June 9th
Emily and JJ got lucky, it was a warm and sunny Saturday perfect for Oakley's fourth birthday. The Jareau's drove in, the Prentiss's were there, the BAU team, and Graiden's family as well. Emily went a little overboard, bouncy houses, extra pool toys that were rainbow just like her birthday theme, and of course a caterer; Oakley was being completely coddled all day and night by everyone. Emily and JJ were thrilled she was handling all the new people so well and more excited she hasn't had an episode since the kidnapping.
Derek was ignoring all the adults and pushing the restrictions of the bouncy house as he climbed into the princess one and played with Oakley, Lily and Annie. Emily became worried because this big guy was bouncing her children, falling all over the place, "Derek Morgan if you fall on my girls or hurt them, I'll hurt you."
After hearing that, he threw himself on the bounce house floor and let the girls jump on him instead.
Emily and JJ were now helping Oakley with all her presents however it ended very quickly; because all the guests brought someone, she was too overwhelmed and she really wanted to go bounce and swim instead.
"Only my child would leave a table full of presents to go swim," Emily said, standing there with a very pregnant Hayley.
Hayley laughed, "She's an amazing little girl, that's for sure. I can only hope this little one can be like yours," she said, rubbing her belly.
"I can tell you one thing, she'll have Hotch wrapped around her little finger the second she makes her grand entrance."
"What about Hotch?" JJ said, walking over and wrapping her arms around Emily's waist.
"The baby will have him wrapped around her finger," Emily winked.
"You're not one to talk babe, both our girls have you wrapped." JJ kissed Emily's cheek then ran off to avoid the 'trouble' she'd be in for saying that. Everyone knew Emily couldn't say no to their girls, but only JJ and Morgan brought it up.
Life was good again; Emily and JJ couldn't be happier. A week after Oakley's party they were enjoying a nice family day, the girls were playing with all of Oakley's new toys, and the two women were relaxing on the couch talking. Then, JJ's phone started ringing, "Jareau–Yes sir—I'll be in as soon as I can."
Emily sighed, "What do ya got?"
"Local case, parents in Virginia are being killed in front of their children. I've got to go, babe. I love you." Emily and JJ shared a long kiss, said goodbye to the girls then she ran upstairs to get ready.
Soon JJ was gone and Emily did what she always did when her wife left for a case: hoped and prayed JJ would be okay.
Emily was woken up from a dead sleep as her phone rang—she groaned then she grabbed for it blindly, "E'lo?"
"Em, baby?" at the sound of JJ's voice, Emily shot up in bed feeling extremely worried.
"Jen, is everything alright?"
"I'm fine, but I need you to come to the BAU, I can't explain over the phone," panic started to rise in Emily.
"Uhh, Jen what about the girls, it's," she looked over at the clock, "3:30 in the morning?"
"Spence is on his way," JJ answered quickly and calmly. Emily couldn't read anything in her voice and that was the scariest part.
There was a knock at the door causing Emily to grab some clothes and threw them on, holding the phone to her ear, "Okay, I'm on my way. I love you."
"I love you too, baby," JJ said before hanging up.
Emily let Spencer in quickly, "Okay, take the guestroom upstairs. I already put both baby monitors in there. I don't know how long this will take, but there's plenty of food in the fridge. Don't go crazy with the sugar, please. The girls should be up around the same time, but Lily will most likely be up first. Probably around 7:30, 8 if you're lucky. Make sure the baby gates stay locked so they don't wander and—"
Spencer tried his best to comfort his friend, "Emily relax. I know what to do, JJ gave me instructions before I left. Don't worry."
Emily's drive was awful, she only got more anxious thinking about the fact she couldn't read her wife over the phone. She had to wait for a visitors' badge at security and when she finally made it into the BAU, the team looked at her.
Hotch stepped forward, "JJ is in the soft interview room."
Emily nodded and walked away quickly. She watched through the window just outside the room, JJ was trying to comfort a young girl, but her body language was very closed off. She didn't want to interrupt, so she knocked twice on the window.
JJ walked out of the room and hugged Emily in a tight hug, tears falling. Emily pulled back and wiped them away with her thumbs, "Jennifer, what's going on?"
JJ took a shuttering breath, "Em, we have to help this girl. She called an abuse hotline and then the guy who worked for the hotline killed her mom and stepdad in front of her. Then the unsub burned the house down, she barely escaped."
