Strings

Callie Foster

"Ouch Mariana! What did you do!" Coming out of my mind I heard Monte scream as I turned the stove off running to our bedroom. It was their I saw Mariana hiding in the corner covering her head as my wife held her own arm.

"What happened? What happened?" I asked in a panic seeing the look of annoyance on her face and our foster daughter terrified and shaking in the corner.

"What happened? What happened? She bite me! You see this? Do you?" Looking to Monte's wrist I saw a bite mark that was clearly Mariana's. Fortunately no skin was broken and there was no blood but teeth marks were very prevalent.

"Sweetheart what happened? Huh? What happened?" Walking over to Mariana I knelt down to her as she pushed herself more into the corner still covering her head.

"I told you she bit me Lena! I only tried to brush her hair and give her a trim and she started freaking out and bit me!" Seeing the anger on my wife's face and turning back to Mariana I could see how terrified she truly was and was well aware she probably bit Monte out of fear or something.

"Sweetie it's ok. It's ok. No one is going to hurt you honey. Monte just wanted to brush your pretty hair."

Shaking her head back and forth I could see more panic than ever take over her little body as I soon realized she must have had a bad experience in terms of someone combing or cutting her hair.

"Ok sweetie. It's ok. We won't brush your hair. Ok? We won't. I promise but you have to promise not to bite anyone. If something scares you or if we do something you don't like just hold your hands up and we will stop. Is that a compromise sweetheart?" By this point I was able to get closer to her and she soon turned her head to face me and tears ran down her cheeks. I so badly wanted to hug her but I knew it would terrify her even more as she nodded her head.

"Ok baby. It's ok I promise. How about we go make some pasta and finish your homework and I promise no one will touch your hair ever. Ok sweetheart?"

As her eyes slowly looked into mine once again I was able to gently wipe the tears from her face. Something she rarely ever let me do as her eyes now diverted to Monte who stood there more angry than ever behind me.

"Come sweetie. Take my hand honey and I will get you set up in the kitchen. Ok?" Slowly and carefully she stood up not taking her eyes off Monte for a minute as the two of us spent the new few hours doing her homework and enjoying dinner. It had taken me a good amount of time to calm her down and reassure her that she wasn't in trouble. By 8PM after giving her a bath and reading her a story she passed out on my shoulder and I quietly tucked her in. At some point I had heard Monte leave the apartment which had become her routine nowadays. The tension between us was only growing stronger and since the arrival of Mariana it had gotten even worse. Yes I had been procrastinating in terms of calling the divorce attorney and a part of me was very well aware Monte was most likely cheating on me. I couldn't really blame her to be honest.

Deciding to watch a movie myself I texted her a few times with no response. But as I continued to flip through channels I soon heard my phone chime and thinking it was Monte I looked to it being completely surprised.

Hey Lena it's Stef. Sorry to bother you. I might be taking a trip back to Seattle soon. I know you have obligations with your little girl and wife so it's no issue if you can't come. I just wanted to let you know. I'm going with Cap so should be back in a few days. We are heading out Saturday.-Stef.

Reading the message over again I was so happy to hear from her but I wished more than anything Mariana and I could go along. But as a foster child I would have needed to get permission weeks ago in order to take her out of state.

Hey Stef. You aren't bothering me at all! Oh Seattle did you find anything else out is that why you are going? What can I do from here?-L

We might have a lead. So as soon as I get one I try to chase it. Callie might be in a group home. Nothing you can do from there just keep your eyes open maybe.-S

Goodness! I'm so sorry I wish I could go with you. I can't leave Mariana and I can't take her out of state on such short notice. But I hope this lead turns into something I really do!-L

Me too and I know it's ok love. Take care of your little girl that is most important! I'd love to meet her at some point if that's ok. I'm sure she's a doll face. :)-S

I'm sure she would love to meet you too! She doesn't talk though so I have to warn you. But if you want I am taking her to the zoo Friday since we are off from school. Would you like to join us? Oh crap but you work days. -L

I'm actually off Friday. So sure! Text me the time and info. Gotta go but will talk later love. Ok?-S

Sure! Be safe! xo-Lena

You too love!-xo Stef

With a wide smile escaping my face I had no idea why I invited her. None at all as I soon heard the front door open seeing Monte walk in and heading toward our bedroom. Turning the TV off I followed behind closing our bedroom door behind me.

"Where were you?" I whispered.

"Out with friends grabbing a drink Lena. Is that ok?" She barked back changing into her pajamas.

"No. I know you were upset about...

"Lena that kid hates me. She does! What is the point of me making an effort?"

"Monte she doesn't hate you. She just needs a lot of encouragement and patience from us.

"Clearly but I'm losing patience and I told you before I feel nothing for that little girl. Nothing! I tried with her! I tried for weeks and she turns around and bites me!"

"She was scared! Obviously something happened to her in foster care that frightened her. And please keep your voice down."

"Well I don't see her biting you! And I honestly don't have time to figure out what happened to her. "

"Monte she is just a little girl, how can you be so heartless?"

"Little girl or not I can't do this anymore. So either she goes or I go. Which one will it be Lena?"

Well there is the ultimatum. What will Lena do?