"Where is my black purse" Lena cried coming downstairs.
"It's in your hand love" Stef said giving her a confused look.
"Ugh sorry, I slept so funny last night I think I have bug, nothing is going right today" Lena said as Stef gathered her into a hug.
"Thanks, I needed that" Lena sighed.
"Do you want breakfast.?" Stef asked offering her a plate of eggs
"Oh no, who cooked? That smells funny" Lena turned up her nose.
"I…I did" Steph said holding the plate under her nose to smell for herself.
"Where is Mariana? we're late" Jesus cried running through the kitchen into the living room. Suddenly they heard a crash.
"Oh no" Lena cried as they rushed into the living room.
"Sorry moms" Jesus said standing in front of a broken lamp looking guilty
"Jesus how many times have to told you to slow down. Look at this mess" Lena yelled. Jesus and Stef both turned to her surprised. Lena was not one to raise her voice.
"Jesus get the broom, Lena can I see upstairs please" Stef said taking Lena's hand and pulling her into the bedroom shutting the door.
"What?" Lena asked.
"Are you late?" Stef asked her.
"For work? yeah Why are we up here?" Lena asked.
"No. Lena, are. you. late?" Stef asked again. Lena's eyes got wide with understanding
"What's the date?" she asked.
"the 5th" Stef said picking up on Lena's excitement.
"I…I might be, oh god do you count from the day it ended or the day it started?!" Lena asked
"Wait wait" Stef cried fumbling around in her purse. she pulled out a pregnancy test.
"Where did you…"
"I saw it in the store the other day and got excited" Stef said.
"Well do I, do I take it? It's only been two weeks" Lena asked.
"Yes!" Stef said as Lena grabbed it from her hands and rushed to the bathroom.
"Oh man, my heart is pounding" Stef said as Lena was in the bathroom.
"How long do we have to wait" Lena asked.
"Umm It says three minutes" Stef read the box. Both women sat down on the bed in silence.
"Wow it's a lot of build up to this" Lena said after a minute.
"How are we going to tell the kids?"
"Let's just, see what it says first, It still is kind of early" Lena said. The alarm on Stef's phone went off and Lena flipped the test over.
"Negative" She said
"Negative, really?' Stef said looking at it.
"I mean I really wasn't trying to get my hopes up, but that would have been nice" Lena whispered.
"I'm sorry baby I was so sure" Stef sighed and pulled her in for a kiss.
"It is still early my love, and we can try again. I'm sorry I got you all excited"
"No, It wasn't you" Lena snook her head standing up she threw the test in the trash.
"Well now i'm late for work with no excuse" Lena said opening the door.
"Wait love, are you ok?" Stef asked.
"Yeah, yeah, i'll be fine" Lena assured her.
"What's wrong with mom?" Jesus asked as Stef came down the stairs.
"Oh, mom's just having a bad day, give mom a break for a little while ok guys she's a little stressed" Stef addressed everyone at the table.
"Why?" Brandon asked.
"Oh I'll give you five reasons" Stef said sticking her tung out at the kids making them laugh.
"No, it's not you guys she's just having a bad day, maybe today we can all think of something nice to do for mom today yeah?" Stef asked. The kids all nodded.
"Alright babies, go pile into the car we have to get B and the rest of you to school" Stef said as the kids filed out of the kitchen.
"Is Mommy really ok?" Mariana asked when it was just the two of them.
"Yeah, she's going to be just fine love, I promise" Stef said.
Callie woke up Wednesday morning and Mariana was already awake.
"Happy Adoption day!" Mariana cried jumping onto her bed.
"wow, the one day we have off school and your up so early" Callie laughed.
"Here, I made you this" Mariana said handing her a gift. Callie smiled unwrapping it.
"Wow it's beautiful!" She cried. Mariana had made her a shadow box with pictures of the two of them. There was one of them with their arms around each other sticking their tung out. Another Stef had taken being sneaky of the two of them sitting on the swing talking, one in their tent when they went camping, and countless selfies they had taken of the two of them with their phones. around the pictures were words like sister and saying about sisters.
"I love this" Callie said giving Mariana a hug.
"I know I was mean to you when you guys first got here, but i'm so glad we're going to be real sisters. I can't imagine not having you" Mariana said.
"Thank's that means a lot, I love being your sister too" Callie smiled.
"Hey ladies' your up early" Stef said poking her head into their room.
"See what Mariana made me" Callie held the box up for Stef to see.
