A New Beginning (The Second Chance Series Book 1)

by Christina Escue

  Chapter Twelve

  While Trent was talking to Karla, John was placing a call to Puerto Rico. When a younger sounding female voice said a soft “hello” after three rings John responded, “Hello. My name is Captain John McGraw and I’m with the Metro/Davidson Police Department in Nashville, Tennessee. May I speak with Mrs. Rosa Melendez please?”

  “Si, one moment please.”

  “Thank you” John responded, thankful that at least someone in the household spoke English.

  A couple minutes later an older, heavily accented, female voice came on the line. “This is Rosa Melendez.”

  “Mrs. Melendez, this is Captain John McGraw from the Metro/Davidson Police Department in Nashville, Tennessee. Do you speak English well or do I need a translator?”

  “I speak English. I lived for many years in the United States with my husband. What is this about?”

  “I’m calling to inform you that your grandson and granddaughter may have a half-sister here in Tennessee. Your son-in-law possibly has a fourteen year old daughter. As their legal guardian I was wondering if you’d consent for them to take a DNA test to confirm if she is their sister.”

  “Alexander would have never cheated on my Maria, but if you think this child may be his then I’ll talk to them about it. Manuel is eighteen and can make his own choices, but Kiara is only sixteen and I am responsible for her wellbeing. If you can give me a phone number where you can be reached I will get back to you as soon as I can.”

  “Thank you ma’am. We only have the word of the child’s mother that Mr. Figueroa is her father. I hope we’re able to find out one way or another soon. Thank you for your time.” John gave her his office and cell phone numbers then hung up. He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes for a moment, thinking about all this.

  ****

  After she hung up the phone Rosa sat in her chair and thought about what Captain McGraw had told her. On one hand she knew she needed to talk to Kiara and Manuel, but on the other, if what Captain McGraw told her was true then everything they knew about their father was a lie. How could she shatter their image of their father? Then again, how could she not when the wellbeing of a child was at stake. Having made up her mind she called them in. “Manuel, Kiara, may I speak with you for a moment please?”

  “Yes Abuela, what do you need?” Kiara said as she walked in the room followed closely by Manuel. “Does this have anything to do with the phone call you received earlier?”

  “Yes Kiara. I have to talk to you and Manuel about something very important. Sit down please.” When Manuel and Kiara were seated Rosa continued. “The phone call was from a police officer in the United States. He called to tell me something really important. Something that I need to discuss with you.”

  “Sounds serious Abuela. You’ve always been open with us about everything so you can be open about this too.” Manuel said as he grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently.

  “Captain John McGraw from Nashville, Tennessee called me to inform me that you possibly have a half-sister in the United States. He asked me if I would consent for you two to have DNA tests done to see if what this child’s mother says is true.”

  Kiara moved from the chair she was sitting in to the open spot on the couth beside Rosa. After taking Rosa’s other hand Kiara asked, “How old is she? Padre died just after I turned two and Manuel was almost five. If she’s older than Manuel it wouldn’t matter, but if she’s younger than me that means padre cheated on madre. You’ve always told us he was a great man and that he loved her, and us, more than anything. If that was true then this girl can’t be his daughter. I want to take the test. I need to know what kind of man padre was.”

  “I will take the test too Abuela. I need to know as well.”

  “Kiara, she is fourteen years old and the police officer only has the word of her mother that your father is also her father. I agree that you need to take the test, but they really only need one of you. I don’t have to sign for Manuel to take it so it would be easier for him to do it. Is that okay with you both?” They both nodded and she continued. “Okay. I will call Captain McGraw back now and find out what you need to do Manuel. I think you both made the best, most adult decision in this. I am very proud of you.”

  When Manuel and Kiara left the room Rosa picked up the phone and called Captain McGraw to find out what needed to be done.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Dr. Andrew Peterson walked into his home an hour after his shift ended. His thoughts were still back at the hospital with Karla. That child needed help and he’d thought of just the way to help her. When he didn’t see his wife in the family room or kitchen he headed upstairs. He found her in the only empty room in the house, the room that was supposed to be a nursery for the child they longed for. He walked to her, wrapped his arms around her from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder. He turned his head slightly and kissed her cheek.

  “Leslie, baby, are you okay?”

  “No Andrew, I’m not okay. We found out two months ago today that we’d never be able to have a child of our own. I am thirty-three years old and will never know what it’s like to feel our child growing inside me. I know we’re on the waiting list at every adoption agency in the state, but it’s just so hard waiting. I was thinking today and I want to discuss something with you. Can we go down to the kitchen and talk? I know you have ER rotation again tonight and that you need to get some sleep, but I really think we need to discuss this first.”

  “Okay love. I have something that I want to discuss with you too.”

  They walked down to the kitchen holding hands, as much in love as they were when they’d gotten married ten years before. Andrew was still in medical school then, doing his internship and Leslie was starting to build her webpage design business. Now she was one of the top web designers in the state and he was the youngest ever head of the emergency department at the hospital where he worked. The one thing that would make their lives complete was a child.

