Author note: This story is very dear to me. A friend and I thought of this idea and it had to be done.

In this story Booth had a normal childhood. His parents are in love and his father never drank. He did however have a gambling problem, which makes Booth cautious when it comes to gambling. This is an AU, so the character will be a little different but I want to incorporate some of the more milestone parts, like the christmas kiss, "dont call me bones", etc.

I wanted to capture as to why Brennan is the why she is and why she became that way, in my own way. Hopefully you guys will like this fic as much as I do.

I don't own Bones, Hart does..

Once, when we were younger

Chapter one

Save me, I can't live without you

Brennan's POV

I, Temperance Brennan, have been in the system for 2 years, 3 weeks and 1 day, and give or take a few hours. I am sick and tired of being pulled around the different households and being beaten up by drunken foster fathers with wifes too scared to say anything. Why can't I just get lucky for once..? I thought every night when they left my room. My arms were always covered in bruises, which made me always want to wear a long sleeved shirt with a graphic T over it. My two jeans that I was alternating between were about to break on the inside of my knees. I don't have a lot of body weight because the families that I had had the misfortune to get to stay at never gave me much food to eat. I always did my chores directly but they somehow always forgot to feed me.

An early August morning Steve once again entered my room by slamming my door wide open. "Aye fostershit" Luckily I was done changing. Didn't want last weeks incident to happen again.. "what have I told you about the fucking breakfast? It's 10.05. It should have already been in my fucking stomach by now. Have you not learned anything?" He raised his fist and it came to hard contact with my right cheek. "Huh? Do I have to spell it out for you?" By now I was numb to the yelling and punching. There is only so much a person can take before being completely out of touch with her feelings. The people at school call me cold bitch. I didn't really care, I only had to graduate and get out of the system.

I was saved by the bell, literally. The door was going off impatiently as Steve quickly drew back from me and pointed at my face. "You! You stay here, if you so much as make a sound, you're sleeping in the basement. Got it?" I quickly nodded and backed away from him to not let him get in another punch. As he left the room he slammed the door shut and made sure I wouldn't follow him. I put my ear to the door to listen. It didn't work as I had planned, I didn't have a glas so I couldn't listen properly. Minutes went on and silence had fallen over the hallway. I suddenly heard footsteps coming toward my door and I threw myself back towards the tiny bed that I had been given.

"Shit head, your lucky day is here" he said as he barged into my bedroom. "They wanna relocate you apparently" he threw my bag towards me. "Pack your bag, you're leaving in ten" wait, leaving? I could be placed somewhere worse?

"Wait, did I do something wrong? Please I've been good. I'm sorry I didn't cook breakfast in time. I'll do better.." I pleaded as he forced me to pack my few belongings in my bag. I opened up the drawer where my clothes were and I pushed them down into the bag. On the nightstand I had put my notebook, I grabbed it and put it in the bag as well. I sighed and looked into it. One last thing. I reached under my pillow and pulled out my most valuable possession. A koala plushie my parents had given to me on my 7th birthday, I put my hand in the tiny pocket that the koala had on its stomach. My fingers graced the tiny dark blue dolphin that I hid in there. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I wished for a better family, a bed and green grass that I can lay in and read books. I wished for nights filled with slumber and days filled with laughter. Lastly I wished for a foster mother who would comb my hair and hug me when I'm scared.

I opened my eyes to find Steve standing there with his arms folded over his chest. "Are you done fingering the bear?" He said as he started to tap his foot. "Come on we don't have all day" He glared at me as he walked out of the room. "Hey lady am I getting the money for this month anyway?" His voice echoed in the hallway when he walked towards the social services lady.

"Mr. Johnson, we are taking away Temperance because we got a call from the neighbour about disturbance and they saw you raise your hand towards her last night. They have called us over 12 times the last month" I had now reached them and was standing beside the lady. "We have found another family for her. Due to the knowledge of abuse you will be taken off of the foster parent list and will not receive another payment." She put a hand on my shoulder. "Shall we go Temperance? Do you have everything?" I flinched slightly as she put her hand there but I nodded slowly and turned towards the door and walked out.

