Moving Forward (Completed)

Chapter Twenty Five

Katherine and MJ left school at four for the second time that week. They had spent the better part of Tuesday evening getting everything finalized for the rest of the week so Katherine could get MJ to the hospital to visit with her mom for a bit before visitation hours ended. The first trip they made to the hospital, Katherine had been extremely nervous to Amber Stacker's reaction to MJ staying with her, but it had gone surprisingly well. Amber had even thanked her for not letting MJ in up in a group home, which is what the social worker had told her would have happened if Katherine hadn't volunteered. The experience had been a stark contrast to the woman she had called DCS on or heard other teachers talk about.

"I'll wait outside." Katherine smiled as MJ hopped on her mother's hospital bed.

Amber smiled and nodded before turning to her daughter. "How was school?"

"Great, we're learning about weather in science right now, tornadoes... hurricanes... other storm related stuff. It's fascinating." MJ grinned as Katherine shut the door and made her way to a chair not far from the room.

She always taught the severe weather unit towards the end of the year because her students all loved it and it helped ease the end of the year attention problems... at least during science.

Katherine made herself comfortable and worked on grading until six. The nurse arrived at the hospital room door at the same time she had, so she smiled and let her enter first.

"Have they decided when my mom can go home?" MJ asked.

"It's looking like sometime next week. They'll have a better idea once we do a follow up CT tomorrow." The nurse smiled.

"Is that still ok?" MJ asked, turning to Katherine.

"My couch is yours for as long as it's needed." Katherine smiled.

"I really do appreciate this," Amber sighed, "I grew up in and out of foster homes and group homes. I know I'm not always the best mom, but I wouldn't wish that life on MJ... even if it was only temporary."

"It's no problem." Katherine replied truthfully, MJ had been helpful if anything. She didn't half to be asked to clean up after herself and always asked permission before she did anything, despite Katherine assuring her she didn't have to ask to go to the restroom. Other then the impact it had on her or Rafael's ability to spend the night with each other, she hadn't notice an inconvenience at all. She could manage a week or so without sex, it was the sleeping in his arms thing she was missing.

"Detective Amanda and Detective Sonny!" MJ hopped off the bed and gave them each a hug, while her mother grumbled at their presents.

"What now?"

"We just stopped by to let you know that your assailant took the plea our DA offered." Amanda said, ignoring Amber's attitude towards them.

"What's he getting?" Amber huffed.

"Ten years." Carisi relied.

"So he'll be up for parole in what... five?" Amber huffed again.

"If it had gone to trial..." Carisi started, but Amber finished it for him.

"Yeah, I know... the jury wouldn't look passed my profession. Like it's my preferred source of income. Have you tried to live on minimum wage? It's not like I'm exactly qualified for much else."

"We have programs available to help you find work, something that might pay enough to support you." Amanda suggested.

"Sure." Amber shrugged. She'd appease them and take the information, but she had no intention of looking into the programs. She had before and could barely afford herself, much less herself and MJ. The life she knew was the life she planned to return to.