Chapter 9
"People can see us." She says.
"I don't care." He says.
"Brandon."
"Yeah?"
"Do you think it is too early for me to say what I want to say?" She asks.
"Only if you think it is too early." He replies.
"Brandon."
"Yeah Callie?"
"I..."
"Callie?" Jude asks standing at the end of the drive way.
"Hey Jude, wait for me in the house and I will explain. OK." She tells Jude as her eyes never leave Brandon's.
"OK, but people can see." Jude says, as both Callie and Brandon smile.
"As I was saying..." Callie starts but is interrupted again.
"Brandon, dinner is ready." Lena says from the porch.
"Ok we will be there in a minute." Brandon says, and still neither have looked away from the others eyes.
"Ok hurry so it doesn't get to cold." Lena says as she turns and walks back into the house.
Once inside she quickly moves to the kitchen and grabs Stef's hand making Stef follow her. The take up spots by the window so they can watch what is happening between Brandon and Callie. They are soon joined by the rest of the kids all watching to see what plays out of the scene in the front yard.
"Brandon I want to say something to you." Callie says.
"Ok, but if it is what I think it is, I have one favor to ask. Once you say it there is no turning back. No more self doubt, no more thinking you aren't good enough. Ok?" Brandon says.
"Ok, I will try." Callie informs him.
"I can't ask for any more than that. As long as you try. Now what did you want to say?" He asks.
"Brandon." She pauses still not breaking eye contact. "I trust You and I love you." She says in a voice barely above a whisper, she breaks eye contact for the first time. Not wanting to see the rejection there in them.
Brandon uses a finger and places it under her chin and raises her eyes back to his.
"I Love You." He responds back as he leans in and kisses her again.
"So where do we go from here?" She asks.
"Inside to eat dinner I am all of a sudden starving." He smiles at her.
"Guys, always thinking with their stomach's." Callie laughs as she wraps an arm around his waist as he puts one around her shoulders as they head for the door.
"We can talk about the rest later ok." He asks.
"Sure, you have me now you're stuck with me." She smiles at him.
"Oh yeah like that is a bad thing." He says.
"Nope it is a very good thing." Callie says with a wide grin.
The group inside watching through the window sees them kiss then turn and start to walk toward the house. They quickly move back to the kitchen so as not to let them know they were spying on them.
Brandon and Callie walk in to the house and let their arms fall to their sides. As Callie goes to walk away Brandon reaches out and grabs her hand and pulls her back to him and kisses her again.
"What was that for?" Callie asks.
"What do I need a reason to kiss my girlfriend?"
"Nope not at all." She smiles.
"Good, but I figured it was my last chance for a couple of hours. So I decided to take advantage of the opportunity." He says.
"Well maybe we should take advantage of that opportunity one more time before we go into the kitchen." She tells him as she reaches up to kiss him again.
"Would you two come on already the rest of us are hungry. You guys can play kissy face later!" Jesus says from the kitchen door.
"Jesus!" Stef, Lena and Mariana say at the same time.
"What I am hungry! They can kiss later!" He says as Brandon and Callie walk into the kitchen with blushes on their faces.
"Guys I am sorry for a certain someone's lack of class." Mariana says.
"Don't worry about Mariana, I am sure me and Brandon are going to take a lot of teasing over the next few weeks. I just hope it doesn't get around school. That might may things awkward." Callie says.
"I don't think we have anything to worry about. No one in this room will rat us out." Brandon says looking at the twins. "Right?"
"Of course we won't." The twins say together.
"I am not worried about any one in this house Brandon. But Talya knows something is up, and will be watching us like a hawk. But enough about that we can talk about it later. If Jesus doesn't eat soon he is going to waste away!" Callie says with a smirk on her face.
Her comment sends the room into a fit of laughter and loosens the tension that was thick in the air. They set down at the table and ate. All of them engaging is idle talk about different things that had occurred in the last couple of days.
After dinner Callie and Brandon go up to his room to talk. Once in the room Brandon closed the door completely, but Callie walks over and opens it a crack. Brandon looked at her with a perplexed look.
