Have you ever been in an earthquake? Hey guys! For the next chapter I'm going to write about the family experiencing an earthquake. I just have never been I one. I live in Canada, so basically we don't get much earthquakes here. What do you do when you're in one? Besides going under a desk or table. Where do you go in large groups, like the Fosters? Sorry for my lack of knowledge on earthquakes, I despised seventh and eighth grade science. Anyways, enjoy this chapter of the Fosters going on a small vacation! Lots of Stef/Callie, Jude/Callie, and Marianna/Jesus.
Set in the summer! I know they're not currently on summer vacation, but I wanted to do a chapter based on this. So the latest episode was 2X08 so if you're reading this afterwards, and lots of events changed, it's only because I haven't watched the other episodes.
THIS WILL BE IN TWO PARTS.
"Did you pack your whole closet?" Asks Jesus, directly staring into Marianna's eyes. He was by the door way of Callie and Marianna's bedroom, mainly because he got the urge to bother his sisters, also because he wanted to know if he was forgetting to pack anything. "Because last family vacation I remember carrying your luggage to Mom's car, and I'm pretty sure my arm was dislocated by how heavy it was."
Marianna rolls her eyes dramatically as Callie giggles loudly at her brother's comment. "No, I'm not. And you're over exaggerating, your arm wasn't dislocated, Idiot."
"How would you know, you were too busy trying to find your way out from under the mountains of clothing you brought. And you better be bringing less clothes, we now have two more people to bring along, and we're only there for three days."
"Whatever, why are you here anyway?" Marianna asks Jesus, and before he can open his mouth, she cuts him off abruptly, throwing a pair of socks in his direction. "Exactly, now get out. Callie and I have matters to discus."
"Blah- blah- blah, is all I hear. Whatever, Jude and Brandon are cooler than both of you put together," he smirks, and heads back into his room, throwing Marianna her socks back into her room.
Marianna moans angrily, falling onto her bed, face first. "Why is he so annoying?" Although Marianna's voice was muffled by the blankets, Callie still managed a laugh. "He's your brother, that's kinda his job."
Marianna turns to face Callie, her hair all over her face. "Well then why is Jude not as annoying?" Callie smiles brightly. "Because he hasn't hit puberty yet," Callie states as she leaves the bedroom with her suitcase, heading downstairs. Marianna groans one last time before following her sister down the stairs, carrying her suitcase as well.
The Fosters were all heading to a cabin in the woods, or as Marianna would say, 'in the middle of nowhere'. They were going to stay for three days, just so they could relax and spend time together as a family, forgetting about all the stress they've had these past months.
"Alright, Babies, let's go, let's go!" Stef calls out to the boys, who were still upstairs. "Aren't we girls supposed to be longer?"
"Mom, you know were not stereotypical," laughs Callie as she heads out the door to place her suitcase in the trunk of the car. Stef chuckles at her daughters comment. "That I've noticed, Love."
Marianna comes out of the kitchen, placing an apple in her bag. "Did you bring some fruits for your siblings, Sweets?" Asks Stef with a smirk.
"Why would I do that?" Asks Marianna innocently, causing Stef to moan loudly. "You know why, now go grab more fruits! Be helpful."
"I'm always helpful," states Marianna as she leaves her suitcase on the stairs with a loud thud, causing Stef to remember the events of the previous year. "Oh, and Miss Thing, how much did you pack? Last year you almost made your brother disloca-"
"I didn't almost make him dislocate his shoulder! Why won't anybody listen?" Marianna yells out loudly, causing Stef to flinch. "Alright, Love, but how much clothing did you bring?"
Marianna comes into view, placing the last apple in her bag, glaring at her mother. "I only brought an amount for three days, alright?"
"Three days for her means a month for us," says Brandon as he heads downstairs with Jude behind him, both of them carrying luggage. "Keep that in mind." Jude nods fiercely, taking Brandon's advice seriously.
"Could you be a bigger ass?" Asks Marianna, her hands across her chest. "I know right!" Says Callie when she comes into view, sticking up for her sister.
"Hey now, be nice to one another, one day you might regret it!" Stef tells her children, placing an arm around Marianna. "I doubt it," says Marianna and Brandon rolls his eyes, trying to mimic his sister.
