Chapter 2.

Stef looked out the kitchen window, and saw Callie, Brandon, and Jude cross the back yard, just home from school. Callie and Brandon appeared to be arguing about something, but stopped promptly when they came through the back door.

"Hey, guys," Stef chirped, hurrying to give each of her children a hug. "Did you have a good day?"

Brandon simply grunted and grabbed a handful of gingersnaps from the cookie jar, before skulking upstairs.

"What's his problem?" Stef asked, her brow furrowed.

Callie shrugged. "I don't know. He's been acting weird all day."

Stef nodded, concerned. "Did the twins stay after school?"

"Yeah," Callie nodded. "Play rehearsal and wrestling." She paused, as Jude left the room. "But hey... I have some good news!"

"What's that?" asked Stef.

"I'm going to the prom," she announced happily. "A guy from school asked me, and I said yes."

"That's great!" said Stef, giving Callie another hug. "And what is this young man's name. Do I know him?"

"His name is Vico," she replied, blushing a little. "Vico Cerar. He's on the wrestling team with Jesus."

Stef nodded, and kissed her daughter's forehead. "We'll have to go shopping for a prom dress right away."

Callie groaned softly, never much for shopping. To her, shopping for clothes meant waiting around outside the dressing room, watching Mariana model outfits for hours on end. "I just thought I'd wear my dress from the wedding."

Stef brushed away the idea. "Nonsense... you never ask us for anything, sweetheart. I think you've earned a new dress for your special day."

"Mariana's wearing her Quinceneara dress," Callie countered. "She's not getting a new one."

"Well, in all fairness, that gown was much too expensive to only be worn once," said Stef. "Mariana will get a new prom dress next year, when she's a senior." She brushed Callie's hair back and smiled. "We'll go shopping tomorrow, after school. Do you have a favorite color in mind?"

"I don't know," Callie shrugged. "I like blue. And rose."

"Well see what we find, then," she told her. "It will be fun. You'll see."

Callie smiled a little, seemingly more enthusiastic. "Thanks, mama." She wrapped her arms around Stef and gave her a hug. "I love you."

"I love you too, baby," Stef replied, patting her back.

"I guess I'll go start my homework," said Callie, turning away.

"Okay. Don't forget... it's your turn to do the dishes tonight."

"I won't forget," she promised, heading upstairs.

That evening, after the dinner dishes were done and everyone was winding down for the night, Stef found Lena on the living room sofa, typing busily on her laptop. "Hey, hon," she said. "You busy?"

"No," Lena replied, shaking her head. "What's up?"

"So, Callie has a prom date," she told her wife, sitting down next to her. "Vico... Cerar? I think that was his name. What do you know about him? Is he a good kid?"

Lena paused, pursing her lips thoughtfully. "He's a decent student, comes from an affluent family. He's a wrestler... he's been sent to my office a few times, but no serious offenses."

"Is he someone we'd want our daughter with, though?" Stef asked.

"I don't see why not," Lena nodded. "It's just prom. And Callie has a good head on her shoulders."

Just then, Stef spotted someone from the corner of her eye. She looked up to see Brandon watching them sulkily from the kitchen doorway. "Do you need something, B.?" she asked.

Brandon entered the living room slowly, his hands in his pockets. "I don't think you should let Callie go with Vico," he told them quietly.

Stef eyed him curiously. "Why not?"

Brandon watched them tensely before answering. "He's just not good enough for her," he replied. "She... she can do a lot better than him."

Stef sighed. "Well, honey, I think Callie should be the judge of that."

"Vico comes from a very good family," Lena added.

Brandon's jaw tightened at his mother's words. "Yeah, well, Liam came from a very good family, too." He turned briskly and walked away.

Brandon's words troubled Stef, whether she wanted them to or not. It was the mention of Liam. Hearing that bastard's name always upset her. She sat back, and turned to her wife for reassurance.

"It's got to be hard for him," Lena sighed. "Seeing Callie dating someone else. That's something he hasn't had to deal with yet." She put her arm around Stef's shoulder, and pulled her closer.

"But that thing they had was over two years ago," Stef pointed out. "And B.'s dated other girls since then. He's going to the prom with Lou."

"I know," Lena nodded. "I'm just saying... the prom is probably bringing up some old feelings for him. He just needs his space."

"You're probably right," Stef finally agreed.

To Be Continued