Songs about the past

Rory Crawford. 22. Likes:Reading, Joanna, Spencer, being alone, movies. Dislikes:People, loud sounds, himself. Blog contains many triggers. Please read about before RPing. TIMELINES

[carminadepraeterito]

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[deathhasaheart]

“I don’t have the power to end your life right now. If I do, I’ll set off a paradox and you’ll rip apart the world because you’re eager to die. You have things to do, people to meet, time to spend.” Her words were as hard and cold as her glare. “I am just passing by. I watch people. I watch the interesting ones, like you, Rory Crawford. You caught my attention from the day your father died.” 

[carminadepraeterito]

"The intrest might be because I tease you so much" he said, sarcastically. He took a deep breath. "I'm not important like that. I am what you see right now. I'm scum. I'm... I'm dirt on the sidewalk. My life isn't worth preserving. I'm- I'm not worth it for anyone." he shook his head, trailing off. "You're just too lazy."

[deathhasaheart]

The dark haired woman looked down to the younger, slowly shaking her head. “Taking you away would be too easy, you’re time will come but your time is not today.” Death felt a shiver run through her body from the cold, the rain soaked her shoes. She had seen people in worse conditions before. 

[carminadepraeterito]

He looked down. "When is my day? It's never been my day even when I beg..." he breathed looking down. "If it's not my day you should just leave me be. Not get my hopes up and shit." he coughed, loudly, his entire body rattling with each wheeze. "I feel like it's my time. I havent been able to eat in... I don't know how long. Every time I cough it feels like I'm losing a lung, my body is aching, I can barely think and every night I wake up all covered in sweat. How isn't it my day. How isn't it my day when I think I'm talking to death?"

[deathhasaheart]

carminadepraeterito is going to die (but not yet)

[deathhasaheart]

“Do you remember me, Rory?” Death whispered in his ear before turning to stand in front of him. She wasn’t sure how she felt about this human, he murdered but she also pitied him. The woman had a sickly grin on her face, crossing her arms over her chest.

[carminadepraeterito]

Rory looked up at her, shivering slightly and furrowing his brow. He could barely find the strength to think, let alone speak. Too long without food, too long without water, just had gotten the money for a fix. "Are you here to take me away?" he asked, rocking on his feet, his legs almost too weak to support him. His tone was almost hopeful.

[carminadepraeterito]

Begging

[taintedinn-deactivated20141203]

As she came upon the boy, Riki’s throat went dry. She could barely find the words to speak, but she managed to choke up, “Come here, come with me!” 

Riki had starved herself on numerous occasions to make herself lovely. But, this boy was actually starving and he didn’t want to be. Riki could vividly remember the feeling of not eating for days at a time, and she certainly didn’t like feeling that way. 

She had a small room at a nearby Inn, the Tained Inn, and she was most definitely bringing the boy back with her. “Can you stand? Come with me—I’m going to take care of you, I promise.” 

[carminadepraeterito]

"Nonono..." he moved back. "I want- I need money. I don't want to go with you!" he moved backwards and shook his head. His body needed the food but his mind craved things that would be much harder to get. "M-money so I can save up and uh... get something nice" he stammered. That was mostly the truth. To him the relief he got from drugs was something nice. It would mean just a few seconds of relief from pain and hopelessness. Having enough money would mean not having to do unthinkable things just to get that relief.

“P-please. Just a few spare coins, you know, so a young guy can invest in his future?” he raised an eyebrow a little as he managed to cough up his words. His stomach growled loudly. That probably wouldn’t help him with his point. He sighed and closed his eyes, quickly realizing that this probably wouldn’t go the way he was hoping it would.

[carminadepraeterito]

Begging

From afar the figure on the street corner looked like nothing but a pile of rags. It barely even showed signs of movement at first glance. Upon closer examination, though, it would be recognized as a teenage boy. He was so thin and pale that his body nearly resembled a skeleton. His long, curly hair fell in his face, covering his dark green eyes. Only the deep circles underneath them were visible. His skin, was nearly completely white, if it wasn’t for the ugly bruises that covered his hands and arms.