"My name is Alice Julian" She called after me as I hurried to her car. "You know.." I dragged my shoe on the gravel as I waited on her to approach me. My heart was pounding fast in my chest. At least they pulled me from this family when the neighbours called, it only took them 12 calls. I kept my eyes on the ground to not let her see me worry about what was to come. It was always worse. I wished every time for something better, even if it never happened.

I saw two high heels step in front of me. "This won't happen again. Not on my watch." Her voice was firm and determined. "I was just assigned your case and I will do everything in my power to make sure you have a safe home." I flinched as she reached out her hand to me. "Now, we haven't formally said hello" I watched as her hand was left hanging in the air. She didn't budge. "Come on cherie, it won't hurt to shake my hand. I don't bite. We have a long trip in front of us, so let's get to know each other." I hesitated before reaching out and shaking her hand.

"Temperance Brennan" I said softly. She probably knew my name but she said that it was supposed to be a formal hello. She chuckled softly and walked over to the drivers side.

"Perfect, let's get some snacks and hit the road." We jumped into the car and drove to the nearest store to buy drinks and snacks. Even though I had earned my own money and wanted to pay she wouldn't let me. "Temp, I can call you that right?" I nodded as I blushed. "Temp, I'm paying, save your money for cute skirts to impress cute boys okay?" She winked and put the cash on the counter.

When we got to the car she pulled out an ice pack and a little towel, she handed them to me. "Here, for your cheek. It looks like it's gonna hurt.." I thank her and put the ice pack in the towel and gently out them against my cheek. No one had ever cared enough to help me. I had to go through it all on my own. "Better?" she asked as she heard me sigh of relief. I nodded. "Good. Let's hit the road." The engine started and we drove out of the parking lot.

On the road the music was blasting low on the radio. I had taken off my shoes and folded my legs underneath me. My head bobbed to the low music as the wind flew in my hair. "So, Temp." Alice pulled me out of my thoughts. "How do you want the family to be like?" I opened my mouth to answer her but I couldn't. I closed it again and turned my head to watch the road pass in front of us.

"I want them to be nice.." I whispered. My eyes fell to my laps and I started to pick at my nails. "I want them.. I want them to let me shower with the door closed and let me read my book in the sun." I paused and let my mind take over. "I want them to eat breakfast with me.. And dinner. I want the foster mother to laugh with me and comb my hair. I want to be able to tell her my secrets and gossip about boys. I want the father to protect me from the evil in this world, not show me it. I want him to call me princess and give me a curfew." Alice chuckled and glanced towards me.

"No way, you want a curfew?" Her voice was filled with shock.

"Yes, I do.. It means they care about me.." I let my eyes fall back on her. "I want them to let me bake cookies. I haven't baked in so long, Alice. At least two years, that's too long." She just chuckled.

"What did you bake? Chocolate chip?" I nodded quickly "Butter cookies?" I kept on nodding.

"Everything Alice, if it had sugar I baked it." We both laughed. "I want to have my own room, where I can close the room and dance to Cindy Lauper." I shook my shoulder and waved my hands in an attempt at dancing whilst seated. She laughed and shook her head.

"I know you're getting two foster brothers. Have any wishes about them?" She glanced at me and nudged my shoulder "The brothers friends, huh? You want them to be cute?"

"ALICE" I gasped and my face turned red. "I want them to be nice to me and maybe play some board games, if they have any. Maybe we could read together in the yard, stay up late" I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face. "And yeah.. Maybe some cute friends, that wouldn't hurt." Alice chuckled at this and grabbed the candy bag from in between us. Digging out what she wanted and gave it to me.

"What year are you in Temp? You're 15 right? So that's what? Grade 10?" She put the candy in her mouth and brushed off her hand on her shirt before putting her hand back on the wheel.

"Uhm, no.. I'm a senior this year. I skipped a couple of grades" I started picking at my fingers again as I watched the trees pass the car. I was going to be a senior. I'm going to have to work really hard this year to be able to get that scholarship.

"Hold on, A senior? You're a super kid aren't you? Magic brain right?" I chuckled and nodded.

