Adopted by the Monkees

by jhorses

A girl named Jennifer has her world turned upside down when her parents are killed by a drunk driver. The Monkees want to adopt a teenage girl. Jennifer needs people to help her get through a tragic time. What happens when their paths cross? Will Jennifer become the fifth Monkee? I do not own the Monkees or any song lyrics or titles that appear in this story. I own Jennifer.

1. Adopted by the Monkees

My name is Jennifer. I turned seventeen three months ago. I'm an orphan. My parents and I were in a car accident. A drunk driver hit the front of the car. My parents were killed instantly from the impact. I escaped with only a few bruises. Once paramedics made sure that I was okay, policemen took me to my house to pack all my belongings to take with me to Beacon of Hope Orphanage. I put all my clothes and belongings in a suitcase and was driven to the orphanage. Once we were there, the policemen quietly explained to the owner what happened before leaving me. A woman in her mid-thirties approached me. "Hi sweetie. My name is Megan. I run this place. I'm so sorry about what happened to your parents. What's your name," she asked. "Jennifer," I told her. "That's a pretty name. How old are you," Megan asked. "Seventeen," I answered. "Okay. Let's get you settled into your room and later I can introduce you to some of the girls," Megan replied with a smile. I picked up my suitcase and she led me down the hallway. We stopped at a room on the right. "This will be your room. Today is a big adoption event so don't unpack yet. Who knows, maybe you will be adopted today," Megan said excitedly. I smiled but I was still in a bit of shock.

"You're the oldest girl here at the moment. Lunch was served an hour ago but I'll get you a meal," Megan said as we walked to the cafeteria. She brought me a plate with a turkey sandwich, an apple, a sugar cookie, and a glass of milk. "Do you have any food allergies," Megan asked. "No," I replied. We sat down at a table. I ate my sandwich hungrily. "Tell me a bit about yourself," said Megan. "My favorite color is purple. I love to listen to music and sing. I skipped a grade so I already graduated from high school. I love horses and dogs," I answered. "That's cool," Megan replied. Two small girls ran up to us. "Why didn't you tell us that there's a new girl," they asked. "Because she got here literally ten minutes ago. Jennifer, meet Amy and Bethany," Megan laughed. "It's nice to meet you two," I said. "I'm so excited. Maybe we'll get adopted today," they said excitedly. "That would be very exciting. You girls should get ready for the adoption event. It will be starting soon," Megan replied. Amy and Bethany ran away. I ate the rest of my lunch and freshened up the best that I could. It would be a miracle if I could get adopted today.

At the Monkees' Pod

Davy, Micky, Mike, and Peter were sitting around in the living room. "Mike, you've been staring at the wall for the past ten minutes. What's on your mind," asked Davy. "I was thinking maybe it would be nice to adopt a kid," Mike replied. "It could be fun having a kid around," Micky and Davy said. "I wouldn't mind," Peter agreed. "Would we want a boy or a girl," asked MIcky. "I think a girl would be nice. Preferably one around sixteen or seventeen years old," Mike answered. Micky, Davy and Peter nodded. "I saw in the paper that today is a big adoption day at the Beacon of Hope Adoption Center," Peter said. "What are we waiting for? Let's go," they said before getting in the monkeemobile and driving to the adoption center.

At the Beacon of Hope Adoption Center

I finished brushing my long brown hair. The other girls and I were told to assemble in the cafeteria. "Older girls on the left. Younger girls on the right," Megan told us. I moved to the left side of the cafeteria and sat near a girl with red hair. "Hi," I said softly. She looked up at me. "Hi. Are you new here? I'm Rebecca," she said. "I just got here a few hours ago. I'm Jennifer," I replied. "Do you mind me asking what your story is," Rebecca asked. "My parents and I were hit by a drunk driver this morning. They were killed instantly," I answered sadly. "I'm so sorry. That happened to my parents too," Rebecca replied sympathetically. "Do you ever get used to not having your parents," I asked. Rebecca sighed. "Yes and no. You learn to accept that they're gone but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with," Rebecca answered. Megan walked into the cafeteria. "It's time for the adoption event to start. I wish all of you good luck," she said happily. Rebecca and I hugged each other and exchanged cell phone numbers. "Whatever happens, don't forget me," Rebecca said tearfully. "I could never forget you," I replied with a smile. Rebecca dried her eyes and we waited anxiously for people to arrive.