"Oh that's beautiful" Stef looked it over carefully.
"I'm going to put it right here" Callie said placing it on the shelve above her bed.
"I love it, look at my girls" Stef smiled as them sitting side by side on Callie's bed.
"Momma are we getting a cake for Callie and Noah?" Mariana asked.
"What, I know of no such thing!" Stef said making a show of adverting her eyes. Both girls laughed.
"Get ready my loves" Stef said heading out.
"Can I do your hair. please please please!" Mariana begged.
"Yes, but no high pony tails!" Callie laughed.
They all walked into the court house together.
"Hi we're here for an adoption" Stef said at the front desk. Callie was surprised by how calm she felt as Lena held her hand.
"have a seat someone will be with you soon" The women said.
"Thanks" Stef said ushering everyone over to the chairs. They are only sitting for a few minutes when the social worker Janet called Stef and Lena away from the kids.
"Hey, big day" Stef said excitedly as they walked a ways away.
"We actually have a problem.. with Callie's adoption" She said.
"What?" Lena asked feeling her heart sink.
"The only birth certificate in Callie's file were copies, it took us a while to track down the original. I just tried to process everything for the judge and her's didn't go through. the father is different on her birth certificate. The man who signed away his rights is not her birth father" Janet said.
"So…so that means she can't get adopted today?" Lena asked as Stef glanced over at Callie so happily teasing Jesus.
"I'm afraid not, The real father Robert Quinn never signed the birth certificate, it's possible he doesn't even know she exists. the judge won't let her be adopted until he is tracked down and signs away his right" Janet said.
"Oh my god how are we going to tell her…" Stef sighed.
"I can…" Janet started to offer.
"No, no thank you, we will do it" Lena cut her off. Janet nodded walking away
"Callie, Noah can we talk to you for a minute" Stef asked waving the two kids over.
"So Callie, i'm really sorry to tell you this, but it looks like you can't get adopted today" Lena said. Her heart almost broke when she saw how Callie's face fell.
"Why not!" That's not fair" Callie yelled and Stef had a sudden flashback to when Callie first came to them. She took both Callie's hands in hers.
"Your right love it's not fair, and I wish more then anything we could fix it, I know it feels like you can't seem to catch a break, we feel like that too" Stef whispered.
"Why, why can't I?" Callie asked.
"It looks like your father, or the man you thought was your father, is not really your birth father, there was another name on your birth certificate" Lena said.
"Does the name Robert Quinn mean anything to you?" Stef asked.
"My middle name is Quinn" Callie said.
"Ok well we are just going to find this Robert Quinn and have him sign the papers and you will get adopted, you will be adopted sweetheart I'm very sorry that it won't be today, but you are still being adopted" Lena told her firmly. Callie nodded looking sad.
"Well, I don't want to be adopted without you" Noah said looking up at his sister.
"Yes, Noah, yes you are, see didn't you hear mom, I'm still getting adopted, just not today. But your getting adopted, you get to stand up there with your moms and watch them sign the paper and take a picture and officially change your name. You get to officially, officially become a part of this family. Forever! buddy that's so great. I can't get adopted today, but you can. and don't worry we will be back here in a few weeks and i'll have my turn ok" Callie told him. Noah nodded.
"Ok, yeah ok let's do this" Callie nodded at Stef and Lena.
"Ok" Stef nodded.
Callie stood with Brandon Jesus and Mariana and watched the ceremony. She watched as Stef and Lena promised to take care of Noah, and laughed when Noah very enthusiastically agreed that he did indeed want to be adopted. She felt her eyes well up watching Stef and Lena take turns signing the paper and when the judge finally announced Noah was officially theirs she cheered the loudest as both women hugged him tightly between them. That night they had a big dinner and Lena brought a cake to the table when they were done. Callie saw it said Welcome to the Family Callie and Noah.
"It's still true you know" Lena told her quietly among all the chaos.
"I know, I'm going to go get some air" Callie said stepping out into the back patio. Brandon came out to join her a few minutes later.
"Sucks you couldn't get adopted today" He said sitting next to her.
"Yeah, I thought I was in the home stretch you know, I was finally going to be safe, there was not chance the rug was going to get swept out from under me, and then surprise surprise, I landed flat on my face again" Callie sighed.
"yeah, I can't say I know what that feels like, but all that happened today was that my mom's signed a paper. Your every bit a part of this family without a stupid paper"
"I just wish something in my life would go as planed, just once" Callie sighed.
