Where You Belong

by Passionwriter5218

Kind of a different take on the Fosters, starts at the pilot and goes from there. A lot of parallels from the show and some of my own stuff added in. Focuses mainly on Callie but everyone is included. I did change Jude's name to Noah and make him a little younger but everything else is the same. Warning- It's very long!

10. November

"Callie girl, can you come down please" Stef called up the stairs.

"Coming" Callie said pulling out her headphones she thumped down the stairs making her way to the landing. She found Stef and Lena in the dining room with a women she didn't recognize.

"Callie this is Gina a lawyer from social services, she's been looking for your birth father" Lena introduced them as Callie shook her hand.

"Did you find him?" Callie asked taking a seat next to Lena.

"We did, Robert Quinn, he lives not far from here" She said.

"I think we are just looking for him to sign the papers" Stef shook her head.

"He would like a DNA test done first." Gina said.

"But why? Callie's not asking anything from him, we don't want money, we just want his signature on a piece of paper" Lena questioned.

"It appeared Mr Quinn has a big company he made for himself, his lawyer says he is just trying to protect himself"

"From what? She's a 15 year old girl" Stef sighed.

"Look, all he's asking for is a DNA test, so if you bring Callie down to the lab on Friday at noon, hopefully we can get this over with and move forward"

"Noon, but she's in school, why can't we just do it after" Lena asked.

"Both parties have to be present to make sure nothing is tampered with" Gina said.

"So he will be there? Robert?" Callie asked Lena heard the tone in her voice and reached out putting her hand on Callie's knee

"He will" Gina nodded.

"Ok, well we will bring her by at 12 on Friday then" Stef said.

"Thank you, hopefully this is a one shot thing, the test comes back and we can get your paperwork signed" Gina said collecting her things.

"I'll walk you out" Stef said leading her to the front door.

"How do they do a DNA test?" Callie asked turning to Lena.

"I think they just take a little swab of the inside of your mouth" Lena said gently. Callie could feel her trying to read her face waiting for her to speak again.

"I don't want to see him" Callie whispered.

"Unfortunately love, I don't think you have a choice, but Stef or I will be with you and it will be quick, you don't have to talk to him or even look at him if you don't want to" Lena said. Callie nodded.

"You ok?" Lena asked rubbing her hand up and down Callie's arm.

"Yeah, can I go back upstairs?"

"Yeah baby, I'll be up soon to say goodnight" Lena said.

"Ugh what is wrong with this shirt?" Lena asked Stef as she turned from side to side in the mirror.

"It looks beautiful" Stef.

"Thank you, but really, When I tried it on a few weeks ago I loved it but it's not falling right" Lena said pulling it down. Stef went to stand next to her as they both looked at her reflection for a minute. Suddenly Stef burst out laughing.

"What? What it's not funny" Lena said her feelings hurt.

"I'm sorry love, it's just… look" Stef said pulling Lena's shirt up and running her hand over her stomach.

"What?" Lena asked again.

"It happened over night, and I forgot your a like a month earlier then we realized, Lena your showing" Stef said with a smile Lena suddenly turned to the side looking at herself in awe.

"Damn it! I'm going to need a while new wardrobe!" Lena sighed going back over to her closet. Stef rolled her eyes, Lena loved her fashion.

"Look at this, I won't wear any of this" Lena complained looking through her clothes.

"Hey Love" Stef said taking both Lena's hands in her's making her stop and look at her.

"What" Lena said shortly.

"There's a baby in there" Stef whispered. Lena's face softened like it finally hit her and she ran her fingers over her tiny bump.

"There really is isn't there" She smiled and leaned in for a kiss from Stef.

"Oh no! it's open house tomorrow, I need a dress" Lena cried grabbing her stuff.

"Mariana, Callie, we have to go shopping right now, meet me downstairs in five minutes" Lena called walking by their door.

"You go it mom!" Mariana called back excitedly. Stef laughed.

"Hey meet you under the tree for lunch?" Finn asked. Lately Callie had started eating lunch with him. They would enjoy the quiet time together to talk before going over to sit with their group of friends.

"I..I can't today, my mom is coming to get me"

"Why? Are you ok?" Finn looked at her concerned.

"Yeah, yeah I just have an appointment at 12 I will be back after" Callie said.

"Ok, can I walk you out?" Finn asked.

"I'd love that but I have to go to Lena's office"

"The vice principal, wow what did you do?" Finn joked.

"Nothing, she's my mom" Callie said surprised Finn hadn't realized that.

"No way!" Finn cried laughing.

"Yes, stop it's not funny" Callie smiled.

"It's a little funny, oh man that must suck"

"It doesn't. I mean it does sometimes, but most of the time her working here is good, she doesn't bother us and she's a good mom" Callie said.

"Ok, well then you owe me a lunch" Finn said

"Deal, i'll make it up to you" Callie smiled as he leaned in giving her a kiss. She was used to them now, but it still didn't stop her heart from pounding every time their lips met.

"See you later" He smiled making his way to the lunch room as Callie made her way down to Lena's office knocking before going in. Her stomach was in knots as Stef and Lena both offered her a smile.

"Hey girly, you ready?" Lena asked. Callie shrugged

"I don't feel very well" She said.

"Do you think your nervous?" Lena asked. Callie shrugged again then nodded Lena pulled her into a hug kissing the top of her head

"I would be nervous too, but we don't have to stay ok" Stef assured her.

"Ok" Callie nodded.

"Ok, i will see you soon, I know your going to miss lunch but you can come eat with me when you get back ok, I'll even write you a late slip to class" Lena whispered making Callie smiled, she knew Lena hated giving her own kids special treatment. Lena pulled her into another hug and Callie stayed for longer then usual, Lena held her tight until Callie pulled away.

"Come on love" Stef said gently leading her to the hall. At the lab they were shown into a little conference room. Gina, Callie's lawyer was there along with another man who introduced himself as Mr Quinn's Lawyer.

"Is he here?" Stef asked. Callie knew it was more on her behalf then Stef wanting to know.

"He is expected anytime now" The lawyer said.

"My client was pulled out of school for this" Gina said

"Please go ahead with Callie's test he should be here any minute" The lab tech swabbed the inside of Callie's mouth before putting the swab inside a vial. Callie sat by Stef as they waited for ten more minutes. When the door opened Callie felt herself turning around fast. A women came in handing the lawyer a note.

"Umm I'm sorry it looks like Mr Quinn is still held up at work."

"Well we can't sit here all day. Will it be sufficient if you tell your client the test was done correctly?" Gina asked.

"Yes it will" The lawyer said as they all got up.

"Ok, come on sweetie let's get out of here" Stef mumbled leading Callie over to the door.

"How was it?" Lena asked as soon as Callie opened the door to her office after Stef dropped her off.

"He never showed up" Callie said sinking into the couch across from Lena's desk.

"Sweetheart i'm sorry, at least you didn't have to see him though right?" Lena asked coming to sit by her. Callie brushed Lena off a little feeling bad as soon as she did. But Lena was always big on talking about feelings and Callie didn't want to think about any of that right now.

"I'm not that hungry, can I just go to class? Callie asked.

"Sure sweetie" Lena sighed as Callie got up grabbing her backpack and heading back into the hall.

"So I know we talked about giving her some time to process everything before we pressed charges but I looked into Liam more at work today" Stef said.

"Liam?" Lena asked.

Yeah turns out he's 21" Stef said.

"21! He's not even a kid. So a year ago he was 20 and Callie was…"

"14, Callie was 14, God she was just a baby" Stef finished.

"So what happens now?"

"Well, I'll just take the information and turn it over to the court. it will be a while before we hear back but it will be a start" Stef said.

"And her father?"

"Still waiting on the test results and to see what he does next."

"Has Callie asked you about him again?"

"No not one word, I wish we could made this all disappear for her both these cases" Stef sighed.

"Well, Callie knows we're here for her, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger right" Lena sighed

"But does it have to hit her all at one time, I feel like this kid can't get a break" Stef sighed.

"I know what you mean, Well once we get the Liam situation done and she's adopted it will get easier for her"

"What time is your doctors appointment today?" Mariana asked at breakfast.

"9:00 So momma will drive you guys to school and I will be there by lunch" Lena said.

"And you find out if it's a boy or girl right?" Jesus asked.

"If we want to we do" Stef nodded.

"Are you going to?" Callie asked.

"We have not decided yet, we keep going back and forth" Lena said.

"I think you should leave it a surprise" Brandon offered

"No way you find out!" Mariana cried. Stef chuckled.

"If momma and I find out, do you guys want to know?" Lena asked. Everyone started talking at once.

"Ok ok let's take a vote" Stef said.

"Ok, all in favor of knowing?" Lena asked. They were all surprised when Mariana was the only one who raised her hand.

"You all want it to be a surprise?" Stef looked at the rest of the kids shocked.

"Yeah, I think it would be kind of nice" Brandon said.

"I like the suspense" Jesus nodded.