Mike's POV

We found a parking spot at in the Beacon of Hope parking lot and got out of the car. "Do you think we'll be recognized," Peter asked. "Maybe. There may not be a TV or radio in this place," I answered thoughtfully. Davy, Micky, Peter, and I entered the small brick building. We were greeted by a woman with blond hair. "Welcome to the adoption day! I'm Megan. Do you have any preferences as far as children to adopt," she asked. "Well, we're hoping to adopt a girl around sixteen years old," I answered. "Girls that age will be on the left side of the cafeteria. Let me know if you decide on one that you gentlemen would like to adopt," Megan replied with a smile.

We made our way to the left side of the room. It broke my heart to see so many children without parents to love and take care of them. "Mike, let's talk to the girl with the long brown hair and blue eyes. She seems to be around sixteen," Davy said. The girl he described looked like a lost puppy in this room. We approached her. "Hi. My name is Mike and this is Peter, Davy, and Micky. What's your name," I asked. "I'm Jennifer," she answered. "That's a lovely name. How old are you," Davy asked. "Seventeen," Jennifer replied cheerfully. "What are two of your favorite colors," Peter asked. "Purple and blue," Jennifer replied. "What's your favorite thing to do," asked Micky. "It would have to be between singing and listening to music," she answered. Micky, Davy, Peter, and I exchanged a look. "We'll be back in a few minutes," I told Jennifer.

We walked to a corner of the room. "I think we should adopt her. She is such a sweet girl and since she loves music, I think Jennifer will fit in well," Davy commented. We nodded in agreement and walked back to her. "We've decided that we would love to adopt you. Is that okay with you," I asked excitedly. Her face lit up. "I would love to be adopted by you guys," Jennifer replied with a smile. We smiled. "We're going to fill out your papers with Megan," I said. She got up and ran over to a girl with red hair. They hugged and it looked like they were saying goodbye to each other. Watching made our hearts swell with pride. After a minute, Jennifer came back to us. I put my arm around her back and we walked over to Megan. "We would like to adopt Jennifer," I told her. "Excellent. Jennifer, find your suitcase and wait outside my office. The rest of you, follow me to my office," Megan replied. Jennifer left us and we went inside Megan's office.

"Have a seat," Megan said as she pulled some papers out of a file cabinet. We sat down. "First, we need to do a background check on each of you to make sure that your house will be a safe place for Jennifer. Can you hand me your driver's licenses," asked Megan. We gave her our licenses and she gave them to a man. "Which one of you will be Jennifer's legal guardian," Megan asked. "I will," I answered. I signed the form. "Why was Jennifer sent to this place," Micky asked. "I think that's a question for her. She was sent to this orphanage only this morning so she might still be in shock about what has happened. Don't pressure her into giving information. Some children want to wait until they become more comfortable with their guardian," Megan answered. "Okay," we replied. Megan put a thick file in front of us. "Here is Jennifer's medical history and other important papers. She is allergic to prescription eye drops and gets severe reactions to mosquito bites," Megan informed us. The man that took our licenses entered the office and whispered something to Megan. Megan handed us our drivers licenses. "All of your background checks turned out fine. Jennifer is officially your adopted daughter. Congratulations. Feel free to contact me if you need anything," she said excitedly as she handed us the official papers. "Thank you," we replied and left the office.

Jennifer's POV

I closed my suitcase and stood outside Megan's office. I still couldn't believe that I was adopted so quickly. Some kids have to wait years to be adopted. I was really fortunate. The door to the office opened and Megan walked out. "Okay Jennifer, all the paperwork is finished and Mike Nesmith is your legal guardian. Congratulations," she said while hugging me. "Thank you," I replied with a smile. Megan released me from her hug and the men I saw earlier walked into the hallway. "Are you ready to go home with us," the tall man with the green hat asked. "Yes," I replied. I followed them outside to their car. It had "The Monkees" painted on the side. The Monkees are my favorite band. "Are you guys the Monkees," I asked excitedly. "We are," Davy answered. "I love your music," I said. "Thanks. If you like our music, you'll fit in with us for sure," Micky replied. I smiled and sat between Davy and Peter in the backseat. Mike drove us to their pad.