It had been a month since Rory had been released from the juvenile detention center that he had been confined to for half a year on the charges of possession, assault, and theft. Rory was ignoring the terms of his release completely, mostly because he didn’t really understand it, but also because he didn’t care. “Help” he croaked, shifting a little and holding out a cup that he was trying to gather money from strangers in. It only had a couple pounds. Nothing he could really use, not for his purposes.  “Please I’m starving” he yelled at a couple passersby.

He was mostly ignored. Anyone could see he wouldn’t be using their money for food or for a place to stay. He fit the exact description of any junkie, and no one wanted to waste their hard earned cash on drugs. That was common sense. Unfortunatly this left Rory in a bad place. Doing anything and exploiting himself in any way just to get what he thought he needed.

[carminadepraeterito]

Timeline 1: Rory  twenty three years old and is happily engaged to Joanna Watson and has a child, Spencer, with her.

Timeline 2: Rory is seventeen years old and is living on the streets. He is addicted to heroin and would do pretty much anything to get a hit. He's bouncing from sleeping in shelters and community centers to sleeping in bushes and on park benches.

[carminadepraeterito]

Please Don't Take My Sunshine Away

[revenantx--archive]

Jo grabbed Rory’s arm when he started to break down. She tried to comfort him the best she could but he kept talking so she couldn’t say anything. Her lips were pressed into a thin, straight line. All she wanted to do was make him feel better but she didn’t know how. She was always bad with trying to comfort people when they were sad. And Rory was always the toughest of them all. 

When Spencer nuzzled into her shoulder, she slowly handed the baby back to Rory but stood close in front of him as if she was holding him too. “Rory… everything will be okay. We still have Spencer, we have a good place to live, and Spencer will be happy. He’s a happy little boy already.” She whispered and leaned over to kiss his cheek.

[carminadepraeterito]

Rory looked up at her and smiled. "Yeah. Sorry. Dumb." he breathed, blinking back the tears. "God. I can see why anyone would think I'm not... A fit parent I mean." he looked at the ground. "I guess it's gonna be okay, though. I calmed him down that time. He's fine because I calmed him down" he smiled softly. "I calmed him down so that means I can" a chuckle. "That means I can be a good dad I just have to work at it." 

He kissed the top of Spencers head and whispered. "I love you baby boy." he looked up. "And I love you, Jo. Forever. We'll be a family for ever. We don't have to worry. He was sort of just outwardly reassuring himself to feel better about the whole situation. "We just need to do what she says. We take care of the baby well and than... counseling  More counseling  I hate psychiatrists" he mumbled

[carminadepraeterito]

Please Don't Take My Sunshine Away

[revenantx--archive]

When Rory made his way down the stairs, she stood up again and walked over to him. A smile formed on her lips when she saw Spencer reach for Rory, she helped him and showed Spencer he could play with his collar gently. There were times when Jo was proud of Rory, she couldn’t help it. She knew things were hard for Rory, hell, going out to the super market was hard for him. So when she saw Rory able to calm Spencer down, which was hard, she would smile like an idiot. Her hand pressed to his cheek and she kissed the other softly. 

“I’m so proud of you, sweetie.” Jo smiled at him, dropping her hand down and pulling away from him to look at the woman. “Yes, we will. Thank you.” It was the first kind thing Jo has said to the woman and, to her surprise, it didn’t make her internally cringe. She was sincere with her thank you, grateful that she would keep her child.  A giggle escaped her lips and she looked back to Rory. 

“You need to shave, stupid.” Jo would sometimes call him that but in the nicest way possible. She pressed her forehead to his and ran her hand along his cheek gently. “Tell Daddy to shave.” She giggled down at Spencer and played with his hands gently. 

