Could I really do this? Well I'd said yes to it so I guess now I need to pull up my big girl pants and be responsible for the life of someone I don't even know. 
Lili and I went back to mine, we'd spent an hour talking through things with the girls and though everything still seemed messy and the puzzle pieces didn't quite fit together, one thing I knew was I would be there every step of the way with her. I needed to be, I had to be. I'll be damned if I don't, this girl means too much to me, for me not to support her through this particular part of her life. I never knew Lili had a brother, she never spoke about him. Come to think of it, she's never mentioned her family, she's never even talked about her childhood. I guess there is still so much I don't know about Lili, I hope that in time she will feel comfortable to share it with me.
Lili was exhausted when we got home, to be fair, so was I. I made us a hot chocolate each, the two of us sat on the sofa and drank them before going up to bed. "Let's try and get some rest, love. God knows we need it." I rub the small of Lili's back. "Yeah we do, tomorrow is gonna be a long day." Lili nodded. "I'm gonna be right here with you, we've got this together... always." I try to reassure and calm Lili. "What would I do without you?" Lili sighed. "I don't even want to imagine me without you." I said shaking my head. "Come on Lils." I get into bed and pat on Lili's side of the bed, encouraging her to join me. 
That night Lili barely slept and when she did her sleep brought her nothing but nightmares. I pulled her close and kissed her head trying my hardest to comfort her. "Oh Lils, you're shaking." I breathed gently, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I'm sorry, I've woken you up. I should go and sleep on the sofa." Lili frowned, throwing back the cover that was on her and went to leave our bed. "No. You're staying right here with me, tell me Lils. What's happening?" I pull her closer, our foreheads resting against each others. "It's just a bad dream, right?" She asked, her voice showing her vulnerability. I wasn't sure what she was asking was a dream, but nonetheless I comforted her. "You're ok Lils, I've got you. We can face anything together, you're not alone. Ok?  I'm gonna be right here for whatever you need." Lili blinked, sighed and then cuddled closer to me, her fingertips cold as she rests her hand against my cheek. "I love you, Katie McCabe. What did I do to deserve you?" I can't help the smirk that falls onto my face. "I love you too. Don't leave, let me keep you safe and warm." I whisper. "Ok?" I conclude. "Ok, I'll stay." Lili replied, closing her eyes. 
We managed to fall to sleep, no nightmares for the rest of the night. Though that being said, it was the small hours of the morning by now and Lili was obviously in a light sleep, like me. 
The sunlight flickered through the gap in the curtains, I blinked a couple of times before quietly and gingerly got out of bed, not wanting to wake Katie. I definitely kept her awake most of the night and she needed the rest. After a coffee I made my way into the shower and did my self care routine, taking a few minutes to just let the water trickle down my body. Today I meet the social care lady, I'd find out more about this kid I've stupidly agreed to take in. Is this a mistake? Can I back out now? Nah, it's probably not likely, is it?
"Hey, where did you go?" Katie rubbed her eyes when I walked back into her room. "Shower." I replied looking down at my towel wrapped around me. "Without me?" Katie pouts, her smirk coming through, seconds later. God, I love her 'just woken up' state. "Sorry baby." I smile lightly, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. "I need to be ready for this lady. I have to head back to Kyra's." I explain. "Uh, yeah I guess. I'm coming with, give me 10 mins, 20 at most to get ready." Katie gets out of bed. "You don't-." I start to say. "No, don't say it. Together remember?" She insists, I nod. "Together." 
Together, Katie and I walk into Kyra's place. It really doesn't feel like my 'home' anymore. I spend so much time at Katie's, I barely stay at Kyra's during the week. Lessi and Kyra have really settled into living together now and I'm happy for them. Though, that being said, this meeting is to happen here. While Lessi brings Katie and I a drink, I work out a way to tell Kyra and Lessi about the phone calls and the call from social care the night before.