New Responsibility

by SLarabeeTanner

DISCLAIMER: Trilogy, MGM, and the Mirish Corporation own The Magnificent Seven characters. They are not mine. The only purpose of this story is for entertainment. No money is being made.

Thanks to Michelle for beta-reading it for me


Vin looked at the phone in shock, unable to believe what he had just been told. He didn't notice someone take the phone from his hand and set it back on the cradle.

"Vin what was that about?" Chris asked, trying not to startle his friend. He stood next to his chair and looked at his friend in concern.

Vin shook his head. "Huh? Oh that. It was child welfare. They say they have my sister there, and they want me to come and get her."

Chris frowned. "Sister? But I thought you were a only child."

Vin nodded. "I am or was. I guess it is possible that my father had another child after he left us. She's only 5 Chris, and I don't know how to take care of a child. According to you guys, I barely take care of myself."

Chris smiled. "You're right there. Maybe she's just a result of another relationship. It's possible he could have one that young. You'll do fine. Just follow your heart. Want me to go with you to get her?"

Vin shook his head. "Naw, I better go alone. I don't want to scare her anymore then I have to, and I need time to think."

Chris nodded. "Alright. Good luck."

Vin smiled. "Thanks." He stood and headed for the door. As he reached the garage, he couldn't stop thinking on how scared this little girl must be. She had suddenly found herself alone, and facing living with a brother she had never seen.

Erin sat in the corner of the big room full of other children and held her doll close, scared of what was going to happen now. She looked up just as a tall lean man with long hair walked in.

Vin looked around to see if he could spot the little girl that he was there to pick up.

"Mr. Tanner, I'm glad you came." A short red headed woman said as she walked up to him.

Vin smiled as he offered his hand to her. "Thank you for calling me. I didn't know about her 'til your phone call. Can you point her out to me please?"

The redhead nodded as she shook his hand. "She's right over there in the corner. I can't get much out of her, and she won't interact with the other children."

Vin nodded as he watched the young girl. "I didn't much either at her age. I'll go talk to her."

The red head nodded as she watched the young man approach the frightened little girl.

Vin knelt near her, careful not to move to quickly. "Hi my name's Vin. What's yours?"

Large sad eyes looked up at him. "Erin."

Vin smiled. He could barely hear her. "Hi Erin. That's a pretty name. You know who I am?"

Erin nodded. "My brother. That lady told me you were coming." She pointed to the red head.

Vin smiled at her as he gently pushed hair from her face. "That's right. You're going to live with me now."

Erin nodded. "Okay." She slowly reached out to him.

Vin hugged her as he picked her up and then stood holding her close. He went back to where the redhead stood. "She have any bags?"

The young woman smiled. "Yes, one bag. It's by the door. I do hope things work out for you two."

"I'm sure they will. Thank you again for calling me." Vin nodded his thanks and started for the door. He stopped just long enough to pick up her bag and headed for his car. He placed Erin in the back seat and buckled her in. Then climbed in and drove back to his apartment.

Vin pulled up to his building and smiled when he saw she was asleep. He gently lifted her from the back seat and carried her inside. He was glad the elevator was working this time. When it finally came to come to a stop on his floor, he exited the elevator when the doors opened and walked the few yards to his door. After moving the sleeping girl to his other hip, he managed to get the door open, and kicked it shut as he headed for his room.

He gently laid her on the bed and covered her with the afghan Nettie had made him. A smile tugged at his lips as he watched her for a few minutes, before he bent to place a light kiss on the top of her head. He left the room, shutting the door almost all the way, and went to call Nettie to ask her for advise on what to do.

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