A/N: As always thank you for being my beta for this fic, whenaspritemeetsaunicorn.
Also, I'm aiming to update this fic every Sunday. Letting you know because I don't know about you, but I'm not getting any emails from FF whatsoever.

Chapter 3

Not Quite Right

Nicky's first night meant a night of laying awake for Galina. She drifted in and out of sleep, one ear listening out for any movement from Nicky's bedroom. At around one in the morning, this strategy paid off, because she heard movement in the hallway outside her door. She bolted upright and listened, and when she heard the floorboards creak once more, she knew she needed to investigate.

Galina crept out of bed to be greeted by Nicky standing in front of her in the hallway. Like a raccoon caught raiding a trash can, Nicky stopped dead and stared at Galina. In the dim light of the hallway, she couldn't see her face properly.

Nicky preferred it that way. She didn't want to see another disappointed face.

"Nicky," Galina murmured, blinking the sleep out of her eyes. "What are you doing out of bed? Are you alright?"

Nicky hesitated for a moment before giving a swift nod. "I, um, wanted a drink."

Galina's brow furrowed. "Could you not find the glasses?"

"What?"

"You wanted a drink but you don't have one." Galina rubbed the side of her face, trying to wake herself up a little.

"Oh," Nicky said, stumbling over her words a little. "I didn't want to wake everyone up looking for one."

"Come on," Galina said. "I'll get you something to drink."

"That's okay," Nicky murmured, already backing away to her bedroom. "I'm not thirsty anymore."

"I'll show you anyway," Galina said, nodding her head in the direction of the kitchen. "Then you'll know for next time."

Galina's slippers slapped on the wooden floor as Nicky reluctantly followed behind. In truth, she wanted to get a good look at Nicky, for her mama bear senses were tingling. Something wasn't right.

She flicked the light on in the kitchen, bracing herself for the sudden brightness that flooded in. Then she turned to Nicky, letting her half closed eyes linger on her face for a few moments. Her skin was flushed and her eyes red. Galina's heart clenched for her; she was still so young, and she looked as if she'd been crying.

"Are you hungry?" Galina asked, breaking the ice as she pulled out a glass from the top cupboard above the sink. "You haven't eaten anything all day."

"I could eat," Nicky said honestly. "Sorry about dinner."

Galina pulled a few items out of the fridge and turned back to smile at Nicky.

"Don't worry about it," she said, although worry was exactly what she had done when Nicky refused food earlier. "I can make you a sandwich. Do you like BLTs?"

Nicky nodded. "I like most food, to be honest with you."

Galina smiled as she turned the burner on. "You sound like Vasily."

"Vasily," Nicky said with uncertainty. "Your son?"

"Yes, my middle son. He's your age - he just turned fourteen two months ago." She glanced at Nicky who seemed to be soaking the information up, albeit very quietly. "Yuri is my oldest. He's sixteen. And then there's Maxsim. He turns twelve next month." Galina looked up, her forehead creasing. "Didn't your social worker tell you about us?"

"Not really." Nicky shrugged. "You must be pretty busy."

"I am." Galina smiled as she constructed the sandwich, ignoring the fact that Nicky had seamlessly changed the subject. "I like it that way. You'll meet them in the morning. They're excited to meet you."

She turned and placed the plate in front of Nicky, who gave her a little smile as thanks, and then picked up the sandwich. As she chewed, she rubbed her hands together.

Galina watched her and after a moment, realized what looked so out of place.

"Why are you still wearing your clothes?" she asked as she watched Nicky bite into the sandwich. "Did you forget to pack your PJs?"

"What?" Nicky asked, her mouth full. Then she nodded. "Oh, yeah."

"I could have sorted you something out, if you'd said," Galina said with a little frown. "Don't be afraid to ask me for what you need. That's what I'm here for. And you look cold," she commented, frowning. "You should have said. I could have helped."

She went over to the kettle and filled it up, then placed it on the stove. From under the sink, she grabbed a hot water bottle.

Nicky nodded as she took another bite. "What's that?"

Galina yawned as she waited for the water to heat. "It's a hot water bottle," she said in surprise. "Haven't you seen one before?"

"No," Nicky answered, still chewing.

"They're cheaper than putting the heating on," she told her. "You finish your sandwich. I'll put this in your bed to warm the sheets up before you get in. There's nothing worse than getting into a cold bed."

