Fighting For Us - Book 4

Party Drama

As Callie's party was in full swing everyone had dressed up for the occasion. Stef had to admit it was rather beautiful as she watched the waves in the distance wash along the shore and the sun begin to set. Even she had put a dress on, one which made Lena take notice and stare hard, for Stef's body always had an amazing shape and curve to it.

The girls, too, had dressed up, but Frankie refused to wear a dress so she wore dressy pants which Stef helper her pick out days prior. Of course, Stef and Frankie continued to have a close relationship, and it was apparent that Callie was very happy with this as she knew that her mother was good for the younger girl. Callie, of course, wore a pretty sundress, and Corey wore a tie with dress pants and a shirt.

Lena loved that she could do this for the girl and was estatic to do it for Frankie in November when she turned 14. In years prior, the girl had not been too interested, but Lena had a feeling that maybe this year would be different.

As guests would be arriving in approximately an hour or so, Callie was able to sneak away to the upstairs of the Adams' house to the far guest room where she knew no one would check. Ever since her talk with Frankie on the beach, she had been very troubled about Stefanie, and she figured she should try to call and check in to see if the older girl would even take her phone call.

"Hi! Aunt Tess! It's Callie! Is Stefanie home?" The nervous teen sat on the window seat where she could see everyone working hard on the finishing touches for her party.

"Oh, hey! Happy Birthday, sweet girl!"

"Thank you!" Callie smiled as her heart continued to pound in anticipation.

"Let me go check. I think she's out back in the pool."

"Thanks." Callie ran her trembling hand over her forehead as she took deep breaths. Never was she this nervous to talk to her best friend. But for some reason, she knew that everything Frankie had said wasn't a lie. In fact, she also knew her mother wasn't too happy with the teen, for just that morning she had asked Stef about Stefanie only to be met with a cold stare.

"Hey, Callie," Stefanie had come to the phone, and she definitely did not sound like her normal self.

"Hey, Stefanie! I thought I'd call you today since I'm not at home!"

"Ya? Where are you?" Stefanie sounded super low which was alarming to the teen.

"Well, we all came over to Maine for a family vacation, and I think we head back next week sometime. But it's super nice, and Frankie has been teaching me how to surf! Next time I come visit maybe me and you can go!"

"Ya, I don't know about that. I'm not really into surfing much anymore." Stefanie replied flatly.

"Oh. Are you okay? You sound off to me."

"Ya? Why? Frankie telling you lies about me?" Stefanie laughed awkwardly, and Callie could feel her emotions bubbling up inside of her which she was trying to keep under control. But she didn't know if she would be able to.

"Huh? I asked about you, Stefanie! Why are you dogging Frankie right now?"

"I'm not! Just...forget it."

"No! I won't forget it! What's going on with my best friend? You don't sound like yourself!"

The line is silent for a bit before Stefanie lowers her voice a little. "Well, promise you won't tell anyone?"

"Promise."

"I have a new boyfriend, well, HAD a boyfriend. It's kinda complicated. But I guess I sound sad cuz he broke up with me last night. But this has happened before, and he apologized two days later. So, I'm waiting for his big apology," Stefanie laughs again.

"Ya? Is it the football player you said you had your eyes on? He sounds like a real winner," Callie says sarcastically. "What's his name?"

"Oh, well, he's super sensitive. I have to watch what I say. But he's a really good guy. You'd like him. His name is Alby."

"Well, I need to meet this fool who keeps breaking my best friend's heart," Callie sighed with relief that Stefanie was confiding in her.

"Come and visit! We'll go out! Alby has this friend, Luke, who you'd like!"

"MM? Maybe! I don't know if I can. But I'll ask. But I better get going. My party starts soon."

"Oh! Shoot! It's your birthday! Happy Birthday, Cals! And thanks for calling! I miss you, bestie!"

"I miss you, too! Love you!"

"Love you more!"

When Callie hung up she was more confused than ever. That happened to be the strangest phone call she had ever had with her best friend, and she had a feeling deep in her gut that Stefanie wasn't telling her everything.
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LENA POV

"I know, Daddy. I know I didn't make a mistake moving to New York City. I think Stef and I have gotten closer because of it, and I know Frankie is happy. Corey is excited to come back with us, but I do miss the water so much." I sip my ice water as I swing with my dad on the back porch. We had just finished Callie's birthday dinner and she had opened her gifts and blew out her candles before heading down to the water for an evening swim much to my mother's annoyance as she had wanted to take family pictures of everyone in their dress clothes. But it was her birthday and this is what Callie wished to do.

"Well, I didn't say you were making a mistake, my girl. I'm just worried that you might have bitten off more than you can chew. Do you even have a job yet?"

"Well, don't say anything but I applied to several schools and I heard back from one in particular in the South Bronx." I say letting my dad know for I had not even said anything to Stef yet for I knew she might not be very happy at the idea.

"Oh the South Bronx? Well that could be interesting right?"

"Yes. They need teachers so badly Daddy and I feel I can really make a difference. But we will see what comes up. You know me I love a challenge."

"Ahh you always have! But you keep me posted on what's going on. I'm just glad you are happy. You seem really happy. You seem really happy with Stef and this little family you have created. And Frankie seems to be doing well?"

"Oh she is Daddy. Our relationship has really grown and gotten better and she is very close to Stef. She loves her dearly and Callie. Maybe this is what she needed and what I needed."

"Well you always loved her honey and I'm glad you both are together. I really am, and I wish you both the best."

"Thanks, Daddy." I say as we both hear the doorbell ring, wondering who it is. "I wonder who that could be. The party is pretty much over."

"Not sure, honey." He says as we both get up, and instantly see who it is as my eyes bug out and all the kids who have just returned from their swim, run to the door, dropping their towels and getting salt water all over the place.

"Cuties!!!!!! Uncle is back!!!!!" Julius yells pulling his shades on top of his head as Callie, Frankie and Corey run to him more excited then anything. What in the hell?