chapter fourteen// one hell of a day
Evelyn sighed as she slipped out of bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Saturday had come around painstakingly slow, the past two days of school had been nothing but a drag and Evelyn swore she wouldn't have made it if it wasn't for Athena. The girl acted as an anchor when the harsh words and glares of distaste of her peers sought to drown her
she was so tired of always being the the outsider, she just wanted to fit in for once
she slowly trudged her way into the connecting bathroom, stepping into the shower scrubbing off the stress of the past week and the sweat that comes with the toddlers insistent need to sleep anywhere but on her own side, thanks Faith
Stepping out of the shower she slipped into the outfit she'd set out the previous night, a basic navy blue top and a pair of bell bottom low rise jeans — she'd had a restless night, anxiety of her job interview clawing at her
Before leaving the bathroom she pulled her hair into a slicked back bun, applied a little bit of makeup and sprayed herself with her new perfume (not because Athena said she liked it or anything)
After she was ready she gently closed the bathroom door behind her ensuring it wouldn't slam and wake the sleeping toddler tucked into her bed, but her efforts were wasted — sat in the middle of the large bed Faith cried softly into her pillow
Evelyns heart dropped as she immediately walked over to the bed sitting beside her toddler, softly rubbing her back "fai baby, what's wrong?"
The little blonde immediately peaked up she recognised her mommas voice, her sobs calming down a little as she instinctively climbed into Eves lap, her small hand finding the soft skin of Eveylns under her shirt
"what happened bug?" she tried again kissing the side of her head hoping to settle her down
The teen could feel her top dampening as Faith tucked herself into her chest, "can you tell momma?" she tried again rubbing small circles on the two year olds back
"bad dream" Evelyn's heart clenched at the words, she knew all too how real nightmares felt having far too many about the horrors of her life in foster care
Gently she cradled Faith closer, feeling the warmth of her body against her own, "I know it's scary baby , but it's not real"
Faith sniffled, her tiny fingers clinging to the fabric of the teens shirt "do you want to talk about it? sometimes sharing it can make it feel less scary" she comforted placing a tender kiss onto the toddlers curls
"bad man, big meanie" she began her face contorting as she spoke as she let out a few tears again, "he hurt you again an' make you go away 'orever" she cried, "no leave please"
Her words mingled with sleepiness and soft sniffles. Evelyn's heart ached as she rocked her baby back and forth in comfort. She knew exactly who she was talking about when she referred to him as 'big meanie' — Mr Atwell
Faith had only witnessed him hurting her once, when Evelyn regrettably left the toddler in their 'room' to nap while she cleaned up after her then foster parents. The toddler had woken up to shouting and walked in to find David Atwell hitting Evelyn over and over
The teen had never felt guilt like it, she should have protected her better from all of it. She didn't deserve to see that, Evelyn remembers her being absolutely terrified for days. Hell, she still is — the two year old laid in Evelyn's lap shaking
"Im here Fai, we're safe no one's going to hurt you. Mommas not going anywhere baby" Evelyn swore, doing her best not to cry
"Promise?" She whispered, her voice small and fragile
Evelyn sighed, watching as her daughter's blue eyes searched her face for reassurance. The teen hated herself for allowing this to happen "I promise"
After a while Faiths tears subsided and her breathing evened out as she drifted back to sleep, her small form nestled against Evelyn's chest. With a sad smile the teen pressed another kiss onto her curls, hating herself for not doing better to shield her away from the horrible word and the even worse people in it , "I'm sorry"
Just as the room became silent, after twenty minutes of trying to comfort the toddler the sound of a throat clearing sounded the bedroom causing Evelyn to almost fall backwards
Her face paled as she looked towards where the noise came from finding Maya stood in the bridge of the doorway trying her best to offer the teen a gentle smile, her eyebrows furrowed in concern and her eyes glossy
had she heard all of that? Evelyn hoped not
"H-How long have you been there?" the teen asked caught of guard by her foster mothers presence
"A while, I heard crying so I came to make sure everything's okay—" she smiled sadly walking forward slightly but still at the doors opening "— is everything okay?"
