Hello to anyone who is reading this story! Thank you for all of your feedback and reviews! I love hearing them! Thank you to Erica who always proofreads all of my stuff and gives me honest feedback before I post! I don't own Glee but I do own the kiddos in this story. Enjoy!
June 2026
Zack stood behind his mother in the checkout line. Lainey bounced behind him poking his sides. "Stop Lainey! Mom's going to get mad!" he scowled. Lainey stuck her tongue out at her older brother.
His mom glanced back at the two kids behind her as she placed all of the groceries up onto the counter to be scanned. "Be quiet you two! We're almost done here," she said. Zack noticed the tears forming in her eyes as she looked down on them. He didn't think they were acting so bad to make her cry. "Mom, why are you crying?" he asked. "Mom?"
His mother looked away as the woman at the counter told her the total. "That will be $20.54."
Once again his mother looked down at them with tears in her eyes and then looked in her purse. "Oh shoot! I forgot my wallet in the car", she says, flustered by her own words. "Can I go get it and come back to pay?"
The cashier looked annoyed. "Yes you can. I'll save your order right here. Just come back to this register."
"Oh don't worry. I'll be right back. Kids you stay here next to the cart. I parked far and it's raining." His mother patted the cart to indicate to him that she wanted him to stand right there.
Zack nodded and held onto Lainey's hand. Their mother learned down to give each of them a kiss on their foreheads. "I'll be right back."
Their mother started to walk away when the cashier realized she was leaving her two small children inside of the store alone. "Ma'am! Excuse me!" she shouted. "You can't leave your kids in here unattended!"
Zack began to panic. He didn't want his mom to get in trouble again. "Mom! Mom just take us with you!" He knew better than to leave the cart, but he couldn't help but notice her run faster as he screamed.
He turned to the cashier. "She'll be right back. She's just being a good mom and doesn't want us to get wet." Zack clung to Lainey's hand tighter to make sure she didn't run off.
The woman kept glancing at the door and then back down to the kids. "Okay kids, why don't you sit over here on this bench next to your cart until your mom comes back in to pay ok?" The cashier ushered them over to the bench and they sat quietly watching the door.
Ten minutes later the two were still watching the door as the manager began speaking to the cashier. They murmured under their breath while peering at the kids.
"Zack where's mommy?" Lainey asked. "She's been gone a long time. Is she in trouble?"
"She's coming back Lainey! Stop being such a baby!" Zack was the big brother. He was in charge when mom wasn't around and right now Lainey was making it worse.
"I'm not a baby Zack!" she replied angrily.
The manager of the store walks over to the kids, Lainey now had tears forming in her own eyes. "Hi you two! Can you tell me your names and how old you are?"
"Why?" Zack replied.
The manager was taken aback by the directness of the boy's answer. Most kids had no issues saying their name or how old they were.
"Well, I'm just trying to help you out so we can find your mom." The manager sat himself on the bench next to Zack. Lainey pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them.
"I'm Zachary and I'm 7. She's Elaine and she's 4," Zack whispered quietly to the man.
"Great. Do you have a last name? And what's your mom's name?" The man had a concerned look on his face. Zack knew that face all too well.
"Our mom's name is Julie. Our last name is Miller. We don't have a dad." Zack began to feel overwhelmed. "She's coming back. She always comes back. Please don't call the police," he pleaded.
"Well let's give her a few more minutes but after that I need to call someone to come help you ok? Do you have a phone number or an address we can reach her at?" The manager kept asking questions hoping to solve this mystery. He's worked at this location for 10 years and never had an incident of children being left at the store.
"My mom doesn't have a phone," he answered as eyes stared at his weathered shoes on his feet. "We live at the Budget Motel right now. I don't know the address."
The manager furrowed his brow." Can you two sit here for a minute while I tell the cashier something?" Both Zack and Lainey nodded to the man, not wanting to draw any more attention to themselves.
Just then Lainey began to cry. "Shhh Lainey! They'll call the police if we aren't quiet! Do you want to go away again?" Zack knew Lainey would freak out. She hates being away from mom.
Lainey began to quiet down, swallowing her sobs as she sat next to her big brother. The two sat in silence as the manager kept checking on them. He even brought them a bag of goldfish crackers and a chocolate milk to drink while they waited.
Zack could see it was starting to get dark out. Why did she have to leave them again? She must be coming back. Maybe her wallet was at the motel and she went to go get it and the car broke down?
