Autumn bows her head as soon as we walk into my door, pulling her hair down around her face. Why she would do that I’m not sure, but I don’t question the stuff she does. I don’t want her to feel like stuff she does is weird.

“I’m thirsty. Let’s get a drink before we go to my room.” I say, suppressing a smile.

She nods, dropping her hands to her sides and following me towards the kitchen. As we turn the corner, Mom, Dad, Cal, and Aron appear in our view.

“Happy Birthday!” They exclaim.

The dining room is full of balloons and people, with a cake on the table. Autumn jumps slightly, causing her hair to fall back from her face. Mom and Dad look to each other, then Mom steps forward, a small frown on her face.

“Levi, why don’t you and Dad get dinner on the table? Autumn, can you come with me please?” She asks. A smile curves her lips but it doesn’t reach her eyes.

“Yes, ma’am.” Autumn mutters, following my mom from the room.

Dad ruffles my hair as he walks by. I smile and follow him to the kitchen, grabbing the plates and carrying them outside. Dad is going to cook a pizza for us. Cal and Aron run outside behind us and we sit around, waiting for dinner to be ready.

Mom and Autumn come outside just as the pizza is ready. Autumn smiles as she sits down next to me and my mom pulls my dad to the side.

“Everything okay?” I ask Autumn.

“Mhm.” She says, looking happy. Dad sets the pizza on the table and smiles at Autumn.

“Happy birthday, sweetie. I hope you enjoy the pizza. Don’t start on the cake without me!” He laughs.

“Where are you going?” I ask him.

“I’m just going out to make a quick run to the store. Your mom forgot to get napkins.” He winks at Autumn, who blushes, and walks back into the house.

We laugh and talk while we eat. Mom moves the balloons outside, and my dad comes back, bringing the cake out from the kitchen. He smiles as he sets it down in front of Autumn.

“Make a wish Autumn, then we’ll show you your present.” Dad says.

Autumn closes her eyes, then leans forward and blows out her candles. We clap and blow horns, shouting happy birthday between breaths. She giggles and opens her eyes.

“Present time!” My mom says, walking towards the house.

We all look at each other. I grab Autumns hand and pull her after my parents. We follow them through the house and stop at the door that was going to be for Samantha.

“Boys,” My dad says, clearing his throat, “Sometimes, people aren’t very nice. Autumns father has some…problems, so Autumn will be moving in with us.”

I look over to Autumn and she’s smiling more than I’ve ever seen her smile before. She’s going to be living with us? This will be awesome. I’ll have my best friend in the room right next to me!

“So, Autumn, we’d like to show you your room! It has some other furniture in it right now, but tomorrow Ezra will pull out the old furniture while you and I go shopping for your new stuff!” Mom says, pushing open the door. We step into the room and look around, Autumn still has a large smile on her face.

When we leave the room I take Autumn’s hand and pull her out to the playground. I look over at her, seeing the marks on her face again. This morning with her dad’s yells and her scared look come back to me.

“Your dad was mean to you?” I ask quietly. She nods. Anger burns in me, anger at anyone hurting Autumn. “Autumn, I promise I will never let anyone hurt you again. I will always protect you.” I look at her and she’s smiling at me. I feel my stomach stir. She’s my best friend in the whole world. “I love you.” I blurt out.

Autumn giggles. “I love you too, Levi.” She says, leaning in and kissing me on the cheek. “You’re the best best friend ever.”

“You are too.” I say. “Let’s be best friends, forever.” She giggles and nods, taking my hand.

“Forever.” She smiles, taking my hand.