A/N: It has been way too long. I apologize profusely. I've had this chapter sitting on my docs for ages and forgot about it. I've been pretty much brain-dead when it came to this story, but I think I'll be able to continue it now, although it might take a slightly different direction than my original notes and from the seasons as they stand. If anyone has any suggestions for anything, even if they're oneshots, please please send them my way. It would really help me out with my block when it comes to the Fosters, this story and others. Anyway...I apologize for the delay. I own nothing except my OCs and my variations on the plot.

Chapter Eight

Callie didn't miss her moms' change in expression once Jude had led Brandon and Cara up to the house. She hadn't seen her mom and Lena this angry… well ever.

"You know you're in a lot of trouble right?" Stef asked.

Callie nodded even as she was caught off guard by her moms pulling her into a monster hug. "I thought you said I was in trouble." she wheezed out.

"Oh don't worry…" Stef laughed. "You still are."

Lena opened the door and they went inside, Callie out of pure force of habit, walking to the kitchen table and waiting for her moms to start talking.

"Callie, I wouldn't expect this from you." Stef said.

Callie sighed. "I know... I'm sorry."

"Why didn't you call us sweetheart?" Lena pulled up a chair beside Callie and took her hand.

"I…" Callie sighed. "I didn't want Jude or Brandon to get in trouble."

Stef pursed her lips. "And you thought Jude would be less likely to be in trouble if you took him to where a man had a gun? What made you think it was a good idea to take your brother?"

Callie felt the tears welling up. "I'm so sorry!"

"Callie…" Stef pulled Callie into a hug. "You scared us so bad tonight Baby."

"By the way…" Lena asked. "How is it that Jude was able to pull it past us? I thought that was Jesus' department."

Callie laughed. "He gave his phone to Connor."

"Oh you are both so grounded." Stef said. "You know that right?"

"How long?" Callie sighed.

"A week. No computer, no phone, school and straight home."

Callie huffed nodding. "I guess that's fair."

"No guessing about it." Stef crossed her arms. She motioned toward the stairs. "Go, get some sleep. We'll tell Jude in the morning."

Brandon and Cara sat in the living room as Brandon prepared an extra space for her to sleep.

"You've got a nice setup." Cara's voice was still soft, still barely there. "Are we really safe here?"

Brandon sighed. "Safer than we've been for a while. Still be careful though."

"You don't have to tell me twice B." Cara squeezed Lovey tight to her as Brandon pulled the covers up to her chin.

"Goodnight Cara."

As he watched his sister fall asleep, Brandon's mind was full. Sleep would be an impossibility for him tonight. He swung himself off of the chair and walked into the kitchen where Lena and Stef were still sitting. He hung around hiding behind the wall as they talked.

"I just can't believe she would bring Jude." Stef groaned. "What would possess them to even go without calling us?"

"Stef," He heard Lena's voice. "You saw that girl, you know Callie better than anyone. Whatever happened, she wasn't going to let that girl or her brother get hurt. She wouldn't let Jude get hurt either. She cares too much. Kind of like someone else I know?"

Stef sighed. "You're right. What are we going to do Lena?"

"I'll call Bill in the morning." Lena said. "One step at a time."

"I'm going to go upstairs, you coming?" Stef asked.

Lena stood walking to the entryway. Brandon tried to duck aside, but her eyes met his. "No, I'm going to have some tea… I'll be up in a while."

"Okay..."

Once Stef's footsteps faded, Lena spoke. "Hey… Brandon, what are you still doing up?"

He shrugged.

"Come on," She put an arm around his shoulder. "I was just about to make some tea. You want anything, juice, water?"

"I'll have the same." Brandon murmured.

Lena raised her eyebrows. "Oh! Okay, uh... you want any milk, sugar?"

Brandon nodded, his eyes firmly on his feet.

"Alright coming up." Lena smiled. "You know, my mom always used to say that a midnight cup and a quick chat was the solution to all of life's problems." She pulled two mugs as she laughed. "I guess I just picked up the tradition."

"That's nice."

"Yeah, I guess it is." Lena looked at Brandon as she placed his mug in front of him. "Something's bothering you."

"Why are you being so nice to us?" He didn't know what made him ask the question. Hell, he wasn't even sure why he let the question bug him so much. It was only his and Cara's first night here together and he had already seen more kindness from the Fosters than had been in Dave Wright's pinky finger.

Lena was taken aback by the question. "Oh Brandon…"

"I almost got your kids killed." Brandon didn't stop. It was as if he was trying to fill the space with words. "I almost got them killed and you didn't shove me in that cop car with Dave. Why not?"

Lena sighed watching as Brandon's eyes bore into hers intensely. He almost looked angry, but who was he more angry at? "Brandon, you didn't do anything, you didn't do anything that would make us force you back there. Were we worried for Callie and Jude?" Lena asked. "Yes, we were worried sick, but we were worried about you too."

Lena saw Brandon's face change. He looked as if someone had splashed cold water on his face, as if people worrying about him was something he actually had to process like two plus two. "Well… Thanks for the drink." he smiled slightly, a blink and you'll miss it sort, before getting up from the table and walking back into the living room leaving a confused Lena behind staring at her half-filled mug.

The morning came with a shock of sunlight, too bright for Cara's eyes. She put her hand up, only to feel someone grab it. Her feet moved rapidly, kicking out searching for contact as she heard an exclamation and the pressure dissipated.

"Hey!"

Her eyes opened as she saw the boys, the younger of the two she recognized from the cop car… phone call boy. The older boy was rubbing his wrist and glaring darkly at the younger, Jude. She smiled softly to herself as his name came to her memory.

"You touched her." Jude smirked. "Didn't Callie teach you anything?"

The older boy sighed. "I still have the scar to prove it."

Jude met her eyes. "Hey Cara, you sleep alright?"

Cara nodded.

"Oh!" Jude seemed to remember himself. "This is my brother Jesus." His voice dropped to a stage whisper. "I think you bruised him up pretty good."

"Hi." Cara said. "Sorry… about your hand."

Jesus nodded. "My bad. Remind me not to try to wake you." He laughed. "Moms are making breakfast in the kitchen. I think Brandon and Callie were setting a place for you."

Cara felt something indescribable. In any of her other foster homes, the family never took time to set places or make meals for her and Brandon. They had to get what they could when they did the dishes. This family was actually giving them a place at the table. Pretty sweet so far. She smiled.

"Come on."

So, next chapter is the visit with Mike for Jude and Callie, and rooming situations are discussed. Let me know your thoughts and any suggestions to jumpstart the muse . And I apologize for the delay.