Everyone enjoyed breakfast, courtesy of Amelia. Nobody however seemed to care about the tiny fairy sitting there in denial. And the fact that a virtual email answered my question doesn't seem to bother them either.

  "Diane?" Amelia said. "Diane? Diaaaaaaaaaaaaane? Are you listening to me?"

  "Huh? Oh, sorry, Amelia, but I need some time to process this."

  "Now you know how we felt when the first monsters appeared."

  "Yeah.....I suppose so. So....can I have some coffee? And maybe something to eat? Please?"

  "What do fairies eat?" Thompson asked, before Amelia could reply.

  "How should I know?" I shrugged and frowned at his question.

  "Maybe because you are one?" He simply replied.

  I grinned and shrugged. You know what? I give up! "This fairy usually runs on coffee, I know that for a fact. No coffee, no fairy. Sounds fairy? I mean, sounds fair?"

  "Hahaha, it sure does, little one." Rachel takes a saucer and slowly fills it with some coffee.

  "My life is meaningless. I have to drink from a freakin' saucer now."

  "Hahaha....a grumpy fairy...that's new." Amelia said while ughing. "Oh, c'mon! Don't be like that! You are a new lifeform!"

  "And you have no difficulties accepting that fact whatsoever? Sorry, back in my world, things wouldn't have been that easy, you know?"

  "What choice do we have? Besides, monsters appeared out of nowhere too. It only makes sense that fairies would appear out of nowhere as well, right?" Amelia said.

  "Um....yeah....makes sense, I guess." I look up at the ceiling and shake my head, because it doesn't make sense at all! "And why do I have to sit naked in a towel all the time?"

  FLASH

  A bright fsh scared the hell out of everyone, but thankfully nobody was trigger-happy.

  Rachel suddenly releases me from the towel. "Oh my god, you look like Tinkerbell now!" The mirror was still lying on the table, so she was quick to grab it and show me what happened.

  "Yeah...no kidding! Where did these clothes come from?" I'm now wearing a green dress and soft green shoes too. Well....it does look cute, and I always wanted to wear cute stuff.......so.....maybe I shouldn't compin? But it still feels weird!

  "I think that you look cute." Amelia said and offered her hand for me to hop on.

  She pulls me closer to her eyes and then uses her index finger to touch my ears."And soft too." She added.

  "Hehehe....it kinda feels nice too."

  "I can see that. Your tail is wagging."

  "Hahaha." Of course people need to ugh at the only poor fairy in the room.

  "Soooo.....Amelia?"

  "Yes, Diane?" A big grin tells me that she's teasing me.

  "Stop teasing me! Not nice! Sheesh! Soo.....do I still have to go to school?"

  "No, you don't, obviously. You'll be joining me at the research b, where you hopefully will help us find a way to fight the monsters...somehow."

  Thompson nods. "I only wonder how she's going to help us do that. A nice big monster eating dragon would have been nicer, though?" He chuckled.

  "Yeah...wouldn't that have been nice? Maybe you can try to become one, huh?" I suggested, unable to hide some sarcasm.

  "No need for that, I'm happy being a human."

  "Yeah.....I know. So...why is everyone so calm? I changed into a fairy, for crying out loud!"

  "Because there's nothing we can do about it. We'll try to find out why, but answers will take time."

  "Uh-huh...sure, but do you think that I'm a monster? And that there are more fairies out there?"

  "If you are a monster, you are a good monster. You didn't attack any of us so far. Are you pnning to?"

  "Of course not!" I crossed my arms.

  "Good to know. And no, we haven't seen any other fairies or monsters simir to your form. Whatever happens next, we'll support you. Let's help each other."

  I nodded "Sounds like a pn at least. Monsters....weird stones...fairies....it sounds like a fantasy. And yet....here we are."

  Rachel gives me a single raisin and expects me to eat it. When I refuse, she almost pushes it into my mouth.

  "Ehehehe.....so cute. I always wanted a fairy doll!" She carefully takes me from Amelia's hand and pets my tail. "So soft! I wish you were bigger. That's one fluffy tail you have there, missy!"