Just then Zack spotted two Police officers out of the corner of his eye. No. Not again. Zack grabbed Lainey's arm and yelled "RUN" as he pulled her off of the bench and began to run towards the side door of the store. The officers began to run after them. Zack picked up the pace and headed for the door. If they could make it outside then maybe mom would be out there waiting. But Lainey tripped. Zack turned around to help her up when the officers caught up to them and scooped them both up.
"NOOOOOOO! LET ME GO! SHE'S COMING BACK! DON'T TAKE US!" Zack screamed as he flailed in the officer's arms. Lainey stared back at him as her silent tears fell.
Shoppers began to stop and stare at the scene that was unfolding. "Those poor children," one of them whispered.
Zack continued to shout as the officer carried him out of the store. "MOM! You have to come get us! Mom! They are taking us away!" he shouted frantically scanning the parking lot for any sign of her. Nothing. Just the horrified stares from people in the parking lot. Lainey's sobs echoed behind his screams as they were placed into the back of the police car.
It had been two weeks since Rachel and Finn had made the announcement to their families about becoming foster parents. Slowly everyone was warming up to the idea. Both Rachel and Finn had fielded phone calls from their parents asking more questions. Once they learned about the bigger picture they all became more supportive of their decision. They even had their CPR classes scheduled so they could babysit if needed. The tension had lifted slightly and they both felt relieved.
It was early Sunday evening. The two had finished a busy weekend of house showings since summer is their busiest time. Finn was in his office as usual, wrapping up the weekend business. Their company really was a 7 day a week job these days. Although they have a main office downtown, Finn likes to work from home a lot so the two can spend time together. Rachel isn't nearly as busy as Finn and she also loved helping him out when she could.
Rachel jumped when she heard the phone ring as she was placing the last dish away in the cabinet. She rushed to answer it, figuring it was her father's again to ask more questions.
"Hello?" Rachel answered.
"Mrs. Hudson? Hi, this is Ms. Kent. Sorry to call you so late but I have a possible placement for you and I need to talk to you right away."
Rachel was stunned. "Oh," she paused, "Okay yeah sure. What is the placement?" She scurried over to Finn's office to get his attention. She tapped on his door flailing her arms. He turned around just in time to see Rachel pointing at the phone mouthing "Ms. Kent" to him. His eyes grew wide. "Ms. Kent can I put you on speaker so my husband can hear?" she asked.
"Oh of course!" Ms. Kent waited as Rachel pushed the speaker button. They both remained in the office doorway afraid to move and miss any detail of this conversation.
"Okay go ahead Ms. Kent," Rachel instructed.
"Well I just got a call about two children who are being put in an emergency placement tonight. A boy and a girl, ages 7 and 4. They can stay in their emergency home for two days until something long term can be found. I don't have much more info than that right now, but wanted to call and ask you if you would be willing to take them if the placement is right for them?"
Rachel felt like she was going to pass out. She clung to Finn with her free arm while clutching the phone in the other. Finn looked down at her giving a nod of approval.
"Yes Ms. Kent, we would love to take them. When would they arrive?" Rachel felt her hand shaking as the adrenaline rushed through her veins. This was unexpected and sudden, but that's how these things work.
"Okay great. I'll put a call into the main caseworker and get back to you tomorrow. If they are placed with you, you can expect them within the next 48 hours. I would start preparing if I were you. From what I've heard these children will be arriving with just the clothes on their back. I'll be in touch tomorrow."
"Thank you Ms. Kent. We look forward to your call." Finn replied.
Rachel hung up the phone and jumped into Finn's arms, causing him to stumble backwards slightly. She hugged him tightly before he put her down. "Oh my god Finn. It's happening. This is so exciting!" She beamed. Then suddenly her face fell. "But those poor babies. I wonder where they are tonight? I bet they're scared. I wonder what happened?"
"I'm sure we will find out more if we get picked. I mean she said they will be arriving with nothing. Poor kids. Good thing we have two rooms ready huh?" Finn looked at Rachel who was still looking concerned. "You aren't going to sleep tonight are you?"
Rachel laughed. "I need to but I probably won't. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. What if they don't like us? Or if they don't like our house? Wait we need to get clothes and toys for them! We-"
"Rach slow down. Let's see if we get a call tomorrow. There will be time for one of us to run out and if not, we can take the kids with us right? I mean they aren't on house arrest once they get here." Finn knew he needed to calm her racing mind. Of course his mind was racing too so I guess there was really no point. "Why don't we go make a list of what we might need? They are 7 and 4 right?"
