Following few days were very strange for both families. On one hand, Callie got what she wanted. She lived with her dad and had all the space she and Brandon might need, but didn't have Brandon to share it with in the extent she wanted. He would pick her up every morning and get her home from school every day. They would spend some time together, but he had to be home by nine and it was very difficult for them. It took them few days to get used to sleeping apart again. He held her shirt close to him and she slept holding his pillow close. They counted days until they would be together again.
Stef and Lena gave their best to get their kids to be close to them. Stef was getting out of work earlier and making them have family nights. And all of them felt it's a bit forced. They had no choice. She threatened to take their phones, to get the cable TV out and a lot of other things, so they spent time together. Mandatory two hours after work. Few days after the trail, kids came to Stef and Lena and asked them something that surprised them. Mariana was the one to speak.
''Moms, we have something to ask you…''
Lena nodded at them to encourage them to speak.
''We want to spend the weekend at Callie's house…''
Stef was not all for it...
''What? Why?''
''She asked us there… It will be Jill's and Robert's anniversary and they invited us to come…''
Stef was not for it.
''Why do you want to be there entire weekend?''
''To spend time with her and have fun with her and B in their house…''
''Oh, their house?''
Brandon knew there will be another fight at any second. Jesus was not thinking…
''Yes, it's their house… Brandon said so…''
''This is his house Jesus… Not that place… he lives here, he is doing his laundry here and this is his house not some other place…''
''But mom, he is turning eighteen next week. He'll move out…''
Stef got off the table and left the room…
''I don't want you there… Any of you…''
''Mama, tell her!''
''Mariana, please listen to your mother…''
Brandon couldn't believe what happened.
''Why are you so selfish?''
''What?''
''You see they want to go and from some sort of vanity you don't want them us to go. Do you feel in power when you do that? What? Is the only way to keep us here force? Is this punishment for the trail? Because, let me tell you MOTHER, soon all of your kids will turn eighteen and get the hell from you… And you will stay alone…Because even Lena will be sick of your bull shit one day.''
''GO! Don't let me stop you from having fun with the Quinns…''
And the kids did. That Friday after school, Brandon was waiting for his siblings by the car. He, Callie and Jude went by their car and Jesus, Mariana and Lexy went by Lexy's car. She was very excited to see their new house and all. Lexy and Mariana were big fashionistas and they went crazy when they learned who Callie's step mom was. They were mad about Jill's dresses and they always watched fashion shows with her dresses, imagining one day they will walk down the aisle in one of them. When they got home, Jill was in the basement working on some dresses.
''Hi Jill…''
''Hi Callie…''
Mariana and the rest followed Callie to the basemant. Boys said hi, introduced themselves to Jill and Brandon took them to the pool house to watch TV. Girls stayed with Jill and Mariana and Lexy had so many questions for her. She showed them some of the dresses she worked on and two of them loved them. Lexy tried to get Jill to agree making things that are not for weddings, but like regular clothing.
''Actually, I was thinking about it…''
''Really?''
''Yes, I had some ideas… But I have to turn in seven dresses before I start thinking about not doing wedding things.''
Lexy smiled…
''I can't wait to see ideas you have. Mariana and I love your wedding dresses…''
''Thank you girls…''
''Hm… Maybe we could make an imporptu photo shoot tomorrow?''
''With the dresses?''
''Yes. My friend Michael is coming to make few test shots and he wanted me in dresses. But maybe you all could be in them…''
''Even me?''
Sofia was at the door…
''No, for your bridesmaids dress..''
''Mooom… ''
''Sofia, you are too young for the wedding dress…''
Mariana had to ask Jill about her wedding dress..
''What did your dress look like?''
''I didn't have one… I married Robert in the white suit…''
''What?!''
Lexy and Mariana were shocked…
''How is that possible?''
''You with all the dresses you made…''
''It's a long story…''
''Are you sorry you didn't have the dress?''