"but then wouldn't it just be…boring?" Brandon asked. Callie laughed a little.
"Come on. I want some cake" He stood up pulling her with him and they headed inside.
"Callie girl your still asleep, I heard your alarm go off" Stef said poking her head in making Callie open her eyes.
"Oh yeah, I just couldn't wake up" Callie sighed rubbing her head. she had a killer headache. She had gone to bed early the night before not feeling well. She had hoped some sleep would cure it but she felt even worse today.
"Get moving girly you don't want to be late it's chilly to walk today" Stef said. Callie nodded getting up. She went over to her closet throwing on the first thing she found and headed downstairs.
"There you are sweetheart, there's eggs and bagels on the table" Lena said as she came down. Callie looked at the table and lost her appetite.
"I'm not so hungry" Callie said walking away from the craziness that was breakfast and sitting on the couch putting her head down.
"You ok?" Lena called from the kitchen.
"Yeah just tired" Callie called back
Callie found it hard to stay awake in English class. Her head was nodding as the teacher droned on. The dull pain she had felt in her stomach since yesterday suddenly seemed to get worse going from annoying to uncomfortable.
"Isn't that right Callie" He asked and her head snapped up. Had her eyes been closed?
"Umm yeah" she said. Mariana poked her from behind.
"Why don't you take a walk and get some air" The teacher offered. Callie nodded grabbing her things. There were only 10 minutes left of the school day she would apologize to her teacher tomorrow. Her legs felt like jelly as she walked down the hall stopping at her locker. She put her forehead on it enjoying the coolness of it when Lena called her name.
"Busted" Callie thought finding the strength to look up as Lena came walking towards her.
"Why are you out of class?" Lena asked.
"I was umm falling asleep" Callie said
"Are you sick? You do look a little pale" Lena asked.
"I just feel really tired, I guess I was up to late" Callie shook her head trying to clear it.
"Maybe you have the some bug I have not quiet been feeling myself either. You need to start going to bed earlier Callie teenagers need a lot of sleep, and eating breakfast. You can't skip it that's the most important meal. that's where you get your energy for the day. If you want to talk about changing the bathroom schedule around… " Lena started.
"You can't mom and vice principal me at the same time, pick one" Callie muttered Lena turned to her with an eyebrow raised and Callie could see she didn't like the comment.
"Sorry, I have a headache" Callie said and saw Lena's face soften
"Come on, you can sit in my office it's almost time to go home. I can give you some Advil" Lena said leading her down the hall. Callie followed slowly.
When they got home Callie tried to sit at the table and do homework but she felt like she could barley sit up.
"Callie sweetie you need to wake up" Lena said placing a cool hand on Callie's back.
"I'm trying" Callie mumbled. Her stomach was worse then before now but she didn't exactly feel sick. Lena reached her cool hand to press to Callie's forehead but Callie pulled away.
"I'm just tired" Callie said not meeting Lena's eyes.
"Go upstairs and lay down for a little while i'll call you when dinner is ready" Lena said sending her upstairs.
Callie woke up groggy. She was surprised to see it was dark out. She felt dizzy and glances at her phone 11:00 pm. The house was quiet, across the room Mariana was asleep. her stomach hurt, it really hurt. She noticed a bottle of water someone had left on her nightstand and sat up a little taking a sip. The pain in her stomach got worse when she moved so she lay back. She couldn't get sick, They had been kicked out of a home before when She and Noah were sick and she couldn't take care of him, and that was just the flu, this didn't feel like the flu. Callie rolled over trying to find a comfortable position. Nothing worked she was getting more and more uncomfortable unless she had her knees pulled all the way up to her chest. She was shaking too, she knew she had some kind of fever. If she could just sleep it off and go to school tomorrow. She remembered seeing more Advil Lena had given her earlier in the kids bathroom. She squirmed out of bed holding her side tightly trying to keep pressure on it as she sat up in bed. Her head was spinning as she grabbed her big blanket wrapping it around her. She thought for a minute about calling out to Stef or Lena but didn't want to be trouble. Callie stood feeling herself wobble putting both feet firmly on the floor her blanket wrapped tight around her. Suddenly the pain tripled and she heard herself cry out losing her balance and falling to the floor. Almost instantly she saw a light from the doorway of Stef and Lena's room. At the same time Mariana turned their bedroom light on calling for her moms as she ran to Callie.