"Alright, sorry Miss Thing you are over ruled, We won't tell anyone what the baby is until it's born" Stef said.

"So Lena, Let's take a look" The doctor said she squirted some gel on Lena's belly and put the wand on it. Stef leaned over taking Lena's hand in hers.

"So is this your first?" The doctor asked.

"My first biological, but technically our 6th" Lena said

"Wow so you guys are pros"

"Well technically this is only our second infant" Stef said. Suddenly a whooshing sound filled the room.

"There's the heart beat" The doctor said. Stef squeezed Lena's hand.

"It's healthy?" Stef asked.

"Very strong"

"Wow, it's actually real, i'm not just getting fat" Lena said.

"And here's your baby" The doctor said as a tiny baby appeared on the screen.

"Oh my god, it looks just like you" Stef breathed as they stared at the baby.

"I can print out some copies if you's like"

"Oh yea, like 5 could be awesome" Stef said

"And do you want to know the sex?" The doctor asked. Stef and Lena both looked at each other and smiled.

"Yeah" Stef nodded.

"Your having a baby girl" The doctor smiled handing them the images she had printed out.

"Oh my god, a baby girl" Lena breathed a tear sliding down her cheek. Stef leaned down giving her a kiss.

Callie knocked on the door to Lena's office and went in.

"Hey sweetie thanks for coming" Lena smiled, she was sitting on the couch in her office Callie was surprised to see Stef in her uniform sitting with her.

"What's going on?" Callie asked

"We just wanted to talk to you, sit" Stef said patting the couch next to her.

"Is everything ok?" Callie asked.

"Yeah, I'm sorry we pulled you from class but we wanted the chance to talk to you alone and we wanted to let you know soon. I just wanted to let you know I talked to your social worker, and she has made contact with your father, she set up a time for you to meet him next Saturday" Stef told her.

"Well do I have to?" Callie asked.

"He has not agreed to sign the paperwork yet, he want's to meet you first" Stef nodded.

"And I think you should sweetie, It might be something you regret later on, he is your birth father" Lena added gently.

"meet him where?" Callie asked.

"You were invited to his house for lunch" Lena said.

"By myself?"

"You may go by yourself and momma or I will wait for you in the car, or we can go with you"

"I, I don't think I want to go on my own" Callie shook her head

"That's fine love one of us will go with you" Stef assured her.

"Is he… what's he like?" Callie asked.

"We have not talked to him personally but I did do a background check, he has never been in trouble with the law or anything like that. He grew up here in San Diego but it looks like he moved to Seattle for a few years then came back, about the time you were born he left" Stef rattled off the facts she had looked up.

"Ok" Callie nodded.

"Ok honey, why don't you head back to class, we can talk about this a little more later" Lena said. Callie nodded collecting her bag and headed back to class.

"Should we be worried?" Lena asked when she was gone

"No, no I think your right it will be good for her, one of us will go with her"

"But what if he doesn't sign the papers, what if he decided he wants Callie to himself"

"We fight, this man walked out on her, he decided now 16 years later he wants to be a dad, thats not how it works" Stef shook her head.

"But a lot of courts now side with biological parents"

"That's not going to happen, ok? Callie wants to be adopted, she wants to be part of our family, that counts for a lot too" Stef argued.

"Ok momma bear" Lena smiled

"I should get back to work, don't worry ok" Stef said.

Saturday afternoon Stef pulled her car into the driveway of the address the lawyer had given her.

"Wow" Callie said looking around. The house was big, really big, right on the water and looked like it had a gardner caring for it. Stef parked the car and they got out.

"Doing ok?" Stef laughed a little as Callie looked all around her.

"Yeah I'm fine, a little nervous maybe, honestly I'm not even sure why I agreed to do this" Callie said nervously. Stef reached out putting her arms around Callie's shoulders as they walked to the door.

"Curiosity, we all want to know what makes us who we are, biologically you know, I think that has to be one of the hardest things about being adopted, It's ok Callie girl, it's ok to want to know" Stef told her.

"What if they don't want to know me?" Callie asked

"Well he asked you here didn't he, you ready?" Callie nodded.

"Let's do this" Stef said as Callie rang the doorbell. A man's face appeared in the doorway and Callie couldn't help but stare. He was tall, taller then her with salt and pepper hair. he was thin but had muscles, she immediately recognized her nose in the middle of his face. He offered a smile opening the door.

"Callie?" He asked.

"Yeah"

"So nice to meet you, wow you look just like your mother, please come in come in" He said stepping out of the way. Callie hesitated and she was glad when Stef stepped up.

"I'm Stef Adams Foster Callie's mom" She said stepping inside and shaking Robert's hand. Callie followed Stef inside glad she had come, as a young girl came into the hall. Callie knew instantly who she was. She looked just like a mini version of herself, down to the wavy hair and green eyes.

"I'm Sophia, I'm so glad you could come" She said shaking Callie's hand. She looked to be about 13.

"We have lunch set up on the patio, my wife is back there, please follow me" Robert said leading them through the large house. A women was standing on the patio overlooking the water.

"This is my wife Jill. Jill this is Callie and Stef"

"Nice to meet you" Jill said politely shaking both their hands.

"Please sit" Robert said. Callie chose a seat next to Stef as the Quinn family sat across from them.

"So how long had Callie been with you and your husband?" Jill asked as they started to eat

"Wife, I have two moms" Calle said before Stef could open her mouth

"That's great, we had a little marriage equality fundraiser here a few months ago" Jill said.

"Oh that's nice…thank you" Stef said politely shooting Callie a look. Callie had to try hard not to laugh.

"Callie and Jude came to live with us about 8 months ago" Stef said. Callie thought back surprised. She had never actually thought about the time line, it just felt like a lifetime ago.

"that's terrific you have two other kids?" Robert asked

"3 actually" Stef nodded

"You were looking for more kinds? Was that the plan?" Robert asked.

"No, no we weren't but we fell in love with them" Stef laughed rubbing Callie's back as they smiled at each other.

"Well how did they get placed with you?" Robert asked

"Well my wife umm.." Stef started a lie but Callie cut her off.

"I was in juvenile detention, and my case worker thought I would do better in a house with no male authority" Callie ignored the look of surprise that crossed Robert and Sophia's face. And the one of horror that crossed Jills.

"Why?" Sophia asked.

"Oh no Sophia we don't ask that" Jill told her.

"No it's ok, my brother Jude and I were in a foster home with umm…" Callie said not sure of the wording.

"With an unfit foster father" Stef finished for her simply.

"Well I think it's terrific that you have taken them in and are adopting them" Jill said.

"We did nothing terrific, Jude and Callie are an incredible gift to us" Stef said giving Callie's hand a squeeze.

"Can I take Callie upstairs? I want to show her my room" Sophia asked.

"Sure" Robert nodded. The younger girl got up and Callie followed her.

Sophia had a big room. Twice the size of the one Callie and Mariana shared one, with her own bathroom and a sitting room.

"Wow, your room is amazing" Callie said looking around.

"Do you have a big room?" Sophia asked.

"Big enough, I share it, Mariana would die in this room" Callie smiled thinking of Mariana's reaction to the big space.

"Who's Mariana?" Sophia asked.

"She's my sister, she's the complete opposite of me but we're like best friend" Callie said.

"Wow, it must be cool living with a best friend"

"Well not always, it sucked at first, but now…I can't imagine not having her" Callie shrugged

"Is it just you and her, oh and your brother right?"

"Yeah Jude my little brother, but she has a twin brother Jesus, and then Brandon is the oldest" Callie said.

"Wow, that must be fun with all those kids, I always wanted a brother or sister" Sophia said.

"Yeah it is, it's really busy but it's a lot fun."

"And your all like the same age?" Sophia asked.

"Almost, Brandon just turned 17, I'm 16 the twins will be 15 in like two months. Jude is the youngest at 8. Oh but my other mom is having a baby, she's due in like May" Callie nodded.

"Oh my god a baby! your so lucky!" Sophia cried.

"Yeah, well I mean I could say the same" Callie said looking around the big room again.

"If you have two moms doesn't it get confusing like you call mom and they both answer?"

"No, Stef is momma and Lena is mom or mommy depending if we want something" Callie shrugged.

"It must be cool having two moms"

"No different then having a mom and a dad" Callie shook her head

"Do you think we could hangout again sometime, like go shopping or something?"

"Yeah, yeah sure" Callie nodded making Sophia smile. She looked out the window at the patio were Stef and Robert were sitting talking. Stef smiled and waved up at her. Callie waved back.

"I regretted everyday I left Colleen" Robert shook his head. Stef turned her attention back to him as Callie disappeared from the window.

"Why did you?" Stef asked.

"I meet Colleen one summer on my time home from grad school. she worked at the pool where my buddies and I always hung out. We fell in love, but my family, they assume anyone who isn't from some kind of money is a gold digger. Which by the way is why the abandonment papers are taking so long" Robert said.