(are you okay, is what she really wanted to ask), Maya wanted five minutes alone with whoever 'big meanie' is
"everything's fine" she said dismissively as she stood back up with Faith in her arms, laying her safely in the middle of the bed
"Ev" she spoke as though she could see right through the teens lies. I mean who was Evelyn kidding she heard the whole thing! "do you want to talk about it?"
The blonde didn't look at her foster mom as she tucked her daughter in afraid that one look from would have her sobbing. She couldn't tell her, even if she wanted to. She knew once she did it would be out of Mayas control, she'd have to report it to Veronica and the social worker would of course accuse her of lying just like she did when—
"—there's n-nothing to talk about, just little kids imagination"
Evelyn knew by the look on Mayas face she didn't buy a word she was saying, "Carina and I will be here when you're ready to talk sweets. I'll, uh leave you to continue getting ready" she smiled sadly before turning to leave the room, stopping at the door "I wish you could see how much we love you both"
As the door shut Evelyn didn't even bother trying to stop the tears already making their way down her cheeks
A little while later, Maya sat at the kitchen island her mind still replaying the the heartbreaking scene she had stumbled upon in Evelyn's bedroom, she couldn't shake the image of the tear streaked faces of Evelyn and Faith. Beside her, Carina stirred her coffee, her eyebrows furrowed in concern as she thought about what wife had just told her
"I just can't shake the feeling that something's not right" Maya confessed, biting her lip in worry "she's been through so much Carina, so much that we don't know— I'm afraid we're not doing enough to help her"
Carina pulled Mayas hand into her lap, tracing patterns in her wife's hand to comfort her "I know it's tough Bella. Evelyn's been through hell and back, it's going to take time for her to heal. We're going to get her help, prometto"
Carina promised, squeezing her hand in reassurance. Since the 'incident' happened on Wednesday the couple had spent a lot of their evenings in bed researching researching the best help they could get Ev
Well, the best in their tax bracket (psychiatrists could be quite expensive) and had since booked the first appointment for the following week, though they had yet to tell their foster daughter
Maya was more than nervous for that part. If the teen was anything like herself, she knew it wouldn't be an easy task getting her to accept help
Maya was terrified of the teens reaction, "I don't think it's gonna be that easy babe"
Before Carina could respond the sound of footsteps interrupted their conversation. They looked up to see Evelyn timidly enter the kitchen, Faith still dressed in her pyjamas trialed behind her with sleepy eyes and tousled hair
Maya quickly changed her expression into a neutral smile, though her heart still ached with concern for her foster daughter
"morning my loves" her tone bright despite the turmoil swirling inside her "everything okay?"
Evelyn nodded, though there was a giant of weariness in her eyes, "we're fine" her voice carefully serene, although she was anything but calm
her movements were stiff, she looked as if she'd rather be anywhere else. Probably preferably alone
Carina shot her wife a knowing glance silently communicating her concern. As she opened her mouth to voice her own worry, pressing further the toddler interrupted
Faith reached up, her tiny arms wrapping tightly around Evelyn's leg, "momma up" her little voice tinged with sleepiness and vulnerability
The teens expression softened at the sight of the toddler's outstretched arms, a gentle smile on her lips. She didn't reply, instead scooping the little blonde up into her arms and planting a kiss on her forehead
Carina smiled from her place at the kitchen island, her worries momentarily forgotten "what do you want for breakfast my bambine?"
