For The Love of Callie

Building Bonds

Stef's POV

As I sit next to Callie in the hospital room, I can't help but feel a sort of maternal instinct for her. Her social worker had said that this would be a temporary placement until he can find her something more permanent. For every minute we have her though, I can't help but wonder what it'll be like for her if she's moved again. Her quiet demeanor tells me that there's something behind those walls of steel. The way she reacts in specific situations tells me that she has sustained intense damage but doesn't have the trust to make anyone aware of it.

She lays quietly looking out the fourth story hospital window. She's barely said a word since we got here besides to the doctors and nurses when they ask questions.

"Callie?"

She turns to me with almost fear in her eyes.
"Are you doing alright?"
She simply nods and adjusts the hospital blanket lying over her body. "Are you sure?" I ask again. Considering the place we are in, I'm not too persuaded with her answer.
She nods again and this time turns back away to look out the window.

I hear numerous voices in the hallway. One voice stands out among the rest...Lena. Lena walks in with a trail of teenagers behind her. It looks almost like she'd busted a party serving alcohol to minors.
While Brandon and Jesus keep to themselves, Mariana comes and sits on the chair across from me and next to Callie. "Hey, I know we didn't formally meet but...I'm Mariana." Callie forces a half smile and nods.
Mariana twiddles her fingers. Callie's lack of communication makes her conversation stop before it even starts. Something I know my girl is not used to.

The doctor comes in and I immediately stand up. "Alright, I've looked at the bloodwork and the initial report and everything looks pretty normal except for a few low quantities in some vitamins and minerals. While that could be playing into what is going on, I'm disappointed to say we haven't found any causes quite yet. Her X-ray came back normal and it appears to just be bruising in the area which will resolve on its own with plenty of rest."

"Okay, what about the throwing up though? There's gotta be a reason for that right?" Lena asks.
"Well for now signs point to just a stomach bug or a viral thing."
Lena raises an eyebrow "a bug? With this much throwing up? That doesn't sound right." It fires me up when Lena gets stand off like with the doctor over a child that hasn't even been here a full 48 hours.
"Some bugs and viruses hit some people harder than others. I recommend just keeping an eye on it along with the other kids. For now, we will finish the IV she already has going and I will bring in some medications to help alleviate that nausea and pain." At this point he's directed his attention to Callie who once again just nods and disconnects from her surroundings.

As the doctor leaves, Lena sighs and looks to me "a virus?"
"I know but at least they are working on medications to help. We will do what they say and keep an eye on it. There's only so much an ER can do." I try to reason with her. One of the many reasons I love Lena is her willingness to advocate for any child. She landed the perfect job as a school vice president.
She gives in "okay."

Callie's POV

As the doctor leaves I lean my head back. I've caused this family enough trouble already, I didn't have the heart to tell them that I didn't want the breakfast club sitting in a hospital room with me while I was in this condition. I also did not have the confidence to speak up and let them know I've felt like this for a couple of days. At least since the fight in Juvie. A stomach bug wouldn't last that long. Not to mention only a little while ago the doctor threatened that I might have a permanent issue with my stomach. Did we forget that part?"

Nausea creeps up my throat once again. I fight it back this time. I don't want to throw up in front of gods creation. A nurse walks into the room holding a small shot like cup and a cup of water. When she holds it out for me I shake my head.
"No drugs. I don't want medications."