Concrete Angel Chapter 12

Note: It's been a long time since I last updated. I'm not sure if there is any interest in this story anymore, but if I get some reviews then I'll do my best to give ya'll more. Anyway, I hope this isn't disappointing for anyone who is familiar with the story and was wondering what happened to it.

Feedback: Sure, why not.

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Bosco and Faith walked down the sterile halls that would lead them to Meg's room. They didn't know what was going on. Carlos had called and told them to get to Megan's room as soon as possible. For Bosco that meant one thing. Jayme really did decide to keep Meg. Why else would Carlos have called?

He held his breath as he entered the room. The sight that greeted him was enough to make his blood run cold. Bosco stood in place, unable to divert his eyes. Jayme was sitting in a chair with pillows propped up behind her. Her face was bruised and it looked as if she aged ten years since last time he saw her.

"Please stop staring," Jayme's soft voice said.

"Sorry." Bosco shook his head. "What happened?"

"It's not important," Jayme said. "What is though, is Megan."

"Yes, she is but . . . ," Bosco began.

"Let's just say I had an accident and leave it at that." Jayme shifted uncomfortably. "The doctors are releasing Meg tomorrow and when they do, I want her to go home and live with you."

"You what?" Bosco managed to get out.

"Really?" Meg questioned.

"I know I scared you when I called last night. Maybe one day I can explain that to you. Now, I told Miss Sellers and she's getting the paperwork all prepared." Jayme got up and turned to Carlos. "I'm not feeling well."

"I'll take you home."

"Faith, stay here," Bosco whispered to Faith.

"I'll see you later little sis." Jayme leaned down and hugged Meg. "I love you."

"I know. Thank you."

Jayme didn't respond. She stood up straight and with Carlos's help she walked to the door. She didn't say a word as she passed Bosco. Bosco watched as they left then quickly went after them leaving Faith with Meg. There was no way he was going to accept Jayme's excuse of an accident fly with him.

"Wait," he called out.

"Yeah?" Jayme stopped.

"What made you decide to give me Meg?" Bosco asked.

"I didn't give her to you. I'm giving you to her. I'm giving her the life and a father she deserves. You just better make sure she is the happiest and safest little girl in the world."

"I will. I promise." Bosco waited a few moments then began to speak again. "You trust me then?"

"If you are going to ask about what happened, don't. Go back in there and make plans on what you two are going to do when Meg gets out of here."

"I can help you."

"No, you can't. Look, I'm gonna need some time to myself so I won't be around for a while. Once I get my head all straightened out, I would like to be part of Meg's life."

"We wouldn't have it any other way."

"Thanks." Jayme smiled. "Now, go."

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"Bos, the room is so plain," Faith commented.

"I know. I want Meg to do what she wants with it. That way she'll feel like it's hers."

Bosco and Faith stood in the doorway to the spare room that was converted into a child's room. The walls were white. A bed, dresser, nightstand and small desk sat in the room. Stuffed animals lined the bed.

"Where'd you get the bed?"

"It was mine before I got my new one. I'm going to start saving so I can get her some newer things. The room is so small though."

"I wouldn't worry."

"I better get going. She'll think I forgot her and you have to go to work."

"I wish I was going with you," Faith said softly.

"Me too."

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"This is real, right?" Meg asked as she zipped up her sweatshirt.

"Is what real?" Miss Sellers asked in return.

"I'm leaving and I get to live with Bosco?"

"Yes, Meg. You do know though, he's just your guardian right now. You aren't adopted."

"But I can be, right?"

"It all depends on whether or not your father loses his parental rights." Miss Sellers softened. "We'll do our best for you."

Meg only nodded to Miss Sellers. Sometimes doing your best doesn't get things done. Her biggest nightmare was her father getting out of jail and taking her away from Bosco. Today, she was leaving the hospital behind and hopefully the nightmares would stay there as well.

"Meg?" Bosco appeared in the doorway.