We talked about everything on the car ride to philadelphia, she has a sister named Caroline. She is a lawyer in DC, Alice wants to move there with her because she doesn't know a lot of people in Pittsburgh. She knew the old lady in the bookstore just because she goes there every saturday. They usually chatted for hours and watched customers come and go.

I told Alice how I got into the system and that I was planning on becoming an investigator to solve their disappearance. That's why I wanted a scholarship, because then I could get into a college and start working on their case earlier.

"Alice?" I suddenly said after the silence had filled the car for a while. She perked up, glanced at me and hummed in response. "What do I do.. What do I do if they hit me?" I almost whispered, barely getting the words out. "Where do I go then? I mean.." I paused. "I think I will be able to handle it.." at this Alice suddenly swerved the car to the side of the road and turned off the car.

"Listen here, Cherie" she turned to me and leaned in closer. "If I don't get a good vibe from them, we are turning around and never coming back, okay? I will not let you become a punching bag again." she carefully put her hand on my shoulder. "Okay, I will give you my number and if you don't feel comfortable in that house you will call me and you will ask if I sell sugar cookies and I will be there in a heartbeat, okay?" I nodded slightly and felt tears build up in my eyes. "I read your file you know.. You've been to 7 houses, all of them abused you right?" she paused, she knew the answer. "That will NOT happen again, got it?" she was silent until she saw me nod. "Good. Come on let's get back on the road, we only have an hour left." She turned the key and the car started. I cranked up the music and wiped away my tears. I will not become a punching bag.

As we passed the Philadelphia sign I felt knots starting to form in my stomach. "We're almost there, Cherie" she smiled and drummed on the steering wheel. "Excited? Nervous?" I nodded

"Both," I said quietly. "Are you driving back directly?" I added as I turned my head to look at her. I don't really understand why she is being nice to me, all of the other social workers barely gave two fucks about me. Now Alice shows up and she won't let me stay in a house that she doesn't get a good feeling about. It felt nice.

She shook her head. "Hell no, I booked a hotel close by, I am NOT driving 5 hours back today. No way" She laughed. "I will be staying in a small hotel by some lake with breakfast in the morning, then I'll head back. And if you should feel uncomfortable during the evening then I will come and pick you up and figure something out with my boss." I nodded and glanced back at the road. "We should be there in about 15 minutes."

Alice slowed down the car and turned off the engine. We sat there in silence for a few minutes. She drummed on the wheel and then reached behind us to grab her bag. "Are you ready, Cherie?" she said as she looked through her bag to find the papers for the foster parents to sign.

"I guess. I would have to go in even if I wasn't ready, right?" I chuckled. I glanced at her and then turned my head towards the house. The driveway had a low black car with what looked like red interior. I don't know much about cars but it looked nice. The house itself was a typical suburban house. Red bricks on the bottom half of the house and white wood panels on the top floor. The grass was freshly cut and there were two bushes in front of the house that were perfectly cut. I got a really good feeling about this house. The other houses that I've lived at had uncut grass in front of the house and the paint was falling off the wood. It always smelled like cigarette smoke and alcohol as soon as you got close. This house smelled like the roses that were planted by the sidewalk.

I opened the door, grabbed my bag and stepped out of the car. My chest expanded as I took a deep breath and let it out as Alice walked up beside me. "Come on Temp, lets meet your new family"

Meanwhile

S. Booth's POV

The music from my radio played a slow ballad as I turned the pages of my book. I wasn't really a book kind of guy, but I had picked up the first Sherlock book a few weeks ago and now I can't stop reading them. They captivated me in a way that no other book had, ever. Today was the day that the foster kid was coming. Mom told us that it was a girl from Pittsburgh and that her latest home wasn't the greatest, she didn't give us any details about it. I wonder what they did to her. My eyes glanced over to my alarm clock. Five pm, she should be here soon.

Mom and dad had been preparing the room where she was going to stay in for the last couple of weeks. I could see how excited mom was about this. She told me a few years ago that she wanted a daughter but she loved us and would never want to replace us. I know she loves us more than anything, I would never doubt that. I just hope this works out. I pull myself from my thoughts and walk over to the mirror. Why am I so nervous?