[carminadepraeterito]

Spencer giggled and reached out to put his hand on his mothers face. Rory shook his head and handed him to her. He didn't want to let on but there were tears in his eyes. He'd been terrified that he'd lose something again. He didn't want to lost family. He always lost family and he couldn't stand feeling that ache ever again. He stepped back and stared at his fiancee and his child. 

That's when he sort of broke down, beginning to sob softly. "My mum hates me." he breathed, biting down on his lip. "I thought maybe I was getting things together with my family but... No. She still wants to take away everything I've earned. She thinks I'm still that dumb fifteen year old she kicked out and sent to prison eight years ago!" he shook his head and began to rock on his feet.

"I'm not... I'm not! And I can take care of this baby too! He's mine and I... I can deal with him it's just so hard sometimes-" he stopped, his lip quivering and his body shaking. His green eyes met Spencers. The little boy had frozen and was now staring at Rory. The expression on the small features nearly matched Rory's exactly. A slightly pouted, quivering lip, tears brimming over large, green eyes, flared nostrils.

Rory sighed, pulling himself together, faster than he ever had before. He forced a smile at the baby. "Its okay Spencer... Daddies okay. Everythings gonna be alright and mamma and dadda love you" he smiled, taking more deep breaths. Spencer turned himself and nuzzled into Jo's shoulder, scared and confused.

[carminadepraeterito]

Please Don't Take My Sunshine Away

[revenantx--archive]

“Seven. Seven minutes he had been crying. I-I had been counting and seeing if he could…” Joanna stopped herself and rubbed her cheek with her palm. For a moment, she let the words sink in slowly and she bit her lip hard before looking back up. “I don’t… I…” She wasn’t even sure what she was trying to say anymore. Excuses, excuses, excuses. That’s all it ever was anymore. Suddenly, she heard a few short cries then loud crying coming from upstairs. Always, Jo was the one to run up and calm him but she stopped. She wanted to prove that Rory could do it. Without saying a word to the other woman, she nodded and hummed “uh huh” as if barely agreeing with her. 

She ran into the other room. “Rory… Rory.” Jo grabbed his hand and pulled him so he was looking at her. “Please, calm him down. You have to, understand?” Her hand cupped his face and she pulled him down to her a little. “Rock him slowly, not fast or shakily. And hum to him. Hum the song I always hum. You must know it by now. The one about the moon. Hold him tight, hold him like you have to protect him.” She said, almost sternly but her voice was still soft. “I love you.” She breathed and kissed his forehead. 

[carminadepraeterito]

Rory did as Jo had told him. He cradled Spencer gently, trying to calm the shaking that she had warned him against. He hummed Jo’s song softly. Not only did it soothe Spencer but it soothed him too. It had always been what Jo had sang to him in the worst times of panic. “Hush. It’s okay sweetheart. You’ll always be mommy and daddies. No one’s going to ever take you away” he whispered and the baby slowly calmed down. That filled Rory’s heart with warmth. He wasn’t totally incapable and maybe, just maybe his mother was wrong about him. “Let’s go down, love” he muttered, rocking  the baby slowly in his arms and starting out the door and down the stairs. “Hey” Rory muttered, staring at the intruder.

Her gaze softened. He looked so happy holding that little boy and the way the small child reached to touch his father was too much. She could never take that away from either of them. “Rory. Are you in therapy?” she asked.

Rory nodded. “Yes. Court mandated. And I was anyhow” he breathed, shaking his head a little bit and  pressing his lips together.

“Alright” said the woman. I think for I’m going to leave Spencer in your custody but I’m watching still so… Take care of yourselves and take care of him” her voice was a little stern but she seemed compassionate at the same time.

[carminadepraeterito]

Please Don't Take My Sunshine Away

[revenantx--archive]

Joanna shook her head. “No.” Her voice was stern as she held onto Rory’s hand tighter. “I don’t need anymore therapy after three straight months of it.” Besides, I’m long gone. The thought sent shivers up her body and she looked down, breathing in sharply and trying to be steady. It was harder than she thought. A hell of a lot harder than she thought. But Jo was okay, she was always okay. She thought she had to be for Rory and Spencer. 