"I know they trust us, but I want them to see that we are trying to earn more and show that their faith in us is correct." Callie says.
"Yeah that's a good idea. Ok lets talk about the elephant in the room." Brandon says.
"Talya." Callie sighs.
"Yeah, what is bothering you?" Brandon asks.
"That she is going to tell everyone at school. If she does it will cause us major problems." Callie says.
"Well she may tell people, but we can't control that Callie."
"I know I wish we could."
"We can keep it at bay for a little while. We will just act friendly but not touch or kiss or anything like that, at least till the guardianship comes through. After that you two aren't in the foster system anymore. So it won't come back on you like it could have." Brandon says.
"Can we do that Brandon? Can we act like there is nothing going on?" Callie asks.
"I am not sure, I know for me it will be the hardest thing I have ever done." Brandon smiles at her.
"Me too, trust me when I say that. I want to scream it from the roof tops." Callie says.
"Lets wait for a while before we do that." Brandon laughs at her.
"Yeah I guess. But if the rumor does get started? We need a game plan, you know so we have the same story." Callie says.
"Just laugh at them and tell them it is ridiculous, nothing is going on." Brandon says,
"Ok I will try. I am sure most will believe me. No way would they think I could land a guy like you." Callie says.
"Hey thought we agreed none of that." Brandon says.
"What? I didn't say I didn't believe it, just that they won't." Callie says.
"Yeah but I want you to stop thinking like that too." Brandon says.
"Brandon I am going to do my level best not to fall back into that funk, cause I want this to work." She says motioning between the two of them with a finger. "But the reality is most people at the school, for one reason or another think I am a bad person. Or they think I am beneath them. Brandon No! I will deal with it as it is needed. You give me the strength to do that. Just knowing you are somewhere in that school and that you are thinking about me and loving me even if we can't show it yet, will give me the strength, so let me deal with them. If I need help, I promise you will be the first I ask. I am trusting you here, please don't make me regret that. Wow! It has been a long time since I said those words. But I just realized it, I do I trust you. That being said: screw Talya, I am happy truly happy for the first time since my mom died, and I am not going to let her ruin it. Screw that I am not going to let anyone ruin it."
"Ok, I will watch from afar while you handle those small minded people. I will be there if you need me, all you have to do is ask." Brandon says as the gears inside his head start to turn.
"Ok, well I have some home work I need to get done. Not going to let bad grades get in the way. You better not either or I will kick your butt." Callie says.
"I won't, I am a strait A student." Brandon smiles at her.
"Good now kiss me so I can go do my home work." Callie says.
"I don't know I think we should wait till after you get it done." Brandon smiles at her.
"What, no way Brandon. If you don't kiss me now I won't be able to think of any thing else. Which means I won't be able to get my work done." Callie fake pouts knowing he is teasing her.
"Ok." Brandon says chuckling as he bends down and kisses her.
"Ok now I can do my home work." Callie says as she walks at the door, she looks over her should and smiles. "We will continue this a little later."
"Anytime." Brandon says with a smile as she closes his door.
Lena and Stef are in their room getting ready for bed. It had been a long and trying day with a lot of emotions running ramped through everyone.
"What a day." Stef says as she falls onto the bed.
"Yeah! But we survived it." Lena says.
"Yeah. At least everyone is safe and happy for now." Stef says.
"Yeah but we have four teenagers and a 12 year old. Don't expect that to last." Lena says with a chuckle.
"Don't remind me." Stef says with a smile, but then gets a more serious look on her face. "You do know they aren't going to be able to keep this a secret don't you."
"I do, and to be honest I am not sure I want them to." Lena says.
"Why do you say that, you know the rules." Stef says.
"Stef I love you, you know I do. You have to stop looking at this from a cops point of view and start looking at it from a mom and guardian's point of view. Did you notice the difference in Callie tonight at dinner?" Lena asks.
"Yeah she was more open, and she joined the conversation more tonight. Oh duh! It has a lot to do with Brandon and how we are not trying to interfere in their relationship. Man what a difference a day makes." Stef says.