"Ok" Stef nodded

"Anyway, My father bullied us into breaking up. I knew she was pregnant but she was going to have an abortion, We were so young, I let my father get the best of me, I went back to school and assumed she would get the abortion. I found out years later from a friend of a friend that she didn't. But she was married and happy, I had Jill, and Sophia. It didn't seem right to mess that up, we had gone our own way" Robert said shaking his head.

"I found the girls, they were playing with the dog, but Sophia has a ton of homework" Jill said coming back outside.

"Of course, we should be going" Stef nodded.

"I'll go tell the girls" Jill said going back inside.

"I'm sorry, this has not been easy on my wife" Robert said

"No I understand" Stef nodded as they both stood up.

"I'd like to set up a college fund for Callie" Robert said. Stef hesitated.

"That's very nice, I'd have to talk to my wife, but that's very generous of you" Stef nodded.

"It's nothing really, I feel like I owe her something I mean after all she is my daughter" Robert said. Stef opened her mouth to say something as Callie came outside.

"Hey girly you ready?" Stef asked. Callie nodded.

"It was nice meeting you" she said shaking Robert's hand

"Nice meeting you too" He gave her a smile.

"Ok love let's go" Stef said leading her back to the car.

"

Hey, how were the Quinn's" Lena asked as Stef wondered upstairs finding her laying down in their bed.

"Oh they were nice enough, But I think Mrs. Quinn is a little freaked out by all of this" Stef sighed taking off her coat and laying next to Lena pulling her close. She absentmindedly lifted Lena's shirt a little running her fingers over her belly.

"What did she say?" Lena asked.

"Nothing, But why wouldn't she be. Robert want's to set up a college fund for Callie" Stef said.

"Wow. Really?" Lena asked.

"I just…I don't know, something about it makes me feel a little uncomfortable. Callie was so taken with Robert, and his daughter Sophia. And I get it, everyone want's to know where they come from" Stef said.

"You think he won't sign the papers?" Lena asked.

"Oh I don't know, he said they were with the lawyer. I just..I was hoping today would be an end all kind of thing, but now…I don't know" Stef sighed.

"How was the Quinn's?" Mariana asked walking into her bedroom finding Callie doing homework on her bed.

"Good. I umm. Robert has a daughter, She's 13" Callie said.

"What's she like?"

"She's cool, Looks just like me actually, kinda young. Immaturity wise, but I like her" Callie said.

"And Robert?"

"He was ok, I don't know, nice enough but he could be any random guy off the street you know" Callie shrugged.

"Are you going to see them again?"

"I might…Sophia asked to go shopping or something" Callie said.

"Big house?"

"Oh man Mariana you would love the house. Her bedroom alone was like the size of all four of these bedrooms together." Callie laughed.

"And her own bathroom I bet"

"Oh of course, but you know something, she seemed to really like the idea that I shared a room, and had 4 brothers and sister. I guess the grass is always greener" Callie shrugged.

"Well sure when you have your own bathroom" Mariana said making both girls laugh.

"Stephanie!" Lena yelled rushing into the bathroom the next morning while Stef was in the shower.

"What?" Stef asked worried sticking her head out

"You have to get out here right now, She's kicking" Lena cried.

"She is!" Stef cried turning off the water wrapping herself in a towel and stepping out of the shower shampoo still in her hair.

"Right here" Lena said taking Stef's hand and putting it on her belly. Sure enough Stef felt a little bump under her hand.

"Oh my god.. Hi baby girl" Stef whispered.

"It's not what I expected it to feel like" Lena smiled tears pooling in her eyes as the baby kicked again. Stef smiled kissing her deeply.

"I love you" Stef whispered

"So I spoke to the lawyer today, she said basically it's going to come down to your word against his" Stef told Callie as they sat around the kitchen table.

"My word against his, but I'm never going to win that" Callie said.

"We don't know that, I think you should just go in and tell the truth, the truth always comes out Callie, somehow this boy will be caught" Lena said pouring a cup of tea and handing it to Callie.

"I know we talked about it being your choice to go on the stand or not, but I think that is the only way to make what you say really count, is if it comes right from you" Stef said.

"I don't…I can't talk about it" Callie shook her head.

"I know it's hard, we can't imagine what your going through, we don't want to make you do anything your not ready for. If you don't feel like you can get up there, don't. But If you think you can, even just a little bit, I think it would help a great deal" Lena told her gently.

"We just want to give you your best chance love, but we don't want to force you" Stef nodded.

"Can I think about it?" Callie asked.

"Of course love just let us know before court tomorrow" Stef said.

"Ok, can I be excused" Callie asked.

"You may" Stef nodded.

"We love you" Lena called after her.

"Do you think she will do it?" Stef asked when she was gone.

"I don't know, but I also know we can't force her, she reported it, and that was an amazingly big step" Lena said.

"When it comes down to her word against his, I think if she doesn't, the rest won't be worth much"

"But is it entirely safe to put her in that place?"

"We will be right there with her" Stef said.

"But to put her face to face with the boy who raped her, Many rape victims can't face their attacker again, I think she would be physically safe but mentally what kind of mind set would that put her in? What kind of buried flashbacks would come back to her, I think we should just let her decide and not push her either way" Lena said getting up to rinse the cups.

"Your right, no your very right, we told her how it works, we will just leave it for her to decide" Stef agreed.

Callie rolled over sighing pulling her blankets up. Mariana rolled over to face her.

"Can't sleep?" She asked. Callie nodded. Mariana sat up facing her.

"I don't know what your going through. I know it must suck"

"I just, I'm not sure if I want to go on the stand tomorrow, If it's my word against his… I didn't grow up in this world you guys did, no one ever took my side" Callie said.

"Well if you don't want to you shouldn't. If it makes you uncomfortable don't do it. You shouldn't force yourself back into that situation, and you know no matter what you decide we got your back right?" Mariana asked. Callie nodded.

"Ok" Mariana said laying back down.

"But for what it's worth, I hope you put that bastard in jail" Mariana added.

"Callie you ready love?" Stef called up the stairs. Callie took a shaky breath, she did not feel ready.

"Coming" She said fixing her dress again she went downstairs.

"you look nice sweetie" Stef said gently

"After this can I just go to school?" Callie asked.

"Yeah, let's just take it one step at a time ok" Lena said. Callie followed them out to the car and the ride there was quiet.

"I know it's going to be hard but it will feel better after" Stef assured her as she parked the car and they got out. Callie looked up the the big court house looming over them. When they had come here for adoption court it never seemed so big but suddenly today she found the building intimidating. She followed Stef and Lena up the stairs and through the hall.

"We're a little early, we can wait here" Stef said checking her watch and pointing to the chairs by the window. Callie sat down, she would give anything to be at school right now.

"Your doing great sweetie" Lena told her sensing her discomfort. The door opened and a judge walked in.

"Callie?" He asked.

"Yes" Callie cleared her throat.

"ok good, your lawyer is here we will call you in in a few minutes and you are going to be on the stand today right?" The judge asked. Callie glanced as Stef and Lena then nodded.

"Ok great someone will come get you soon" He said and left the room. As the door swung shut behind him Callie caught a glimpse of people in the hallway. She looked closer through the foggy door. the face turned and Liam's clear face was glaring at her. His parents on either side of him talking to the judge. Callie felt her stomach flip and her heart rate speed up to the point she was sure it was going to pop out of her chest. Suddenly she couldn't breath and she thought she was going to throw up. Lena saw her face and followed her gaze just long enough to see Liam before Callie jumped up running to the bathroom.

"Callie!" Lena and Stef called after her. Callie ran through the door depositing her few bites of breakfast into the toilet before slumping to the wall still trying to catch her breath.

"Callie love it's ok" Stef said as she and Lena rushed into the bathroom. Callie felt herself still struggling to breath. Before she could stop her Lena sank to the floor kneeling in front of Callie.

"Your ok, your ok look at me" Lena whispered taking Callie's face firmly in her hands and putting her forehead against hers. Callie felt their nose's touch and the only thing she could see was Lena's deep brown eyes.

"Deep breath Callie, your just having a little panic attack your going to be fine" Stef said wiping her mouth.

"look Callie, just you and me ok" Lena whispered. Callie felt her breath and heart rate slowing down.

"I can't do this" Callie whispered as Lena let her go a little.

"You can do this, Callie you are such a strong, brave girl" Lena told her.

"We will be right there with you ok, we won't let you out of our sight for a minute I promise" Stef told her.

"He's out there, I can't go out there" Callie whispered.

"How about you and I go outside ok, Momma can go in and she will come get us when they need you, and then we can leave again ok?" Lena asked. Callie felt herself nodding to that.

"Ok come on sweetheart" Lena said Callie stood up on shaky legs then bent to help Lena stand. Lena and Callie walked outside sitting on a bench on the front lawn.

"I can't imagine how this must be for you Callie. I know that it's not fun, It's no fun for me to see him and he didn't even hurt me" Lena said.

