IMPORTANT DETAILS for this story:
Callie got Adopted the same day as Jude, her biological father is Donald.
Callie did go through the ordeal with Liam but she kept a few things hidden from everyone.
LENA got the principals position and lost the baby.
I don't know where Sharon, Dana and Stuart live. So Im saying that Sharon lives in the California area. While Dana and Stuart live in Florida.
AN: WOW so this one is probably my longest chapter so far with almost 5'600 words. I hope you are enjoying the story. :)
Also thank you to all those that are reading and reviewing. It makes me really happy to know that you all love this story and find it amazing. Your reviews inspire me to continue writing so I thank you.
Previously:
"Alright, those coming with me, to the car please." Lena called out from the front door.
"Bye babies." Stef called to the kids as the family walked to the front door.
"Bye Mom." The kids all said together, each passing her and hugging her as they headed to the car.
Stef watched the kids pile into the car with Lena. She smiled and waved as they pulled out of the driveway and headed to school.
Stef headed inside and made work on the getting the kitchen clean. Putting things in the fridge and cleaning the table and dishes. Giving a nod once the kitchen was clean, Stef headed upstairs to shower and change before leaving for the station.
Hopefully she was able to find something in her research that would actually be useful. There wasn't any time to relax, her family was in danger and she needed to help.
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Stef arrived at the station mid morning with straightened hair, dressed in jeans, black boots and a red plaid button up shirt over the top of a black singlet. She dressed casual and not sloppy. This was her workplace after all and she didn't want to give anyone anything to harass her about, she wanted to be respected.
As she walking into the station, it looked like it was a quiet day. Most of the officers were mingling around or at their desks doing paperwork. Stef nodded and smiled to a few of her co workers as she headed to her desk and took a seat. Leaning back in her chair while her computer loaded, Stef was startled by her captains voice. Turning around to see the woman behind her.
"Foster, why are you here?" Captain Roberts asked with crossed arms and a raised eyebrow. Stef wasn't going to lie about why she was here, lying got no where and this was her Boss.
"I need to do some research. I need to do something to keep my family safe." Stef explained as Captain Roberts body relaxed a little, looking softer then she had at Stefs words. She took a seat on the chair beside Stefs desk and looked at the woman. She felt for the Adams Fosters, she really did. They had gone through so much and were still going through so much.
"We have a lot of people working on it Stef. I have even fast tracked." Captain Roberts explained, trying to give the woman some reassurance that the Stalker was a priority. Stef nodded with a sigh.
"I'm just going to make a list of possible enemies or people that would want to hurt my family." Stef said as she gestured to her computer that was still loading up. Captain Roberts knew what Stef was thinking and feeling, she could read her well. She knew that Stef had to do something, even if it was something small like coming up with a list of possible suspects.
"Ok Stef, but that's it. You can't jeopardise this, evidence could be taken out etc." Captain Roberts warned the officer. Stef nodded, she wouldn't jeopardise this for anything, her family came first.
"I know Captain. I just feel useless. Someone is after someone in my family and I don't know who." Stef sighed out as she ran a hand through her hair in frustration.
"Everything will work out in the end Stef. Do what you need to and then go home." With a final nod, Captain Roberts stood from the chair and made her way towards her office, leaving Stef to do what she needed to do.
Stef watched her go before sighing and looking at the photos on her desk. Photos of her , her kids and her wife. Her family. Those that mattered the most to her in the whole world. The ones that made her wake up every day and live.
Stefs eyes lingered on the photo of Rylan, the little girl smiling brightly at the camera. It was the day they spent time together at the park, just Stef, Rylan and Lena.
The first thing she needed to do before starting the list of potential suspects was to call Bill and that was what she did as she reached for her mobile phone and dialled the familiar number.
"Bill speaking." Bill answered after a few rings.
"Hey Bill, its Stef." Stef replied.
"Hey Stef, what can I do for you?" Bill responded as Stef grabbed a pen and paper to take notes, only if Bill gave her something useful.
"I just wanted to know if you have any leads on Rylans background yet?" Stef asked leaning back in her seat more to relax a little.
"Didn't you wanted to stay out of it?" Bill asked sounding confused. Stef sighed and nodded before responding verbally.
