Okay, guys. I know I probably shouldn't start a new fic with all my others that need updating. But this is a birthday gift for a very sweet friend of mine, Ericastwilight. I wanted to do something special for her since she spoiled me with her fic Incognito on my birthday. Anyway, short chapters. About fifteen. Thinking I will post once a day since both my beta and I are still sick. Aiming for an SGMW update by the weekend.

Also, I am basing this Bella a lot on me. I am pretty much Deaf. I only have 30% in my right ear. I read lips, don't rely much on sign, but do know it. Thank you to Kyla713, Mina and packy for being all up in my docs.

Enjoy, Erica! Thank you for being an amazing friend. Have a wonderful birthday!

Epov

"Dad!" My son had a flair for never using an inside voice. I was convinced he wanted everyone from several counties over to hear him and his every word. I sometimes couldn't help but cringe with how loud he could be.

"Dad!" he yelled again, impatience leaking through his voice.

I turned my head, my hand automatically coming up to my now long beard, and idly wondered if I should shave it all off or keep it on with the oncoming cold weather. My son, Toby, had never seen me without it in all his years so far on this earth.

Toby was standing at the window, palms pressed to the glass. "Yes?" I asked as I walked up next to him, placing my hand on top of his head.

"The leaves are falling." The amazement in his voice made me smile. He had always been excited with the leaves falling, the colors they changed to.

"They are. I think we will have to rake them up soon. But I think maybe for today, we could go to the park and walk around. Seems a good day for it. And you could pick up some more leaves for your collection." I turned around and began to walk towards the front door, grabbing our coats along the way.

Toby followed, and then stopped, looking entirely way too serious for a four-year-old. "You know... I think I need another red leaf."

"Like you don't have enough of those?"

He laughed and turned around so that I could help him into his coat. "Nope! Wanna know why, Dad?"

I knew his answer; it was always the same.

"Because my friend loves the color red."

He was right. She always loved the color red. Though, sometimes, I wondered if she just said that to make him happy and smile.

We set out to walk the park, Toby running ahead, grabbing at leaves and stopping to inspect them. He'd drop the ones that weren't what he deemed perfect and just continued walking. He walked faster the closer we got to the park and I instantly knew why.

She was sitting on her favorite bench. Red hat on top of her head, long brown, wavy hair blowing every which way in the wind, but she smiled the instant she saw Toby running toward her.

Toby stopped and stood still a few feet from his friend and brought his hands up. He confidently signed, Hello, friend!, and her eyes lit up as her smile grew bigger. She signed back, slowly so that Toby would know most of the letters. Hello, Toby.

Her eyes found mine just before she patted the seat next to her for Toby to sit down. I slowly walked up to them, taking in the sight.

And then I signed what she taught me weeks ago.

Hello, Bella.