What Makes A Family

Chapter 2:

Stormer made the short drive to Starlight Mansion, feeling guilty and sad about having to leave Gabrielle there. She sniffled, trying to hide a tear from Gabrielle as they got out of the car and walked up to the front door and rang the doorbell.

"Oh, hi Stormer," Jerrica greeted politely, then she noticed the small child with her. "Who's this?"

"This is Gabrielle."

Jerrica smiled and reached out her hand for Gabrielle to shake. "Nice to meet you, Gabrielle. My name is Jerrica."

Gabrielle looked at her tentatively before shaking her hand. "Hi Jerrica."

"Jerrica, do you have a moment? There's something I need to talk to you about."

"Sure, come on in." Jerrica replied, letting them in.

Jerrica and Stormer led Gabrielle through the mansion, showing her all the different rooms. Gabrielle was amazed by the size of the mansion and all the beautiful furniture and paintings.

"This is so big," she said. "I've never seen anything like it."

"It's a lot to take in," Jerrica said. "But you'll get used to it."

They showed Gabrielle the living room, the dining room, the kitchen, the library, the game room, and the pool. Then they took her upstairs to show her the bedrooms.

"This is where you'll be staying," Stormer said, opening the door to a bedroom.

Gabrielle smiled. "It's perfect," she said, then she started to get emotional. "but do I really have to stay here? Why can't I live with you, Stormer? Don't you like me?"

Stormer shed another tear. She had grown to love Gabrielle very much, and she would miss her terribly. But she knew that Jerrica was a good person, and she would take good care of Gabrielle. "Of course I like you, Gabrielle. I like you very much. I'll miss you," she said. "But I know you'll be happy with Jerrica."

"I'll miss you too," Gabrielle said. "But I know you'll come visit me."

"Of course I will," Stormer said. "I'll come visit you every chance I get."

Stormer and Gabrielle hugged each other tightly. They both knew that this was a difficult goodbye, but they also knew that it was for the best.

Jerrica and Stormer then took Gabrielle to meet the other Holograms, Rio, and their children.

"This is my sister Kimber," Jerrica said, introducing Gabrielle to a young woman with long red hair.

"Hello," Gabrielle said. "It's nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you too," Kimber said. "Welcome!"

"This is Aja," Jerrica continued, "And this is her son, Samuel." Samuel was one and had dark blue hair like Craig and blue eyes like both his parents, and he liked to give everyone hugs and grins, and hardly ever cried unless he was hungry or scared.

"This is Shana, and this is her son, David." He had black hair and brown eyes like his father Anthony Julian and was twenty-two months old. He was always well dressed and took after his mother with a love of fashion.

"And this is Raya," Jerrica said, introducing Gabrielle to the young woman with long pink hair in a side ponytail. "And this is her daughter, Lucinda." Four and a half year-old Lucinda, often called Lucy, was adopted from Colombia at age two by Raya and her husband Luis, who was still a tour guide in Mexico, and was away on business, but he looked forward to switching careers to be close to his family. Lucy had brown hair and brown eyes. She was a curious and adventurous child, and she loved to learn new things. She was also very outgoing and loved to make new friends.

"Jem is out of town right now," Jerrica said, "but she'll be back soon and she'll be so happy to meet you."

Finally, Jerrica introduced Gabrielle to her husband, Rio and their two children.

"This is Rio," Jerrica said. "And these are our children, Aaron and Emilia." Aaron was three and a half and had his father's purple hair and blue eyes. He was a kind and gentle young boy, and he loved to play with his younger sister. He loved to express himself through scribbling, finger painting, and Lego building. Two year-old Emilia, called Emma by her brother, looked like her mother Jerrica except she had purple streaks on the sides. She was a kind, but strong willed child. She loved to express herself through singing, finger painting, and Play-Doh. Both of the Benton-Pacheco siblings also had a fondness for picture books, especially about animals.

Everyone greeted her with a smile as they were introduced and Stormer told her to play with the children so she and Jerrica could talk.

"Let's go to my office," Jerrica suggested, "It's a little quieter." The two women went to Jerrica's office.

Stormer sat down on the couch in the office, her face grave. Jerrica could tell that something was wrong.

"What is it, Stormer?" she asked.

Stormer took a deep breath. "It's Gabrielle," she said. "She's been living with her aunt and uncle since her parents died, but they're not taking good care of her."

Jerrica's heart sank. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"They're neglecting her," Stormer said. "They're always drunk and spend most of their time at bars or passed out on the couch or the streets. She's not getting enough to eat, and she's not getting any attention. I'm worried about her."

Jerrica nodded. "I understand," she said. "We need to do something to help her."

"I've already called Child Protective Services," Stormer said. "They're going to interview her aunt and uncle and check out their home."