Nicky said nothing as she watched Galina leave. The thought of her doing that just to be nice to a kid that wasn't even hers made Nicky stop and think. Maybe being here wouldn't be so bad.

Meanwhile Red padded into Nicky's room. Easing back the covers on the bed, she slipped the hot water bottle underneath then tucked it under a blanket. Satisfied, she straightened and looked around the room. Then she frowned as she noticed the open window. It was no wonder Nicky had been cold. She reached over and closed it, pulling the curtains shut. As she stepped back, she felt her foot catch on something. Looking down with a frown she was unsurprised to see a backpack by her feet. It seemed no matter where teens came from they were the same; usually lazy and messy, most of the time.

Most of the contents had spilled out when she tripped on it. With a little sigh, Galina bent to pick it up. A couple of school books, a pair of sneakers, and...a set of pajamas. She frowned as she held it up in front of her, staring at them for a moment. Then she shoved them back into the bag, propping it up against the wall in the corner of the room. Maybe she hadn't unpacked yet? Galina tried to think of a reason for such a pointless lie but couldn't think of one. With an uneasy feeling settling in her stomach, she headed back to the kitchen and sat down across from Nicky.

They sat in a not quite comfortable, but not yet awkward silence as Nicky finished off her sandwich. Once she pushed the plate away, Galina let her finish her glass of water and then nodded at her.

"We should both get to bed," she said. "I've got work and you've got school in the morning. I don't want you falling asleep at your desk."

Nicky offered up a small smile. "Sounds normal to me."

Galina rolled her eyes. "It won't be from here on out," she said, coming to a stand. She motioned for Nicky to follow her. "Go brush your teeth."

She waited for Nicky to finish cleaning her teeth and then eased the covers on the bed back for her. Nicky looked at her hesitantly for a moment and then slid into bed.

"Thank you," she said quietly, as her ice-cold feet quickly warmed up. "This feels nice."

Galina couldn't help but smile, despite the uneasiness in her chest. "You're welcome. Good night, honey."

Nicky's voice was small when she replied. "Good night."

Morning light streamed through the curtains and Nicky, who had been up for a few hours by that point, perched on the edge of her bed. A while ago, she had heard an alarm going off, and then the disoriented shuffling of slippers on the tile floor. Now when she listened, she heard groans from her new foster brothers, who clearly didn't want to get up for school just yet.

A soft knock on her door brought her out of her thoughts. "Time to get up, Nicky! Come and get some breakfast."

Nicky sighed and got up, her hand hesitating on the doorknob before turning it. She wasn't usually shy; the opposite, in fact. But she was used to doing things a certain way and a new house with this new family was throwing her more than she had expected. Despite her resentment of Marka, she missed her mom.

Not wanting to think of Marka any longer - because she was pretty sure her mom wasn't thinking of her - Nicky hopped out of bed and, pushing her nerves down, walked into the kitchen. Two of the boys already sat at the table, bleary eyed, but still wolfing down their breakfasts. Dmitri sat on one end and Galina was pouring a cup of coffee.

"Good morning, honey," she said, smiling as Nicky stood at the edge of the table. "Come, sit. Your spot is next to Maxsim." She pointed at her youngest son.

"Good morning," Nicky said, ducking her head at everyone.

"Do you want some cereal?" Galina asked. "We have cinnamon oatmeal squares or Cheerios?"

"The cinnamon squares, please." Nicky sat at the breakfast table, and when Galina set the bowl in front of her, she set to work dipping her spoon into her cereal bowl aimlessly. When she glanced up, Maxsim was looking at her curiously.

"Are you feeling better this morning?" he asked.

Nicky's brow creased. "What?"

"Mama said you weren't feeling well last night, that's why you didn't have dinner with us."

"Oh."

Yuri stumbling out of his bedroom and into the room gave Nicky an excuse not to answer, but when he took his seat, Nicky began to feel outnumbered. She looked around, wondering what it would be like to be a part of such a big family. It was only really her and her mom at home. Wherever home was these days.

"Hey. You must feel like you're in the zoo with Maxsim," he joked, pouring himself a glass of orange juice.

"It's early days," Dmitri said as he sat at the table, tearing a bite from a Pop-Tart. "Everyone will feel more normal once Nicky's been here a while."