"Oh Brandon, I know I'm amazing and you want to be like me, but remember to always be yourself," says Marianna sarcastically, causing both Callie and Jude to burst out in giggling fits.
"Shut up," Brandon answered, bringing his suitcase into Lena's car, Stef following behind him, bringing her own luggage, still giggling at her children's interactions.
Marianna grabs her suitcase by the handle as well, heading to the car. "Hey, Mari?" Asks Jude politely. Although Marianna being annoyed by her other brothers, Jude was the only acceptation. "Yes, Judicorn?" She asks stopping in her tracks. "Brandon told me that last year, you almost made Jesus dislocate his arm, is it true?"
Callie burst out laughing, placing a hand over her mouth. Marianna wanted to explode, but instead she groaned loudly, and called out for Brandon. "Brandon! Stop telling Jude things that aren't true!" She stomped out of the house and headed out for the driveway, leaving Jude utterly confused. "Was it something I said?" Jude asked turning towards Callie.
Callie giggled and wrapped and arm around her brother. "No, no it wasn't you, trust me." Jude laughs and manages a small 'okay'. Suddenly Jesus comes down the stairs loudly, his suitcase tapping on the stairs in loud thumps. "What are we talking about?" He asks, hair in his eyes.
"Marianna," Says Jude as he disconnects himself from Callie's arm, heading outside. Jesus makes a face and groans, "Ugh, poor you, lets change subject. Rainbows and Judicorns!"
"Judicorns?" Asks Jude, smiling a little. "Yeah, those are like the better version of unicorns," beamed Jesus as he placed his hand on Jude's shoulder, motioning him to move forward. Just as both Jude and Jesus leave the room, Stef walks right, and smiles when she sees her daughter.
"Oh, Callie, I've been meaning to speak to you," Stef confessed placing an arm around Callie. "Oh, okay, what is it?" Asks Callie innocently, yet she has an idea about this might be about.
"I know you were hesitant to go on this vacation, but I promise it'll be fun alright? Nothing to worry about, if anything this trip is to forget about everything that's been bothering us for the past months."
Callie nods lightly and smiles. "Yeah I know, I just feel bad for telling the Quinn's I didn't want to go on a trip with them," Callie declared, looking into Stef's eyes, causing Stef to let out a small sigh.
"I know, Love. I know you want to make Sophia happy, but you have an opinion, too. I'm glad you chose to come with us, you know that, right?"
"Yeah, I know. I'm happy, too." Stef smiles brightly and presses a kiss to Callie's temple. "Love you, Baby." Callie smiles, grabs her suitcase and heads out the door, nothing else being said. Stef sighs again, but remembers Lena's words. 'Give them time to adjust, they still need some.'
Stef looks around the house one last time, checking if they had forgotten anything. She then heads out of the house, locking the door behind her and taking one last sigh, preparing herself for the long awaited trip into 'the middle of nowhere.'
"Jesus, get your elbow to stop attacking my ribcage!" Shrieks Marianna loudly. Every hour, the family decided to switch seats for the five hour drive.
During the first hour, everything was fine. Lena was driving, Stef in the passenger's seat, reading a book quietly. In the back of Stef, there was Jesus, who was listening to music. Next to Jesus was Jude, who sat plain in the middle, playing on his PSP. Next to Jude was Brandon, who was busy writing a song for the band. In the back of Brandon, was Callie, she and Marianna, who was in back of Jesus, were talking about basically anything that would keep them entertained.
The next hour, Stef was driving, as Lena was looking through her catalogues. Jude was where Callie had been sitting, and Callie was sitting where Marianna had been sitting. Callie decided to start some reading as well, the book 'Divergent' to be exact, Jude was still on his PSP. Marianna was now sitting where Jesus was, looking through her magazine with earphones on. Brandon got stuck in the middle, feeling claustrophobic in the middle of Jesus and Marianna, still writing his song as Jesus jammed out.
The third hour was when things got worse. After going for a bathroom stop most of the kids were arguing about where they should sit. Brandon insisted on sitting in the back, needing his space, Jesus just as desperate. But Marianna disagreed with her brothers, wanting to sit anywhere where she wouldn't be stuck brushing arms with anyone. Callie and Jude were feeling uncomfortable when it came to arguments like these, although they had their opinion, they were used to shutting their mouths, so they would never get in trouble; or less trouble. As usual, Stef and Lena decided for them, leaving Marianna unhappy, but not as unhappy considering out of all the family, she'd be brushing arms with Callie, one of the only people she didn't mind today.
