Chapter 10.

Stef glanced at her watch, as she waited for Callie to come from her first appointment with her new therapist. It was two weeks after their discussion in the kitchen, and she herself had just finished her own session. It was hard telling a stranger about the shooting. It was so personal, voicing how she could sometimes swear she felt the bullet in her abdomen, like a ticking time bomb. She couldn't imagine how distrusting, wary Callie would handle opening up to someone she didn't know, and she found herself wondering if she made the right choice in asking her to come. She knew Callie only agree to it for her sake, and she was touched by her loyalty, but she never intended to push her into something that made her uncomfortable. Yet, at the same time, she wished she could be a fly on the wall during Callie's session. There was so much she didn't know about her early life, and she had to admit, there was a lot she was curious about, like what her parents were like, and why she was the way she was. Her foster daughter was still very much a mystery.

She read the sign on the waiting room door; "Do not cross this point unless accompanied by a staff member," for what seemed like the millionth time, when the door finally opened and Callie appeared with her therapist. "See you in a week, Callie," the woman told her. "Have a good afternoon."

"Thanks," Callie mumbled shyly, glancing at Stef. Once they were free to go, she crossed the room to her, and handed her an appointment card.

"Hey, honey," said Stef. "Ready to go?'

"Yeah," Callie nodded, following her outside.

Once they were sitting in the privacy of the car, Stef turned to her. "So, how did it go?"

"Okay," she replied, shrugging.

"Your new counselor seems nice. Do you like her?" Stef had gone out of her way to make sure Callie was placed with someone who specialized in treating sexually abused children. She prayed this woman would be a match, and would get through to her daughter.

"She's okay," Callie answered. "She asked a lot about when I was little, things like that." She was silent for a long moment. "How about you? How did you do?"

"Pretty good," Stef told her. "I was nervous, though. I've never really been in that situation. But the whole point of counseling is to get out of your comfort zone and face your problems, right?"

Callie nodded, tilting her chin down. "I remembered something. When I was talking to her."

"Really?" Stef asked. "What was it?"

"It was when I was really little. Jude wasn't even born yet. My dad was giving me a bath, and he- he touched me."

Stef didn't know what to say at first, until she saw tears drop down on Callie's thighs, dotting her jeans. "Sweetheart," she sighed, pulling her into a hug.

"Do you think it was real?" Callie asked. "Maybe I just dreamed it?"

"No. I don't think you dreamed it," Stef told her. "It may have been a long time ago, but I believe it really happened. You wouldn't believe what the memory can repress." She brushed Callie's hair back, and kissed her forehead. "Maybe your counselor will help you remember it better? And you can always come to me if you need to talk. I'm always here to listen to you."

When they got home, Lena was absolutely beaming. "What's going on?" Stef asked. "Did we win the lottery?"

"No," Lena replied. "I just found out today that I'm being promoted from vice-principal to principal."

"Oh, honey, that's amazing!" Stef squealed, hugging her. "I'm so happy for you!"

"I'm taking the whole family out to dinner," Lena announced. "So, go get ready, everyone!"

As the kids scattered to change their clothes or grab their jackets, Stef noticed Callie turning away sadly, and remembered that she was still grounded. "Callie, sweetheart, you've been really good lately. I think we could take a break from your punishment for one night."

Callie shook her head, determined. "No, that's okay. But thanks."

"But I didn't intend for you to get left out of a family celebration, honey." It was breaking her heart to think about leaving Callie behind while everyone else was enjoying themselves.

She shook her head again. "No. I just want to be alone tonight. Besides, I've been... I've been taking advantage of you." She sighed, hugging herself. "Ever since you brought me home, you've been babying me and letting me get away with everything. It was fun at first, getting so much attention, but I feel guilty about it now. I knew you were giving me special treatment I didn't deserve, and I used you. I deserve to be punished."

Stef reached out and squeezed Callie's shoulder. "It took a lot of maturity to admit that, sweetie. And I think I've been using you too. I thought that by spoiling you, I could get you to love me faster. But I can't buy your love, and I'm sorry I tried."

"I do love you, though," Callie told her simply. "I really do."

"I love you too, Callie," Stef told her, hugging her. "Are you sure you don't want to come to dinner with us?"

"No... it's okay. I have a lot of homework."

"Well, okay," she replied regretfully. "We'll see you later, sweetheart. There's leftover pizza in the fridge." She kissed Callie goodbye before leaving.

It was late evening when they finally got home, after eating a big meal followed by dessert. While everyone was getting ready to settle down for the night, Stef clutched a pink bakery box, and brought it upstairs. Callie was laying on her bed, staring at the ceiling. "Hey, honey," Stef whispered, coming into the room.

"Hey," she said, turning her head. "Did you have a good time?"

"We did," Stef nodded. "But we certainly missed you."

"What's that?" Callie asked, pointing to box Stef held.

"I brought you a surprise," she told her, winking "A dessert from the restaurant... red velvet cake."

Callie took the box from her foster mother, opening it carefully, and smiled when she saw the big slice of cake inside. "Thanks, mama"

"You're welcome, sweetheart," Stef replied. "I had a piece, myself, and it's to die for." She sat down on the bed, and wrapped her arms around her little girl. "I love you so much, Cal. And today I saw how very grown up you are. But... would it be okay if I babied you just once in a while?"

"Yeah," Callie nodded. "It's okay with me."