Emily was trying to process everything her wife was explaining, "Okay, so multiple levels of trauma?" She led on so JJ could finish.
"Her dad died a five years ago, then her mom married her stepdad and he started to—he," JJ's breath caught in her throat. "He sexually abused her repeatedly. She has no family, her dad was an orphan and her maternal grandparents are both dead."
"Jen," Emily said warningly, "The last time something like this happened, I was destroyed."
"Babe, that girl is not Carrie. Pen has quadruple checked for family. She has no one, and she is so broken. The other kids from this case, they had other guardians, she doesn't. I can't let her be put into the system like this. We both know if she goes in, she most likely won't come out." JJ was pleading with her wife.
"Okay," Emily took a breath, "Okay, let's call DCFS and figure something out. My background before Interpol was in traumatized kids, we can handle this." JJ knew Emily was trying to convince herself, but she also knew Emily's heart was big and sappy even if she didn't admit it. Emily would always help those who needed it.
JJ hugged Emily tightly, "There's already a social worker here."
Emily nodded against her wife, "Okay, Jen. But listen to me, you scared the shit out of me with that call! Don't do that again."
"I know baby, I just couldn't talk about this over the phone."
JJ and Emily headed into the conference room: hands intertwined. When they walked in, both women felt relieved when they saw Sophia. "Emily, Jennifer, I'm so glad it's you who are handling this," she said, shaking both of their hands.
"Likewise," JJ said, "We need to know where to go from here."
Sophia sighed, "Well, the state and local PD investigated the claims a month ago."
Emily felt anger rise in her, "So they knew about this and didn't do anything?"
"We placed her temporarily while it was investigated, but the mother backed up her husband. Without anything to corroborate, the prosecutor dismissed the charges. And, with no charges, we had no legal reason to keep her in the system." Sophia looked hurt, Emily noted the swirl of emotions in her eyes. "Her name is Amelia Mae Peters and she's nine years old. Most foster parents don't want to take on the task of an older child."
Emily sighed, though she was still angry at the injustice, "That little girl needs help. She needs love, compassion, understanding, and protection. I couldn't bear to watch her go into the system."
"I understand, Emily, and you're right. But this is a big project to take on, I want you to understand this won't be easy," Sophia said.
"I understand, we understand. We're taking her home," Emily said with finality.
Sophia smiled sadly, "Okay, we'll sign over emergency custody to you."
After the two finished paperwork they made their way back to the room Amelia was sitting in. Emily could see why JJ's heart strings were being pulled at, she had the most beautiful brown eyes and brown curly hair. She looked like Emily did when she was younger. Exactly like Emily. Which meant, she also looked like Oakley and Lily. She had tears streaking her face and Emily looked to JJ, "Let me go in and talk to her, Jen." JJ nodded and stayed put to watch from the window.
Emily carefully opened the door, "Hi, Amelia?" the girl didn't look up, but she nodded. Emily pulled out the chair right next to her and sat down. "Hi, I'm Emily. I'm married to Agent Jareau. We're going to take you home with us sweetie, is that okay?"
Amelia looked up and stared into Emily's eyes; she studied her, wondering if she was going to hurt her too, but when Emily smiled, Amelia started crying and sunk into her arms.
Emily was taken back but quickly schooled her features and started rubbing her back as she said, "It's okay, I've got you. Shh, shh, shh, I've got you sweet girl." Emily's heart broke and she turned to look out the glass at JJ, frowning. This girl was scared, terrified, and broken. Emily knew she'd do anything and everything in her power to help the little girl.
As she calmed down, Emily took both of her hands, "Let's get you home and into some new clothes honey, okay?"
"Okay."
Emily started to walk Amelia out of the room, but she stopped and collapsed into Emily's arms. "Can I pick you up?" she asked, not knowing whether or not that would be okay. When she received a nod, she lifted Amelia into her arms. She was very small for her age, not just height but weight as well, making it pretty easy for Emily to lift her.
JJ opened the door for her wife, "Do you have to finish your reports, or can you come home with us?" Emily asked.
"No, I'm coming home. The girls should be up and begging Spence for sugar by now," she laughed, then frowned a little looking at Amelia in Emily's arms. She had both legs wrapped around Emily's waist, her arms around her neck, and hid her face.