"Yes. 7 and 4. Like kids. Not babies. Wow I always thought we'd get a baby first." It was hitting Rachel that the kids possibly coming to their house were not just going to go with the flow like a baby would.
Finn grabbed Rachel's hand and led her to the kitchen table. "You sit. Start a list. I need to just finish sending the email I was working on and I'll join you ok?"
Rachel picked up the pen and began to write.
Zack stood in the living room of the foreign home. It smelled funny in here. Lainey had passed out on the car ride over here. The mom of the house hand changed her into a pair of pajamas that were too big and placed her into a toddler bed down the hall.
"Do you want anything to eat before bed? I'm sure you've had a long day."
To be honest he was hungry, but didn't want food from this woman. He wanted his mom. "No," is all that came out of his mouth.
"Suit yourself! I'll bring you some pajamas and I'll get you off to bed." The woman goes to the other room and returned with a yellow pajama top with cars on it and a pair of pajama pants with Christmas trees. "Here you go! It's all I have in your size. Go in the bathroom and get changed and I'll show you your bed."
Zack grabbed the pajamas from her hands and walked into the bathroom. Slowly he shut the door behind him. He doesn't want to wear these pajamas. They don't match and they feel scratchy. He wants his Captain America pajamas his mom bought him when they had some extra money a few months ago. Those are at the motel though.
After he was changed, Zack slowly opened the door to find the woman waiting right outside for him. "Hand me your clothes so I can wash them. You need to take them with you when you get picked up tomorrow."
Zack's eyes lit up. "My mom's coming tomorrow? I knew it!" he exclaimed.
The woman's demeanor changed. She no longer would look Zack in the eyes. "No honey. No. The social worker is coming to pick you up to take you to another home that can keep you longer. Your mom isn't coming to get you tomorrow."
Zack slowly fell to the ground and the sobs he had been holding in finally were released. Long, loud, sobs. The woman sat down beside him, rubbing small circles in his back. "I'm so sorry and I know you are sad. Hopefully when they pick you up tomorrow they'll know something about your mom."
Zack didn't know this woman's name and didn't want to know it, but for now she was pretty nice and sat by him for a long time. He cried until his eyes were red and puffy. He was mad. Mad at his mom for leaving them. Why did she have to leave and just run away? Normally if she was going to be gone a while she ALWAYS tells them. And she always comes back. She's never left them in public before and Zack knew this time was different. This time other people saw.
The woman spoke and broke the silence in the hallway. "Why don't we head you off to bed huh? You seem like you've had a really long day and your sister will be looking for you if she wakes up and you aren't there." She reached out and grabbed for Zack's hand and helped him up off the ground.
Zack walked quietly down the hall to the room where his sister slept, trying not to think about how his pajamas rubbed his legs when he walked. As he entered the room he saw Lainey asleep, tear stained cheeks resting on her pillow. He quietly crawled into bed and the woman pulled the covers up to his chin. She whispered "goodnight" and tiptoed out of the room.
The room was dark with a tiny sliver of moonlight peeking through the window above his bed. He could hear Lainey's breathing across the room. Zack wanted his own bed with his own pajamas on and his mom. Even though they all shared one bed in the motel room, Zack missed it. He felt lonely in the room, even with his sister just a few feet away. His mom once told him she always knew what he was thinking. Well right now he hoped she did, because she would know that Zack was freaking out. Surely she'd come back if she knows this. As his eyes drifted closed, Zack had visions of his mother showing up at the door in the morning with open arms.
Rachel couldn't sleep. She and Finn had spent the entire night prepping for the possibility that tomorrow they will have children in this very house. She was giddy, excited, and terrified all at the same time. Honestly she was shocked Finn fell asleep as quickly as he did. They were both so wired after that phone call. The list of things they needed to do was a mile long. She wasn't sure she would get it all done before they arrived tomorrow. If they get picked that is.
She couldn't help but wonder about the kids. She knew they were 7 and 4, a boy and a girl. Other than that she wouldn't get any more information until Mrs. Kent called in the morning to let them know. Those poor kids. Why were they taken away from their parents? What would they be like? They were probably so scared. Tears began to form in her eyes. Pull it together Rachel. These kids need you to be strong.