After ten minutes, we were at the pad. "Welcome to your new home," Davy said warmly. I saw that the beach was right next to their house. We went inside. "I'll take your suitcase upstairs," Peter volunteered. "Thank you Peter," I replied. He put it upstairs. "We only have two bedrooms. Is it okay if you share with Davy and me? Of course you will have your own bed," Mike said. "That's fine," I replied. "Let me show you the bedroom," Davy said as he led me upstairs. We walked into the room on the right. "This is our room. Your bed is the one next to the dresser. That dresser is yours. Mike's bed is between our beds. I'll leave you to unpack," Davy said with a smile. He left the room. I began unpacking my clothes and putting them in the top two drawers. I put my bag of personal care items in the third drawer and put everything else in the last drawer.

"How's it going," a voice asked from close by. I looked up and saw Mike leaning on the wall. "I just finished unpacking," I answered. "That was quick. If you need anything, don't be afraid to ask, okay," said Mike. "I won't. I think the only thing I need at the moment is some sleep," I replied with a yawn. I stood up and got on my bed. "Okay babe. I'm just going to do some songwriting for our new album called Headquarters," Mike smiled as he sat down on a comfy chair in the room. I closed my eyes.

"Hey Mom," can we go to the movies this morning," I asked. "Of course honey," she answered. We piled into the car and we began to drive to our local movie theater. We were listening to the radio. Suddenly, we saw a car driving the wrong way and heading straight for us. There wasn't time to swerve out of the way. I heard my parents screaming and felt the impact of the crash. "Mom? Dad," I said anxiously. They didn't reply.

Mike's POV

I just finished a song called Sunny Girlfriend. Hopefully we can do a brainstorming session today. I heard something moving. I looked at Jennifer and she was moving around on the bed. I walked over to her bed quietly. She was shaking and I saw tears running down her cheeks. "No," Jennifer yelled in her sleep. I immediately shook her shoulders to wake her from her nightmare. "Shh, it's okay," I kept repeating. Jennifer woke up and started crying. "Come here babe," I said as I pulled her into my chest. Jennifer didn't resist my touch and cried into my shoulder. I rubbed circles into her back. "It's all my fault," she sobbed. "What's your fault," I asked curiously. "I'm the reason they're dead," Jennifer cried. "I think you should start from the beginning," I encouraged. "I asked my parents if we could go to the movies this morning. They said that we could and as we were driving, there was a drunk driver driving the wrong way. He was coming straight at us. There wasn't time to get out of the way. He hit us and my parents were killed instantly. I only survived because I was in the backseat. I can still hear their screams," she shuddered. I closed my eyes. "You didn't know what was going to happen. This isn't your fault," I tried to convince her. She calmed down a bit. "I guess," Jennifer sighed. I gave her a tight hug she stopped crying. All of a sudden, I felt her give me a hug. "You're a great dad," Jennifer said quietly into my ear. I couldn't help but smile. She called me dad. "You're a great daughter," I replied. She smiled. "Let's go downstairs," Jennifer said as she pulled me out of the room. I chuckled.

Jennifer's POV

Mike and I walked down the spiral staircase and found Micky, Peter, and Davy sitting around with pads of paper on their laps. "What are you guys doing," I asked excitedly. "We're trying to come up with the last song for the album," Micky answered. "Cool. Do you mind if I try writing something," I asked. "Go ahead," Micky replied and handed me a pad of paper and a pen. Mike made copies of Sunny Girlfriend and was working with Peter on harmonies and the instrumentals. I started thinking of ideas. Then, it came to me.

When the world and I were young,
Just yesterday.
Live was such a simple game,
A child could play.
It was easy then to tell right from wrong.
Easy then to tell weak from strong.
When a man should stand and fight,
Or just go along.

But today there is no day or night
Today there is no dark or light.
Today there is no black or white,
Only shades of gray.

I remember when the answers seemed so clear
We had never lived with doubt or tasted fear.
It was easy then to tell truth from lies
Selling out from compromise
Who to love and who to hate,
The foolish from the wise.