"I do, I just want to know if you have anything new." Stef explained. She wanted to know and help but in the long run, helping would be bad if things needed to go to court.
"We have got a couple of leads but so far nothing much has changed. Every lead turns to a dead end and we end up with more questions then answers." Bill sighed out. He knew it wasn't want Stef wanted to hear but his team was doing their best at getting answers so the little girl could have some closure.
"So we are no closer to finding out who she is." Stef stated, frustration leaking into her voice. She knew it wasn't Bills fault, so she didn't get angry at him.
"I'm sorry Stef. We are trying. There are hundreds of kids in the system that have no identity, just likes Rylan, we are doing our best." Bill stated. Stef nodded as she ran a hand through her hair in frustration.
"I know, I'm sorry. Just a lot of stuff going on." Stef explained, sighing for what felt like the hundredth time today and it was only mid morning.
"Is Rylan ok? She behaving?" Bill asked. He might as well get an update on the little blonde while Stef was on the phone. When it came to kids in Lena and Stefs home, he really wasn't worried. They were good parents, one of the best that he knew of.
Stef smiled to herself at the mention of one of her kids. Looking over at the photos on her desk, Stef answered Bill.
"Yeah, shes fine. Has normal 6 year old tantrums but nothing we can't handle." Stef chuckled out, just thinking about the tantrums made her smile wider. Bill chuckled from his side of the line.
"Ok well, if I find anything solid ill let you know. Anything Rylan says or remembers that could be useful would be appreciated." Bill responded. Stef nodded before replying verbally.
"Ok, thanks Bill." Stef said sitting up a little in her seat to move the computer mouse to click on the program she needed to start the list of potential suspects.
"Bye Stef."
"Bye."
Stef sighed as she hung up her phone and leant back in her seat. Running a hand through her hair in frustration before looking back at her computer, watching as the program loaded. She needed to start on the list of people that could want to hurt anyone in her family and get he captain to order finger print samples and blood against those on her list. It would be something and doing this made her feel a little less useless.
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Stef arrived home from the station later then she wanted. She had managed to make a list of people that could be potential threats to the family but there were a lot of people that she could have missed. It was hard in her line of work and with the kids having been in and out of foster homes, the list was endless.
Stef managed to get the living room cleaned, pay some bills and was currently in her bedroom sorting out washing when she heard the kids voices as they came through the front door.
"Mom?" Jude called as he headed up the stairs to find his Mom.
"In here Bub." Stef called back.
"Hey." Jude greeted as he took a seat on the bed next to the washing that was currently being folded.
"Hey, how was school?" Stef asked, looking at the boy as her hands continued to fold one of Brandon's shirts.
"It was alright. When are we leaving?" Jude asked. Stef looked at the clock on her bedside table before responding to the young boy.
"Give me ten minutes and then we can go." Jude nodded, agreeing that 10 minutes would be ok. He could get a snack while he waited.
"Alright, I'm going to go have a snack before we leave." Jude explained as he slid off of the bed.
"Ok sweets, good idea. Send Mama up please." Stef told the boy as he headed towards the door of the room.
"Ok." Jude said hurrying out of the room and down the stairs.
Not even two minutes later, footsteps could be heard coming up the stairs and then Lena walked into the room.
"Hey, honey." Lena greeted, walking towards Stef and planting a kiss to the blondes lips.
"Hi, My love." Stef responded after the kiss as Lena took a seat on the bed, exactly where Jude had sat. She grabbed up a shirt of Callies and began to help Stef fold. Might as well get some house work done while they talk.
"How was your day at home?" Stef chuckled at Lenas question.
"I spent most of it at the station, you?" Lena chuckled and shook her head before responding.
"My day was alright. Nothing too major. Why did you spend the whole day at the station on your day off?" Lena asked feeling inquisitive. She grabbed up another shirt of Callies after placing the folded one of Callies in her pile.
"I was making a list of possible suspects, those that could possibly want to hurt us. It was a big list but probably missed a lot. Its something though." Stef explained with a shrug.
"With the amount of homes the kids went in and out of, the list would be long. Do you think it could be of the kids ex foster parents or someone you arrested?" Lena asked, her mind trying to reel around the possibilities of who it could be. It was endless.