''Sometimes…''
Lexy had an idea…''
''You are renewing your wows… You can put one of the dresses on… And have a real dress on your big day…''
''Maybe I could…''
Girls spent entire day looking at dresses. Sofia ordered food for them and they had so much fun doing girly things. Jill let them try the dresses on and Mariana and Lexy took the chance. Callie sat on the chair and looked at girls trying out craziest dresses. Long, short, form fitting, princess dresses…. They did it all. Jill loved how much they had. She missed more girls in the house. She picked ivory laced dress and matching shoes and accessories for their day tomorrow. Mariana and Lexy approved her choice. It was hot and elegant. Dress made her look sexy, but appropriate for her age. At one point Mariana turned towards Callie.
''Why don't you try some of them out?''
''No… It's ok… I am married already…''
''Who cares? You should try it out… You married in your jeans…''
Jill turned towards Callie…
''Mariana has a point… Try it out… What dress would you put on if you had a chance? What is the ideal wedding dress for Callie Quinn Jacobs, now Mrs. Foster?''
Callie got off the chair and started looking. She found one and Jill smiled. She knew Callie would pick something like that. It was very elegant dress. It was ivory satin and base of the dress followed the body. It had short train as the part of the dress and a longer one that could be added. It had nice vail and Jill knew what else would look amazing on Callie… She got Callie into the dress. Got her hair into the bun and put vail and small crown made of diamonds and pearls into her hair.
''You look amazing…''
''Thank you… It feels…''
''I know… ''
''Jill… Until now I never understood why people cared about it… But this is something amazing…''
Mariana was pretty sure she would cry. Callie really looked amazing in the dress.
''Keep the dress Callie. Maybe at some point you decide to have religious ceremony…I could see Robert walking you down the aisle.''
Callie blushed… She never believed it would happen to her… She never imagined being walked down the aisle by her FATHER. After the accident and Donald getting into prison, there was no father option for anything for her and Jude. And now, she had a father… She didn't notice few tears sliding down her cheek.
''I would love that… I would love to have my father walk me down the aisle… Brandon always felt bad we never had a real wedding. But I don't need that. I have him. No dress or reception would change how I feel for him. In my eyes, we had a perfect wedding. In the end, I am his wife and that's all that matters to me.''
''I feel the same, but some day, your kids are going to ask about the wedding pictures and they wouldn't be happy to see just few pictures… ''
Lexy got her phone…
''You have three pictures. One is selfie, where nothing but your faces is seen; other is two of you with your marriage certificate in converse and jeans and third is the picture of your hands with just wedding bands on them. Not something to show to the future daughter would love to see mama in the big dress and all…''
''But…''
''Do it Callie again! You already are married. No one can take it from you… Just do it for Jude and now Quinns. Robert would love to walk you down the aisle, and I am guessing that Mariana and Jesus would die to see Brandon sweat at the end of the isle imagining how amazing you would look.''
''My poor Brandon. Don't torture my husband…''
''Two of you are hopeless…''
''I know…''
When the time for dinner came, Robert came to get them. He and the boys made barbeque and Jude made salad with Brandon.
''Girls, dinner is served…''
Jill kissed her husband…
''Isn't he a keeper?!''
Callie and Sofia smiled…
They were very happy to be part of the party and all that was going on. Two of them will renew their wows and that would be like second wedding for them and the first time Sofia has a chance to see them as bride and groom.
''Mom, does that mean that dad is not sleeping with you?''
''No, he is… He will just spend the morning with Brandon and the boys in your house Callie…''
''Oh, nice. Brandon will be glad to be with him.''
Dinner was fun. There was a lot of conversations going on and it was very loud, but relaxed. Mariana and Sofia bonded over some clothes, Lexy and Jill talked about her designer beginnings and Lexy asked her where to apply for design school. Jill gave her few ideas and asked her to intern with her during part of the summer. Jesus and Robert talked about sports and Jude and Brandon talked about assignment Jude got. After diner, boys cleaned up the table and girls went to the living room to pick a movie. They watched some girly movie, and made fun of the story line and actors. Around midnight they went to bed. All, but Brandon and Callie slept in the main house. Two of them got into their house and locked the door.
''Why did you lock the door Brandon?''
''Because I want to keep them away from us for some time.''
''You are crazy…''
''About you…''
He picked her up and carried her into their bedroom. He placed her on the bed and smiled at her.
''Soon we will come back to what we had before. Two of us together… Waking up and going to sleep.''
