Chapter 22:

I looked down at the sweet angel in my arms who was trying so hard to stay awake. I nod in her direction and I scoop Victoria up and lay down on the small couch. I stroke her hair as she gets comfortable laying in my arms. I feel Jane sit beside and run her fingers down my arm and take my free hand into her own. I never thought I would ever have a family like this one. A family full of love and trust.

Maura POV:

I feel upset with myself because as Victoria's injured I am also negating the fact that Jane is injured as well. I can't meet her loving gaze as she looks over at Victoria and I. I don't deserve it. I should've done a better job of looking after Jane as well.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

"I have to apologize to you Jane. I have been focusing so much on Victoria that I forgot that you are injured. Well I wouldn't say that I forgot but I also have not been checking on you and your injury as well. I am so sorry, I hope you can forgive me."

"Maura there is nothing to forgive, you know that I love that you want to take care of me. I really appreciate that but it is no longer just us. We care for a whole other human being now. I know that isn't something you did intentionally and therefore there is nothing to forgive. I love you Maura, it's okay."

"I love you too Jane. I was thinking today after we get discharged we can go to lunch and then shopping if Victoria feels up to it. I want her to be able to pick out her own clothes and decorations for her room."

"I agree with you. I think that is a wonderful idea."

A nurse walked into the room holding all the papers needed for Victoria's discharge. I look at Victoria and can't help but think how precious she looks. I don't know how anyone could hurt this little girl.

"Have you told your mom yet?" I look over at Jane.

"No, because she was going to want to rush right over here. I just don't want to scare her because you know how my mom gets every time there is an opportunity to spoil a child she goes off the deep end. I just don't want Victoria to become overwhelmed."

"Yeah I absolutely see that. I don't want her to feel overwhelmed either, she hasn't even seen her new surroundings. I think that after we go shopping and set up her room we can try to discuss a plan on how we want the next few days to go."

"Let's wake her up, I don't know if I will cause her pain if I try to pick her up."

I start at a low whisper, "Victoria sweetie, wake up."

I don't get a response but in order to avoid startling her I say it once again an octave louder. I see her start to move.

"Hey love, I'm sorry for waking you up but I thought you might like to know that we can go home. We have the discharge paperwork,"

"That's okay, I'd rather not be here anymore. Going to your house sounds nice." I smile at her but then say, "It's not our house anymore. It's our home that has now become your home too. This is just as much yours as it is ours."

She didn't say anything or meet my eyes. "We want to take you shopping to get items and decorations that you like so you feel comfortable in your new room. Would that be okay with you?"

"You don't have to. I don't really know the things I like." Her voice sounds small again. Almost as if she is afraid she is going to say the wrong thing and my heart breaks all over again. These people who were supposed to care for her broke her down so much that she doesn't think she has an identity.

Jane jumps in and I am so glad that she did because she always knows what to say. That is one of the strengths that make me fall in love with her everyday. "That's is okay! We can go and even if we don't buy anything it may help figure out the things that you like. I remember when my dad took me shopping and he wasn't too sure about what I would like. We walked up and down the aisles and I found stuff that I thought was cool. Maura and I can show you some of our favorite items if that will help too. Does that sound a little easier to manage?"

She thinks for a moment. "Yeah that seems okay." This is going to be one of many small victories for her and we can wait to share them.

I turn to her and ponder for a second if I should ask her if there is food she likes. I am only hesitant because I don't want her to be upset with herself due to her circumstances. I think I'll ask Jane and see where this conversation will head.

"Jane, what should we do for lunch?" I look at her sweetly hoping she can pick up on the hint.

"I don't know. Victoria, do you want something specific?"

"Umm could we maybe get pizza?"

"I think that is a great idea. Pizza it is." I smile at her.

I look up the closest pizza place to the mall we are going to. That way when we are done here we can just go on our way. "You ready to go kiddo?" I pose the question to her.

"Yeah I really don't like hospitals."

"Jane either. For someone that loves a doctor she is really bad at following doctor's advice." I chuckle a bit and see Victoria smile a little bit.

"If all the doctors were like you then I would have 0 problems following their advice." She smiles at me.

"I find that extremely hard to believe because even when I give you medical advice. You still don't listen to me very well."

"Okay okay you got me there but I'll be better at listening to you. I don't know if I am willing to try harder with other doctors just yet."

"Okay that sounds better to me. It looks like we are pretty much all set here. Are we ready for pizza?"

"YES!" Jane said a little too excitedly and Victoria laughed. This is hoping the start downa great adventure for all of us.

I AM BACK BABY AND LETS GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD! I have so many cute christmas things planned and Victoria has a big announcement for our lovely ladies as she grows with them! Stay tuned.