always did with foster families. "It is what it is."

Stef sighed, staring at me in disbelief. She threw her arms up. "I can't believe you would…just sit down and don't move!"

I winced a little at the yell, but sat, feeling bitterness at the whole thing. I was doing this for Callie, that was something that hardened my resolve even more. I sat there, staring at the table and I felt Lena's eyes on me and I wished she would leave, or better yet, hit me, give me something I'm used to. Insult me, something!

I felt my fists tremble with something that was not anger. I was scared at what was going to happen next, but I didn't regret it.

3rd POV

Callie was angry about all of this, she wanted to protect her little sister, but knew she wouldn't give up on what she said, which might put both of them in Juvie and one of them had to watch Jude.

Mariana came out and sat next to her. "What happened?"

"They thought I stole Jesus' pills."

Mariana was beyond nervous. "What did you tell them?"

Callie sighed angrily. "Nothing about you, Charlie stopped that, said she did it."

Mariana was shocked, that much could be said from the look on her face. "Why?"

Callie rolled her eyes, her thoughts still on her little sister. She didn't want Charlie to go through what she did. "As if they'd believe me or her."

Mariana looked down, toward the ground. "Right."

She walked back inside, sending a guilty filled look toward where Charlie was.

/ / / / / / / / /

Mariana was flipping through a magazine, a lot more on her mind than the pictures she was looking at. Jesus came in her room, shutting the door behind her. "Hey. Are you really going to let Charlie take the fall for you? They're gonna send her away."

Mariana felt tears fill her eyes, broken up about the whole situation. "They're going to be so mad at me. The other night, when Ana just took all that money from me…like I was an ATM or something, not ever a person, much less her daughter. I thought, well, hey, at least I have two moms at home who love me. They're gonna hate me."

Jesus moved forward, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "They're not going to hate you. I promise."

Mariana sniffed. "They're totally going to cancel my Quinceanera. Will you come with me to tell them?"

He just hugged her tighter. He didn't have to say it out loud, his twin knew.

Charlie POV

I didn't want to look at Callie or Jude, if I did, my resolve would crumble. I stayed at the table, staring at the wood. I put my elbow on the table, my cheek resting on my fist. I felt my leg bounce with my nervousness and my chest fill with fear from the knowledge of me going to Juvie. The thought of Bill sent more fear in my chest.

I knew Stef and Lena were in the kitchen and I didn't want to look at them either. I didn't blame them for getting rid of me, but for blaming Callie without believing her, I couldn't let that happen, it's why I had to do this.

I heard footsteps and looked to see Jesus and Mariana looking at me. Jesus looked worried and Mariana looked upset and guilty, but why? She certainly didn't like me. But both their eyes were wet. Jesus smiled at me a little and I sent a crappy one back, not in the mood. I gonna have to ask Callie how to deal with Juvie, tell Jude I had to leave.

He was going to be upset, that he got one sister back and the other was leaving. I felt guilty for that, but I had no choice. He needed Callie. The both of them walked past me slowly, into the kitchen.

I moved away and froze when I heard. "It was me, I did it."

Stef asked. "Did what?"

Jesus said. "The pills."

Lena's voice sounded shocked. "Uh, ok."

Stef sounded just as shocked. "Y-you care to explain."

My heart was pounding in my chest and I felt my eyes fill up with tears, shocked. I waited to see who would speak next. Jesus said. "I was tired of feeling like a freak. The kid with the ADD. Everyone always asking me, 'Did you take your pill?' You know, so I stopped. I started hiding them in my pocket. Kelsey saw them at school. And she told me she heard they make you really smart, and really focused. She needed some for a paper she had to write. So, I gave her one. And some more. And things just got out of hand."

I stumbled away from the kitchen. I sat by the couch, rubbing my eyes hard to rid them of any tears, a couple were let out in relief. I rubbed my eyes hard again, my eyes dry, but no doubt slightly red. I didn't ever know if they'd let me stay.

Stef and Lena came in front of me and I swallowed. I looked up. "Yeah?"

Stef smiled slightly. "Can we talk to you?"

I almost snorted, like I could say no. I nodded. "Ok."

I followed them outside, where Callie wasn't there anymore. I stood, my hands in my pockets. Stef said. "We are really sorry for what happened, for both you and Callie."

Lena nodded along with her. "Yes, it was false information and we're going to find out how that happened."

I nodded, biting my lip, not saying anything. Stef said. "We're sorry for not listening to Callie, which made you say what you did for some reason. Trust here is earned."

