Princess of the universe // Hardzzellee

Chapter 6

It was finally time to pick up their first foster placement. For the past few months, they had been preparing for this day. They had taken numerous classes and did a lot of tests to get the right certificates. Their second guest bedroom was now transformed into a kid's room. Their first placement would be a girl, but they didn't know that at the time. So, to be safe, they decorated the room quite neutral, but Joe had insisted on buying two different bed sheets to accommodate the foster child. Currently, a floral design was laying on the bed. They had little to no information on the child they would be picking up. But she would be staying with them for a long weekend. After that, they had a meeting with her case worker to discuss possible further dates.  

Joe was more nervous than any of them. He had barely slept the night before and was constantly checking everything to make sure it was all in place. Ben got up twice to - quite literally - drag him back to bed. Ben ended up waking up Gwil to change cuddle positions so Joe was trapped in between them. That eventually assured that Joe fell asleep a few minutes later. Currently, they were sitting opposite the caseworker. 

"So, because Addison was moved around so sudden some of her files have gone missing. We're unsure what her background exactly is, but we're pretty sure it is domestic violence." Joe swallowed hard before briefly locking eyes with Ben and Gwil. 
"If you decide to take her in for a longer period of time we will advise you to do training about domestic violence. That training goes more in-depth on triggers and how to handle them," The caseworker explained. 
"We already did that training and we have some experience on domestic violence. So, that will be alright," Ben explained. The caseworker raised an eyebrow.
"May I ask what your history is?" She asked. Joe took another deep breath.
"I have been physically and mentally abused in a previous relationship. I have had psychological help and they have had a few meetings with a psychologist to learn how to help me," Joe explained. The caseworker nodded.
"I'm so sorry that has happened to you. I am pretty sure that you already got screened for this?" She asked. Joe immediately confirmed her suspicion. As Joe had been diagnosed with anxiety and PTSD, he was required to have additional screenings to make sure he was capable of raising a child. He passed all of the screenings easily.
"Alright, I am just checking to be sure. Unfortunately, I don't get that information. So, I wasn't able to read that beforehand. I want nothing more than a safe home for these kids and especially for Addison. So, I am just being cautious."
"That's fine."

"So, other information you might like to know is that Addison doesn't have any discovered health issues. In two months, she will be turning five. Addison is very shy. So, it might take a while for her to get comfortable around her." 
"That is alright," Gwil said. The woman nodded shortly.
"I'll go get her," She said before walking out of the room, leaving the three men alone. 
"I can't wait," Joe mumbled. He grabbed both Gwil's and Ben's hands in his own. Ben hummed in agreement before holding out his free hand for Gwil to take. Joe watched the minutes on the clock pass by. Suddenly the door opened. Out of reflex, they immediately let go of each other's hands. The lady walked back in with a small child following her. She had her head down which caused her white blonde hair to cover her eyes. Ben locked eyes with Gwil and Joe before he stepped forward. He crouched in front of the girl.
"Hi, what is your name, sweetheart?" He asked. The girl didn't respond. Ben gently used his finger to lift her chin. As soon as he touched her skin, she flinched away. 
"Hey, there is nothing to be scared off. I am not going to hurt you, pinky promise?" Ben held up his pink. Addison looked up. Her gaze went from Ben's pink to his face and back to his pink. Slowly she brought her pink up to hook hers through Ben's. Ben shifted so he could sit better. He patted his lap for Addison to sit on. Addison looked kind of hesitant before she eventually sat down.
"My name is Ben. What is your name?" Ben asked. 
"Addison." Her voice was so quiet, that Ben was glad that he already knew her name because he could barely hear what she was saying.

"Hi, Addison. Nice to meet you. So, my name is Ben. His name is Joe," Ben said while pointing in Joe's direction. Joe walked over before crouching down next to Ben. Addison moved a little more into Ben's embrace. Joe held up his pink. Addison looked at him for a second before hooking her pink through Joe's as well.
"I am Ben. This is Joe and that is Gwil," Ben said. Gwil followed Joe's example and crouched down next to them. He also held up his pink to make the pinky promise. They had debated whether to introduce Gwil by his full name, but they decided that Gwil would be easier. 
"You'll be staying with us for the next few days," Ben said. 
"I heard you already packed your backpack with all the stuff you want to bring along, haven't you?" Joe asked. Addison didn't look up but just nodded. 
"I have your bag here, Addison," The caseworker said. Addison looked up to see that the lady had her backpack in her hands. She quietly stood up from Ben's lap to take the bag from her. 

"For you, I have her files. These are just some standard information about her that might be useful during her stay. When this placement will continue, you'll get to read all the files we have on her," The caseworker said while handing Gwil a few papers.
"Thank you. Are we free to go?" Gwil asked.
"Absolutely. Addison, have fun during your stay! I am sure you'll have an amazing few days," The caseworker said. Addison stood in the middle of the room, unsure of where to go. 
"If you hold my hand, we can go to the car. At home, we have an entire bedroom, just for you. It is waiting for you to sleep there tonight," Ben said. He held out his hand for her to take. Addison looked at him for a second before holding onto his hand. With that, they made their way to their car. 

**************

Hey guys!

I hope you are ready to meet Addison! I am very happy to finally introduce her to you.

Also, I saw Queen and Adam Lambert last week. And I still can't wrap my head around the fact that I got to see the legends Brian May and Roger Taylor live. It was everything I hoped it to be and more. No joke, I started crying the second they came onto the stage.

I hope you have an amazing week!

Take good care of yourself and others. Stay safe, stay healthy.

Goodbye,

Xx Itsametaphorjoe