"Seeley" I heard my dad yell from downstairs. "Seeley, come down and help set the table" He added and I could hear him walk away from the stairs. I checked myself one last time before I walked over to Jared's room and knocked.

"Jare, it's time" I said through the door and then made my way downstairs. My parents were in the kitchen preparing the last things for dinner. The foster kid and her social worker were gonna eat dinner with us. Apparently that's a thing that they do when they leave someone with a new family. I opened the cupboard and picked out 6 plates to place on the dining room table. We usually sat in the kitchen and ate but mom wanted us to sit at the nice table tonight, to make an impression.

I could tell that both of them were quite nervous, because neither of them we're talking that much. They have been talking our ears off for weeks about this and that we should go on trips and go camping and make her feel at home. But today, nothing. I placed the last plate and walked back to the kitchen. Just as I had collected all of the utensils I heard the doorbell go off. Both of my parents looked up and then they looked at each other. "Guys, the door?" I said after a few moments, they hadn't moved from where they were. They scrambled around the kitchen, mom throwing off her aprine and threw it in my face "Gee, thanks mom" I chuckled and laid the aprine on the counter.

I held the utensils as I heard my parents called me and Jared to the door to welcome our new family member. I pushed the drawer in with my hip and walked over to the doorway of the kitchen. I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw them, and then she looked at me. "holy shit" I whispered and I felt the utensils fall out of my hands and they hit the floor. I scrunched up my face in embarrassment and my right hand flew up to the back of my head. Woah.. I waved quickly and bent down to pick up what I dropped. "I'm just gonna.." I pointed towards the kitchen when I stood up. I backed up and disappeared. I threw the utensils in the sink and grabbed the clean cutting board and hit myself on the forehead three times "Stupid, stupid, stupid. Way to fucking go hotshot. Way to impress on the new girl." I muttered as I put the cutting board down and started to wash off the utensils.

Jared came into the kitchen as I was drying off the last fork. "Lose your cool lately?" He laughed and I threw the towel in his face.

"Ha ha" I pushed him out of the way and made another try at placing the utensils on the table. "Grab some glasses would ya, Jare?" I heard him groan behind me and then I heard the cupboard open and I smiled. He listened for once. He came out with three glasses in each hand and placed them in front of the plates.

"-and we made dinner, it should be ready any minute" I heard mom coming up behind us and we turned to see them walking into the dining room.

"Yeah, mom has been busy all day in the kitchen, would barely let us in there" I chuckled as they stopped.

"Seeley." Mom hissed and glared at me. I shrugged my shoulders and smiled at her. I turned to the social worker and the girl.

"I'm sorry for my.. stupidity earlier. I'm Seeley" I held my hand out to the social worker first. She chuckled and took my hand.

"That's fine Seeley. My name is Alice."

"Nice to meet you Alice" We shook hands and I moved on the angel in the room, what. Stop. I held out my hand to her and she grabbed it. Her fingers were thin and cold. My warm hand covered her tiny one.

"My name is Temperance" Of course her name is the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. Wow, great. "Nice to meet you Seeley." I felt a spark emitting from her hand as her eyes met mine. The bluest blue I have ever seen. They were so pure and soft.

"It is lovely to finally meet you Temperance" I showed her my nicest smile. "And I must say that you have a very beautiful name" I winked at her. I saw her pale cheeks turned a darker color. I heard dad clap and we all turned to him.

"Now that everyone has met everyone, let's eat." He said and gestured to the table.

Brennan's POV

Seeley had just introduced himself to me when he turned away from me when his father showed us to the table. God he was hot. His tanned skin contrasted with his dark hair, which was styled into shape. His chocolate brown eyes were warm and calming. When he smiled they turned a shade lighter and I could see a hint of gold shining through. I looked around the room and saw some potted plants by the window, a huge painting of a meadow on the wall and the table that was placed in the middle of the room. We walked up to it and sat down. Jared in front of me, I feel him inspecting me. Like a bug under a microscope. Jared had light sand blonde hair and green eyes. They were kind with a hint of playfulness.

"Jare. Cut it out." I heard Seeley suddenly beside me. "Take a picture, it would last you longer." I turned to him and smiled.