"Exactly. Today of all days I could understand her being closed off. She told her story in front of 5 strangers today. Don't look at me like that. For all intense purpose we are still strangers to them Stef. Jude is a lot more trusting, but I think it is because Callie has shielded him from a lot of things. But Callie has learned to not trust people. To not expect acceptance. To only rely on herself and Jude. But with Brandon it seems it is different. She seems to be able to open up to him, which in turn makes it easier for her to open up to us. Some how I think she is hiding a lot more secrets than we know." Lena says.
"So by letting them come out into the open, you think it is helping her come out of her shell." Stef says.
"Yeah, don't you?" Lena asks.
"Yeah I think you are right. We got two glimpses of the person Callie can be today. Now that you mention it I see it now. One the strong type that can stand up for herself. The other the sensitive caring and fun loving teenage she should be." Stef says.
"Yep. So that is why I am not sure I want them to hide it. I don't know the full repercussions of it coming out, but I think we can deal with it." Lena says.
"What if they take her away?" Stef asks.
"Honestly I don't think they will. I think we have enough evidence that says all of this is good for her. I mean that is what is the most important thing right. Her being happy and feeling like she belongs somewhere."Lena asks.
"Yeah you're right that is what is important." Stef says.
As they continue to get ready for bed there comes a knock at there door. They look at each other as if expecting something bad. Lena walks over and opens the door.
"Brandon? Is there something wrong?" Lena asks.
"No I just need to talk to you guys." He says with determination in his voice.
"Come in." Lena says as Stef comes in and sets on the bed.
"What's up B?" Stef asks.
"Well I am thinking about doing something, but I am not sure of the ramifications of my actions if I do." He says.
"Does this have something to do with Callie?" Lena asks.
"Yeah it does. See all of the time she has been in foster care, well lets just say that she has been told she is no good. I know she is no angel moms but she deserves better than that." He says.
"Ok B what are you thinking here?" Stef asks as Lena smiles thinking she knows what it is.
"I want to show everyone at our school that we are together. She thinks people won't believe Talya cause they think she doesn't deserve a guy like me. Problem is I am not sure I deserve her, but I plan on spending as much time as I can trying to prove I do." Brandon says.
"First of all B don't sell yourself short. Think you both deserve each other, and that you are good for each other. Lena got me to see something I over looked tonight, did you notice something about Callie tonight?" Stef asks.
"Kind of she was more relaxed tonight. Plus she talked more as well, joined in the conversation to." Brandon says.
"Yeah she did. B we think that a lot of it has to do with you and her getting together. We can't help but wonder what other secrets she is hiding. Maybe it is because she thinks no one will believe her. I think you can get her to open up to you and talk to you about her life. All of this is a good thing. But I see a change in you as well. You are happier than I have seen you in a long time. You are starting to challenge things more, trying to blaze your own path. All of this started about the time Callie came here. So I think she is good for you too. So I say if it is something you want son then do what you have to." Stef says
"You want to know what would or could happen if you did show ever one that you two are together so people might look at her a little different?" Lena asks.
"Yes, yes I do." Brandon says.
"Honestly Brandon I am not sure. We are filing for Guardianship, so maybe nothing. Or maybe we would have to fight a little harder to keep her in the house." Lena answers.
"But the one thing I know B, is that we will find a way to make it work. So you do what you think you have to do." Stef says.
"Ok, um thanks. I guess I should go practice some more. Yes I know headphones." He laughs as he closes the door behind him.
"Well I would say be ready for a storm tomorrow." Stef smiles at Lena.
"Yeah some how I think you are right." Lena laughs back.
Brandon has watched from afar for the last 3 days just like he said he would. He has watched everything that Callie said would happen turn out to be true. Talya had been a one person wrecking crew. She has been spreading rumors about Callie left and right. He can see it in Callie's eyes she is starting to wear down. Hell he didn't even think it would go this far.
"But the long Talya talked the more people made fun of Callie. Calling her names and making fun of her. They had agreed with Callie saying there was no way she could ever land a guy like me. That is was just some kind of fantasy that Callie was living in.
