The Life of Riley Burke (Part 2)
The temperature was steadily dropping as Riley sat on the edge of the curb, her arms wrapped tightly around her, struggling to warm herself. She was already wearing Peter's jacket over her hoodie, leaving him with his thin FBI windbreaker that had been discarded in the trunk the week before after a raid.
Riley yawned, her stomach growling, sighing for about the tenth time in less than a minute, growing restless from the restriction in moving, Peter put her on.
"Riley," El squatted down next to her. Knowing that after everything she had been through with the fire and her parents. Along with the doctor's orders, regarding balanced meals, staying hydrated, keeping warm, and getting plenty of rest, Elizabeth longed to do just that and get her to a place where she could relax. Or at least attempt to relax, despite the current circumstances.
"Your Uncle Peter and I need to hang around here for a while longer. But I was thinking, it might be a good idea if you and Neal went and got a hotel.
"I want to stay here," Riley balked at the suggestion.
"Riley," Elizabeth tried again. "You know what the doctor said."
"No!" Riley said a great deal more forcefully. "I'm not going anywhere until someone tells me something about my parents. And it has to be the truth." Both her tone and body language were fierce, as she stood and crossed her arms in front of her chest defiantly.
El raised a brow, suddenly remembering how adamant yet feisty the girl could be. And it was always something they had to address when she spent any lengthy period of time with them.
"Peter!"
Peter could tell just by the determined expressions on his wife and niece's face, that neither one was willing to back down, and he had to figure out how to run interception.
El started to approach him, wanting to get a few words in regarding the situation, before Riley interfered. Unfortunately for her, Riley wasn't about to give her the chance.
"Peter," Riley stepped in between them, so she could look him in the eye. "I saw you talking to the detective. Did he say anything about my parents?"
Taking his niece by the arm, Peter escorted her back to the curb, where he could have her lean against the car, just in case the information got to be too much for her.
"Riley," he started to say but was cut off.
"I don't think now's a good time," El interrupted. "It's been a long day."
"No," Peter shook his head, his voice low. "I want to get it out in the open, so we can start fresh tomorrow. And she's right, she needs to know."
El all but nodded, as she stood on the opposite side of the girl, knowing it was up to her to fill the supportive mother position.
"I know they're gone." Based on the amount of crime shows she'd seen, it was easy for Riley to tell by the condition of the fire scene, that there was more going on than a simple house fire. "But how"
"As far as we can tell, it is believed they became involved in something high profile at their job," Peter explained as gently, yet forthright as possible.
"I had my suspicions they were involved in something not long after they took that job," Riley recalled. "But every time I asked about work, they either acted like I committed a federal offense or would say something off the wall, that I knew was a lie," she shrugged. Doing well at appearing to be as rational as possible, considering the circumstances.
So well, that is, Peter and Elizabeth couldn't help but wonder how she really felt. Beginning to think, that perhaps she wasn't experiencing as much grief as they originally thought.
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It would be almost impossible to explain, for just as soon as the Burkes had their conversation, as brief as it was, it felt as if they made a manner of progress, with the truth being out there.
Peter exhaled a breath, before taking her into his arms for a hug. El doing the same from the other side of her. Trying to make her feel as secure as possible.
Unfortunately, it was almost like clockwork, that Peter was called back to the other side of the yellow do not cross tape, obviously still needed with the fire department and police department.
With Peter busy, and at least part of the matter cleared up with Riley. El insisted that she go with Neal and not pose any problems for him.
Riley didn't care one way or the other, although, for some strange reason, she had to admit she would have preferred to stay with Peter.
A solemn expression crossed her face, Riley nodded in agreement before sliding into the car as El went in search of Neal. Giving him strict instructions to find a suitable hotel, order a pizza, and above all, make her rest.
Neal Caffrey knew little about children. Then again, you didn't get much of a chance to know them when you were in prison. But one thing about Neal was, he was good with people, sometimes without even having to bother conning them. But there was something different about Riley. Something he couldn't quite put his finger on. She was a stranger, yet it was almost as if she brought an immediate sense of familiarity. He didn't know if it was because she was Peter's niece, or something different entirely. But he had a feeling she would soon become an ally.
"Why do you think Elizabeth wanted us to leave?" Riley absentmindedly picked at the maroon bedspread.
"If I had to choose. I would say she's concerned about you," Neal opened the door to the adjoining room, that would be his.
"I'm fine," Riley shrugged. "I mean it's not like we didn't suspect it."
"It's not only that," Neal took a step or two over, so he could take a seat on the bed across from her. "You just got out of the hospital. And with everything going on, she hasn't been able to keep you following the doctor's instructions." Neal didn't particularly care for how touchy-feely he was sounding. He wasn't the motherly type; he was more the big brother/fun uncle type. Then again, he was neither to this kid, or any other for that matter. Yet for some strange reason, he felt himself being drawn in.
"So, what are we supposed to do? Sit here and do nothing." Riley was practically sulking, as she dropped her chin in her hands.