''I can't wait…''
''Be patient love… Soon…''
Making love to Callie was one of his favorite things in the world. He loved how she felt like his home and how being in her arms made him feel special. She looked at him like he was the only man on in the world and he grew to love that. They cuddled up in bed and fell asleep pretty fast. Next morning they woke up early, he made them breakfast and brought it to her. She was in bed waiting for her husband's treats and she loved how he spoiled her on Saturdays. It was their day for complete joy and laid back time. They would spend entire day just doing nothing and being together. Even in the Foster's home. Silence in the yard was very short term event. Workers came to get the yard into desired condition. They made small stage, brought tables and chairs and there was a lot of noise.
''There goes our Saturday…''
''Baby, it's the wedding…''
He kissed her and smiled at her.
''Callie…''
''Yes?''
''Do you regret having the wedding we had?''
''No! I would never regret marrying you…''
''I didn't ask that… I meant the wedding… Just us and no one else and the way we were dressed…''
''Hm.. Are you working with Lexy and Mariana?''
''What?''
''Nothing. They want us to do it again with a big dress and all the rest…''
''Would you?''
''Would you?''
''I would marry you any time again and again… All the time…''
''Me too…''
Brandon kissed her again and held her on his chest… He played with her hair imagining how amazing she would look walking down the aisle and all of their friends and family being there to see them get married this time. It gave him a warm feeling in his stomach. He would finally have a chance to give her a real wedding someday. He will start saving money for this. He will give her the wedding of a queen she deserves.
''Soooo…. We will do it at some point?''
She smiled at him….
''Yes, we will…''
Around noon Robert was at their door with his suit.
''She kicked me out. Jesus and Jude are on their way. It's your turn Callie to join the girls.''
''Ok. See you later… ''
''She kissed Brandon and after that she kissed her father's cheek. That was the first time she did something like that. She didn't think about it, she just did it… Brandon smiled proudly at her and she and Robert were very shocked by what she did. Callie left the house and Robert smiled and touched the place she kissed him. He looked at Brandon and he nodded. He confirmed that Callie actually did that. In the house, girls were going crazy with hair, dresses and makeup. Jill's friend came and did their hair and makeup and the other friend got them shoes. Jill picked dresses for the girls and they were all in baby pink but Callie. She had very nice golden dress and there was one more surprise for her. In Jill's closet was the wedding dress she tried last night.
''Robert and I were talking last night… Would you do us the honor of renewing your wows with us?''
''We… We got married at the court house… So, we did our wows…alone…later…''
''Ok…Would you do us the honor of getting married again?''
''I…I…''
''Mike will be there and his wife Ana also…''
Mariana jumped…
''Wife?''
''Yes, he got married to her few days ago… He just told Robert…''
''And she didn't tell me and Jesus?''
Lexy lowered the gaze…
''What?''
''Jesus and I were at the wedding…''
''What?''
''Ana invited us… Jesus asked about you and she said no. You said you don't want anything with her so he did what you asked of him…''
''She…''
''You said you want her out of your life because she ruined it… Don't do this now Mariana…''
''My mother said no!''
''Mother you said no to first… Remember that…''
''So, they are not giving the baby to Stef and Lena?''
''No, Mike and her are keeping the baby. It's a girl and they will name her Isabela.''
''Nice…''
''Jesus picked the name…''
''I must use the restroom…''
Jill felt bad for Mariana. She got of the bed and went to find her. Mariana was crying in the bathroom. Jill got in and sat on the floor.
''I am ok… I will be…''
''I know… You are a strong one Mariana…''
''You think I am?''
''I know you are…''
''Can I invite someone too?''
''Sure… Is that your date?''
''Yes… And…. If Callie and Brandon do this too… I am guessing she will want to be here…''
''Oh, I guess that it would be ok…''
''You had no reaction to me saying I am dating a girl?''
''My sister was gay?''
''Was?''
''She died few years ago. She came out to me in high school. She didn't have it easy. Our parents disowned her and kicked her out when she turned eighteen, but she made it. She didn't sit and pitty herself. She went to school, made money met a girl, built a life with her and…. Lived her life as she believed she should. ''
''You were ok with her being gay?''