"What happened?" Mariana cried trying to sit her up but it made the pain worse and Callie pushed her away trying to ball herself up again. There were footsteps running across the hall and in seconds Stef and Lena were in the room.
"What happened?" Callie heard Lena's voice.
"I don't know she fell or something, she won't get up" Mariana said. backing away so her moms could get closer. Callie could hear herself crying as Lena gathered her in her arms. She couldn't be sick, no one wanted the sick kid.
"Calle did you hit your head? Where were you going?" Lena asked
"Callie, Callie what hurts" She heard Stef's voice as she pushed the hair from her face.
"Oh Lena she's burning up" Stef said putting her lips to Callie's forehead to get a better temperature feel. Callie tried to push Lena away
"I'm ok" Callie mumbled.
"No your not love calm down it's ok" Stef whispered
"Mariana run and get the thermometer" Lena said as Callie felt Stef lift her up off the floor and lay her on her bed. The pain was still strong but dulling now as Callie opened her eyes looking at the two worried women hovering over her.
"What hurts Callie?" Stef asked as Mariana handed her the thermometer.
"I'm ok it was a bad cramp or something i'm ok" Callie insisted trying to sit up. Stef's strong hands gently forced her back down
"Callie you have to talk to us, your not ok we need to know what is wrong, what hurts?" Lena asked again
"My stomach" Callie said her arms still hugging her midsection.
"Ok, Hold still for a minute" Stef said placing it in her ear. She waited for the beep before pulling it out and showed Lena the numbers on the screen.
"That's to high" Lena looked at it worried. Callie felt her heart sink, there was no hiding it now.
"Callie can you show me exactly where it hurts? In the middle?" Stef asked.
"No here" Callie said holding one side as the pain started again she rolled to her side in a ball. Stef ran her fingers through her hair.
"I'll take her" Lena whispered.
"No, no i can't sit here I will" Stef answered.
"Don't send her away!" They heard Noah yell. All eyes turned to the doorway at the little boy standing there wide eyed.
"We…we're not sending her away baby! why would we send her away?" Lena asked going to him.
"People don't like when we get sick" Noah whispered.
"sweets this is your and Callie's home forever, mom and I were talking about taking Callie to the hospital" Stef said.
"Noo!" Callie yelled squeezing her eyes shut against the tears.
"Callie love that's your appendix, you may have an infection but your fever is way to high so we are going to have to take you to the hospital, but it will be ok" Stef assured.
"No you can't take her!" Noah yelled breaking free of Lena and running across the room trying to pull Stf from Callie. Callie felt helpless, to weak to do anything.
"Look at me bubba, Callie is going to be ok but she is sick, we have to take her to the hospital so they can make her better. I promise she will come back. You and your sister are adopted, papers signed or not your ours which means your never leaving ok!" Steph told him firmly. Noah looked from Callie to Stef finally nodding.
"We can both go" Stef nodded to Lena.
"I will go get dressed" Lena nodded quickly.
"Mariana go wake Brandon up please, Callie sweetie can you sit up? i'm going to fine you a sweater to wear" Stef said grabbing something from Callie's closet.
"I'm ok buddy" Callie offered Noah a smile.
"What are they going to do at the hospital?" Noah asked.
"They might take out the little part that is bothering her, but it's not important, she actually doesn't even need it in, I bet she will be back home by the time we have dinner" Stef said. grabbing a sweatshirt from Callie's closet
"You promise to take her home?"
"I pinky swear" Stef nodded as Lena and Brandon came into the room.
"Oh B, Mom and I have to take Callie to the hospital. Your in charge ok, we will leave you the keys to take everyone to school in the morning. I will let you know as soon we we know something" Stef said.
"Ok, what can I do?" Brandon asked.
"I'm going to go get dressed. Can you gather up mine and mom's phones and laptops and things to take with us, I bet Noah would be a big help with that, come on bubba I'm going to go get dressed and you can help Callie by helping your brother ok"" Stef said as the three of them left the room.
"Here Callie sit up a little" Mariana said sitting on Callie's bed pulling her up and helping her pull a sweater on as Lena gathered Callie's phone and shoes and things she thought she would want. Suddenly the room started to spin again. Callie's hand flew to her mouth.
"Mom!" Mariana yelled seeing Callie turn green. Lena quickly grabbed the girls trashcan putting it under Callie's chin as she heaved into it.
"Ok love your ok" Lena said holding back her hair.