  "I know, right? But while I don't mind that you're petting me...I'm still a person. How about feeding me some of that nice cake?" I pointed at the delicious looking cake, which everyone else seems to enjoy eating.

  "Of course. Here you go...say aaaaaaaah." She took a tiny corner of the cake and held it close to my mouth where I took it from her with my hands.

  "Wow...nice. Really sweet."

  "Thank you, I love compliments."

  "Rachel! I meant the cake! Duuuh!"

  "Hahaha, I know. You really are incredibly easy to tease. But just so you know, I made the cake myself."

  "Should have known that you could make more than popcorn." My turn to tease her.

  Now the others are ughing while Rachel shows me her index finger. "Watchit, fairy!"

  "It was a compliment! I swear!"

  "Hahahaha."

  The next few minutes all of them pyed the game "tease the fairy." A game I grew tired of after the first second. They are holding more cake in front of me and expect me to grab it, but always take it away at the st moment.

  "Oh, c'mon! You bullies!" I felt something moving, but thought that it was Rachel's finger petting me again.

  "Diane!" Thompson said.

  "Yeah?" I look at him.

  "Your...wings. They moved!"

  "They...did?" I look at them but can't see them, so I did a full 360 before I even noticed what was going on. I fell for it, didn't I? I can't see my wings, I need a mirror for that!

  Amelia shakes her head and smiles. "I saw it too. Why don't you practise doing that, while we discuss how to get you a fairy sized bed and such?"

  "Okay...sure."

  Rachel parks me on the table near the TV set and returns to the others. Does she really think that I can use the remote control like this? That thing is now huge!

  I slowly reposition it so that the TV can receive the signal and jump on the power button. Thankfully it works.

  When I turn around, I see all of them grinning at the sight. Great...this is going to be my life from now on. Tiny and meant to entertain the others. How on Earth am I supposed to help them fight monsters? I can't even drink coffee from a mug anymore!

  I spent the next hour watching TV and training my wings, but in all honesty I didn't practise all that much. But I still managed to get them to move a few times.

  At some point our guests left and Rachel told us that she was going to make me a nice comfy bed. Of course she took some measurements and had difficulties not to smile all the time. She's up to something, I can tell!

  Amelia then followed her out of the room, leaving me all alone.

  It was only after lunch, around 1 pm, when Rachel picked me up to let me inspect my updated bedroom. But she didn't go to the guest room....but to another room. She opens the door and I'm shocked to see lots of pink in the room.

  To begin with, the room is smaller than the guest room, but still quite spacious, especially for a fairy. There's no human sized bed, but a fairy sized bed is pced on a table near the window. This means that I have a perfect view into the garden!

  The wooden bed is surprisingly wide and has a soft pink bnket ready for me to lie on. Two regur looking white pillows are complemented by 2 pink heart shaped ones. It's the perfect pce to read a good book. Well...reading books is not gonna happen anymore, they are way too big for me now.

  The other window shows a nearby tree and I can see most of our front garden.

  The night stand has a bear design, which is a bit childish for my taste, but it still looks cute. The floor is carpeted but a super sized white rug looks very fluffy to walk on. It's like someone shot a fantasy being and made it into a rug, but it's definitely synthetic.

  A compact makeup mirror acts as my standing mirror, and I see the face of someone with a big smile....me.

  The ceiling is covered with brown, white and green stars, some of them appear to be of the glow-in-the-dark type. The curtains are a soft pink as well, as is the soft and frilly looking ball-shaped light above me. I can't even switch on the lights, but it's the thought that counts, right? Thankfully the walls aren't pink, or it would be overkill.

  Rachel walks over to me and gives me a warm smile, seemingly happy that I'm happy. "It's a small room, so it could be painted and decorated while you were watching TV this morning. It however took a bit longer than expected, so we had to keep you occupied in the living room."

  "Wow...I guess that expins the paint I smell. What an amazing surprise! I didn't see or hear anything!"

  "All part of the pn. Well.....what do you think of your new bedroom, miss fairy? Did I choose the right style for you?"

  "Uh-huh....beautiful, but how did you make the furniture?"

  "Toy store.....dolls section." She shrugged.

  "Ahh.....that makes sense. Really cute, I like it. I guess I'm lucky that fairy size equals dolly size."

