So here starts the sequel to The Foster Rules. We are going to pick up a year later just before Brandon and Callie graduate high school. There will be a few time jumps in here as I really want to get into their college years. I hope you all enjoy this as much as you did The foster Rules. I have a few chapters already done and some ideas for story lines but as your reading if there is something you want to see let me know and I will try and work it into the story. I love reviews it inspires me to write more!

"Hey where is Brandon," Callie asked Mariana as she walked into the courtyard after school?

"Oh hey…he ducked out of last period since it was study hall," Mariana said like it was no big deal.

They were in the final months of their senior year with the twins wrapping up their sophomore year and Jude finishing 8th grade. Everyone was itching for it to be summer time and most students would often ditch their study hall for time in the courtyard….but not Brandon. Brandon never missed a class without a valid reason and to completely leave school something was clearly up.

"Ok thanks I will see you later."

Mariana went off to hang with her friends on the beach….one of the joys of going to Anchor Beach they were always steps away from fun in the sun. Callie meanwhile made her way home as quickly as possible. Her mind was racing with what could be going on. He hadn't sent her a text which was unusual because they usually met up after school. They had been dating for almost a year now and in the handful of times they couldn't meet up they always texted each other.

"Brand…..uhhf," Callie huffed out being suddenly and forcefully pulled upstairs by none other than Brandon almost the second she walked in the house.

Brandon quickly pulled Callie upstairs with him and to his room. He shut the door even though no one else was home at the moment.

"If a girl didn't know any better she would think you wanted to play," Callie said playfully.

Brandon walked over to his desk and picked up a large white envelope. Taking a minute to read the small print Callie got very serious.

"Is that…

"Yes."

"It arrived today?"

"Yes."

"Did you open it?"

"No."

Callie took a calming breath and took in the appearance of her boyfriend. It would have been clear to anyone he was nervous but she could see the fear in his eyes as well. Callie stood and took the envelope from him and tossed it behind her on the bed.

"Brandon no matter what that says I am so proud of you. The past three years you have grown up into an amazing person and I love you….and I will love you no matter what."

"I know we have talked about this before and about all the options."

"And I stick by every single one of them B," she said tracing his jaw line with her finger before giving him a reassuring kiss. "It is not going to be easy but it will be worth it."

Brandon grabbed the envelope off the bed and sat down in its place. Callie took her place sitting across from him.

"You do it," he said shoving the envelope away.

"You sure?"

"Yes….no….I don't know."

"Brandon you do it….you deserve to know first."

Brandon nodded and slowly torn open the package. Callie felt her heart pounding in her chest and she watched Brandon read over the first paper he pulled out of the package. It seemed like hours before he dropped the paper in his lap and looked up. She instantly knew.

"Hey love where is everyone," Stef asked walking in the door putting her gun and badge temporarily in the desk drawer?

Lena leaned over and accepted the kiss with a smile.

"Jude is in the dining room finishing some homework and the twins are at Lexi's."

"What about the love birds?"

"They have been upstairs all afternoon….they are acting weird."

"Weird?"

"Yeah…something is up but I don't know what," Lena said cutting up some vegetables for the salad.

"Weird like I am mad at you because you were flirting with someone or weird like I hope I am not pregnant," Stef asked not liking Lena's explanation.

"Umm I don't think either Captain Protector. Brandon took off after school….he actually left early during his final study period."

"He left school early? Did you ask him why?"

"Not yet. Brandon has never left early…he clearly had a reason….and based on their current mood something is going on. I am giving them some time to figure things out and come to us about it. I will discuss it with him later."

"That kid is very lucky to have you as a mom because I would go up their guns blazing wanting to know what the heck is going on," Stef said popping a cherry tomato in her mouth.

"That is why we are so perfect for each other….we balance each other out and find a happy medium."

Stef smiled and leaned over for another quick kiss. She was still concerned about what was going on with her oldest two but she was going to try and keep calm until she knew what was going on.

That was going to have to wait until after dinner. The twins arrived home twenty minutes ago and Jude was already at the table munching on anything he could get his hands on. For a kid that previously didn't like to snack between meals was going through a growth spurt and now it seemed like he has a hallow leg to store all the food he eats.

"Jesus please get Brandon and Callie for dinner," Lena requested.

Jesus walked over to the kitchen entrance.