"I'm kind of hungry," Neal shrugged. "What do you say we order a pizza?"
"You got any money CI? How much does the FBI pay you?"
"Nothing," Neal hated, anytime he had to say that.
"But I just so happen to have Peter Burke's credit card," Neal held the card between his first and middle finger, offering a charming grin.
Riley laughed for the first time in days. Before throwing him her own mischievous grin, her eyebrows raised, one side of her lip curved up and to the right.
"What else can we charge?"
"Hmm," Neal rubbed his chin, his blue eyes sparkling mischievously. "I can think of quite a few things."
"Me too," Riley raised both brows. "But it'd probably land you back behind bars, and I don't even want to think about what Peter would do to me."
It was maybe an hour and a half later, when Peter sighed, running a hand over his tired face. He was beyond exhausted, unable to take advantage of the long car trip like his wife and niece and get a nap in. Leaving him fairly certain, he had long lost count of how many hours he'd been awake, since the girl walked, or rather fell through his door.
Speaking of Riley, Peter noticed he hadn't seen or heard her in a while. Or rather, heard his wife calling for her not to do something.
"El!" Peter was distressed enough. The last thing he needed to worry about, at least more than he already was, was his niece. "Where's Riley?"
"I sent her and Neal with the car to get a hotel," she started to explain but was cut off by a rather distorted Peter.
"You let Neal drive my car?"
"It'll be fine," El rolled her eyes. "After all, you're the one that always said it was a Taurus and could practically drive itself."
Peter ignored her sarcastic comment, before his eyes widened, and appeared as if he had literally stopped breathing.
"How was Neal paying for the room?"
"I gave him our credit card," El didn't sound a bit concerned, as she pulled her cell from her purse to call for a cab.
"You gave a con our credit card?" Peter tried not to sound too loud, or as if he was lying. But there was no mistaking his tone of voice, nor his expression.
" And on top of that, you let him take my kid."
El didn't by any means care for her husband's choice of words, and she was sure to show it by her facial expression.
"El," he cocked his head to the side. "I just became a parent today. I don't want to lose my kid on the same day."
"I trust him, Peter," she started to say something further but was cut off.
"That's because you don't know him like I do," he muttered under his breath.
"You trust him to Peter," Elizabeth shook her head. "And you know it," she said firmly, before moving on.
"And that's beside the point," El enlightened him. "As much as Riley wasn't trying not to show it. I could tell she was cold, tired, and starting to get hungry."
"I should have been paying better attention to her," Peter felt like kicking himself. "But I was caught up with everything regarding Michael when I should have been more concerned about the little girl who needs me."
"Don't be so hard on yourself," El wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. "We've never been parents before and have a lot to learn."
"Better get to learning," Peter wiped the few stray tears from his eyes, as the car Elizabeth hailed pulled up, so they could make their way to the hotel, Neil texted El about.
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It didn't take long for the Burkes to arrive and take the elevator to the third floor, before locating room 303, where they found the two lounging around the two queen beds devouring a supreme pizza, and watching one of the Harry Potter movies.
Riley's hair was wet, and she had one of the hotel bathrobes wrapped around her, making it appear as if she had showered and was hopefully able to relax a bit.
"I hope you saved some for us," Peter smirked.
Riley smiled when she noticed it was him, who came through the door.
"I think I managed to salvage a couple of pieces," Riley drew her brows together. "But it wasn't easy, with Neal hovering over the box."
"Good kid," Peter placed a hand behind her neck before giving it a light squeeze. "Looking out for Uncle Peter."
With Peter and Elizabeth there, Neal took time for himself by going into his room, to shower and hopefully get a little rest himself. It had been a while since he'd stayed overnight in a hotel. At least without being on the run. And here he was with the agent that caught him, and not only that but with his family as well. "Things sure had changed," he shook his head, just thinking about it.
Things turned rather quiet, now that Neal was in his room. Peter was sitting on the edge of the bed eating a slice of pizza, while Riley, who appeared to have lost complete interest in the movie she was watching, pressed the power button, before sitting up, staring at nothing in particular, her mind running a mile a minute with questions, she longed for answers to, yet worried about how to broach the subject with the only person who knew how to answer. And that was Peter Burke.
"Where am I going to go now?" Riley's voice was just barely over a whisper. Her head hovering somewhere between being dropped so far down it rested on her chest, or holding her head high, and looking Peter directly in the eye.
"The only family I have is Grandma and Grandpa Burke, my Aunt Karen, and you," she moved her head just enough to gesture at Peter.
"You're going to live with us from now on," El sounded pleased, as she moved from the desk she was sitting at, to sit next to the girl.
"But Uncle Peter doesn't like kids," Riley stated bluntly.
"Who says I don't like you?" Peter, who was typically not one lost for words, hadn't said much. But he sure managed to find his voice to answer that one.
"I think you tolerate me because I'm your niece?" Riley looked at him with such directness, that it was almost as if she was baiting him.
