"What happened the night your mother passed away?"

Callie unconsciously began to fiddle with her necklace, "This woman from social services came to our house. She said we had to pack a bag because we were going to stay with a family for a while."

ADA Gardner nodded, "And how did you feel about that?"

The teenager looked at her brother, "My mom always told me to look out for Jude because he's my brother. I had to be brave for him, but honestly? I was scared."

"Of what?"

Callie shrugged, "I was scared that they would try to split us up, or that bad things would happen."

"Like being placed in an abusive foster home?" Receiving an affirmative shake of the head, Gardner continued, "Have you ever been placed in an abusive foster home?"

"Every single one, in one form or another," Callie automatically answered, "Except for Stef and Lena. They're safe."

"Safe?"

A moral Callie often heard as a child was that you don't really appreciate what you have until it is taken away from you. Six years in the foster care system and this statement never rang more true. Not a day went by that Callie did not wish she could have changed the events of the night her mother died. If only she could have kept her from going out that night…For six years she and Jude had been chewed up, spit out, and put into the jaws of many monsters. But now they had a mom who protected, a mom who understood, two brothers to watch out for them and a sister who was always ready to listen.

"Yes," Callie answered after a moment, "Safe."

"Please tell the court how you were lead to Jude Jacob."

It was Adelaide's turn at the stand. Stef glared at the old woman from her seat in the gallery. She was sure this was going to be quite a testimony. Adelaide looked confident, too confident. Stef shifted her gaze to Mr. Benton who was smiling at his client with a bit too much interest. Hm.

"I saw him for the first time at a funeral for my son, Christopher." She sniffed a bit as her eyes grew misty and she smiled nostalgically, "He looks so much like him."

Mr. Benton opened a file he was holding and read from the file, "In 2007 when your son was taken into custody, were you notified about Jude and Callie?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't you take them in?"

Adelaide sighed, "My husband Richard had just passed away and I was not working at the time. I wasn't ready emotionally nor financially to care for Jude."

"Just Jude?"

"Yes, he's my grandchild."

"And Callie Jacob?"

Adelaide's eyes became stony, "She is not related to me or my son. Her mother was already pregnant with her when she met Christopher. My son was such a compassionate soul. He was always going after charity cases…" Callie gripped the edge of her seat at Adelaide's words. She couldn't react. She couldn't fall into the old woman's trap.

Mr. Benton nodded, "So, why come back for Jude now?"

"I can provide him with a better life," Adelaide replied, staring at her grandson with twinkling eyes, "I'm financially sound and ready to take on the responsibility. I can give Jude my undivided attention and raise him with good morals." She glanced at Stef and Lena as she said this last part.

"No further questions."

Lena sat up straight as she was sworn in. She locked eyes with Jude and smiled a little.

"Ms. Adams, when did you first meet Jude?" ADA Gardner asked.

"The night Callie went to get him. He was in a foster home with a man who was mistreating him."

"You and your partner took him in?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't you just return Jude to his social worker?" Gardner asked, stepping closer, "Why didn't you send Callie back to Juvie?"

Lena shook her head, "Jude and Callie are amazing kids. They deserve better than what this flawed system has dealt them so far. They deserve a family. Stef and I can offer them that. They get along very well with our other kids. They are so special. They've just had some bad luck."

"How have they progressed since coming to live with you?"

"Callie has opened up emotionally to us," Lena replied with a proud smile, "She trusts us. She's come a long way since the first time I met her. She listens and is doing amazing in school. Jude is improving in school as well. His grades have gone up significantly. He is always smiling and has made good friends." Lena paused, "We need Callie and Jude and they need us. They made their way into our hearts and we can't imagine our lives without them. We love them."

Gardner headed for his chair, "Thank you. Nor further questions." Mr. Benton stood up and Lena prepared herself for show this man was sure to put on.

"Ms. Adams, what is your relationship with Stefanie Foster?"

"She's my partner."

Mr. Benton nodded, "Partner. You two are in a relationship?"

"Yes."

"And how would you say your relationship affects your children?"

Lena furrowed her eyebrows, "I don't understand."

"How would you say your…lifestyle choiceimpacts your children?"

Gardner shot up, "Objection!"

"Mr. Benton," Judge Patton warned, "Choose your next words very carefully."

The old man nodded, "Ms. Adams, have you ever met people who were less than receiving of your relationship with your partner?"

"On a few occasions." The vice-principal replied as she crossed her arms and shot a pointed glare at the attorney.

"Have your kids ever been subjected to such people?"

"A few times," Lena answered, glaring at Adelaide as her mind went back to the week of the funeral, "Yes."

Mr. Benton clasped his hands together, "Do you think it would be the best thing to raise Jude in an environment where he will most likely encounter people who don't believe in your relationship with Ms. Foster?"

Lena tilted her head, "Life is full of adversaries. Of course our kids will face challenges but that is part of growing up. That's how you learn to be strong."

"Getting tormented by his peers will make Jude strong?"

"I―"

"No further questions."

"What do you like about living with the Fosters?" ADA Gardner inquired.

Jude smiled brightly, "Everyone is really nice. I share a room with Jesus and I have my own side with things I like. I get to have friends over and no one hurts us. I love it."

"You've been hurt in other foster homes?"

The smile slipped from Jude's face, "Yeah. Callie was always there for me, though. She would protect me."

"Even if it meant she would get hurt in the process?"

"Yes."

ADA Gardner nodded, "Would you say Callie is a good sister?"

"Of course," Jude answered immediately, "She's the best."

"Jude," the lawyer walked up to the stand, "What do you want?"

Jude looked up at Judge Patton, "I want to be happy. I want to be with my sister. I want to live with the Fosters."

Callie unconsciously chewed her fingernails as they waited in the hall for the judge to deliberate. It had been quite some time since she had sent them into the hallway and she was growing more nervous with every passing moment.

Mariana grabbed Callie's hand away from her mouth, "Don't do that, you're ruining your nails. You're freaking yourself out for no reason. It's going to be okay. The judge saw how much we love him. Adelaide's lawyer was being a total douche-bag their entire trial. She'd be crazy not see it our way." Mariana finished with an encouraging smile and Callie wished she felt as confident as her sister.

A door opened and the brunette nearly jumped out of her skin. The bailiff poked his head out of the courtroom, "The judge is ready for you."

Everyone stood up and headed for the courtroom. Mariana grabbed Callie's hand and gave it a squeeze. The group made their way to their seats and stood when the Judge entered. As soon as they were instructed to sit, they did. Callie glanced across the gallery at Jude who was looking right at her.

"I love you." She mouthed to him.

"Love you, too."

"I have reviewed both sides of the argument." Judge Patton began, hands folded in front of her, "The situation concerning Jude Jacob, both Jacobs actually is very unfortunate and demonstrates just how poor our system has become. It is absolutely deplorable the way these children have been treated. Jude deserves a good home so that he may continue to grow into a well adjusted young man. He deserves the best in terms of opportunity. It is in Jude's best interest that he be placed in a home where this is a possibility.

"With that being said, I am granting full custody of Jude Jacob to Adelaide Jacob."

The End.

Nah, nah. But *le gasp* Adelaide?! Really?! What has this world come to? The madness? I have an idea for a Stef/Callie centered story but I need to develop it more (and finish this gem).

Want to know what will make me update faster? REVIEWS! So drop one like it's hot!

-Liv