"That's good," Jerrica said. "In the meantime, I think you should take her in."

Stormer looked surprised. "Me?" she asked. "But I'm not sure if I can take care of her." She added, leaving out her conversation with the other Misfits.

"You're also a kind and compassionate person," Jerrica said. "I know you'll take good care of her."

Stormer smiled. "Thank you, Jerrica," she said. "I'll do my best."

After they finished their conversation, Jerrica and Stormer came back to the group and knelt in front of Gabrielle, who was playing Legos with the other children.

"We need to talk," Stormer said. "I know you're probably wondering why you're here,"

"And I know you're probably scared. But I want you to know that you're safe here. We're going to take care of you." Jerrica added.

Gabrielle nodded.

"We're going to help you find a permanent home," Jerrica said. "But in the meantime, you can stay here with us. You can be part of our family."

Stormer and Gabrielle shared another bittersweet goodbye, with Stormer promising to come back in a day or two to see her.

Stormer went to Pizzazz's mansion to talk to the other Misfits about the situation. She hoped that they would be supportive of her decision to apply for custody of Gabrielle.

When she arrived, Pizzazz and Jetta were sitting in the living room, watching TV. Roxy was in the kitchen, making a snack.

"Hey, Stormer," Pizzazz said when she saw her. "What's up?"

I need to talk to you guys about something," Stormer said. "It's about Gabrielle."

Pizzazz and Jetta exchanged a look. "What about her?" Pizzazz asked.

She's not being taken care of properly by her aunt and uncle," Stormer said. "I'm going to apply for custody of her."

Pizzazz and Jetta were silent for a moment. Then Pizzazz spoke up. "You're nuts," she said. "You can't just take someone's kid away."

I know it's a big responsibility," Stormer said. "But I can't just stand by and do nothing. She's my friend."

Jetta nodded. "I agree with Pizzazz," she said. "It sounds like a right load of bollocks to me."

"But what about Gabrielle?" Stormer asked. "She's not safe with her aunt and uncle."

She's not our problem," Pizzazz said. "Let the social services deal with her."

But they didn't do anything," Stormer said. "They've been called out to her house numerous times before."

"Well, there's nothing we can do about it," Pizzazz said. "So just drop it."

Stormer was about to argue when Jetta spoke up again.

"Hang on," she said. "I've got an idea."

Jetta turned to Pizzazz. "You know that old bloke who lives down the street?" she asked. "The one with the long white beard and the funny hat?"

Pizzazz nodded. "Yeah, I know who you mean."

"He's a lawyer," Jetta said. "Maybe he can help you."

Pizzazz looked at Stormer. "It's worth a try," she said.

Jetta nodded. "I'll introduce you to him. But I think you should think about this carefully first. It's not going to be easy."

Roxy came into the living room and sat down on the couch next to Stormer. "I'm with Stormer on this," she said. "Gabrielle needs someone to look out for her, and I think Stormer is the best person for the job."

Pizzazz and Jetta looked at each other again. Then Pizzazz shrugged. "Okay," she said. "We're with you."

Stormer smiled. "Good," she said.

Roxy put her arm around Stormer. "We're here for you, Stormer," she said. "Whatever you need."

Stormer smiled back. "Thank you," she said. "I knew I could count on you guys."

When Ms. Jones and the police officer arrived at Gloria and Frank's house, Gloria was furious.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded. "This is my house!"

"We're here to check on Gabrielle," Ms. Jones said. "Is she home?"

"No, she's not here," Gloria said. "She's at school."

"When will she be home?" Ms. Jones asked.

"I don't know," Gloria said. "She should be home soon." Mrs. Jones knew she'd just caught Gloria in a lie.

Ms. Jones looked around the house. It was clear that Gabrielle had been neglected. The house was dirty and cluttered, and there were trash, broken beer bottles, and beer cans everywhere.

"It doesn't look like Gabrielle is being properly cared for," Ms. Jones said. "We're going to have to take her into protective custody."

Gloria's eyes widened in anger. "No!" she said. "You can't take her away from me!"

"I'm sorry," Ms. Jones said. "But it's for the best."

Ms. Jones and the police officer started to walk towards the door. Gloria lunged at them, screaming and throwing punches. "Get out of my house!" she yelled. "You can't have her!"

The police officer grabbed Gloria and restrained her. "Listen, Ma'am! If you don't settle down now, I'm gonna have to arrest you for assaulting an officer." Gloria stopped fighting, but continued screaming and crying.

"I'm so sorry," Ms. Jones said. "I know this is hard, but it's for the best."

The police car drove away, leaving Gloria screaming and crying in the doorway. An hour later, Frank was picked up on the streets for public intoxication by police officers.