So it came to this point on a Wednesday just as lunch was starting that found Brandon about to put his plan in play. He thought back to his moms saying that they would find a way to deal with it, and that they would fight to keep her. He watched as Talya and one of her friends bumped into Callie causing her to spill her lunch. He sees Lena out of the corner of his eye and looks at her as if to say; 'I am going to do this.' he watches as she looks at Callie and nods her head. That was all Brandon needed as he was on his feet before the first nod was finished.
He walked over to Callie and helped her pick up her tray. She looks him in the eyes asking what he was doing. Before she could think or even protest he was kissing her. Right there in the lunch area were god and everyone could see. Her breath caught for a second making her forget to kiss back, but it was only for a second. Then like she always did when he kissed her she threw all of her emotion into the kiss. The kiss lasted for a good minute or two. When they broke apart resting their foreheads together, both a little breathless, she smiled at him.
"People can see." She says.
This cause them both to burst into a fit of laughter and it is only then that they realize how quiet it had been. It was like every one had stopped talking at once just to watch them kiss. Leave it to Jesus to spoil the quietness.
"About time now maybe all of the stuck ups will shut up! I swear I was going to punch a couple of them if they didn't stop. And no Callie we don't really think you are an alien sent to capture Brandon. But I do have to admit that was one of the funnier if totally not true rumors. Besides look at him why would aliens want him when they could have me!" He says with a smile.
"No offense Jesus but if that head gets any bigger your aren't going to be able to get in the door at home. Besides I think you are completely wrong. If you ask me Brandon would be the first one they would take, I know I did." Callie says looking right at Talya.
"Ouch, that had to of hurt." Mariana says as she walks by Talya to join Brandon and Callie. "Come on guys lets go somewhere else where the air isn't so stuffy." Mariana says as Jesus and Lexi Join them.
"I couldn't agree more, it is starting to smell a little rank in here." Lexi says as she gives Callie's arm a little squeeze.
The five of them turn to walk away, but Callie just can't leave it alone. She has been the subject of everyone's scrutiny for the last 3 days and she had been at about her snapping point when Brandon had done what he did. But now it was time for a little pay back. She turned around and marched right up to Talya's table and place both hands on her table fist down.
"By the way Talya, just so we can get this rumor out of the way. I know you read my Journal, so I know you know what it said. But I want to clear it up right here and now. The guy Liam, yeah him well he raped me. I didn't want it and I should never have had been forced. So do you have anything else you want to say about while we are face to face? Or are you going to wait till my back is turned and then start talking?" Callie says with a seriousness in her voice and eyes.
Brandon had walked back with Callie toward Talya and had stood by and listen to Callie blow up Talya's last bit of info. He knew there was no way she would ever be able to get people to believe Callie had wanted it and not been raped.
"Callie, come on walk away. Don't do this." Brandon says, she looks him in the eye and nods.
"Yeah, you're right she isn't worth it cause then I couldn't do this cause I would be grounded." She says as she Kisses Brandon one more time before they turn and walk away arm in arm.
As they walk by Lena she gives them a quick smile.
"Wait in my office guys." She tells them.
"OK." Brandon says.
The five of them walk to Lena's office and sit out side her door waiting on her to get there. She walks in and has all of them come into her office. She hates what she is going to have to do, but knows this has to be handled by the book.
"OK this is how this has to happen. It pains me to do it, but Brandon, Callie and Jesus you will be going home for the rest of the week. Now I know you may think I am being mean here, but I am not. What you guys did made me so proud of you, but we have to handle this by the book. Which means a 3 day suspension. I can get away with letting you come back Monday cause I am sending you home today. Mariana you and Lexi will not get a suspension but rather have to get the homework assignments for these 3. are we clear on all of this?" Lena asks.
"Yes Ma'am." Came from all of them.
"Callie what is going to happen now?" Jude asks her as he walks into her bedroom with Brandon sitting next to her.
"What do you mean Jude?" She asks.
"I mean now that you guys have come out at school, does that mean we are going to get removed from here?" He asks.
"I don't know Jude, I just don't know." She says.
"I knew it!" Jude say loudly.
"What Jude?" Callie asks.