Lena smiled at me, her eyes kind. "We'd like to start by earning yours, okay?"

I nodded silently. Something was on Stef's mind, I could tell by the look on her face. I just looked at her. She said. "Why did you do it? Why did you lie?"

Lena exclaimed. "Stef!"

She raised her arms in the air. "What? I want to know!"

I was biting my lip during their little debate, trying to calm my anger, but it almost exploded out of me as I snapped. "Because I knew what would happen. You wouldn't believe her, she would go to Juvie and we would be safe, but not her! She went once for us, but it was my turn. My turn to fight for her."

Stef said. "Charlie, why would you- "

I yelled out. "Because no one cares, no one does. The state, the system, the parents, all the parents, they just don't, okay!? And I'm sick of waiting for the adults to care, so we have to care for ourselves because they won't!"

I was breathing heavy without having to move and realized I was in tears again, they were not falling, but they did fill my eyes. I saw both of them looking at me in shock. I shook my head, angry at myself. "Dammit! S-sorry! I get like that, angry, angry all the time. I didn't mean it, I really didn't- "

I felt Stef put her hands on my shoulders. "Shh. Sweets, calm down for me. Deep breaths."

I did as she said, feeling another hand on my upper back. I sniffed and moved back, wiping my eyes. "Uh, sorry."

Lena face was soft with kindness and I winced at the look. She said. "It's okay to say what's on your mind and even to be angry, but remember to try and control that as best as you can and be respectful and not swear."

I swallowed thickly. "Okay."

Stef put an arm around my shoulders like the night before, but I didn't flinch like before. "Come on, let's get inside, it's about dinner time."

/ / / / / / / /

Dinner was awkward, at least for me. I think it also the same for Jesus and Mariana. We had salad and some type of pasta. It was good, better than anything I've had for the longest time. I couldn't look Lena or Stef in the eye, not after that outburst.

After everything was done. I went to the room we were staying in. I grinned widely when I walked in. I said to Callie and Jude. "Hey!"

Jude laughed at the grin on my face. I said to Callie. "I get top!"

They got us bunk beds, no doubt to make more room. She laughed, hugging me tightly. "Fine, be careful." She hugged me closer and whispered in my ear. "Don't do that again."

I just said. "You're my sister."

I didn't have to say anything else. Jude did go in his and Jesus' room a little while later. The bed was the same size for both the top and bottom. The top had a little railing on either side, stopping me from rolling off. There was a ladder at the end of it, so I could get down, but a small enough gap from the beds so I could just do that too to get up and down.

Mariana came in, looking upset, but she went to bed.

I went up to mine and laid down. No matter what I couldn't sleep. I quietly got down and left the room, going outside and sitting on a bench. The door opened a few minutes later and I heard. "Hey."

I looked up to see Jesus. I smiled slightly. "Hey, couldn't sleep?"

He nodded, leaning against the house. "You either?"

I shook my head. "No, uh…thanks for helping me with, you know, not getting sent to Juvie and all."

He sighed. "Yeah, well you and your sister don't deserve that. You stood up for your sister so she wouldn't get in trouble, I can respect that."

I got a feeling he was speaking from experience. I nodded. "Ah, okay."

He sounded confused. "You don't want to know?"

I shook my head. "Naw, I just wanted to stop me or Callie from going to jail."

He yawned. "Night."

I also stood up. "Night."

We both went up the stairs and went into our separate rooms to go to bed. I slept good, not restlessly like before.

/ / / / / /

I know it's been a while. Well, it's long so here. I hope you like it. As you can see, there's some new characteristics from Charlie here. And if you're wondering, no Jesus/Charlie romance. Sorry. That's Callie/Brandon's thing with the series, Charlie is going to have her own trials and issues.

As for the different POV, I won't do it all the time, only when I feel the need to.

Thank you for all the reviews, follows and favorites.

Guest 1: We'll here's the update. Hope you like it like you did the first.

Guest 2: Thanks for liking the start of it.

Fewcherwriter: Glad you liked it. As for the pace, sometimes it will be fast and other times it will be slower, depending on the scene and what's going on, like life is. Yeah, I wanted to show how they were living before the Foster's. Obviously, he wasn't nice. As for being like Callie, she only protected Jude like that because Callie wasn't around to do it, she felt that it fell to her. It was her responsibility, but she would do it for her brother no matter what. I wouldn't say worship or exactly like her as Charlie is her own person, she loves her sister as you can see in this chapter. Hope you like it.