Peter, on the other hand, wasn't about to take the bait and could see right through her, but that didn't mean he was willing to let her know that. He knew, she wanted to live with them but would never come right out and say it. She was too much like himself and would close tighter than a book, rather than ask.
"You're my niece," Peter said first. "But I like smart. Why do you think he's here," he pointed his thumb at Neil's door. "And if you made it all the way to Brooklyn, I'd say you are pretty smart."
"I thought you didn't want me doing that?" Riley, in no way, could keep herself from pushing him, half an inch more.
"Under no circumstances do I want you doing that again," he said directly, before being sure to add. "And for the record, I wouldn't want to see you live anywhere else."
The two didn't say anything verbally for several minutes, but their facial expressions said it all. Peter, winking at her, while Riley lifted a single brow in response,
"Ugh," Elizabeth grumbled in frustration. "Why can't you two act like normal people and come right out and say what you're thinking?"
"Because we're Burkes," Riley made it sound as if it was as simple as their last name.
"No," Elizabeth shook her head. "I met plenty of other Burkes over the first couple of years of my marriage to your uncle, and none of them acted as you two do."
Again, uncle and niece just shrugged. Keeping their words to themselves.
"Do you know how much easier it would be if you," she pointed at her husband. "Would have said first of all that under no circumstances was she living anywhere else as long as you had a say in it? As for you," she turned her attention to her niece. "Do you know how much easier it would be if you wouldn't have just immediately said something about him not liking kids and just accept that you are family and don't count as other kids?"
Again, Peter and Riley only shrugged.
"Now no more being difficult," she stood, before looking from one to the other. "I mean it."
"Is she serious?" Riley whispered to Peter, just as soon as her aunt's back was turned. "That would take all the fun out of it."
"Don't worry," he laughed, patting her back. "Burkes don't give up that easily."
"But there's something I don't understand," Riley looked at her uncle confused.
Surprising them both, with how quickly she was able to turn the conversation.
"If so, many had their suspicions that my parents were in trouble with the law, why wasn't CPS called?"
"Not enough evidence," Peter suspected. Not wanting to say anything further regarding the case.
"And CPS is something you never would have had to worry about. You would have come to live with us," El said firmly.
Riley scoffed lightly, as she looked at the two. "I begged them to tell me I was adopted once."
"I can answer that question really quick," El was up in a matter of seconds, before taking her niece by the hand and pulling her towards the bathroom. Calling Pater to come along, so she could flatten that question with a sledgehammer so to speak.
Positioning them both in front of the mirror, she started in with a line of questioning.
"Riley," she wanted to be sure and describe it so plainly, that the child would never have to ask such a question again.
"Look at your nose and then look at your uncle's nose."
Riley did as directed, running a hand over her nose, before looking across the mirror at Peters.
"Now look at your hair," El ran her hairbrush through the girl's long dark hair, which was still wet from her shower, before dividing it into three separate strands and twisting it into a braid.
"Your parents both had blonde hair, but you have the same color as Peters," she offered another observation. "And those aren't the only similarities."
"Okay, so I wasn't adopted," Riley finally seemed to understand her aunt's explanation.
"But that doesn't explain why I look like Peter instead of my parents," Riley was still a bit confused.
El led them back to the bedroom of the hotel room before doing her best to explain a proven scientific fact.
"Because everyone receives a random number of genes from their parents," she started to explain but was interrupted.
"This doesn't make sense."
"Yes, it does," El continued calmly. "Because you actually share the exact same amount of DNA with both your dad and your uncle. Which means that instead of getting a greater combination of your dad's traits and genes, you received more of your uncle's."
"I don't completely understand it," Riley shrugged. "But I guess it makes sense." She hopped off the bathroom counter before squeezing in between Peter and Elizabeth and running back to her bed.
"I think it's time we all settled down for bed," Elizabeth announced as she turned the main hotel light off, leaving the only light coming from the lamp between the two beds and the one on the desktop positioned next to the TV.
"It's been a long day, and Peter and I need to get ready for bed."
"Can I ask one more question?" Riley wasn't quite ready to settle down for sleep, unlike her weary aunt and uncle.
"Go ahead," Peter stood between the beds, hoping it wouldn't turn into a lengthy question-and-answer session like it typically did with Neal.
"You said I was going to live with you permanently since mom and dad are gone," she stated firstly, before moving on to the question.
"Does this mean my Aunt Karen won't ever be able to take me?" She ran her upper teeth over her lower lip nervously. "Not like she would want to," she was sure to add. "But still."
"That's another thing we need to talk about," Peter gave up on the short session he was hopeful for, deciding to reclaim his place on the opposite bed,
so, he could position himself directly in front of her.
"There's a catch, isn't it?" Riley was doing her best to keep her voice from shaking. But between that and her eyes being as wide as saucers, there was no mistaking the anxiety that was easily radiating through her body.
"It's nothing like that," Peter took her hands in his, in an attempt to calm her.