"You have to ruin everything don't you. We had a chance here, and now it is all gone! You're selfish and only think about you. You say you care about me but you always mess things up and not just for you but me too. You know we are a package deal, that they won't split us up!" Jude says showing how upset he is.
"Hey hold it right there Jude." Brandon starts but Callie puts a hand on his arm, he nods but then continues in a softer tone. "No Callie it is my turn to speak. Look Jude we don't know what the out come is going to be, but the moms will figure it out. As for you thinking your sister don't really care about you. Tell me who was it that came and got you when you were still stuck in that bad home? Tell me something else Jude, is it only you that gets to be happy? Your sister doesn't get to be happy. You have to understand she is older than you bud. Does she want you happy and safe and in a good home, you bet.
But she also wants those things, but she wants to be happy. I want to be happy. You see that is what we give to each other Jude. We make each other happy. I for one am not going to hide the fact that I love your sister. She is amazing, caring, smart, And more beautiful than any thing I have ever seen. So no you don't get to come in here and try to make her feel guilty about this. Neither of us our going to feel guilty about loving each other."
"Brandon maybe you should give me a little while so I can talk to him." Callie says, Brandon nods his head and goes to stand up but she turns his head toward her and kisses him before he leaves. "I will come find you when we are done."
"OK." He says as he walks out the door.
"Look little brother I know you are worried about this. I can understand that. But it is like Brandon said we, me and him deserve to be happy too don't we?" Callie asks.
"Yeah you do Callie I am sorry. I just don't want to have to leave this place. I like it here, I am making friends here. No one judges me here. At least not in the house. For once since mom died I see myself in a place I can call home. So I will not say anything more bad about you and Brandon. I know you must be worried as much as me." Jude says.
"I know, I am worried, but I can't let that control me any more Jude. If it comes to it I will make sure that it is only me that gets removed." She tells him.
"No Callie, I want both of us to stay together. If it can't be here than where ever else they decide to send us." Jude says.
"OK Jude, but I think we will get to stay. Stef and Lena seem like they have it under control." Callie says.
"I hope so." He says.
"OK go do your homework. Jude remember Brandon was really trying to be mean, he just wants everyone to stop telling us what we can and can't do." Callie informs him.
"So he isn't really mad at me?" Jude asks.
"Nope, it will be ok Jude." Callie says as he leaves her and Mariana's room.
Callie sits on her bed and runs through her head everything that has happened in the last week. She knows her luck isn't this good and something is going to go wrong some where. What she needs to do is figure out what, when, where, and what she can do to if not stop then limit the damage.
The places where she thinks it may happen is at the trial of Liam or with Bill finding out and maybe blocking the guardianship. She know how to stop the blocking part, at least for Jude. As long as he was safe then she could deal with what ever happens to her.
She gets up out of bed and walks across to Brandon's room. She softly knocks on the door. She is a little surprised when he opens it as if he had been waiting just on the other side for her.
"Was you waiting?" She puts thought to voice.
"I was." He smiles at her.
"Brandon, I need to talk to your moms, and I would like you there as I do. Cause it will effect you one way or another." Callie says.
"Callie, you're scaring me here." Brandon says.
"I'm sorry I am not trying to scare you. Brandon you have me now, and I don't plan on us ever breaking up. But we have to consider that we may have to alter our relationship, at least for a time." Callie says.
"Why? You think us coming out is going to cause problems?" He asks.
"With my luck Yeah. Please lets go talk to your moms so I only have to say this one time ok." She says as a tear forms in the corner of her eye.
He just nods and reaches out and takes her hand. They leave his room and walk to the mom's room and softly know. The open the door and walk in still holding hands when they here a come in.
"Brandon, Callie, is there something wrong?" Lena asks.
"Maybe." Callie says as Stef walks into the room.
"OK what is it, as a family we can handle it together." Stef says.
"Alright, but please let me finish before you say anything." Callie says.
"OK." Both Lena and Stef say.
