Family?

The next morning Annabelle walked into the kitchen as Shelly was just finishing breakfast. "Good morning, what would you like to drink? I just made a pot of coffee if you're interested."

"Umm, alright. Thanks." She was still rubbing her eyes from waking up.

"I'll make it the same way I make Lewis's, if that's alright with you?" Annabelle just nodded in response.

"Good morning!" Lewis trotted into the kitchen, hugging his mother as he poured his own cup. "How're you Annabelle?"

'He's way too happy…' Annabelle glared at the boy.

"Not a morning person huh?" John was standing in the doorway, slight smirk on his face.

Annabelle just rolled her eyes at John, sitting down at the table. When Shelly gave her the coffee, she was surprised.

'So, this is coffee?' She thought staring into the light brown colored liquid in front of her.

"I hope the amount of cream I put in is okay."

Taking a sip Annabelle was surprised at the taste. 'Interesting…'

"It's great Shelly, thank you." She smiled up at the woman.

As they were having breakfast John decided to broach the subject he had been thinking of through the night.

"Annabelle, please just listen first and react later?" He motioned for Lewis to go eat in his room.

Frowning at his father's timing Lewis didn't say anything but smiled at Annabelle and took his breakfast upstairs.

"I'd like to adopt you into our family. I know that you don't want to discuss your circumstances. But Shelly and I have a way of obtaining an identity for you. If you would prefer, we can help you adjust to Earth, and then assist you in creating a life for yourself."

"You don't have to decide now, we can wait for your answer, I would appreciate if you told us your story though. Please don't worry, we won't tell anyone else, and we won't freak out."

Annabelle sat in silence for a second. 'How much does he know… I guess at least that means even if he and Shelly know, no one else will, that's good… Argh geez! I wouldn't have to deal with this if the stupid elders hadn't decided to randomly teleport people places!'

"I'm from a planet called Pasef. My name really is Annabelle Seau, that I didn't lie about… I'm not supposed to be talking to you at all honestly… Earth's what we call a "no contact" planet." When she saw them looking confused, she grimaced. Unsure how they'd take being told their planet was considered lacking.

"No contact planets are places that haven't learned of life outside their own. They think aliens aren't real. Or that they're evil. There are a few reasons why we aren't in touch most importantly being, your planet is still far behind in technology and societal standards."

"However, that's not really important right now. My planet was under attack for some reason. When the elders decided it wasn't possible to fix the situation, they decided it would be best if they randomly transported children to different planets. No one knows I'm here, and I can't get off this planet with my current strength."

"Hold up." John interrupted. "Is there anyway you can contact your family so you can know if they're safe?"

"No." She was trying very hard not to cry. Squeezing her eyes shut she took a deep breath. Pushing her fears back she looked John in the eyes. "Which would be easiest for you? I'm sorry if this seems rude, but I don't really know you, and you don't know me… Honestly… It would be easier for me to stay with you."

John looked surprised but nodded. "It would be easier if you lived with us. There would obviously be rules, and we would expect you to follow them, but we would also be able to support you in more ways than if you lived somewhere else."

"Of course, that isn't because we would be withholding help because you chose not to live with us." He hurriedly added. "It's just that when you live here, it's easier for us to realize if you need something!"

Shelly giggled from her spot. "What my husband is trying to say dear, is that whatever you choose we will support you to the best of our abilities." She smiled warmly.

'I would prefer not to live in another family's house… but I can't make it harder for them. They're already being so nice, helping me even though they don't have to…'

Both adults exchanged worried glances as they noticed Annabelle had leaned over her breakfast dish so that her facial expressions were hidden. When Shelly started to open her mouth, John shook his head. Mouthing to his wife to let the girl think.

"May I ask what the rules are?" She suddenly looked up at the two, a half-smile on her face.

"Of course. We only have a few. Though with Lewis we end up adding a couple since he keeps doing things…" John trailed off. "There's a saying on Earth. Rules exist because someone did something stupid. Lewis tends to be an example of that… I don't know who he takes after…"

Shelly rolled her eyes at him. "We will be treating you the way we treat Lewis. You'll be expected to keep your room clean, eventually you'll help with house chores, and we expect you to listen to us when we tell you to do something. I understand that last part might be hard since you don't know us yet, but please try trusting that we have your best interests at heart."

"The only thing I have to add is that I'd appreciate it if you trusted us with the full truth of what happened on your planet, and why you're here on Earth when you've said you shouldn't be on it in the first place." John was smiling gently, however, he was leaning back in his chair, legs and arms crossed.

Closing her eyes Annabelle told them everything. By the end of her story Shelly was crying and John's face was unreadable.