Strings

Will It Get Better?

"Leave my sister alone! Leave her!" Mariana yelled from the doorway causing Mrs. Spring to look the little seven year old dead in the face. Mariana was terrified more than ever but she didn't want to see Callie get hurt one more time.

"You are going to get it! You are!" Throwing Callie back to the ground the young girl felt like the wind got knocked out of her.

"Mari go hide! Go hide! Go!"  Running as fast as she could Mariana hid in the once place Mrs. Spring couldn't find her or reach. But it was heartbreaking to here her foster sister and best friend get beat as she could not longer take it and ran back into the bathroom seeing Callie barley conscious.

That night after almost an hour of being beaten they laid close to each other on the cold floor thanking god it was over for now.  No matter how much Callie was in pain she continued to hold Mariana in her broken arm.

"It will grow back Mari don't worry. When we leave this place it will and you can grow it as long as you want."

"I know. But are you ok? Are you ok Callie?"

"I am. Don't worry. Just go to sleep. We will leave for school early."

With school continuing  to be the only escape Mrs. Carol noticed the girls absence and grew concerned after they had not shown up in a week. Stopping by their home to check on them Mrs. Spring lied saying they were sick and that they wouldn't be returning anytime soon. Immediately along with Mariana and Callie's teachers they contacted CPS and Social Services and by some miracle the young music teacher was allowed to foster them on an emergency basis. For the time being the girls were more excited than ever to remain together and to be with someone that cared for them.  However, luck was something that never seemed to be on Callie's side and the temporary moment of happiness would be short lived for both girls.

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LENA POV

"Just come out with me! You have been looking like shit for the past year."

"Kelly I don't know. I feel like shit and I have a ton of paperwork to do. Honestly."

"It's Friday night Lena. Who the hell does work on a Friday night! Come out with me and leave that Monte and her bad mood at home for once."

"She's not here. She went to visit her parents in Nevada."

"Even better. You have 10 minutes to get dressed."

"Kelly...

"Bye!"

Shaking my head I dragged myself off the couch for I knew Kelly wouldn't leave me alone unless I went out with her. She could be persistent and annoying but she was probably right. I really needed just a night out to get my head straight and maybe have some fun. 

Digging in my closet for something decent to wear I couldn't believe it had been a year since Monte and I moved back to San Diego. The problems we had were only growing stronger and we were trying everything to save our marriage. Therapy, date nights, vacations.  Nothing was really having an effect but we were still holding on for whatever reason even deciding to possibly adopt a baby soon. My search for Callie however continued to be the main source of our issues as I hit roadblock after roadblock in terms of finding her. For starters I knew she was lost in the system and definitely not with Stef. By this point I was debating if I should try to find Stef and possibly work together to try to find Callie. But that would certainly open up a can of worms one that I wasn't sure If I should open up. For all I knew she hated me for how things ended and for leaving her behind to handle her difficult life on her own in the first place. I would hate me too.

Letting out a sigh I slid on my black leggings and a thick heavy turtleneck. Brushing my long straightened hair in a ponytail I applied a little bit of makeup as I heard Kelly ring the bell. Sliding my flats on and grabbing my purse I ran to the door letting her in.

"Wow you answered!" She said walking passed me and looking me up and down in horror.

"Oh honey you can't wear that. You look like a I don't know like your going to class. But a high school class. You wont get laid in that."

"Kelly I'm not trying to get laid."

"Yes it was a joke. But you must have something else." Grabbing my hand she rushed me into my bedroom looking through my closet.

"What is wrong with what I have on?"

"It's horrible. You look like you're 15 and doing Saturday errands or going to the mall with your friends. No one wears turtlenecks and leggings."

"Yes they do!"

"Yeah, yeah. You have a nice body and you need to show it off. You aren't 15 you are 27 almost 28. Show yourself off and stop hiding!"

"Kelly I'm married."

"And?"

Shacking my head she took out my skinny black jeans and an off the shoulder top that I never wore along with my high black heels.

"This. You are wearing this."

"It's too much work."

"Oh come on. Be my date tonight please. Amuse me and put it on! Plus it shows off that sexy tattoo and I can pretend to be Stefanie."

"Kelly!"

"I'm kidding. I know touchy subject. But I was just joking. Come on put it on."

"Fine, fine."

Sliding the tight jeans on and the off the shoulder shirt Kelly took my hair out of the ponytail and curled the ends a bit. Applying a more makeup she smiled wide at me as I got up displaying her makeover.

"Hot damm now you can go out with me. Shit. Monte better be careful or I might grab you myself."

Letting out a laugh I shook my head for she was right I did look a lot better and it had been years since I dressed up like this.

"Alright lets go."

"Where are we going anyway." I said walking behind her as I locked up the house and we made our way to her car.

"Oh a small place. Club Cabana."

"Uh Kelly I hate clubs."

"Relax. It's not like that. They have great music even a live band, food and drinks. It's nice. Low key."

"Fine, but we leave at 10."

"Yeah sure."

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Any bets she sees Stef?