Q-Tip(KOTLC) {Completed}

11

Janessa spent the rest of the day at the Freemans house, hanging out with her oblivious younger sister, who, of course, didn't know she was more than a metaphorical younger sister, Janessa being Sophie's twin and born of their same mother, Mrs Freeman. Natalie, formerly known as Amy before her memories had been washed, eagerly showed Janessa her new bike, her green eyes sparkling, and the two raced through the town.

Natalie giggled when Janessa pulled up to the house a half second after her.

"Ha! I beat you!" Natalie taunted, grinning wildly.

"Who said I didn't go easy on you?" Janessa teased back.

Natalie glared playfully. "You didn't. You're too competitive."

"Mm-hmm. Sure. Believe what you want." 

Natalie punched the white-haired girl on the shoulder.

"Ow!" Janessa squeaked.

"That's what you get." Natalie said smugly.

Janessa chuckled, rolling her azure eyes. "Now, what do you want to do next, little devil?"

"Lunch. I'm hungry, Janessa. Ooh! And cookies!" Natalie exclaimed excitedly.

"Alright, let's head inside."

Janessa wrapped an arm around Natalie's shoulder as they entered the Freeman house. Together, they giggled over their ham and cheese sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies.

Once the cookies were finished, Janessa walked home and collapsed on her bed in the empty house. She had never been supposed to actually interact with the Freemans, but they'd noticed her hovering outside their window due to a malfunction of her obscurer.

"What are you doing, staring at us through the window?" Mr Freeman yelled.

Janessa's lip quivered as she struggled for words for a moment. "I'm s-sorry. I'm your new neighbour and I thought I would come say hi, but I saw you all having a family dinner and you looked so happy. My parents are never home, and I guess I just... I don't know." Janessa paused, realizing just how true her words were. "I'm sorry. I'll just go home."

Mrs Freeman looked at her sympathetically. "Where are your parents?"

"Well, they're dead." Janessa said, before realizing her mistake. "But I was adopted. My new guardians are always working though, away on business trips."

Natalie Freeman walked up to Janessa and wrapped her in a hug. Janessa froze in shock before hugging the nine-year-old back.

"I'm Natalie Freeman."

"Janessa Quincy." Janessa replied after a moment's hesitation.

"Why don't you eat with us, Janessa?" Natalie offered, looking at her parents for confirmation.

"I wouldn't want to intrude..." Janessa trailed off longingly.

"It's our pleasure, Janessa." Mrs Freeman reassured.

Janessa's eyes shone with hope and a smile grew on her face as she nodded. "Thank you."

Janessa sighed as she walked home. If only she didn't have to lie to the Freemans/Fosters, who were the closest she had to a normal family. 

Frowning a little, Janessa walked to the hospital where she volunteered whenever she was in the human world. The doctors and nurses all greeted her with wide smiles as she passed them, waving happily and asking about their days and families.