"I don't know love, there are endless possibilities. I also spoke to Bill about Rylan." Stef told Lena as she picked up the final article of clothing that needed to be folded.
"Yeah? Any news." Lena wondered looking at Stef.
"Nope, they have a few leads but the latest leads have lead them to more questions then answers." Lena sighed with a nod.
"So we are no closer to finding out who she is or where she is from." Lena stated with another sigh as Stef nodded.
"Seems like it my love." Stef said as she put the folded clothes carefully in the washing basket to put in the kids rooms later. Stef put the basket to the side on the floor and then took a seat on the bed facing Lena.
"I guess we just have to wait and let Bill and his team work on it, as well as your captain working on the stalker." Stef nodded as she reached out and grabbed Lenas right hand to encase it into both of hers.
"I hate waiting but yes we do." Lena chuckled as Stef rolled her eyes.
"You better go find Jude or you are going to be late for the appointment." Lena responded, which made Stef look at the clock on the night stand.
"I better do that then." With a sigh, Stef stood from the bed and stretched her muscles before leaning down to peck Lena on the lips.
"I love you." Stef said after the kiss, giving her wife a bright smile.
"Love you too." Lena said, pulling Stef into another kiss before pushing her away. Stef chuckled and headed out of the bedroom to find Jude.
Xxxxxxx
"I want to go with Mommy." Rylan pouted as Lena buckled her up in the car.
"Mommy had to take Jude, sweetheart." Lena responded before closing the door and heading to the drivers seat as Callie slid into the passenger seat.
Rylan sighed as she looked out of the window. She wanted to go with her Mom and not to the doctors with Callie and Mama.
"I don't like doctors Mama." Rylan stated as Lena pulled out of the driveway. Callie understood the girls fear, she hated the doctors too.
"I know honey, but Mommy needs to be with Jude and you can't stay home alone." Lena explained, her eyes trained on the road in front but occasionally glancing in the rear view mirror at the little blonde.
"Mamas right Rylan. Anyway, you wont be seeing the doctor, I will." Callie said trying to ease the little girls worry. Lena gave the teen a smile, she was glad that the teen was helping her little sister ease her fears.
The car was quiet, only the sound of their breathing could be heard as Lena continued to drive. Rylan was deep in through and Callie, well Callie was just trying to keep her nerves at Bay. She like Rylan didn't want to go to the doctors but it was necessary. Callie was determined to stay calm and be brave so that Rylan didn't freak out.
"I still don't like doctors." Rylan stated after the car had been silent for a few minutes. Lena chuckled at the statement and Callie smiled.
"You liked DR Jamie didn't you?" Lena asked the little girl.
"Yeah." Rylan responded immediately. Dr Jamie was very nice.
"She wasn't a bad doctor, was she?" Lena asked.
"Ok, I like her but I don't like other doctors." Lena smiled brightly at what the little girl had said while Callie chuckled lightly. Callie found it funny because Rylans voice was so serious. At least Rylan had a doctor she liked. Callie put up with the doctors cause she had to but she hadn't found one that she liked.
"Fair enough sweetheart." Lena said with a smile as they pulled up into the parking lot of the doctors surgery.
Lena and Callie slid out of the car and then Lena unbuckled the little girl from her seat and pulled her out. Immediately Rylan began to cling onto Lena, not caring one bit that she was acting like a baby in this moment, her Moms kept and made her feel safe. Lena sighed, slung her handbag onto the opposite shoulder to Rylan and locked the car. Fear after fear is what every child in the foster system went through.
The fears ran so deep that it was heartbreaking to watch a child become scared. Scared of a cop who is suppose to help when they didn't. Scared of a doctor who probably hurt the child when they should have actually helped them.
The three of them headed into the doctors surgery together. Rylan still clinging to Lena as they made it through the front door.
"Go find a seat girls. Ill go inform them that you are here." Lena said as she tried to place Rylan on the floor.
"Ok. Come on Rylan." Callie said holding her arms out for the little girl. When Rylan refused to release her grip on Lena, Callie gave Lena a small smile before shrugging. Lena sighed.
"Its ok, go sit down bug. I've got her." Lena said to the teen, hoisting Rylan higher on her hip.