"Okay, I love you, drive safe," Emily said. They shared a quick kiss before stopping at JJ's desk to get her bag, then left.
JJ's prediction was right, they made it home just in time to see the girls asking for a sucker while Spencer was trying to brush Oakley's hair. "Uncle Spence, pwease? You pull too tight, suckers make it better," she said, batting her long eyelashes at him.
JJ laughed at a frazzled looking Reid. He had more success with Oakley than Lily though who was running around in only a diaper. "Spence, let me brush Oakley's hair, how about you go put Lily in the dress she's running around with."
He sighed with a bit of relief, "I'm sorry, I don't know how you guys do this."
Emily walked in with Amelia who was wide eyed and looking at the little girls who were running around screaming. "Amelia are you hungry? I can make something to eat."
Amelia was lost in thought though, this was the biggest house she had ever seen, "Umm, no thank you. I'm not hungry."
Emily nodded, "Okay, let me help Jen for a minute then we can get you settled."
Emily walked into the living room seeing Spencer struggling to get Lily in her dress, Amelia followed close behind her not sure what else to do. Emily kissed Lily and took the dress from Spencer, "Bug, can we put on your dress please?" Lily looked up into her eyes and nodded, "Thank you, baby." Emily slipped it on and she picked her up. "Lily bug, this is Amelia. She's going to stay with us like Oakley did. Promise to be nice?"
Lily looked over at Amelia and smiled, "Mhm, mommy. Me nice, pomiss." JJ said the same thing to Oakley after brushing her hair and she held out a pinky to her mother, "Pinkee pwomise momma, mommy. Me and Wily will be nice."
Emily tickled them both, then handed Lily off to JJ, "Okay, go play with momma. I'll be down in a little bit."
As JJ took them into the playroom, Emily took Amelia upstairs. She was fishing through her closet trying to find something the girl could wear and pulled out pair of drawstring pants that she could tie off, and a t-shirt. Emily sighed, this would have to work until she could take Amelia to the mall. Poor girl lost everything she had in the fire. Walking out of her closet, she held out the items, "I'm sorry sweetie, this is all we have that might even fit a little bit. As you saw, we have a two- and four-year-old and I don't think you'd like their clothes—" Emily winked, hoping to make the girl laugh.
It worked and she smiled, laughing a little, "It's okay. These will work."
"Okay, honey. Let me show you your room," Emily said, taking the girl to her room. The bedroom, just like all the ones upstairs had an en-suite so Emily pointed towards it, then the linen closet where all the towels and wash clothes were. "Okay, all set."
Amelia headed into the bathroom, fresh clothes and towel in hand then paused, "Umm Emily?"
"What's up babe?"
"Is it okay if I sleep for a little bit after I shower?" she asked hesitantly.
Emily found it odd she felt the need to ask, "Of course you can. Just come get me or Jen if you need anything." The girl nodded and turned back towards the bathroom. "And Amelia?" Brown eyes met darker brown, "I mean anything; nothing is too small." Amelia nodded and shut the bathroom door behind her.
Emily sat in the chair in the corner of the room, not to spy on her, but something in her gut was telling her to worry. She pretended to read a book as she listened to the sounds coming from the bathroom. For a few minutes, she just heard running water, then she heard a sob, and another, and another. As the sound built, Emily shed a few tears too. She listened carefully for signs of distress. When she heard what sounded like every shower product fall in the tub as well as a guttural scream, Emily leapt up and ran to the door.
She knocked lightly, trying not to let her panic show, "Amelia? Please let me know you're okay." The only thing she heard was sobs that came out between shallow breaths, picking up in frequency. Emily knew the girl was close to hyperventilating. "Amelia, please open the door. Let me help you honey. It's just you and me." She heard the water shut off, then the lock click. She called through the door again, "Is it okay if I come in?"
"Yeah," Amelia managed through sobs.
Emily walked in and saw Amelia leaning against the bathtub, wrapped in only a towel. Emily sat next to her, "Amelia, you're hyperventilating. Push all the air out of your lungs, then take a steady breath back in." Emily watched carefully as the girl did, "Good, now take a couple more big breaths honey." Emily waited, "There we go, that's it. Do you want to talk about what happened?" Amelia shook her head. Emily stood and extended a hand for her to grab, then pulled the girl up. "Okay, you don't have to sweet girl. I'm going to stand right outside the door while you change, yell if you need anything."