Jesus and Brandon sat in the back, both of them satisfied, continuing what they were doing before. Lena was driving, Stef reading in the passenger's seat once more. Marianna was in back of Lena's seat, next to her was Callie, who was reading, and next to Callie was Jude, who had fallen asleep, his head on her shoulder.
The fourth hour was what the kids were currently dealing with. Marianna got stuck in the middle of both Brandon and Jesus, because of an argument that had occurred the previous hour. It started off about how Brandon wouldn't lend her his earphones because hers broke, and it ended up with her bashing Jesus about how he always ended up dating her friends. They were all three so loud they had managed to wake up Jude, who could sleep through everything. "Jesus, seriously, stop stabbing your elbow into my ribcage!"
"Stop stabbing your ribcage into my elbow!" Exclaims Jesus shoving his sister into Brandon, who sighed heavily. "I've had enough of you guys!" Stef and Lena share a shocked glance before Stef turns her head to face her son.
"We're going to be spending like, three days together, and you're already arguing!" Callie and Jude both have their attention on their other siblings, both of them staring at Brandon intently. "It's been four hours, can we please have an actual relaxing vacation, or is it impossible?"
Jesus and Marianna share a glance, both of them looking slightly ashamed. "I'm sorry," says Marianna, barely audible by how low she whispered. Jesus smirks "Yeah, you better be. Now apologize for dislocating y shoulder last year."
"Jesus!" Stef scolds him. "Apologize." Jesus looks at Marianna, her head tilted sideways and her hand cupping her ear, as if she couldn't hear him. "I'm Sorry," Jesus sighs deeply, shuddering after he had spoken.
"Alright, that's what I like," Says Lena smiling, reaching out to hold Stef's hand, the other hand on the wheel.
"So we have a good hour left. Jude, how about you finish that nap, Love, you woke up early, and when we arrive we'll be immediately heading out to do things," Lena says kindly, knowing how annoyed he looked when he got woken by his bickering older siblings. Jude nods and drops his head by the window, closing his eyes immediately.
"As for the rest of you, do whatever keeps you entertained, and whatever will keep you guys from arguing," Lena demands, saying that last part as she looks at Jesus and Marianna through the mirror in the car.
The rest of the siblings chorus some 'Okays' and 'alright' before they continue occupying themselves, Marianna telling Jesus off for blaming her that she dislocated his shoulder again. Stef turns towards Lena, smiling brightly at her gorgeous wife. "You know how to put them together, don't you Love?"
"Always have, always do, always will," Lena smirks, squeezing tightly onto Stef's hand. "Let's just hope we can all come home alive by the time this vacation is over with."
"Welcome to the middle of nowhere, Callie and Jude!" exclaims Marianna sarcastically as she takes her luggage out of the car, dropping it loudly onto the hard, crusty mud. Callie and Jude look around at their surroundings, "Well, it, umm, it looks cozy," says Callie hesitantly.
"Yeah, you don't have to pretend. We all know this place is a dump," states Brandon flatly, grabbing Callie and Jude's suitcases in the progress, handing it to both of them.
"Well, B, I hope you know that this dump, as you call it, was one of the places you've bonded the most over the years," exclaims Stef as she hands Lena her luggage, grabbing onto her own as well. "Yeah, 'cause there's no reception here, and Moms confiscate our electronics."
Lena nods heavily, closing the trunk of the car. "Yup, but only for your own good. Now hand them in, Babies." Lena opens her purse, indicating for all five children to put their electronics away.
Unsurprisingly, Jude placed his PSP in the bag first, not wanting to disobey. Callie followed by placing her phone and earphones into Lena's purse carefully. Brandon was next as he placed all of his electronics into Lena's purse, hesitant to let go. Next were Jesus and Marianna, both of them reluctantly placed their belongings into the bag, not wanting to let go. "Today, Loves," Stef insisted kindly, already bringing the three other kids into the cabin, not far by.
