Strings

Fear

STEF POV

The one thing I was learning about Callie was she was just like me.  Looks wise not 100 percent but man did she have one attitude on her.  Not only did I catch her trying to steal my phone but she tried to make a break for it when I showered not being aware that I had an alarm. Clearly I could not take my eyes off her for even a second for she would use any chance she could to run.  What Callie was trying to do was break me down, test to see how far she could go with me, and to see if I was for real and would give up on her and let her do what she wanted. Slowly she was learning that would not be the case ever and I could see it was infuriating her. To me it was almost like she wanted me to fail again but that was never happening under my watch. With yesterday behind beyond us and one of the most difficult and challenging days ever today would most likely be no different. I knew we would most likely pick up where we left off yesterday and just thinking about it already was having me feel exhausted.

As I sat at the table and made another pot of coffee I laid the breakfast out but  wasn't even sure if this kid was going to eat it. It was evident that she was trying not to need anything from me and I wasn't sure how long she planed to starve herself but sooner or later she would grow desperate enough I was hoping and eat. However, there were no guarantees and until then it seemed everything would be a fight. Taking a sip of my coffee and letting it hit my throat I heard Callie emerge from the bedroom as she hesitantly made her way into the kitchen now spotting me.

"Morning sunshine!" I said happily as that permanent look of annoyance remained on her face. "Made some eggs, bacon, hash browns, juice. Take a seat and have some love. I mean Callie."

With her intense brown eyes looking into my hazel ones she remained at the doorway unsure of what her next move would be. Either she would toss the food or just walk away. But I knew she had to be starving.

"Callie there is no catch. You have got to be hungry. I don't expect anything back from feeding you. It's a basic necessity." I encouraged.

"There could be poison in there."

"In where?"

"In the food! How do I know."

"Listen I'm not the greatest cook in the world but there is no poison in there and I would never harm you Callie. Ever. Despite what you think and how you feel I love you very much and you never have to worry about me trying to hurt you. Ever."

"I don't trust you and I don't like you either way."

"I know that. But even if that is the case we both have to eat. You barely ate much dinner last night. Look how about we eat and you call your mother. I'm sure she would love to hear from you."

Eyeing me suspiciously I could tell she really did not believe a word I was saying.

"You are trying to trick me."

"I am not. I just want you to get something in your stomach so you don't get sick. And we have alot to do today."

"Like?"

"Well I need to check in at the station and grab a few files for one. So we gotta get going soon." Smiling softly at her her eyes still remained intense as I could see her staring at the food.  "You don't have to eat it all Cals."

"Yeah right. They beat you in foster care for not finishing it."

"I know they do. But you aren't in foster care anymore and no one's going to ever lay a hand on you ever if I have anything to do with it." At this point my daughter had so much confliction on her face. She really was starving but was so afraid at the same time.  "Listen, why don't you take a seat and I'll call your mother. MM? No catch. I'm sure she would love to hear you're voice this early." Picking my cell up she remained in the doorway as I quickly dialed Aprils number.