"Can't this wait until after breakfast?" El interrupted.
"No!" Uncle and niece raised their voices simultaneously.
Peter was sure to add, that he felt as if they would all feel better once they got the whole story out in the open.
"In that case," El excused herself. "I'll leave this one to Uncle Peter." She placed a kiss on the child's head, before smiling at her, which she hoped would reassure her that all would be okay. As she made her way into the bathroom for a shower. Having long before, grown tired of the smoke smell that saturated both her hair and clothes.
"I know you don't know this," Peter was trying to be as gentle as he could, despite the fact he could never claim that he was good with talking to kids. But once again, he was reminded she was his niece and knew that pushing through was for the best. "But your parents were never married," he finally managed to spit the words out.
"But?" Riley looked at him confused.
"Natalie wasn't your biological mother," he decided, that perhaps it would be best if he just came right out and said it. Even if, in some ways, it did sound rather harsh.
Riley squinted, struggling to find the right words. "What's that word biological mean?"
Peter exhaled a long breath. "Let's see if I can put this in terms you can understand." He ran a couple of options through his head, before settling on one. "After you were born, your real mom Margaret, decided she wanted to do something else and left without telling anyone."
"Why? Where is she now? She can't take me, can she?" Riley ran so many questions out of her mouth, that it would have been tough for another person to keep up. But fortunately for Peter, who was used to interpreting Neal and Mozzie, was able to keep up, relatively well.
"To answer your first two questions, we don't know. As for your last question, absolutely not."
"When did Natalie come in the picture?" For the first time in her life, Riley referred to the woman she thought was her mother by her first name.
"You were probably close to a year old," Peter estimated. Sure, he wasn't a hundred percent certain, being it was at least more than seven years ago, but he figured it was substantial enough to answer her question.
"Did my dad take care of me by himself, before then?" Riley couldn't keep the shock from her voice, at just the mere thought of her dad being the one to care for her on his own, especially as an infant.
"Some," Peter nodded with a solemn expression. Before taking a moment to switch seats, so he could place a hand on her knee, giving it a light squeeze.
"But I think it would be safe to say, you spent just about as much time with me and El as you did your dad back then."
"Looks like you're going to have to do that again," Riley mentioned. "Only a bit longer this time."
"True," Peter agreed. "But at least I won't have to change your diapers this time."
"Peter," Riley giggled. "That was a long time ago."
"Maybe so," Peter agreed. "But I still remember cleaning your dirty diapers," he pulled her onto his lap.
"How could all this happen so quickly?" Riley looked up and into his face. "One day I was home with Dad and the woman I thought was my mother, and the next thing I know, they disappear, I somehow make it to your house, and now all this," she said speaking of the two heavy conversations they just had in the hotel room.
"Wish I knew how to answer that," he rested his chin on her still-damp hair.
"Guess it was bound to happen eventually," she shrugged.
Peter hated to say it, but he had to agree, especially considering all the facts they learned in just over a 48-hour period of time.
"You better get into bed," he said trying to lighten the mood. Not enjoying the fact, he had to lay so many heavy thoughts on the child just before bed. But not only did she need to know, it was obvious she wasn't willing to beat around the bush or wait till he was ready.
"Your Aunt Elizabeth will be coming in any minute and then we'll both be in trouble if I don't at least have you under those covers." Peter was still trying to get her to lie down, despite her complaints about saying she couldn't sleep when Neil opened the door.
"Now, I don't want to complain about a road trip. Especially if it gets me out of the Bureau." Neil stood in the doorway of the two rooms wearing one of the hotel bathrobes over his boxers, as it was one of the only things that didn't smell of smoke. "But in the future, I'd like a little warning to pack."
"You've run with less," Peter obviously had little to no sympathy for him. Especially considering, they were doing the same.
"Hey," Neil raised his hands in a form of surrender. "Those days are behind me."
Peter was about to say something further, when Elizabeth came in, interrupting them both.
"Riley in bed?"
"Yes," Riley answered for him.
"You should be asleep," she made the short trek to her niece's bed, before moving Peter out of the way, telling him to go shower, and telling Neil to go to his room.
The two men exchanged glances before Peter simply shrugged and made his way over to the bathroom, while Neil held his position, still a little surprised that the wife of his handler was sending him to his room so to speak. He considered saying something but simply went about his way, deciding it wouldn't be in his best interest to cross Mrs. Suit as Mozzie liked to call her.
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It took some time, but eventually, El managed to get the girl to lie down. Claiming she wasn't tired, which El knew otherwise. And if that wasn't enough, all she could do was toss and turn when she did try to sleep.
In the end, she finally fell asleep when Peter came in, and turned down the lights, while El rubbed small circles on her back, as she tried to calm the restless, yet exhausted child down for what she hoped would be a restful sleep after the strain of the past couple days and nights the girl endured.
The new parents got maybe an hour and a half of sleep before the first of the nightmares started. Where they would begin with Riley waking up and crying so hard and loudly, that it almost appeared as if she was having a panic attack.