After both of them let go of their electronics, they moaned deeply, both of them over reacting. "Alright, let's go, Babes." Lena took her luggage and rolled it onto the muddy road, the twin's following behind tiredly.
As Stef opens the door to reveal a beautiful house. It's huge, there's space everywhere. The ceiling was incredibly high, Callie wasn't sure if she took a ladder she could touch it. The living room was open to the kitchen, as was the dining room, there were a tall flight of stairs to lead them to their rooms where they'd sleep. "Did you guys like, rent this?" Asks Jude as he places his bag near the doorway, reluctant to move forwards considering everything seemed too precious or expensive. Stef managed a small laugh. "You can come in, Baby, this is your place too now. And no, this is an old family home. It was my fathers, he gave it to me, for family days in the summer."
Jude nodded lightly, and stared at Callie who seemed shocked at the size of this house. Callie knew that one of the only ways to get Jude to get used to a new place, even if it was the people he loved; his family, was if she moved first, that way it was safe. Although they would no longer be needing to have this safety code any longer, Jude still felt a little hesitant, and something told him that no matter how long they would be with this family, everything would be just more comfortable if Callie moved first, identifying that it was safe to move forward.
Callie loved the Fosters deeply, but new places were still something she despised. Just because she was used to new places, new houses, it didn't mean she hated it any less. Callie was a little reluctant herself when it came to this cabin in the woods, something told her that Jude might be sticking a little bit more to her when it would be dark outside. But because Jude was Jude, and she would do anything for him to be comfortable, she made the first step, dragging her luggage where Brandon's lied, near the dark leather couch. After Callie made her steps, Jude followed, placing himself right next to her.
Stef could feel that even though they were with their family, that she and Lena would keep them safe, they would still feel a less comforting feeling then they usually have when they're at home. Stef suddenly decided to dedicate herself to make both of these children feel safe, feel loved, and feel at home.
Marianna and Jesus burst into the room abruptly, placing their luggage on the floor. "Jesus and I are not sharing a bed this year," insists Marianna as she drags her suitcase next to Callie's and Jude's. "He hogs all of the blankets!"
"Hey, you're not so much fun to share a bed with either. Your legs and arms were sprawled out so much I thought they weren't connected to your body," confesses Jesus as he jumps onto the leather couch, Brandon sitting right next to him.
"Too bad for you guys, this year we all have to share beds, so let's make some arrangements," announces Lena as she placed her luggage by the couch as well. "Who sleeps with who?"
The room remains silent, Stef can feel the tension that Jude and Callie are carrying. "Wait, what about Brandon does he have to sleep with someone, too?" Asks Jesus as he stares at his mother's. Stef speaks, her voice sounding slightly guilty. "No, this year Brandon gets the couch, after last year of trying for Brandon to sleep with Mama and me, we agree that Brandon can take the couch."
"What! That is so unfair, how come I can't sleep alone and Jesus and Brandon share the bed?" Marianna argued, her voice echoing in the large house. "Because Brandon is the oldest, and last year, of all of us, he had the worst sleep of all. Next year it can be you Marianna, alright?" Lena asked her daughter gently placing a hand on her shoulder. Marianna was going to argue even more, but she noticed how uncomfortable Callie and Jude seemed, Jude standing close to Callie, almost like he had the first day they arrived at the Fosters' home together.
"Fine," Marianna murmured lightly, her head hanging down. "Alright, I'll sleep with Callie then, and Jesus can sleep with Jude." Jesus seems to agree with Marianna's idea, preferring to share a bed with innocent Jude than the overly dramatic Marianna.
On the other hand, Jude and Callie seem reluctant, Jude especially. Of all people he'd wanna be with when it came to dark, quiet places like these, in the middle of nowhere, Jude would want to be with Callie or his Moms. He loved Jesus, but he was certain that he wouldn't feel comfortable sharing a bed with him.
Callie was hesitant as well, she knew how Jude was when it came to scary dark places like these, and she knew that he would end up not being able to sleep. But Callie didn't want to get Jesus or Marianna angry, as did Jude.
But Stef, always being one to notice things, let her opinion out. "Mari, I think you should sleep with Jesus in one room, and Callie and Jude in the other." At first Jesus wanted to argue, explaining that sleeping with Marianna was like sleeping with ten other people, but he understood how Callie and Jude needed this, as did Marianna.