"pancakes" the two year old mumbled into Evelyn's neck shying away from the two women completely. Maya and carinas eyebrows furrowed in upset, Faith contrasting to her mother was usually very outgoing— the nightmare seemed to have reverted her to a state of weariness around them, even Evelyn's eyes showed a hint of worry for her daughter
Carina bit her lip, trying to repress the frown growing on her lips, "pancakes it is, why don't you go get the tesoro Evie while I whip us some food up — we have to leave soon"
Evelyn absentmindedly nodded adjusting her hold on the two year old who was clinging to her as though she was her life line
As she turned to leave the kitchen Maya spoke up desperate to talk to the teenager. To comfort her in any way possible. "need any help sweets?" making a move to stand
Evelyn momentarily tensed as her grip on Faith tightened, "I've got it, thanks though". Before Maya could open her mouth to protest, her foster daughter had already left the room, Maya sighed with defeat as she slumped back onto the bar stool— she honestly felt helpless
Carina saddened at the sunken look on her wife's face, sensing the tension in the air. She reached out across the counter, ignoring be mix of ingredients she'd set out, as she gently squeezed Mayas hand in support
"We'll talk with our bambina later, Bella"
It was a little while later when they pulled up to District one where Evelyn would be having her job interview. The teens nerves doubled as she took a deep breath preparing to step out as carina parked the car
"Okay bambina we're here" she said turning off the cars ignition turning round to face the teen, Maya following suit "you'll do sorprendente, there's nothing to be nervous about"
Maya nodded coping her wife's encouraging smile despite her own nerves being at an all time high, "Cars right Ev, text us when your done okay? We'll be right over"
Eveyln nodded, her heart pounding in her chest as she looked nervously towards her daughter. She didn't feel too great about leaving. Her little girl was unusually quiet most probably due to her nightmare. Evelyn felt terrible about being the cause of her kids pain, faiths blue eyes were wide with apprehension as she clung desperately to her moms hand
"momma stay" Faith whimpered, her voice barley audible over the hum of the engine, "don't go, please"
Evelyn's heart clenched at the pleading tone in faiths voice. Her grip on her two year olds hand tightened instinctively not wanting to let go either, "I have to go baby" she murmured as her other hand played with faiths curls, her voice riddled with guilt "but I'll be back really soon, I promise"
Faiths bottom lip wobbled, tears welling up in her eyes as she fought with the straps of her car seat not accepting that answer, "no leave momma"
"Fai you need to calm down baby" Evelyn pleaded with the toddler, now scared her foster parents would become angry at the teen and possibly Faith for the show she was making
She ran her hand up and down the little blondes leg trying to get her to settle, "shh it's okay"
Carina frowned, deciding to step in as she reached from the front seat gently resting her hand on faiths leg "va bene, tesoro" she said soothingly, trying to get the girl to relax "your momma will be back before you know it, and in the meantime you get to spend some special time with Maya and I"
Eveyln smiled, her foster mothers words slightly soothing her own worries (I mean this was the first time she'd be leaving her daughter alone with any foster parent, she was terrified)
Carinas words also seemed to comfort Faith as she reluctantly loosened her grip on Evs hand, "promise?" she sniffled as she looked up at her mom, wiping the tears from her eyes
"I promise" Evelyn's heart shattered as she placed a gentle kiss onto her daughters curls in the top of her head, "I love you"
With one last reassuring smile from her foster moms, after saying goodbye Evelyn opened the door of carinas car, her heart heavy with guilt and her tummy aching with nerves
And as Evelyn stepped into District one, her nerves amplified with each passing second. Music softly played in the background from the cafes speakers and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. As the door closed behind her, Evelyn smoothed down her top trying to steady her hands as she approached the counter
god, was she anxious
Her lips turned up into a smile at the sight of Athena behind the counter handing a customer their order
The girls hair was pulled back into a pony tail and a black apron was tied tightly around her waist. Evelyn's eyes subconsciously took in the sight of her friend who had yet to notice her. Evelyn thought she looked good, really good—
—"hey Lyn, here for your job interview?" Athena playfully smiled, her tone teasing. Evelyn's face heated up, she hoped Athena didn't just see her admiring her outfit (checking her out) "nervous?"
