Adopted By The Hemmings (mgc)

Three

Luna sat very still as her brain tried to process the words that had left Liz's lips. Her parents were gone. Dead. What was she going to do now? Where was she going to live? How was she going to live? She looked back at Liz and placed her trembling hand over her mouth. Liz simply sat, waiting for Luna to be able to speak.

"What's going to happen to me, Liz? Where am I going to go?" Luna's voice cracked loudly as her face crumpled, her hot burning tears taking over.

"What is going to happen is that I'm going to help take care of everything. Then if you would like we will work on getting approval for you to stay and live with us. I've discussed it with Andy, and if after a while and if it is something you would want we'd like to adopt you."

Liz gazed at Luna a little apprehensively. She wasn't sure how she would take all of the information, let alone the offer of adoption. Luna stared at her hands, twisting and untwisting her fingers. Of course Liz would keep her safe. Liz always thought of everything.

"I don't know what to say. . . You would really adopt me?"

"Of course Luna, I'm not going to let you go through this alone. We all love you. We'll convert this room to make it yours and you can decorate it how you like. I know this has all been a lot, do you need anything?"

"Liz, you're already doing so much for me. . . I think I just need a minute alone right now. I'll be downstairs when I'm ready, is that okay?"

"No problem Lu, do you want me to keep the boys downstairs?"

"If you wouldn't mind. . ."

Liz gave her a soft, sympathetic smile as she rubbed Luna's arm gently. Luna tried to offer a smile in return before hugging Liz tightly. Once she was alone she picked up her duffle bag, and began to put her clothes away. She forgot to ask Liz what they would do with her parents' house. What about all of their stuff? The room around her began to shake and a strangled noise ripped from her throat. She collapsed to the floor.

They were gone. It wasn't supposed to be this way; they were suppose to go on their business trip, and then they were supposed to come home. She let out another shrill cry as she cracked her fist against the nearest wall. Cradling her hand to her chest she lied flat on the floor. Staying still for what seemed like hours, just trying to calm her breathing.

Soon, she made her way up off the floor being mindful of her hand, and picked up her phone before going downstairs. She wondered if Liz had told the boys yet or if she had waited. The boys were sitting silently in the living room, and it just seemed wrong. They were supposed to be loud and raucous. Calum noticed her first and nudged Luke, who quickly got up, pulling Luna into his arms. The boys joining soon after.

"So, I take it Liz told you?" The boys stood back and simply nodded. Lu glanced at Luke, who looked as if he too had lost his parents.

"Lu, I'm so sorry. . ."

"I know Luke, I'm sorry too. Where's your mum?"

"She's in the kitchen talking to a lawyer last I had checked. I think they're discussing you staying here, which I hope you get to stay because I don't want to lose you as selfish as that sounds."

"I'm not going anywhere Luke. I'm happy to have your family in my life, and that you're willing to take me in. I also know that with all of your help, I will be okay. I just hope you're willing to bear with me because I don't know when that will happen."

Luna's eyes began to fill with tears, but she wiped them away quickly. She had always hated crying or even the thought of just being a cry baby. Unexpectedly, Michael placed his arms around her small frame. Her body stiffened at first, but soon relaxed into his hold. Oddly enough, she felt safe. Luke cleared his throat causing Luna to jump and pull away from Michael.