"Ok Mama." Callie said with a nod and headed over to the seats in the waiting room to wait for her Mama and Sister. Lena made sure Callie was seated comfortably before moving over to the reception desk.
"Hi, how can I help you?" The blonde receptionist spoke with a smile.
"Hello. Appointment for Callie Adams Foster." Lena responded back with a smile, hoisting Rylan a little further on her hip when the girl slid a little.
"Has she been here before?" The receptionist asked after typing away at the computer.
"No, she got her stitches put in at the hospital." Lena answered. The receptionist nodded and rummaged around on her desk and then opened a filing cabinet next to her and pulling out some papers and attaching them to a clipboard.
"Ok, well you will need to fill this out so we can put her fully on record." The receptionist said as she placed the clipboard of paper on the desk for Lena along with a Pen.
"Ok. Thank you." Lena said with a smile as she grabbed the clipboard and pen before moving over to where Callie was sitting. Lena made a mental reminder to have a copy of Callies medical records sent to this clinic as it is where the family usually go and they needed her records.
"I can fill it out Mama." Callie said as she reached for the clipboard that was in her Mamas hand as Lena took a seat, rearranging Rylan on her lap as she did so. The little girl straddling her Mamas lap so that they were chest to chest.
"Are you sure?" Callie nodded, reassuringly.
"Yeah, I can. Ill ask if I need information." Callie affirmed as she began to fill in the papers.
"Ok Bug." Lena said before placing a kiss to the teens temple.
"Are we going to be here long Mama?" Rylan asked sitting up a little to see her Mamas face, the little girls right hand fingering Lenas necklace while her left hand clutched tightly onto Lenas sweater.
"Not sure sweetheart. The doctor just needs to take Callies stitches out and then we can go home." Lena explained to the little girl. Rylan nodded with a sigh and moved to lay her head back on her Moms left shoulder so she could look at callie who was on Lenas right.
"I'm done Mama, ill take it to the receptionist." Lena gave Callie a grateful smile as the teen headed to the reception desk so Lena could snuggle with Rylan. The little girl yawning but Lena could feel how tense Rylan was. The fear of the doctors was something that most kids in foster care are afraid of. Lena even knew that Callie was afraid but was putting on a brave face.
Callie took a seat next to Lena and leant into her Mama. Lena wrapped an arm around Callies shoulders, hopefully it would bring the girl some comfort. Callie smiled warmly at her Mama and snuggled into Lenas side more as the trio waited for Callies name to be called.
"I asked them for a female doctor." Callie informed Lena with a sheepish smile as she turned her head to look up at Lenas face.
"What ever you are comfortable with sweets. This is the clinic the family uses anyway. There are a number of doctors here, all friendly, which is why we come here. You might get Dr Reyes if she is working. Mariana likes her so we request her a lot." Lena replied kissing the teens temple.
"You will come in with me right Mama?" Callie asked just to make sure. Lena smiled and nodded to reassure the teen. The teen keeping a brave face the whole time but underneath that brave face was a scared little girl who needed her Mama and that is what Lenas was going to give her.
"Of course Sweetheart." Callie sighed in relief as she snuggled back into Lena to wait.
Rylan yawned and moved her left hand over to Callies neck to play with Callies necklace. Callie smiled at the little girl before sticking her tongue out at her. Rylan giggled and stuck her tongue out at her sister. Both girls chuckling and Lena smiled at the interaction.
"Callie Adams Foster." Lena and Callie looked up and over to the doctor who was standing with a clipboard. Both of the stood up and headed over to Her, Rylan on Lenas hip.
"Hey Emily ." Lena said with a smile to the doctor. Doctor Emily Reyes smiled at Lena as the trio followed her into an exam room and took seats beside the desk. The room was the normal size of a doctors office. It contained an examination bed, medical tools, files and cabinets.
Dr Emily Reyes. A middle aged woman of Mexican decent, has Long Brown hair, Brown eyes, tanned and curvy but Lena like her as a doctor because she had a way with children that most doctors don't. She was a little like Dr Jamie Gleeson from the emergency department that dealt with Rylan.
"Been a long time Lena. I see you have two more, how many now, 5?" Dr Reyes asked as she took a seat. Callie was relaxed a little, the doctor seemed friendly and Lena knew her on first name basis so that couldn't be bad.
