the only exception

"Erin, this is Phoebe and her foster mother, Hayley. Phoebe, Hayley- this is Erin." Mrs. Murphy introduced the group.

Phoebe couldn't help but to frown at the term foster mother. She wanted to argue, even if she knew it was the correct term. Thinking about it only made her dwell more on the fact that Hayley wasn't legally or biologically her mother. She was scared that out of the two, Erin had more of a claim on her.

"It's nice to meet you, Hayley." Erin smiled, reaching across the table to shake her hand.

"You too," Hayley replied, smiling just as bright. Phoebe couldn't help but to take it as a betrayal.

"And wow, Phoebe, you're so pretty. You've grown so much." Erin grinned at the teen.

"Growing is what kids do." Phoebe replied shortly, biting back the not that you would know that was hanging loosely on her tongue. Hayley squeezed her hand. Whether it was a reprimand or reassurance, Phoebe wasn't sure.

"I guess you're right," Erin replied, her voice and smile tightening up. Phoebe watched as she glanced over at Mrs. Murphy before turning back. "Oh! I brought you some pictures." She told Phoebe nervously.

Phoebe watched her fidget for a moment, voice quiet,"Pictures?"

"Yeah, you when you were a baby. No taller than my knee." The woman grinned, turning to grab a stack of pictures out of her purse. Phoebe hated seeing herself in the strangers' smiles. She wondered if Hayley noticed too.

As she handed them over, Phoebe couldn't help but to let out a small smile. She'd never seen herself as a baby, but now she was holding memories from the first three years of her life- printed out and heavy in her hands.

"Thanks." She said after a moment, looking up nervously. "Can I keep these?"

"Of course, I've got plenty at home." Erin agreed quickly, her smile brightening.

"Hello, can I help you ladies with some drinks and appetizers?" A man asked, notebook steady in his hand as she smiled at the group.

They all settled on water, deciding to go ahead and order their food while they're at it.

"Mom, which salad did you get last time we were here? I think I'll just get that." Phoebe asked, faltering slightly when she realized Erin had heard her call Hayley mom. She didn't look at her.

"The Berry Chicken Salad- no chicken and no cheese." Hayley told her easily.

Phoebe turned back to the waiter and ordered it, Hayley ordering one too. Once everyone had put their orders in, a silence fell over the table- Erin breaking it again with shaky words.

"Sorry your dad couldn't be here, he can't get out of work this week."

Phoebe's head snapped up, eyes narrowing, "What?"

"He's up for a promotion and his job'll be closed all next week, so he couldn't take off. He says hi, though. He'll be here next time." Erin told her easily.

"You know my-" Phoebe paused, the term feeling wrong to apply to a stranger while Taylor was out waiting in the car. She wishes he was here too- to crack some jokes and offer some more calmness. "You guys are together?"

Erin nodded in response, making Phoebe's face drop.

"I want to go home." Phoebe decided, turning her attention to Hayley.

"What?" Erin asked, voice slightly panicked, obviously searching for whatever it is she did wrong.

"Pheebs, the food hasn't even gotten here yet." Hayley mumbled, glancing awkwardly over at Murphy and Erin.