''She was my sister… I loved her a lot… And I saw she really loved girls she was with. They had good and loving relationships and I was happy for her.''
''And what about the girls? Were you ok with them?''
''I met some of them…. And I still have good relationship with her partner of ten years. Veronica is in charge of my legal things. And I loved my sister very much and I love Veronica. She is amazing woman who is dealing with a lot of my crap…''
''What happened to your sister? How did she die?''
''She… She died few years ago of breast cancer… It was very fast. She got her diagnosis and died in less than a month…''
''I am sorry…''
''Thank you Mariana…''
Jill smiled at her…
''We didn't have chance to live the life we wanted. No one knows what tomorrow brings. Don't miss out life because you are afraid. Live each day like it's your last…''
She got off the floor.
''Now, I must go and get ready to marry again the men I love very much… And deal with Veronica who is pretty pissed off because things are not on the schedule.''
''She is here?''
''She is my maid of honor…''
''Oh…''
''Yes, so let's go back…''
Mariana called Carmen and she said she would be there. She waited for her at the gate and got her into the house. Carmen had nothing to wear, but there was Jill… She always had something.
''Wow… Mariana, I must say I absolutely approve of the choice of your lady. Edgy, hot and nice complementing Latina…''
Carmen was confused.
''You know we are dating?''
''Yes, Mariana told me…''
''She did?''
''Yes…''
''Oh… I…''
''Don't worry… It's fine…. We are all here normal people who are not into labels… Love is love… I learned that from my lesbian sister…''
''You are gay?''
Veronica laughed…
''No, my partner, her sister was…''
They faced the door and saw hot Asian woman standing there. She was in red dress and her long black hair was nicely done.
''My name is Veronica Chang and I was dating her sister for over ten years…''
''Wow!''
Mariana smiled at Jill and Veronica…
''I would love me some girl talk, but we have big job today… Maybe someday over drinks…or sodas for the younger than 21 we can talk about things, but today… We have agenda… Let's go girls…''
Carmen looked at all of them dressed perfectly and felt ashamed of her clothes…
''I look like a maid...''
''It's ok honey… Jill, maybe you could test your collection on this one?''
Jill smiled and nodded…
''Let's do it…''
''What are you doing to me?''
''Nothing you will not like…''
Thirty minutes later, Carmen came back to the bedroom dressed in sexy black suit with untied bowtie and her hair in a very tight pony. She had high heels and they all were very surprised how hot she was.
''Wow! Baby, you look hot...''
Even Lexy and Callie agreed…
''Dam girl… I was not with Jesus….''
''Lexy, that's my girl…''
''Ok, Mariana…''
Robert's parent came upstairs to say hi to them. They were very happy to see Callie again and they were glad to talk to the kids outside of the court, when they saw them last time.
''You look beautiful Jill…''
''Girls got me to put on a dress and be very bridal…''
''That's nice… I am glad…''
It was time to go to the garden for the ceremony. It was very nice and in a many ways romantic. Jill and Robert looked very happy and Sofia was proud of her parents. Their wows were very real and not sappy, but all of the guests were with very wet eyes. When the ceremony ended, girls dragged Callie away from the garden and locked her in the pool house.
''What are you doing?''
''You are changing your dress...''
''What?''
''Go to the bedroom…''
On the bed was wedding dress from yesterday…
''Are you crazy?''
''No, Robert spoke to father Johns and he is honored to do it… Since you are not married in church…''
''But… Brandon…''
''He is ok with it…''
''He knows?''
''He does now…''
''Oh, this is ambush…''
''But you said you would do it…''
''You are all crazy…''
''Maybe…''
Callie, got dressed and she got to the mirror. She couldn't believe how she looked. It was not her. It was a beautiful young woman in a very expensive dress. There was knocking at the door. It was Robert. She heard him talking to Jill.
''I am so nervous… My daughter is getting married…''
''She is married love…''
''But I get to see it and walk her down the aisle…''
''She is in the room…''
Robert got in and stood at the door looking at her with his eyes full of tears…
''You look just like your mother…''
''Thank you…''
''God, how beautiful you are…''
Sofia came and interrupted their moment.