"Mariana go grab some bags for the car" Lena said as Mariana jumped up.
"Callie can you stand up?" Lena asked Callie nodded but she was having trouble even keeping her eyes open. her head felt heavy, she was surprised she was even able to keep that up. Stef came back dressed watching her.
"Should we call an ambulance?" Lena asked her in a whisper.
"No need, Come here girly your ok" Stef said gathering Callie in her arms she lifted her up carrying her out of the room bridal style and down the stairs she placed her on the bench by the door.
"Everything is going to be fine, she might just have to have it taken out" Stef said as Mariana sat beside Callie on the bench watching her wearily.
"I put your stuff in here with some water bottles and fruit" Brandon said handing Lena a bag as Noah followed him in from the kitchen. .
"thank you sweetie" Lena took it from him.
"Miss Thing why don't you take Noah back to bed, It will be ok sweetie I promise ok, Momma and I will take care of her and I will call you in the morning before you leave for school to let you that she's ok" Lena said gently as Noah watched Callie. Jesus appeared at the top to the stairs.
"What's going on?" He asked seeing the rest of his family assembled downstairs.
"We just have to take Callie to the hospital to get some medicine it's fine" Stef said more assuring Noah then him.
"Come on buddy, I'll read to you a little bit" Mariana said taking Noah's hand trying to lead him upstairs. Noah just looked back as Callie who had gone into a ball again.
"It's ok bro, i'll go with you" Jesus said and Noah finally followed both twins upstairs.
"Ok, help each other out ok, take care of Noah, no fighting, mommy or I will be back by the time you get out or school. Call us if you need anything" Stef said giving Brandon a kiss. She pulled Callie to her feet.
"Try and all go back to sleep, It's late" Lena said giving him a kiss.
"Ok, your ok, lean on me" Stef said. Callie barley felt her feet on the floor as Lena opened the front door and Stef helped her to the car. She lay her down in the back seat and buckled her up.
"I don't want to go" Callie mumbled trying to find the strength to sit up.
"I know baby we just have to get you checked out, Your ok we won't leave you" Stef said climbing into the drivers seat while Lena slipped in the back next to Callie. Callie let her head roll and come to rest on Lena as she gathered her up in her arms. Callie felt herself drifting off again as Stef pulled the car from the driveway.
"Hey baby wake up ok we are going to put you in this chair" Lena shook Callie awake. Callie cursed herself trying to get her body to move. I can't be sick she thought over and over she willed her feet to move, for her head to lift off Lena but everything hurt nothing was listening. Stef lifted her again setting her down in a wheelchair.
"Someone will have to go check her in and we will get her looked at" A nurse said. Callie clung tightly to Lena's hand as she started being pushed down the hall.
"Ill go, ill be right back" Stef said heading towards the desk as Callie was unloaded onto a bed. Lena answered as many questions as she could and it was confirmed Callie would need surgery. They started her on an IV to reduce the fever and help with the pain.
"How are you doing?" Stef asked Callie from where she was sitting next to her.
"I'm ok really i'm ok, we can go" Callie said pushing herself off the bed.
"Callie it's ok, just relax" Lena soothed.
"No really I feel a lot better we can leave we don't have to stay" Callie said.
"Callie, your on a lot of medication ok, your sick lay down and rest" Stef said taking her shoulders firmly and forcing her to lay back down holding her there for a minute until she was sure Callie wouldn't leave.
"Do I have to have surgery?" Callie asked.
"Yes love, but It will be quick, and you will feel so much better after" Stef said gently.
"I'v never had surgery before"
"Oh there's nothing to it. You go to sleep, wake up, get a few popsicles, your good to go." Stef assured her.
"Callie why didn't you tell us you were feeling so sick, I know you have must have been feeling bad since you skipped breakfast and the doctor said you must have been in pain since the day before right?" Lena asked. Callie gave a little shrug.
"Why didn't you tell us, this could have been dangerous, suppose it burst don't tell me you didn't say anything because you thought we would send you away like Noah did" Stef said. Callie looked down at her fingers picking at her nail polish.
"Hey, use your words, please, come on I know they are in there" Stef said gently raising Callie's face to look at both women.
"Did you think we would send you away?" Stef asked again.
"I knew you wouldn't but then everyone else did so I didn't want to risk it" Callie said.
"Oh Callie" Lena sighed running her fingers through Callie's hair.
"Love when was the last time someone took care of you?" Stef asked. Callie shrugged.
