Love Will Keep Us - Book 5

Moving in with Dad?

"Do you need help cleaning up?" Tess asks Lena as things had finally quieted down.

The dinner fight between Stef and Callie had been rather explosive not to mention upsetting to the entire family for they had never seen the two go at it in such a way. Everyone had heard the entire thing and towards the end even Julius had been rather upset too.

The mother and daughter had always been close from the day Callie was born and she always had the most calming nature. But tonight everyone saw how much she had been bottling up inside and how frustrated she was with Stef and that she had been sneaking a boyfriend.

"Uhhhh, nope. The kids will clean up. I should probably check on Stef..." Lena says looking around rather worried since the blonde had stormed out of the home after the fight. It was then Lena had spoken to Callie trying to calm her down a bit. She knew both her and Stef needed to talk to her in depth about everything and this boy she had been kissing.

"Ya, I should probably get Stefanie home. Let me know how Stef is. I'll call her in the morning."

"Sure." Lena smiles faintly as Tess sighs and runs her hands over her jeans before turning to leave.

She had to admit she was rather worried not only about Callie's recent behavior but Stefanie's as well. Was she falling back into old patterns? Was all her progress becoming undone? "Hey ummm, Lena?"

"Yes?"

"You don't think Stefanie is back to her old ways, do you? I mean, this is how it all started before: the sneaking and lying. And they were bold faced lies too, not your nervous ones that Corey tries on you." Upon hearing this Lena puts the dishrag down and looks over at her worried friend.

"I don't think so, Tess. I mean, she seems to be doing well since we've gotten back here to California. Plus with you, guys moving closer, she's blossomed even more. Kids make mistakes, even the best of kids Tess. Remember you were the one telling Stef that not too long ago."

"You're right. I guess sometimes I'm still so worried she will...listen to me going on about myself. I'm sorry. That is very selfish of me, Lena."

"It's not honey. It's ok. I mean it takes a village to raise all of these children and you are allowed to have your worries and fears. You are. And the best thing we can do is be supportive of each other like we have been all these years. So don't you worry because you can come to us anytime. I mean not only that, Stefanie was in on all of this tonight as well...."

"And you as well Lena. I love you both so much. You and Stef."

"We love you too honey."

Tess nods and smiles as she kisses Lena's cheek. She cared and loved for this entire family so much and she didn't know what she would do without them.

"Ummm, Aunt Lena?" The two woman hear now seeing Stefanie standing in the doorway. "Have you, have you seen Godmom?"

"No honey. She probably went for a walk."

"I just wanted to tell her something."

"I'll have her call you when she gets back ok? Or in the morning?" Lena smiles at the girl for she can see that Stefanie does feel bad and rather torn.

On one had she had wanted to support Callie and be there for her which she had been as the girl cried her eyes out in the basement. But on the other hand she really did feel bad for lying to Stef once again and continuing to mess up their relationship that still had not really recovered.

She knew she had not been hanging out with the blonde much and always said she was busy for it was true, Stef always seemed both mad, angry and disappointed at all the kids lately.