A/N- This chapter kind of squishes things together, but is needed so I can get to something I want to write playing around in my head. I know it's short but I'm trying to update more frequently. Thank you to whoever is still reading/following/reviewing. Please let me know what you think or if there's something you want to see me tackle. Prayers for the world.
With that Stef settled back trying to think of what the girl could be planning. Little did she know that it was too late to stop the plan that was already in motion.
Callie fell asleep next to Stef on the couch partway through the movie, the older woman was right behind her. When Lena and the kids came in the house hours later the chatter woke them up. Stef went to get the mail, Callie entered the kitchen to help Lena start dinner. She wanted to be productive and help out to make up for the stress she feels responsible for bringing in the house.
Stef returned flipping through the mail, adding bills to their stack and throwing away junk mail when she came upon an envelope of interest. The return address was for the county family court, must have to do with Callies upcoming adoption. Opening the envelope she sees they finally have a date, less than a week away. Stef breathes a sigh of relief as she hands the paper to Lena.
Lena reads the court date and releases a small smile, soon everything will be official. Both moms think that that will help Callie's state of mind. Although the anticipation may make things worse this next week, they are fairly confident the girl will finally get adopted this time. They whisper to each other if they should keep it secret until right before to keep some calm, but Callie had been asking if they heard anything from the courts. They also decide that they'll make the announcement at dinner. They also make quick mention that they have to talk with Callie later tonight.
Dinner progressed as usual. Mariana talking up a storm about everything at school. Jude talked about things he was planning with Connor, and how classes were. Brandon threw in tidbits of his day. Callie was quiet, but that was becoming more common each day, but no less worrisome. Once everyone finished their plates the moms shared a look and Lena spoke up.
"So. We have a little announcement to make." Lenas statement receives confused glances from the kids.
"Yes, we were thinking about waiting to tell you all but think you should know." Stef says reaching for her wifes hand.
"Don't worry guys, it's good." Lena affirms to hopefully decrease the tension thats suddenly appeared.
Taking a deep breath the women blurt out together "We have a court date for the adoption!" Silence lingers as everyones eyes wander to Callie. She stares at the table refusing to meet anyones gaze.
"That's good, right?" Jude asks Lena "Then she'll be officially adopted?"
"Yeah, bud. Then she'll be officially adopted." Stef chimed in. Lena gave her wife a glance reminding her they don't make promises they can't keep.
"We're going to do everything we can to make sure Callie is adopted next week and if it doesn't happen then we will try again. But your sister is already adopted in our hearts, this is just a piece of paper."
"A piece of paper that means a lot!" Mariana jumps in before realizing she made the comment out loud.
"Mari!" Stef exclaimed. "Yes it helps provide some security but it's a formality, Callie already is one of us."
Brandon just stared across the table at Callie, too caught up in the emotions of the possible adoption to make any comments. Callie never let her head raise from the table. Finally, she pushed from the table, not looking up.
"May I be dismissed from the table, please?" Callie whispered out as she was already taking small steps back.
"Of course love." Lena stated while having a silent conversation with Stef. Someone had to check on the girl, the other had to handle these kids and clean up. Lena made her way out of the kitchen and swiftly up the stairs. Stef doled out nightly chores and made sure everyone knew to come to them with any questions and let Callie process this on her own.
Jude went to take the trash bag outside as he stopped Stef in the hall. "She, uh, she will get adopted this time, right?" Jude asked quietly.
"We're doing everything we can to make sure of it." Stef said, wrapping Jude in a hug. "How about you bring that garbage out, then once everyone finished their chores, if homework is done we can have a family movie night."
"Yes! I finished my maths right before dinner! Thanks mom!" Jude said heading for the door to finish his chore and helps the others to get to movie time faster. Stef took the opportunity of busy children to head upstairs and check on her wife and oldest daughter.