"Mhm" She nodded, though now her nerves were for an entirely different reason
Athena leaned casually against the counter, "you'll do great Evelyn, I already put in a good word for you. Trust me there's nothing to be nervous about" the curly haired girl reassured as she took a hold of the blonde's hand in comfort
Evelyn's face reddened as she bit the inside of her cheek to stop her growing smile, "you didn't have to do that"
"I did it for me not you" she playfully grinned, "any chance to hang out with you, Im taking". Evelyn's heart fluttered at at the girls words, she could barley hear herself think
Athena's grin widened as she caught the blondes gaze, "besides who else am I going to flirt with if you're not around"
Her tone was light and teasing. Evelyn knew Athena was most likely just messing with her, she couldn't be serious— but that didn't stop her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red as her heart pounded against her chest
She opened her mouth to respond but the words caught in the back of her throat as she struggled to find a witty comeback. She always seemed to be speechless when she was around her new friend
Before she could reply, a voice called out from the back of the cafe interrupting their moment "Hey Athena, could you handle the register for a bit?" they said poking their head around, "I need to step out for a break"
Athena's grin settled into a polite smile as she turned around to face her coworker, "I got it" she replied, "I'll let my manger know you're here for the interview— good luck" her gaze lingering on the blonde for a moment longer before turning away
Evelyn felt a pang of disappointment at the interruption wishing they could have continued, but she knew she had to focus on her interview. After all that was why she was here, so she offered her friend one last nerve racking smile before making her way towards the back of the cafe where the manager would be shortly
Athena watched her walk away, a small smile playing on her lips
Meanwhile, as they sat in the car after Evelyn had just left Maya could see the distress etched on Faiths face— the little girls eyes were still puffy from crying and her hands clutched the fabric of her too tightly
Maya shared a concerned glance with carina, her wife nudging her from the drivers seat to go sit with the little blonde (this was Mayas first time properly alone with the two year old, and she was terrified)
"Hey fifi" Maya said softly as she unbuckled her seat and slided into the back seat beside the toddler, "it's okay sweets, Carina and I are here. You're safe"
The firefighters heart ached for the little girl in the car seat beside her, she knew any feeling she had from being away from Evelyn was only made worse by the nightmare she had had
Faiths bottom lip trembled, as if she didn't truly believe she was safe with them and tears welled up in her blue eyes once again, "want momma" she trembled, her voice shaky with fear
The women's hearts broke, knowing that nothing could fully comfort her other than Evelyn's presence. All Maya could do was reach out and gently hold the two year olds little hand
"We'll see your momma soon okay tesoro?" Carina reached from the drives seat, her hand finding Mayas shoulder in support "she'll be back before you know it, prometto"
Faith nodded at Carinas words , burying her head in Mayas chest clinging to her top tightly as she sought comfort from the nightmare that clearly still lingered in the back of mind. Maya held her the best she could with Faith still strapped in her car seat, running her hand up and down the girls back
"It's okay to feel scared" Mayas voice was barley above a whisper, "but you don't have to be with us, you and your Momma are safe with us baby"
the minutes ticked by slowly as Maya allowed Faith to find solace in her arms, her tears eventually subsided and carina pulled out of the parking lot
"Hey, how about we do something fun together?", Maya suggested, her voice gentle as she hesitantly reached out to brush a stray tear from the girls puffy cheeks "what about we go to build-a-bear? does that sound good Faith?"
After a lot of explaining from Maya to Carina on what the hell abuild-a-bear was they'd decided to take the toddler there while their foster daughter was at her interview, surely it would entertain her for a while atleast
Faiths eyes widened with excitement, the reason for the tears forgotten as she looked at the two women with curiosity, "bear?"