''I need the ring..''
''Ring?''
She took Callie's hand and removed her wedding ring.
''Oh, the ring… I…''
''It's ok… You are nervous…''
''I am… and I am not…''
''It's… It's just Brandon….''
Robert kissed her forehead…
''Are you ready to marry him again…this time in front of two hundred people?''
''Yes… I am ready to marry him again…''
''Let's go love…''
Robert and Callie walked out of the house and she felt strange peace. She was getting married to Brandon again… Nothing could go wrong… He already is her husband… He already married her and proved to be an amazing partner and support. This day was just a conformation of that love, devotion and commitment they did share... She saw Brandon standing at the end of the aisle and he was smiling at her. They both had few tears in their eyes, but it was expected. Every step she took towards him was a sure step and there was no doubt about anything related to him or them. He was her love, lover, friend and family… She didn't see anyone else, but him standing there waiting for her. When they reached the end of the aisle, Robert gave her hand to Bradnon.
''Keep taking care of my girl…''
''I will… I promise…''
She squeezed his hand and smiled at him. He mouther that he loved her and she did the same. When the time for the wows came, they spoke from the heart without any papers… He took a ring and placed it back to her finger.
''Callie, when we did this the first time I made so many promises to you and I still want to keep them. But, this time I want to add something too. In these past few months you were my best friend and my rock. You really stood by me at times when many, older than us, would give up. I want to thank you for never mentioning the money, for going to bed hungry so I could eat some more, for doing our homework when I was so tired, for not leaving me million times when my mom made us problems, for surviving the surgery, for being my pride and joy, for bringing so much happiness in my life. And above all….for loving me so much… I want to grow old and gray with you and family we will create… I love you each day more and more…''
It was now Callie's turn. She took his ring and placed it on his finger.
''Brandon, than you for never giving up on me and not trying to fix me, but give me time to heal. You saved me… You saved me from L…my past, from my fears and from myself in so many occasions you were my rock. You are my lover, my best friend and all I need to be complete. You gave me so much love and so much support that I have no idea how to repay you. I can't promise perfect life together, because then I would be lying to you. I can promise to be your partner and support. I can promise to give my best to help us live day by day and make each other happy and proud of the promises we make here. I told you so many times before. You are the love of my life and I will follow you wherever you need me to go. I know that in the eyes of many people we are just kids, but I also know we lived so much more than some adults did. I know I did. And I am proud to say that in the last few months I lived amazing life with you Brandon. I am so proud to be your wife and so happy to be with you… I will love you and be your partner, person to grow with and all you need me to be… I promise to respect your wishes and help you follow your dreams.''
Father Jonson finished the ceremony and Brandon could finally kiss his wife. All of the friends and family took pictures of the kiss and newlyweds. Party was amazing. All of them had so much fun and Callie got to dance with Robert, Jude, Brandon, her grandfather and Carmen. Carmen was silent.
''What is it?''
''I never imagined being at a place like this…''
''Me either… I never imagined having all I have now. I am so blessed with having Robert, Brandon and the rest of the people in my life. Around nine in the evening, cake was brought out. Robert and Jill let Brandon and Callie cut it. They cut the cake, fed each other and sheared glass of champagne. Robert gave beautiful speech about how proud he was of Callie and took a picture with his wife and daughters. After that he took picture of his entire family, including the Fosters and their partners. It was a nice picture. Brandon and Callie had a lot of pictures alone and with friends. B and Lexy took a crazy picture with funny hats and Callie and Carmen took picture with mustaches. That night Jesus also did something none of them expected. He changed his mind about Mariana and Carmen. He watched them dance and look at each other. He realized that girl really cared about his sister and he was glad she had that sort of love and support. He even told them he is cool with them dating. Lexy was happy he changed his mind. After guests left, Brandon and Callie retired to their house. B carried her over the trash hold and carried her to the bedroom. He came back to lock the door and Callie waited for him sitting on the bed. She was removing her veil and crown she had.
''God, how beautiful you are…''
''Brandon…''
''I am serious… You are out of this world…''
''It's just the dress and the makeup…''
''No, it's you…''
Sunday morning came too soon. Callie and Brandon woke up tangled with each other and smiling at the memoires of the previous day and night.
