This Is Me Trying

Chapter Twenty-Three

Danielle

"God, it's so amazing having you back. Even if it just is for a couple of hours." I said as the three of us walked to set.
"Well, I may have told them that we get done filming tonight at midnight so I could spend some time with you two after work." Betty gave us a shy smile.
"Betty! You shouldn't have lied. But I'm glad you did." I wrapped my arm around her shoulder.
"Oh mija! We've been so worried about you!" Jaina ran over and almost tackled Betty to the ground in a hug.
"Hey! I'm the one who didn't get to say goodbye yesterday! Move your ass!" Barrett argued.
Jaina moved to the side, and Barrett quickly grabbed Betty in a hug, lifting her off the ground.
"Barrett! You're hurting my ribs!" Betty laughed out.
"We're gonna help them fight this. We've already called the best lawyer in the state. She's a beast." Barrett told Betty.

"I'll be back eventually. I just have to deal with those people in the meantime." Betty rolled her eyes.
"Are they good to you?" Jaina asked.
"What time is our scene Danielle?" Betty changed the subject.
"Uh, an hour." I looked down at my phone.
"Okay. I'm gonna go to the canteen and grab something quick to eat. I'll be back." Betty turned and left.

"Somethings not right." Barrett said.
"I know. She's not telling us because she knows how we'll all react. Thirteen more days until she can come back home." I grabbed Stefania's hand and squeezed it gently.

Betty

I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes. I was sore, tired, mentally exhausted. I don't think I can make it through today.
"Hey, you okay?"
I opened my eyes and saw a lady with blue eyes, dark hair, and pale skin in front of me.
"Yeah I'm fine. I was just leaving."

"You play Marissa, right? On Station 19?"
"Uh yeah, I'm Betty Vitale." I reached out and shook her hand.
"Caterina Scorsone. I play Amelia Shepherd on Grey's Anatomy."
"Nice to meet you. I really should get going-"
"Are you okay? You seem like somethings bothering you."
"Yeah I'm fine. It's just been a long week." I gave her a fake smile.
"Okay... well it was nice meeting you Betty."

I waved and quickly walked away from her. I had to get away from everyone. I needed five minuets to breathe.

Danielle

"Have your lawyers called back yet?" I asked Jaina.
"Yes I gave them your number and they should be calling this afternoon."
"Thanks. Do they think we have a case?"
"Well, since you've been taking care of Betty for over a year now you should have a solid case. Plus her Mom signed over her rights. You'll get her back. Don't worry." Jaina patted my hand.
"I have to worry. She's my kid Jaina."

"I know. Just don't get too stressed about it. It'll all work out."

"Hey kid, you ready to go?" I asked Betty as I walked up to her.
"Yeah." She grabbed her bag and we started walking to my car.
"You okay? You've been quiet today."
"Just tired." She gave me a small smile.
"Okay. We have three hours before we gotta drop you off. What do you wanna do?" I asked as we walked up to Stefania, who was waiting by my car.

"Can I just sit with you guys? I miss you."
My phone started ringing and I looked down at it, my heart sank to my stomach.

"Betty? What's wrong?" Danielle asked.
"It's them. Don't talk," I clicked answer and put the phone up to my ear. "Hello?"

"Get home now."
"But I'm still at work."
"I don't care. I'm your guardian and I said get home now." My grandmother hissed.
"Okay." I whispered and hung up the phone.
"I gotta go back. They want me back now." I felt the tears welling up in my eyes.
"Can we drive you? That'll let us spend more time together." Stefania asked.
"Yeah. Just drop me off down the street."

We got in the car and started the drive there. The closer we got, the more I wanted to disappear and never return. And I would do it, if it weren't for Danielle and Stefania.

Danielle parked the car on the side of the street, and we sat there in silence for a moment.
"I gotta go."
"I know kid." Danielle looked back at me.
"I don't want to." I felt a tear run down my face.
"Hey. Put on your brave face on for me, okay? Thirteen more days. I promise."
"Love you guys. I'll see you at work tomorrow." I wiped my tears away and got out of the car, slowly making my way to the door.

"What took you so long? Get in here." I heard my grandfather shout from the living room.
"Yeah?" I asked.
He stood up and slapped my face, "Don't talk with that tone of voice with me. Where were you."
"I was at work."
"Liar." He spat.
"I'm telling the truth. If you don't believe me that's on you." I snapped.

He grabbed my ponytail and pulled me down to the ground.
"I'm gonna teach you to drop the back talk." He growled as he drug me to the basement door.
"Get the fuck off of me!" I shouted as he drug me down the stairs.
"Shut up!" He threw me to the ground, and I immediately backed away from his approaching figure.

"You ready to learn your lesson bitch?"