The two were up and out of bed in a matter of seconds, flanking her between them before Elizabeth wrapped her arms around her. Peter repeated, 'that everything was okay,' yet it was almost as if she wasn't hearing him, as she stared blankly in front of her. Her eyes were glassy, yet the tears continued to fall, her cries showing no signs of subsiding.
The same went on for several minutes, eventually pulling Neal from his slumber and bringing him in through the adjoining door.
"She, okay?" Concern showed all over his face.
"I don't know," El was at a loss, appearing as if she was about to join her young niece in tears.
"Riley," Peter spoke softly, before finally taking matters into his own hands, and climbing up behind her on the bed, wrapping his arms tightly around her and pulling her close enough that she had no choice but to rest her head against his chest.
It took some time, but after a while, with the beat of his heart and the security she felt, by simply being held in his arms, she relaxed enough for her tears to dry, leaving her with only hitching breaths. This went on for almost half an hour, and even though Peter's back was aching from sitting hunched over for so long, he remained steady. Not wanting to leave her side, till he knew she was in a deep enough sleep, that she wouldn't wake when he laid her down.
El stood by the edge of the bed for several minutes, a look of concern crossing her face. The same expression, that ironically matched that of Neal's, as the two took a step back, Neal wrapping her in a supportive half hug.
"She's going to be fine," he said just loud enough for Elizabeth to hear. "She's just going through a lot of changes right now."
"Are you sure?" El sounded worried.
"I remember Ellen telling me I did the same thing when we went into witsec."
"Did it last long?"
"I don't remember," Neil shook his head. "She'll be tired, but the same old Riley in the morning. It's just at night; her subconscious takes over."
"I hope you're right," El's face held a solemn expression, with a glint of hope shining in her eyes.
"She's asleep," Peter laid her down, before carefully scooting himself off the bed.
"Neil said," Elizabeth started to repeat his words when Peter interrupted.
"I heard Dr. Phil from there," Peter arched his back. "Now let's see if we can salvage what little of the night we have."
"I'm for that," Neil yawned, running a hand through his hair roughly, before excusing himself to his room, and Peter and Elizabeth returned to bed.
"I hope Neil is right," El climbed under the covers.
"If I know Neil like I think I do," Peter shook his head. "He's right," he nodded. "He's 80% of the time always right. It's quite annoying actually."
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Fortunately, for Neil and the Burkes, Riley and the rest slept peacefully the rest of the night. At least as peacefully as one could get in a hotel room, but they were all grateful, to see the girl was able to stay asleep the remainder of the night.
The following morning, things didn't go nearly as planned, regarding their departure so they could get home and get some much-needed rest. First, Peter received a call from the detective handling his brother's case and he had to make a quick stop by the precinct. Secondly, El thought it wise they stop by Riley's school, requesting they email her records to them so it would be easy when it came time to enroll in the city. And that was all after their appointment with Michael's lawyer, as Peter had been listed as the beneficiary.
In the end, they didn't get home nearly as early as El had hoped, and by the time they dropped Neil off and reached Brooklyn, they were tired, leaving them practically exhausted by the time they reached Cobble Hill and pulled onto Warren Street.
The first thing Riley did when walking through the front door, was greet the yellow Labrador that bounded from one to the other excitedly, before settling on the child sitting on the floor, covering her face with puppy kisses.
With Riley occupied with Satchmo, Peter, and Elizabeth stepped into the kitchen, where El wanted to to discuss a few of the light changes they were going to have to make before getting ready for bed.
"Riley doesn't have any pajamas, so I'll get her one of your old t-shirts to sleep in after her shower. While she's doing that, we need to get the guest room in order. Or at least in as much order as we can for the time being. It's full of supplies for Burke Events."
"Don't worry about me El," Riley didn't want to cause them any trouble. "I can sleep on the couch," she said standing, before making her way over to them.
"Awe," Elizabeth wanted to make things as easy as she could for the girl. "But I hate to think of you sleeping on the couch."
"Really," Riley shrugged her shoulders slightly. "It doesn't bother me, and there will be plenty of time to take care of it later."
Elizabeth smiled and placed an arm around the child. "We'll get everything moved out tomorrow."
Riley didn't say anything, but she did nod in understanding.
El glanced at Peter, wondering if he was getting the same vibe she was when it came to the girl's tone of voice and solemn expression.
"I want to make one thing very clear," El said gently, yet firmly. "We don't want you to ever think that you are an inconvenience, or we don't want you here. Because they are both a lie."
"Are you sure?" She asked carefully.
"Absolutely positive," the two said simultaneously.
"Once again, are you sure about this?" Her eyes were wide, as she looked from one to the other. "I am a Burke."
"So is he," El gestured at Peter. "And he's still here."
"But I," Riley started to pose another reason as to why they might want to change their mind when she was interrupted.
"No more buts!" El said firmly. "You're staying here, and I don't want to hear another word about it."