''Good morning love…''
''Good morning B…''
She kissed him and cuddled up to him.
''When do you have to leave?''
''Soon… They are waiting for us for lunch…''
''I will miss you…''
''I will miss you too…''
After having breakfast with the Quinns and exchanging pictures of the previous day, Fosters and Lexy left the Quinn's house. Brandon was not really into going home. He wanted to be with his wife… But there will be plenty of time for that… When they got home, Stef was at work and Lena was arguing with someone over skype. She gave them money to order pizza and pretty much all of them ate at their rooms. Brandon and Callie skyped and exchanged impressions of the previous day.
''Is it weird that I feel different? Like it all made it more real?''
''I feel the same…''
They smiled into camera…
''I miss you B… This place is so silent and empty without you…''
''I'll be there…Soon… I promise that soon we will not be in this situation. You will go to bed and wake up with me.''
''I can't wait…''
''Me too..''
Brandon saw Stef at his door.
''I must go… Love you…''
''Love you too…''
Stef entered his room.
''How was it?''
''Nice, fun…''
''Were there many people?''
''Yes, a lot of them… But it was amazing…''
''O.K. Nice to know…''
And with that she left the room.
Lena's life turned into hell when the new principal came. That woman had energy for ten people and wanted from Lena to present her with plan how to cut losses at school and organize extracurricular activities. She spent entire weekend working on ideas and reading what some other teachers sent to her. One of the music teachers suggested a music festival. He knew there were few amazing bands and few ones who needed to be seen at school and it could promote them and the school at the same time. Lena agreed with him and new principal agreed. Now it was her job to find sponsors, chaperones and all they needed. On Monday, she and the music teacher posted on the website about the festival and how to apply. By the end of the day, they had seven bands to play. Festival would take place on a weekend and it would be two day festival. Students, parents and teachers would bring food, drinks and make it real festive. Art teacher suggested they exhibit some of the best work they got from the students this year and some of the last years that would be nice to show again. Art teacher came to Lena's office with a poster in his hands.
''Mr. Jonson, how can I help you?''
''I got something for you to see…''
''Ok…''
''Ms. Dalton wants to put this Brandon's work into the exhibition…''
''Ok?''
''I just came to warn you. This might not look good for you Ms. Adams…''
''Why?''
''Topic was ''my family''…And I fear Brandon responded to it in a manner that is not good for you...''
''Ok?''
He turned the poster towards Lena, and there was big picture of Callie lying on her stomach on the bed, that was not familiar to her, reading a book. It was a beautiful picture and Brandon really captured who she was simple, mysterious, sexy and captivating. She was in his plaid shirt. Her hair was in a very messy bun and she played with some curls that ended out of the bun. She was small on the bed, but again she looked powerful.
''She is beautiful and there is nothing wrong with the picture. She is not naked and all the compromising parts are covered…''
He showed her the next picture. It was from the wedding. Quinns and Jesus and Mariana with her and Brandon. Caption said ''my family''.
''It's picture of Callie and him at what it looks like a wedding…''
Lena opened her mouth to say something, but she couldn't. She was in shock… How did this happen? How is possible that he didn't want them there?!
''Yes, your son doesn't have you on the picture of the family. How will people here react? His family is very… suggestively dressed girl…''
''He is married to… So, she, in fact is his family…''
''Ms. Adams…. In his work, since the beginning of the year…there is no single thing about you and your wife. He has some Jesus, Jude and Mariana, his father, Quinn's…but none of your pictures.''
''What is the point?''
''It doesn't look good for you and your wife to be left out of these things. People at school are already talking. This school has very thin walls… Just a warning Lena… You know I love you and your wife. See with your kids what is going on…''
He left pictures on Lena's desk and she kept looking at them. There were pictures of two of them by the pool, pictures of them eating with Quinns. Picture of her with Jude, pictures of Mariana, Callie and Jill. Picture of Mariana, Jesus and Ana. Callie with Sofia getting ready for the wedding. She felt so angry and left out. She went to the meeting and there she had few very bad situations to handle, so when she was leaving home, she was already very angry. She put Brandon's photographs in big bag and went home. She found her kids in the kitchen with Callie making dinner. Steff was working late and she said she might be home by ten. She figured that's why kids took a chance to eat all together. They didn't notice her right away. Mariana and Jude were setting the table, Jesus and Lexy were getting the drinks and Callie and Brandon were cooking and kissing most of the time.