A few minutes after Emily closed the door behind her, Amelia stepped out. She led her over to the bed and when Amelia laid down, Emily was going to head out, but a voice stopped her, "Emily?"
"What's up, sweet girl?"
"Could you," Amelia looked down, blushing, "can you lay with me? I'm not scared it's just—"
Emily smiled, "Of course I will." Emily didn't know how close the girl wanted to be, but when she put her hand on Amelia's shoulder and rubbed down her arm, Amelia scooted back into Emily's body. Luckily, sleep took over quickly for the little girl.
Downstairs, JJ was playing with Lily and Oakley. She was worrying about Emily and Amelia because they hadn't come back down yet but knew her wife would call if she needed help. There was a bit of resentment seeing as she was the one who saved Amelia and the second Emily walked in, bonding happened immediately, she couldn't really be upset though. The feelings stemmed from JJ's own insecurities of feeling like she wasn't enough and the fact she always froze up when the children needed her. She knew it wasn't founded, and Emily told her everyday how wonderful a mother she is, but there were still moments of doubt.
The doorbell then rang and Hayley was standing there, "Hey Hayley, oh god, did Emily not call you?"
"No, she did. But Aaron told me what was going on and I came by to see if you guys needed anything. I'm sorry, I know I should have called first, or just called in general but I guess I needed to see for myself," Hayley said, feeling guilty.
"Don't worry about it, come in. I've been in the playroom with the girls, Emily's been handling everything. Actually, while you're here, would you mind watching them for a few minutes while I go check on Emily and Amelia?"
"Absolutely! Go, go! Let me go see my beautiful littles."
JJ ran upstairs and when she didn't hear anything, she quietly opened the door to the bedroom. What she saw melted her. How can I feel the least bit of resentment when my wife is so perfect? Look at them curled up together. This poor girl looks like she hasn't slept well in, who knows how long. Emily sensed someone else in the room and looked up into JJ's eyes.
"Hey," she whispered, "I'm sorry. She asked me if I'd lay—"
JJ shook her hand back and forth, "Don't be sorry, she needs sleep."
Emily looked down at a sleeping Amelia and tried to shift out of the bed, when neither of them saw any movement, she got out completely. "I'm going to go take the nightlight out of Oakley's room so she doesn't get scared," Emily said.
When she closed Amelia's door she saw her wife on the floor crying, "Jen, what's wrong?"
JJ looked up at her wife, tears streaming down her face, "I—it's just, you're—I'm not a good mother. You met Amelia for all of two minutes and she fell into your arms. Oakley practically did the same thing. And Lily, I mean, you gave birth to her, obviously she's always going to want you. They all look exactly like you, they love you, they—"
"Babe, take a deep breath. Come on Jen, let's get you up," Emily said, lifting JJ up. She brought her into their bedroom putting JJ onto her lap as she sat down in one of their chairs. "Jen, look at me, please." Emily pleaded, and when JJ didn't look at her, she tilted her chin up. "There we go. Baby, our children absolutely adore you. You're an amazing mother. Do our girls look like me? Yes. Does that mean they love you any less? No. I can't tell you why Amelia bonded with me, it could be something as simple as I was a new face after the team asked her questions and I didn't. We don't know, but that doesn't mean it's because you're not a good mother."
"I'm sorry. I'm just overtired and doubting myself," JJ said, sinking her head into Emily's chest.
"Don't apologize, how about you take a little nap too, okay?" JJ nodded. Emily picked JJ up and tucked her in, then headed back downstairs to visit with Hayley and play with the girls.
A little while later Emily started making some lunch, taking advantage of the fact Hayley was still there. While feeding both girls, she opened her laptop and tried to tackle some of her to-do list, but seeing as Hayley had left, she decided to get the girls down for a nap then work on her list.
She needed to find Amelia a school, a therapist, and then look over inventory reports for the company. She found a therapist who specialized in sexual trauma and frequently used EMDR, which she knew firsthand how well it worked. Emily picked out a few school options for Amelia to give her a little bit of freedom in the topic in hopes it may help her feel more control. After doing a little work, she closed her laptop and made her way upstairs to wake up her wife.
"Baby," she said as she shook JJ awake, "I made lunch, come down and eat."
JJ groaned and tried to bury herself further under the blankets. Emily laughed and yanked the blankets back.
