A Second Chance

A Connection

One two maybe three hours later, JJ walked back in with Reid. They had pancakes and JJ put a plate in front of Sophia.
"I'm not hungry," the kid said and looked away.
"Sweetheart, not eating isn't going fix anything," JJ told her.
"Okay, well neither is eating," Sophia sighed and looked up.
"Sophia," JJ said sternly and pushed the food closer to her.
The kid knew JJ was right, so, she sat up and started eating.
"Is there anything you remember about last night?" Jennifer asked cautiously.
"Not really," the brunette said and took a bite of food.
"Once I got off the bus I started walking down the streets. I was tired so I went into an alley and fell asleep. Next thing I know, you're all pointing your guns at me and screaming," Sophia explained.
"You don't remember talking to anyone?"
"Nope."
JJ sighed.
Just then, Morgan busted through the door.
"We have a lead," he said.
"Tell Hotch I'm staying," JJ said as Reid got up. The men nodded and left.
"Jennifer, you don't have to stay," Sophia said.
"I wanted to. And you can call me JJ." the blonde said with a smile.
Sophia didn't smile back.
"How's the food?" JJ asked.
"Good," the twelve year old replied and took another bite.
"So, what's your favorite color?" JJ asked casually and slowly.
"Why do you care?" Sophia asked back. In wasn't in a rude or harsh way, just curious.
"Just trying to make small talk," JJ told her.
"How do you know sign language?" the blonde tried again.
"Because I had a deaf friend growing up," Sophia replied.
"Oh, was she in the same foster family as you or-"
"No, she was at the same orphanage as me. We grew up together and she was my roommate. Whenever I got sent back from a home, she'd be there waiting. No one wanted her because she was deaf."
"Oh, what's her name?"
"Her name was Charlotte," Sophia said quietly.
"Was?" JJ question.
"She killed herself a little over two weeks ago," the kid said seriously.
"That's why you ran away again?" Jennifer asked, putting the puzzle pieces together.
Sophia nodded.
"When I returned from the institution, I found out she died, so I left. There was no reason to stay. She was my only real friend," the brunette said sadly. It was clear that she missed her dear friend.
"I'm so sorry," JJ said sincerely.
Sophia looked up at Jennifer and quickly shook her head.
"She doesn't matter anymore. She left me so-"
"Sophia, it's okay to have feelings and miss someone," JJ told her softly.
"Well, feelings are what get you hurt, so no thank you," the child said in defense.
"You know, when I was around your age, my older sister committed suicide," JJ said truthfully.
That got Sophia's attention.
"I was eleven at the time. My sister Rosaline was seventeen, and she suffered from depression. No one saw the signs but when we finally did, it was too late," JJ explained.
"I was too young to understand why she left us. I blamed myself for not realizing she needed help sooner," the blonde added with a sad smile. Sophia could tell JJ was still upset over what happened.
"JJ, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel bad," Sophia said sincerely.
Jennifer shook her head.
"I'm telling you this so you know, I understand what you felt, and I'm here if you want to talk," the blonde said.
Sophia thought for a moment, then asked,
"How did you get over it?"
JJ let out a soft laugh.
"I'm never going to just get it, and neither will you. It helped that I had my parents to grieve with. You know, someone I could talk to and have them understand what happened."
"I don't have anyone," Sophia stated.
"You have me," JJ told her.
"Once you find the killer, I probably won't ever see you again," the kid pointed out.
JJ thought for a moment, then said,
"We can stay in contact."
"You seem nice, but I don't want to be a burden to you," Sophia told her with a small smile.
"You wouldn't be. I want to help you," Jennifer said seriously.
Before Sophia could say anything, JJ got a call from Hotch.
"One second," the blonde said and stood up.
She talked for a minute or so, then hung up.
"They caught him," JJ said and sat back down.
Sophia nodded silently and looked away. She began picking at her nails and JJ noticed.
"Sweetheart, I meant it. Here's my number so you can call me," JJ said and put a card in front of Sophia.
"I don't have a phone," the kid said and shrugged.
Right as JJ was going to say something, Karen Scott walked in.
"Sophia, they caught the bad guy, so we can go now," the woman said motioning for the child to follow her.
"Wait," JJ called.
Sophia turned and looked at the blonde. Jennifer wasn't ready to just let Sophia go. She knew there was something very familiar and special about this girl, but she couldn't pick it out. Sophia needed her help and JJ intended on doing whatever it took to help her. She couldn't just let that bright child be thrown in a mental hospital because she had a rough past.
"What is it, Agent?" Karen wanted to know.
"I want to foster her," JJ breathed out and looked Sophia in the eye.
"Agent Jareau, it's not that easy," Karen tried to say.
"I know. My husband and I are certified to foster kids though."
"Have you fostered any children before?" the woman asked curiosity.
"No, but I have two sons at home," JJ said.
"Do you mind if we talk about this before you make your decision?" Karen asked.
JJ shook her head and followed the social worker out, leaving Sophia speechless.