"My mom" She muttered.
"Oh my sweet girl, well get used to it because momma and I love to take care of our babies" Lena said.
"Callie you are not going anywhere, we are not going anywhere ok? When you are sick we want you to come to us. We want you to come to us for anything but especially when something is wrong. We love you very much and signed papers or not you belong to us. yes?" Stef said. Callie nodded.
"Ok love, why don't you try and get some rest ok" Lena said sitting down on the side of Callie's bed running her fingers through Callie's hair gently. Weather it was Lena's calming movements or the mixture of drugs in her IV Callie found she was soon having trouble keeping her eyes open. She tried to focus on Stef sitting next to her as her eyelids felt like they weighed 20 lbs each.
"It's ok girly, close your eyes we'll be right here" Stef whispered.
Callie dozed on and off after that unable to fully wake herself up for any amount of time but she was aware of Stef and Lena by her side chatting softly or taking phone calls from the other kids until they came to get her as the sun was coming up.
"You'll be right back ok, we'll be right here when you get back ok" Stef said leaning over to kiss Callie's cheek.
"Sweet dreams love, see you soon" Lena whispered as they wheeled Callie down the hall.
Callie felt like she had just been asked to count backwards from ten when she was waking up again. She struggled to open her eyes and move something. She didn't want to wake up she felt like she had not slept in days.
"Callie girl, Can you hear me?" Callie heard Stef's voice, it sounded far away. She struggled to pull herself from sleep.
"Hi Sweetie we're right here, you did great." she heard Lena say and felt her smooth fingers take her hand.
"She's going to be groggy for a while, We have her on some medicine that will take away the pain but she will probably end up sleeping for a few hours. If you want to go home we will be sure to watch over her, I know you guys have been here all night" Callie heard a male voice say. Callie suddenly felt herself panic at the thought of her moms leaving. She grabbed the hand holding her's without looking knowing it was Stef's just by the feel. Stef squeezed back and Callie felt a light kiss on her forehead.
"We're not going anywhere" Stef said confidently.
"Your here" Callie whispered fighting to open her eyes.
"Of course we are here love" Stef said and brushed her fingers over Callie's forehead.
"Mom's going to pick up Noah and the kids from school but i'm going to stay right here ok, you sleep i'll be right here" Stef whispered taking her other hand. Callie gave it a squeeze and felt herself drifting off.
"You look much better" Lena smiled coming into Callie's room. She was sitting up in her bed no longer attached to anything. Stef smiled greeting Lena with a kiss.
"I feel better" Callie smiled as Lena wrapped her in a hug.
"The kids ok?" Stef asked.
"Yes, they are excited to see you, I had to bribe Noah with some extra TV time to convince him to stay home" Lena winked at Callie.
"Ok well I am ready to go what about you?" Stef asked tuning to Callie who nodded her agreement.
"Alright you take a seat right here, easy does it" Lena said helping Callie move from the bed into the wheel chair.
"I will go check out and get all your meds and meet you by the car" Stef said grabbing the bag as Lena wheeled her down the hall.
"You feeling ok, no more pain anywhere right?" Lena asked. Callie shook her head
"Just a little sore, I feel like we have been in this day forever" She said looking back at Lena who nodded.
"Well we set you up in the living room for a few days. You have the TV the video games, I put your computer and drawing stuff down there and of course your homework. They said you shouldn't really try to move on your own at least for a few more days. And I got your favorite ice cream waiting for you in the freezer" Lena said.
"Thank you" Callie smiled.
"Oh my love you gave us quite a scare. I'm so glad your ok" Lena kissed the top of her head.
Stef supported Callie as they walked from the car to the front door.
"I have a feeling they are all right there waiting" Lena said looking through the front window.
"You up for this Callie?" Stef asked.
"Yeah" Callie nodded smiling as Lena opened the door.
"Their back!" Jesus yelled and the house seemed to shake as they came running from all directions. Lena jumped in front of Callie as the four other kids stormed her.
"Ok guys we are all happy to see Callie but she's sore so just take it easy on her ok. Let's get her to the couch" Lena said as Stef sat Callie down. Noah rushed to her side hugging her. Callie felt herself winch
"Easy buddy ok" Stef said.
"It's fine" Callie assured her. Brandon rushed to get her a bowl of ice cream while Mariana asked a million questions. Noah didn't leave her side. Even Jesus got her a footstool and a blanket. They sat in the living room for a while chatting and watching a movie.
