Strings

Fear

"Hello." I heard April say on the other end.

"April hi. It's Stef. Did I wake you?"

"No, no. Is, is everything ok.?"

"Yeah. I just have someone here who misses you and wants to say hi."

"Of course"

Looking up at Callie I pulled the phone away from my ear and stretched it out to her. Without taking her eyes off of me she walked over cautiously and slowly unsure of if I was faking or not. Part of her was so timid and scared but the other part was so angry and defiant. There was no telling when what side would come out. As she walked even closer to me I stretched my arm out even more waiting for her to take it from my hands as her eyes remained on me. Smiling softly at her once again something she failed to return I continued to hold the phone out as we could suddenly hear April's voice through the phone.

"Callie are you there?"

Now diverting her eyes to the phone she carefully took it out of my hands and held it up to her ear.

"Mom." she whispered as I saw the young innocent Callie appear before my eyes and my heart sank. Who knew the sound of that word could rip me inside so badly.

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LENA POV

 It had been  almost four days since Stef had brought Callie home and I could hear how stressed out she was and heartbroken but I also knew she was putting on a strong front for the girl and me. From what she told me Callie was rough and just as stubborn as her, and the foster system had certainty done it's fare share of damage. But we knew she was in a tremendous amount of pain despite her rebellious and inappropriate behavior. As I pulled up to the apartment complex I left Mariana with my father for a few hours despite her clinging to me for dear life. Sure I felt terrible for leaving her behind but Stef and I weren't sure how this first meeting with Callie would go. Letting out a nervous sigh  as I walked up the complex steps I thought of the little girl I use to know and how much she use to love me and call me mommy Lena. Her voice had been so squeaky and she had been so carefree and sweet telling me how much she loved me over and over. Of course I didn't expect that no way I thought as I rang the bell. Feeling my stomach turn in I heard the door unlock and smiled wide seeing Stef on the other side of it. 

"Hi." I whispered happily as she grabbed my hand holding it tightly.

"Hi sweetheart." she smiled wide kissing my mouth softly. "Come in."

"Thanks. Is it um still a good time?"

"Yes. It's fine." she said grabbing my hand as I looked to the hallway seeing Callie emerge. Her eyes immediately went to our hands as her face glanced to mine and she looked more confused then ever. All I could do was let out a warm smile for her anger was throwing me off.

"Callie I want you to meet someone. This is Lena my girlfriend. She's also your...

"You're a dyke? Why am I not surprised." she said rolling her eyes and plopping on the couch as I looked to Stef and she glanced to me unimpressed.

"Callie we don't use that word around here. It's rude and hurtful. So that ends that. And yes I am gay. Lena  and I have been together for a long time and we've know each other since we were kids. She has know you since you were born and helped me take care of you many times when you were little. It's where you got your middle name from."

"Ok do you both want a prize."

As I saw her shake her head I walked over to Callie taking a seat beside her on the couch.  Yes she was definitely rough and rebellious as I watched her play with her fingernails and her leg began to shake a nervous habit she picked up from her mother.  Her long brown hair looked clean but uncombed and her outfit had seen better days. Stef told me she refused to wear the new clothes she had gotten her.  To me it was like looking at a younger version of my girlfriend.

"It's nice to see you again Callie." I said smiling as she shrugged her shoulders continuing to look at the ground. "I um brought you something."

Pulling the photo out of my bag of the two of us when she was just four I held it out as her eyes looked to it.

"I know you probably don't remember me or that day but I just wanted you to know that I carried it around all these years. That we never forgot about you and that we are both really happy to have you back and see you."

"So." Callie mumbled as I saw Stef take a seat on the chair keeping her eyes on her daughter. "What makes you think I give a crap about some photo or how you feel because I don't. I don't even know you, remember you and I don't care about you."

"Hey. Watch it." Stef warned as Callie rolled her eyes. "Go on and pack your bag we need to leave soon."

"Why? I'm not going anywhere."

"Callie not again today because you know you aren't going to win this battle or any with me for that matter.  You have two choices. I drag you into that police car along with Captain Roberts who expects you to be down at the office to file  or you come with me with no struggle. You're choice."

"Bitch." she mumbled getting up as I was horrified.

"Well, you just tacked on another month.I told you to watch your mouth with me. Tomorrow we get up at 5AM to run."

"What? I'm not getting up at 5AM!"

"Yeah we will see about that." Stef said sternly as I watched the intense interaction between the two and Callie shake her head and walk off to the room slamming the door.

"Yeah make that 430AM!" Stef yelled as I let out a sigh.

"Lena Adams meet my daughter Callie Foster. A peach huh?" Getting up she took a seat beside me and slid her hand into mine as she laughed sarcastically.

"She's just hurt and scared. I mean I can see it. But she is so much like you Stef."

"I know baby. She's just like me. I was the same way when I was her age. Part of me wants to just hug her all night and tell her how sorry I am for everything. I just want to comfort her and tell her she doesn't need to be scared anymore. But she won't let me near her and I get it."

"I know. It will take time love." Gently I began to rub her back up and down. "But I'm here and I support you. Anything you need please let me know."

"Thank you love. I've missed you."  she said showing me a warm smile as she leaned in and softly kissed me.

"I've missed you too baby."

"So tell me what's been going on.MM? We have only spoken about me the last few days and I know not all is right in your world."

Upon hearing this I knew I needed to tell her the trouble Monte was giving me and that I was looking for a place to live. One thing about Stef she did not give up especially when it came to me.