But today there is no day or night
Today there is no dark or light.
Today there is no black or white,
Only shades of gray.

It was easy then to know what was fair
When to keep and when to share.
How much to protect your heart
And how much to care.

But today there is no day or night
Today there is no dark or light.
Today there is no black or white,
Only shades of gray.
Only shades of gray.

I looked over the song. I wanted to make some specific details. Before the first verse, there should be a piano intro that is fairly simple. Soft drum rolls would sound nice and maybe a french horn solo. I figured out the pitches and rhythm. I drew them in on staff paper with the words underneath. I decided to call my song "Shades of Gray." I put Shades of Gray at the top of the page. "What have you got over there hotshot," Mike asked peering over my shoulder. "It's a song I was working on just now. You probably wouldn't want to use it," I answered before giving the sheet music to him. Mike looked it over carefully. He seemed really happy with it. "Jennifer, this is incredible," Mike said seriously. "What's incredible," Davy asked. "This song that Jennifer wrote," Mike replied proudly. Davy, Micky, and Peter read it. "Mike, Jennifer isn't your biological daughter but she sure has a talent for songwriting like you," Peter said. Mike and I smiled. Peter worked on the piano and french horn solos and after a few hours we had a finished song. "We're definitely using this for the album. Of course, we will give you credit," Davy told me.

Mike made us spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. It was delicious. "If you want, I can cook sometimes," I told Mike. "I appreciate the offer, but it's my job to cook for you not the other way around. If you want to cook though, that's a different story," Mike replied with a grin. I smiled. The Monkees rehearsed You Told Me, Forget That Girl, For Pete's Sake, and Sunny Girlfriend. It was amazing to watch them perform their magic.

At 9:45, I decided to get ready for bed. I went up the spiral staircase and unpacked my toothbrush, toothpaste, and Olay face wipes. I put on my plaid purple and white pajama pants and purple pajama t-shirt. I took the toothpaste, toothbrush, and face wipes to the bathroom and washed my face. I dried my face with a hand towel and brushed my teeth.

I went back to the room I'm sharing with Mike and Davy. I got under the covers and saw Mike walk in. "It's been a busy day for you. Remember, I'm only a bed away if you need anything during the night. Goodnight hotshot," he said as he placed a kiss on my forehead. "Goodnight Mike. Thanks for everything," I replied. "You're more than welcome," Mike smiled. He left the room and Peter walked up to my bed. "I just wanted to say that you have a lot of potential as a songwriter," he said kindly. "Thanks Peter. It means a lot to hear that from you," I replied with a smile. He smiled back at me and walked away. Davy came in and knelt down so that we could see eye-to-eye. "Hey Jennifer. I can't wait to hear that beautiful voice of yours sing sometime. Sweet dreams darling," he said softly in his English accent. I gave a small smile and Davy smiled adorably. His eyes really do twinkle. He kissed my cheek tenderly and went away. Micky came into the room smiling and sat down on my bed. "I figured that you might be a little scared since this is your first night here so I would like to sing a song that was written by my mom," he said before he began to sing.

There's a wonderland for Alice
There's a tall beanstalk for Jack
The sleepy train will take you there
So safely down the track
With the sandman at the throttle
You'll be off to dreams and back
It's pillow time again

You will meet all your storybook friends
As you go down Mother Goose Lane
Romp with Jack and Jill
Up and down the hill
And try to put Humpty together again

Close your sleepy eyes and listen
While we take a little hop
The candy whistle's blowin'
Don't you miss your station stop
So good night my wee way fairer
Pleasant dreams to you, oh tot
It's pillow time again

You will meet all your storybook friends
As you go down Mother Goose Lane
Romp with Jack and Jill, up and down the hill
And try to put Humpty together again

Close your sleepy eyes and listen
While we take a little hop
The candy whistle's blowin'
Don't you miss your station stop
So good night my wee way fairer
Pleasant dreams to you, oh tot
It's pillow time again

It's pillow time agian...

I felt drowsy and let sleep consume me.

Micky's POV

I finished the song and saw that Jennifer was asleep. "Goodnight sweetie," I said softly. I carefully stood up without waking her and turned off the light.