A Welcomed Surprise-Ch 2
The next few weeks passed by fast as Penelope met with Anita and got all of the paperwork completed, she had also had several home visits and passed those all with flying colors. She was so excited when she got a call, she was on her lunch break when Anita called and told her that they had a child that needed to be placed immediately, she grabbed her things and practically flew from the building.
Derek looked up and saw her running toward the elevator and he said, "baby girl what's wrong" as the doors were shutting on the elevator, he then jumped up and said, "what's up with sweetness, she ran out of here"?, Reid shrugged and said, "we don't know, we looked up in time to see the blur that was Garcia running onto the elevator".
JJ said, "I don't know what's up with her but lately she's changed", Derek said, "changed, changed how"?, she said, "I can't put my finger on it but she's been so happy and I mean happier than usual". Derek said, "maybe I should follow her and make sure that she's alright"?, Emily said, "that's not a good idea Morgan, when she wants us to know what's up she'll tell us".
Dave walked up and said, "was that kitten just now"?, Reid said, "yeah, she ran out of here like she was on fire", Dave said, "is something wrong, is she sick or something"?, Derek said, "not that we know of, we were all just standing here wondering what's up with her". Hotch stepped to his door and said, "meeting, roundtable room, now" and then all of their attention went to Hotch and their briefing as they all headed up the stairs and to their normal seats.
Penelope practically floated into the adoption agency and over to Anita, the younger woman stood up and said, "thanks for getting here so fast Penelope", she said, "sure, sure no problem". Anita motioned for Penelope to follow her into another room, Penelope fell in behind her and anxiously followed behind her to see what was going on.
When they walked into the room another woman was holding the little girl in her arms, Anita said, "this is Mia, she's 3 years old", Penelope said, "what happened, you said that she needed immediate placement". Anita said, "her parents were both killed by a drunk driver and nobody wanted to take her and with a child so young if she isn't placed almost immediately then she won't get a home and will be placed in a foster or group home".
Penelope walked over and squatted down on her knees in front of the little girl and said, "hi Mia, my name is Penelope", the little girl looked up at her and weakly smiled before burying her head in the assistants chest. Anita said, "she's shy so it might take a little time for her to talk", Penelope said, "that's alright because we have all the time in the world to get to know each other".
Anita said, "we have some clothes and toys that we were allowed to get from her room at home, the little bear in her arms is her favorite, she won't go anywhere without it". Penelope said, "when I was her age I had a doll that I had to do everything and I mean everything with", Anita smiled and said, "we'll give you and Mia a few days to get acquainted before we come for another home visit, is that okay"?, Penelope nodded her head and said, "that's fine".
She then looked at Mia and said, "sweetie would you like to come with me"?, Mia looked at her and then nodded her head yes as she slid her hand in Penelopes and slid out of the assistants lap. Anita said, "here I'll help you carry her things", Penelope said, "thanks I appreciate it", Anita, Penelope and Mia headed out of the office and it wasn't long before they were walking up to Ester.
Penelope said, "I didn't have time to stop and get a carseat for her", Anita said, "that's alright, we have one, I'll be right back", Penelope and Mia stood there looking around until Anita came back with the booster seat. Anita showed her how to buckle Mia up in the seat and said, "remember, if you need anything before we have our home visit don't hesitate to call".
Penelope smiled and said, "thanks Anita, I appreciate everything you've done to help me", Anita said, "we're just glad that you were able to take her on such short notice". Penelope looked over her shoulder at Mia and said, "are you ready to go"?, the little girl still wouldn't speak but she nodded her head as she looked out the window.
As Ester pulled away from the curb Penelope was happier than she had been in a long long time