"Bosco!" She cheered. "Where's Faith?"

"She had to work. Our boss wouldn't give both of us the day off today." Bosco walked completely into the room. "He did give me a whole week off, though."

"Cool."

"Yeah, cool." Bosco looked to Miss Sellers. "Hi."

"Hi." She smiled. "Well, I think Meg has stayed here long enough."

"Way too long," Meg chimed in.

"Oh, I have a surprise waiting for you in the car." Bosco grabbed a bag and began to push Meg.

"What kind of surprise?" Meg's eyes got wide with anticipation.

"Just someone who wouldn't take no for answer." Bosco pushed Meg's chair into the elevator.

"Who?"

"You are going to have to wait. I can tell you this person has a surprise for you too."

Meg smiled widely. She didn't really need anything now, but she couldn't help but be excited. Surprises were fun. At least when they came from kind people. The elevator stopped and they got off. Miss Sellers stopped them before they could walk away.

"I'm gonna head back to work." She bent down. "I hope you enjoy your surprises. I'll see you next week."

"Ok, bye," Meg said.

"Thank you, Miss Sellers." Bosco extended his hand.

"Lauren, please, and don't thank me. I should thank you for caring so much about Megan," she said. "Take care of each other." Miss Sellers smiled then walked away.

"We will," Bosco whispered. "Ready?"

"Yeah," Meg squealed. She waited while Bosco wheeled her to the doors. He stopped and helped her out, and that's when she saw him. "Ty!"

"Princess Meg," Ty teased. He opened the door to Bosco's car. "Your chariot awaits."

"You didn't have to work?" Meg asked.

"Nah. I slipped a few days ago and hurt my head. I got a few days off." Ty stopped to the side so Bosco could help Meg in the backseat.

"Bosco said you had a surprise for me?"

"I'm not enough? I'm hurt."

"You are." Meg smiled.

"Good, but I think you deserve more than me." Ty got in once Bosco had Meg in the car.

"She's expecting us?" Bosco asked Ty.

"Sure is."

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"Now, Meg. I should really take you home, but there is this thing we need to do first." Bosco stopped the car.

"Where are we?"

"My mom's," Ty announced. He got out and helped Meg.

"Ok," she said. Bosco reached out for Meg's hand and she took it. Together they walked up the steps to the front door. She watched as Ty opened the door.

"Hello?" he called.

"Ty?" Maggie Davis cam into the room. "This must be Bosco and Meg."

"Yes, ma'am," Bosco said.

"Come and sit. Ty, follow me."

"Bosco? What are we doing here?" Meg questioned as soon as Ty and his mom left.

"You'll find out soon enough," he laughed.

Meg sighed. In no time Ty came in carrying a cardboard box that seemed to be meowing. Maggie was close behind carrying a furry gray cat. Ty sat the box down in front of Meg. Inside were six fluffy baby kittens.

"Kittens!" Meg cried. "Can I play with them?"

"Sure," Maggie said. "Chubby here won't mind."

"They are so cute." Meg lifted a gray kitten out and handed it to Bosco. She then handed a gray and white one to Ty. "Do they have names?"

"No." Maggie shook her head.

"Oh." Meg grabbed a black kitten for herself. "My mom told me Jayme used to go to the pet stores and name all the dogs and cats. I guess she did it because she could never have one." She looked at Maggie. "Jayme's my sister."

"Oh."

"So, Meg. Which one do you like the best?" Bosco asked as he pulled his kitten off his shirt.

"I don't know. I like them all."

"Smile," Maggie said as she pulled out a Polaroid camera. "That'll be a cute one."

"You know, my mom is trying to find homes for all of Chubby's babies," Ty said.

"Yeah?" Meg looked up at Bosco with hope in her eyes.

"Pick one," came his reply.

"You mean . . . I get . . . no way!"

"Way," Bosco laughed. "But you have to help me take care of it."

