Authors note: well I know it has been like forever but… this chapter was kind of impossible for me to write at the time and then I decided to go back to school… well life changed a lot for me and so did the lack of freetime to find inspiration…
but after the last term finals I actually went over my old files and found this half finished… I gave it a go and look at this it actually got written…
it might be the last chapter though… while I know to never say never but there is a profound lack of spare time in my life and after not having watched the show for years except for recently to be able to finish the chapter I probably lack inspiration for it as well… but then again I guess I didn't think I'd turn around and finish what I started 6 years ago… so while I don't think there will be more… never say never…
anyway if anyone is still reading, enjoy
authors note from 6 years ago:
An after much thinking I've decided to fully tackle the Liam issue... I have a huge desire for an end there and just lots of fluff... So therefore lets put an end to that one
And honestly I won't go into detail on much there... I just can't... Plus we all know from the show so I'll only go on about what I change in the storyline.
Both mothers are starting to get worried. Brandon had been asked to pick Callie up from her group. Nothing unusual so far but it wasn't normal for either of the two oldest to come home late, yet the two of them should have been back more than an hour ago. Neither of their kids had reacted to their calls. To be honest they need a damn good explanation unless they intend to be grounded till college.
When they finally hear Brandon's car on the driveway the worry suddenly is replaced by anger. Finally, the kids walk into the house and go straight to the living room when they hear their mum clear her throat.
Callie: "we need to talk."
Both mothers taken aback show her to go on. Brandon is held back by his sister when he tries to leave. Although Stef as well as Lena try to prepare themselves for the worst there is no way to prepare for what they are told.
No wonder it had taken Callie some time to work up the courage to tell them about it.
The next day, after calling their lawyer to make sure Callie's case will be taken in good hands, doing their best to ensure their daughters safety and justice. Both Stef and Lena decide to finally go over their newest daughters file, partly because now they fear the worst. Partly because as much as they want to just focus only on Callie they have 5 more kids to take care of. And partly simply because they hope keeping them occupied with something else might help them stay sane thru all of this.
Stef: "Look at her middle name, she's made for this family"
Although she is not really happy right now and still stressed Stef tries her best to lighten up the mood when she reads that her beloved wife and newest child share the middle name Elizabeth.
Lena: "Stef don't get too attached to her, remember her brother is fighting for custody. And it's likely he will win eventually."
Stef: "Lena as I told you before, Bill pointed out he will gladly step back if it means she gets a good family. And don't tell me you haven't fallen in love with her already too I know you have."
They both batter a little not only trying to release some of the stress but also taking the discussion serious they both had been secretly happy when the little girl actually tried to defy Lena the other day. Not because they like having their children behave like that but because it had been serious evidence that the girl was getting comfortable with them just as fast as they had come to actually love her.
Lena: "Stef!"
Pure shock is written over Lena's face and all she is capable of doing is grab her wives' hand and point to the name of the foster home three of their children had shared. Her worst fear at the moment coming true. After reading the paragraph her wife is pointing to Stef arrives in the same state of shock. For a moment not knowing what to say. Callie had been silently standing in the doorway. She had intended to get herself some coffee but when she saw what her mothers were doing she decided to stay in the back unnoticed, this was her chance to find out. Walking up to her mothers coming to stand behind them she finally decides to talk while she is reading over the same paragraph.
Callie: "when did she leave?"
Both mothers look at her entirely confused when Callie finally lets out a relieve breath upon finding out the girl had left on the same day they had. Therefore nothing could have happened to her.
Callie:" Don't worry there, she slept thru it and now I finally know she left the same day we did. So he can't have done anything to her."
Stef pulls Callie down onto her lap holding her close. While she and Lena are both silently trying to take all of this in. Which seems to be an impossible task to achieve.
Lena:" How can anyone sleep thru something like that?"
Lena finally voices what both of them have been thinking. Gently taking her daughters hands into hers.
Callie: "He put noise canceling earphones on her head. Right now I'm honestly just glad he didn't get a chance to hurt her..."
Callie relaxes into her mothers embraces...
A few days later both mothers are discussing the upcoming court day with Callie, while they have sent the other kids upstairs. Sadly with the lack of evidence there is a risk that Liam might get away with what he did. Without any evidence and with the other girl in the room having been fast asleep it's Callie's word against his. There won't even be a jury in this situation. Which means if Liam makes a good impression on the judge he will get away.
At least everyone fears so. Until a small girl creeps her way into the living room. Obviously scared.
Sam:" Callie? I'm sorry."
Lena: "Aren't you supposed to be upstairs with the rest?"
Stef:" Brandon!"
Sam:" No! I..."
Sam locks her eyes with Callie and slowly walks towards her. The little girl hates that she let the only person down who had really locked out for her since she ended up separated from her brother. While the mothers are still trying to get their youngest out of the room their daughters are having a silent conversation. The younger one by now crying. Callie puts her hand over her mouth, making a shocking realization.
Callie:" you were awake?"
Sam:" I'm sorry... I...I didn't know what to do, I was scared... I..."
Sam only nods at first before hysterically trying to explain why she had let her down. Callie gathers the girl up in her arms as fast as she can.
Making her mothers finally realize what is going on. Just as Brandon walks in after having been called down they silently mention him to just leave again. Mouthing later, as a sign that they will explain it later.
All this passes the two girls completely Callie finally finding her voice again.
Callie:" You have nothing to be sorry for, you did the only thing you could not to get his attention, I'm proud of you. I couldn't deal with knowing that he hurt you as well you were only 7. And I hate that you had to experience that."
