Stef POV

"How are we going to tell her?" Lena questioned me.

"Lena, we just have to be straight with her. No beating around the bush." Stef replied. Both were thinking that they don't know if Callie can handle this.

Before we can think another thought there was another knock on the door. As I opened the door, I recognized detectives from the station along with some officers.

"Hi, Stef. I'm sorry, but we need to get everyone's statement." Detective Sterling explained.

"Detective Sterling. I understand, come on in."

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It took an hour or so for everyone to make a statement. Lena and I had to stay with the kids because they were considered minors. We also would never make them go through that alone. All of them seem pretty shaken up after recalling the events of the accident. They all became silent and went their separate ways throughout the house. Unfortunately, now is the best time to talk to Callie about something that may just send her off the edge. Lena and I made the decision to not prolong because the situation needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. We walk up to her room and find her alone sitting on her bed looking at photos of Jude. As we go in, all I can think about is here goes nothing.

"Hey, Callie. Do you mind if we talk to you about something?" Lena starts off with a gentle soothing tone. Callie nods and set aside the photos. Lena went to go sit next to her as I went and sat on Mariana's bed to face Callie.

"Is this about you guys being served?" Callie questioned. How the hell did she know or find out? "I'm sorry, I was heading to the bathroom after you guys headed to answer the door."

"Yes." I simply state.

"Robert is fighting for custody, isn't he? It's the only thing I can think of." Callie replies to my word. Lena and I make eye-contact for a split second. We can't believe how quick she puzzled everything together, but it doesn't surprise us.

"Unfortunately, you are right Cals," Lena calmly responded. To that response, Callie let out a short second laugh.

"Callie, we are going to fight this, okay?" I tried to reassure her.

"I'm tired." She responded so quietly that I almost missed it. "I'm so tired of fighting and fighting the system. I'm just tired."

"Awww Callie you've got us. We will do and use whatever power we have to make sure you remain with us."

"No," Callie replied. She sounded so hopeless. Almost like she already gave up.

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Author's Note:

I'm trying my best to work on future chapters. I found a co-writer who is willing to help me as well, so shoutout to her as well. Again slow and steady for future chapters. Keep safe out there and know if you ever need anything, I'm here and so are other resources. Have a beautiful day peeps.

-AK