"Alright. But Jesus, just to let you know I'll be taking my own blankets." Marianna stood up and headed to place her suitcase in her room that she'd be sharing with her twin brother. "Fine, but I'm putting pillows in between both of us so you can't sleep like a starfish," Jesus pointed out as he followed his sister up the stairs, carrying his luggage.
"Brandon, Love, how about you place some of your clothing into the drawers in Mama and I's room, yes?" Asked Stef, wanting to speak to Callie and Jude in private with Lena, who also noticed the tension.
"Sure, Moms." With Brandon heading upstairs reluctantly, casting a few glances down at his mother's and siblings before he dispersed into Stef and Lena's room. After Stef and Lena see that Brandon has gone into their bedroom, both Stef and Lena lead Jude and Callie to take a seat on the couch. Callie and Jude sit on the leather couch, Lena and Stef on the loveseat across from them. When noticing the two siblings are settled don comfortably, Stef speaks.
"Alright, I know you guys are going to feel uncomfortable here, but I want to let you know that this place is safe, I promise. You're with us, nothing bad will happen." At first, Callie and Jude shared a hard look, both of them sharing an unspoken communication. Callie then turned her head and smiled, nodding. "We know, it's all good."
"Okay, I'm glad," starts Lena, reaching out to grasp Callie and Jude's hands, Jude takes her hand without any hesitation, but Callie takes more time. Stef sees something in Callie's eyes, something she didn't enjoy, some sense of fear, something Jude only understood. Stef knew that she had to get to the bottom of this, wanting to know the story, why Callie and Jude were fearful of this large house in the forest. Of course, it was natural to get creeped out during the night, but Stef could sense something much larger.
"Go put your things away, Babies, and put on your bathing suits on, we have a surprise. Oh and your room is the one at the end of the hallway, turn left," Stef explains gently, standing up along with Callie and Jude. "Okay," Says Callie as she grabs her suitcase and motions Jude forward, both of them heading to their room.
After Stef is certain her children are upstairs, she turns to Lena, sitting next to her on the loveseat. "Something's wrong with Callie and Jude, I can sense it." Lena sighs, grabbing hold of Stef's hand. "Maybe they're just stressed. This is their first time away with us, and here of all places, it's normal to get the creeps."
"I know, I know," Stef sighed, squeezing Lena's hand tightly. "I just can feel something bigger than that, like there's a reason they don't like this place." Lena sighs once more, leaning her head onto her wife's shoulder. "Well whatever it is, I'm sure it'll come out sooner or later."
"How can you be so sure, this is Jude and Callie we're talking about, they're used to blocking things out, it's second nature for them, Lena," Stef expresses, looking deeply into her wife's eyes.
"I know, Babe. But if they really are scared, then they'll show it, it'll be evident in their eyes, and then we can get them to explain. They still need time, Stef."
"Of course, but they're my babies, Lena, I hate seeing them like this," Stef expresses grasping tightly onto Lena's hand even tighter.
"Me too, Love, me too. But for them to get comfortable, we need to let them speak things out themselves, give them space," Lena explains kissing Stef's cheek.
Stef smiles slightly. "You're amazing, you know. C'mon let's put our swimsuits on, we need to get this family vacation starting!"
"Should we tell them?" The small voice belonged to Jude. Callie and Jude were in their room, placing their things away. Jude had finished moments ago and now he sat, cross legged, on the bed. Callie still placed some clothing in the drawers.
"Jude," Callie warned lightly. "I don't think so."
"Why not?" Jude asked innocently, his hands clasped together, his eyes staring deeply into his sisters.
"Because, I don't want them to worry about us, we might ruin the fun for everyone else, they'll feel bad. Worried," Callie explained slowly, placing her last pair of shorts into the last drawer. She turned around slowly to find her brother with his head down, staring at his lap, fiddling with the blanket. Callie sighed deeply, she doesn't want Jude to feel unsafe or unhappy, but she doesn't want to ruin their family vacation either.
"Buddy," Callie sighed, placing herself next to him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders lightly. "I promise, we can tell them when we get back home, that way we won't be ruining the vacation, 'cause it'll be over."