  When they got to the kitchen Leslie put on a pot of coffee and Andrew got out the stuff to make veggie omelets, he’d missed breakfast this morning at the hospital and was hungry. As he mixed the eggs with a little salt, pepper and dill Leslie started chopping tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms. He stopped beating the eggs to take in the sight of her. Her petite build, milky white skin, long blonde hair and jade green eyes were a drastic contrast to his features, but they fit perfectly together.

  Once the omelets were done and they each had a cup of coffee they sat at the island and started eating. As they were eating Leslie started talking. “I’ve been thinking and I’ve realized something. There are a lot of children out there in need of homes. We have a big, empty house in need of a child’s laughter.” She paused, took a deep breath and continued. “I was thinking that maybe we should become foster parents or adopt an older child. One that just needs a little TLC. What do you think?”

  “Leslie, are you reading my mind? That’s just what I wanted to discuss with you. I was thinking of becoming foster parents. You work from home, so even though I have crazy hours sometimes it wouldn’t hinder us. A fourteen year old girl started me thinking about it. I looked up the information before I left work. We can have the papers and background checks completed in five to seven days. What do you think?”

  “Oh Andrew I think that’s a wonderful idea, but how did a fourteen year old girl start you thinking about this?”

  “Her name is Karla. She was brought into the ER at about nine last night. She was covered in bruises and had a couple cracked ribs and a cracked collar bone. Her mama’s boyfriend had beat the hell out of her. Her mama was arrested for drugs and the boyfriend took off. She looked so lost and so scared, it just broke my heart. It also made me start to wonder just how many others there were just like her out there. This morning when I went to see her I found out that your brother is her case worker, that’s why he called and rescheduled dinner last night. I talked to him a little and he told me he sees cases just like hers com
e through the office every day. It makes me sick knowing we long for a child and can’t have one when so many people have them that don’t want them.”

  “Andrew, are you thinking about fostering a child in general or fostering this specific child? It sounds to me like you’ve already became attached to her. That you already care.”

  “Leslie you’d have to meet her to understand, but there is just something about this specific child that has touched something inside me. I don’t know her whole story, but I know she’s been through Hell and survived. If she’s this strong after everything she’s been through, I’d love to see what she’s like when given the love and care she needs.”

  “Okay. If this is what you want then I’m in. We’ll talk to Bob today and get the paperwork started. He may be able to skip on the background checks since he’s my brother. Maybe we’ll know something sooner.”

  “Leslie I love you more than words can express. I promise you that Karla will fit right in here. She’s just what we need.”

  “I love you too Andrew and I trust you on this. I’ll call Bob right now and get the paperwork started. You may want to take a nap because I have a feeling it’s going to be a really long next few days.”

  “I’m ready for it Leslie. I’m ready to start this new phase in our lives. I ready to share our home, and our love, with Karla.”

  After Andrew kissed her and walked out of the room, Leslie picked up the phone and called Bob, thinking that today was the start of a new chapter in their lives.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Six hours later Leslie and Andrew walked out of the DCS office with smiles on their faces. They’d just completed the papers needed to become foster parents. Bob was able to speed up the process by personally vouching for them, so everything should be processed within three days.

  After they were in the car Andrew looked at Leslie and smiled. “How would you like to meet Karla?”

  “I would love too. I’m so nervous about meeting her though. I don’t know much about teenagers, except what I remember from my own teenage years. I hope she likes me.”

  “Honey calm down. She’ll like you. Don’t be discouraged if she’s shy at first though, she has been afraid for a very long time.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind Andrew. I still want to meet her, get to know her some so maybe this transition will be smoother for all of us. I want to talk to her and find out some things about her so I can get her a room ready. I am so excited about this.”

  “I know you are my love. I am too. We’ll be there in a few minutes and you’ll understand why she pulled at my heart so hard.”

  They rode the rest of the way in silence. When they pulled into the parking garage at the hospital Leslie was on pins and needles, anticipating meeting Karla for the first time. They held hands as they walked through the parking garage, up the elevator and to Karla’s door. Taking a deep breath, Leslie knocked on the door and waited.

  “Come in.” A soft voice said from in the room.

  Andrew opened the door and they walked in together. “Hello Karla. How are you today?”

  “I’m feeling better Dr. Peterson. Mr. Jennings just called to tell me that he has a place for me to go. He said that it’ll take a few days and that I may have to go to a group home first, but I won’t have to stay there long. Then Mrs. Jones took the phone from me and told him that she’s already a certified foster parent so she will take me home with her until all the paperwork is finished.”

  “That’s great Karla. I’ll be by with your release papers later today, once I come on shift, and you should be able to leave with Mrs. Jones then. How’s that sound?”

  “Sounds great. I have a problem though. I don’t have any clothes to wear other than what I came here in. If someone could take me to the apartment I was living in I can get my clothes and my books.”

  “We’ll talk to Captain McGraw or Detective Greeves and see if they can go by there for ya Karla. In the meantime I have some clothes at my house that should fit ya.” Mrs. Jones assured her.

  “Karla, I’d like you to meet my wife Leslie.” Andrew said with a smile.