Stef and Lena are now pulling both of them back to the couch Lena pulling the little girl into her lap and holding Callie around her shoulders to her side with one arm. Stef finally realizing that they need to have the facts straight before they can call the lawyer and turn the case around seats herself in front of them onto the table. Holding one hand of each the girls in one of hers. Stef takes her phone to record the upcoming conversation, before focusing only on the girls in front of her again.
Stef:" I'm sorry but I have to ask. What exactly do you remember of what happened? What did you hear and see?"
She's trying her hardest to be as neutral and as fact based as she can. Which is more or less impossible over finding out that two and not just one live had been destroyed that night. How could a seven year old possibly deal with what hat happened that night?
Swallowing hard a few times Sam is trying to get her strength up to talk about something she doesn't even know how to put it in words.
Sam:" I woke up to Callie screaming. She said No again and again!.. It it was loud even with the earphones she sounded so scared. I turned my head a little so I could hear and I opened my eyes, Liam was sitting on her struggling, I hear them fighting but I'm so scared I I just closed my eyes and acted like I was sleeping. I should have helped Callie... I..."
The tears start flowing down the girls cheeks as soon as she even starts to remember, her voice trembling and breaking a few times. She is finally overpowered by sobs when she again is stuck at her failure to help Callie.
Callie:" no you shouldn't have! You did everything right there, you stayed invisible to him. Don't you dare to think you could have protected me."
Callie steps in aggressively Stef now pulling both of them as well as her wife in a hug for a few minutes before letting go again.
Stef:" Sweetie Callie is right he was a grown man you would have been no match to him and would only have risked getting hurt as well. He was the adult he is the only one who is to blame for all of this."
Making sure no one even for a second forgets who was the one who's to blame. Stef is inwardly ashamed because part of her is actually glad that the small girl had heard and seen so much. She hated the thought of the girl having been traumatized thru it but she was glad cause this would help Callie to get justice, now it isn't only her word against his.
When they finally had managed to go thru the whole event with the girl everyone in the room is crying freely. Stef was glad that she remembered to record it. That will prevent the little girl to have to go thru it dozens and dozens of times till they'll go to court and if they were lucky thanks to her age maybe even there.
As soon as the girls were calm enough to be left cuddled up with Lena Stef left to call their lawyer as well as the officers who were officially investigating and informing them that she'd email them the recorded conversation.
The few weeks that passed until the court day arrived, they had managed mostly thanks to great support from both sides of the family. And also on the morning of the trial both sets of grandparents are present. To help where ever they can and even if they can't help much just show their support.
After a stressful morning even with all the help and two of the girls not having eaten anything the family arrives at the court. Both girls are practically panicking just by the thought of having to face their own personal monster. Which leads the mothers to alternate who is carrying the small girl and who's holding on tight to Callie, gratefully accepting their parents help with the other children.
When it is time to go into the courtroom Lena hands their youngest over to her parents, who will be waiting with her till she is called in as a witness. The rest of the family fills into the courtroom both mothers holding tightly to one of Callie's hands. The rest of the family behind them.
Callie's report brings most of the jury already to tears. While Liam's lawyer questioning her is eventually cut short by the Judge after he had to reprimand the man for almost every question asked.
Liam then admits to having had a sexual relationship, but claims that it had been entered willingly by both of them. He accuses Callie of trying to get back to him for ending the relationship when he realized how wrong it was. The most frustrating part in all this is that he is quite convincing as an actor leavening about half the jury obviously torn for now.
But even after a few witnesses testifying what a good man he is it is still clear in the looks that he hasn't managed to convince all members of the jury.
Sam had intentionally been put as the last witness by the fosters lawyer. As a way to prevent the young girl of having to sit thru the whole ordeal. She is lead into the room by Lenas parents who take their seat by the rest of the family.
Liam grabs the girl by her arm when she is walking past him. Whispering something into her ear before Stef who sits closer to his side pushes him away and pulls the now terrified and crying girl into a tight hug.
Leaving Liam to be dealt with by the authorities in place. The judge is kind enough to order a break to allow everyone some time to calm down. He even offers the family his office to give them some privacy.
When everyone fills back into the courtroom Liam is handcuffed to his chair. With a few more encouraging words from both mothers Sam finally loosens her grip around Lenas neck in order to walk up to the stand. She as well as Callie are still obviously under a lot of stress.
Judge: " I'd like to ask you first about what just occurred in my courtroom, before we will move on. Did you get hurt?"
He takes the word after everything is in place to go on with the trial and starts to ask the questions once he receives a slight nod from the girl.
Sam:" A little, your honor."
Judge:" Where?"
Sam: "My arm, where he held me. Your honor."
Judge:" Did he say anything to you?"
Sam:" Yes your honor."
Judge:" Would you repeat for me what he said?"
Sam swallows hard and takes a nervous glance at Liam. Reminding herself, that he is not able to come to her she finally mastered up the courage to repeat what he had told said to her.
Sam: "He said 'you better watch what you say or...' I didn't hear the rest because I was pulled away then, your honor."
The girl makes a point out of staying respectful, not only with the judge but also when she is questioned by the lawyers ending each statement with either sir or ma'm. After she tells one more time what she had heard and seen, and Liam's lawyer tries to trap her by demanding an explanation for first why she is sure that she and Callie are indeed talking about the same night. And after that is solved even intends to get an explanation from her of what exactly had happened that night. But this is cut short by the judge himself who by now has no patients for inappropriate behavior towards both girls.
It only takes minutes for the jury to come to a conclusion. Liam is found guilty on all charges. Receiving the maximum punishment he can, and having a second case of assault added for his actions in the court room.
Which means he will be behind bars for more than ten years before he even stands a chance of getting free again. And in order to do so he would have to pass an evaluation to ensure he's no danger to society. Which leaves the whole Foster family quite content with the outcome.