Be My Thief

Talking

Lena's POV

"Lena, no."

"Stef, we have to look at the big picture here," I say, getting angry at her. "We can't have another child here. Let alone have the parents legally be siblings."

Stef shakes her head, as usual when she doesn't agree with me.

"They will revoke her adoption."

"I know, but we can't have them both living here," I take a deep breath. "I think it's better that Callie goes and lives with Robert."

"Are you kidding me, Lena?"

"I think it's better. Then Brandon can be as involved as he wants and maybe they can even be together."

"I cannot deal with this right now."

She walks over to the door and just as she is about to open it, I say, "Stephanie Adams Foster, we will not leave this room until we agree on what to do."

"Do not 'Stephanie Adams Foster' me. And I will leave because I have to work."

"Stef."

She looks at me with anger in her eyes, but I don't care. We have to agree on what to do.

"He can revoke her adoption."

I sigh. "We'll be devastated, but we'll manage. We have to think about what is best for our daughter."

"You really think that having him revoke her adoption and her going to live with Robert is what's best for her?"

"You really think having her live with the father of her child that is legally her brother is what's best for her?"

Stef shakes her head. "I can't do this, Lena."

"We have to think about Callie and Brandon and... and the baby."

Stef takes a deep breath and looks at me with tears in her eyes. "I just don't want to loose her again."

I walk over to her and hug her. "Me either."

Brandon's POV

Moms were probably still trying to process the information because they had not been speaking to me. Callie, I don't know. But, to me... no. I understand why, I mean that was some big news to process. Callie being pregnant and me being the father and all that. I completely understand why they haven't said anything.

I'm trying not to let this get in the way of my Disney Hall performance. I have been practicing everyday, even though I really don't need to. The piece is the same as it was at Idyllwild so I highly doubt I'll forget it.

I want the notes melted into my brain so that I know I do not hit the wrong key.

"Knock, knock," I hear a voice say.

I look up and Lena is standing in the door way.

"What's up mom?" I ask.

"I just wanted to check in on you."

I smile. "I'm okay. How are you and mom?"

"I'm better than she is. She hasn't really come to terms with what you guys told us the other night."

I nod, completely understanding where she's coming from. "We never meant for this to happen."

"I know, Brandon. I know."

"We really did think the adoption was completely off the table."

She nods. "I know."

"I'm sorry. I never... I never should've gone into her room that night."

My eyes start tearing up. I'm not sure why.

"Brandon," she comes closer to me,"It's okay."

I blink, trying to get the tears away.

"I've been trying to talk to mom about what she wants to do about it, but she doesn't want to talk about it."

I nod again.

"But, we have agreed that we have to tell Robyn."

"Mom, no."

"Brandon, we have to."

"But what if she makes Judge Ringer revoke her adoption?"

Lena takes a deep breath. "Like I told Stef, we'll be devastated, but we'll manage."

"Are you sure?"

"Brandon, yes. You and Callie are what's most important right now."

I look down again. I know I was supposed to be happy. I mean, I might get to be with the love of my life, but I can't help but feel bad. For moms... and for Callie. Being apart of this family is what she wanted more than anything else and now it might all be taken away because of one mistake.

I look at her."Mom, I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

"I know, Brandon."

"Why are you so understanding? I thought you'd be furious."

"I was. I am. But, I decided not to let it go out on you guys. You're my kids and I will love you no matter what."

I look down again.

"Brandon, no matter what."

***

As I walk up the stairs I hear nothing coming out of Mariana and Callie's room. I remember Callie saying that Mariana was angry at her over the whole 'I slept with Brandon' thing. And, I don't blame her. But, I do wish she would still talk to Callie. I think she needs someone besides me and moms to talk to.

I think about whether or not I should warn her about moms telling Robyn. I decide not to. I know I should, but I just feel like it's not my place.

I walk over to my door, slowly. She must have seen me because she is now behind me. "Hey."

"Hey."

She looks behind her. She looks at Callie. "Can we talk?" she asks.

I nod and go into my room. I sit on my chair. "What's up."

"I suppose you know I know?"

"Yes, Mariana. I know you know."

She nods. "I haven't spoken to her since I found out."

"Why?"

"I don't know. I'm not mad at her, or you, but I think she thinks I'm mad."

"I thought you were mad."

"Well... I'm not. I'm just disappointed."

"I can understand that."

"Have you told moms?"

I nod. "Last week."

"Really?"

"Yep. Same day you found out."

"Oh."

I look at her. "Is that all?"

"How far along is she?"

"About eight weeks."

She shows a hint of a smile. "I am happy for her."

"I know. So does she."

"I'm not so sure about that."

"Mariana, why don't you just talk to Callie?"

She shakes her head. "I don't know what to say."

"But you know what to say to me?"

She looks away. "I was furious with her when I found out. And, I'm scared that she won't want to talk to me."

"Mariana, you're her sister."

She smiles and is halfway out the door when she turns around and says, "She's not yours. Nor will she ever be."

Then she's gone.

I do not understand what she meant. I know Callie is legally my sister, but I could never think of her as my sister. Especially not now.

TO BE CONTINUED...