Mayas smile widened at faiths reaction glad she was back to her usual happy self, "yeah, we can make our very own teddies— it'll be so much fun"
"and you can dress it up how you like too tesoro" Carina added chiming in from the drivers seat as they stopped at a stop light
Faiths eyes lit up bouncing in her seat as she repeatedly clapped her hands in excitement "yes, yes, yes" her pigtails springing as she whipped her head back and forth between Maya in the back seat and Carina in the front, "please"
Carina laughed her eyes flicking back and forth between the road and the review mirror, "Sì Piccola, but you need to calm down before you give Maya a heart attack"
As the three stepped into the store Faiths eyes widened in wonder at the sight of all the teddy bears, she didn't know where to look! —her chubby cheeks were flushed with excitement. Maya clutched onto the toddlers hand tightly as they walked further into the bustling store
"wow, so many" Faith exclaimed as she ran her tiny hand through the buckets of bears the store had to offer
Maya smiled as Carina knelt down beside the small girl, "do you see one you like?" She asked pointing towards the shelves lined with fluffy beard of all sizes and colours
Faith pulled her bottom lip in between her lips in consideration as she thought over this oh so very important decision. Eventually her tiny finger pointed towards a cuddly brown bear with excitement, "want that one"
"What do we say?" Carina asked from her knelt place beside the two year old as Maya grabbed the unstuffed bear from the bucket just out of faiths reach
"please?" She asked, making what Maya could only describe as the cutest face as she answered her wife. She looked so much like Evelyn in that moment, Maya had never felt love like it until she met the two girls
"grazie per le tue belle maniere" Carina exclaimed proudly standing up as Maya handed the floppy bear to the now confused looking Faith
Her tiny brows knitted together as she inspected the soft, unspoken toy "broken?" her voice laced with sadness
Maya and Carina exchanged amused glances trying to hold back thier laughter at the toddlers adorable confusion, "it's not broken bubs, it just hasn't been filled with stuffing yet"
Maya explained guiding her along with her wife towards the stuffing station where a friendly store employee with a warm smile greeted them. Faith watched with wide eyes as her new bear was stuffed her small foot placed firmly on the pedal
Once it was stuffed, she picked out a heart to put inside the bear lighting up with joy as the bear was handed to her, hugging it tightly to her chest, "love it, t'ank you"
"you're so welcome tesoro" Carina smiled, trying not to coo at her adorableness, "now for the fun part you get to pick out some clothes for your bear!!" the Italian exclaimed trying to match the littlest blondes enthusiasm
After not a lot of deliberation Faiths new bear was dressed in a firefighter costume as she wanted him to be just like her Maya. Carina pretended to be upset that she didn't choose the scrub outfit but Faith didn't even try to act like she cared — firefighters were just cooler as she put it!
Maya had never smiled so big as she took a million pictures of Faith and the bear (her phone now had no more storage)
After paying for the bear Maya, Carina (the teddy)and Faith walked hand in hand down the bustling street thanking god Seattle had decided to be kind to them and lay off the rain for once. As they walked down the street the aroma of freshly made waffle cones filled the air, drawing their attention to a near by ice cream shop
"icecream?" Carina suggested looking over at her wife , her mouth watering
Faiths eyes widened as she nodded eagerly copying the same puppy dog face that Carina was making trying her best to convince Maya. Maya playfully rolled her eyes, "fine. Let's go" laughing as Faith cheered
As they entered the cozy shop Faith tugged on Mayas hand excitedly as she took in the array of possible flavours, "want 'ocolate chip". Maya raised her eyebrows, "please"
"chocolate chip it is" Maya grinned her heart swelling with love as she guided the two year old towards the place to order
Carina followed closely behind them, "I think I'll have the same" she said with a smile reaching into her purse to grab her wallet, "why don't you two find a seat and I'll order" she suggested already knowing the firefighters usual order
Maya nodded placing a kiss on her wife's cheek, as she placed a hand on the back of Faiths curly hair redirecting her towards a cozy booth by the window. Faiths eyes lit up as Carina returned with the sweet treats a few minutes later ,"thank you" Maya and Faith said simultaneously
As Faith eagerly ate her icream her excitement got the best of her and quickly her once clean hands and face were covered and sticky in chocolate. Maya, always the more fastidious of the two couldn't help but cringe of the sight
"you're getting icecream everywhere, sweets" she sighed, moving the new beer out of the way as she reached for a napkin to try and clean up the sticky mess
Faith paid little attention to Maya as she played with the sticky, melting icecream on her fingers— Mayas patience wore thin Faith squirmed away from her joy enjoying the cleaning process at all
"hold still" she said trying her best to keep a from grip on her wriggling form. But faith determined to resist her efforts giggled even harder, her face scrunching up. "some help please, Car?"