"I didn't think this would happen" Callie said quietly.

"I know, but it's ok that it did. you are so strong to do all this, I am so proud of you" Lena said. They sat in silence for a little while. The door opened and Stef nodded to them.

"Ok listen if you need anything in there, you just look at us." Stef said putting her strong hands on Callie's shoulders as Lena lead the way into the court room. Callie looked around, there were a lot of people she didn't know. She saw Liam's parents glaring back at her. She walked up to the front and was sworn in taking a seat.

"Callie, can you tell me how long you lived with the Green family.?" The lawyer asked.

'"ummm three months" Callie said.

"And in those three months how many times did Liam Green attack you?"

"6" Callie said.

"Can you tell us what he did?"

"He… he would come into my room at night. and he would always lock my door, put his hand over his mouth and lay on top of me so I couldn't move." Callie said.

"Is that all?" The lawyer asked.

"no" Callie shook her head.

"What else?" Callie felt her head spinning. she looked out over the crowd her eyes locking on Liam. the look he was giving her she couldn't pull away. She wasn't sure how long she was looking at him when out of the corner of her eye an hand was waving. She blinked shaking her head to clear it following the motion and saw Lena waving to get her attention. Lena gave her a nod and Stef offered her a strong smile. Callie felt her breathing slow again.

"He raped me" she said

"Sweetheart I am really really proud of you" Lena said the three of them walked out of the court house.

"You saved a lot of girls from going through the same thing you had to. You should be very proud of yourself Callie, Liam is going to be in jail for a long time" Stef agreed.

"I'm just glad it's over" Callie sighed

"Oh me too" Lena put her arms around her.

"So school? or out to lunch?" Stef asked giving Callie a wink.

"Well, I am kind of hungry" Callie said.

"yeahh there's my girl" Stef smiled at her.

"We can play hooky for one day" Lena agreed.

"You have a fan" Lena said quietly while she and Stef were watching a movie that night.

"Oh yeah, who?" Stef asked.

"Callie"

"what?"

"Yeah, I see it lately, she's really lean towards you" Lena said.

"Callie loves both of us" Stef said.

"Yeah, yeah she does, but you two, god Stef if I didn't know better i'd think you had given birth to her. you two are just so similar, stubborn and hard headed" Lena said.

"Hey!" Stef cried.

"And loving, and protective, you both put up these walls of independence and strength. and when you let them down, it's such a gift to see the soft side, the side that needs to be loved sometimes" Lena whispered. Stef smiled a little.

"Remember when she first came she wouldn't even make eye contact with us. It took Noah almost a week to even say something to us, Now look at these two beautiful children who are doing so well in our home" Lena said.

"And now a new baby, I know it was a busy day for you, feeling ok?" Stef asked.

"Yeah, a little nauseous but that's nothing new" Lena smiled rubbing her stomach

"I should go check on Callie" Stef said.

"Want me to come?" Lena asked.

"no, you rest mommy, us hot heads can manage" Stef smiled as Lena sank back into the couch. Stef made her way upstairs and found Callie laying on her bed.

"Hey?" Stef whispered

"Hey" Callie said.

"You had a tough day, I know it wasn't fun, are you ok my love? Stef asked. Callie nodded looking up giving her a sad smile.

"Your so amazing you know that" Stef said. She lay down on Callie's bed and Callie lay back curling into her side as Stef put her arms strongly around her.

"You and me, we're a lot alike" Stef said. Callie looked up at her giving her a smile.

"We think we have to be strong, tough and think we just have to get on with things, and sometimes you do and sometimes… sometimes you just have to let yourself fall apart and there is no shame in that love, not even a little" Stef whispered. Callie put her head down on Stef's chest and heard her heart beating.

"You are so brave Callie girl, but you don't have to be brave all the time" Stef whispered kissing her forehead. Callie lay listening to Stef's heart beat and Stef stayed there for a long time as Callie's tears dripped onto her shirt

"You look nice today" Finn said catching up to Callie in the halls.

"Ugh you should know better then to compliment my appearance" Callie said raising an eyebrow at him.

"I'm sorry I must have mistaken you for your sister" Finn chuckled making Callie laugh.

"Or, maybe your just a girl who is really hard to compliment" he said gently pushing her against the wall and kissing her mouth.

"Callie allowed herself to sink into his arms and they both jumped pulling apart when the bell rang.

"Late again" Callie smiled not caring.

"One day your mom is going to walk by and we are both going to be screwed" Finn whispered kissing her ear.

"oh yes the lovely VP Adams Foster" Callie laughed gently pushing him away

"Go out with me tonight it's Friday night" Finn said as they started walking down the hall again.

"well that's awfully demanding" Callie said.

"Come on, I have the perfect place"

"Where"

"I can't tell you!"

"How do I know i'll like it then?" Callie laughed. Finn leaned in kissing her again.

"Trust me" He whispered and went into his class.

"Hey can I go out tonight?" Callie asked Lena on the car ride home

"Where are you going?" Lena asked.

"I'm not sure exactly, it's supposed to be a surprise" Callie said biting her lip, she should have waited until they were out of the car.

"Well who are you going with" Lena said looking back in her rearview mirror to see Callie in the back seat.

"Just a friend" Callie said. Mariana raised her eyebrows at her.

"Callie I have no problem with you going out but we at least need to know where or with who" Lena said.

"Ok" Callie sighed sliding down in her seat between Noah and Jesus trying to ignore Mariana's pointed look at her the rest of the way home. When they piled out of the car Mariana followed Callie up to their room closing the door behind them.

"Ok spill, right now" Mariana cried.

"Oh my god it's nothing" Callie said sitting down on her bed.

"Was it a boy?"

"Yes"

"Finn!"

"Yes"

"Oh my god is that a date?" Mariana cried

"It's not a!…We're not even dating he's just a friend" Callie said.

"That you kiss in the hallway?" Mariana said. Callie looked up at her surprised,

"Yeah your not as sly as you think" Mariana smirked.

"I just…I'm not sure I want to tell your moms yet, I mean It's just hanging out with a friend." Callie said.

"If it's just hanging out with a friend, why is it a big secret?" Mariana asked. Callie looked up giving her a little smile. Mariana hopped off her own bed going to sit next to Callie.

"I'm going to give you some advice, It sucks having mom at school. Yeah it's great and we love it, but stuff like this, she finds out, and she finds out fast. And while she tries to respect our privacy and all that, it's just the way it is. If you don't tell her about Finn she won't let you go tonight. and she will probably know by Monday. So if I were you I'd go downstairs and tell her, then you can go out with him tonight, she will be so happy she heard it from you and not in the hallway, and when it all comes out on Monday she won't be surprised" Mariana said

"Ugh, I guess I should tell her" Callie sighed as they heard a car door slam. They both looked out the window to See Stef walking up the driveway in her police uniform on her way home from work.

"Look, you can kill two birds with one stone" Mariana said.

"This better be worth it." Callie muttered heading towards their bedroom door.

"I'll pick out an outfit for you, good luck" Mariana called after her as Callie made her way down the stairs. Stef was on her way inside with Brandon.

"Hey girly how was your day?" Stef asked.

"It was good" Callie said.

"Good, where's mom?"

"I don't know I was just looking for her myself" Callie said as Brandon went up the stairs. Callie spotted Lena in the living room. Stef went in kissing her hello before sinking into the couch next to her.

"Hey sweetie" Lena said spotting Callie.

"I um, I wanted to give you more information about tonight" Callie said

"Sure" Lena sat up a little more.

"Tonight?" Stef asked.

"My friend Finn, he asked me to go out with him, He won't tell me where we are going, but I promise to text you when we get there to let you know" Callie said.

"That sounds fair" Lena nodded.

"So I can go?" Callie asked.

"You may, just be home by 10 please" Stef said.

"Thanks!" Callie cried sounding more excited then she was aware she was. She started heading up the stairs.

"Is this a date?" Stef asked turning to Lena.

"Oh man I don't even care. This is the happiest I have seen her all month, they can drive to Mexico for all I care as long as she comes home safe" Lena sighed.

"And by 10" Stef added.

"Yes dear" Lena laughed kissing Stef.

"Ok perfect" Mariana said pulling the mascara back looking at Callie.

"It's not to much right?" Callie asked.

"No, no way just enough to make your eyes have a little pop, you look amazing" Mariana told her. Callie stood up going to look at herself, she had to admit she didn't look bad, the make up was light, her hair was down the way she usually wore it long on her back. She had on jean shorts and a plain shirt that was cut high.

"Just don't raise your arms until you leave the house, if momma sees how short that shirt really is she'll make you change" Mariana said as the doorbell rang.

"He's here" She said clapping her hands as Callie grabbed her purse shoving her phone in.

"Make sure to tell me everything" Mariana whispered as they went into the hallway making their way down stairs. Lena had answered the door.

"Hi Mrs Adams Foster" Finn said politely.

"Hi Finn, how are you?" Lena asked.