"Can I have a Pop-Tart too, Mama?" Maxsim asked hopefully. "I think Nicky might want one too."

Nicky couldn't help but smile a little at the blatant attempt. The kid was pretty clever, and she appreciated cleverness. His mother, however, did not.

She sat down at the table. "No. They're terrible for your teeth. You can have one on the weekend, like always."

"But Dad-"

"Papa's big enough and ugly enough to rot his own teeth," Galina said, fondly squeezing her husband's shoulder. "Right, dorogoy?"

"Listen to your mother," was all he had to say as he scarfed down the rest of his breakfast. "I have to get going."

"Where?" Galina asked.

"I promised John Luschek I would help him fix his car."

"What do you know about cars? My wing mirror is held on with duct tape and it has been since Maxsim was in diapers. Besides, they only live across the street. Can't you wait until after breakfast?"

Dmitri shrugged. "He wants Joel to help out too. Before school starts."

"Joel!" Galina laughed. "I'll bet you any money he's still asleep. He's always late for school anyway. You never tell me things before you do them, Dmitri. Promise everybody else the world but can't even sit with your family for breakfast," she complained.

Nicky tensed at the seemingly impending argument, but it fizzled out as soon as it began when Dmitri simply stood and kissed his wife on the cheek.

"I'll shut up shop tonight so you can do something fun," he promised.

"Will you sweep the floor before you go?" Galina asked. "Will you make sure to clean the countertops?"

"Yes, yes!" he said, grabbing his coat from the back of his chair. "I'll leave everything spick and span for you, my love."

Galina rolled her eyes as he walked out the door. "Bullshit," she said. Then she turned to Nicky. "Whoops. Sorry for cursing. I'm sure your mother doesn't say things like that at the breakfast table."

Nicky shrugged. "You'd be surprised."

Galina frowned as she placed Gloria's lunch down on the table in front of her. She sighed and crossed her arms, lips pressed together.

"I just don't understand," she said, after relaying what happened with Nicky last night to Gloria. "Isn't that a weird thing to lie about?"

Gloria shrugged. "Maybe she was nervous."

"Hmm," she said, in a voice that said plainly that she did not agree. "Nicky didn't strike me as the nervous type. Although, she was very quiet at breakfast this morning…"

"She's going through a lot right now, even if she doesn't show it. You know, I had a friend who was in foster care when I was younger. She never felt like she fitted in anywhere. You don't want to start questioning Nicky and have her feel like that. Aleida never got over it. Her kids are in the system now. Hard to break once you're in it."

"But Nicky's mother isn't like that." Galina shook her head and sighed. "I didn't think it would be like this. Her social worker was there ten minutes at the most before she dumped Nicky and ran. It's not right. I barely know her, and she doesn't know me at all. I don't think she wants to."

"Poor kid," Gloria commented, stifling a yawn. "What is she like? Apart from all that."

"I don't really know yet," Galina admitted. She looked at Gloria, and in the light, suddenly noticed how her right eye was slightly swollen. "She hasn't said more than a few words to me. Aren't you getting much sleep? What's up with your eye?"

Gloria's hand flew to her eye and she winced as it throbbed. That morning, in front of the mirror, she'd applied foundation like she was troweling on cement, but clearly the injury still showed. "Julio was having nightmares. He punched out in his sleep...caught me right in the eye. Way to change the subject, though."

"Oh, poor thing," Galina sympathized, ignoring the slight. "I bet he's just unsettled because of all the change. Did you want an ice pack?"

"No, it's okay. It doesn't hurt too bad."

It did.

"There's not really much change, to be honest," Gloria sighed. "Except for me being fat and exhausted all the time." She rolled her eyes. "We haven't set anything up yet. I've tried reading books to him about new babies but I don't think he gets it."

"You're not fat. You're growing a new life. You're beautiful! Glowing!" Galina insisted. "Has Arturo not put the crib up yet? Do you really not have anything ready?" She eyed Gloria suspiciously, as if she was about to give birth right then and there.

"We still have time. I'm just huge," she said, shrugging off the concerns despite the fact that she too had griped that there was still no crib or stroller, or really anything to signal the imminent arrival. Her due date was the end of next month but Julio had come early, and she didn't expect to see her due date this time either.

She wished she had kept Julio's baby things but she had passed them on a long time ago. Having another baby hadn't been on the cards. If she was truthful, even Julio hadn't been planned. She sighed and rested her chin on her knuckles.