Not wanting to wake Finn, she wandered out into the hallway and stood in between the two spare bedrooms. Rachel looked back and forth at these pristine rooms. No sign of life in them. Would tomorrow bring something different? She and Finn have been through so much and worked so hard over the past few months to be ready for this. Why did she feel so totally unprepared? I guess that's parenthood for you.
"Hey" Finn said, breaking the silence. Rachel spun around quickly.
"Oh hey. Sorry if I woke you." Rachel reached out towards Finn and pulled him in for a hug.
"No you didn't. I just happened to roll over and find your side of the bed empty. I guess I didn't have to go too far to find you. Are you nervous about tomorrow?"
"Yes," she answered, not moving her head from its resting place on Finn's chest. "I mean I feel totally prepared but at the same time I'm terrified we will do something wrong. And all of this could be for nothing if they aren't placed with us." Rachel pulls her head back to look up at Finn. "But Finn, what if we get them? What if tomorrow we have kids here?"
Finn smiled at Rachel but couldn't read her look. She seemed like she was either going to jump up and down screaming and clapping or burst into tears.
"Well if we have kids here tomorrow that will be awesome Rachel. And I'm scared too okay? We've never had kids before, let alone kids that can already talk," he smiled. "We've got to get some sleep though because I can promise you tomorrow might be the busiest day of our lives yet."
Rachel stared back at him feeling reassured. At least he was feeling the same way.
They both crawled back into bed on their respective sides, both staring at the ceiling with eyes wide open. There was no way either of them were getting much sleep tonight.
Zack opened his eyes slowly, noticing the light coming through the curtains was different this time. It was morning. He felt something solid behind him and quickly rolled over. Lainey. She must have snuck in his bed at some point in the night. She was probably lonely too. Disturbed by Zack's movement, Lainey groggily rubbed her eyes and opened them. She found Zack staring at her.
"Zack, what pj's are those?" she asked, pointing to his shirt.
"This is what the lady gave me after you fell asleep. They're scratchy." Zack reached up to rub a spot on his neck that was particularly irritated.
"Zacky is momma coming to pick us up today? Where did she go?" Lainey asked, wide eyed.
"I don't know Lainey. Just please be good so if mom comes back they'll let us go with her okay? No crying. Just be quiet and listen. We need to have a good report so we can go back to mom today."
Lainey nodded in agreement with Zack. Her big brother was her entire world and she knew he meant business.
"Okay. But what if momma never comes? She ran away from us. She ran so fast." Lainey looked up at the ceiling as the tears pooled in her tiny blue eyes.
"Lainey you can't cry right now. That lady is going to come in soon and we can't be crying ok? No crying."
Lainey quickly wiped the tears from her eyes. "Zack it's hard. I miss momma and our stuff."
"We'll get it back Lainey ok? Mom will come soon. She'll go to the police station and ask them where we are and find us." Zack made sure to look Lainey directly in the eyes when he spoke. He needed her to believe him. He needed to believe himself too.
Just then the door opened and the woman walked in. "Oh you're up already! Your clothes are dry so come get dressed for the day," she said as she placed their clean clothes on the end of Zack's bed. "Your social worker should be calling soon to see where you're going to go today." With that statement, she turned around and walked out of the room.
Lainey quickly got up to do what she was told. She began undressing out of her oversized nightgown she was given and placed her worn jeans and pink tank top back onto her body. She noticed that Zack hadn't moved yet.
"Come on Zack. You said you don't want us in trouble so get dressed ok?" Lainey took a motherly tone with him, which she rarely did. She could feel the tension in his body language, even at four years old.
Zack hesitantly scooted towards the end of the bed and began to remove his pajamas. He too looked down at his worn clothing wondering where his mother could be. As he got dressed he reminded Lainey of what to do.
"Okay Lainey before we go out to breakfast make sure you eat a LOT of food ok? You know sometimes we need to eat a lot of food to stay strong right?" Zack pulled her towards the doorway to their temporary room. Lainey held onto his hand tight. They slowly emerged from their bedroom to begin their day, not knowing how it would end.
Finn and Rachel had been up since 6am, neither getting much sleep since they were much too anxious about today. Rachel had already cleaned the entire house until it was spotless, showered, and triple checked the spare bedrooms four times. Finn had been sent off to the grocery store promptly at 7 am when they opened to get a list of things they would need "just in case".