"BRANDON CALLIE DINNER," Jesus yelled up the stairs.

He turned to walk back to the table and saw Lena and Stef standing there with their hands on their hips.

"What," he shrugged?

"I could have done that….next time go upstairs and get them," Stef said playfully punching his shoulder.

"It worked," Jesus said hearing the movement upstairs.

"Yeah now the whole neighborhood knows we are having dinner," Jude laughed.

"And if they don't hurry there won't be any food left."

Callie and Brandon appeared in the doorway clearly trying to act casual. Stef eyed up the pair and couldn't outwardly notice anything different about them. There were no hickeys or swollen lips like they had just been going at it all afternoon. They took their usual spots at the table across from each other.

The first few minutes of dinner involved passing around the plates getting food and drinks for everyone. The family settled in and started to eat. The first part of dinner was always more quiet as the kids were usually inhaling their food like they were starving or something. Stef couldn't take it any long as she watched Callie and Brandon have a silent conversation with each other….she needed to know what the heck was going on.

"So how was everyone's day," stef ask hoping to get some insight.

Of course Mariana jumped right even almost going into painful detail of her day. Stef was interested in what her daughter was up to but really she wanted Brandon to say something. Jesus added a couple things about his day and Jude was too busy eating to say much.

"I can't wait until summer break," Callie said speaking up giving Brandon more time to find his voice. "I know I will be working but at least I will be getting paid and I won't have to worry about tests."

"And you start college in the fall that has to be exciting," Lena said hoping Callie was excited about going to school.

"I guess so….I mean I am not going very far I am still going to be living here."

"It's still a big step and maybe if the first year goes well we can talk about moving you onto campus."

"Yeah, that would be cool. I'll see how it goes. I have that orientation in two weeks and I am going to schedule my classes than do you think one of you could come with me," she asked a little nervous.

Stef and Lena looked at each other a smiled knowing just a year ago that request never would have been made.

"Definitely….we will make sure one of us if not both of us can make it. We want to explore where you're going to spend the next 4 years."

"Thanks."

The table fell silent again and the family got back to eating.

"I got into Julliard," Brandon said softly.

Stef and Lena again looked at each other wondering if they heard that correctly.

"What did you say?"

"I got into Julliard….the package arrived today."

"Oh my god B this is amazing," Stef said jumping off her stool and hugging her son.

Lena jumped up as well and created a mama sandwich. Brandon couldn't help but laugh at the excitement by his moms. He had been so excited when he read the letter that he was actually accepted…he did it….he got in. The excitement soon turned to anxiousness as he realized he needed to make a decision now. Julliard was the top school for performing arts but it was also in New York a 7 hour plane ride from everything he knew….and that was scary

"Is this what had you so jumpy today B," Lena asked once they sat back down at the table?

"Yeah I guess so…I knew the package was due this week and it hadn't arrived yet and I just couldn't wait any longer."

"I am so proud of you B," Stef said beaming.

"I am not sure yet if I am going to go," he said nervous of his mom's reaction.

"What," she asked almost jumping out of her chair.

Lena quickly put her hand on Stef's arm keeping her seated and grabbing her attention. Silently Lena begged Stef not to say anything else….not to put pressure on Brandon and make him think he has to go to Julliard.

"I am leaning towards going but its just a lot to think about and I just found out….I just wanted to say I am not 100% sure I am going….maybe only 75%."

"We have been upstairs weighing the pros and cons of going to Julliard all afternoon as well as some of his other options. They definitely don't prepare you for this in high school," Callie mumbled.

"Yes the educational system will certainly teach you book smarts but some things you can only experience through life," Lena explained. "So you have been discussing colleges all afternoon," Lena said looking at Stef who just rolled her eyes.

"Yea, I mean going to New York would be a huge change…there are lots of things to think about."

"I am glad you're taking this seriously B because it is a big decision and whatever you choose your mom and I will support you."

"She is right B where ever you want to go we are there for you….besides with technology these days it would be like you never left home."

"Oh wonderful my mom venturing into the internet be careful you don't break it."

"Is it possible to break the internet," Stef asked a little worried?

"For you I am sure it is."

After dinner Callie was helping Jude with the dish. She knew Brandon needed a little time to digest everything and discuss things with his parents…all three of them. As much as she would hate to see Brandon go she also didn't want him staying because of her…..in the end though he needed to come to the decision alone.