Gently, Jo squeezed Rory’s hand and held it close to her with both hands locked around his. Rory was her anchor, keeping her steady when she felt as if her body would give out soon. “I feel fine. Everything is in my past and Spencer will never see it.” Her eyes closed and she leaned against her anchor. All Jo wanted was for this woman to leave and Rory to hold her close. 

Why couldn’t this woman see that they were okay parents? Not great but not the worst. They know how not to treat their child. Jo knew exactly what she would do right with Spencer. Tell him everyday how much she loved him, remind him that no matter what she loved him, and that he was perfect in every way. To her, he was her perfect little angel. And no one would take her perfect little angel away. 

[carminadepraeterito]

“Rory. I need to speak to Joanna alone if that’s quite alright with you” the woman said, sighing a little bit. She could see Joanna was masking fear with anger so she wanted to have some time to speak with her and reassure her. Rory nodded, dropping Jo’s hand and leaving the room, his green eyes wide with much fear. He limped into the other room, his every step shaky and uncertain.

“Joanna… Honestly currently I am much less worried about you as a parent than I am about Rory. I think you may have some anger issues to work on but other than that you seem perfectly fit to be a parent.” She furrowed her eyebrows a little bit. “You really need to teach your fiancée how to take care of that baby. When I walked in here it seemed like he’d been crying for at least 10 minutes. And then I worry about his psychological health as well. Things like suicide and self harm affect family too. From what I saw it seems like that’s something Rory’s still struggling with, and I can confirm that with his recent hospital visit. I think it’s safe for you two to keep your child but I strongly encourage counseling for both of you. I know you don’t like it but I can make it happen” she said, sternly, staring at Jo.

[carminadepraeterito]

Please Don't Take My Sunshine Away

[revenantx--archive]

Joanna looked down like Rory had when the question was asked. “Some say I have a short temper.” Jo breathed, closing her mouth tightly. I’m becoming my father, I’m becoming my own nightmare. With that thought she thought she was going to break into tears again but she didn’t. She breathed in and looked back up to the women. “But never once have I raised my voice with my child.” Her stare was hard, enough to turn a person into shreds. “And never will I. Never will I harm my child. Why go around the question you are really asking, hmm? We all know what you’re asking.” Her hand tightened around Rory’s and she dug her nails into the palm of his hand without realizing it. 

“As for theft, I was a teenager at the time. I had just ran away and I needed to survive.” Her expression softened slightly but just barely. Her lips were still pursed, her eyes fierce and full of a fire she hadn’t expected herself to have before. No one ever, no crime boss, no ex looking for revenge, no social worker would take her son. It was a mother’s instinct to always be there for their children. Now she fully understood why her mother got her out of the seat first before herself. 

“On those records you will see many mental issues I have. Many are related to trauma I have had in the past. Post traumatic seizures, I checked myself once for three months, hallucinations of spirits and my father.” Rory hadn’t known about the seizures, there was only one and Augustus was there for it so she made him keep it a secret from Rory. Joanna didn’t even glance to her soon to be husband, she kept her stare on the woman. ” — but I can assure you I am perfectly fit to be a mother.” And spirits are real, lady. Jo hated when they tried to convince her that they weren’t there.   

[carminadepraeterito]

“Joanna I’m going to need to ask you to calm down. I am not attacking you personally. I do not want to take your child. I do not think you are abusive to your child. What I am here to do is simply my job. My job is to assess if this environment is healthy for a child and to figure out if parenthood is something that is healthy for both of you and is something you are ready for” her voice was steady and calm. She dealt with this sort of thing a lot. “I’m on your side, I’m trying to figure out what’s best for you, and what’s best for Spencer. I’m not the bad guy, you just have to work with me” she said, smiling reassuringly. “Joanna, are you medicated for any of this. Are you seeing a therapist?” she asked.