"But you said we wouldn't have to keep secrets anymore, remember." Callie sighed, remembering the day of Jude's birthday. "Yeah, but we're not exactly keeping it a secret, we're going to tell them in three days."
"It's a secret until you tell them, Callie," Jude explained, looking deeply into his sister's eyes. "He hurt you, in a place just like this one, why won't you just tell Stef and Lena, maybe it'll help."
"No, Jude!" Callie said a little too harshly. She was hoping Jude wouldn't have taken it badly, but he untied himself from her arm, grabbed his bathing suit and walked into the bathroom, ready to get changed. Callie let out a moan, leaning back into her bed, burying her face into the pillow.
"Callie, are you alright?" This voice was much too deep to belong to Jude, but she knew who it was. "Yeah, Brandon, I'm fine." Callie turns around and gets out of the king sized bed, heading to grab her bikini.
"Umm, alright. Just wanted to let you know to grab some towels, Moms told me to tell you," he stated, coming into the room. "Alright, thanks."
"I was, umm, walking passed your room when I heard you yell at Jude, are you sure everything is fine. You can tell me, you know," Brandon tries to coax Callie into telling her, but her expression stays plain.
"Yeah, everything is cool. Can you leave, I have to put my bathing suit on." Callie pushes Brandon out the door, shutting it behind him once he's out. "Oh, okay, then," Brandon mutters under his breath, walking downstairs. Callie knocks on the bathroom door gently, where Jude is currently. "Jude don't get out, yet. I'm putting my bathing suit on, okay?"
When Callie doesn't receive a reply, she closes her eyes and leans against the door, letting out a breath. "Jude, c'mon. Answer me," she begs, knocking on the door once more.
"Yeah, fine. Whatever!" Jude exclaims harshly. "Just tell me when you're done." Callie sighs and lets out another 'alright' and gets changed quickly, placing her current clothing in a bag underneath the bed. Callie gently wraps a towel round herself, knocking on the bathroom door, motioning Jude that he can get out. After a few seconds the door bursts open, and Jude pushes passed Callie, walking straight out of the door, heading downstairs, towel in hand.
Callie doesn't even bother reacting, she just puts her flip flops on and heads downstairs, behind her brother, running into Marianna along the way. "Oh, hey. I wonder what Moms are going to make us do in the lake today," Marianna wonders, giggling lightly.
"Lake?" Asks Callie, a chill running through her spine quickly. Marianna notices Callie's sudden stiffness, placing an arm on her shoulder. "Callie, are you okay?" Callie suddenly escapes from her dreadful memory, and looks at Marianna, forcing the life back into her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Let's go."
Callie heads down the stairs quickly, Marianna reluctantly follows behind her, curious about why Callie suddenly stiffened and the mention of a lake. It's not like Callie's never been in water before, she went on that boat with the Quinn's, so it couldn't be about drowning, right? Who knows, Callie was impossible to figure out, the only way to figure her out was for her to tell you herself, which was extremely rare considering how closed off Callie can be.
Once they arrive downstairs, everyone is already there, all dressed in their bathing suits. Jude and Jesus are nudging each other playfully, Brandon putting some sunscreen on and Lena and Stef checking if they had brought everything in their bags. "Ah, there are the girls. I guess we can head out now, yes?" Asks Stef wrapping an arm around Callie once she gets downstairs. Everyone nods and they all head out by the back, walking through the forest.
Lena and Stef have their hands clasped together tightly, leading the way through the woods. Brandon is behind his Moms along with Jude, Brandon telling the younger boy about all the other times he's been here. Jesus, Marianna and Callie are behind them, Marianna and Jesus bothering each other.
"Jesus, I swear on my head that if you throw me into the lake like you did last year, I'm going get a water gun and spray it into one of your ears so hard, that it'll come out of the other one," Marianna warns, crossing her arms over her chest.
"If you do that, this year I'm gonna throw you into the lake and make you drown," Jesus jokes, pushing his sister forward, causing her to shriek. When Jesus mentions drowning, Callie's face goes white. This time she can't stop the memories running through her brain like they were running a marathon. Jude overhears Jesus' joke and turns around to see his sister with absolutely no expression, although she's still moving, her face is blank and no one else seemed to notice.
