Lena's POV
Pretty soon the table fills up. Kirsten and Cora have their cereal finished by the time the last person was sits down. They request a glass of juice each politely and sip on it while the other's eat. We all speak about how for some reason no one had plans, with it being a Saturday this was rare. I look at the warm day outside and decide we should have a family day out to the beach. As soon as I suggest it everyone's eyes light up and there is a buzz about the room. Everyone eats quickly and they hurry off to get ready.
That is with the exception of the two youngest girls. They look uncomfortable. Kirsten speaks up and reminds me they don't have swim suits. I sigh and chastise myself.
"How about we stop and get some on the way there?" Stef suggests saving the day, their eyes light up and are both racing up the stairs to get ready.
The house is a hub of activity for the next half hour. There's shouting and bickering in every room except the kitchen. Then a frantic looking Cora runs into the kitchen followed close behind by Kirsten holding a hair brush. I can't help but laugh at the girls as they run around the table; Cora's just about made it back out when Brandon appears in the doorway and picks up the six year old tickling her and teasing her. Kirsten is stood below laughing at her sister. As if the scene is not sweet enough as it is Jesus comes out of nowhere and puts a giggling Kirsten over his shoulder pretending he's lost her. Mariana walks into the kitchen laughing followed by Stef, Callie and Jude who all find the scene hilarious; Kirsten still upside down trying to brush a wriggling Cora's hair.
It's times like these that make everything worthwhile; the lost sleep, the stressful days and the numerous social work visits. These kids are not numbers or files they're just little girl's who've had it tough; they're not sob stories or lost causes. They have a future and something to look forward to; a life beyond the abuse and maltreatment they have suffered. It doesn't take much to make these kids happy. They're grateful for food on the table, tucking them in at night and cuddles when they're scared. I thank God that Stef found them because they needed us and we needed them. They're family.
After everything calms down Mariana convinces Cora to let her fix her hair and she does it in two 'mickey mouse' buns as Cora called them. Kirsten secured her hair in two pigtails and we were ready to go.
We stopped at Target to pick up some bathing suits for the girls; Cora decides on a purple bikini that comes with a rash guard that has rainbow zigzags on it and Kirsten picks the same set but in pink with a paisley pattern. They were so excited and grateful for the bathing suits their little eyes were wide at the selection and were a bit spoiled for choice.
A/N: next chapter the Beach!