Rory shook his head. “I- Even if you say we aren’t good… What will that mean?” he asked. “Spencer just can’t go to Esther and Frank. They’ll mistreat him and… adoption would never work out right. He’s said very few words. He can barely toddle. I don’t think he always really even sees us. The foster system is shit. Please just let him stay” a tear ran down his cheek.

“We’ll do what we think is healthy for Spencer” the woman said. “Now, Rory. I asked Joanna a question. You need to let her answer. You don’t need to worry about anything right now. I think with some work you both could do very well taking care of Spencer. I will put a good word in for you, but I also have to ask you questions and take notes. Because it’s part of my job and I want to be absoloutly sure your baby is safe”

Rory nodded. “I’m sorry” he whispered. He was just terrified. He didn’t feel like he could afford to lose any family ever again. Not after his parents, not after Jules and Izzy.

The woman smiled at him. “Now Jo, are you in therapy?” she asked again. “Because if you haven’t seeked both medical and psychological attention I would strongly recommend it. You know, so you’re happy” she said, sincerely.

[carminadepraeterito]

Please Don't Take My Sunshine Away

[revenantx--archive]

It was awhile before she found the courage to leave Spencer, sleeping unknowingly to what was happening, in his bed and go back down stairs. For a moment, she wished she was Spencer. Innocent and still pure, no scars from a father who didn’t care, no trauma from a man who took joy out of scaring her, and no memories of what happened to her. Her hand ghosted of the little boy’s head, feeling his thick, dark hair that must have come from his father. She cupped his chubby cheeks and looked at how big and tall he was. That must have been from her. A laugh escaped her lips, seeing him just made her happy. Knowing that he was a creation of both her and Rory made her laugh despite how horrible she felt. 

Joanna walked down stars, slowly and careful not to make too much noise. Just as she saw the woman, she looked away just as fast as she saw her. She heard what he said about the screams and it felt like a hand was wrapped around her heart, squeezing tightly. Lord, we’re not good parents. We’re not.

She walked over to her soon-to-be-husband, wrapping her arms around him. Jo didn’t know how Rory felt at that moment, with this stranger in their home with the power to take their son. It might have been close to how she felt. Her head rested on his shoulder and she looked up to him. “I love you.” She whispered. 

[carminadepraeterito]

Rory glanced at Jo and smiled softly. “I love you too. It’s all going to be okay” he took her hand and squeezed it. “They can’t take him. They can’t” he breathed, an empty promise. He did intend to  make those words true, though.  He lifted her hand and kissed it softly. “It’s going to be okay” he whispered. “We’re good parents.” He nodded. You’re a good parent, rather. Rory didn’t believe it of himself. He felt like Jo did more work than the both of them combined. And, well, he was far too emotionally unstable to handle a baby all on his own. He didn’t dare mention that in front of the social worker, though.

“You did a very nice job getting him to sleep” the woman scribbled down some notes as she spoke. That relieved Rory, at least Jo was doing alright. That could save them from losing their child, he hoped so anyhow. “You’re good at that. Have you considered trying to teach Rory how best to calm the boy?” she asked, looking between the two, quizzically and clicking the pen several times, it was a bad habit at hers that came with nerves and, indeed, this job made her very nervous. Sometimes people would lash out when the threat of losing their kids became imminent.

Rory stared at the clicking pen in her hand. “That makes me nervous, and yeah, she’s tried. I guess I’m just stubborn” terrible “I thought maybe I could figure it out like most people do but I’m not a good dad so I guess I can’t” he breathed and rocked gently on his sneakered feet. Shouldn’t have said that.He hoped that comment wouldn’t be bad for keeping Spencer in their care. He was growing quite fond of the eccentrically giggly little baby, even when he didn’t really seem to notice his parent’s presence. He didn’t want to lose him, not now.

“I’m sorry. Perhaps let Joanna teach you. Everyone learns from someone.” She gave Rory a warm, reassuring smile and stopped clicking her pen. “I hate bringing these things up with you. “You’ve been institutionalized several times, Rory. Can you tell me why?” she asked. “I’ll look elsewhere if you are uncomfortable talking about it.” She said.