"Six now. Callie has a younger brother, Jude, who we also adopted and this is Rylan who we are in the process of adopting." Lena explained to Dr Reyes. Dr Reyes smiled at three of them and nodded.
"You got your hands full." Dr Reyes chuckled out.
"We do, but we love it." Lena said smiling, squeezing Rylan closer to her. The little girl relaxing and wasn't as tense. Lena had a feeling she was relaxing because Dr Reyes gave off a motherly aura and was giving off warmth and peaceful vibes. That and she was a woman, Lena made another mental reminder that the girls preferred female doctors, they were less scary apparently.
"Alright, so seeing as its your first time here at this clinic. What can I do for you today?" Dr Reyes asked, getting down to business.
"I had stitches put in a while ago and I need them out." Callie explained. Dr Reyes nodded.
"Ok Lets see what we are dealing with then." Dr Reyes said as she slipped on some gloves as Callie got onto the examination bed and rolled her shirt up enough for the doctor to see the stitches.
"They look to have healed quite nicely. What did you need stitches for?" Dr Reyes asked, she hadn't even flinched at the branding on Callies stomach as she set about getting equipment and other tools out that she would need.
"I got stabbed." Callie stated like it was no big deal. The reason that Lena liked Dr Reyes working on her children is that she wasn't fazed at all. She had seen a lot on her time of being a doctor and so nothing was really new to her. Knowing that Callie was in the foster system also helped. She had seen a lot of abused kids from foster homes. Most doctors would have flinched or gasped at the branding or the stabbing but Emily didn't.
With Dr Reyes being gentle and not asking too many personal questions or looking at her with Pity or sorrow, this made Callie like this doctor even more. It wouldn't be too bad next time she had to come to the doctors if Dr Reyes was on shift.
"Ahhh, must have hurt." Dr Reyes stated as she began to clean the stitches to remove any germs before removing them.
"Adrenaline is a good thing." Callie chuckled out.
"I bet." Dr Reyes smirked, she had only just met Callie but she liked this kid. The teen was strong, not just physically but mentally.
"Alright lets get these stitches out." Dr Reyes stated as she grabbed the tools off the equipment tray for the stitch removal.
"That would be amazing." Dr Reyes nodded with a smile at Callie and began the process of removing the stitches. Rylan looking on with interest from her spot on her Mamas lap. She was interested in what Dr Reyes was doing but didn't have the courage to get up and go have a look.
xxxxxxx
Stef sat in the waiting room for Jude. He was in talking to Alyssa. She had been in the room with them for the first 10 minutes and then she was asked to step out. She had been sitting in the waiting room now for about forty minutes and Jude would be out very soon.
Soon enough the door to Alyssa's office opened and Judes face appeared. He turned and waved to Alyssa inside before closing the door behind him.
"Hey Bud." Stef greeted the boy as he walked over to her.
"Hey Mom." Jude responded as Stef pulled him into an embrace.
"Another appointment?" Stef asked. She already knew that he would need another one.
"Yeah." Jude said handing over the appointment card to Stef. Stef pocketed the card as the two of them headed to the car. Stef knew not to talk to Jude just yet until they were in a private spot and not in the open.
Once they climbed into the car, Stef turned to the boy who looked to be deep in thought.
"How was it?" Stef asked the teen. Getting no response.
"Jude?" Stef called as she reached over and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I never realised how lucky I was...am." Jude spoke with his head down, his voice full of sadness.
"You are lucky and loved Jude." Stef reassured the boy, leaning over and kissing his temple.
"I know now but when I was in the system, I never realised how lucky I was." Jude tried to explain.
"What do you mean sweets?" Stef asked confused. They had time to talk, there was no hurry.
"I never realised how lucky I was to have such an amazing Big sister. Being a big brother to Rylan and talking to Alyssa, has made me realise a few things. It made me realise how much Callie cared for me and protected me. All the things she gave up and did, just so that I was happy. She gave up her childhood to raise me, to protect me. She gave up her happiness for me. How can I ever repay her for that?" Jude asked, his head still down but by the end of his spoken thoughts he had looked up into Stefs eyes. Stef could see sadness, realisation and guilt. It was tough seeing that in your childs eyes, no child should feel guilty for being happy.
