Why do I feel this way?

Chapter 108: Zuri

From Shadow:

Hi Vivian, I just got a call from detective Piscopo and Siobhan is off the hook. I don't know what new evidence he has, but Siobhan has been cleared— Congratulations!

Vivian slowly smiled as she read the message, sharing it with Siobhan while sitting on the couch with her enjoying their day off with the kids. Ciara and Jamie were running around the living room playing. Surprisingly to Vivian, Siobhan embraced the chaos just as much as she did. Two kids were way more chaos than just Jamie, but Siobhan was adapting— it was hard and worth it all at the same time.

Siobhan laughed lightly, "Well that's the greatest news we have had in a while!" She leaned in peppering kisses all over Vivian's face. The two giggled in excitement as they released the tension that had built from the constant pressure. The possibility of criminal charges for Siobhan was a very heavy burden for them both, but now that stress was gone.

Today would be the first supervised visit with Ciara's mom and siblings. Their town was the central position, so everyone would be meeting with the caseworker and mom at their local park. Vivian and Siobhan were a little nervous. With it being their first experience with visitation, they just didn't know what to expect.

What is our place in the visitation? Do we just sit on the sidelines? Do we interact with the mom? With the other children? I guess we can get some clarification from Laurel when we get there...

Ciara climbed up on the couch snuggling up to Siobhan interrupting her spiraling thoughts, "When are we going to the park to see my mom and brothers and sisters?" Her voice was a little shaky from running around and the nerves building in her little body.

The blonde wrapped her arm around Ciara whispering calmly, "In about an hour, sweetie. Won't be long." She hugged Siobhan a little tighter before she jumped down from the sofa chasing Jamie into the kitchen. Their giggles set a tone of warmth in the home that seemed to linger— it was comforting.

Vivian and Siobhan were the first ones to the park. They let Ciara and Jamie sprint over to the playground as they waited for everyone else. Laurel was the next to arrive, which was ideal so the Serpent-Clark's could ask all their questions.

The caseworker walked up with one of the siblings, the one they were contemplating moving into Siobhan and Vivian's care. She greeted them as she motioned to the younger sister that it was okay to go play with Ciara.

As they all watched the two sisters be reunited, the two started rapid firing their questions. "How do these things go? What are we expected to do? Stay out of the way? Interact with the mom and other kids? Are we still responsible for the caretaking during these? What are our boundaries?"

The sister jumped into Ciara's arms and hugged her tight. Jamie walked over brushing his hands across Ciara's back comforting her as he noticed the tears rolling down her cheeks. "Jamie, this is my sister Zuri."  As Ciara lowers her sister back to the ground, Jamie puts his hand out to shake Zuri's, "nice to meet you, Zuri. I'm Jamie." He points over to Vivian and Siobhan, "those two standing with Mrs. Laurel are my mums."

Zuri's eyes widened, "you have two mums?!" Jamie and Ciara both giggled as he responded, "Yeah. Have you ever met anyone with two mums before?" She shook her head no and they all just went back to playing.

Laurel chuckled, "Woah, calm down guys. It's pretty relaxed. This is the time for the mom to have time with the kids, but many times the kids will involve everyone in some way. I have seen kids cling to the foster parent more, especially with the first visit. It's awkward for everyone. You two are really good at reading people and situations— just go with the flow."