"I will." Meg collected the kittens from Ty and Bosco . "Can I play with them all to see which one I like better?"

"Go ahead," Ty's mom said as she snapped another picture.

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Faith sat across from Sully in the nearly empty diner. Today, Bosco got to bring Meg home and she was stuck working. She found herself counting down the hours until her shift was over and she could go see them. It also piqued her interest when she over heard Bosco and Ty talking about kittens a few days back.

"Hey, Sul?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you know anything about kittens?"

"Kittens?" Sully laughed.

"Ty and Bosco were talking a few days ago about kittens. What do you know?"

"Ty's mom's cat had some. That could be it." Sully bit down into his sandwich.

"Bosco hates cats."

"He say that?" Sully grinned.

"Not exactly," she said. "You know something, don't you?"

"Maybe. If I tell you, are you gonna admit that you and Boscorelli are . . . you know?"

"No, I don't know."

"Faith, I'm not stupid."

"Ok. Fine. Bosco and I are seeing each other. Satisfied?" Faith questioned.

"Mortified actually."

"Sully . . .," she warned.

"Sorry." He turned serious. "Bosco is getting that little girl a kitten."

"Why wouldn't he tell me?"

"Ty said Bosco didn't want you to tell him he shouldn't," Sully said before taking another bite of his sandwich.

Faith grew quiet. Why wouldn't Bosco want her to know? Did he honestly think I would say something about him getting Meg a cat, Faith wondered. He must believe I have no faith in him as a parent. Was that it? Faith wasn't sure, but she was going to find out.

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Jayme was curled up on the couch reading a book when Ty came home. Quickly, she closed her eyes pretending to be asleep. Ever since she got back to New York she kept her interaction with Ty and Carlos to a minimum. She wasn't sure what Ty thought about it, but she could tell Carlos was starting to get mad. She could feel Ty standing about her.

"I know you aren't sleeping. Don't open your eyes. Ignore me. Ignore Carlos. Ignore the whole world if you need to." Ty dropped a picture down on her book. "I was just with Meg. That is a picture of her, Bosco and her new kitten. Shut everyone out, but not her. She still needs you." Ty walked away into his room.

Jayme waited until she heard his door shut then opened her eyes. She grabbed the picture and smiled. Bosco had his arms around Meg who was holding onto a black and white kitten. They both had smiles that seemed to go from ear to ear. Their happiness seemed to jump out at her.

"Ty?" she called out.

"Yeah?" he replied from a few feet away.

"I thought . . . ," she trailed off.

"I wanted to see if I got through to you.
"Thank you for the photo." She turned away and began to read.

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"Think we got everything for her?" Bosco asked Meg as he carried bags down the hallway.

"Hmm. Food, bowls, collar, toys, litter box . . . yep." Meg stopped in front of her old apartment. There was a welcome mat and a wreath on the door. "New people?"

"Just a few days ago. Nice couple. They have a daughter about sixteen I think." Bosco nudged her away.

"Do they yell at all?"

"No."

"Good." Meg smiled up at Bosco and followed him to his door.

"They gave me your clothes and toys and stuff." He opened the door. "It's all in your room."

"Can I see it?"

"Yeah." Bosco led Meg down to the room across from his own.

Bosco watched as she walked in. She looked around then sat down. Her hand reached for a picture frame on the night stand. Meg kissed the picture then put it back down. She set the kitten down on the bed and looked around once more.

"Thank you."

"You can decorate it any . . .," he began then stopped when Meg interrupted.

"This is fine. I don't want to bother you."

"Bother me?" Bosco sighed. He sat down next to her on the bed. "This room is your room. I didn't want to do anything to it without you. This is your home now too. I just want you to feel that."

"So, maybe I could get a butterfly poster?"

"Sure." He smiled. "When you are better we can go shopping for whatever you want." Bosco looked at the kitten that was now chasing its own tail. "Should we feed her?"