"It's okay, I would be curious too if someone new came to my house." I chuckled lightly.

"Yeah, but he doesn't have to be a creep about it" Seeley responded and stuck his tongue out to mimic what Jared did. I glanced at the brothers and smiled. They seemed to have a special bond. The kind where Seeley would tease and push all of Jared's buttons but if someone else did that to him, he would beat them up. He does look quite muscular.

"How old are you?" Jared asked and my attention landed on him once again.

"I'm 15." I smiled. "How old are you guys? You seem close.." I said as I poured myself some water.

"So you're a sophomore? I'm eleven and Seeley is 17." He pointed towards Seeley.

"I'm actually a Senior this year." They both turned their heads towards me and they looked shocked.

"But.. you're 15?" Seeley gasped. I nodded and chuckled.

"Yeah, I skipped two grades" I said and put my hands in my lap and picked at my nails. "My teachers at my old school decided that it would be best for my education if I was a senior, they made me take a test." I shrugged my shoulders.

"So we're gonna be in the same year?" I saw a hint of concern in his eyes. I panicked. He hated that idea, god why did I have to be a wonder child..

"Yeah, I mean we wouldn't have to see each other at school. I could keep it a secret if you want" At this Seeley perked up.

"No, no, that is not what I meant. I just.. you're 15 and you're super smart and I'm struggling as it is and I'm actually a senior" he shrugged his shoulders and looked at me. "I don't want you to think I'm embarrassed that you're in the same year as me"

"we could study together and help each other maybe?" I asked carefully, afraid of the answer I might get.

"Yeah, sure!" he said happily. "but let's not think about school now. It's still summer break, let's keep it that way." I giggled quietly and nodded.

The adults entered the room, they each had something in their hands. They put it down in the middle of the table and sat down. It smelled really good. I eyed the mother. Short brown hair, hazel green eyes and a smile that could light up an entire room. She was quite short, I would guess around 5'4. Her frame was petite but she seemed strong. The father, George, sat on the opposite side of the table. His face was clean shaven and his sand blonde hair matched Jareds. He was tall, around 6'2 and muscular. His smile made me feel safe somehow, like he wouldn't hurt me. This family seemed like one of the good ones.

The dinner was filled with laughter, stories about the boys when they were younger and I told a few about myself. I didn't get into detail about anything because I didn't know if I could trust them yet. Most families showed their best side when the social worker was there and then when the doors closed all hell broke loose. I really hoped that this time it would be different.

Mary, the mother, stood up and started to collect the now empty plates. I took Seeley's and put it on mine and started to help her out. "Sweetie, that's really kind of you but you don't have to help." she slowly put a hand on my shoulder and I flinched slightly. I saw the horror flash in her eyes. "Gosh, I'm sorry I didn't mean to step over a line." she said and withdrew her hand. I could feel how nervous she got. Her eyes widened and I heard her gasp as she stopped breathing.

"I.. I just.. I'm just not used to being touched in a nice way" I stuttered quietly. Her eyes softened and I could see tears forming. Her lips tightened and she cleared her throat. I have never been in this position before, So I don't know what to do. "I'm sorry.." I continued.

She took a breath and looked me straight in my eyes. "You don't ever have to apologize for something like that, okay?" I could see a small tear fall from her eye. She wiped it away quickly. "But you should get used to it, because there will never ever be anything other than that in this house." She gathered herself and picked up the plates. "I'm gonna go into the kitchen and clean up, and then we can show you around, does that sound good?" I nodded, it was the only thing I could think of doing. I had made her cry.. Not a good first impression..

I turned around to see the table sitting all quiet. They probably didn't know what to say either.

"I'm gonna go help Mary with the dishes" Great, I scared away George too. "Boys, show the ladies the restroom if they need it." and he disappeared into the kitchen as well.

Mary and George emerged from the kitchen a while later. The brothers were in a deep conversation about the latest flyers hockey game. Alice and I just watched them talk, it was quite interesting. I had only seen hockey once or twice in my life but they were waving their arms and apparently they put the wrong person on the bench? We just shook our heads and laughed as we caught each other's eyes.

"Shall we take a tour of the house?" Mary said with new found cheerfulness in her voice.