Stef reached her hand over and clasped one of Judes in her own. She smiled a sad smile before responding.
"She did it because she loves you Jude. The only way to repay her is to live a happy life. She will say the same thing." Stef said, her thumb stroking the boys knuckles as she squeezed it in comfort.
"I need to talk to her when I get home. I have to say some things that are probably long overdue." Jude said confidently. No matter what Stef told him, the boy was determined and so Stef wasn't going to stop him. He had to get this off of his chest.
"You do what you need to do sweets." Stef said with a nod and a smile. Jude smiled back and leant over to pull his Mom into a hug.
"Lets get out of here." Jude nodded and the two of them buckled up. Both ready to get home to the people they love.
xxxxxxx
Jude stood in the doorway of the girls room. Callie was by herself, she hadn't noticed him yet. She was too engrossed in her book to even notice Jude watching her. Jude took a few moments to just take her in. it had been a long time since she had looked so care free and happy. He hadn't realised before, hadn't taken the time to actually look at her and he knew that apologising and thanking her wasn't enough but it was a start.
Jude took a step into the room and cleared his throat so tha Callie wouldn't be startled.
"Hey Cal." Callie looked up from her book and smiled at the sight of Jude. She placed her book on her night stand and waved Jude over. Jude made his way over to the bed, a smile on his face as he sat next to Callie.
"Hey baby. How was your appointment?" Callie asked as she wrapped an arm around her brothers shoulders.
"It was alright. Can I talk to you about it?" Callie nodded and the two of them adjusted so that they were both facing each other, their legs crossed, knees touching. Callie was giving him all of her attention, another thing Jude noticed when he was around.
"Sure, I'm always here to listen, you know that." Jude nodded and smiled.
"I do, I really do." Callie placed a hand on his knee and Jude covered it with his own hand.
"So what do you want to talk about?" Callie asked as she looked at her brother. The hand on his knee now clasped with his, resting on Judes knee.
"I want to say thank you and I am sorry." Callie looked at him with confusion. This wasn't what she was thinking he wanted to talk about. Why would he need to apologise?
"Why? You don't need to."
"I do. I really do. Its taken me a while to realise how lucky I am. I have been selfish..." Jude started but Callie but him off.
"No Jude, you ar..." Jude cut her off and gave her a pleading look.
"No Cal, please just listen to what I say." Callie nodded and gestured for him to continue. He was serious and she knew that he had to get this out. It was obviously weighing heavily on him.
"I have been selfish. I was lucky to have you in the system with me. You protected me, you loved me and you let me have a childhood. You gave up so much for me, did so much for me and I threw a lot of it back in you face. The amount of times I was angry at you and blamed you for us being moved, I never once stopped and thought about you. I never thought about the reasons we were moved, I just blamed you and you took it. Everything you went through, beatings, the anger, the punishments...the..the rape...and you still let me blame you and I feel really guilty and horrible."
By the end of Judes speech, Both kids has tears streaming down their faces. Callie grabbed both of Judes hands in hers and squeezed tightly.
"Oh Jude, I would do it all again. There would be some things I would change but you were a kid. You are my brother and I needed to protect you." Jude nodded, he understood that but what about her.
"You were a kid too Callie. No one protected you. Being a big brother to Rylan and talking to Alyssa, made me realise all of this. I would do anything to protect Rylan, just like you would do anything to protect me. I just needed to say sorry and to say thank you for being an awesome sister." Callie felt overwhelmed. She didn't expect a thank you or an apology from her brother but it made her heart swell to know that's what her brother thought of her. To her, she did what she had to do to protect each other. To know that her brother was thanking her and grateful for what she did was amazing, it made her feel loved, made her feel that her pain and effort hadn't been for nothing.
Callie pulled Jude into a hug, tears streamed down her face and onto Judes shirt, just like his were streaming onto hers. Neither cared one single bit.
"I love you Jude. Thank you. I really needed to hear that." Callie whispered into her brothers ear and squeezed him tight.
"I love you too Callie." Jude whispered back, snuggling into Callies embrace and tightening his hold on her. It truly was an amazing private sibling moment between the two.
So this was a Long chapter. What did you think?
I loved the moment between Callie and Jude.