"Her name is Phoebe. " Meg got up and set the kitten down. "You know after Phoebe on Friends. She's ditzy just like her." Meg laughed when the kitten began to chase her own tail once again.

"She sure is ditzy." Bosco laughed as he walked to the kitchen. "Oh, Meg. Your doctor said you will be well enough to go to school next week. You have less than a month left, right?"

"I think." Meg lifted a plastic bag off the floor and pulled out the things Bosco had bought for Phoebe. "My teacher sent me work to do, but I didn't finish it all yet."

"Do you . . . ah . . .need help with it?" Bosco stammered.

"Maybe with the math."

"How does this sound. Tomorrow you and Phoebe just relax, but day after that you work on your assignments." Bosco looked at his watch then to Meg who was feeding the kitten. "I think it's dinner time for us too I think."

"Real food," Meg squealed.

"What do you want?"

"Pizza?"

"Sure, I'll order it."

Meg smiled then turned to search for the kitten. She found the feline playing with a lamp cord in the living room. With the cat in her arms Meg walked into the kitchen where she found Bosco on the phone. Phoebe was set down in front of her food just as Bosco hung up.

"Can you do something for me?" Meg asked as she played with her long blonde hair.

"Sure, what?"

"Can you . . .," she began. "Never mind, it's stupid. You wouldn't know how."

"Try me."

"Do you know how to braid hair?" Meg asked finally.

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Bosco could only stare at the girl. She wanted him to braid her hair. Braid hair? What did he know about that? Sure, he could tie all kinds of knots, but never in his life had he learned how to braid hair. What would she ask next, do you play Barbies? Great. You just jinxed yourself Boscorelli, he thought.

"It was stupid. I'm sorry," Meg quickly said.

"No, it wasn't. I just . . . I don't know how," Bosco admitted.

"That's ok." Meg smiled. "Can we watch TV or something?"

"We can do that."

Bosco and Meg both sat down on the couch. He handed the remote to Meg. Soon, they were watching the Crocodile Hunter. Meg's laughter was contagious and Bosco found himself laughing as well. A knock at the door announced the Pizza had come.

Bosco paid the boy and set the box on the kitchen table. He thought about taking it to the TV where Meg was, but decided that a good parent would serve dinner at a table. Atleast Faith would. He had set out the plates and cups and was about to call Meg when there was another knock at the door.

"Meg. Pizza's in the kitchen," he said as he reached the door. When he opened it, he came face to face with Faith and Sully. "What are two doing here?"

"Dinner break. Yokas said you'd cook. I had to see it for myself," Sully said.

"You're out of luck. I ordered pizza. If you promise not to eat it all, you two can join us," Bosco teased. He let the pair in. "Admit it, Faith. You wanted to check up on us."

"Faith?" Meg called from behind Bosco. She was holding the cat. "Look what Bosco got me."

"I came to see about your new kitty." Faith knelt down next to Meg. "What's her name?"

"Phoebe."

"She's a cutie."

"She's not too smart though." Meg laughed then approached Sully. She extended her hand. "I'm Meg and this is Phoebe."

"Sully," he said as he hesitantly shook her hand.

"Ty's partner?"

"Guilty."

"Hey, Meg. Your food is gonna get cold."

"Sorry." She walked back into the kitchen.

"She's always apologizing for something," Bosco said as they went to join her.

"She's just used to it, more than likely," Faith speculated as she walked into the kitchen.

"Bosco, hold up." Sully stopped him from following Faith. "Don't mess up. With either of them."

"I won't." Bosco began to walk then stopped. "Ty tell you?"

"No. I'm not blind. Faith just confirmed it for me," Sully laughed. "I told her about the cat, so I got something in return."

The two men joined Meg and Faith at the table. Faith and Sully stayed until the break was over then left. Bosco and Meg watched some more TV, then he had to carry a sleeping Meg to her bed. That night when he went to bed, Bosco thought about how lucky he was to have Meg with him.