"I would love to see the house but I have already overstayed my welcome. I have to go check into my hotel room and call the boss." Alice said as she went over to her bag by the door and pulled out the papers for the parents to sign. "I just need you guys to sign these before I head out."

I couldn't ask her to stay. I'm supposed to do this on my own. I watched as Mary and George bent over the papers and read them and signed quietly.

"Perfect! There will be a 5 week check up to see how Temp here is doing" she said looking at me. I smiled and saw the reassurance in her eyes. This would be fine. She walked up to me and carefully put her hand on my forearm. "Remember what we talked about in the car?" I nodded and threw my arms around her.

"Thank you" I said into her hair and I could feel her arms softly around my body. I let her go and smoothed down my shirt.

"Alright, Thank you for the lovely dinner Mr. And Mrs. Booth." She handed them a tiny card. "If there is any problem, my number is on this card" they nodded and we said our goodbyes.

George closed the door and now I was alone in a new house, with a new family. But for once, it felt good. We slowly made our way through the first floor. Kitchen, two washrooms, living room and the parents' room. Jared had made his way to his own room already and Booth had let his parents talk alone with me.

"and this" Mary opened a door on the second floor. "this is your room." I walked inside the room and saw the walls. They were light purple with small daffodils as a divider in the middle. There was a queen size bed in the middle of the wall on the right and two nightstands on the sides. A desk against the wall in front of the windows and on the right there was a closet in the wall. The floor had the softest rug I had ever felt.

"If you don't like something we can switch it out" I heard suddenly. I had stood there for a while just admiring the room. My room.

"No, Mrs. Booth. It's lovely. Really." I looked at the bed and walked up to it. I brushed my hand against the comforter. "really lovely.." I turned to her. "I've never had a bed like this before. Thank you" she smiled at me.

"You are more than welcome sweetheart. And call me Mary, please, no formality needed in this house." she said as she walked up to me. "And this is your own closet" she pointed at the closet. "Where is your bigger bag? We could put your clothes away directly"

"uhm.. I just.. I- this is everything I have" i said as I lifted up my bag ro the bed.

"wha- no other bag?" She stood there shocked unable to speak. "but what- you can't just- what about your clothes?" she stuttered.

"they all fit in here" I pat the bag slightly.

"That is unacceptable." she said with a determined look. Shit, there I go again. Making her mad. "Tomorrow you and I will go shopping for more clothes for you to wear. This closet isn't going to fill itself" she chuckled and I Felt a weight being lifted off my shoulders.

"No I- I don't have that much money, that's why I only have so few clothes." I said as I waved my hand to show that it was fine that I only had these clothes.

"Nonsense Temperance. I'm paying for your clothes, no need to worry. I want you to be able to have more than two shirts to choose from." she said as she eyed the clothes I put on the bed. "Well, i'm gonna go make some evening tea for everyone, why don't you get settled and I will call when the tea is ready?" I nodded and she left the room.

I put away my clothes and started to look around the room. It was really beautiful. This is my own room and I have a queen size bed. To myself. I walked over to it and threw myself on it. All of a sudden I hear a knock and I look up.

"Hey, looks like we're neighbours." Seeley said as he leaned against the doorway.

I sit up straight and chuckle lightly. "Yeah.. Looks like it!" I started fiddling with the hem of my shirt as I saw him moving closer to me.

"How do you like your room?" he asked softly as he scanned it. "Already put everything away?" with that, confusion filled his voice and he furrowed his eyebrows.

"I love it, haven't had this kind of room before.. I always got a small room that no one notices and a tiny bed. This is a dream come true." I smiled and let my hand grace over the comforter. "and I uhm, only have a couple of shirts and jeans and some underwear, it didn't take long to put it away" I chuckled again. I was okay with the clothes I had, but I smiled thinking of the fact that Mary had insisted that the two of them go shopping tomorrow.

"You don't have any more clothes?" I shook my head. "Hold on" He said as he walked out of the room. Do I have to keep on freaking them out? I threw myself against the pillows and picked one of the pillows up and covered my face. I sighed into it and pressed it harder against my face.

