Love?

                                    

                                          
The doctor ran a bunch of tests and took a bunch of scans.
When it was over, the doctor took a couple minutes to get back into the room.
But when he did, he didn't have the best news....
I had a cracked rib and my spine was twisted so I needed to go to a chiropractor. Also, the bruises were severe and I needed to watch for infection. Other than that, I was free to go.
Lena was there by now. She had brought me clothes. They were pajamas  with snowflakes on them. I liked them a lot.
                          
We were walking to the car when Stef asked if we were hungry.
"Come to think of it.... We haven't eaten since yesterday." Callie said.
"Oh my god! Let's get food in you two then!" Lena exclaimed.
She asked us where we wanted to go, but we had no clue. We haven't ever been given a choice, so we said the food pantry. That is the only place Jet ever took us.
"What about Chick-fil-A?" Stef asked.
"What's that?" We both cocked our heads.
"Oh my gosh, you poor babies! You have to try it!" 
"Sure." Callie agreed.
                          
I got a chicken sandwich with water. It was good, and I ate the whole thing. I ate slowly.... Savoring every bite.
                          
We rolled up to our knew house. It was really nice. There was a swing in the front and a huge tree in the backyard.
Inside was even better. There was wood floor, a giant living room. It was the biggest house I have been in since my mother died.
"So you guys can crash on the couch tonight, but your beds should be delivered by tomorrow." Stef said.
Callie and I looked at each other. Beds!? We haven't had our own beds since on of our first foster homes.
                          
Stef and Lena gave Callie some pajamas, but soon went upstairs for bed. They said goodnight, and I started to talk with Callie.
"Is this a good house Cal?"
She sighed. "I think so.... But it's still early.
"I miss our old house.... I miss our mom." I quivered.
"Me too." She sighed. "But I have you and that's good enough."
I smiled at her. She kissed my forehead and laid down. I soon drifted to sleep myself.
The next morning, Callie woke me up.
"Taylor.... Taylor wake up." She whispered, shaking my shoulder.
"What's wrong? Are we leaving?" I asked, sitting up.
"No silly, it's just time for breakfast." She smiled. I crawled off the couch and followed her into the kitchen. Stef and Lena were making coffee.
"Hey love! How'd you sleep?" Stef smiled and put a plate of food down at an empty place. Love?
"Good." I mumbled. I was still super sleepy. I heard a voice behind me.... It sounded like another girl.
"Moms....." She said looking between Callie and I.
"Oh, Mariana, this is Callie and Taylor. They are going to be staying with us for a little while." Lena introduced, trying to draw away the confusion.
                          
There was more where that came from. Mariana had a twin brother, Jesus. And Stef had a bio son named Brandon.
He was Callie's age. Mariana and Jesus were in 10th, so I obviously was the youngest.
All the kids were surprised, especially Jesus and Brandon. Stef was making them share a room. Brandon got mad and left, but Jesus stayed and ate breakfast with us.
"So what happened to your face?" Jesus asked taking a bite of his pancake.
I looked at Callie to see if she would answer. But she had a weird look on her face.
"Hey, they have had a long night.... So cool it with the third degree." Lena warned.
                          
"So, Taylor and Callie will NOT be going to school today. You have been given a couple days to settle in." Lena said, grabbing her bags.
"Oh, I'm fine.... I can go." Callie said. I shot her a concerned look, but she didn't see it. "Seriously,  I'm fine. Plus, I don't want to get behind."
"Oh, if you insist...." Stef agreed.
"Can I go get ready?" Stef excused her. She started going up the stairs and I followed her. She went into the bathroom.
                          
"Why are you leaving me?!" I asked, starting to hyperventilate.
"Hey, hey. I need to go to school. You will be okay for a day or two without me." She said, dropping to my level.
"No, I don't want to. Remember.... Jet did the same thing. Please don't leave me." I said, starting to cry.
She hugged me and continued to tell me I was okay. I got it together and figured if she was being strong, I would too.
So along with her I got dressed and did my hair.
                          
