It was four in the morning when they made their first stop. She got out of the car and went to the shop and Brandon stayed to lock the car. She put in the basket all that they needed and he waited for her at the register.
''Going somewhere this late? Aren't you a bit young to travel around alone?''
''Yes. Visiting some cousins.''
''Have a nice time…''
''Thank you…''
They got back to the car and continued the journey. They made next stop at the gas station. They were eight hours away from their home and still they didn't feel safe to stop and take a break. B had too many energy drinks and Callie's adrenalin was high from the fear.
''You need to rest… We need to take a small brake….''
''Where?''
''The first motel we get to…''
''Ok.''
They were lucky that they got to one of those motels people come to have sex with prostitutes . They paid in cash and no one asked anything. They seemed young, so the clerk decided to look the other way. Everybody had their young love and no space to….consummate… He decided he will not charge them.
''Don't worry. This is on the house.''
He gave them small secluded room and they went there wanting just a little peace and quiet. They were tired. She opened the door and he got their bags in. His brain was still in the escape mode. He was making up planes in his head and best possible roads just to avoid police and anybody who could get in their way. They found place to stay in Salem, Oregon online. It fit their budget and they had fake documents B managed to get through some kids in Cali. He kept them hidden, just in case they need them. They had new identity ready for Oregon. He needed to believe everything will be fine. Callie took his hand and he got out of those planes and ruts. She looked him in the eyes and kissed him. It was their first kiss after very long time. He held her close and so hard, like she would disappear on him if he lets go of her.
''I missed you so much Callie. So much…''
''Me too.''
''Let's take a shower and a nap. We need some sleep.''
''Yes, you go first…''
Brandon got to the shower and Callie stayed in the room getting her change out of the bag. At one moment she felt excited. This would be the first time they sheared a bed. He left the bathroom just in his towel. She blushed seeing him like that. He was the most beautiful thing to her. They had a special bond and a way they saw each other. In other people's eyes, they were nothing special, but in each other's eyes they saw everything.
''I…I'm going to take a shower. Are you done with the bathroom?''
''Yes… I'll get to bed….''
''Oh, O.K.''
She took quick shower, brushed her teeth and put on her undies and his t shirt. Her hair was in a messy bun and she finally made it out to the room. B was too lost in maps and putting on a paper all the expenses of that day to hear her.
''Is everything all right?''
He raised his eyes and looked at her. She was so sexy and beautiful to him at that moment… He gave her one of her favorite smiles and opened his arms for her.
''It's perfect.''
She got into his arms and put her head on his chest. He really loved holding her. She fell asleep on him and he held her tight just to make sure she is real and staying in his arms. For the first time in their life they felt free. They had no idea how long that would last, but it didn't matter. They were free and in love…They woke up few hours later. They had to continue their journey. They went to return the keys and overheard conversation receptionist had with someone. It was about judge Davis and how drunk he was at his job. He managed to mix documents and instead of birth certificate he gave them marriage certificate. It was the laugh of the town but no one could touch him because he was old family and had a lot of money. That gave them an idea. B just looked at her and she nodded. Yes, they would try to do it. If someone finds them, it would be more difficult to separate them if they were married. As a legal couple they had more rights and benefits too. She would marry him any day and if it happened little bit sooner, well… Who cares. She loves him so much and knows that he is it for her. He is her perfect match and best friend. As expected, judge was so drunk that he hardly knew what was he doing. He married them and they left the town fast, before someone realizes that he married two underage kids. She was surprised by the thing they did. She would have married him any time, but she had no idea that it would be that soon. By six in the afternoon, they arrived to the place they rented and got the keys. Brandon told her to stay out and wait for the moment. She didn't know why, but didn't protest. After a minute he came back for her and carried her inside…
''Welcome home Mrs. Foster. ''
''I love you….husband…''
''Right back at you….wife…''
He took her to their bedroom and for the first time in their life they made love. Brandon Foster lost his virginity to the girl he adored, his wife. He held her close and just smiled at her. He couldn't wipe that smile away.
''I love you Callie…''
''I love you too.''
And then he remembered…. He got out of the bed and that surprised her. He took his bag and searched for something. He got two wedding bands.
''These were my grandparents' rings. I wanted to be married with them but if you don't like them….''
''They are beautiful.''
She lifted her hand for him to put the ring on her finger.
''I owe you wows.''
''I don't need them… I have all I need to know you and me are real…''
''But I want to…''
''Let's hear it Foster…''
He got serious and looked her in the eyes.
''Callie, I was taken by you the first night in my kitchen. Your wit, briliant mind , spirit and the tenderness for your brother made me see you for real. You are special, amazing and some day you will be the mom all the other kids would want for themselves. I love you and hope to be good partner, lover and friend to you. I promise to love you and never stop working for us and on us.''
She took his ring and put it on his finger.
''Brandon, you are my savior. If I never met you my life would be different. I do not mind leaving and hiding because all that gave me you and finally a family. You and I became family. Thank you my love for fulfilling my dreams. From this day on we are going to love, work heard and live for every moment ahead of us.''
