A:N/ CANNONBALL DOE
Upon arriving at their apartment, Rachel passed Gracie over to Santana.
"Finn, make her something to eat. And turn up the heat. Kurt, call the police. Just...tell them what's going on." Rachel turned and followed Santana who was in the back room. She stopped and started a warm bath for Gracie.
Santana had managed to calm Gracie down. "Come here, baby, let's get you cleaned up. Santana stood and started toward the bathroom. "I'm going to try and find her something to wear," Santana told Rachel. Rachel nodded and took Gracie from her.
About 20 minutes later, Santana and Rachel had Gracie cleaned up. They had carefully braided her hair down her back, making her as comfortable as possible. By now, Gracie had stopped crying. Santana entered the kitchen with Rachel following. Gracie rested in Rachel's arms, her head on her shoulder. Finn had made her a grilled cheese sandwich.
Rachel spoke quietly into the girl's ear. "It's okay...He won't hurt you. None of us are going to hurt you. Sniffling and nodding her head, she made eye contact with Finn and tentatively reached out her arms. Slowly, Finn reached for her and set her gently in his lap. He pushed the plate of food towards her and watched as she carefully took a bite. She was starved.
"Hey, Gracie...come here, sweetie." Kurt reached out for her and she accepted willingly. He carried her to the couch with the other three following. They stayed that way for a while, in complete silence. The night had flipped so completely so quickly. What were they supposed to do now? They couldn't exactly give Gracie up or leave her to her own devices...
Their thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. Santana and Rachel exchanged glances.
"Let's...let's lay her down. This would only scare her," Rachel said. Santana nodded and took Gracie from Kurt.
Finn let the police in. They asked some general questions before Santana and Rachel returned with their take on the story.
It didn't take long. There wasn't really anything to tell anyway.
"Well for the sake of the child, we'll let her stay here tonight. No need to stress her out anymore. A CPS worker will be here in the morning, but for now, it's enough that she's comfortable and safe. And thank you all for calling. You did the right thing." The officer turned and left; Finn closed the door behind him. Rachel turned to look back at them.
"Now what?"
A:N/ I apologize for the wait. SINCERELY. I love you all! (R+R?) AND BUY CANNONBALL AND LOUDER OH AND I NEED A BETA! PM/COMMENT IF YOUR INTERESTED