That night, the Starlight Girls, Jerrica, Rio, Kimber, Aja, and some of the younger children were gathered in the living room, watching Gremlins. Gabrielle was sitting on the couch between Kimber and Aja, and Aaron and Emilia were sitting on the floor in front of them.

"This is my favorite movie!" Aaron said, clapping his hands.

"Me too!" Emilia said.

"I know," Gabrielle said. "It's so funny. I love Gizmo. He's so cute!"

The group laughed as the movie played. They were all enjoying the movie, but Jerrica and Rio were starting to get worried.

"I don't know if this is a good movie for them to be watching," Jerrica said.

"It's their favorite movie," Kimber said. "They've seen it before."

But it's a little violent," Jerrica said. "Gremlin exploding in a microwave?"

"They're not babies," Kimber said. "They can handle it."

"I'm not so sure," Aja said. "I think it might be too scary for them."

I agree," Jerrica said. "We should probably turn it off."

"But I want to watch it!" Aaron said.

"I know," Jerrica said. "But it's not appropriate for your age."

"But it's my favorite movie!" Aaron said.

I'm sorry," Jerrica said. "But we have to turn it off."

Rio hit the pause button, and the kids all groaned.

"But why?" Aaron asked.

"Because it's too violent," Jerrica said. "And it might scare you."

"But I'm not scared!" Aaron said.

"I know," Jerrica said. "But I'm still your mother, and I have to make the decisions for you."

Aaron started to pout.

"But I want to watch it!" he said.

"I know," Jerrica said. "But we can watch it another time," Jerrica said. "When you're a little older."

Aaron sighed. "Okay," he said.

Emilia, on the other hand, was not so understanding. She started to cry and throw a tantrum.

"I want to watch the movie!" she screamed. "I want to watch!"

Jerrica and Rio tried to calm her down, but she was inconsolable.

"I'm sorry," Jerrica said. "But the movie is done."

But I want to watch it!" Emilia screamed.

Jerrica and Rio finally had to carry Emilia upstairs to her bedroom and put her to bed. She was still crying and screaming as they left the room. They allowed everyone else to finish the movie before the rest of the children went to bed.

Jerrica and Rio sighed. They knew that Emilia was just a little girl, and she didn't understand why they had to turn off the movie. But they also knew that they had to make the best decision for her.

Danse and Stefan were at home, relaxing on the couch. Their Golden Retriever puppy, Sava, was running around the living room, playing with a ball.

"I'm so glad you moved here." Danse said. "It's been so good for me the past five years, and I'm so happy to be with you."

I'm glad you're happy," Stefan said. "I love you, Giselle."

Danse smiled and kissed Stefan. "I love you too," she said.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, just enjoying each other's company. Then, Danse spoke up. "I've been thinking about my mom a lot lately," she said. "I miss her so much."

"I know," Stefan said. "I'm so sorry she's gone."

"I just hope I can find her someday," Danse said. "I need to know she's okay."

I'm sure you will," Stefan said. "You're a strong person, Giselle. You'll find her."

Danse smiled. "Thanks, Stefan," she said. "I needed to hear that."

They sat in silence for a few more minutes, just holding each other. Then, Danse's father, Petar walked into the living room.

"Hey," he greeted. "What's going on?"

"Nothing," Danse said. "We were just talking."

"About what?" Petar asked.

"About my mom," Danse said. "I've been thinking about her a lot lately."

"I know," Petar said. "I miss her too."

"Dad, do you think she's okay?" Danse asked.

"I'm sure she is," Petar said. "She was strong, Giselle, like you are."

Danse smiled. "Thanks, Dad," she said. "I needed to hear that."

Petar smiled back. "I love you!"

"I love you too, Dad."

Danse and Stefan's relationship has been a slow burn. Stefan was a kind and caring person, and he'd always been protective of Danse. He loved her deeply, and he knew that she was the one for him. Danse was also very much in love with Stefan, and she knew that he was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.

Danse and Stefan were a conservative couple, and they'd both been raised in Catholic families. They haven't gone all the way yet, but they were very much in love and excited to take that next step when they were ready.

Over the past five years, Danse and Stefan's relationship had grown. They'd been through a lot together, but they always came out stronger on the other side.

When Danse struggled with her mom's disappearance, Stefan was always there for her. He listened to her when she needed to talk, and he offered her comfort and support. When Stefan was going through a tough time with his family, Danse was there for him. She helped him to deal with his emotions, and she was always there to offer a shoulder to cry on. When Danse and Stefan were both feeling sick, they took care of each other. They brought each other soup, and they made sure that they were getting enough rest.

Through it all, Danse and Stefan have always been there for each other. They supported each other through thick and thin, and they've always been there to pick each other up when they fell down. They knew that they could always count on each other, and they were grateful for their strong relationship.

They were best friends, lovers, and soulmates. They couldn't wait to see what the future held for them.