Rory waved a hand. “Doesn’t matter. I’m already uncomfortable. Suicidal thoughts and actions, self harm, drug abuse.” He listed. “I’ve been clean for a year and a few months, of the drugs, I mean.” He breathed.

“And what of the self harm and the suicide attempts?” she asked. Rory looked at the floor.

“Not comfortable” he muttered and rubbed at his arm, pulling down the sleeves a little bit. He didn’t think the recent attempt would bode well for him and Jo in this whole ordeal. He decided to keep quiet. The hospital had ruled it as an “accident” he wouldn’t argue with that one.

She nodded and looked at Jo. “You’ve been charged with theft and assault.  Are these behaviors frequent for you? She asked.

[carminadepraeterito]

Please Don't Take My Sunshine Away

[revenantx--archive]

Joanna stared at Rory for a moment before leaning back on the couch. She worried about him but ignored him. “We are good parents, if that’s what you’re implying.” Jo replied. “Rory and I have grown up in the worst conditions that a child could go through so we know what not to do.” Her voice tripped with bitterness but at this point she stopped caring. “And the woman who called you is one of the biggest hypocrites I have ever seen considering what she’s done to Rory almost his whole life.” When she finished her sentence, she realized Spencer was crying, probably because of Joanna raising her voice the way it did.

“Rory, please talk to her while I calm Spencer, it’s time for his nap anyway.” Jo said, rushing up the steps and into Spencer’s room. It didn’t take long to calm him down but it was Jo who really needed it. Warm tears rushed down her face and fear ran through every part of her body. She had never been so scared in her life. After everything she’s been through, this was the scariest of them all. Jo rocked him slowly, nuzzling against his cheek gently.

[carminadepraeterito]

"What did your mother do to you that makes her such a hypocrite?" the woman clicked her pen and raised an eyebrow as Joanna left the room. She needed as much information as she could get to make an accurate assessment. She felt a slight sting; she knew all of this was very painful for both Rory and Jo. She hated watching people like this, so scared and flustered. She didn’t feel this people deserved to lose their kid. They were working hard, but she couldn’t let her feelings get in the way of being professional, taking care of children.

Rorys eyes narrowed and he stopped moving at all. He took a deep breath and opened his mouth. “She was verbally abusive alcoholic who let her hateful pig of a husband beat me till I bled” he spat. “And she says I’m not fit to be a parent” tears were in his eyes. “I try as hard as I can with that little boy. I haven’t always been the best person. I’ve been to prison. I’ve done drugs but I think I make that little boy happy. I’m a different person now” he raised his voice a little bit.

The woman remained completely calm despite his obvious anger and discomfort. “Does the fact that my handwriting is crooked bother you?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

He nodded, slowly. “I-I don’t know why. It is just… bothersome. I see it and it’s all I can focus on.” he sighed heavily and watched as she wrote down the words. “Obsessive Compulsive.” He hoped desperately that wouldn’t affect anything. He was working on controlling his compulsions and he was functioning for the most part.

“You served in the military I see” she nodded to the picture above the fireplace of Jo and him, him in his uniform. Rory glanced at it and nodded. “And how does that effect you?” she asked, clicking her pen.

Rory sighed. “Of course. I mean. Usual stuff… I think it’s a lot of trauma. I’ve always dealt with that, though, PTSD and stuff” he looked at the ground. “And I have trouble with getting a job sometimes. That means I can stay at home with Spencer and take care of him.” He explained and sighed a little bit, “It’s just tough on a personal level… and sometimes the crying from Spencer gets to me” he admitted. He figured honesty was important. “Takes me back to the screaming I would hear” he muttered. The woman nodded and craned her neck to look for Jo. “She’ll be back soon.” He muttered.

[carminadepraeterito]

Heacanon #23

Rory has trouble controlling the volume of his voice and sometimes speaks very loud or very quietly without noticing it.

