Lena*
As I pack up the rest of my books from my book signing, I pick up my phone to see if I have any missed calls or texts, and I notice that I have a voicemail from The Board of Childcare. I listen to it, and my heart drops.
Hi, Mrs. Adams Foster? This is Karen Moyer, and I was just calling to tell you that Isabella just finished her program, and we were wondering if you and Stef would be interested in coming to her graduation ceremony. She has done phenomenally, and I think you would be very proud. We also wanted to set up a time for you and Stef to come and sign the papers since you will be fostering her as well. Give me a call when you get a chance! Bye!
My heart races as I blink back happy tears. This is the day we all had been waiting for especially Mariana and Jesus since she was their little sister. Ever since they found out that information, that's all Mariana and her twin could talk about. For years they thought it was just the two of them, and to know that they had a younger sibling was a the icing on the cake. Of course, Mariana had begged me and Stef to foster her as well, and after careful consideration, we had decided that it would be wonderful to keep the siblings together. Considering Isabella could never seem to catch a break, we knew that stability was just what she needed in her life as well as love, family and connection.
"She's my sister? Are you serious right now?" Mariana is sitting across from Stef and I, her eyes as wide as saucers as Jesus is just speechless. He reaches over and takes his sister's hand as I nod.
"Yes, and we wanted to let you know after we spoke to your therapist. She is very much your half sister. You have different fathers, but none-the-less, Ana was pregnant when she was arrested around the time you two were taken by social services.
"Maybe that's why she hated me so much," Mariana looks down as fresh tears fall down her cheeks, and Jesus protectively places his arm around his twin as he reassures her that isn't the case.
"I don't think she hated you as much as you might think, Mari. I mean I know she attacked you after your on campus visit with Moms, but I think she just was jealous of the love and possible family you were receiving while she had no one."
Stef and I look at each other amused at his wise insight, and Stef reaches across the table to take Mari's hand. "My love, when she found out that you were her sister, she was very shaken up. It was almost as if we had given her a gift, the gift of a family, and honestly, that's all she ever wanted."
"You..you...she knows already?" Mari whispers as more tears flow down her young face. Since going to The Board of Childcare, she had really come out of her shell, and as she had healed emotionally, a very sensitive side had not only immersed but had begun to blossom the longer she lived with the Adams Fosters'.
"Yes, my love. Mama and I went to visit her, and we were there as her therapist told her. She was very remorseful for having attacked you like she did and for having given you a hard time. She had bawled her eyes out." Stef ran her hand softly over the teen's as she tried to console her.
"I think you and Mama should foster her. I mean, you have a big enough house, and I could share my room with her. I could! And I think it would be nice for Jesus to get to know her."
"Ya, Mari, but do you really want Moms to have to put up with her tantrums? You told me that she threw quite a bit when you were in there with her. Plus she tried to manipulate people all of the time," Jesus pulled back now and crossed his arms as if his protective side had never changed when it came down it. Mari would always have that spot in his heart, and he'd always be out to protect her.
"I know, but this changes EVERYTHING! Think about it Jesus! She's never had a family! EVER! And maybe if she knew that somebody wanted her, she would begin to change, and remember how Moms gave me another chance? How they let me come back even after the stunt I pulled! C'mon, Moms! You know you want to do this! It's the right thing to do!" Mariana sat forward now as she was pleading her little sister's cause, and it all but melted my heart. Of course, I would say yes in an instant, but I didn't want to jump the gun with my wife and Callie to consider.
"Love, Mom and I need to discuss that, okay? It's not that we don't want her. It's that there are several factors to consider, and this would be a serious decision, one that shouldn't be taken lightly." I smile softly at my daughter.
As I come out of my memory of that conversation, I feel confident in Stef's and my decision to actually foster young Isabella. Callie is a senior this year, and she will be headed to college, and soon the twins will be 15. Time is flying by, and the thought of sending Isabella into another Foster home only to be kicked out again breaks both Stef and my heart. Especially knowing that we not only have the room, but also, we have the resources with which to help the the young girl, we decided that this would be a good move on our part, and I couldn't be happier.
I pack the books in the trunk of my car as I decide to swing by The Board of Childcare on my way out of town. I call the campus supervisor and ask if it's okay that I stop by just to see Isabella really fast, then I head on over to the McDonald's drive thru, and although I hate junk food, I know that a vanilla milkshake will make her day. I pull up to the facility and ring the gate, and as soon as I enter, my heart rate picks up with excitement. I am so proud that she has not only completed the program, but also, I'm excited in general to getting to see her for a few minutes before heading home.
"Lena! Hi!" Isabella yells as I meet her at the dining hall where all meetings usually take place.
She squeezes me tightly, and I hug her back as I kiss the top her her soft head. "Hi, my baby!" I had already given her the milkshake, and she was shaking with excitement.
"Did you hear? I finished the program earlier today! I get to come home with you all next week! Are you and Stef coming to my small graduation ceremony? I get to pick a $200 gift, and I get a new outfit for the big day!" She jumps up and down in her enthusiasm, and I wipe tears of joy away from my eyes as I nod.
"Yes! Why do you think I came to surprise you, sweet girl! Mariana will be so thrilled! She has been asking me almost every single week if you were finished yet. You'll be sharing a room with her," I kiss her forehead as she suddenly become solemn and looks down at her feet. "What's wrong, honey?" I brush her cheek.
She shrugs as she sighs, "I think she hates me, Lena. I was terrible to her." Her voice cracks and I kneel down to get on her eye level.
"Look at me, honey," I run my hand up and down her arm as she slowly makes eye contact. "She doesn't hate you. Not one single bit. In fact, you'll be surprised to know that she loves you very much as does you brother, Jesus."
"How do you know that, Lena?"
"Well, Mariana was the one who finally convinced Stef and me to foster you. She made a very good point, that you never had a family, and you'd have a family with them and us." I smile as I squeeze her hand.
"She did? She..she asked you that?" Isabella now has tears in her eyes which I quickly wipe away as I nod.
"Of course. She forgave you a while ago, sweet girl. She really did, and honestly? She is right. You don't know what it feels like to have a family, and there's no better place to start than with your own siblings."
"Lena?"
"Yes, my love."
"Does...does Jesus like me, too?" Her chin quivers, and I tuck her long dark hair behind her ear.
"I'm sure he will love you, too, once he gets to know you. It will take time, honey. But next week, you'll have a brother and sister to call you own plus a safe and loving home with me and Stef, okay?" I slowly stand as I envelope her small frame in a tight hug. "I need to head on home, okay? But Stef and I will be here next week for your graduation as well as to bring you home."
She beams as she pulls away, and we slowly walk to the dining room door together. "I love you, Lena," Isabella softly whispers as she kisses my hand, and I smile down at her. Next week can't come fast enough for me. Our family will finally be complete.