"I'm good thanks, is Callie home?" Finn asked.

"Who are you?" Noah asked coming from the living room.

"I'm umm i'm a friend of Callie's" Finn told him. Noah put his hands on his hips looking Finn over.

"Come on bubba let's go start dinner, Callie will be right down" Lena told Finn ushering Noah out of the room as Callie came down the stairs.

"Hi" She greeted Finn making sure to keep her arms by her side. She was grateful Stef seemed to have disappeared.

"Hey, are you ready?" Finn asked smiling, Callie was again grateful he didn't try to kiss her.

"Yeah, hang on" Callie said going into the kitchen

"We're leaving" She said to popping her head into Lena.

"Ok love have fun" Lena smiled at her. Callie went back into the entry way to find Jesus talking to Finn.

"Yeah I wrestle I'm all state this year, I could take you no problem" Jesus was telling him acting like a tough guy, Finn looked throw off.

"Ok thanks for that Jesus" Callie said taking her brothers arm trying to pull him away. Jesus stood his ground looking up at Finn who had a few inches on him.

"Jesus, let's go" Mariana called from the stairs. he turned looking at his sisters then back at Finn before climbing the stairs.

"Let's get out of here" Callie said pulling Finn out the door laughing as it shut behind them.

"That's quite a assembly of people in there" Finn said as Callie climbed into the passenger seat of his car.

"Oh that was not even the worst of them" Callie said when suddenly there was a knock on Finn's window making them both jump. Stef stood there smiling still in her police uniform.

"I'm sorry about this" Callie whispered as Finn rolled down his window.

"Hi, you must be Finn" Stef smiled leaning down resting her elbows on the window.

"Um yes ma'am" Finn nodded offering her his hand to shake.

"Oh I like the ma'am you get points for that" Stef shook his hand.

"Ok we should go" Callie said giving Stef a look.

"Ok, buckle up, be home by 10" Stef said her smile fading looking at Finn.

"Yes ma'am" Finn nodded as Callie buckled her seat belt. Stef stepped away from the car and watched Finn back up and drive away. Neither of them said anything until she was out of sight.

"Wow," Finn said.

"Yeah thats my mom" Callie chuckled

"You got the raw end of them deal with your moms jobs huh?" He asked making Callie laugh.

"Is it weird that I feel like she bugged my car?" Finn asked. Callie shook her head.

"I wouldn't put anything past her" She laughed.

"Ok we're here" Finn said pulling the car into a parking lot not far from the school

"Will you tell me what we are doing now?" Callie asked. The beach was empty as the sun was setting.

"Follow me" Finn smiled reaching into the back seat he pulled out a blanket and his backpack and she followed him down to the beach walking through the sand. He stopped near a little red flag laying the blanket down.

"My dad works at the Wild Life Safety, they protect the turtle nests on the beach, this one is due to hatch tonight" Finn said.

"No way" Callie whispered going a little closer to the flag.

"I brought us a snack, when the sun sets they will start to come out" Finn said pulling out food and putting it on the blanket. Callie went to sit with him, she was surprised how fast time went by and the sudden dark crept up on her. Finn put the food away pulling out two flashlights and handing one to her. Callie turned it on shining it towards the nest.

"We have to be quiet, and don't stand in the way or disturb them" Finn whispered leading her to stand off to the side. They sat in silence for a little while Callie leaning against him comfortable when suddenly the sand started to move. Finn put his finger to his lips as they watched the first little turtle poke his head out. Callie watched as he struggled to get fully out of the sand and started ever so slowly making his way to the ocean, more followed and soon she lost track as the trail of baby turtles made their way down the beach. When the last one had crawled out Finn pulled her up and they followed the turtled down to the water watching them get in and swim away.

"That was amazing" Callie whispered holding still holding Finn's hand.

"It's cool right, I lost count of the number of times I have seen it but it never gets old" He agreed then checked his watch.

"We should get you home" He said leading her back to the blanket to pack up their stuff and Callie helped him carry it back to the car. She didn't want to leave.

"So maybe we could to this again sometime?" Finn asked as he started the short drive back home.

"I would love that" Callie nodded

"Good" He smiled pulling the car into the driveway Callie could see the porch light on, someone was waiting up for her.

"So, see you Monday" Finn said.

"See you Monday" Callie leaned over and he kissed her, she didn't pull away and she deepened the kiss, time felt like it was standing still, her hands roamed on his shirt feeling all the muscles in his chest when he pulled away. She must have looked disappointed because he laughed a little.

"I don't want your mom to see us" he said. Callie nodded agreeing with him.

"Bye" She smiled getting out of the car and waved as he drove down the street before making her way inside. Stef and Lena sat on the couch watching TV on low drinking tea.

"Did you have to freak him out like that, he said he felt like you put a tracker on the car" Callie said

"Good, did you have fun?" Stef winked at her making her smile.

"Yeah we went down to the beach"

"At night" Lena asked a little surprised her eyebrows going up.

"To see a Sea turtle nest hatch" Callie rushed to finish.

"Oh, that sounds really nice, are you going to see him again?" Stef asked.

"Yeah, I am, good night" Callie said

"Good night love" Lena called as Callie climbed the stairs. As expected Mariana was waiting up for her.

"So?" She asked grinning as Callie came in.

"It was good" Callie said. She felt Mariana watching her as she got ready for bed and climbed into her own bed across the room. Mariana jumped from her bed going to sit on Callie's.

"Ok I'm going to need more detail" Mariana said switching on the lamp next to Callie's bed.

"We drove to the beach and had a picnic dinner, then we watched a turtle nest hatch and they went down to the ocean" Callie said.

"Aww wow so romantic, so are you dating now?"

"I guess, he hasn't said anything but we are going to go out again" Callie nodded.

"Wow! your so lucky, he's cute and he sounds nice, what else happened?"

"That's it" Callie laughed.

"No making out on the dark empty beach?"

"No! There was a little in the car but Stef freaked him out so it didn't last long"

"Yeah momma does that"

"And Jesus too"

"That's his job, Brandon's not tough enough and there's no dad here to freak them out" Mariana waved it off making Callie laugh again.

"Tell me more, did you feel his muscles, he looks like he has good muscles" Mariana said laying back on Callie's bed.

"Oh yah, the best, a 6 pack too" Callie said laying down next to her.

"Oh man, i could lick that" Mariana said making both girls giggle.

"So he's a good kid?" Stef asked Lena listening to the girls laughing upstairs.

"He is, never been in trouble, good grades, just moved from Texas this summer, he's nice" Lena assured her.

"And you think she's ready?"

"I think she has to start somewhere, after what happened with Liam…it won't be easy, but Finn is a good boy and I think he's a good start for her" Lena nodded.

"ok, alright mommy let's get you to bed" Stef sighed standing up and helping Lena up.

"Ok guys no mercy if we haven't used it in the past three years throw it out" Lena said as Stef pulled open the door to the garage Saturday morning.

"Wow look at all this stuff" Noah said amazed at all the box's.

"We have a lot of crap" Jesus said as they started looking through the box's.

"You guys are lucky to have all this crap" Noah said. Callie understood what he meant, They had nothing from their childhood.

"Hey hey, we don't use that word" Stef gently corrected both boys.

"Brandon will you drag the trash over here?" Lena asked reaching for a box. Stef jumped in front of her.

"Hey no, no with the heavy lifting mommy, why don't you sort through these" Stef cried taking the box from her and putting a pile of blankets down in front of her as pile of dust flew out of them making Lena cough.

"Oh thank you" Lena said waving the dust from her face.

"Oh second thought maybe not just go sit over there and look pretty" Stef said taking them back and shooing her over to a stool.

"If Brandon want's to use this space I think Brandon should clean it" Jesus said.

"I am, your just helping me" Brandon told him.

"Oh come on guys this is not just going to be a studio for Brandon. It's going to be a hangout space for everyone. You will be grateful for it when the baby comes" Lena said.

"Oh Mariana look what I found" Callie said holding up a baby doll that looked like it had seen better days.

"That's not mine" Mariana said shaking her head. Callie felt her eyes widen as she glanced over at Jesus and Brandon. Everyone laughed as Brandon grabbed for it.

"I had a lonely childhood until the twins came" He said turning slightly pink.

"Oh Brandon it's nothing to be ashamed of" Lena smiled.

"Hey look who I found" Stef cried holding a little bike over her head and placing it on the ground.

"Mikey the Bikey!" Mariana cried running over to sit on the bike.

"What did you call that?" Callie asked.

"Mikey the bikey, we all learned to ride a bike on this" Mariana said as Callie looked at the rusting heap with training wheels Mariana was comically sitting on.

"Hey don't you think we should keep that, for the baby? She's going to have to learn to ride on something right" Lena asked Stef. Stef threw her hands up as they all turned to Lena.

"Ok hold up, you just said she!" Mariana cried pointing to Lena.

"Or…or he" Lena stuttered.

"It's a girl!" Mariana cried.

