2 days later
- Callie's POV:
I've been discharged and Stef is at the hospital, ready to take me back to their house. She kept her word.
On the way home, Stef gives me an overview of the rules:
Stef: "Curfew is 7pm on school night and 9pm on weekends-" I interrupt.
"Wait, what about work? I still need to work full time for my emancipation petition."
Stef: "Callie, are you sure you want to put yourself through that? If you really want to, Lena and I will make an exception to the rules, but after the time off that your doctor recommended for rest. Steve understands that you need a few weeks to heal."
"It's not a matter of wanting, Stef. I need to do this for myself. I need to be out of the system."
Stef: "Ok, Hon. Well, you'll still attend Anchor Beach with the other kids."
"Yeah, okay."
We arrive to the house and Jude greets me at the door. I meet Brandon, Mariana, and Jesus. I settle in and I am sharing a room with Mariana. From the outset, it's clear we are very different, but she welcoming.
- Callie's POV:
Later that night
I wake up in a cold sweat. My breathing is heavy. The nightmares are getting worse – it's like re-living everything all over again. It feels so real.
I walk downstairs to get a glass of water – the clock says 4:30am.
Suddenly someone comes into the kitchen and I jump.
Stef: "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. What are you doing up?"
I'm still drenched in sweat. I'm hoping she doesn't notice. "Just getting some water. Couldn't sleep."
Stef: "Hon, why are you all wet?"
"Uhh, just a bad dream. I'm going to try to get some more sleep before school."
Stef: "Okay. If you ever want to talk, I'm here."
A few hours later, breakfast is a zoo. The family of 6 buzzes around the kitchen in a frenzy and it's overwhelming, as was the competition for the bathroom earlier.
Jude: "Cal, you okay? I know it seems crazy, but you'll get used to it."
"Thanks, Bud."