Now it was 8 am and they both found themselves sitting on the couch watching the weekday news on this Monday morning. Finn was thumbing through emails on his phone while Rachel nervously flipped channels to see if anything was on that would distract her from obsessing over the phone ringing.
"I'm dying over here Finn. Can you get off of your phone and at least talk to me? I need a distraction." Rachel eyed Finn from across the room giving him that look he knew all so well. Listen to her or else.
"Sorry Rach I was just trying to get through some emails. We're both technically working today remember? No one knows what might happen today but us. The world keeps turning." Finn tossed his phone down on the coffee table and went to sit next to Rachel. They've had similar discussions before while waiting for phone calls about egg retrievals and pregnancy tests. Always tense days where neither one of them could focus. This felt eerily similar.
"I know Finn. I know. It's just that Mrs. Kent knows we want to foster to adopt so if she makes this placement then these kids might be ours permanently one day. That's exciting and I'm trying to hold it together here but it's so hard!" Rachel began to tear up, once again allowing herself to feel the weight of the situation.
"Hey now, no tears today. I'm sure the phone will ring any second. She wouldn't have called us last night if she didn't feel we would be a good match for these kids. I think the anticipation is just a thing we hate these days due to our past history with the waiting game." Finn grabbed Rachel's hands to reassure her. She was actually doing quite well in his eyes considering she had spear headed all of this.
Rachel bolted up from the couch and started walking towards the kitchen. "You're right. How about I make us a sna-." Rachel was cut off by the sound of the house phone ringing. Her eyes grew wide and she spun around to face Finn. "OH MY GOD! It has to be her!"
Finn reached over and grabbed the phone to answer it. "Hello? Yes, this is he. Let me put you on speaker so Rachel can hear."
It was Mrs. Kent. "Hello Hudson's! How are you this morning?"
"We're great Mrs. Kent. Just waiting for your phone call of course," Finn answered. Rachel was still frozen in place between the kitchen and the living room. Finn motioned for her to come join him so she could hear clearly.
"Okay, well after analyzing the situation of the children we've decided that you two would be a great match for them. Would you be willing to have them in your home? This would be at least a six month placement and a possible adoption at the tail end if the parent doesn't comply with the courts."
Rachel couldn't believe what she was hearing. This was happening. Today. It was happening today. "Of course we'll have them! Of course! What time are they coming?" Rachel was now sitting in Finn's lap squeezing his arm so tight he thought he might lose circulation.
"Well I'll have my assistant drop of their files for you to review before they arrive. I'll be picking them up around 10:30 and should have them to you by 11. They'll be arriving with no belongings so if you have time to run out to buy some toiletries and clothing you should do so. You could always take the children with you for that but I suggest the first day be spent becoming acquainted in the home, going over rules and routines, etc. If you have any questions before I arrive don't hesitate to call me, otherwise I'll see you around 11!"
Finn looked at Rachel with a giant grin. "Thank you so much Mrs. Kent. We look forward to seeing you."
Mrs. Kent hung up and Rachel let out a huge sob. "Oh my god Finn. Oh my god," she cried as her body shook in Finn's arms. "I can't believe it. Wait we have to go to the store right now!"
Rachel ran into the kitchen to grab her purse. "Rachel wait!" Finn shouted. "Slow down! Let's talk about this before we just rush to the store. We already have toiletries upstairs. We just need clothes to get us through a few days and then we can take them out again if necessary. Do we even know what sizes to buy?"
Rachel gave Finn a stunned look. "Well she said they are 7 and 4 so I guess buy those sizes and if they are way off one of us can go back out later ok?"
Finn knew he had to corral Rachel in so she could stay focused. "Let's pick up a few things to get us through today and we can go from there. The classes said to take things day by day remember? Let's do that. I know you're a planner but we've learned that we can't plan everything. This was never in our plans right? Let's just go with it for once."
Rachel was really impressed by Finn's statement. He had come so far since agreeing to do this. Once reluctant, Finn was now very involved and had shown such commitment during this process. He had been so strong for her all of these years trying to get pregnant and keeping her afloat. She knew to trust him in these situations.
"You're right. Let's go to the store quickly so we can get back before the files get here. I want to read them thoroughly before the kids arrive."
An hour later they returned with bags upon bags of clothes, books, and toys. Actually it was only five bags but Finn felt overwhelmed by the sight of it. To say that shopping trip was crazy was an understatement.