  "You really do resemble a little dolly. Be careful. If a little girl ever spots you, make sure to fly away. Even I have difficulties not cuddling you."

  "Hehehehe.....girls usually never say that to me."

  "And no, not what I meant."

  "I know...only teasing. Thanks, Rachel. You're the best!"

  I don't know why I'm getting emotional about a room of all things, but it happened. The tears were flowing, but Rachel patted my back with her finger for a minute. "Feeling better?"

  "Yes....thank you."

  "Go ahead, sit on the bed. It won't bite, you know?"

  I sit down and feel how soft it is. My right hand glides over the fabric, and it feels absolutely inviting."So soft."

  "It's all brand new, so expect the smell to go away soon. I'll leave the window open, mainly for the paint to dry, okay?"

  "Sure....fine. Rachel?"

  "Yes?"

  "Is this real? I mean...me being a fairy and all?"

  "Yes, and you are now at home with us. Oh, c'mon, big girls don't cry." She sits down on a chair close to me and takes me into her hands, close to her heart.

  "Sorry....it's okay now. You two are more family to me than my own family has ever been. Thank you."

  "You are most welcome. This house has always been too quiet, so I'm looking forward to spending time with you."

  "Same thing, Rachel!"

  "Hehehe.....enough of this talk. Wanna try wearing something else?"

  "Like what?" I didn't expect that question at all.

  She shows me a few boxes with dolls, brand new. They have clothes on, but there are also other packs with only clothes for dolls."Like 'em?"

  "Yeah.....but.....um.....I think I'll stick with this one for now. Maybe try the PJs tonight first? They do look cute, to be honest."

  "Thought you'd say that. I'll help you get dressed. It's just... your wings. I didn't think of them. Any ideas?"

  "Eh.... cut the PJs open and use a button?"

  "Mmmmmm.......let me think about it. Let me try this first."She picks a blue dress and holds it near me, to see if it will accommodate my wings. A few seconds ter the green dress is lying on the table and I'm wearing the blue dress designed for dolls.

  "Ehh....what just happened?" I asked. Rachel was holding the dress....and then I'm suddenly wearing it!

  "Hahaha, amazing! Fairies are truly magical beings, aren't they? Or maybe someone agrees with me and wants to see you wearing them. These clothes look adorable on you! And now you're pouting! So cuuuute!!" She even put her hands on her cheeks.

  I look up at the ceiling and sigh. "Whoever helped me...thank you. I guess this really helps me out. It's just that Rachel here really needs a fairy doll, or she'll cuddle me to death." But unsurprisingly I didn't get any reply.

  Rachel is carrying me downstairs, and I see Amelia working on her ptop.

  "Ahem....your daughter has arrived, ma'am." Rachel sounded formal, but also excited. Probably curious to see her reaction.

  Wait....did she just say 'daughter?'

  Amelia removes her reading gsses and then looks at me. "My oh my.....you really are pretty. Like a doll."

  "Deja vu. She said the same." I point at Rachel. "But....did she call me your daughter just now?"

  "She did, because I asked her to. You'll need my help and we'll need yours too. We have agreed to adopt you into the family. I know that I'm not your real mom, but as long as you're in this world...I'd like to take that responsibility. Besides, the government wants to register you in order to file records and whatnot.You have only been here for a short time, but I think that we already are a little family, don't you agree?"

  My wings fluttered for a moment when Amelia took me into her hands."You mean it?" I feel emotional again. These two are so kind hearted...it warms my heart. Not that my parents are evil or anything, but these two are just.....amazing!

  "Of course I do. Try saying it, Diane. Mo...ther. Mo....ther." She clearly articuted that, making it easy to read her lips.

  "Mo...ther." I grinned. "Or do you prefer mommy?"

  "Let's compromise. Mom?"

  "Deal! In that case, thank you....mom. I gdly have you as a mom. But big sis Rachel needs to py along to make this work."

  Amelia grins. "I think that can be arranged. But that means that she has to become my daughter too."

  "No, no way. Sorry, Amelia, that's where I draw the line." Rachel sounded pretty upset.

