Chapter 18.

Callie's room at the group home was a boring, beige square, cold and institutional, with one locked window. she didn't bother unpacking her backpack, but she set her guitar, a gift from Brandon, safely in the corner. Then, she crawled into her bed, which was terribly uncomfortable, and covered herself up with the blue blanket, hiding from the world and longing for the Foster's warm, inviting home.

Dinner was served at promptly 7:00. At 7:59, Callie dragged herself into the dining room, and filled her plate with baked chicken, broccoli, and lumpy mashed potatoes, then sat down at the long table. Bill told her, before taking her inside, that it was important she be on her best behavior at the group home. No talking back, no getting into fights, and to watch her told her the better impression she makes, the more likely the staff will support Stef and Lena's appeal. He wanted them to get her back, too, he said. And if she wanted it badly enough, her actions would speak for her. So, Callie sat quietly, picking at the meal she wasn't hungry for, and wishing for one of Lena's delicious home cooked meals. She and Jude had never eaten as well as they did at the Foster's in their lives. It was a relief to know that Jude would never have to wonder where his next meal was coming from again.

She was dragging her fork through her potatoes when she noticed the girl sitting across from her, staring. "What?" she asked, raising her eyebrow.

"I like your necklace," said the girl. "Is it real gold?"

Callie shrugged. "I don't know. I guess so." She went back to playing with her potatoes.

"Can I try it on?" the girl asked.

Callie deliberately lifted the small gold medallion from her chest, and dropped it down her shirt. "No," she replied.

"Why not?" the girl pressed. "I'll give it right back."

Callie sighed, growing impatient. "Because I said no. Did I stutter?" The girl gave her a nasty look in return. Knowing that remaining a part of the conversation wouldn't lead to being on her best behavior, Callie downed her glass of watered-down red Kool-aid, then went to her room.

Meanwhile, the Fosters were just sitting down to their own dinner, minus Jude, who had a stomachache. Lena had sent him to bed with crackers and ginger ale.

Stef look around the table at her family. Their faces were sullen, and the usually lively mealtime was so silent, they could hear a pin drop. It was clear that someone was missing. "I guess none of us feel much like eating tonight," Stef said. Her composure crumbled as she carried her dish to the garbage disposal. When her back was turned to everyone, she let her tears fall. Hurrying away, she went upstairs.

Lena found Stef laying on the bed, shaking with sobs. She sat down next to her, rubbing her back.

"I miss my Callie," said Stef, wiping her tears away with a tissue. "I want her back."

"I know," Lena replied. "We all do." She sighed. "I've been thinking, and I wonder if there is a way we can bring her home. What about adoption? It's something to look into, anyway."

Before Stef could respond, the phone on the bedside table rang. She picked it up and said hello, then was pleased to hear Callie's voice on the other end. "Hi, Baby," she said, trying to hide that she had just been crying.

"Hi," Callie replied. Now that she'd called, she couldn't think of much to say.

"What are you doing, Sweetheart?" Stef asked. "Did you get settled in?"

"Not really," Callie told her. "I don't feel like unpacking yet."

"Well, you don't have to do that yet," Stef replied. "You've had a hard day."

"I miss you," said Callie, quietly. "I wish I was home."

"We wish you were, too." Stef shuffled the phone, holding it in place with her shoulder. "We love you, Angel."

"I love all of you," said Callie. "Tell everyone I said so, okay?"

Stef nodded, even though her foster daughter couldn't see her do so. "I will, Baby."

"How's Jude?" Callie asked. "Can I talk to him?"

"He doesn't feel well tonight," Stef told her. "He went to bed early. Would you like us to wake him up?"

"No," Callie replied. "I'll talk to him another time. Let him sleep. But give him a kiss for me."

"We will," said Stef. "Goodnight, Cal."

"Goodnight," said Callie, before hanging up. Once she was faced again with silence, she turned off the bedside lamp, then collapsed on her pillows, in tears. Her heart felt like it had been shattered, and the damage was irreparable. She'd never felt so alone, in this place where everything was unfamiliar. Eventually, she cried herself to sleep.

After hanging up with Callie, Stef and Lena went to check on Jude. He was snuggled under the covers, sound asleep. One at a time, they leaned down, and kissed his pale cheek.

To Be Continued