Jude then turns away, not wanting to feel bad for her, maybe this way she would tell Stef and Lena. But then the memories go through Jude's head and he looks back at his sister again, who he can tell is forcing the memories to go back in the furthest place of her mind. Just when Jude was going to go walk with Callie, Stef and Lena turn right, revealing a gorgeous, huge lake, completely empty, only them.
"Welcome to Foster lake," Stef marveled, turning around to put an arm around both Jude and Callie, who have regained the life in their eyes and bodies. "It's amazing!" Jude exclaims, completely amazed. Stef laughs, leaning in to kiss his temple, then she turns to Callie who is wearing a fake smile, which Stef can see right through, despite her other family members. "It's awesome," Callie smiles, turning to Stef.
"Glad you guys like it. Now get in, have fun!" Stef chuckled nudging Jude towards the water, but keeping a tight hold on Callie. Marianna, Jesus and Brandon are already pushing each other into the water, Lena sitting close by on a plastic chair she had brought. Jude, on the other hand, was reluctant to get it. He wasn't a fan of swimming, drowning was one of his biggest fears. Although Callie and Jude are in a current argument, Callie did was she always did to make him feel safe; she went in the water first, taking both him and Stef by surprise.
Once Marianna noticed Callie going in the waist deep area, she swam straight for her sister. "Get in, don't worry, there aren't any sharks." Callie manages a giggle although the fear going through her mind. "Is that to assure me, or you?"
Brandon and Jesus burst out laughing, Jesus going next to Callie, grasping onto her wrist, causing Callie to let out a shriek. "Whoa, Callie don't worry, I won't hurt you, I promise." Callie nods and then let's Jesus guide her further into the water.
"Yeah, he's only going to hurt Marianna," explains Brandon sarcastically as he picks his sister up by the waist, throwing her into the deeper part of the water, Callie letting out another shriek. "Callie, chill, Marianna is used to this," explains Jesus placing a hand on her shoulder. "Yeah, alright."
Marianna suddenly gets out of the water, laughing hysterically. "Brandon! What the hell!" Brandon and Jesus are laughing madly, and suddenly Jude is right next to them. "There he is!" Exclaims Brandon shoving Jude lightly, causing him to laugh.
"Want me to throw you like I did to Marianna?" Asks Brandon, ready to grab his little brother by the waist, but Jude backs away. "No, no it's alright, maybe later." Brandon nods in understanding and looks at Callie, he starts smirking.
"Hey, Callie," Brandon calls out, ready to grab her by the waist, but when Callie notices she jerks away, almost getting her foot stuck in a rock under the water. "No, Brandon, no. I'm serious!" Callie yells out, causing everyone to stare at her, Jude the only one who can comprehend why she's behaving this way. "Callie, don't worry, it's just Brandon." Callie ignores her brother completely and turns to get out of them water, no one stopping her on the way.
Once she's finally out of the lake, Callie leaves, heading for the forest. Stef suddenly jumps out of her beach chair and runs to catch up to her, calling out her name. Stef finally catches up to her daughter, grasping onto her arm. "Baby, Callie, please, can you explain to me why you're reacting this way?"
Callie faces Stef, unshed tears in her eyes, threatening to spill. "There isn't a reason, alright?"
"Callie, Love. Don't lie to me, please. I just want to help you, Honey," Stef explains, pulling Callie into a hug, which Callie pulls away from. "I'm not lying, why won't you understand!"
"Callie, I know when my own child is lying. And don't you dare say that you're not my child, because you are!" Stef expresses, putting both hands on the girls shoulders. "Baby, let us help you. Tell me what's wrong, why are you scared. Did anyone do anything to hurt you?"
At that moment, Callie considered telling Stef everything, she already ruined their vacation hasn't she? So Callie decided to tell her half of what was on her mind. "I'll just ruin the vacation, I already did!"
"Oh, Sweetheart, you could never do such thing, understood? And you didn't ruin the vacation, you could never do that, none of you could. The only person you'd be ruining the vacation for is yourself by keeping your feelings bottled up. Please, Callie, tell me," Stef tried hard to coax Callie into telling her truth, but Callie still wouldn't spill. Stef, although she isn't one to give up easily, decided to listen to Lena's words.