[carminadepraeterito]

Please Don't Take My Sunshine Away

[revenantx--archive]

Joanna sat down on the couch in the living room, cradling her baby. She pressed a kiss to his forehead gently, nuzzling against him a little. ”I love you, baby boy.” She whispered to him, her eyes still following the woman who had walked in. Whens he wrote down something and she’d watch what she wrote though she couldn’t make out what he made. Her stomach churned at the thought of what it could be. Whatever she wrote could ruin her life or it could go on as normal.

Every moment the woman got closer, she’d clutch Spencer tighter to make sure he wouldn’t leave her sight. All she could think was if she lost him, she couldn’t live with herself. Her eyes closed tightly and she rocked him from side to side slowly. Just as she realized her heart was racing, she realized her head was pounding heavily. It felt like a vice wrapped around her skull, squeezing and squeezing and not letting up. She closed her eyes and lowered her head so her hair was acting like a shield.

[carminadepraeterito]

Rory sat down next to Jo and took her hand, squeezing it gently but at the same time, tensing up as the woman pulled up a chair and sat across from them. "I'm not going to take Spencer from you. I do have to do an assessment of both of you, though. That means psychiatric, background, everything. I promise I won't take Spencer unless it seems absolutely necessary for his health and well being. We take things like this very seriously, I assure you." she pressed her lips together. "Now you two were divorced and are now applying for a marriage license again, correct? And during your separation you put Spencer in the custody of another?"

"We were in a bad place at the time. Finances and things. It' not... It's not a good- It's not a good reflection of who we really are as a couple" he muttered and looked down. "We're better now. We've got a house and we're well put together. We're holding ourselves together. Your handwriting is crooked" he sort of whined, glancing at her paper and standing to pace back and forth, flapping his hands.

[carminadepraeterito]

Please Don't Take My Sunshine Away

[revenantx--archive]

Joanna heard ‘social worker’ up the stairs and into the small office she had. It held a desk and many boxes, everything was still a bit messy from moving so suddenly. Jo wanted to teach Rory how to calm Spencer. It wasn’t as easy as Rory thought it looked. But he refused it still and it made her heart ache every time she heard the baby’s wails. 

Jo was the queen of okay, or she made it look that way as she walked over to the front door. Social worker, I wonder why. Jo thought bitterly to herself. Her thoughts and face turned even more bitter when she saw the woman holding her child. “Aye, hands off.” Jo snapped, taking Spencer and bouncing him a little. She lets him play with her hair, babies like to grab her hair since it was quite bright. 

Still, she gave the woman a harsh look for taking her child. And gave the same look to Rory for letting her grab him. “Mama’s here, baby boy. Mama’s here.” She cooed. “We’re a good, wonderful family here with personal issues of our own. Who called you? His parents?” Joanna hissed, glaring at the woman again. 

[carminadepraeterito]

"I got a call from an Esther Crawford suggesting that the living situation with the two of you might be less than favorable for a child Spencers age." the woman, said, calmly. She was used to anger and aggression coming from people. "I'm not taking your child. I just need to evaluate what you have going on here. That means you, Rory, and any other people living in this household" she pressed her lips together. She hated this job, a lot of the time, and the looks on both Rory and Jo's faces made it worse.

Rory stepped back a little and shook his head. He felt a sting of guilt. He'd called his mother asking for money not that long before. It was before they got the house and he'd been panicking. He'd told Esther everything, about Jo, about his panic attacks that were growing more and more frequent, and about the fights he and Jo were having. He'd hoped that she'd pity him and send money, but do to their less than friendly family relationship, she'd refused. Now he saw his mistake. He'd considered the possibility. "If it's custody that she and Frank want I can promise you that we're much better parents than they will ever be. I have some proof on me" he said, clenching his jaw.

He looked over to Jo. "Alright. Come in..." he breathed and stepped out of the way. The woman stepped inside. "I think she was just voicing honest concerns, Mr. Crawford" she shook her head and looked around. "It's a beautiful home you have here" she muttered and wrote something down.