Daddy Issues (Edited Version)

Bev and John

" Gabbie when are we going home? " Chase whines. It's been about 3 hours since we got to the hospital. The doctors ended up checking us out and well, they definitely found what they were looking for. 

" I don't know bud. Hopefully soon. " I sigh and lean back against the bed. Chase plays with his stuffed dog and some random stuffed bunny the social worker gave him to help make him feel safer. 

" Is momma gonna pick us up? " Chase abandons his stuffed animals for the remote near the bed. " I'm hungry. When is Miss Bell coming back? " 

I shake my head. " I don't think mom's gonna be back in a while. " I run my hand through his hair. " I'll go see if I can get us something to eat, alright? " 

I push myself away from the bed. " Stay there, okay buddy? " 

Chase nods and nestles into the bed. 

I open the hospital room door and the sound of  Miss Bell's voice fills my ears. " So there are signs of abuse? " 

The doctor nods. " Yes. I'm afraid so. We found bruises on Gabriellas' arms and back. As for Chase, we found slight bruising on his wrist but other than that, no visible injuries. " 

Miss Bell nods. " Alright, thank you Dr. Garcia. " 

With that Dr. Garcia wanders off and Miss Bell sighs. 

" Can we have food. " I decide to break the silence. 

Miss Bell turns around in surprise. " Yes of course, sweetheart. I'll get a menu. " 

***

Chase loudly chops at a piece of pizza we ordered from the kitchen. " Try it Gabbie! " He shoves some of it towards my mouth. 

I take a small bite with a smile. " Yum thanks, dude. " 

" So Gabriella, " Miss Bell begins as she sits down on a chair in the corner. " I've found a foster home that's willing to take you two in for a couple days while I try to find some family for you to go to. " 

At least we'll be together. 

" We still haven't found your mom yet but you'll be safe there. " Miss Bell assures. 

I nod. " Um...thanks. Thanks for keeping us together. " 

Miss Bell smiles. " Of course. I have a brother too. I'd hate to be away from him. I'm going to try my best to keep you guys together.  " 

A couple hours after we talked a nice older couple came to the hospital to pick us up. The wife, Beverly, brought us some home made cookies. 

" Here we are. " John, the husband, says while pulling up to a small home. He's pretty quiet but he's chill. 

Beverly turns to us. " We set up a little room for you guys. Let's go in. " 

The older couple leads us through the garage and into the house. It's a neat little place, very different then our messy trailer. Beer cans aren't littered everywhere which is strange. I thought everyone drank. At least everyone in our neighborhood. 

" Here we are. " Beverly turns on the light to a small room upstairs. One of the beds is covered in spiderman sheets and the other in barbie. " I hope this is okay. We threw it together last minute. " 

I send her a small smile. " Thanks, it's great. "

They leave us alone and Chase jumps onto the bed. " I like them! The cookies were good. Can we stay here forever? " He hums. 

" I don't know bud. I don't know what's going to happen. But no matter what, you'll always have me, okay? I love you kiddo. " 

Chase smiles. " I love you too Gabbie. "