"This last week has been amazing, it really has. I don't think you two realize just what it means to me and Jude of what you are doing for us. As for you Brandon never in my life have I ever thought I would find someone as amazing as you are. You challenge me to be better, to believe in myself. Slowly I am starting to realize that maybe I do deserve someone like you. No Brandon let me get this out please." She says as he is about to say something, Stef grabs him and gives him a hug as she can clearly see the tears in Callie's eyes. "With all that is good that has been happening, I know mine and Jude's luck. Something is going to go wrong. My job as his sister is to try to figure out what and limit the impact on him. Now I know odds are against me in the trial, so I don't think that is it. Which means this thing with me and Brandon is going to blow up in our faces. Please let me finish. When it does I need all of you to do me a favor. I need you to let me go to the group home and keep Jude. As long as I know he is safe and here where he will be happy and cared for I will be ok. Brando we will still be able to see each other, just not as much as now. I am not walking away from you Brandon, not now not ever, but I have to think of Jude before myself. I know that may be hard for you to understand but it is true. Never doubt I love you, but you have to understand I love my little brother too, and I have to keep him safe."
Brandon doesn't say anything he just walks over takes her hands in his and reaches down and kisses her. When they break the kiss he smiles at her before looking back at his mom's.
"Callie, I told you once you are not disposable. That hasn't changed, you are not useless regardless of what you may have been told." Stef says.
"Callie honey come here and sit down." Lena says as Callie sits.
Lena and Stef both put their arms around her and gives her a hug, that is all it takes for the damn to break. Tears start freely flowing down Callie's cheeks as she breaks down. Brandon sees this and wants to rush to her to comfort her, but holds back. He knows now is the time to let the moms have their say.
"Callie shush it is ok sweetheart. First of all we don't plan on allowing them to take either of you from us for any reason. We will fight every step of the way for you two to stay here. Wait, you wanted us to let you finish please allow me to as well. But if it comes down to it we will abide by your wishes." Lena says.
"What wait no way!" Brandon says.
"Brandon you have to! I will not be the cause of Jude being taken from here. It is that or we go our separate ways. So tell me which do you want?" Callie asks as Brandon looks at his feet. "Thought that might be your response."
"Callie maybe we should all take the night and think about this. We can talk more tomorrow." Stef says.
"Ok can I go to my room now." She asks.
"Of course." Lena says as Callie gets up and leaves the room never looking at Brandon, as he goes to follow Stef grabs his arm.
"B let her go. I know this is hard for you, but you have to respect her wishes. Even if that means doing as she asks when every fiber of your being is telling you to scream no." Stef says.
"Mom I get that I do, but I just can't let her go." Brandon says.
"And you think we can. You know Brandon I am happy that you and Callie have such a deep connection. But you are forgetting that we have a connection with her as well. That we don't want to see her go anywhere either. But by us letting you guys make your own choice like adults and act on your feelings, we also expect you too act like adults. Some times we don't always get what we want or expect. Doesn't mean that you don't keep fighting for what you want. That is what Callie is doing. She wants Jude safe and happy. She wants that to, but is willing to sacrifice her living here for Jude to be able to just so you two can continue to see each other." Lena says.
"Yeah B don't you get it, she would rather Jude be here and safe and happy and her in a group home so that you two can still see each other. She is making the ultimate sacrifice here. And you are acting like she is doing it to walk away from you." Stef says.
"I never thought of it that way." Brandon says looking at the ground knowing now that he had done wrong.
"It is ok Brandon, give her some time, she will come to you so you two can talk. You can explain it then and make it right. Just never lie to her Brandon and you two will be ok." Lena says.
"Ok I think I am going to go to so homework and maybe practice a little." Brandon says.
"Ok B, but remember let her come to you." Stef says again.
"Ok." He says as he walks out of the room.
He heads back to his room trying to piece together what it is he is going to say when he does get to talk to her. He knows his moms are right and that he can't push this, he has to let her come to him. At which point he will tell her how much of a jerk he was, just maybe not in those words. All he knows for sure is that he can't lose her now that he has her.
A/N: Since I haven't been getting the response I thought I would from this story I must assume that people don't like it. So this will be my last post for this story for a while. For all of the people who have read it up till now I want to say thanks. I am sure I will finish it and then maybe post it all in one lump sum.