"Ok guys it's late let's say goodnight to Callie, Noah it's past your bedtime" Stef smiled when they all settled down. Callie could feel herself getting tired again.
"Here sweetie take this" Lena said handing Callie a pill and a bottle or water.
"I'll take her up if you want to tuck Noah it" Stef said. Lena nodded.
"Come on bubba let's go get ready for bed" Lena said leading him upstairs after he gave Callie a hug.
"Wait, I thought I was sleeping here" Callie said.
"No, of course not what if you need something at night?" Stef said. Callie looked wearily at the stairs. she still felt weak and sore, the thought of walking up them was enough to make her start to argue. Before she could open her mouth Stef scooped her up again. Callie was beginning to lost track of the number of time Stef had carried her that day.
"I'm to big for this" Callie grumbled as Stef carried her up the stairs with ease.
"Please your the skinniest 15 year old I have ever seen besides your sister. I life weights more then you everyday" Stef said walking down the hallway past her room dropping Callie on her and Lena's bed.
"Umm wrong room" Callie said.
"Mom and I decided we want you in here in case you need something, and we want to watch you for now to make sure nothing happens because I know you won't tell us if your not feeling well again, and we have to watch for infection" Stef said.
"This is crazy" Callie muttered.
"Hey, mom warned you, we like to take care of our kids" Stef laughed going into the bathroom as Callie crossed her arms trying to look mad. Mariana stuck her head in.
"Oh man, I used to sleep there every night for a while. It's not so bad if you don't mind mom's snoring" Mariana laughed.
"I don not snore" Lena argued coming in.
"Yes you do" Stef laughed coming out of the bathroom in her PJ's.
"Ugh the two of you, go to bed Miss Thing, good night love" Lena giving Mariana a kiss and sending her down the hall.
"Alright Callie girl you get the middle" Stef said crawling in on her side as Lena got in on the other. Callie made herself as small as possible feeling tense. Stef turned out the light as they lay down Callie rolled onto her side and Lena stroked up and down her arm. Callie was suddenly surprised by how relaxed she felt.
Callie woke up in the middle of the night finding herself curled up to Lena's side her head tucked into Lena's elbow. Stef was close behind her with her arm around both of them. Callie couldn't remember getting into that position at all. She vaguely thought about rolling away but realized she was to comfortable to really want to.
"You ok love?" Stef mumbled.
"Yeah" Callie whispered. She felt Stef's hand go up feeling for her forehead and trying to see if she had a temperature. Callie had to smile a little. Even half asleep Stef was checking on her. She felt herself relax again as Stef's hand went back around her. Callie would never admit it to anyone, but maybe she kind of liked being taken care of.
Callie slept a lot the next few days trying to recover and fight off the infection. Every morning Stef moved her to the couch in the living room and there was at least one person sitting with Callie at all times even if she was sleeping. Lena and Stef took turns taking days out of work. Callie got better each day and was able to move around on her own after a few days and got used to Stef and Lena's hovering. By the end of the week she was feeling like an animal in the zoo but had felt she had learned to let herself be taken care of just like Stef had warned her she would be. Friday morning Callie woke up in the women's bed alone. They were still insisting she sleep with them but she was glad they were no longer hovering over her every minute. She sat up a little sore but better then she had been and followed the sound of the usual loud breakfast downstairs into the kitchen. Lena always insisted dinner be civil where they all sit and talk and eat slowly, but breakfast was the usual mad rush to get food eaten, lunches made, homework put away and kids out the door. With so many kids in the house there was not much anyone could do to change that. She smiled standing in the doorway watching the craziness. Steph was putting eggs on everyones plate while Lena was making sandwiches.
"Mom, I need peanut butter" Jesus told her his toothbrush hanging out of his mouth.
Oh come on dude, go spit" Stef gave him a little push over to the sink.
"Mariana kicked me out of the bathroom!" Jesus cried.
"You went over your time" Mariana shrugged.
'That's because Brandon went over his time!" Jesus cried.
"Alright, I'm going to get a timer to put up there" Stef said.
"Please I never go over my time you just wanted extra time" Brandon said.
"Momma can I have more toast?" Noah bellowed over the noise.
Indoor voice love" Stef told him tossing a piece of toast onto his plate.
"Is there anymore juice?" Mariana asked.
"Nope!" Jesus said lifting the carton to his mouth gulping the last few sips.
