~I run to you~

8

After a hospital visit we were finally on our way home. When we got home no one was there. Stef helped me into the bathroom, and cleaned me up. She cried softly at the sight of my injuries. I sobbed the whole time.

I looked in the mirror, my lip was split in multiple places, my right eye was black, I had cuts on my cheeks and forehead, and my face was swollen amd bruised. I lifted my shirt and looked at the welts and injuries. My legs were just as bad, with scraped knees and welts along them. Every part of me was bruised or swollen. I looked at Liam's handprints on my arms and started sobbing and choking.

Stef pulled me in for a hug, she hugged me tighter than she ever has. We were both crying.

"I'm so sorry Callie. I'm so sorry." I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her, "It's okay." I cried.

We walked to my bed, which my blankets and pillows had been returned too. Stef helped me the whole way, I would fall without her support.

She pulled back the covers and set me down I whimpered.

"You're so brave Callie. I love you so much." She choked.

I tried to smile, but it hurt to much, "stay." I whimpered. I didn't want to be alone. I moved over so she could lay down, every movement created so much pain.

She layed next to me, sitting up again't the wall, and I snuggled agains't her, crying softly.

"He did it again." I stammered.

Stef wrapped her arms agains't me and held me close trying to comfort me.

"I'm so sorry baby." She whimpered.

"Are you going to send me back now?" I asked quietly.

"Send you back where?" Stef looked down at me.

"The system." I choked.

"No!" Stef pulled me closer and hugged me, "I love you so much Callie. Nothing will ever change that." She told me.

"I love you too, Mom." I said, releasing a sigh of relief. I snuggled agains't Stef, feeling safe.

"Callie, you called me Mom." She smiled, and kissed me of the forehead.

I looked up and smiled at her, "I love you Mom." And I buried myself agains't her, and Stef pulled a blanket up and covered us both.