"We were not supposed to say anything mommy! but yes, it's a girl" Stef laughed.

"Really!" Mariana cried and she and Callie started jumping up and down hugging.

"It's a girl it's a girl!" They started singing pointing to the boys in the room teasing them. Noah was smiling but Jesus threw up his hands, Brandon shook his head but Callie could see he was smiling.

"Alright alright come on, at this rate the baby is going to be here before we get this clean" Stef laughed as Mariana threw her arms around Lena.

"So your having lunch with your sister tomorrow right?" Finn asked Callie.

"Half sister, and yeah"

"Wait, you call Mariana your sister even though your not adopted but your real sister is your half sister?"

"Well yeah, it's different I live with Mariana, I share a room with her she actually feels like my sister. Sophia I only met once, and as much as she looks like me, I don't feel sisterly towards her" Callie said.

"I get that, you just have a lot of family dynamics at play" Finn laughed. Callie nodded shutting her locker.

"Well hopefully I can just get adopted and my family will be my family and the Quinn's will be…I don't know, the people I have dinner with once a month" Callie sighed.

"So back to my point, after you have lunch with your once a month family, do you want to do something with me?" Finn asked.

"Sure" Callie smiled.

"Ok, great! and I was thinking since we're like doing stuff with each other, maybe we should just, not do stuff with other people" Finn said.

"What?" Callie asked.

"You know like, do stuff only with each other"

"Wait, are you asking me to be your girlfriend?" Callie laughed.

"Yeah…it sounded a lot smoother in my head" Finn said putting his hand over his eyes.

"No I liked it it was cute" Callie laughed pulling his hand down standing on her tippy toes to give him a kiss.

"So is that a yes?" Finn asked.

"Yes" Callie smiled and he kissed her deeper. Callie didn't realize the hall had emptied out. Time felt like it stood still as she leaned against the wall his lips on hers when suddenly someone cleared the throat making Finn pull away.

"Adams Foster!" Callie heard Lena's voice call.

"Damn, she's everywhere" Finn whispered. Callie nodded before turning to Lena who was standing ten feet down the hall her hands on her hips.

"The bell rang" Lena said.

"Right, sorry Mrs Adams Foster" Finn said adjusting his bag on his shoulder and going down to class flashing Callie a smiled as he left.

"Sorry" Callie said biting her lip as Lena started walking towards her. She knew she was not going to get off as easy as Finn had.

"Callie" Lena shook her head.

"I'm willing to bet you saw a lot more of that then I would have liked" Callie said. Lena looked up and down the hall then took Callie's hand leading her into her office shutting the door behind her.

"I just want to talk about taking things slow, I know it's exciting to have a boyfriend and everything but let's just remember your going through a lot right now" Lena said.

"Wait, are you telling me I can't date Finn?" Callie asked.

"I'm just saying, your dealing with a lot, boys come with even more I just don't want to see you stress yourself out" Lena said.

"I'm not….Finn makes me happy." Callie said.

"I hear that but…" Lena started.

"Does everyone you catch making out in the halls get this lecture?" Callie asked cutting her off.

"No" Lena sighed shaking her head.

"Then why do I? Can I go to class please I'm late" Callie said.

"Fine, we will finish this at home" Lena said.

"Awesome" Callie muttered picking up her backpack.

That night Callie was sitting in the nook doing her homework when Lena came to sit by her.

"What are you working on?" Lena asked.

"English"

"Do you need any help?"

"No" Callie said sharply then she had meant to.

"Can I interrupt for a minute?" Lena asked. Callie put her book down not saying anything.

"I do owe you an apology about what happened at school today, you are right I would not have treated another student the way I treated you. Usually I think I'm pretty good about not showing a difference when it comes to you kids but not always and I know that is hard on you and all your siblings" Lena said. Callie just nodded.

"And I heard you when you said that Finn makes you happy, he's a good kid and I believe that he does. I didn't mean that I didn't think you should date him. See when I saw you…kissing in the hallway you suddenly grew up 10 years right before my eyes and that freaked me out. I just got you, and though your not a baby, in my eyes you are a little girl, I just got you and I want to baby you a little bit before you become a teenager. I am sorry thats just the mom way. And I know sometimes you don't handle pressure and stress well and I always worry and want to help you with that. So in all my seeing you as 26 and wanting you to be a little girl and worrying about you I think I made it sound like I was telling you dating Finn was a bad idea, but what I really meant was I love you very much and If you ever need anything I want you to come to me no matter what" Lena said. Callie looked up at her now offering her a smile.

"I know it can suck having your mom at school as I'm sure all the kids have told you, I will try harder to leave my mommy goggles at home and just wear my vice principal goggles to school next time, If, you promise me no more being late for making out in the halls" Lena said

"Deal" Callie smiled

"Oh my girly" Lena sighed wrapping Callie up in her arms. Callie was not sure how she had obtained the nickname girly from her moms, She was not at all girly, maybe it was a shorter vision of Callie girl, but she loved that she had her own official nickname like everyone else in the house.

"for the record…" Callie started

"Yeah?" Lena asked.

"I never told you this but thank you for taking me that day, from Juvie. I know you hesitated, I mean any normal person would. But thank you, I think you probably saved my life that day. And Noah's but he was a lot easier to say yes to" Callie said.

"It was the best decision I ever made, we love you so much" Lena whispered pulling Callie to her in a tight hug.

"I love you too" Callie said. Lena pulled back looking into her eyes before smothering her face with kisses making Callie laugh.

"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" Stef asked Callie standing in her room.

"Yeah it's just going to be lunch at their house and then the mall with Sophia it won't be like last time" Callie said.

"Ok, have you decided what your going to tell Robert about the college fund?"

"I'm going to say thanks but no thanks. I don't need anything from him"

"Ok, Call us when your ready to be picked up " Stef nodded

"I will. I'll make sure to be home for dinner" Callie assured her.

"Ok, hey sweets have you explained any of this to Noah?" Stef asked.

"Um not yet, I just, I'm not exactly sure how to tell him"

"Well he knows that you don't have the same father, maybe he will be happy you found yours"

"Yeah, I just mean about Sophia, I don't know how he would feel about knowing I have a half sister you know, I might just wait until I get adopted and he knows I'm not going anywhere" Callie said.

"Ok, well it is your choice" Stef nodded.

As Stef pulled into the driveway Robert came from the garage.

"Hey, i'm glad I caught you, I just wanted to let you know I signed the abandonment papers, They are in the mail as we speak" Robert said

"Oh thank you" Stef smiled at Callie grabbing her hand. Callie squeezed back they were both trying to downplay their excitement for Robert's sake

"Of course, Thanks for bringing her here, I can take her home after they are done so you don't have to drive both ways."

"Oh I don't mind" Stef shook her head

"Really I insist, I don't want this to be a burden to you, we are so grateful Callie is spending time with Sophia" Robert said

"Ok, let me know if anything changes" Stef said

"I will thank you" Robert said walking back through the door.

"Oh I am so happy right now, we will celebrate and tell Mom and everyone else when you get home tonight. yes?" Stef cried.

"yeah, good" Callie smiled.

"Ok have fun, call If you need anything"

"I will bye" Callie said accepting a kiss from Stef and hopping out of the car. Sophia meet her at the door.

"I'm so excited" She cried as Callie came in.

"Callie, I am so sorry but lunch is running late, we had a bit of a mishap in the kitchen. Maybe you girls can go shopping first and then have lunch" Jill said greeting the girls in the living room.

"Sure" Callie nodded.

"Can I get you something to eat before you go, you must be hungry" Jill said.

"Oh no, honestly, my moms go crazy for breakfast Saturday morning" Callie laughed a little.

"Alright, well Gio our driver will take you girls to the mall as soon as your ready, and pick you up at 1:00"

"Sounds good" Callie said.

"Do you think this is cute?" Sophia asked holding up a shirt.

"Yeah, that would go good with those pants you got" Callie said.

"Cool, hey you didn't buy anything yet" Sophia said.

"Yeah, I'm kind of saving up for Christmas" Callie said

"Oh? What are you buying then?" I need to get something for my little brother, and something for the name I pull for secret santa, and then my siblings and I will probably pool our money together to get our moms something" Callie said.

"Do you have a job?"

"No, no my moms don't want me working, They say school is more important but we get money for doing stuff around the house" Callie said.

"Why do you keep calling them your moms?" Sophia asked

"Because they are, and your dad signed the papers so I'm getting adopted soon" Callie said

"Oh right…" Sophia said.

"This was really good, thank you" Callie said as she sat around the table with the Quinn's after lunch

"So Callie did you decide what you want to do about the college fund?" Robert ask.

"Yeah, I can't accept it. I'm sorry It's very generous but I can't" Callie said.

"Listen. There are no strings attached, I feel like I own you something, Please it's so hard working and going to college, Let me help you out, you do want to go to college don't you?" Robert asked.