He made love to his wife again and again that day. They enjoyed that feeling of belonging somewhere and to someone. They were happy. For the first time in their life, they were happy.
Back at home situation was…not that nice. Steff and Lena had planes with some of their friends and kids were supposed to go to their friends, all but Brandon who would probably broode all day in his room. Steff and Lena loved hiking and they did that twice a month with two more couples. Kids had breakfast and they were cleaning the table out. B was not there, but no one was surprised. He probably would eat when they were gone. Mariana was angry because B ignored her knocking, and because he locked his door. Just as they were about to leave, Rita called to say she was on her way.
When people at group home woke up, no one could believe it was almost eleven. Rita usually had them up by eight on the weekends. Even Rita was in shock when she saw the time. She got dressed and went to get the girls. She woke up all of them and noticed that only Callie's bed was empty and made. She went downstairs and called for her, but there was no answer. Girls started making breakfast when Callie's roommate came.
''Rita, her stuff is gone…. Callie is gone.''
Rita got the phone and called the Fosters. Ladies were not that happy to hear from her. It ment trouble and no hiking for them. She got there twenty minutes after ending the call and Steff and Lena were nervous. Even the kids wanted to know what was that about. Steff opened the door even before she rung the bell.
''What is going on?''
''She is gone… What about your boy?''
''He is in his room…''
''Are you sure?''
Steff wanted to say yes, but she couldn't…
''Mariana, call your brother….''
''He is not answering. His room is locked and he is not answering.''
B and his bride got into decorating their new home and looking for job and school. They made a deal that not graduating is out of the question, so they did all they could to continue their education. They had to change their appearances before they look for job and school. She became blond and got green lenses, and he cut his hair and got glasses. They got the job in a small shop that was hearing and the money wasn't bad. They could manage with that. They put away their escape fond just in case and decided to live out of their earnings. B was proud of himself and his wife. They managed just fine on their own. It was just one day alone, but they didn't lose hope it will be ok. Maybe they would struggle and have few bumps in the road, but there would be no giving up. They are team now. They took picture of their hands with rings and sent it to Lexy. Callie knew she would go off the roof with the news and she hoped that she would only share it with Jesus. Mariana was too risky to share with.
Steff got upstairs followed by the entire family and Rita. Only Lexy stayed downstairs. After long knocking and shouting at the door Jesus realized something was up. Lexy was not with them. She must know something. He got downstairs and looked at her.
''Outside!''
He took her far from the house and took a deep breath.
''Spill..''
''All I know is that they are safe ant together.''
''Lex… This could get you in trouble.''
''I know, but I believe I did the right thing.''
''Moms will go crazy..''
''Please don't tell.''
''Lex, this will be madness.''
''I know.''
At that moment her phone beaped and Callie told her she and B are ok and continuing the road. She thanked her again for everything and promised to call when they settle. Lexy gave him the phone and Jesus felt happy for them.
''Let's see what is going on in the house.''
When they got back, Steff was on the phone pacing around nervous. Lena had her head between her legs. Jude set angry in the corner and Mariana cried and gave them a very dissaproving look. She got up and went to the yard. Jesus and Lexy followed. She beguine babbling in Spanish and two of them tried to follow her thoughts, but no success.
''Moms will kill us….''
''They will not. No one knows that Lexy was seeing them…''
''Lex, did you do it?''
''Yes, I was a part of it…''
''Ooooohhhhh! Tonta! Tonta! You fool! Why would you go that far?!''
''Mari, you know why..''
''People who are in love have some empty space instead of the brain…''
''Mariana, relax…''
''How? They are missing..''
''They are fine. Callie wrote to Lex, but we know nothing of where they are…''
''I hate this…''
Jesus held his sister and tried to make them both calm down and be reasonable. They had to keep it together and give no one reason to doubt them. When they all returned to house, Mike came too. He said that his account has been emptied for more than month and that they had over ten thousand with them. Steff went crazy. Ten grand and he had no idea? He was an idiot.
''Mike, you are an idiot! All that money and you had no idea? How?''
''Aaaahhhh… I was handling the cash I had at home. When I needed more cash, I went to the bank and they told me that I had been taking the money for the month on regular bases and then I knew it had something to do with B.''
Lena was panicking….
''What now? They could be anywhere…''
''Love, we will find them and then….. I…''
''I think we sholud call police and Bill.''
''Oh, but that would get Callie in trouble….''
''Mrs. Foster, she is in trouble.. And so is your son.''
Rita called the police, much to Mike's and Steff's dismay, and told them all. The cops started the search in California and they knew B could go to jail and Callie to juvi again for this….or even worse than that. They had to talk to the kids. Jude went to his room and locked the door. Jesus and Mariana gave them looks that made Steff freeze. Steff looked and the kids and saw nothing but disappointment in their eyes. Because she and Lena could not give them a shot, it all ended like this. Kids had a look in their eyes like they were blaming her and Lena for this. And Steff was hurt… She didn't believe they would side with them. Their relationship was bed, illegal and on so many levels in her head sick. They were supposed to be siblings.