First they had to buy kid friendly but healthy snacks and he had no idea what that meant but Rachel did. Then he found himself being told to go pick out boy's underwear and pajamas. Surprisingly he found Ninja Turtle underwear that was awesome and he was sure any boy would love them. He was kind of sad they didn't have them in his size actually. Finn also grabbed two pairs of pajamas. One pair was batman because they were awesome and even had a black cape attached to the back. The other pair were Ninja Turtle ones to match the underwear. He hoped 7 year old boys were into this stuff. He knows he loved it when he was that age.
Rachel found herself wandering the girls section wondering how on earth she got to this place. Yesterday morning she would have never imagined that the very next day she would be in a store buying girls size 4 pajamas for a child that was coming to live with her. She picked out two princess nightgowns that were adorable along with some princess underwear. She also bought two outfits to get them through the next day. If it didn't fit she'd send Finn back to get it since there was no way she was leaving these kids at all today.
Right when Rachel was setting the bags down on the counter the doorbell rang. She ran to answer and found a woman standing there with a large envelop in hand.
"Hello, I'm Mrs. Kent's assistant Kendra! I'm here to drop off the children's files with you. She's running a little late and said they won't be here until around 12 so you'll have plenty of time to read through these before they are dropped off."
Rachel reached out to grab the envelope. It was thick and heavy. "Thank you so much Kendra! We'll get to reading right away."
Rachel ran back into the kitchen to find Finn unloading the bags and folding all of the clothes into the appropriate piles to be brought upstairs.
"Finn look at this," she said as she held up the file for Finn to see. "Mrs. Kent's assistant just dropped off the kids files. Look at how thick it is Finn. What on earth? These kids are so young and have a giant file?!" Rachel looked terrified.
Finn was thrown off. They hadn't really stopped to think about the backgrounds of the kids. Why did they have so much history in the system at such a young age?
"Okay Rachel, let's start reading this before the kids get here." Finn made room at the table and they both abandoned the piles of clothing on the counter for now. Rachel set the file down onto the table. She slowly opened it, almost afraid of what she will read inside.
Zachary Michael Miller age 7
Elaine Rose Miller age 4
Rachel took a deep breath. There were their names plain as day.
Mother Julie Miller age 27. History of drug abuse and mental instability.
Amongst the cover pages were various details such as birthdates, school records, etc. Nothing too concerning but it did appear that Zack had missed a lot of school in the first grade.
"Why wasn't Zack in school? Is he behind?" Finn asked. "I wonder if Lainey has ever been to preschool."
There was no explanation for the school absences, other than that mom had been reported and given a truancy notice. After that Zack's school attendance seemed to improve.
It appeared that Zack had been in Foster Care twice before Lainey was born. Both times it was for neglect on the mother's part. Each time she had completed the terms necessary for his return. Once Lainey was born the file seemed to be dormant until she turned 2. They were placed in the system again for neglect but once again Julie had completed all of the court's requirements. There were several other reports from anonymous calls made to the Department of Children's Services. Seven reports in the last two years to be exact. All seemed to be followed up and dismissed though. It didn't make sense.
Zack and Lainey quickly ate as much food as they could. The woman was not pleased and kept telling them to slow down or they would choke. She doesn't know.
Once finished, the woman ushered them into the living room to watch TV. Zack pulled Lainey close to him on the couch as they watched cartoons mindlessly. Soon the doorbell rang and the woman went to open it.
"Hello! I'm Mrs. Kent, the Miller children's social worker. I'm here to pick them up."
Zack turned toward Mrs. Kent as he sat frozen on the couch. Pick us up for what?
Mrs. Kent came closer to the kids and sat next to them on the couch. "Hello Zachary and Elaine, I'm Mrs. Kent. I'm going to be in charge of you and make sure you get to stay somewhere safe ok? Now you are going to stay with Mr. and Mrs. Hudson for now. They are very nice people and are so excited to meet you!"
Lainey just stared at Mrs. Kent with no expression. She looked back at Zack, who now had an angry look in his eye.
"No." Zack said.
"Honey what do you mean no? You have to come with me. This house was just an overnight stay until I could find you another place to stay longer. Now let's stand up and get ready to go. Do you have anything else with you?" Mrs. Kent stood up motioning for the kids to follow her. Lainey began to follow suit but Zack didn't budge.
"Lainey sit down. We aren't going with her," Zack commanded, arms folded over his chest. Lainey sat back down next to Zack and folded her arms as well.
