I gaze out my bedroom window, watching the fall trees blow in the wind. They move like they’re dancing, swaying back and forth.

I remember Mom always telling me that they would dance as their leaves fell to say good bye. I like to think it’s true, even though I know it’s just a story she made up.

I watch as a orangy red leaf leaves it’s branch and glides slowly to the sidewalk. It lands in front of someone and they bend down picking it up.

As my eyes follow the leaf, I realize that the boy holding it is the boy I met a few days ago. Davian.

I catch the edges of my mouth as they try to sneak a small smile. Davian stands in the middle of the side walk as he turns the leaf over in his hands.

Without rationalizing what I’m about to do, I stand up and head down stairs. I run to the front door, throwing it open as I step over the threash hold.

The door shuts behind me as I stand on the door mat. Davian’s eyes flick to mine as he drops the red leaf.

Lifting my hand in a small wave I force a small smile. Davian waves back, his black eyes still on mine.

Ever since the day we met I’ve been thinking about him. He told me about his parents, how he lost them. And suddenly just like that I felt like I knew him.

My heart races in my chest as I skip down the porch steps and meet Davian at the side walk.

“Hey,” I say as I stop in front of him.

Davian smiles, “Maisie.” He says. “You doing okay?”

Something tells me he remembers our talk as much as I do. Maybe he’s been thinking about me every morning like I have. And not in a creepy romatic way, just you know a way.

“Better,” I reply.

Davian nods, lookig down at his blue and black sneakers. “I’m really sorry.”

I shake my head. “Don’t be, it’s not your fault.”

Davian sighs. “Yeah, right.”

Maybe this was a bad idea. I should have just let Davian pass, I can tell I’m making his sweet smile fade.

“Well,” I bring his eyes back to mine. “Thanks for the other day.”

“Like I said,” Davian’s smile reappears. “Anytime.”

Butterflies make their way to my stomach as his smile enters my mind. Why do I think it’s so perfect. . . I mean I barely know him, plus I shouldn’t even be thinking this.

I force the butterflies to leave, half smiling as a few leaves fall around us. “I love the fall,” I say. “The trees and all.”

Davian seems to relax at my subject change. “Yeah, it’s one of natures many gifts.”

I laugh as Davian’s smile grows. “I did take you for such a poetic person.”

Davian shrugs. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

For a second I’d forgotten that everything about my life is ruined. “Like what?” I ask, forcing myself not to lose my smile.

“You’ll learn,” Davian tells me. “My mom always told me to let people find you, instead of just guiding them. She said if they’re willing to keep trying then that means they care about you.”

I like that, it’s kind of the whole secret to finding the right people in life. Davian’s mom must be the person he gets his poetic side from.

“I like it,” I whisper. “The serect to life.”