Chapter 2

I don't want to have to build this
I don't want to have to fit in
I don't want to have to need someone
But I do. ~Maria Mena, Better than nothing at All

Two weeks passed after they had made the decision, since than Evelyn had showed them a picture of Liv and told them what she knew about her past and reminded them that this was gonna be a huge adjustment. Even though they all knew how it was to take in a foster child, who may or may not had experienced so many bad things already, they never had a girl in their household. Jack was the one who was mostly terrified, not just because he wasn't a people-person but because he wasn't willing to give up his position as the youngest. It was selfish he knew that but…he felt save and loved when everyone was there to make sure he was okay.

Jerry was the one who didn't worry at all, he was already in college and if he wasn't in college he was at Camille's house. But he was eager to meet that girl. Bobby and Angel though liked the thought of expanding the family. Angel – he even though you couldn't tell this by his tough exterior- liked small children very much and was happy to have another companion in his schemes.

It was the eighteenth of November when a car came to a stop at the Mercers home. Hilary Mayer and Liv Morelli sat in that car. Hilary with a kind smile on her face as she looked at the familiar house. Liv on the other hand didn't smile, she didn't show any emotion at all, Liv just stared at her feet clasping a cognac colored rabbit in her hands. In the trunk were two boxes filled with Liv's personal items. It wasn't much though, most things she had lost while she moved from one foster home to another.

"Are you ready?" Hilary asked turning around to look at the small girl in the backseat. Liv shook her head no. Hilary nodded guessing what Liv thought. Liv knew that she was going to live under the same roof as four boys.

And Liv didn't have good experience with boys that she had to live with. Hilary unfastened her seat belt and went to get Liv out of the car. Hilary took Liv's hand and made her way through the snow to the front porch. Liv took a step back as soon as Hilary had rung the doorbell. She was scared, you could tell that by the first glimpse of emotion on her face.

It was Evelyn who opened the door.

"Hello Hilary." Evelyn said smiling and shaking Hilary's hand.

"Hello Evelyn." Hilary said wearing a smile equally as large.

Then Evelyn bent down to Liv's level. "We already know each other, don't we?" Evelyn asked shaking Liv's small hand. But Liv being Liv just nodded, even though she wanted to talk so desperately, tell them to leave her somewhere, tell them that she didn't want any help, that she didn't need anyone. But she couldn't make her tongue work. So she complied silent as ever.

"Follow me in my boys are out at the moment, so we'll have the house for us for at least two hours."

The house smelled nice and friendly, it was a mix between food, different cleaners and a sweet flowery smell Liv couldn't quite define. Liv immediately felt lost. It was a nice house but Liv was wrong here. She wanted to cry but she couldn't do that, not in this house, not in front of strangers.

"We'll go and get your stuff, honey. You can sit on the couch." Evelyn pointed to an old battered floral sofa. Liv sat down and was almost swallowed by its comfortable cushions. With a sigh she began to play with her rabbits ears, nervously she fiddled with them. A few minutes later both woman came back carrying her card boxes.

"Liv come and follow me I'll show you your room." Evelyn balanced the card box in her arms and walked up the stairs. Liv walked a few meters behind her, as they descended the stairs they were in a dim corridor. Liv could catch a glimpse in to a rather messy room with many hockey posters on their walls.

They walked past a bathroom and then walked up more stairs. At the end of that stair was a door, as Evelyn pushed the door open Liv quickly brushed a tear away from her eyes.

"This is gonna be your room, I hope you like it." Liv nodded still tongue-tied. It was nice, the walls were covered in a similar floral pattern as the couch and the room had two windows both in the direction of the backyard. The furniture was also white. It seemed private enough she looked at the door to see if there was a lock she could use. And to her surprise there was. That's when she started to like the room.

"Okay sweetheart…you can put your stuff away and then you can come back down again." Liv merely acknowledged her with a short nod. And so she was left alone with herself and her stuffed rabbit whose name was bunny. Liv pulled of her hat and coat and placed them on her desk. She pulled of her shoes and stuffed them in a corner. The last thing she did was putting her bunny on her bed. She left the boxes untouched. Coming back down the stairs she smelled cookies. For a moment she was surprised than she caught her stomach growl, Liv's face became angry. It was weakness.

"You want some cookies, dear?" Liv shook her head no and instead settled for some juice. She made a face at the sweet taste. She hadn't eaten anything sweet since her stay at the Riley's home and they would give her those only for certain rewards. She didn't like candy at all. You gave your all and what you get is a small chocolate bar.

There was no way Liv would eat anything. She didn't know what she would have to do for food. And she never was one to risk anything.

"My boys dig my cookies, you sure you don't want one?" Liv vehemently shook her head but allowed herself a sip from the juice. Evelyn sighed looking at Liv with her piercing blue eyes showing concern, for Liv though it was the first sign of frustration another reason not to unpack. Evelyn quietly started to warm up the dinner wondering if the girl was ever going to trust her and talk. Now they just had to wait for the boys to arrive. Soon this house was gonna be filled with steps, laughter, shouting and other noise that Evelyn liked.

But Liv hated so much.

"Ma?" Liv jerked when she heard the door slam, she tried to look as invisible as possible. And failed. They all eyed her expectantly each thinking what kind of girl she was. Bobby for his part could tell that she wasn't the anger type of foster child she wouldn't lash out on them, no anger he could use for a good hockey game. Such a shame. He shrugged his thoughts off and went to introduce himself.

"Hi I'm Bobby." He was scary and old was all Liv could think off. But she still shook his hand she withdrew herself fast. They all moved to say hi to her by age. Angel was the first to speak up.

"Are you like…mute?" Liv shook her head already being on the edge of tears. She wanted to go away and never ever come back. This was so awkward and hurtful.

A/N: I want to thank: Kiernacl, LaraFinja, mizz-muffet, shadow lupus, Tigerkat51, MANDERS87 and last but not least FlowerPower. :D I'm really thankful that you guys took the time to review, favorite and setting this story on alert. Can't be that bad now can it? Please review and tell me if something is off. PLEASE. :D

The L stands for danger. :D

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