"Hey B want some company," Stef asked walking out on the porch?

"Sure," B said moving over on the swing.

"So Juilliard is pretty exciting."

"Yeah…I can't believe I got in."

"I can…you're a talented young man who works very hard at his craft. You put in the time…made the sacrifices and it all paid off B. You have left yourself many open doors and now you just have to pick one."

"What if I pick the wrong one?"

"There is no wrong one B. I know it feels like it because this is such a big change it is scary but nothing you can do is wrong."

"New York is so far away from everyone….from Callie."

"Have you two talked about you going to New York?"

"Yeah….she wants me to go….if that's what I want. She said she would support me and stick with me if I went."

Stef breathed a little sigh of relief. She really should expect nothing different from Callie….she just got it. Stef would support Brandon in whatever he does but she really didn't want Brandon to stay in California because his girlfriend was here.

"I am scared if I go all the way to New York she will be here meeting all these new people and realize what a dork she has been with. She will probably meet the star of the football team that will sweep her off her feet."

"Brandon Foster I don't ever want to hear you put yourself down like that. So you're not the star athlete…you have more talent at what you do than probably any athlete at your school."

"Jesus goes to my school mom," Brandon said with a chuckle.

"Yeah I know and he is a great athlete but you're a phenomenal pianist and maybe high school kids don't appreciate that like they should but things are different in college B. People know talent when they see it and appreciate it as such…..it wouldn't surprise if you were more of a big man on campus than you think."

"What if Callie meets someone else?"

"Sweets I don't have a crystal ball…I don't know what is going to happen in the future. I think you should have a little more faith in Callie though. I can't think of another couple that has been through everything you guys have and handled it with the maturity and love you have. You have been with her from day 1 love and know her better than anyone else. She trusts you and lets you see sides of her she hides away from everyone else. She is not going to through that away for just anyone. What you two have is special…I am not saying it will be easy or you won't hit some bumps in the road but you will get through."

"I love her mom," Brandon said with such honesty.

Stef knew no truer words had been spoken. Her son loved Callie with everything he had in him and she knew those feeling were returned.

"I know B. Whatever you decide I will….we all will fully support you. My advice is to go and see what it is all about. If you hate it…if it is not for you….come back we aren't going anywhere, but at least you can say you tried….you're not going to let us down if you change your mind. The only way I would be upset B is if you have regrets and don't do what you honestly want. I love you Brandon and I always will."

"Thanks mom….I love you too."

Later that night Brandon was sitting up in his room fiddling with his keyboard but not really putting together any music. Callie stood in the doorway for a minute just watching him. As rough as her life had been she wouldn't change a minute of it since it brought her here to this family to this young man she wanted to explore life with.

"I hope you play a little better than that if you go to Julliard," Callie joked walking into the room.

"Yeah I don't think I would last long if suddenly my skills reverted back to elementary school."

"So how are you doing?"

"Why do you love me," Brandon suddenly asked?

Callie was a little thrown with the question but decided to indulge him.

"Besides the fact your kind, sweet, caring and incredibly sexy….I love you because you saw the real me when I tried so hard to hide it from the world. You took the time to learn my story and saw past the damage I brought. You respected me enough to give me time to not only deal with everything but help me through without asking for anything in return. I love you because I know I can trust you with my heart and soul. No one is ever going to get me like you do….no one will be able to know when I am down and have a song waiting to cheer me up or put little surprises around for me to find just to make me happy. Brandon there are so many reasons I love you we could be here all night….but I do love you and whatever life's journey has in store for us I am glad we get to experience it together."

Brandon stood up and brought Callie into a passionate kiss….the type of kiss that would usually lead to a little more than just fooling around. Brandon pulled back a few moments later both teens breathing heavy.

"I am going to Julliard," he whispered.

The bright smile that spread across Callie's face put Brandon's mind at ease knowing he made the right choice and she fully supported him. She kissed him passionately before giving him a big hug.

"MOM," Brandon called out excited.

"LENA," Callie called out at the same time.

Both moms simultaneously appeared in Brandon's door wondering what the shouting was about.

"I hope you have a winter jacket," Brandon said with a smile.

Both moms new what that meant….their son was headed to New York. The four shared in a group hug all embracing this new start…all grown up and ready to take on the world.