the only exception

chapter 21

Phoebe just nodded a little before going back to eating. She felt grateful, of course, but couldn't help but to feel guilty for yet another thing Hayley and Taylor had to worry about for her.

They mostly ate in silence until her case worker, Mrs. Baker knocked on the door before letting herself in. Hayley and Taylor excused themselves and asked to talk to her in the hall for a moment while Phoebe changed into her clothes.

The only problem with going into the bathroom was she absolutely did not want to get out. She changed into her clothes quickly and then sat on the floor, pulling her knees to her chest before resting her head on them.

She didn't want to go to a group home, didn't want to live with more strangers, but especially not so many of them. She still didn't have any of the details on the home, but already knew she wasn't going to like it. She was so beyond optimism for anything at this point.

When someone knocked on the door, Phoebe groaned, "One second." But didn't move up from where she was sitting. Logically, she knew she wasn't just going to be able to sit there forever, but she hated the idea of leaving right now.

"Phoebe, you okay?" Hayley asked softly, knocking on the door again.

The teen rolled her eyes, "I said give me a minute."

"You've been in there for 5 minutes, honey. It doesn't take that long to get changed." Hayley sighed. "Can I come in?"

Phoebe sat in silence for a moment before reaching up to unlock the door, "Only you."

"Okay," Hayley agreed easily, moving into the room. Phoebe knew she was acting like a child right now but couldn't help it. She was tired of trying to act strong and independent and brave.

"What's going on, buddy?" Hayley asked, sliding down on the wall to sit next to the girl.

Phoebe shook her head, tears already welling up in her eyes, "I don't wanna go."

"I know you don't, and I'm sorry you have to..." The blonde frowned, opening her arms to offer Phoebe a hug, which she easily accepted. "Listen..." Hayley sighed, pressing a kiss on her head, "I wasn't going to say anything until it was like, a for sure thing, because we still have at least a month until we're officially licensed. But we've already talked to Mrs. Baker about it and it doesn't like, exactly mean it's 100% happening, but..."

"What?" Phoebe asked, leaning back from the hug to look at her. She isn't sure she's ever seen Hayley act nervous or ramble on like this.

"Well, if you're okay with it of course, Taylor and I are gonna try to foster you." Hayley told her, eyes softening, "now, as I said it's not a for sure thing yet because there's a lot of paperwork and legal shit to deal with but-'

Phoebe didn't let her finish as she quickly jumped back into the hug, tears now freely falling from her eyes, "You're serious?"

"Yeah, if it's what you want." Hayley smiled sheepishly as they pulled back from the hug. "It's better than going to a group home, I think. Plus, I swear I can't breathe not knowing if you're okay or not."

"Thank you so much," Phoebe cried out, not being able to resist hugging her again.

"Of course, honey. We want you with us." Hayley smiled softly, kissing her head once again. "However, for now..."

"I have to go," Phoebe frowned, pulling back and wiping her tears, "I know."

"But I'll still text and call you every day, yeah? And you keep me updated on what's happening?"

Phoebe nodded in agreement as they stood up.

"Also, Pheebs, if this home isn't safe, or you're scared, or uncomfortable, you have to tell me okay? Or at least tell someone. You can't let it reach that point again and we can't help you if we don't know what's going on." Hayley pleaded gently, making Phoebe nod a little.

"Okay."

Hayley let out a breath of relief, "You ready to go?"

"No," Phoebe groaned, "But I will."

Hayley gave her a reassuring smile as they left the bathroom, joining Mrs. Baker and Taylor who were chatting amongst themselves.

"You all good to go?" Mrs. Baker asked, pushing herself off the wall she was leaning on.

"I guess," Phoebe shrugged, turning back to Hayley, a nervous, but hopeful look on her face. "See you soon?"

"Of course," Hayley agreed easily, pulling her into another, final hug.

Phoebe pulled away and let Hayley move some hair out of her face, observing her nervously before pulling away and letting her go.

"Thank you," Phoebe told Taylor, giving him a quick hug too.

Taylor nodded, a small smile on his face, "Take care of yourself, kid."