Strings

The Captain

"Yeah I'm a little tired today I guess. Sorry for the poor service."

"Don't apologize everyone is entitled to a bad day. Just do better the next day, get your sleep and be ready. That's what I tell my guys everyday. They can't afford to be tired."

"Yeah I can imagine." Looking around now and biting my bottom lip I wanted to ask more but was hesitant for she made me nervous. "Is it hard?"

"Is what hard?"

"Being a cop? Being in charge of everyone."

"Its a challenge. Not for everyone. Why?"

"Just curious." I said pouring her a bit more coffee.

"Interested?"

"In being a cop?"

"That's what I asked."

Looking around everywhere but at her I wasn't sure what can of worms I was opening. Being not the most open person it was hard for me to even tell anyone the answers to even the most simple questions. I wasn't use to adults taking any interest in me and the last person who had was my mother, Sharon.

"MM well I thought about it a few times. But I'm not sure if it would work out." I said looking back into her eyes that remained more intense then ever as I could clearly see she was reading me.

"And why is that?" Her eyes continued to stare into my soul as I was finding it hard to look away and I was really unsure of how to answer as I put my head down and let out a sigh. "Look, not all cops have squeaky clean pasts. Sure it depends on what you did but what are we talking about here. Murder?"

"No. No way."

"Ok then what?"

"Assault, self defense. I was in an out of Juvie a couple times when I was a teenager for stealing and stuff." Looking back to her I was waiting for the judgement to begin but her facial expression only softened.

"MM minor things. Well, Stef, like I said not everyone that works for me has a squeaky clean record and everyone deserves a chance. If you're serious go pass that GED and come find me when your done. In my opinion I think you would make a good cop.

"You do?" I asked somewhat skeptical.

"Sure. Don't you?" Taking the last sip of he coffee she waited patiently for my response.

"I'm not sure."

"Well, think about it and I'll see you in the morning. Be safe Stefanie?"

"Just Stef."

"Stef." She smiled nodding her head as I returned the smile back to her.

"Thanks you too."

Watching her leave the diner I could see she left her card and ten dollars on the counter even when her order only amounted to two bucks. Grabbing the money I looked to the card as it read, Captain Michelle Roberts. San Diego Police Department.

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LENA POV

As I laid out on the beach waiting for Stef I wasn't sure what was going on for she had not told me whether or not Callie's visit had gotten approved. I was hoping more then anything that it had for I knew she missed her little girl more then anything and so did I. Callie really had been something special to the both of us and despite the issues we had at times our focus had always been on her. Being barely 21 myself I couldn't imagine having my own child at this age but I knew it was something that my heart would love. In fact if things went the way Stef and I wanted after college we planned on living together, while she worked as a cop, I would be a school Principal or teacher, and we could raise Callie together. Maybe also adopting a few more kids together as well. During the last few weeks there were often times I caught myself daydreaming about that kind of life with her. A life free of the struggle and pain she was so familiar with, and where the both of us could just be happy together.

Fixing the blanket now and taking a sip of my iced tea I suddenly looked over seeing the most beautiful blonde and her little girl walking toward me. A wide smile could only form on my face at the site for it warmed my heart more then anything.

"Mommy Lena! Mommy Lena!" Callie screamed as she continued to run toward me and I opened my arms picking her up. Hugging her warmly she hugged me back just as tight as I kissed her soft cheeks.

"Hi Callie bug! Hi!"

"Hi mommy Lena. I missed you!"

"Aww I missed you too sweetie. I miss you too and what a surprise." Hugging her once again Stef caught up to us smiling her widest at me. Leaning in she softly kissed my lips letting out a wink as I blushed. It was true we were affectionate around Callie and didn't shy away from it for their was no need to.

"We brought stuff!" Callie said as we now sat together on the beach blanket together.

"Oh you didn't have too. Stef you didn't." Looking to her and clearly knowing she couldn't afford much she took out a few things from her bag including a fruit salad, and some chocolates.

"But I did and I have something to tell you baby."

"Yeah? What babe?" I asked curiously as Callie now sat between my legs munching on a strawberry.

"MM check it out."

Looking to her she handed me a business card as I looked confused and she sat down closely beside me.

"Captain Michelle Roberts. San Diego Police Department. What's this?"

" I serve her coffee every morning, I mean she barely talks to me but she was there the other night and we talked some and she gave me her card. Said when I pass my GED to come find her."

"Oh my god baby. That's awesome."

"Yeah I know. Just not sure why she cares."

"Maybe she likes you honey. And it's a total sign. You have wanted to be a cop since you you were 12. Maybe she see's that."

"Yeah, I just got to past this test."Looking to her she ran her fingers through her hair and winked at her little girl who stared up into her face. "Right baby Mama's gotta past this test."

"Yup. Pass then you can be a police officer and a singer."

"Ha." Stef laughed as I looked to her smiling.

"Yea that's right. And you will pass the test baby." Softly I placed my hand on her thigh leaning in to kiss her soft lips once again.

"Thanks babe."

"Anytime. And speaking of which you haven't played for me in forever honey. I mean I did bring your guitar here hoping for a little concert on the beach."

"Yes! Mama sing! Please! Sing, sing, sing!" Callie chanted.

"I should start charging the both of you." Stef laughed as she soon took her guitar out the case and all I could do was just love her more and more. If I had the power to never ever let this moment end between the three of us I wouldn't as I watched her sing her heart out being the freest she ever could be.