Thank you! You guys are awesome. Here is Chapter 2; hope you like it.

Brennan pulled into the visitor parking lot of the hospital at approximately 7:27 PM. Lynette had said to meet her in the E.R. lobby, so that was the direction she headed in when she exited her vehicle. She walked through the automatic doors and stepped into the waiting area. She had never met Lynette before and therefore, knew nothing about her physical appearance. Having been a registered foster parent for 11 years and in the system, herself, 25 years ago, though, she had a knack for picking out social workers amongst the general population.

Brennan took a moment to breathe and look around the crowded E.R., before she approached a petite blonde woman sitting alone.

The woman, still in her skirt suit, a briefcase sitting at her feet, peered down at her phone. She turned her head in Brennan's direction and then stood up. "Temperance Brennan?"

Brennan nodded, shaking the woman's offered hand.

"Lynette Price," the woman introduced herself and motioned for Brennan to have a seat. "Thank you again for meeting me here." She smiled and sat down. She reached into her briefcase and presented Brennan with a clipboard and pen.

As Brennan read through the paperwork and signed the appropriate sections, she looked up at Lynette and asked, "Have you heard from Eli's physician?"

Lynette nodded, accepting the finished paperwork and giving it a onceover. "Yes, I have spoken with Dr. Lang. He says Eli's bloodwork and x-rays look good. Eli also underwent a CT scan and that came back clear. Dr. Lang has already signed the discharge papers, so if you are ready, we can head up to the room now."

Brennan nodded. "Yes, that sounds agreeable," she said, following Lynette to the elevators. "Does Eli have any belongings with him?"

Lynette pressed the UP button and stepped back. "He has a backpack with a few changes of clothes, a toothbrush, and a stuffed animal in it. The police think he and his mother were on their way out of town. His car seat is intact, so it's yours to take. It probably saved his life." She paused and they stepped into the waiting elevator cart. "Eli has been made aware of the arrangement and is already dressed in his pajamas. He hasn't spoken much, but he will nod or shake his head in response to questions."

Brennan nodded. "My husband is setting up a bed for him in our son's room," she said, exiting the elevator on the Pediatric Wing. All that stood between her and meeting the little boy was ten feet. She still remembered what it was like to meet that first "family" a quarter of a century ago, so these initial introductions always made her anxious.

"Your son is two and a half?"

"Correct and our daughter is seven." Brennan beamed. "We have already spoken with Christine about the situation and she is excited to meet Eli."

"That's sweet. She must be a good big sister, huh?"

Brennan nodded. "Yes, she loves her little brother very much."

The two women turned the corner and in a few short steps, they arrived at Eli's hospital room. Lynette knocked softly on the door and entered. "Eli, sweetie?" she whispered. "It's Lyn."

Brennan stepped into the room behind Lynette and her eyes went straight to the bed. The bed looked huge compared to the small child lying there and the sheet was pulled so high that only Eli's pale blue eyes, forehead, and dark hair were visible.

Lynette slowly approached the bed and glanced behind her towards Brennan. "This is Dr. Brennan, Eli. She's the woman I was telling you about. She's going to take you home to her house in a little bit."

Brennan watched as Eli's eyes shifted from Lynette to her. She relaxed and smiled. "Hello, Eli."

"Can you say hi to Dr. Brennan?"

Eli shifted and gave a short, weak wave, burying himself farther under the sheets.

Lynette smiled. "Thank you, Eli." She saw the boy yawn and rub at his eyes. She walked over to Brennan and let out a breath. "You're all set, Temperance. I will walk with you to your car and help get Eli settled."

Brennan nodded. "Yes, of course." She picked up Eli's SpongeBob backpack, slinging it over one shoulder, and grabbed the car seat. She waited by the door while Lynette helped Eli get out of bed and tie his sneakers. As Lynette said, he was already in his pajamas– a pair of navy pajama pants with surfing sharks printed on them and a plain white t-shirt. His curly hair was matted in the back from lying down for an extended period, and Brennan noticed the raised, blue and purple bruise on his cheek now that she could see his whole face. She sighed.

Lynette approached, Eli pinned to her side. "Ready to go?"

Brennan nodded and held out the backpack for Eli. "Do you want to carry this?"

Eli tentatively reached for the bag and put it on. He fiddled with the dangling straps and shuffled his feet.

Brennan smiled at him again and followed Lynette out of the room and back towards the elevator, Eli sandwiched between them.

I know this chapter was kind of short, but it was really just an introductory/transitional chapter. The next one will hopefully be longer :)

Until next time...