The Sweetest Devotion (The Affair Series Book 2)

A Stolen Life

Stef is 9 years old

"We are sorry, but this is the way it has to be." The social worker said to Fran as she had shown up at her home with papers to take Stef.

In addition, two cops were also present one's Fran knew from work, and she didn't understand what in the hell was happening.

The little family had just sat down to eat dinner and enjoy their night as Stef stood holding Debbies hands in tears, scared half to death. Right now, her worst fear was happening, and she could feel as if she was about to vomit all over.

"Well, how can you just show up like this. Can't you give us time? She has to get her things together."

"Her mother said she has things, Miss Foster."

"Well, she has things here too that I want her to have. I mean, is that ok with you." She asked sarcastically.

"Mama, I don't want to go please, please don't make me." Stef said, running to Fran and hugging her waist tightly and not wanting to let go of anything. For nothing as the tears continued to fall out of her young eyes.

"I know, baby. I know."

"Please don't make me. Please, Mama, please."

"I'm sorry but she has to come with us . You know the rules, Fran." One of her officers said as Fran shook her head, knowing one of the reason they were not siding with her.

It was more than one reason, and it frustrated her to no end, for she had been fighting hard to keep Stef. It was very hard, but it had not been a secret that she was gay and those odds had worked against her as well no matter how hard she fought it.

"Give us a minute. Come baby, let me help you get your things together."

Feeling as if she was going to burst into tears as she held Stef's hand  the two headed into her bedroom as the social worker waited patiently along with the two officers.

Debbie didn't know what to say herself as she froze, almost not believing this was happening but could feel the fire growing inside herself at the situation.

"You believe in giving kids back to monsters?"

"Listen, we believe in giving parents chances. Sharon has proved herself."

"How has she proven herself? Stef's last visit was when she came home with a handprint on her face, and her knees were battered and bruised up. How is that helping? She abuses her verbally and physically." Debbie continued not understanding any of  it. None of it, for she was so angry she didn't know what to think or say.

"I appreciate your concern, but Sharon has made good progress, and we believe Stef and her will be fine."

"This is ridiculous, and your department is pathetic.It really is! I don't even know how you can say that. Do you see the fear in that babies face? Huh!"

"Stef will be fine. Sharon is no longer a danger to her, and she has passed the program and got glowing reviews."

"Glowing reviews? From who? That phony church pastor? Give me a break!"

Shaking her head and feeling her own tears begin to form, Deb walked into the bedroom to see Fran pack up Stef's bag as the little girl sat in tears. It was one of the hardest things to witness, for she knew both were crushed beyond words, and there was nothing she could do to make it any better. Nothing. 

"I don't want to go, Mama. Please, I will do anything. Please, I will be good. I promise I will be good." Stef continued to beg and plead, for she was growing so sick from crying. I was so sick, and she knew any minute she might pass out or throw up.

"Babygirl, you are good. You are a very good girl." The cop said as she placed the little girl on her lap and wiped her tears.

"This has nothing to do with you. It doesn't, and I don't want you to ever think it is. I am going to work my hardest to get you back. I promise honey. I promise you that. It may take me a while, but I will, my sweet baby. But I want you to remember something, you remember how much I love you, you remember all these good times we have, and I want you to hold them close to your heart. Hold them close, and when you are scared a night, think of me holding you. I will forever hold you, my princess, because you are worth it. You are always, always worth it, and I will always love you. Don't ever let anyone convince you that I don't love you. Do you understand Stefanie Marie Foster? Tell me you do?"

Taking her necklace off, she put it around Stef's little neck.

"I do, Mama. I do. But I'm scared, Mama. I'm scared." Hugging her aunt tightly Fran felt so helpless more helpless then she ever had in her life for she knew she was handing her niece and little girl over to the worst of the worst and there was nothing she could do to stop it right now.

"I want to stay here with you and mommy. Please let me know. Please, Mama. Please."

With her pleading, Debbie broke down in tears as she hugged both of them, for it was horrible. There were just no words as they had the hardest time pulling Stef away from Fran.

The absolute worst as the little girl  kicked and screamed her loudest, not wanting to let go of her aunt for anything. For nothing and it took all of them to get the girl in the car and strap her in the seatbelt. All of them as she cried and cried and cried. 

 What made matters worse was the two officers served both Fran and Debbie with a restraining order, and neither of them were allowed to go near Stef, no contact, nothing.

The reasons behind it were bogus and Sharon had gone so far as to have it in writing from social service that Fran could never gain custody of Stef again and would rather her go to foster care if she lost Stef again.

It was then that the cop fell to the ground crying her eyes out as Debbie just held her seeing her heart break like never before as she soon realized and Stef would soon realize she would never see her again.