Together forever: adopted by pentatonix book 4

2:

Kirstie:

I wake up to the sound of screaming, I bolt upright to find Charlotte awake and screaming. I flick on the nearby lamp to find Charlotte curled up in a ball, she's obviously terrified. "Charlotte sweetheart calm down for me, I'm not going to hurt you. Your sister is upstairs asleep, she's okay but you are very poorly and I want to look after you. Is that okay?" I ask. Charlotte looks uncertain so I hold my hand out with my fingers fanned out, she slowly brings her hand forward and lays it against mine. "Thank you" she breathes, I smile and she goes to moves towards me but freezes. I cringe, she must be in agony. "Owie" she sobs, I gently pick her up and cradle her in a position that won't hurt her tummy. "You're going to be in pain for a while Charlotte, someone hurt you very badly" I whisper, Charlotte's face falls and she starts sobbing. "Th-That man" she whimpers, I cuddle her close until she falls back asleep on my shoulder.

The_next_morning

When I wake up the next morning Charlotte is asleep with her head in Taylor's lap, Taylor is awake and staring out of the window. "Hey Taylor are you okay?" I whisper, Taylor smiles and nods. I grin and look down at Charlotte, she looks so exhausted. I gently help Taylor shift out from underneath Charlotte and we head to the kitchen, I make special cinnamon sugar toast for breakfast. It's completely allergen free for both girls and Taylor seems to love it. When she's finished I take her upstairs for a bath, I'm planning to take the girls shopping if Charlotte feels okay. By the time I've bathed Taylor, Charlotte has woken up. One look at her face shows pain, "Hey sweetheart" I whisper. She gives me a tiny smile and I take her up for a bath, I wash her very gently to avoid hurting her. When she's done I dry her off and put one of my t shirts on her because she doesn't have any clothes. "Hey girls do you want to go and get some clothes?" I ask them, Taylor smiles and nods. Charlotte gives me a tiny whine of appreciation, I call Mitch for backup because Charlotte can't walk due to pain. Kevin said he's going to try and get a prescription for some strong children's pain meds for her, Mitch happily agrees and we wait for him to turn up. Mitch only ever shows up at a particular time, fashionably late.

When he finally does turn up he offers to drive, I happily accept that offer and climb in the back with Taylor and Charlotte. Taylor really enjoys the car but Charlotte seems terrified, she has to roll the window down and lean against the door. I can sense both anxiety and claustrophobia in her and gently take her hand, she squeezes it tightly as we drive. Her pain probably isn't helping the fact that she's scared. When we get to the mall Taylor hops out and holds Mitch's hand whilst I carry Charlotte, she curls up and leans her head on my shoulder, I rub her back gently as we head in. Mitch leads the way to the clothes store and we head to the little girls section, I shift Charlotte onto my hip so that she can take a look at the clothes. Taylor definitely likes clothes more than Charlotte because she is having a great time, she picks a lot of sporty clothes. Mostly leggings and t shirts, she grabs a few hoodies and some cute shorts and some dungarees. Charlotte seems more interested in the dresses and skirts. I help her pick out some tops, some dresses, some cardigans and some skirts. I help both girls find some pyjamas and some swimwear. When we've gotten their clothes we take the girls to get some new shoes, Taylor picks out a pair of cool light up trainers and Charlotte picks a pair of black buckle Mary Jane style shoes. When both girls have got everything we decide to head home, the storm has died off and it's now really hot and sunny. I really want to get the girls in the pool, "hey girlies do you want to do some swimming when we get back home?" I ask as we climb into the car. Taylor looks concerned, "Charlotte can't swim" she says softly. I smile and turn to Charlotte, "do you want me to teach you?" I ask her kindly. She nods and we head back home.

When we get back we quickly put the girl's clothes away before getting them into their swimsuits, Mitch always keeps a swimsuit at my place because he loves to swim. We both get changed and head out to the pool, Taylor looks excited but Charlotte looks a little scared. I go over and put my arm around her, "I'm not going to let anything happen to you Charlotte" I whisper. She gives me a shaky smile and Mitch jumps into the pool, he pops back up. Laughing and treading water, Taylor squeals and jumps into his arms. She's like a little fish, she's a really good swimmer. I go down to where Charlotte is sat at the edge of the pool, I hop in and turn to Charlotte. "I'm not going to let go of you, I promise" I soothe. Charlotte nods and I put my hands on her hips as she wriggles forward a little, she yelps in fright as the wall drops from underneath her. I hold her by the waist and she plays with the water, I bounce her up and down a little and she giggles. I smile at her, "do you want to try floating?" I ask her gently. She nods and I move my hands to the space between her shoulder blades, "try leaning back on my hands and I'll hold you up" I say gently.

Charlotte smiles and leans back onto my hands, I hold her up and she starts giggling. "Clever girl" I cheer, Charlotte smiles and stands back up. "I tired" she murmurs, I chuckle and pick her up. I hop out of the pool and carry her inside, I give her a quick bath and change her into some short pyjamas. I kiss her forehead and tuck her in for a nap, she falls asleep as soon as her head hits the pillow. I smile and head back out to the pool, Taylor is sat at the edge of the pool looking very upset. "What's wrong Taylor?" I ask her gently, "Charlotte" she mumbles sadly. I'm confused, "what's wrong with Charlotte?" I ask her. "She only takes naps when she doesn't feel good" she whimpers, I look over at Mitch and he nods. I run back into the house and grab some medical stuff I keep in a cupboard before heading upstairs. I find Charlotte awake and crying softly, "hey sweetheart what's wrong?" I ask her gently. "H-H-Hurts" she wails, I hush her gently and pull the duvet off of her tiny body. I slide off her pyjamas and stare at her tiny broken body, she's covered in cuts and bruises. I take her temperature before holding an ice pack to the worst bruises around her stomach.