"Yeah, I mean it's kind of new, Up until a few months ago I didn't have a chance but now Noah is adopted and I'm about to be adopted I want to go" Callie nodded.

"So let me help" Robert said.

"Ok, ok yeah thank you" Callie smiled.

"I had so much fun shopping today" Sophia said.

"What did you girls get?" Jill asked.

"Oh tons of stuff, next week we should go horse back riding" Sophia said.

"Yeah I'v never been. that would be cool" Callie agreed.

"You should come for Christmas! we have he best tree and the best dinner" Sophia said.

"Actually, I think i need to be with the Fosters this Christmas, It's our first one there and if I know my moms they are going to go over the top. But maybe like the day after or something" Callie said

"Yeah cool" Sophia nodded visibly disappointed.

"Can I interest you in some coffee Callie?" Jill asked as she poured a cup for herself and Robert

"Oh no thanks" Callie said

"You don't like coffee?" Sophia asked

"No I do actually, I used to drink it all the time, but my moms won't let me now"

"Why not?" Sophia asked again

"Well its not really the best thing, They don't want us becoming addicted to it and it makes you crash after, Lena usually has tea" Callie shrugged

"We won't tell them" Jill offered

"Thanks, that's ok Stef has a way of finding out" Callie offered a little smile

"Callie I brought you these" Robert said changing the subject and pulling out a stack of pictures. Callie looked at the top one, It was a picture of her mom. She thumbed through them carefully looking at each one looking at the younger version of her mom. Callie did look just like her, she was beautiful.

"Can I have this?" Callie asked holding up one of her mom taking a picture.

"You can I have them all. I got them for you"

"Wow, I'm kind of jealous you knew her back then, when she had a whole life to live" Callie said.

"She was something" Robert agreed nodding.

"Well thank you again for lunch, It's not normally so quiet and civil at my house" Callie laughed.

"You are welcome anytime" Jill said standing to clear the plates.

"You should come sleep over" Sophia cried.

"Yeah, that would be cool" Callie nodded.

"Or you could even live with us, you can have your own room" Sophia said.

"I…i'm getting adopted" Callie said

"No, no I took the papers from the mail and ripped them up" Sophia said.

"What!" Callie and Robert said at the same time.

"We are your family, your my sister you should live with us" Sophia said.

"I live with the Fosters" Callie said again.

"But.." Sophia started.

"Sophia upstairs now" Jill said firmly. Sophia slumped her shoulders and trudged up the stairs.

"I'm sorry about that I had no idea" Robert said.

"It's ok, when do you think you can get new copies?" Callie asked.

"I…I don't think I can do that"

"What do you mean?" Callie asked.

"It was so hard signing those papers the first time. To abandon you. I don't think I can do it again" Robert shook his head Callie's mind was racing.

"If you don't sign those I can't get adopted" Callie said

"you could come here" Robert offered.

"No! no that's not what I want" Callie said grabbing her coat and marching to the front door.

"Callie wait! I just, I can't do that I am your father…" Robert called and Callie wheeled around to face him.

"You are not my father! I have a father and he abandoned me and my brother but he's still a better man then you because he signed the papers!" Callie yelled throwing the picture down and running to the front door.

"Stop Callie" Robert called chasing Callie out into the driveway.

"I don't want anything from you! all I want is your signature on a piece of paper saying I can get adopted. I spent 8 years in foster care. I was beaten, abused, mistreated and a whole lot worse and where were you then? Now I have a family I love, A family I want to be a part of and you won't let me!" Callie roared marching up to the road now.

"Callie, Let me take you home" Robert called.

"NO! I'm calling my mom" Callie said pulling out her phone still walking up the street, she was glad to see Robert didn't follow her.

"What happened?" Lena asked as Callie hopped into her car when she pulled up on the side of the road.

"Robert won't sign the papers" Callie said.

"What he said that?"

"He told momma and I that he did and they were in the mail and then Sophia said later that she took them out and when I asked him to sign them again he said that he wouldn't" Callie cried.

"It's going to be ok, you have been spending a lot of time with them. maybe he just needs to back up and get some perspective" Lena said gently pulling the car back onto the road.

"Where are you going?" Callie asked as Lena pulled into the Quinn's driveway.

"Stay here ok, i'll be right back" Lena said getting out of the car Callie watched as she went up to the door ringing the bell. Jill came to the door.

"Hi, I'm Lena, Callie's mom I don't think we have met" Lena said shaking Jill's hand.

"Hi lovely to meet you Callie talked about you a lot, would you like to come in?" Jill asked.

"Actually I just wanted to talk to you, Callie explained a little about what happened with the papers. I was just wondering if we would work this out today maybe? As you can imagine she's pretty upset, maybe you could talk to your husband" Lena said.

"I'm not sure I can do that. In the beginning I was with you and your wife. I knew Robert and Sophia were getting to invested in Callie, I realized why, Because they love her. He loves being with her and I just think we deserve a chance to get to know her a little better before all this is decided" Jill said gently. The door opened a little wider and Robert came into view. He looked past Lena seeing Callie in the car.

"Hi, you must be Lena" He greeted her.

"Look I feel awful about what happened" Robert said.

"I'm sure you do, that's why I think you need to make it right, which is why I think you need to sign the papers" Lena said gently. Callie heard a noise behind her and turned to see Stef's car pulling into the driveway next to Lena's. She got out walking to the door to stand by Lena. Mariana hopped out of the car climbing into the back behind Callie.

"What happened?" She asked.

"Robert won't sign the papers, why did momma come?" Callie asked.

"She heard you on the phone with mom. mom convinced momma to let her come but she was only gone like 5 minutes and momma decided she was going to come talk to Robert. We didn't know you guys would be here." Mariana said.

"Look I just want to have a relationship with my daughter" Robert was telling them.

"I'm sure you do, we understand that" Lena said.

"But she doesn't want to have one with you. and after that stunt you just pulled I'm sorry but Lena and I are not going to force her" Stef said.

"Well, I was hoping this could be a little more civil, but you will be hearing from my lawyers tomorrow. I'm going to partition the court for custody" Robert said. Stef turned marching back up to the cars, Lena followed her. No one said anything as they both got into the cars driving home. it was quiet

"What happens now?" Callie asked as she stood on the porch with Mariana and her moms.

"Nothing love" Stef said squeezing her shoulders.

"What if I have to go live with them?" Callie asked turning to Lena.

"Thats not going to happen for a long time. And we're going to fight it" Lena assured her.

"but what if…" Callie started

"Nothing is going to happen. ok? Your not going anywhere we won't let you" Stef said as Lena opened the door.

"Go change into something more comfortable girls, and tell your brothers to come on down we can get some ice cream and have a movie night" Lena said. Callie climbed the stairs. She looked back to see Lena watching her

"I'm ok" Callie assured her.

"I know baby" Lena offered her a smile

Callie opened her eyes when she heard Mariana move again.

"If you roll over one more time i'm giving you a dog treat" She sighed turing to face Mariana's bed.

"Sorry, i'm so nervous about this dance competition tomorrow" Mariana said sitting up a little so Callie could see her.

"Why, you are going to do fine" Callie said

"I guess, our caption just keeps changing the solos"

"Well I for one can't wait to see your big win tomorrow, unless of course you blow it and lose" Callie said. Mariana threw a pillow across the room at her making both girls laugh.

"It feels so small compared to what your going through though" Mariana said softly.

"You know whats so not a fun game? who's life sucks more" Callie said.

"Your right" Mariana said going quiet again.

"I do feel bad for Sophia though, I mean I hate what she did, but she got so jealous every time I brought you up. I think she really thought we would be sisters" Callie whispered.

"Yeah well tell her to find her own sister, I got you first" Mariana said laying back down.

"Yeah, well she is a lot nicer to me then you were" Callie said throwing the pillow back.

"Oh shut up you were invading my turf" Mariana smiled making Callie laugh.

"shhhh" They heard Stef call sleepily from down the hall making them both giggle again and lay back down.

"Are you nervous?" Callie asked Finn greeting him out on the front porch.

"Would you think less of me if I said yes?" He asked. Callie shook her head.

"I think I would if you said no" She opened the front door.

"Hello Finn" Lena said from the dining room where she and Noah were setting the table.

"Hi Mrs Adams Foster" Finn said.

"Hi" Noah said walking up to Finn sticking his arm out.

"Hi big guy" Finn smiled shaking his hand.

"Dinner will be ready in 10 minutes" Lena said. Callie nodded leading Finn through the house into the kitchen

"Where's your other mom?" Finn asked. Callie smirked, Stef made Finn uncomfortable.

"She should be home from work any minute" Callie said as Mariana came in.

"Hi Finn" Mariana greeted him.

"Hey" Finn smiled. She was the one person in the house he was truly comfortable around because she spent so much time with Callie at school.

"He's nervous" Callie told her.

"Just don't look our momma directly in the eye and you'll be fine" Mariana teased

"She's not that bad I swear" Callie laughed.

"I know, I get it, I do she's just got that look down" Finn said.