"Alright, but tell me when you're ready, Callie, whether it's today or next year." Stef let go of Callie's arms, and they stared at one another for minutes before Callie tuned around, heading back for the cabin with the extra key Stef and Lena had given her.
Stef sighed and watched her daughter disperse into the woods, following the trail that would lead her back to the cabin.
After the awkward dinner they all had, everyone, but Callie that is, roasted marshmallows by the fire, every one of them feeling a little guilt, Brandon especially. Lena had tried to make Callie join them, but she wouldn't budge, she just sat there, blow drying her hair.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know Callie would react that way," Brandon apologized to the family, who were all extremely quiet before Brandon spoke. "Brandon, Love, don't blame yourself for this. None of you should, Callie is just having a tough time adjusting," Stef announced.
"Why, did something happen in an old foster home?" Marianna asked, looking directly at Jude, who ducked his head down and shrugged. "Hey Miss Thing, we shouldn't be asking Jude any questions, it's Callie who should be telling us when she's ready," Explained Lena, wrapping an arm around her daughter, who leaned into it.
After sharing marshmallows by the fire, everyone, but Callie, sat on the couch and spoke about anything, school, friends, and summer. They just tried their hardest to avoid thinking of Callie. But when it was 11 o'clock everyone decided to head for bed, Jude the most exhausted, even though he had taken a nap earlier.
As Jude brushed his teeth and put on his pajamas, Stef and Lena came in to wish Callie, who had already put on her pajamas, a goodnight. When they came in the room to find Callie under the covers, lying flat on her back, her eyes bloodshot, they both shared a shocked expression, but tried not to make a big deal about it.
Lena kissed Callie's forehead first. "Goodnight, Baby. Tell us when you're ready, we really wanna see you tomorrow. I love you." Although Callie had no answer Lena smiled and walked out of the room, and headed into the washroom to find Jude brushing his teeth, she kissed him goodnight as well. "G'night, Jude, I love you." Jude smiled at his mom after he rinsed his mouth. "I love you, too." Hearing her brother saying those words so effortlessly, Callie wasn't sure whether she was happy or jealous, maybe both.
Stef sat on the bed by Callie. "Take your time, Callie, we love you, and we're going to wait for as much time as you need," Stef whispered soothingly as she ran her fingers through the girls hair. "Good night, Callie. I love you, and we won't give up on you, I promise."
Callie doesn't say anything as she watches Stef walk away and share a warm embrace with her brother. "'Night, Sweets, come to us if anything happens with you or Callie," Jude nods fiercely. "Of course, Mom." Stef smiled brightly.
"I love you," Stef sighed, hugging Jude tightly. "I love you, too."
After Stef closed the door behind them, Jude climbed into bed next to Callie closing the light. The both of them just laid there on their backs, not saying anything. Every now and then, Jude would turn his head, to see if Callie's eyes we're still open, despite the dark, he could still see a little, but whenever he would they were closed.
After a few minutes, Jude turned his head to find Callie staring intently at the wall. So Jude decided to speak to her, he needed her to talk to him. "Callie," he whispered, his head turning towards her. "I'm scared. I don't want you to black out."
After Jude explaining that he was scared, Callie couldn't help but turn her head to find her brother staring at her deeply, so she spoke. "I'm scared, too." After Callie spoke, Jude scooted closer to Callie leaning his head on her chest, her arms wrapped around him.
"I hate these memories, Jude," Callie admits, hugging him closer to her, causing him to bury his head further into her neck. "Me too," he expresses, his voice muffled by her neck. "You should tell Stef and Lena tomorrow, Callie."
Instead of arguing, Callie listened to her brother, nodding against his head. "Maybe I will, Jude, I think I will. I'm not sure yet."
"They're going to help you, I know they will." Callie smiles weakly, nodding once more. "I know that, too, Jude. Let's go to sleep. Goodnight, Buddy."
Jude snuggles closer to Callie. "Goodnight," he says half asleep. Tomorrow Callie will have to face her past, for the sake for herself, and her family. She will, no matter how much the back of her mind is telling her not to.
NEXT CHAPTER, YOU'LL LEARN MORE ABOUT CALLIE'S PAST! Hope you enjoyed! Sorry if it's long guys!