''Come on! You had entire afternoon for that. We let you be since we came back from school… Behave at least around our food…''
They laughed…
''Ok, we will try Mariana…''
''We know Callie that will not last very long…''
''Oh, shut up…''
They all laughed at that. They knew it was a white lie. Two of them couldn't keep their hands off each other…They had to touch, kiss or something else. Brandon placed the bowl with spaghetti on the table and Callie got from the fridge what they might need with it…
''Baby, want some parmesan cheese?''
''Sure, bring it to the table… What else did you get love?''
''Nothing… ''
''Then come and eat with us…''
She sat beside him and he took her hand under the table. Mariana noticed that they only used one hand eating.
''I so hope nothing dirty is going on under the table.''
They lifted their joined hands on the table and she shook her head.
''You are disturbingly cute… and I am sick to my stomach…''
Jesus decided to tease them.
''So, how is a married life…again?''
''It's amazing, thank you… This time it felt more real… More…''
Lexy offered a word she had on her mind…
''Perfect?''
''Yes, it's perfect… I got to marry the woman I love again in fort all of you…and I feel so amazing. I am so in love with her…''
Jude had to ask….
''Are you sorry moms were not there?''
Lena took a deep breath waiting for this answer. She was very scared of hearing what Brandon had to say. She noticed how Callie was looking at him. She was also worried about him and what will he say.
''I am not sure…''
''Why? They are your moms? They were in your life the longest? You are Stef's biological child…''
''I haven't felt like their child in a long time. It's like they forgot what matters to all of us…''
''What is that?''
''Family… I can't be family to someone who doesn't want to be mine. I love your sister Jude and I demand that she is respected and treated well. And moms didn't do that…''
Jude was confused. He didn't get what Brandon was talking about.
''I don't get it…''
''Ok… Let's say you have someone you love very much… You are in love and that person is in trouble. Moms promise that person that all will be ok and they will protect them and when that person needs them the most, they let them down… That's what they did to Callie…''
''B, let it go…. Please…. I am ok… We made it… I am with you… In all the ways I can be… I am your wife Brandon… I am yours in front of the law, people and now even God who matters to some people… I am all in…all yours… You must learn to forgive them…''
''Can you?''
''I will…in time… and they will forgive me…in time…''
''Forgive you what Callie?''
''Falling for you….''
''You have nothing to be forgiven for! You woke up so many things Callie. You made me push myself harder. You were my rock for so long… And without you I would be still, as Jesus said, mama's boy with no guts…''
She kissed him and told him she loves him…
''O.K. Some of us are eating…''
''Sorry Mariana… No PDA, if it's not you…''
''Hey, it's not true… We behave…''
'' Oh, we remember…''
''It was the suit…''
''Aham…''
They continued laughing and having fun not noticing Lena at the door… What she saw, made her sad, made her angry and made her disappointed… She got upstairs and jumped into shower. Steff came later and made no comment about the kids…
''Hey Lina…''
''Hey, Stef…''
Stef removed her uniform and looked at her wife…
''Something is going on?''
''What?''
''You have that face…''
''What face?''
''Angry-sad…''
''Kids…''
''Where is B?''
''He was down when I came…''
''His car is gone…''
''He might than taken Callie home…''
''Callie?''
''Yes, kids made dinner here… She was there and they had time of their lives…''
''That explains amazing food in the fridge… That girl can cook…''
''She can…''
''Do you mind they all hang out here when we are not here and just before we get home, they all are in their rooms and Callie leaves?''
''We tried forcing them to sit with us…''
''Our kids are not happy…''
''Why do you say it?''
''Mariana is dating someone and Brandon married Callie, AGAIN without us…''
''WHAT?''
Lena put the bag on the bed and took out the photos. When she saw all of them together, she felt very jelous and angry…
''They did it behind our back? Marriage is not valid without parent's consent.''
