Chapter 22

It felt like déjà vu as Callie stood before the desk of the judge, Stef and Lena, and Robert, Jill, and Sophia surrounding her. Her hands were clammy and her stomach knotted with anxiety. This time however, she knew the reason why they were standing in the judge's office. She didn't know however, how the judge was going to react. It should proceed smoothly as the judge was biased towards the Quinns anyway. However, Callie couldn't help but feel as though the judge would somehow mess up their plan. Nothing seemed to ever go right for her after all.

"So Callie, I hear you've decided you want to live with Robert. Is this true?"

Callie swallowed thickly. Her legs felt like jelly. This was it; there was no going back after this. "Yes."

"You're sure about this decision?"

"Yes." She repeated. She refrained from saying anything more because she knew what she wanted to say would get her into trouble. She was so close to no longer being a ward of the state; so close to ending her journey of foster homes forever. She couldn't risk it now.

"Okay well then I'm officially placing you with the Quinns as of today. The paperwork should be completed in a few days."

Callie watched the judge's mouth continue to move, but she no longer heard what he said. She felt relieved and anxious at the same time. It was finally over. She no longer had to live in limbo, constantly worrying about being placed in another foster home. She no longer had to hide her relationship with Brandon. It was all over. She had a permanent, safe home even if Robert changed his mind. But it felt surreal. And part of her couldn't help but wonder if he would change his mind; if this was a ploy to get custody. It wasn't that she didn't trust Robert, it was that she didn't trust something actually going right for her. But after the six of them exited the courthouse, everyone was hugging her and telling her it was over. Robert told Callie she had her own room at their house and gave Callie a key to his house, so she could come over whenever she wanted. And then the Quinns got into their car and left without making Callie go with them. He was sticking to his word.

Callie instantly made her way to the stairs when they arrived home, climbing them slowly before making her way down the hall to Brandon's room. A smile found her lips as she heard the harmonious melody drifting through the door. She opened the door, causing Brandon to whip his head towards her. "Hey, I didn't hear you come home."

Callie shut the door behind her. "We just got home. Well a few minutes ago. It took me some time to get up the stairs."

Brandon chuckled as he watched her place a hand over her stomach. Callie's belly was seemingly growing by the day and she found daily tasks taking more effort to accomplish. "How did it go?"

"I can officially kiss you in public." She grinned wide.

Brandon's own lips curved into an ear to ear smile as he stood. His hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her close. Her hands snaked around his neck as she reached up to connect their lips. "We are definitely going out to celebrate that tonight."

"That sounds like a great idea." She smiled as she leaned into his embrace.

"Although I have to say, part of me is disappointed because I was hoping if Mom couldn't come up with a plan she would agree to us getting married." His right hand came up to twirl her curls.

A laugh left Callie's lips as her smile widened. Her heart skipped a beat. Brandon never failed at making her feel so loved. "You would seriously marry me now?"

His face twisted into an expression that made it seem like Callie's question was insane. "In a heartbeat. There is nobody else out there. The only reason to wait is because Moms would never approve yet and plus I want to do it right. I want to throw the wedding of your dreams, so you know when we have jobs and money."

Callie laughed as she reached up to plant another kiss on his lips. Her stomach fluttered with warmth at Brandon's words. He wanted to marry her and he wanted it to be perfect. Callie wasn't like most girls; she didn't have her entire dream wedding planned. She hadn't thought about a single future wedding plan since her mother died. When she was little, she loved the Little Mermaid and often fantasized about finding her prince Eric. Once she and Jude were placed in foster care, she had enough to think about. And then Liam happened and she felt like damaged goods; she would never find her Prince Eric now nor did she think she would ever trust a man again. But she proved herself wrong when she met Brandon. He was her Prince Eric. And she found herself sacrificing something so huge for her true love, just like Ariel. But even still, with everything going on, she hadn't thought about her dream wedding.

"Honestly, as long as you're there, it'll be perfect." Callie said. "But yes, we should wait. I also don't really want to walk down the aisle looking like a whale."

"You don't look like a whale, Cal. You're pregnant." His hand cupped her cheek. "You're belly and boobs are the only thing that's gotten bigger and you're beautiful. Pregnancy looks good on you."

Callie's eyes fluttered shut as Brandon's lips connected to hers. She pulled away after a moment and moved to sit on Brandon's bed. "I'm sorry, I have to sit. My back is killing me."

Brandon sat beside her and reached his hand out to rest on the small of her back. He kneaded gently. "Only thirteen more weeks."

Callie felt a mix of emotions as the end of her pregnancy neared. Part of her would miss the feeling of Melody growing inside of her. Her heart managed to swell every time she felt her kick. There was also this indescribable feeling of always having Melody there; there was this intimacy of having her inside of her. She was also pretty sure food would never taste as good as it did during pregnancy. However, she wouldn't miss the aching back and feet, the need to pee nearly every hour, or the heartburn. Part of her was excited for the next part; seeing Melody for the first time, holding her in her arms, seeing her smile for the first time, watching her grow, play, sleep. Waiting to finally meet her was like a child waiting for Christmas. But another part of her was anxious. The approaching labor and delivery terrified her. She read so many books, but she was pretty sure no amount of books would actually prepare her, and she couldn't help but think she would have a difficult experience with her luck.

Her mind suddenly reeled back to Vico's threat that Tommy Walker relayed three weeks ago. Fear must have shown on her face because Brandon's face contorted into concern. "Cal?"

She met his eyes. "I just hope this trial, and everything is done before she's born."

He took her hand in his and intertwined their fingers. "There not coming anywhere near Melody."

"I just want it to be over with, so I can stop thinking about it and can just focus on her when she gets here."

"I don't think it's going to be. They still haven't set a date and at this point I think Mom would be the one to hold them off with you being far into the pregnancy. A trial is really stressful, and I don't think it's a good idea." He removed his hand from her back and reached into her lap to intertwine their fingers. "But they are both being held in jail now. They can't hurt you or Melody."

Callie closed her eyes for a moment as she inhaled deeply. Brandon was right. A trial this far into the pregnancy probably wasn't healthy. She lived in a seemingly constant state of stress and anxiety, but even so she knew it would at least be tripled the day of the trial. It pained her to think of going to trial after Melody was born. She wanted to focus her attention of the new baby, but now she would have to leave the newborn for long hours on however many days the trial lasted. "I wish there didn't have to be a stupid trial."

"I know." Brandon frowned. Somehow this seemed to be another way Liam and Vico were haunting Callie. Their constant delaying of the trial prolonged Callie's anxiety and now they would be ready at the most inconvenient time for Callie. "I would give anything to make you not have to testify."

Callie rested her head on Brandon's shoulder as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. Hey, have you heard from Idyllwild yet?"

Brandon nodded. "Uh yeah. I got it."

"Brandon, that's amazing!" Callie beamed, throwing her arms around his neck. She pulled back with burrowed eyebrows when he shrugged. "Why aren't you excited?"

"I don't know if…"

"Don't finish that sentence. You're going, Brandon. This is a once in a lifetime thing. This is a huge opportunity. You got accepted to the best music program in the country." Callie interjected.

"I know, but…"

"No. This isn't up for debate. I'm fine. Melody is fine. It's not like I'm not going to see you." Callie interrupted him again. A smile found her lips. "If you don't go, I'll break up with you."

Brandon feigned insult, but a smirk stretched his lips. "Well then I guess I have to go."

"That's right." Callie laughed, her eyes fluttering shut as Brandon's lips met hers.

Thanks for reading! Will everything continue to go right? Find out next chapter. Review!