youll be just fine (oh alien)

Seven (Beginnings)

When Tyler is seven years old, his parents sit him and all his  siblings down and quietly tell them that there's going to be a new boy  staying here, one a little older than Tyler.

Tyler does not react well to that.

  

He's the eldest child. He's the eldest, the most responsible, the most reliable. He's his parents' most trustworthy child, the most capable one. He doesn't want another kid here, especially not an older one.

  

He tells his parents as much, and they immediately scold him. Tyler  doesn't understand why. He's making a valid point. Tyler can't trust  some kid to assume the responsibilities of the eldest. None of them can.

  

He also doesn't understand why Zack and Maddy aren't more upset  about this. Well, Tyler doubts that Maddy really understands what's  going on, since she's only two, but Zack is obviously comprehending.

  

"What's his name?" Zack asks.

  

"His name is Josh," their mom answers, looking relieved.

  

"How old is he?"

  

"Eight."

  

"Does he like basketball?"

  

"I don't think he knows what basketball is."

  

"Can I teach him?"

  

Their mom smiles. "I think he'd love that, Zack. But he's going to  be a little shy at first, so it might be a while before you can."

  

"And kids," their dad says, and they all turn their attention to  him, "Josh is going to be scared. He won't know any of us. So I need all  of you to be on your best behavior, okay? Make him feel welcome."

  

Tyler grumbles, but he doesn't say anything. He's not happy.

  

"Why's he staying in our house?" Tyler asks, not for the first time.

  

"Because he doesn't have anywhere else to stay," his mom answers, also not for the first time.

  

"But why our house?"

  

"Because we have money, and we can support another child here."

  

Tyler huffs. "But why can't he stay with someone else who has money?"

  

"Because we're good people," his mom answers.

  

"Why can't he stay with other good people who have money?"

  

"Tyler," his mom says, pulling the car over before turning to face  him, "you're going to be nice to this boy. Do you understand me?" She  looks angry, angrier than the time Tyler and Zack accidentally broke  that vase.