The belle rings and we all rush out, excited the school day is over. Cal and Aron talk about the new sports teams we’ll form this year while Autumn follows quietly beside me. Her eyes peak out from underneath her mop of curls as she scans the street.

“Looking for the bus?” I ask.

“No,” She shakes her head, “my papa said he was going to pick me up.”

“Oh, well I can wait with you. I like to walk home sometimes anyway.” I say.

Cal gave me a strange look but I just smile and wave him on. I wasn’t going to leave her along and run the risk of Peter and Mini finding her alone.

“Okay, thank you.” She mutters, looking back down to her feet.

We sit down on a nearby bench in silence. The school grounds empty as the sun slowly makes its way closer to the horizon. Soon, we’re the only ones there.

“Does he work late?” I ask her.

“Huh? Oh, uhm, yea. Sometimes.” She replies.

I hear her stomach growl and realize how late it is.

“Why don’t we head to my house? We can eat some dinner there then my parents can take you home. Do you think your dad will mind?” I ask.

Autumn’s eyes scan the street again and a small sigh escapes her lips. “Okay. He probably won’t notice.” She says quietly.

“Alright, this way.” I say, pulling her up with me and pointing in the direction of my house. She nods and begins to follow beside me as we walk.

*********************

“Levi?” I hear Mom call. “Levi, is that you? You had us worried sick. Where have you be-“ She stops as she turns into the hall and spots Autumn behind me.

“Sorry I’m late, mom. This is Autumn. I stayed after school with her to wait for her dad but he’s working late. Can she eat dinner with us before we take her home?” I ask.

My mom’s green eyes scan over Autumn, who’s hiding halfway behind me staring at her shoes. A warm smile crosses my mom’s face.

“Of course she can. Autumn, my name is Logan, but you may call me whatever you wish. Do you like spaghetti?” She asks.

“Yes ma’am.” Autumn says, looking timidly up to my mom.

“Wonderful.” Mom looks to me. “Why don’t ya’ll get cleaned up and I’ll set the table.”

I nod and set Autumn’s book on the table by the door.

“Honey!” My mom calls to Dad. “Levi brought a pretty friend home.”

I blush and inwardly sigh at my mom. How embarrassing.

“There’s a bathroom down here we can use.” I say, leading her down the hall to my room and bathroom.

**************

I carry the dishes into the kitchen, Autumn following close behind. Dad and Mom talk quietly at the table, watching us. As soon as I finish loading the dishwasher Autumn tugs at my sleeve.

“Uhm, I need to go home now.” She whispers.

“Okay. Mom, Dad, we need to take Autumn home now.” I say, looking over to them.

Dad smiles and stands up. “Alright, let’s head out. Autumn, do you have all of your school books?” He asks.

“We left it all by the door.” I reply for her.

“Okay, ya’ll be safe.” My mom says, waving at us.

“Thank you for dinner.” Autumn says just loud enough for them to hear her.

“Of course, sweetie. You’re welcome over anytime. Ezra will give you our numbers so your parents can call us if they need to.” Mom says. Autumn nods and we file out to the car.

AN: Wow guys, I’m on a role! I’m so glad to be back on this story and with this family. They, and all you readers mean so much to me. Expect a special something around April 26th. It’ll be a whole year that I’ve had this blog!! Oh, I may be adding a poll to the bottom of one of these soon to get some feed back from ya’ll. So just keep an eye out 🙂