JJ shrieked, "Emily! What the—"
"Shh, the girls are asleep!" Emily said, knowing full well their girls wouldn't wake up because they were much louder when they had their adult time together. "Sorry, but it's lunchtime," She winked, then went to Amelia's room.
Peeking through the door, she saw Amelia was still sleeping. Emily walked to the bed and sat down, running her fingers through Amelia's hair. "Amelia, sweetie, it's lunchtime. After that, we can go shopping, okay?" She added, hopefully to put a smile on the girl's face.
Amelia opened her eyes and curled up further into a little ball, "Sleepy."
"I know, honey. You'll feel better after you eat something though." Amelia rolled onto her back and lifted up her arms. Emily understood, she leaned over and picked her up. "Oh goodness, I need to work on my muscles, huh?" The little girl buried her head in Emily's neck and laughed.
As they walked out of her bedroom, Emily turned towards her bedroom and saw JJ stretching with her typical tired scowl face, "You're so cute," she winked.
JJ wasn't amused. Seeing as Amelia's head was tucked in Emily's chest still, she said, "Here's cute," flipping her wife off.
They all sat down and began to eat. "Okay, we have to get you enrolled in school somewhere. I figured considering there's only two weeks left in the school year, we can get your work and you can do it here, then we'll start you at your new school come September. Good idea?" Amelia nodded. "I have three options and I thought you might like to choose."
Amelia took her last bite then looked at the papers as Emily explained the schools, "The first is a private school known for their arts program, the next is an all-girls school known for their sports program, and the third is a charter school."
Amelia looked through the pictures of the schools and felt a bit overwhelmed. "Umm, I'm not really sure. Which one do you like?"
"I like the all-girls school, it has a lot to offer and the sports program is quite impressive. I went to a couple all-girls schools, and they were the best schools I went to," Emily replied.
Amelia nodded, "I like sports. Why do you like all girls?"
JJ was looking over the papers, completely unknowing of the options. Emily smiled at Amelia, "I liked them because there's no competition. In a co-ed school, girls are always fighting each other over who's the prettiest and most popular, but at girl's schools, there isn't any of that. Even the girls who think they are different have a place."
"That's cool. Do you know what kinds of sports they have?"
"Their known for their track and swim team, but they hold the last three state titles for their soccer team as well."
JJ looked up from the papers grinning at her wife, Amelia was smiling too, "Soccer?" they both asked, excitedly.
They both looked at each other before launching into their mutual love of soccer. Emily took this time out of the conversation to finish her food. As the other two finished their conversation, Emily interjected, "Jen? I'm going to take Amelia to the mall to fill up her closet. Can you take the girls grocery shopping with you?"
"Oh, so I get the chaos of taking a two- and four-year-old grocery shopping while you get to have fun at the mall?" JJ teased.
Emily laughed lightly, "Yup. I'll give you the list before you leave." Emily ignored her wife's eye roll and turned her attention back to the Amelia, "Is there anything you need to do before we leave?"
She watched the girl carefully as a faint blush covered her face, she looked down, "Yeah, I need to do my hair."
Emily raised an eyebrow, "Okay. And why do you look embarrassed by it, sweetie?"
Amelia laughed nervously, "My mom always did it for me."
"Oh don't worry, Emily is the best at doing hair. She does the girls, specifically Oakley's everyday. Lily's is still a bit short for all the fun hairstyles."
Emily took the girl into the bathroom, getting the supplies she kept in there, and once her hair was in two French braids, they headed out. Luckily, the range rover had plenty of room in the backseat for Amelia to sit comfortably between the two car seats. An adult could sit comfortably between them, so this tiny barely 60lb nine year old fit perfectly.
Knowing this girl was in for a big shopping trip that would most likely overwhelm her, she called in reinforcements. "Amelia," Emily said, peeking through the rear-view mirror to look at her, "Do you remember Derek and Tara? They work with Jen, you met them earlier?"
"Yeah, they were really nice to me."
"Would you be comfortable with them coming to help us shop? We're going to pick out stuff to decorate your room and get you a whole new wardrobe, I thought they might be able to help."
"You're asking me? But you're the grown-up…" Amelia said, a confused look on her face.
"Of course, I'm asking you sweetie. If you want it to just be us, that's fine too, but I figured Derek could carry the bags," Emily winked.
"Yeah, that would be fun," she said, smiling at Emily.