"Hey dude" Brandon greeted Finn coming downstairs.

"Hey" Finn smiled as the front door opened and Stef came in.

"Hello!" Stef called.

"Hi" Callie heard Lena call back from the dining room as Stef went there first greeting her.

"Oh Finn, nice to see you" Stef said coming into the kitchen.

"Nice to see you too ma'am" Finn stood up shaking her hand. Stef was still in her full police uniform complete with the gun on her belt loop

"Oh no Finn you don't have to call her…" Lena started but Stef shot her a look.

"If he wants to give me the respect of calling me ma'am there's no problem with that, right Callie?" Stef asked.

"You can call her whatever you want" Callie told him shaking her head as Lena rolled her eyes.

"Ma'am is good, you should stick with that" Jesus said coming down the stairs.

"Stephanie go change dinner is almost ready, Jesus put a shirt on" Lena said making her way over to the stove

Finn sat beside Callie at dinner as Lena and Stef placed bowls on the table.

"Should we start at the head of the table?" Finn asked handing Stef the plate first.

"Oh no I'm the foot, I don't pretend to be the head of this family that's Lena" Stef said making Lena smile.

"You start Finn, your the guest" Lena said as Finn put a piece of stake on his plate passing it over to Callie.

"So Finn, what schools did you get into next year?" Brandon asked.

"I going to UCLA"

"Oh yeah for what?"

"I think business, I haven't totally decided yet"

"And what would you do with a business degree?" Stef asked.

"I want to own my own start up company, It's a computer program that helps keep track of the homeless. They can log onto any public computer and find, free clinics, keep in touch with other homeless friends, shelters, rehab help, anything that they would really need" Finn said.

"They have apps for that don't they?" Jesus asked.

"Yeah, but most people living on the streets don't own cell phones, they have no access to those kind of apps. This will be like a website they can log onto with a tracking number"

"That sounds really interesting" Lena nodded.

"Yeah, we could use that at the station, help us find people we helped out in the past" Stef agreed.

"Thanks It's still a very new work in progress but I think it might get somewhere" Finn shrugged

"When you get that up come down to the station and show some of us how to use it, we know a lot of places that's don't advertise but are willing to help" Stef said

"I will, thanks" Finn nodded.

"Callie I approve" Stef said later that night after Finn had left as Callie was helping her wash the dishes.

"Thanks" Callie laughed

"He seems like a good kid."

"He is, he's nice"

"Good, hey love have a seat" Stef said as Callie put the last bowl away. Stef sat at the table and Callie sat across from her.

"I just wanted to touch base with you about a few things" Stef said. Callie nodded trying not to feel to nervous.

"So Robert's lawyer got in contact with mom and I Friday and he is going to fight for custody, I don't say this to worry you or anything like that. Mom and I are going to take care of this and everything will be fine. But we may have some appointments at the court house. But I don't want you to worry, your not going anywhere, ok?" Stef asked. Callie bit her lip and nodded. She wished she felt as sure as Stef did.

"Also Love I wanted to let you know that I followed up with Liam's case he and he starts his jail time tomorrow, he is serving 5 years. and the restraining order I took out on him will be forever and we will continue to update as we go. So right now it says he can't go anywhere near you, this house or your school. And I will continue to follow up on that so when you go to college or get a job he will not be able to go near you. You will always be safe no matter where you are." Stef said.

"Ok, thanks" Callie said.

"I just want to make sure you feel safe and know that Liam will not hurt you again" Stef said.

"Honestly I'm more worried about Robert" Callie mumbled.

"Oh my love, you know mom and I will never stop fighting to have you in the house yes? Signed papers or not you belong in this house, and you will always always be our daughter, understand?" Stef asked. Callie nodded. She knew Stef was trying but as hard as she was, Callie knew she would never be sure of anything. Stef stood up walking around the table pulling Callie into her as Callie wrapped her arms around her waist.

"It will be ok, you let mom and I worry about this and you worry about just being our happy Callie, everything will be fine" Stef whispered. Callie could feel Stef searching her face but didn't look up from playing with her fingers. Stef had a bad habit of reading the emotions on her face.

"Callie girl look at me, I promise I will take care of this, I am a very powerful women, with a lot of connections. Nothing is going to happen to you" Stef said making Callie laugh a little.

"Noah is here, they wouldn't split up you and your brother, your safe here ok?"

"Ok" Callie nodded wrapping her arms around Stef again as Stef kissed the top of her head.

"Ok love, why don't you go get a deck of cards and a sibling or two and we can play some poker" Stef winked at her.

"Ok" Callie smiled hopping off her stool.

A few days later Callie stood between Stef and Lena in another court room.

"So your honor we found him like you asked and he did sign the papers" Stef said.

"So where are they?" The judge asked.

"It..it appears his daughter destroys them" Stef said gesturing to across the room where Robert, Jill and Sophia were standing.

"that is true, but I regretted signing them the minute I did it, this whole mess made one thing clear. Callie is my daughter, and we all believe that she belongs with us" Robert said. Callie did not even look in his direction.

"And what do you think Callie?" The judge asked.

"I think the Adams Fosters are my family, and nothing is ever going to change that. for almost 8 years I never had a family. I forgot what family was. I know what it is now and I want to stay with them." Callie said

"Well this is a tough custody case. we have familiarity with the Adams Foster family and biology with the Quinn's So let's take the rest of the 180 days and Callie will remain in her foster home" The judge said. Callie felt she could finally take a deep breath and Lena gave her hand a squeeze

"But I would also like Callie to have every other week visitation with her father" The judge added.

"Fine. I will see Robert, But I won't go to the house. I don't want to see Jill or Sophia" Callie said

"Alright, court with adjure in 180 days" the judge agreed banging his gavel.

"Ok, Come on sweets let's get you back to school" Stef said leading Callie out, she did't look up as any of the Quinn's watched them leave.

"See I told you, your not going anywhere" Lena told her gently.

"It smells so good in here" Callie said coming down for breakfast on Thanksgiving morning.

"Thank you love" Stef smiled.

"Can I help?" Callie asked

"Sure, after you eat breakfast you can help Brandon make the apple pie" Lena nodded.

"It's nice we are going to have a quiet thanksgiving this year. We aren't traveling, no one is coming here we can just have a quiet day at home to be together and be thankful" Stef said.

"Oh yes and lot's of leftovers" Lena agreed.

"Those are the best for making thanksgiving leftover sandwiches" Brandon said putting his bowl in the sink.

"Wow it smells so good!" Noah cried bounding down the stairs followed closely by Jesus and Mariana.

"Wow your all up early, you can all help us get ready." Lena greeted everyone.

"Hey momma, dad said he can come by at 4:00" Brandon said checking his phone.

"Perfect, Jesus you want to go put on the parade, we can watch that while we all cook. Mommy's in charge of the kitchen guys!" Stef called.

"What do you think?" Lena asked Callie as Callie helped her arrange everything around the dining room table.

"It looks perfect" Callie smiled looking at the perfectly set table.

"The boys are watching the football game, do you want to come tell them to sit?" Lena asked. Callie nodded crossing the foyer looking into the living room. Jesus and Mike were sitting on the couch discussing the game. Brandon and Noah sat on the floor building with his legos.

"Dinner is ready" Callie said.

"Alright!" Mike said as they all jumped up and made their way into the dining room. They took their seats and Lena gave thanks before they started passing everything around.

"This is amazing" Mike said taking a bite of turkey.

"Well we are glad you could be here" Stef smiled at him.

"Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday" Mariana said.

"Really? i would have thought it was Christmas" Callie teased her.

"No, Well yeah don't get my wrong I love the presents, I love Thanksgiving because it always reminds me of our last one with our birth mom." Mariana said.

"What happened?" Callie asked.

"We were four, she had been gone for three days and it was Thanksgiving. I was scared and hungry. But Jesus was always so brave, She would be gone all the time but as long as Jesus was there I knew I would be ok, He went out and stole us some food, and we had a feast of our own" Mariana said. Lena reached over giving Mariana a hug and Callie looked at Jesus. As much as he tried to be the tough, girl loving, blow everything off kind of guy. He truly was a good kid and at the end of the day he really loved his family.

After dinner they all helped clean up and wash the dishes. Lena sent Mike home with leftovers and Callie sunk into the couch full and tired.

"Where were you last Thanksgiving?" Brandon asked coming in to sit with her.

"We were in the house before this one. With the man who hit us" Callie said.

"That sucks" Brandon said shaking his head.

"Yeah, but we're here now" Callie said.

"Have you talked to Robert?"

"No, I told him I don't want contact with him so he's going to go through your moms to make plans for a visit" Callie said.

"Do you think your being kind of harsh? A few weeks ago you were hanging out with his kid and having lunch there" Brandon said.

"Yeah, yeah but how can I trust him? If he can pull something like that how can I trust him with anything. All I ever wanted was to have a family and he's the one thing standing in my way" Callie sighed.