Peter didn't say anything, but he did hide a smile behind his hand.
"Do you have something to add Peter?" El turned her attention to her husband.
"No," Peter shook his head. "At least nothing other than, she sure told you," He pointed at his niece, still trying to hide a chuckle.
By the time, El made sure the girl had showered and brushed her teeth, Peter had the couch all made up, with a fitted sheet wrapped securely around the bottom cushions, a flat sheet on top of that, and another blanket a bit thicker to help war off the cold. Then again, it wasn't like the heater wasn't on, making the house nice and toasty, hoping it would help comfort her into the realm of relaxation and sleep.
As soon as they had her tucked in, Satchmo surprised them all by jumping onto the couch and settling himself atop her feet. Appearing as if he wasn't willing to move anytime soon.
Peter and Riley laughed out loud, before El placed a kiss on her head, wishing her a good night. Peter reminded her, that if she needed them for anything, not to hesitate to come up to their room and wake them. Riley didn't say anything, but she did scoot herself down, so she she could rest her head on the pillow and pull the blankets up to her chin, feeling even more comfortable than before, now that Satch's head was resting on her stomach.
It wasn't very long, before Peter and Elizabeth, were showered and crawling into bed. Fairly certain, they would be asleep before their head hit the pillow.
"I'm exhausted," Peter rubbed a hand over his face.
Elizabeth sighed, leaning against the headboard, her face twisted, appearing as if she was in deep thought.
"So, what do we do first?" She voiced the question aloud.
"Go to sleep," Peter yawned.
"That's not what I meant," El rolled over so she could face him. "I meant about Riley."
"I'll call the lawyer first thing tomorrow morning. See what I can do about obtaining guardianship."
"How long do you think it will take? You don't think they will take her beforehand?"
"No," Peter shook his head. I'm expecting them to list us as kinship home, maybe give us power of attorney before we can obtain full legal guardianship."
"And then adoption?" El asked clarifying.
"Let's take one step at a time," Peter advised.
"Don't you want to adopt her?
"I'm not against it," Peter shook his head. "But I want to give it time. This is going to be a huge transition for all of us. We've never been parents, but we both know from experience when she's stayed with us, that we are very proactive, so to speak. And she's never lived with parents that are like that."
"You're right," El agreed. "I know we both believe that proactive parents are what she wants, but it's still going to take time for her to understand what that entails. And then we are going to have to somehow figure out how to rearrange our schedules, so one of us is home every night."
"That's going to be a tough one," Peter admitted. Knowing how he of all people wasn't good at keeping a 9-5.
"Oh, and I want to redo the bedroom," she added. Already moving on to another topic of choice.
Why?" Peter looked at her confused. "There's nothing wrong with it."
"Peter, she's eight. It isn't set up for a kid."
"It looks fine," Peter said again, just in fewer words.
"That's beside the point," Elizabeth said pointedly. "Do you remember when we stayed with Riley at her house and how bland her room was? No cute colors, decorations, or much of anything that resembled a child lived in the room."
"Now that you mentioned it," Peter recalled. "I was expecting to at least find a red or blue bedspread and a baseball and mitt on the floor." Peter knew how much she liked baseball, especially the Yankees, the same as him.
"I want things to be different for her here. I want it to feel like a home, she's always wanted but never had. In more ways than one, she added. "I want to show her we care enough, to make our home look like a child lives here, and we aren't put out but want her here."
"Whatever you say hon," he kissed her, before rolling over for some much-needed sleep.
WCWCWC
The nightmares returned the second night, and after tossing and turning in her sleep, for she didn't know how long, she finally woke up, when she hit the floor. The crying started, just as soon as she awoke, surprising her at how fast they turned to sobs.
She immediately clasped her hands over her mouth not wanting to risk the waking of her aunt and uncle, finding herself grateful that she wasn't sleeping in the room just down the hall from their own. She was shaking as the tears fell down her face, yet she still somehow managed to pull herself back up onto the couch, before dropping her face into the blanket.
After several minutes, she managed to get the sobs down to just hitching breaths and was eventually able to remove the hand from her mouth and wrap her arms around her knees, pressing them firmly against her chest in a reassuring manner.
She knew there was no way she would be going back to sleep after that, wishing with absolutely everything in her, she could go up to the assuring arms of Peter and Elizabeth. Yet, every time she considered it, she squashed the idea like a bug. Refusing to go up their room.
Eventually, she decided to turn the TV on, being careful to drop the volume as low as she could.
She didn't know how long she sat watching, or not watching, being so lost in her own little world, she didn't hear Peter enter the room.
"Riley," Peter had to repeat her name more than once before finally gaining her attention.
"Peter," she spoke, finally noticing him.
He started to chastise her for not sleeping, when he stopped himself just in time, noticing the red-rimmed eyes and tear-stained face.
"What's wrong?" He crossed the room in a matter of seconds, before taking a seat next to her.