When they got to the mall, Derek and Tara were already there. "Hey guys, thanks for coming. Ready Amelia?" Emily said, wrapping her arm around her shoulders. Amelia nodded, "Okay, let's go!"
When Oakley came down the stairs, the first thing she asked JJ was, "Where's mommy?"
"Mommy had to go out, but I'm glad I could be here when you woke up little bear. We're gonna wait for Lily to wake up then go to the store okay?"
"Can I get a candy?"
JJ laughed at the little girl, "Maybe if you and Lily are extra good, you can each pick one out."
After getting both girls in the car once Lily had woken up, they headed to the store.
Two stores in, Derek was so happy to be finished. Amelia had wandered aimlessly around the store looking at different things, only finding three outfits she liked.
"Derek, I know that face and we are not near done. We need to fill her closet with clothes and shoes, we need bedding, desk supplies, and room decorations. We'll be here for a while."
Derek groaned, "Why didn't you tell me this earlier? I thought we were just finding a few outfits for princess Jr. You know I hate shopping, and with three women? Get outta here."
Amelia giggled at his whining and Emily rolled her eyes, "Shut up, Derek."
"Fine, but you owe me dinner, princess!"
"Fine."
Tara watched the interaction with a smile, "I for one am very happy to get to spend time with you, Emily. JJ talks about you all the time, I'm glad to experience some of it for myself."
"Oh she does?" Emily smirked. "I'll have to ask her about it later."
Amelia had picked out a few outfits and thought that was enough, but Emily wasn't about to stop until her closet was full of options. She told Derek and Tara to study what clothes Amelia liked and passed up and grab them all. They spent time picking items and then threw everything into Emily's arms. While the girl was trying everything on, Emily thanked her friends for their help.
Amelia popped her head out of the dressing room, "Umm, Emily?" she called softly.
Emily was there immediately, "What's up sweet girl?"
Amelia looked down at the top she had on, "Does this look okay?" she asked, swinging the door open for the brunette to see her fully.
"It looks great, sweetie," she said looking into Amelia's eyes and smiling.
"Really? You don't think it's too, umm, I dunno, like," Amelia played with the v-neck and Emily understood what she meant.
"No. I think girls should be able to wear what they want and not be scrutinized for it. Besides, it's a small V-neck and it may be a little shorter than some other shirts, but that's why we picked some high-rise jeans, right?" Emily winked, before letting her change in peace.
The group hit a couple more clothing stores before going into the shoe store. Emily looked down to Amelia, "Okay, let's get you some cute sandals, a few pairs of tennis shoes, and some everyday shoes that match some of your new outfits. We can get you soccer cleats before you start school."
Amelia smiled brightly, "I can play soccer?"
"You can play any sport you want and if they don't offer it at school, I'll find somewhere else that offers it; like dance, or gymnastics. I'm not very sporty besides dance, but Jennifer is, and she can help you practice soccer this summer."
"I want to play soccer. I've always wanted to do dance too but I wasn't allowed," she said, looking down at her feet.
"How about we start with soccer and when we know your schedule, we can get you into dance too?"
Amelia didn't respond verbally, instead she threw herself at Emily. Thankfully, Tara and Derek were in charge of holding the bags, so she could pick Amelia up and swing her around. "Come on sweet girl, let's get some shoes then pick out your bedroom set."
"Em, look at these!" Morgan said holding up tiny shoes, "How is it even possible to have feet this little?"
She laughed in response, "Focus Morgan, we're shopping for Amelia."
Derek put the shoes back gently, "You should have a baby, Em."
"We already have two, Derek." Emily always wanted a big family, she knew JJ wanted to carry a baby at some point too, but right now they had their girls and she couldn't imagine doing anything differently.
In Bed Bath and Beyond Emily quickly found the bedding section. Both her girls had pink everything, even Oakley's underwater mermaid theme was mostly pink, so she crossed her fingers it wasn't more. Amelia was overwhelmed by all the designs and patterns, "Emily?" she got her attention then continued, "Could I maybe get a white one and get some colored pillows and a blanket? It's okay if it's too much—"
"You can get whatever you want. We can go tomorrow and pick out some paint for the walls too. What color were you thinking?"
"Umm, blue?" Amelia said, nervously.
Emily tilted her chin up so they were looking eye to eye, "My room has a lot of blue too. Blue's a great choice," she winked, and Amelia was off.