  "Sorry, I won't ask again. Friends...just friends is good." I said, and quickly saw Rachel's smile returning.

  "Thank you for understanding. It's...personal. No offense. I like you both, but I already have a mom."

  "Sure, me too." I nod. "But I really need you two to help me. Especially now that I'm not even human anymore."

  "We'll help you with that." Amelia said. "Give it some time, you'll get used to it."

  "Hehehe.....that sounds really awesome. Becoming your daughter. Even if only for a while."

  "You already are."

  "Nice! Thanks, mom!" I said, but it still kinda feels weird to say that to her.

  "Hahahah, good girl. Ah, wait, I got an email. Shhhhhhit...this is going to take a while. Give me...ten minutes, okay?"

  "Sure, take your time. I'll watch TV."

  While she was reading her emails, I flipped through the channels by jumping on the remote. I watched a few scenes of the movie 'Independence Day' at a time usually nothing worthwhile is shown on cable. Unfortunately for me, the movie is very different from what I remember and it appears to be quite boring. It didn't take long for me to switch the channel and I ended up watching CNN instead. It's official now...this world's TV shows are as boring as the ones from the other Earth.

  "Hey! Amelia! We're on TV! I mean....mom."

  "No shouting please. Migraine..." She replied while walking towards the TV set. She looked at the news for a few seconds.

  "Oh, sorry. Bad habit. Shouting is the only way to get my mom's attention, I guess."

  "I see. As for the news, yes, they have been repeating the interview again and again. We were there, so why the fuss, Diane?"

  "It's not just the interview. They said that they expect that your company will soon be demonstrating new monster countermeasures. Isn't that too soon?"

  "Probably, yes. But for now it gives people the thing they need most. Hope."

  While we were having dinner, I noticed Rachel pouring Amelia a gss of champagne. I get the orange juice I asked for, and Rachel settles for a gss of milk. She really is part of the family. And yes, it's difficult to call Amelia my mom, but it seems that I simply have to get used to it.

  "Mom? Do you really like to drink champagne?"

  "Uh-huh. But you're not 18 yet, so none for you."

  "I don't like alcohol anyway."

  "Ha! When you're 18, I'll have you taste test this champagne. It's really, really good."

  "Mmm...that sounds nice."

  "You are adapting quite nicely to your new life. I'm very proud of you. You are a very courageous young dy."

  I return the smile. "Thank you, mother."

  Mom is trying to speak like a real mom too, using words like "dear" and "honey" quite often.

  "Honey, you'll turn 18 in a few weeks, right? Like your counterpart?"

  "Yes, that's correct."

  "I will soon try to get you out of this house. You'll probably have to meet Thompson and his minions again first, but there's no reason to keep you locked up in here. Getting some fresh air is good for you, but for now you should know that the government keeps nagging about your expected monster sying skills.

  That message you received piqued their interest and now they want to see you in action. But since you're freshly hatched...sorry for that.....I told them to wait a while."

  "Thanks, I appreciate that. But something tells me that I'm not a monster syer. So....are they really expecting me to do that?"

  "Yes, and we really need a breakthrough, so everyone's hoping that you are it. They are keeping an eye on you, even calling you a national treasure."

  "Hahahaha, he said that?"

  "It's true, I swear. I'm curious to see how much they expect of that treasure now."

  "Hehehe, you think that they don't approve of me wearing actual doll clothes?" I point at my new dress.

  "That's not what I meant. I meant that you managed to be insanely useful already. Being able to touch the bug stone is already a potential benefit for us. And don't forget the technologies you understand. They were....however....how should I say it.....disappointed that you cimed the technology on my behalf."

  "Nice, ...we beat them."

  "That we did. I always drink champagne when I feel like celebrating and that's today. My company's value went through the roof. You, my dear, made it happen. So I have a few rewards for you in mind.

  One of them was supposed to be a new bike for school. It was supposed to be a prank too, like telling you that a surprise is waiting on the driveway. And then seeing your long face when it's not a car. Oh! I messed up! I should have told you right now, and put a toy car on the driveway!"

  "Hahahaha......you're evil!"

  She smiled. "Yes, I wasted a perfectly good prank on that. But fairies shouldn't drive anyway." She chuckled.