"Mom!" Mariana cried seeing him.
"Come on dude, hurry up your going to be late" Stef said taking the juice from him throwing it in the trash. Mariana was still glaring at Jesus
"What, come on get me" Jesus smiled as Mariana ran around the table knocking into him with her little body. His big strong one not even moving at the impact.
"Ok, that's it!" Come on 5 minute warning" Lena called as Stef split them up. Callie laughed in the doorway and for the first time everyone noticed her there.
"There you are love come sit" Stef said pointing her to the table.
"So nice to see you up and around again" Lena said as Brandon put a plate of french toast in front of her.
"Glad to be up, can I sleep on my own bed tonight?" Callie asked.
"I'll look at your incision site before bed and decide then, but as long as it looks good yes that should be ok" Lena nodded
"And next week I can go back to school right?"
"Yes" Stef said handing her her medicine
"Good, I never thought I would say this but I can't wait to go back" Callie said.
"what! I'd love to sit on the couch and watch TV all day and have people get me everything" Jesus cried.
"Yeah well get appendicitis and we'll talk about it" Stef laughed.
"Ok guys let's fan out and get this done quick" Stef said as Lena lead the whole family into the grocery store.
"Boys you are on snacks. Brandon your on frozen things, Girls your on produce and Mom and I are meats. last one to the checkout counter loses" Stef called handing each group a list.
"Come on!" Jesus grabbed Noah's hand as they ran down the rows of aisles.
"Don't knock anyone over please!" Lena called after them.
"How can you tell if a melon is ripe?" Callie asked as she and Mariana walked over to the water melon.
"I think you have to smell it, that's what mom does" Mariana said lifting one to her nose. then passing it to Callie.
"I don't smell anything" Callie said.
"Let's try another one" Mariana picked up another.
"Nope" Callie shook her head again.
"Oh well" Mariana shrugged tossing it into the basket Callie was holding.
"Noah and Jesus have the shortest list they are going to win anyway" Mariana said as they watched Jesus go running around the corner Noah at his heels. Callie had to agree. Lena insisted they all eat pretty healthy and since she was the only good cook in the family they didn't have much choice.
"Does Stef ever cook, I think I have only seen her a few times?" Callie said.
"She has a few good dishes, she can bake but not really, she says it stresses her out. Mom is a good cook and she loves it so that's easier for everyone" Mariana said picking up some apples.
"It must have been fun growing up with them" Callie said. Mariana nodded.
"I remember feeling weird when we first got there, I was scared, I didn't know where my birth mom was, I didn't know if they would hurt us, plus we didn't speak all that much english. But I remember feeling safe, and they never left us like Anna always did, and they were so nice" Mariana said and Callie looked at her.
"Did you have a favorite?"
"Yeah, mommy, she was so soft spoken and calmer then momma" Mariana laughed.
"I mean I loved momma too but she was more, run around with the boys, and she was a little to loud for me at first. Jesus needed that, he spent more time with her, I was with mom more though now of course I love them the same. The favorite kind of depends on the minute you know. If you need to feel safe or get a life lesson it's momma. If you need a hug and and someone to talk to it's mom. But most of the time they do everything together anyway. you like momma better huh?" Mariana asked. Callie felt her cheeks turning red.
"It's not that I like her more" She started.
"No, but you connect with her more, you love then both but there's always one you feel more of a connection to"
"How can you tell?" Callie asked.
"Your just like her" Mariana smiled grabbing some banana's.
"Oh Brandon you lose" Jesus cried as Brandon was the last one to meet them in front of the store where the home decor stuff was.
"I couldn't find the cheese, They said they were out" Brandon told Lena ignoring his brother.
"That's ok, I can run to Whole Foods later in the week" Stef said as they all combined everything in the cart and Lena started going over the master list. Callie looked around and noticed a throw pillow with a camera on it in glitter. She admired it reaching out to run her fingers over it. Lena walked by her pushing the cart, she leaned over Callie grabbing the pillow and throwing it in as she kept walking. Callie turned around shocked at what had just happened.
"Why?" Callie asked running up next to her.
"Because you like it, why not" Lena shrugged. Stef almost laughed out loud at the shocked look on Callie's face. As funny as it was it hurt her that no one had ever gotten her something she liked just because.
"Thank you" Callie breathed.
"You should start decorating your room more for you anyway," Stef told her.
"Yeah we could put some pictures on the wall" Mariana agreed.