While they were walking to the car, Derek spoke up, "So, what's for dinner Em?"
"Whatever Jennifer decides to make," Emily deadpanned.
Derek made a whipping noise and Emily reached over and smacked him lightly. Before long the group was back in their driveway. Derek carried in all the bags while the girls headed in. Emily heard high-pitched laughter coming out of the playroom, "Hi my babies!" Both girls ran up and hugged her tightly before recalling stories about their day. Emily let go of the kids when JJ appeared in the doorway. "Hey baby," she said before standing and kissing her wife. "How was the store?"
JJ kissed her back, "Considering I had to take two excited little girls with me, it was a travesty. How was the mall?"
"Really good, I think Tara and Derek really helped Amelia feel comfortable with filling her closet and decorating her room. Also, Derek wants to know what's for dinner."
JJ laughed, "After my day? Pizza."
Emily put some of Amelia's new clothes in the wash so she could have pajamas and clothes tomorrow while JJ called for pizza. Emily walked into the living room, "Pizza should be here in thirty minutes, watch the girls," she said, looking at Derek.
Derek and Tara were now in the game room with Amelia playing VR and watching a movie while JJ and Emily put the girls to bed, "We better watch out, Amelia, Derek seems to be scared in the VR world," they both laughed at Derek's expense. Emily was happy to hear giggles coming from the little girl as she walked into the room, "Sorry to ruin the fun, but this sweet girl and I have to get up early tomorrow."
"No problem, it's been a blast spending the day with you all," Tara said as she gathered her things.
"I'll see you later princess jr."
After they left, Amelia asked, "Why do we need to be up early tomorrow?"
Emily leaned against the kitchen island as Amelia sat on one of the barstools, "I made an appointment with the school, we have to be there at 9:30. I'm hoping Jen can take the day off to stay with the girls, but if not, they'll tag along."
Amelia shrugged, "It's okay if they come. I've never lived with any other kids before."
JJ came into the kitchen, "Hi baby, hi Amelia," she kissed her wife before wrapping her arms around her waist, "What are you two walking about?"
"Our plans for tomorrow. Are you able to take the day off?" JJ shook her head, "That's fine, I'll just take the girls with us. Maybe we can go to the trampoline park and get some ice cream after the meeting with Amelia's new school."
"That's totally unfair! You all get to have a day of fun while I work?" JJ pouted, "How about you guys come for lunch with me instead?"
"I'm sure we could squeeze everything into our schedule babe," Emily said, kissing JJ's forehead. "Come on sweet girl, let's get you into bed." Emily grabbed Amelia's clean clothes from the dryer then went up to her bedroom.
JJ went into their bedroom to get changed and Emily walked into Amelia's room. The little girl was sitting on her bed with tears rolling down her cheeks, "Sweetie, are you okay?"
She quickly wiped the tears away with her hands, "This has been one of the happiest days I've ever had and that's really messed up because my parents just died and my house burned down. I loved my mom, but she never took care of me, nobody did. When you came into that room where JJ brought me this morning, you were just, I don't know I felt safe. But how can I be happy my mom isn't here?"
Emily nodded along and felt her heart ache at how Amelia described everything, "Oh sweet girl, I know you're hurting and that's totally natural, but it doesn't mean you can't find the light in the darkness; you just need to change the lightbulb." When she saw a confused look on Amelia's face she continued, "It's okay to feel happy even when you're sad. Just like sometimes we laugh even if we're crying. You don't have to feel just one emotion, you can feel lots at the same time. Jen and I will never ever try and replace your mom, but we will always keep you safe, okay?"
Amelia wrapped her arms around Emily's waist and snuggled into her chest, "Thank you, Emily."
Emily kissed the little girl's head, "Let's get you into bed. If you need anything, Jen and I are right down the hall."
Emily found JJ looking over case files in the living room and plopped down next to the blonde letting out a heavy sigh, "Everything okay?" JJ asked.
"Fine, it's just been a long day."
"For me too," JJ said, putting her files down and cuddling up with Emily.
JJ kissed up Emily's neck, "You know what will help relieve the stress?"
Emily moaned softly, "Mmm, what's that?"
The next hour and a half were spent making sweet love to each other. "I love you, babe."
"I love you, too."
And that's how they fell asleep, tangled in each other's arms, finding comfort in the warm.