"Just felt like watching a little TV," she shrugged.
"You had another nightmare, didn't you?"
Riley didn't say anything, but she did drop her head in shame.
"Why didn't you come get us?"
"I didn't want to wake you up," she felt bad. "You haven't gotten much sleep since I walked through or rather fell through your front door."
"I've gone without sleep before," Peter made it sound as if it was no big deal. "With Neal in my custody, I have to keep him out of trouble."
"Which is why you don't need me in the way."
"Since when have I ever acted like you were in the way?" Peter had to admit he was surprised to hear her say such a thing.
Riley didn't say anything, knowing deep within he was right.
"El and I both love you very much. I thought you knew that already."
"I know," Riley dropped her head.
Peter placed two fingers under her chin and lifted her head.
"Then why not come to us?"
"I don't know," she lied.
"I know you better than that kid, and you always have a reason for what you do. You're a very smart kid, little Burke. He used the nickname he gave her, some years back."
"I didn't want to impose. It's your house."
"It's your house now too Riley. And we want you to feel comfortable coming into our room." Peter wrapped his arms around her before dropping a kiss on her head.
"And just so you know, even though I may not be happy with the circumstances, I'm glad you're here with us. El and I spent a lot of time worrying about you."
"Really, Peter?" Riley looked at him wide-eyed.
"Don't you think it's time you only called me Uncle Peter?"
"Sure, Pete," she grinned. "Anything you say."
"Riley," he shook his head. Laughing, as he started to tickle her.
"Stop!" Riley tried to push herself away, but he was too strong.
"Who am I?" He laughed, tightening his grip.
"Agent Uncle," she somehow managed to get out.
"What was that?"
"Uncle," she laughed so hard she was out of breath. "Uncle Peter," she finally got the words out. Taking a deep breath now that he stopped, and she was lying across his lap.
Interrupting their fun, was Elizabeth, when she came down tying the sash of her robe around her.
"What is all the commotion down here? Do you two know what time it is?"
"Now you did it," Peter lifted the girl from his lap. "Now we're in trouble," he winked at her.
"You started it," she nudged him playfully.
"Do you want some more?" He threatened, playfully.
"Now don't start that again," El put an end to it once and for all.
Shortly after, El returned to her bedroom, content her husband had everything under control, as he planned to sleep in one of the single arm chairs until Riley managed to fall into a peaceful enough sleep, he wouldn't have to worry about leaving her. Which thankfully, didn't take long, and the worrisome uncle was able to return to his own room, this time, however, choosing to leave the door to the bedroom open.
"She seems fine during the day," El surprised him, when she spoke. Thinking she had long past returned to dream land.
"I know," Peter yawned in agreement.
"We can't let her keep having such dilapidating nightmares."
"I know," Peter agreed, sounding weary. "We'll talk about it, when we're both more awake, and can sort it out better."
The two reluctantly drifted off to sleep, but it wasn't as peaceful as they would have liked, as they suddenly felt as if part of them was missing. It was something, neither could understand, but after the last couple of days, they found themselves feeling a lot of that. Promising themselves, they would sort it out later, when life presented them with the time.
WCWCWC
Riley awakened to the low voices of her aunt and uncle, as they sat across from one another at the dining room table, cups of coffee in their hands. Sitting up, she rubbed the sleepiness from her eyes before stretching.
"Good morning sleepy head," El teased, inviting her to join them.
"What would you like to drink?" She started for the kitchen.
"Coffee," she took a seat at the front of the table.
"Nice try kiddo. I'll get you a glass of orange juice."
"I'd rather have coffee," her lower lip protruded.
"Let's give it a few years," El called back as she also pulled a few things out for a quick breakfast.
Riley didn't say anything, but she smiled when Peter slid his coffee cup over to her, holding up two fingers, insinuating she could take two quick sips before Elizabeth returned.
El was just turning around from taking three cereal bowls from the cabinet, when Peter reclaimed his cup, never noticing a thing. Especially, the grin, that was exchanged between the two.
"I thought we could just have a quick breakfast of cereal, and then have something better later when we go out.
"Don't you two have to work?" Riley knew they hadn't said anything, just figured that since they hadn't been there in the past two days, it was probably about time.
"Not today," her aunt shook her head. "We need to take care of a few things first."
"Like what?"
"Peter is going to drop us off at the store to get you a few things, while he goes to see our lawyer," El explained.
"What's the lawyer going to do?" Riley suddenly turned worried.
"I'm going to talk to him about obtaining permanent guardianship of you," Peter tried to make it sound as simple as he could.
"Will I have to stay in foster care till then?"
"No," Peter put her mind at ease. "He's going to make it to where you will be able to stay with us under kinship care, seeing as you're my niece."
"That's good because I don't think I'd do very well in foster care.
Peter couldn't help but laugh at that statement
"Riley," El shook her head.
"What?" The child tried to appear innocent. "I'm used to being an only child."
"That's it," El wasn't by any means, interested in arguing with her young niece. "We need to start getting ready so we can get you stocked up on everything you need."