Carina watched with a fond smile, "looks like you've got it covered, Bella"
"This was your idea" Maya sighed full of desperation as she gestured to the empty icecream cups, "please"
The Italian playfully rolled her eyes as she slipped into the other side of the booth effectively trapping the toddler in between them. Maya shot her a relieved smile as they both attempted to clean up the giggling child, "oh mio Dio, è difficile"
"I told you so"
Just after they'd finally managed to clean up the messy toddler, Carina received a text from their foster daughter that she was ready so they made their way back to the car to go collect her
Faith could hardly contain her excitement at the thought of seeing her momma again. Her chubby cheeks flushed as she bounced in her car seat the closer they got to district one
"Wanna show momma my bear— she love" she said clutching the bear tightly to her chest, "how long?"
"We'll be there soon tesoro" Carina replied, smiling at her through the rear view mirror
As they drove to pick up Evelyn, Faith could hardly sit still in her seat. She babbled excitedly about her bear, her words tumbling out in a rush, Maya and carina having absolutely no idea what she was saying
Finally they arrived at their destination and Carina shot Evelyn a text to let her know they were here, Faith wasn't too happy about having to wait in the car, she just wanted to see her momma!!
"she's coming out right now bubs" Maya assured turning around from the passenger seat to face the toddler, reaching out to ruffle her curls, "oh, look there she is" she said pointing though the window on Faiths side watching as Evelyn quickly exited the building, Faith squealed
"Ciao bambina" Carina greeted as the teen slipped into the back seat beside her daughter, 'hi' she mumbled her eyes immediately darting over to her baby instinctively scanning her to check if she was okay, letting out a sigh of relief to see she was— leaving her alone with her foster parents was way out of her comfort zone
Faiths eyes lit up reaching her arms up to be held, "hi momma" she smiled, "I miss you, up please"
"Hi baby, I missed you too" Evelyn grinned kissing Faiths chubby cheeks, "I'm sorry Fai I can't pick you up right now, but I will when we get back to Maya and Carinas house, okay?"
Maya frowned as Evelyn didn't refer to their house as her home, it broke her heart that her foster daughter still believed she'd be threw out at any given moment as if she was disposable
Faiths bottom lip stuck out at being denied, she didn't understand it wasn't safe. "Hey, what's that you got" Evelyn said trying to distract her and it clearly worked as she practically shoved the stuffed bear into her moms face
"Build-a-bear, called Maya" she informed proudly showing me the brown bear dressed in a firefighter uniform, "you love?"
Evelyn forced a smile as the guilt forced itself into her stomach, "mhm I love it baby" Maya could tell it was fake, "it's so cute, just like you" she teased ticking Faiths little belly as she erupted into a fit of giggles
Faith quickly became distracted after a few minutes so Evelyn with her hand in Faiths little one turned to face the front, "you didn't have to do that" she spoke quietly her face riddled with guilt, Carinas eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she drove the car, "I'll pay you back"
"Ev" Maya shook her head turning round to face her as a best and as safely as she could in a moving car, "Evelyn my sweets, listen to me. You dont have to worry about that, we got Faith that bear because we wanted to"
"Mayas right bambina" Carina nodded in agreement, Evelyn opened her mouth to protest, that was so much money, but was stopped by her foster mom continuing to speak, "we know that growing up in the foster system probably wasn't easy for you Evie, but here with us, you and the tesoro are apart of our famiglia. And, that means we want to spoil you and Faith at every chance we get"
Evelyn's eyes filled with tears as she nodded, though she didn't quite believe she was part of their family yet (or ever), "thank you"
"There's no need to thank us, babe" Maya smiled, "so tell us all about the interview"
a note from the author<3
thank you so much for reading chapter fourteen of to build a home!! This chapter has alot going on,, so sorry
question— what has Veronica accused Ev of lying about before? How do you think she'll react to the idea of therapy?
Requests for this story are always open and I'll try my best to include them all!!
till next time ;)