Love Will Make You Stay

Defensive

As the blonde drove back up to Anchor Beach at nearly 5 o'clock that same evening she couldn't believe she forgot her cell phone for if her head wasn't attached to her body she might forget that too. Jumping out the squad car and shaking her head at her carelessness she walked inside the school utterly frustrated but as she looked down the hall she was surprised to see both Callie and Mariana coloring together. Growing concerned she walked closer but the two neglected to notice her as Stef soon slipped into the secretaries office.

"Ahh Officer Foster I figured you would be back." the secretary said handing the blonde her cell phone.

"Yes thank you so much. I'm so sorry about that."

"Not a problem happens all the time." But before she could walk out Stef couldn't help but ask why both girls were still at school this late.

"Um the two little girls?" she questioned.

"Yes Callie and Mariana. Their mother is late picking them up."

"Is everything ok?"

"I hope. I called her a few times. Finally got an answer she should be here soon."

"Did she sound ok?"

"Yes to be honest I think she probably just feel asleep. That woman always looks exhausted. Father never does a damm thing. Can't stand him." she said rolling her eyes. "Sweet girls though. Real cuties."

"Yeah, um do you mind if I sit with them?"

"No of course not. I have to wait to sign them out anyway but you're welcome to sit with them if you like."

"Thanks."

"Of course."

As the blonde exited the office she decided to stand in the doorway and observe the two girls as they continued to color together. Stef had helped many children on the job, and had sometimes gotten calls to go with CPS to remove children from abusive or neglectful homes. To her it was the worst experience ever and those calls literally almost killed her to the point where she begged her captain to never force her to take part in them again. However, despite all those children she had met and helped none had ever touched her as much as these two despite Mariana not saying a word to her. Letting out a smile and continuing to admire them her ears strained to hear even a tiny bit of the little Latin girls soft voice.

"Ok, now you can pick another color for the stem of the flower." Callie said.

"MM maybe purple." Mariana answered as the smile on Stefs face grew even wider at hearing her sweet little voice.

"Purple is awesome Mari. One of the best colors ever."

"Mama loves purple Cals. You think she is ok? She never picks us up when it's dark."

"Yes. Maybe she feel asleep or forgot something at the store. She will be here don't worry."

Stef couldn't help but hear how much older Callie sounded for her age when she was with her sister. It seemed she needed to reassure her and protect her very often just as she had done the night before.

"I hope daddy doesn't come. I don't like him. He's mean." Mariana mumbled as Callie let out a sigh and a look of concern fell across the blondes face.

"Finish your flower Mari. It will be ok." Softly she kissed the side of her sisters face as Stef figured this was an ok time to walk over to the two girls. Callie soon noticed her and a wide smile formed on her face just like earlier.

"Hi Stef!" her face beaming light a light bulb as the cop knelt down in front of them both.

"Hi sweetness. What are you guys doing?" She asked as Mariana's eyes bugged out and she could only stare at the cop who smiled widely at her. The young girl however neglected to smile back and quickly looked down at her picture once more.