"Everything I need?" Riley followed her up the stairs in a hurry. "What do I need?"
"Well, you can't keep going around in Peters old Quantico hoodie and what clothes you had on," El hated to bring it up, but she reminded her, that she lost everything in the fire, aside from whatever she had stuffed away in her backpack. Which wasn't much aside from candy wrappers, empty bottles of water, an extra pair of pants, and a flannel shirt.
"But I like Uncle Peter's hoodie," she complained. "And walking all through the clothing store will be boring."
"We don't have to get everything this trip," Elizabeth knew it was going to take time to buy new everything, and after adding up all they were going to have to spend on the bedroom redo, she knew they were going to be coming out with a not so low credit card payment.
"But you need panties, socks, a couple of pairs of pajamas, one or two sets of nice clothes, regular day clothes, and a couple of pairs of shoes should be fine for now. At least in the clothing department."
"Why do I get the feeling this is going to be a long day?" Riley stood in front of the mirror in her aunt and uncle's bedroom, while El brushed and braided her hair.
"It might," El said honestly. "But think of all the new stuff you're going to have to fill your new room."
"To be honest," Riley hated to say it, not wanting to hurt her aunt's feelings, but figured she might as well. "I don't care about filling my room with clothes."
"I know," El gave her a broad smile. "That's why, we're going to add a few more things to that list."
"Like what?" Riley's grin broadened. Hoping, her aunt was thinking the same as she.
"Oh, I don't know," her aunt, appeared as if she had spent some sort of time thinking it over. "But I figured you were going to need something to do in your spare time."
"How bout a hoverboard?" Riley suggested.
"Not right now," El shook her head. Part of her felt bad for saying no, after all, she lost, but she knew they couldn't give in to every whim and spoil her. That wasn't her or Peters's style. "Besides, it's winter. There's no place to ride it."
"There's always the house."
"Until you leave it out, and your uncle comes in late from work and trips over it. Or worse, it was left on and takes off with him on it.
Riley didn't say anything, but it wasn't hard to picture the disaster in her mind.
"Care to imagine, what he'd do if he ever got off the floor?"
"It wouldn't be pretty," Riley knew that much, shaking her head.
"Like I said," El repeated. "It's winter, we need things you can do inside." She started to name a few suggestions. "Some books, a craft set, I might be able to persuade your Uncle Peter to get you a bicycle, for when we take Satch for walks around the park."
Riley's eyes brightened when her aunt mentioned something other than clothes, and there was no way she could hide her wide smile when her uncle walked in, being sure to add she needed a bat, ball, and glove.
WCWCWC
By the time the lunch hour rolled around, they were all hungry and decided to stop at a small cafe the two frequented, anytime they were in the area. And it was then, El broached the bedroom change. Suggesting they paint the walls a light accent color that would match the bedspread of her choice, and move the furniture around, that the room already held, which consisted of a full-size bed, a nightstand, and a dresser.
"Now," she folded her hands, before resting her chin on them. "What kind of bedspread would you like?"
"Yankees," Riley didn't have to give it much thought.
El didn't want to say no straight away, but she did voice the question again, only this time in a more conscientious manner.
"Don't you want something more suited towards a girl your age?"
"I like the Yankees," Riley shrugged. Not appearing as if she was even considering a change of plan.
"And I like the Yankees just as much as every other New Yorker," El started, sounding as if she was going to continue, but was cut off.
"Neal doesn't like the Yankees," Riley shook her head.
"Neal doesn't like baseball," Peter corrected.
"That's because Neils weird," Riley stated, practically matter-of-factly.
"Have I mentioned how much I like this kid," Peter couldn't help but laugh out loud, El being sure to give him a look of warning when it came to what he said around the child, especially when it came to Neal?
"You two both like Neal. Now stop talking about him, when he's not here to defend himself." El made it sound as if it was an order.
"He's better than he was when he was first released," Peter admitted.
"Yeah," Riley nodded. "I want to know a whole lot more about this."
"Maybe someday," was all Peter was willing to say.
"Like tomorrow?" Riley grinned, being completely serious, yet comedic.
Peter chuckled, before shaking his head no.
Elizabeth sighed, for about the hundredth time in a row. Longing to turn the conversation back to the bedroom renovation. But it was obvious, Riley wasn't interested in giving up on her line of questioning over Neal. All the while, Peter shook his head, refusing to give her even an ounce of information. Saying she was too young, and it was nothing she needed to concern herself with.
Riley, on the other hand, begged to say differently, grinning mischievously, saying so much at one time, it was as if she was trying to get him all riled up or confused and finally break down.
Unfortunately, for her, she forgot she was talking to the best special agent, the FBI had to offer, one Peter Burke, who just so happened to be her uncle and now guardian.
Hope you all enjoyed the update, thanks for all the follows, favorites and reviews. In the next chapter, I'm hoping we'll begin to see a more mischievous Riley.