"Have you bought anything yet?"

Gloria shook her head. "I was waiting for the sales, but there doesn't seem to be any. I guess everyone's struggling."

Galina sympathized. For a long time, especially when her babies were young, she had little to no money spare. Now things were more comfortable, but she couldn't forget the sting of not being able to provide. To be checking every tag twice, to be counting pennies in the check-out line. It would never leave her. But there was no reason for Gloria to feel like that, at least with baby items.

"You can say no," Galina said, "But I held onto all my boys' baby stuff. I still have the crib and stroller, I know that for sure, and I think I have a bouncer too...that was only used for Vasily, because Maxsim hated it. You can have it if you want."

"You kept all of that for this long?"

Galina shrugged. "I thought we might have another baby after Maxsim. Four seemed like a good number. No one left out. But it never happened. I guess we were just too busy with three. Anyway, it means I've got space to foster, so at least there's that."

"Four is a good number," Gloria agreed quietly. She didn't say anything for a moment and then nodded. "I really appreciate the offer."

"You're not planning two more?" Galina laughed.

"No way," Gloria said, placing her hands on her bump. She felt her baby kicking away inside of her. "This one is my last. One hundred percent."

"I'll believe it when I see it," she laughed in reply.

"I'm serious," Gloria insisted, running her thumb over her lips. "I want to be a good mom. Get my fucking life sorted out for a start."

Galina rolled her eyes. "What do you need to sort? You have a wonderful job, a family, a best friend who people would kill for…" Her eyes sparkled.

"You're right," Gloria said with a roll of her eyes, trying not to wince as her jaw ached. "I'm just blessed beyond belief."

"You are," she said seriously. "And so am I. I'll get Dmitri and the boys to bring the stuff over later. You won't have to lift a finger."

Galina had been true to her word. Without many complaints, her boys and Dmitri had hauled every piece of baby equipment that Galina had saved over the years.

Gloria looked around her apartment, a small smile settling on her features. For the first time during this pregnancy, she felt something other than dread. Relief flooded through her. If nothing else, her baby would have somewhere to sleep and some clothes to wear.

She gently flicked an animal on the mobile hanging above the crib and smiled as the boys brought another lot of baby things into the apartment. Vasily carried a car seat and Yuri, a bouncer.

Even Maxsim clutched a vacuum-packed bag full of baby clothes, going red in the face as he tried to keep hold of it as he walked the stairs.

"Bro, you need to start lifting weights," Vasily laughed, taking the clothes from him as he put the car seat down. "You'll give yourself a hernia. I told Mama you were too little."

"I'm not!" Maxsim insisted, his face still red but from embarrassment now. "Mama, tell him!"

Galina walked in behind them both, holding only a mug of coffee. "You're very strong, Maxsim," she soothed. "You can prove it by going and getting the last box from downstairs."

Maxsim huffed but did as he was told, flouncing off downstairs. Galina smiled as she watched him.

"Go and help him, you two," she said, fishing in her purse for a ten-dollar bill. "Afterwards, go get yourselves an ice cream. And keep an eye on your brother!"

"They're good boys," Gloria said. "I'll have to treat them to say thank you."

"They like to help," Galina said, waving her hand. "Save your money for the baby, hm? Your bump looks so much lower today. Maybe this week?"

Gloria rolled her eyes. "That's wishful thinking. But thank you for all of this, Galina. You have no idea how much it means to me." She stroked a sleepsuit and smiled. "I always forget how teeny they are when they come out."

There was a thud as one last box was shoved to the top of the stairs as the boys fled for their ice creams. Even Yuri, who considered himself too old and too cool for ice cream trucks, could be heard scampering down the stairs.

"Anything for you," Galina said, and she meant it. "I'm gonna have to get going, though," she said, making a face. "Nicky's social worker is coming over."

"I have to pick up Julio anyway. Lourdes only has him so I can get this sorted out. She's been on me for weeks to set up a crib. Don't know why, because she brings up that I did just fine sleeping in a drawer for the first six months of my life whenever I buy Julio something new."

Galina laughed. "Call me if you need anything, okay?"

"I will."

A/N:

If you need me, I'll be listening to All Too Well (Taylor's Version) and trying to forget how behind I am with NaNoWriMo. Hope you're all doing well!

- Star xo