Strings

Strange Behavior

STEF POV

"Mama you were so good!" Callie says hugging me as we had all just preformed at the little club in town. We had such a great night and even Callie had sang a song with the band. That alone made me so proud and she was so shy but rather humble which Lena said she took after me. I could surly see that as I hugged her back warmly just being happy where our relationship was and how far it had grown.

"I was good?! No you were good honey! Infact you were amazing and I loved having you sing with us!" I say to her as she grins widely at me and rather bashful.

"Thanks."

"You were good! I didn't want it to end." Mariana says happily as she hugs me as well as Lena.

"Aww thanks sweetheart. I'm so glad you all came." 

"Can I sing next time Stef?"  Mariana asks grinning at me as I can only kiss her forehead. Lena too smiles for this little girl had come very far as well considering she wouldn't talk for months when Lena first fostered her. Now she was a little chatterbox and it seemed there weren't enough hours in the day for her to talk. 

"You sure can love. Why don't you both go get more colas."

"Ok!" She says as her and Callie run off to our table as I feel Lena gently hold my  hand and I place my guitar down."You were really amazing. It was nice to see your preform again."

"Yeah well I'm glad you are here. I really am babe."

"I am too." She says leaning in and kissing my lips as I can't help but grin wider at  her as I can see Mike speaking to his mother who had been too shy after all to sing with us. "Maybe next time she will sing with you all? Maybe she has stage fright?"

"Yeah it's too bad though. Mike said her voice is really beautiful which I'm not surprised at."

"When was the last time she preformed?" She asks as I roll up the extension cord and look over Cap who had been very quiet the entire night and it was throwing me off more then ever. 

"MM decades maybe? Not sure. But, I mean have you noticed Cap acting weird? I know I asked you before but she seems even more off tonight then ever. You think she has an issue with Gina?"

"With Gina? No, why do you say that?"

"I don't know. She was like this the other day too when she was around. And she won't talk much to me and when she does it's vague.  Maybe she doesn't want to adopt me anymore Len? I mean I'm not sure."

"Oh no way Stef. Definitely not. She loves you. " Looking concerned  at me  glance back over to Cap who seems very, very deep in thought

"Yeah I know but life happens. Maybe she changed her mind and doesn't know how to tell me."

"Honey I really doubt that. I mean you know her better then anyone. Don't you?"

"Well yeah but I'm sure there is a ton of stuff that even I don't know. I just have a weird feeling something is up and she just won't tell me what it is. But it's making me insane.  And I've asked her a billion times but her being her she won't budge." Shaking my head rather frustrated  I feel someone gently place their hand on my shoulder as I turn around to see Gina.

"Stef I just wanted to tell you how amazing that show was. Mike was right you are extremely talented and so is Callie. It was beautiful to see."

"Oh thanks. That's nice of you to say. Hey, maybe next time we can get you up there too? I'd love to hear you sing."

"MM maybe. I just need a bit more time to prepare and think about it. But, I wanted to ask you how long you will be in town for. Maybe we can, can get coffee?"

"Oh yeah that sounds cool. Um a few more days I think. Callie has to get back to school at some point and I need to get back to work. Are you free tomorrow?"

"I am yes. Why don't you, why don't you come over? I'd love to have you and hear more about your music."

"Only if you tell me about yours!" I laugh as she does as well.

"That is a promise. Um come over around 10 is that ok?"

"Sure that works for me. See ya then."

"Ok. Have a good night Stef and you as well Lena. I'll go say goodbye to the girls."

"Goodnight Gina." Lena says as Gina smiles at the both of us walking over to the girls. "That's sweet she wants to have you over."

"Yeah, she seems more interested right now then Cap." I joke sarcastically as Lena shakes her head.

"Honey, go to your mother. You know she loves you. Maybe whatever it is she can't tell you yet but I really doubt it's the adoption. I think that's just your fear talking honey. You are still so afraid that no one wants you. Which is very, very far from the truth. Give her benefit of the doubt honey. You are her daughter and you know that."

"Maybe, maybe you're right.  I'll stop freaking out and go sit with her for a bit.  You ok hanging for a bit?"

"I'm fine. Go sit with her while I entertain the girls."

"Ok beautiful." Winking at her I tie up the rest of the chord and take a seat next to Cap as she sips on her beer. Turning to look at me she softly smiles as my eyes make contact with hers. "Show ok? Or it sucked that bad." I joke.

"Beautiful as always Stefanie. You know that."

"Ma, are you gonna tell me what's up or do I have to keep bugging you? Because I feel like you don't wanna talk to me anymore. Did I do something? Did I piss you off?"

"Of course not Stef. There's nothing wrong honey." She says patting my hand as I refuse to give up.

"Yeah well Ma I don't believe you. And I'm a cop too ya know so I can clearly see you are lying and have been lying. So spill." I push as she smiles again at me.

"Stefanie, I'm very tired. I'm going to get some rest and I'll see you all in the morning. Just know I love you, and the show was beautiful.  Goodnight honey." Getting up and almost blowing me off I can only shake my head for what in the world was she hiding? In my mind it had to be something and I would find out. Sooner rather then later.