  Karla looked at the pretty blonde woman in awe. She looked like a walking porcelain doll. “Hello Mrs. Peterson. How are you today?”

  Leslie’s face lit up in a smile as she answered Karla. “I’m doing really well today. Thank you. Dr. Peterson and I have something to discuss with you Karla.” She looked at Andrew and he nodded for her to continue. “How would you like to come live with Dr. Peterson and I? We just filed all the necessary papers to become your foster parents.”

  A worried look crossed Karla’s face. “I don’t know what to say. I think it’ll be good living with you, but I’m worried that I’ll mess up and you won’t want me anymore. I always mess up.”

  “Karla, honey, people mess up every day, but that isn’t going to stop us from wanting you. While we’re waiting for the papers to process I was hoping to take you shopping for clothes and anything else you may need. Since Mrs. Jones is going to be the one responsible for you until then I was thinking she’d like to go with us.”

  “I would love to dear.”

  “That’s awesome. Andrew, can you get that paperwork done so we can go as soon as possible?”

  Andrew chuckled, kissed Leslie’s forehead and said, “I’ll go see what I can do. Be back in a minute.”

  “YAY!! Thank you Andrew. I love you.”

  “Love you too!”

  After Andrew left Leslie looked at Karla and smiled. “You ready to get out of here?”

  “Definitely.”

  Andrew walked back in just then with a smile on his face. “Discharge papers are in the works. I also found you a pair of jeans that I think will fit you. You want to get dressed so you can get outta here once the papers are done?”

  “Oh yeah. I’m so ready to get out of here” she responded and she disappeared into the bathroom to shower and change.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Three days later Karla sat in her room at Mrs. Jones’ house and remembered her shopping trip with Mrs. Peterson and Mrs. Jones. That afternoon was the most fun she’d had since before Grams died.

  When a knock sounded she answered immediately. “Come in.”

  “Karla dear, Dr. and Mrs. Peterson are here. Are ya ready to go?”

  “I’m scared Mrs. Jones. I’m afraid I’m going to wake up and find out these past few days were all just a dream, like the ones I’ve had for years.”

  “Child this ain’t a dream. Believe me I understand about dreams, and I can assure this ain’t one. This is as real as me and you. Now let’s get your stuff so ya can go home with these lovely people.”

  “Okay Mrs. Jones. I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

  They gathered Karla’s small pink suitcase, which Leslie had insisted on her getting, and headed out the door to where Andrew and Leslie waited in the small living room. When they walked in Leslie and Andrew stood up. Andrew walked over to Karla and took her suitcase while Leslie walked to Mrs. Jones and hugged her.

  When the two women broke apart Leslie handed Mrs. Jones a business card. “This is my cell phone number, my business number and our address. Please feel free to call or come by anytime. I’m sure Karla would love it if you visited and we’ll bring her by to see you some too I promise.”

  Tears filled Mrs. Jones’ eyes as she set the card on the table and embraced Karla. “I’m here if ya ever need to talk child. Ya have my number, don’t hesitate to call day or night. I love ya Karla.”

  “I won’t Mrs. Jones. I love you too.”

  When Karla and the Peterson’s left Mrs. Jones sat on her couch and thought about everything that had happened over the past five days. After a few minutes she decided to make herself a cup of tea and read a book.

  ****

  Two hours later, after an amazing dinner with Dr. and Mrs. Peterson, Karla sat in the backseat of Dr. Peterson’s black 1965 Mustang convertible. The wind was blowing through her hair was thoughts of what was
to come, meshed with thoughts of what had been, played through her head. A week ago she would have never thought she’d be riding in a car like this after eating a meal like she’d just eaten.

  Leslie interrupted her thoughts, “Karla, we’re almost home.”

  “Home” Karla replied in awe. She hadn’t had a home since Pops died. That was almost six years ago.

  “Yes, sweetheart, home. I hope you like the house and your room. If you don’t like your room we can change it, but if you don’t like the house….” Leslie trailed off when Karla gasped audibly. Having just looked around at the neighborhood they’d entered, Karla was in shock and awe at the pure magnetism of the houses on either side of the street they were driving down. She’d never seen houses that big up close before. Diane had always stayed away from neighborhoods such as this.

  When they pulled into the driveway of a house the size of the apartment complex where she’d lived in Daytona, Karla was rendered completely speechless. Andrew and Leslie exited the car and Leslie held up the front seat so Karla could crawl out of the back while Andrew grabbed her suitcase.

  After they entered the house and Andrew deactivated the alarm, Leslie took Karla’s hand and led her upstairs. “This is mine and Andrew’s room.” She said, pointing to the door on the left. “And this is your room.” She pointed at the first door on the right. “I’ll let you go in and look around a bit. Just let me know if you need anything or if something doesn’t suit you. I’ll just be downstairs in the kitchen. I hope you like it here Karla. I really hope you do.”

  Once Leslie was gone, Karla walked into the room and absorbed every little detail. With a sense of being overwhelmed, Karla buried her face in her hands and cried. She was finally away from all the blame and hatred, but how long could it last?

  A few minutes later Karla wiped her tears from her cheeks and headed downstairs to start her new life.