"Callie, sweetheart are you almost ready? We have to go!" Lena said from downstairs.
"Yeah, I will be right down." She called back.
                          
I followed Callie downstairs with my backpack.
"Taylor honey, wha-what are you doing?" Stef asked softly.
"I'm going to school.... With Callie." I mumbled.
"Oh, uh-you have to stay home today love.... The doctor wants you to rest. Callie isn't injured.... So she can go. Do you understand?"
I ran over to Callie and tried to hide my tears, but she knew they were there.
"Please Callie. Only for today.... I'm scared." I whispered.
"I can grab Callie's homework..... I mean if it okay with you." Mariana offered.
"Okay, I will stay with you. Is that alright?" She asked, turning to Stef and Lena.
"Sure babe, whatever you need."
                          
Callie stayed home with me, and we had so much fun. We watched a movie, had a nap, ate lunch, played try not to laugh, and watched another movie. 
I had a chiropractor appointment at 5, and it went okay. It hurt really bad at times, but when she untwisted my spine it felt way better. Lena let only me and Callie go back, so I was more comfortable. I had to come back in a month or so for a check-up.
                          
When we got back to their house, Stef was waiting for us.
"Hey, how was the appointment?" She asked, sipping her tea.
"It was good." Callie answered. 
                          
I had bandages on my stomach from where the bruises were. Tonight they had to be changed, and I was dreading it.
"Taylor! Honey, it's time to change your bandages!" Stef called from the bathroom.
I looked at Callie and she looked back at me.
"Oh, uh I can do it...." Callie said, taking me to the bathroom.
"Okay, come here please." She said politely.
                          
When we got to the bathroom, Stef didn't leave.
"Okay, I'm just going to lift your shirt a little babe...." She said, closing the door.
"Uh, I thought Cal-Callie was to-to do it." I rasped.
"She can do it next time.... I want to do it tonight this time though. Just so they are right."
"Can't you just show her how to do it?" I asked to quickly. Stef gave me a concerned look.
"Taylor, baby I'm not going to hurt you." She reassured me. "All I want to do is help."
"Oh...." I said.
She bent down and started to lift up my shirt, but it started to give me a panic attack. I flinched and stopped her hands. She looked up at me in surprise.
"I'm sorry! Please.... I just can't!" I cried.
I ran out of the bathroom to try and get some air, but Callie was right behind me.
"Taylor baby, it's okay!" She said, pulling me into a hug. "All she wants to do is help you."
"I don't want their help! I want you to do it!" I sobbed.
"Taylor.... Please let her help." She pleaded.
"No! I-I don't want her to touch me!" I said pulling away. "Jet was the same way! Don't you remember? He beat me, and he hurt you! But he was nice at first! I'm not making the same mistake twice!" 
"Hey, I know your scared, and don't trust her. But all you have to do is let her do it once, and then I will do it." She was trying to calm me down.
"No!" I croaked as I got out of her grip and ran downstairs.
                          
I went to the kitchen and saw Lena and Mariana.
"Taylor.... Is everything okay?" Lena asked.
I quickly nodded, but turned and went into the living room. I laid on the couch and faced away. I thought about my mom. I thought about how she would never have let this happen to me. How she let me sleep with her when I had a nightmare, or how she would rub my back when I was sick, even how she would just take Callie and I out for ice cream or to the park. She would just always be with us. I haven't seen my mom since I was about 5 and Callie was 9. But I can still remember what she looks like.... And even her perfumes sent.
The thought brought me to tears. I missed her so much.... All I want is one more day. I just want to see her one more time, and hug her, and kiss her, and tell her that I love her just one more time.
                          
"Taylor?" Callie called out.
"I'm in here!" I said, trying to wipe away all the tears.
"Hey.... So I talked to Stef and she showed me how to do it." She said.
I got up, wincing in pain.
                          
I followed her into the bathroom. She took off my shirt and examined my torso. It was pretty black and blue and she looked a little disgusted. She changed the bandages quickly and smoothly as possible. When she was done, we both left the bathroom. Lena and Stef were calling us for dinner.