  "Do you mind if I turn in early?" I asked.

  "Not at all." Mom said.

  "So...Rachel? Do you have a fairy sized toothbrush for me?"

  She closed her eyelids and shook her head. "Sorry...didn't think of that." She then grinned. "Do you even have teeth?"

  When I actually had to feel them with my tongue, both of them snickered. "Ha......ha.....ha....soooo funny."

  They kept staring at me.

  "Helloooohooooo? Poor disabled fairy needs a lift?" I pointed at my wings.

  Rachel couldn't stop ughing and actually had to hold her tummy. "Awww......you poor thing."

  Mom then said "before you go to bed, do you mind taking my st name?"

  "Huh?"

  "It's for all the needed paperwork. We can't just call you 'Diane the Fairy.' You are a real person, so you need to be registered. Do you mind taking the name Finley?"

  "Um....not at all. But come to think of it, Diane isn't appropriate either. She doesn't exist in this world, nor am I any longer human. What do you think? Keep the name, or change it as well?"

  "It's your choice. But I'd be happy to give you a new name. I am your mother after all." She grinned.

  "Okay...make it a nice one...mother."

  "What about......Tinkerbell?" Rachel said while giving me a wink.

  "Rachel....!" I showed her the 'I'm watching you' gesture; pointing at my eyes, then at her.

  "No, we don't need fantasy fairy names, Rachel. This is for official records and she has to like the name too. What about Elizabeth Finley? No, that sounds too formal." Mom then looks at me. "What about.....Ann? Short and cute, exactly what you are."

  "Ha...ha....ha. But yeah....Ann sounds good. Ann Finley. I accept it!"

  We were all surprised to see my wings glow brightly for a few seconds.

  ================Your name has been registered.================

  I look up at mom. "Okaaaay, that happened. I got a message, saying that my name has been registered! It wasn't me, I swear!"

  "We know......Ann. Thank you for accepting the name. It's my te grandmother's and she has always been very kind to me."

  "Are you sure then?"

  "Of course! I'm sure that she'd want you to have the name. Now go get some sleep. Maybe your wings are like an empty battery indicator?"

  I close my eyes because she's teasing me again. "Good one, I have to admit. Nighty night."

  Rachel gave me a tiny bit of toothpaste and I brushed my teeth with my finger. Sure, not effective at all, but it's the thought that counts, right? I really have to adjust to so many things now....how bothersome.

  She then brought me to my bedroom where she kept the window open. She even tucked me in and said "pleasant dreams, little fairy. You're safe here. I know that lots has happened to you, but we'll figure it out together."

  "Thanks, Rachel...you are amazing."

  "Do you want me to read you a bedtime story?"

  "No, not tonight, mommy."

  "Hahaha...see you tomorrow."

  [ POV Rachel ]

  I take a seat on the sofa next to Amelia.

  "She sure adapted quickly to becoming your daughter. I'm impressed."

  Amelia nods. "That makes two of us. We need her for obvious reasons and she also has nowhere else to go. She's fragile, not just as a fairy, but as a person too. She needs a home.

  I think that this is a mutually beneficial retionship and truly hope that she will prove to be even more valuable and can actually help us to fight off those monsters."

  "That would be nice."

  "Hehe, nice. You are saying it too."

  "Yes, so it seems. She says it so often that it's getting contagious. But it's fun having her around. The pce is more alive, no offense."

  "Non taken, Rachel. I have to agree actually."

  "She really trusts you. Both of us."

  "Yes, ma'am. I can't even begin to imagine what she's going through."

  "I know, but I can still rete. I'm happy that you haven't abandoned me either. You and our Missy upstairs are probably the only people alive who can tolerate me."

  "You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. Cookies?"

  "Oh my god, yes, keep 'em coming. Make sure that she gets addicted to them too."

  "Already is. Just as addicted to them as you are."

  "Hehehe, she really could be my own daughter."

  "She is, because she accepted you as her mom."

  "True, at least for a while. Guess it was meant to be. This universe owed me big time....and ...somehow....it compensated me. I guess all is good again in the grand scheme of things."

  "Nice."

  "Hahahaha," we both ughed.