Lost and Found

First Day of School

(Eloise's POV)

I yawned a little, propping my head up with my fist as the rest of the Smith family and Logan ate breakfast. Logan had kept me up with a nightmare, and, after that, I couldn't sleep. I just hoped no one noticed-

"Yeesh, kid, you look like death," Rick commented, taking a bite of his eggs. "Rough night?"

"Thanks for the compliment," I muttered, rubbing at the bags underneath my eyes. "Next time I help make breakfast, I'll make sure to remember that."

Jerry chuckled a little, a condescending smirk on his lips. "No way a fifteen-year-old from another dimension could make beignets."

I narrowed my eyes a little as my cheeks flushed. Jerry was really starting to get on my nerves since last night. What had I ever done to him?

"Sorry for trying to share some of my culture with you guys," I whispered, ripping a beignet in half with my teeth and chewing slowly. Morty shot his dad a glare and cleared his throat.

"Anyways, would it be okay if El came to school with us?" he blurted out. His dad shrugged and looked to Beth and Rick.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea, Morty," Beth said, looking at me with a concerned expression. "Look at the poor girl; she's so tired, she can barely keep her head up!"

I stifled a yawn. "Hey, no one said being an aunt was gonna be easy. And I'm open to the idea of school; what, does it have a structure or is it more like a free-for-all?"

"Uhhh, kind of like a mix of both," Summer explained. "But more on the second option, if I'm being honest."

Beth sighed. "Did you have any schools in your dimension, sweetheart?"

"Well-"

Before I could even answer, Jerry burst out laughing.

"What's so funny, Jerry?" Rick asked, arching an eyebrow. For some reason, he seemed ticked off.

"T-that's hilarious! You think that a stranger from another dimension that dresses like that, has bright pink hair, and doesn't have the faintest idea of what Earth is like could just waltz into a high school as a new student and not stick out!" Jerry snickered, clutching his sides like he was watching a comedy.

I felt tears threaten to pour out before Summer took my arm. "I'll help you find some other clothes for school, Eloise," she offered before glaring at Jerry. "Because she sure as HECK is going!"

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(Morty's POV)

As soon as the girls went upstairs, all heck broke loose.

"What the heck was THAT for?!" Rick nearly screamed. "Are you TRYING to make her feel MORE insecure?!"

"Yeah, Jerry! You can't just treat our houseguest like that!" Mom added, crossing her arms angrily.

As Mom, Dad, and Rick continued to argue, I noticed Logan was hugging his knees to his chest, looking scared. I took his hand and led him to the couch (which was currently acting as his bed) before handing him a fuzzy blue blanket.

Logan took it without hesitation and cuddled into it, leaning against the couch's armrest to use it as a pillow. As he drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but smile.

My attention was turned by the sound of someone clearing their throat at the top of the stairs. I turned my head and my jaw dropped.

Standing there was Eloise, but she looked so...normal. 

She was wearing a brown denim dress with straps over the shoulders like overalls, a white long-sleeved shirt and short black boots. Summer must've done her hair and makeup, because her hair was in loose curls and she was wearing mascara and golden eyeshadow. A light pink tint showed off her lips as she nervously smiled.

"So, what do you think, Morty?" Summer asked, gesturing to Eloise's new look.

"Beautiful," was all that left my mouth. Logan poked his head over the couch as he rubbed one eye. 

"Pretty," he mumbled, making grabby hands at Elly. She rolled her eyes fondly and scooped him up, balancing him on her hip. A look of realization hit her face.

"Wait...if I'm at school, who's gonna take care of Logan?" she asked. Mom put an arm around her.

"Don't worry, Elly, I'm sure my dad can take care of your nephew," she replied, turning to Rick. "Won't you, Dad?"

I tried my best not to burst out laughing as I saw Rick's expression turn to one of horror and uncertainty. "Uhh, I'm not sure, Beth..."

"It's okay if you can't, Mr. Sanchez, I understand," El responded. "I'll just stay here."

Now Mom looked adamant as she picked up Logan and handed him to Rick. "Let me rephrase that: you ARE watching Logan while the kids are at school. It's the least you can do." She turned to El. "Sweetheart, is there anything that he needs to know?"

El shrugged. "Just the basics, really: he gets hungry around noon and takes a nap at three. He's a pretty easy kid, but he WILL scream in your ear for a while after I leave. Trust me, I know. Let's see...I know I'm forgetting something..."

"No time! It's 7:45! We have to go, Mom!" I said, grabbing my backpack. "C'mon!"

Elly kissed Logan's head. "I'll be back soon, okay, hon? Be good for Mr. Sanchez!" she called before I pulled her out the door. 

Rick looked at the kid in his arms, who now had big tears in his eyes.

"Oh, crap."