Chapter 4. Empty Nest

Callie stood at the front door of the Foster house and rang the doorbell. Finally, Jude answered. "Callie?" He asked, not expecting to see his older sister. "I didn't know you were coming."

"Surprise!" She said, hugging him. "It's good to see you, baby." She stood on her toes to kiss her now-taller-than-her brother on the cheek. "Are moms home?" She asked him.

"Sure," he said. "Come on in." He held open the door, and Callie entered the familiar, comfortable house that she loved so much. Jude went to the hallway and called out; "Moms! Come in here- Callie's here!"

Stef and Lena rushed into the room from two different directions. "Hey, honey!" Said Lena. "What are you doing this way?"

Callie hugged her, then replied; "Just visiting for the day." She didn't want to mention the Brandon situation just then.

"I see," said Lena. "Well, we're glad you're here. We've missed you."

"We sure have," added Stef, taking Callie into a hug, herself. "Our nest is practically empty." Jude, a senior in high school, was the last of the five Foster kids living at home.

"Speaking of which," said Callie. "Part of why I came here was to talk to you two about something."

"Okay, baby," Stef told her. "Come on into the kitchen."

Callie followed her moms into the next room, and they sat around the table. Lena poured her a glass of iced tea. "So, what have you been up to, sweetie?" She asked, dropping a wedge of lemon in her daughter's drink.

"Not too much, now that school's over," said Callie. "In fact, I was wondering..." She paused. "Well, I'm done with school now, and since I'm kind of in between jobs and the lease is up on my apartment soon, I wanted to ask you guys if I could move back home for a while? I can pay rent, so that won't be a problem."

Stef and Lena turned to look at each other, then smiled. It always amused Callie how her moms seemed able to communicate with just a look. Finally, Stef spoke. "Of course you can move back, sweetheart. You're always welcome here." She reached out for Callie's hand.

"We'd love to have you home," said Lena, truthfully. "It gets lonely without you kids around anymore."

"Thank you!" Said Callie. She stood up, and kissed both of her moms on the cheek. "I don't know what I'd do without you two. And I mean that." Stef and Lena, who had adopted her and Jude five years ago, were two of the most important people in Callie's world.

Meanwhile, Brandon had called Talya to come over, and was waiting for her to arrive, dreading their impending conversation. When his doorbell rang, he jumped a foot in the air, then answered the door. Talya walked in, looking impatient and haughty. Already, he missed Callie's down-to-earth personality. She always felt easy to talk to.

Talya sat down on his sofa, and asked; "So, what did you want to see me about? I have an appointment in like an hour, so make it quick."

Brandon sat down beside her. "Well," he began. "It's about the wedding."

Talya raised her eyebrow. "What about it?'

Brandon continued; "Some things have come up, and to be honest, I have doubts in my mind about us getting married." Better not to beat around the bush, he thought.

"Doubts?" Shouted Talya. "What do you mean, 'doubts.'"

"Well," said Brandon. "It's really hard for me to tell you this, so please try to be understanding. The truth is, I have feelings for- I'm in love with- someone else."

"What?" Talya cried angrily. "What the hell are you trying to say? That you don't want to marry me anymore?"

"Yes," replied Brandon. "That's exactly what I'm saying. I'm really sorry, Talya. I never m-"

"Sorry, my ass!" She yelled, interrupting him. "After all the planning I've done. It's Callie, isn't it? I knew you couldn't stay away from that used up slut." She stood up, and started pacing, irritably.

Brandon felt his temper flare with protectiveness for Callie. "Don't you ever let me hear you call her that again!" He said. "You have no idea what she's been through."

"Oh, yes I do," protested Talya, her fair skin turning red. "I know all about her. I've read her journal, remember?"

"How can I forget," Brandon replied. "You've done some mean things, and that was by far the meanest. Right now, I don't know what I ever saw in you. Please, Talya. Just leave."

"Fine!" She shouted. "I don't need you. I can have any guy I want! Take your cheap ring. I hope I never see you again!" She pulled her engagement ring off her finger and hurled it at him, then stalked to the door, slamming it so hard the windows rattled.

"Well," said Brandon to himself, after she was gone. "That went better than I thought it would."

To Be Continued