''Maybe Mike gave it. He and Ana were there…''
''Ana?''
''Yes, Ana…''
Lena pointed her at one picture with Jesus and Mariana. Stef got of the bed and went to the hallway…
''Family meeting in ten minutes in the living room.''
She got back to the bedroom and packed photos into the bag. She called Robert and asked him to come with Callie.
''What are you doing?''
''Facing our kids… Facing him…They crossed all the limits with this.''
''Stef…. You might regret this again…''
Robert and Callie came and there was tension in the air. The rest of the family was waiting for them so that this meeting could start. Mariana was nervous and had no idea what was that all about. Stef was suddenly angry after leaving the bedroom. She and Jesus had a theory that their moms could be getting a divorce. After Callie got to chair where Brandon was, he took her into his lap and waited for Stef to tell them what is going on.
''It was brought to my attention that congratulations are in order… So, you two got married…again?''
''Yes, we had religious ceremony…''
''Just like that? All of the sudden?''
''No, Jill and Robert suggested and we had it in mind…''
''And who gave you allowed you to get them married?''
Brandon offered answers to his mom.
''Callie is under Robert's custody and dad signed for me…''
''Mike? What did he do there?''
''We invited them. Jill and Ana had so much fun talking and we believed it would be nice for Mike and his wife to come.''
''Wife?''
''Yes, I believe she is mother of Jesus and Mariana…''
''Mike is married to Ana?''
''Yes, and they are raising the baby together?''
''What? How is that possible? They are in program… they are not allowed….''
''I have no idea about the details. They never mentioned anything like that… But they were very excited about the baby.''
Lena was confused…
''The baby Mariana asked us to take care of?''
Stef confirmed her wife's doubts.
''Yes, that baby…''
''How is it possible?''
Brandon looked at them a bit confused. Were they thinking about taking the child from them?
''They choose to do it… What's the problem?''
''They are addicts…''
''And they will keep one another out of trouble for their baby…''
''That is not his child?''
''It is… If he wants to be that baby's father, than it is his child… If he will be the one taking care of it, than he is the parent…''
''You don't get it! It will not be the good environment for the baby… I wonder what Jules has to say?!''
''You will call his sponsor?!''
''Yes, he must know…''
''That is low, even for you…''
''I am thinking about that child Brandon!''
''If you were thinking about the baby, you would have them left alone. It's their child…''
''It's hers child…And who knows who is the father!''
''Mike is… They choose to be parents…It's his baby…''
''Brandon, that baby…You know Ana… Who is she? She thinks she can just come and have it like that. Who knows what she did to get Mike to do it… That baby is nothing his… She has no right to use our family like that…''
Lena noticed how Jesus and Mariana were looking at one another. She noticed level of hurt inside of them.
''That baby is nothing to our family… That woman is nothing to our family and Mike brings her into this…''
''She is our mom…''
Jesus looked at them… Stef and Lena looked at him with their mouth hanging opened. He didn't say ''mother'', ''parent'', he called her ''mom'' and that was her and Lena's name. They never called her like that. She was just Ana, until now…
''Oh, ''mom''. How interesting… Where was she when you were kids?''
''Stef…''
Lena tried to calm her, but it was impossible.
''Where was she when you were sick? When you cried at night? Do you know where she was? She was doing drugs and being on the streets selling her body to men for money to get drugs .That is your ''mom'', a kid selling her body… She never cared of you. If she did, she would have been a good mother. But she preferred drugs to you. And who knows what will happen to that girl with two of them as parents.''
Jesus got of the chair very angry and went to his room. They heard door slamming and there was silence. None of them believed what happened. Mariana had eyes full of tears. She got off the floor and went to her room. Jude looked at Callie and Brandon. They were silent and stunned, so was Robert. Lena sat on the chair with her head in the hands. She still couldn't believe what she heard her wife say. Robert felt this tension and wanted to end it.
''Callie, let's go love…''
''Ok…''
She kissed Brandon and turned towards Stef and Lena.
''Good night…''
''Good night…''
When Callie left, B looked at his mother.
''I am so ashamed of what you said about Ana and dad…''
And with that, he left…