"Kids listen," Mrs. Kent continued, "I know this has been so so sad and hard to sleep in a strange place and I know you are missing your mom, but we have to take you to a safe place for you to live until we can figure things out ok? I promise you will like the Hudson's. They are so nice and have a big house and a big back yard to play in!" Mrs. Kent smiled widely, hoping that it would cheer up the kids. Lainey's eyes lit up, but Zack remained sullen.
Zack stood up quickly. "NO! We aren't going with you because my mom is going to come looking for us and the police won't know what to tell her if we leave!" Zack stood rigidly, balling up his fists by his side. "My mom always comes back and is probably at the grocery store looking for us right now! You can't take us somewhere else! You can't!" His body began to relax as he fought the tears forming in his eyes. "I won't go. You can't make me!"
Zack ran into the bedroom and locked the door behind him. There. Now they can't get to me and I can't go anywhere. He scanned the room for a possible escape. Oh no. Lainey. She's still out there and mom will be so mad if Lainey is left behind. Maybe if I climb out the window and get to the store then mom can come back for Lainey. But where is the store from here?
Zack's thoughts were disrupted by a knocking at the door. "Zack! Honey open the door! We have to get going and I know you don't want to go but you have to. If you won't come then I'll have to call the police to take you and I don't think you want that."
The police? Oh no. Not again. Zack began to breathe quickly in a panic. "No! Don't call the police! Please!" as he ran to the door to open it. His escape will have to come later. "I'm sorry! I'll be good. Just don't call the police!" Zack rubbed his wet eyes and pushed his sweaty hair off of his forehead as Mrs. Kent ushered him back out into the living room. Lainey was still sitting on the couch, wide-eyed and panicked.
Mrs. Kent grabbed each child by the hand. "Now are we ready to go? The Hudson's are waiting for you two." Neither child answered as Mrs. Kent thanked the woman for her service and led them out to the car. They remained silent as Mrs. Kent buckled them in and they began their drive.
Finn and Rachel had been skimming over the children's files for over an hour and still hadn't really begun to grasp what they needed to do once the kids arrived. Honestly, they were heartbroken for these kids. They were so young and had been through so much.
"Finn, these kids," she paused, "they must be terrified. I wonder why they were taken away again? Does their mom want them back eventually? I'm realizing that even with this fat file we still don't know a lot. They are coming soon and we have to take care of them and we don't know." Rachel just kept staring at the pages in front of her, dripping with information but yet still missing so much.
"Rachel I'm not going to lie, I'm pretty nervous. What if they don't like us? What if we can't help them?" Finn rubbed the back of his neck like he usually does when he's unsure of something. "Let's re read these files again to see if we can dissect some of this."
Rachel flipped back to the beginning of the files and the doorbell rang. "Shit!" Rachel shouted. Finn was stunned since those words never leave her mouth but he felt the same.
"Don't panic. It will be fine. We need to be calm for the kid's right? They are young. It can't be that bad." Finn stood up from the chair realizing the kitchen was still in somewhat of disarray as they had been so caught up in reading the files. Rachel began frantically trying to put things away when Finn grabbed her arm as she passed by him. "Hey, leave it. Our house doesn't have to be perfect for them."
Rachel took a deep breath. "Oh, Okay. Yes let's go answer the door." Rachel reached out for Finn's hand, gripping it tightly as they walked towards the front door. Through the glass window they could see Mrs. Kent's head as she mumbled something to the kids below her.
Finn opened the door and they saw them. Lainey was there in her jeans and pink tank top, blonde wavy hair flowing down her back. She clung to Mrs. Kent's arm tightly. The boy was holding her other hand. Zack looked up at Finn, sandy blonde hair in his eyes as he stood there emotionless. His clothes were tattered, worn, and clearly too small for him.
Rachel appeared next to Finn and said a quiet "Hello" as the kids just stood there making no attempt to enter the house.
Mrs. Kent plastered on a smile. "Okay kids, why don't we go inside and meet Mr. and Mrs. Hudson okay? It's getting quite warm and we don't want to get too hot."
Rachel backed away from the door as Finn held it open, allowing space for them to all move inside. Mrs. Kent let go of the children's hands since they all couldn't go through the door at the same time. Rachel couldn't stop staring at them. These children were beautiful but looked so sad.
A scream ripped her from her thoughts. "Lainey run!" Zack cried out. They took off down the front steps as Mrs. Kent dropped her bag and began chasing them.
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