"I have this for-" I heard a muffled voice and I quickly threw the pillow to the floor, by accident. "What are you doing?" He chuckled and came over and sat down on the bed beside me.

"I was just.. I was.. I don't know" I chuckled and put a hand over my face. "I just feel so out of place in a nice house like this. You are all so kind and I seem to be saying the wrong things.I made Mary cry before, and you seemed to hate the idea of us being in the same year and Jared weirded out by me and I can't say the right-" I was rambling and Seeley held up a hand to make me stop talking.

"You're not saying the wrong things. This is just a big thing for my parents, they have been thinking about this day for weeks. Mom is very emotional." He chuckled and put a hand on my knee to comfort me, I think he saw the worry in my eyes that wouldn't go away. "And I don't hate the idea of us being in the same year. It's just-" here it comes. 'I just don't want us hanging out in school, you're so young' I covered my face again to not let my feelings show. "It's just that some of the guys at this school can be.." I saw him looking up to the ceiling thinking of a word. "They can be.. Inappropriate with girls like you." I furrowed my brows at this.

"Girls like me?" I asked, tilting my head slightly. What did he mean 'girls like me'? Weird younger girls who shouldn't hang out with older guys.

"Yeah, Young and.." 'weird' I know. "..Beautiful" wait, what. "I mean.. They would be all over you and mom wouldn't like that." He chuckled and reached for the shirt he brought in before. "This is for you. You shouldn't have to sleep in your regular clothes during the night." He gave it to me and stood up. "Mom should be done with the tea soon, I'll see you down there." I just nodded as he left. I hadnät been able to respond to a thing he said. Beautiful? Wow..

Mary called us down for tea a few minutes later and we sat there enjoying each other's company for a while. We talked about light hearted subjects and they mentioned that we had to get me enrolled in the school that the boys went to. We planned on doing it during the upcoming week. an hour later we all said our good nights and we went to our rooms.

I walked into my room and changed to the shirt that Seeley had given me. It fell to the middle of my thighs, it was really big. But comfortable. More comfortable than any of my clothes. I put my fingers to the neckline and lifted it up to my nose and smelled it. It smelled good, fresh out of the dryer.

My body suddenly felt very heavy so I crawled into bed and put the blanket over my shoulder. This bed was so comfortable. This house made me feel safe somehow. 'Had I gotten lucky for once?' Was my last thought before slumber took over my body.

Mary's POV

I walked into our bedroom, closed the door and leaned against it. What a day. Temperance seemed like a really sweet girl. I really hope that she will feel welcome here. She seemed quite frightened when I touched her earlier, what did the other families do to her? I put my arms around me and sighed. My head was going in circles and I couldn't seem to think straight.

"Marianne.." I heard George say and it broke me from my thoughts. "We talked about this earlier.. You have to stop worrying, okay?" He came up to me and pulled me close to him. I wrapped my arms around his waist and he put his head on my head. "It's her first day. We can't be making sure she likes it here every second of the day.." He whispered as he stroked my back. "Hmm? She will get more comfortable as the days pass on okay?" I nodded into his chest and just let him hold me.

"It's just.. The way she reacted.. They touched her, they made her.. They made her scared of being touched.." I felt the tears reach my eyes once more this evening. "She reacted the way I reacted when I first met you.." I whispered.

"Mary, you know that no one will ever hurt you again right?" He asked and held me tighter. I nodded again.

"I know.. It's just.. What about her? What are we going to do? You saw the bruise that was forming on her face.." I asked him quietly. "They must have hurt her today, just before she came here.."

"Mary.. The only thing we can do in this situation is to make sure that it won't happen again to her. We can try and protect her from the evil that is in this cruel world." He answered reassuringly.

"Like you protect me?" I asked as I turned my head up to look at him.

"Just like I protect you." He leaned down to give me a tender kiss.

We hugged for a while longer to let me calm down and then we slowly made ourselves ready for bed. My body finally relaxed as we laid down and George put his arm around me. I fell asleep with a smile on my face. A daughter. We have a foster daughter.

End note:
Oh my god guys. Finally I posted this story. What do you think? I have been working with this one forever hahah.

Please review! It means the world to me