Delicate Hearts

Twenty

Ellis spoke to Jenny the morning after her conversation with John. Jenny agreed that it would benefit Meredith being with them.

Due to the circumstance of her abuse and neglect they were awaiting the sentencing of Wayne and Melissa Brown before allowing Meredith to be fostered. Normally most kids would be placed, but she wasn't most kids.

She cried when the light was on, she slept on the carpet, she would refuse food if it didn't have buttered bread.  

Once she was discharged Ellis was asked to allow Meredith to learn how to be a child. Each day pained Ellis knowing that Meredith slept in a care home each night, no things of her own.

Jenny confirmed if Meredith felt comfortable around John and Nyla that they could foster her with the strong possibility of adoption. 

With that information they began to decorate a room, buy things for her. 

Ellis hadn't stopped, for the 6 weeks they didn't see her they painted the room beside theres a beautiful pink, they had soft carpet fitted,  The bought a new pink princess styled crushed velvet single bed for her with a princess canopy. She had her own den in the corner which had pillows and blankets inside, her own toy box, with dolls and animals. Her own book shelf. They had even gotten a kids tv set and radio.  Of course they had new white wardrobes and drawers filled with clothes.

After a long wait they finally had an arranged visit, they all clicked in an instant, Meredith bonded with John and Nyla. 

She started to laugh, run around, she would rave about Ellis and John constantly.

For three months the visits continued, on multiple occasions they were allowed a full day with her. Jenny would observe.

One of the days they went to the park and Meredith tried icecream for the first time which she loved, she chased Nyla around, threw the ball over and over. 

A different day they spent at an indoor play area, for the first time in years she freely socialised. She came back often, she would want Ellis to hold her. She had suffered so much trauma. 

Meredith bloomed when around Ellis and John, everyone could see it. Ellis and John had taken her to an event the hospital was holding, an outdoor charity run. She met the entire team that day.  She became family.  She followed Ellis and Marie around. She ran around crazily before falling asleep on the floor cuddled into Nyla.

At age 5 years and ten months Meredith sat in the back of the car in her new carseat,  a small bag beside her. She giggled as John taught her silly car games. She was truly mesmerised by the outside world.

"Nyla?"She asked as Ellis drove.

"At home sweetie. So tonight after bath time we won't be leaving you. Instead you will go to sleep in your new bedroom at mine and John's house" Meredith clapped happily.

"So me live with you not with the others?"She was inquisitive and cute at the same time.

When they arrived home Meredith's eyes lit up. She may be young but she knew that this was a safe place. 

Ellis and John looked at each other and smiled as she ran to the door. 

"Come on princess"John picked Meredith up, she giggled and wiggled her legs.  Walking inside Nyla rushed to them.

"Ny Ny"Meredith beamed wrapping her arms around the floof.

They allowed her time to explore downstairs, she didn't touch anything in fear she would be in trouble. They knew they would have to be gentle with Meredith.