❝ S T A Y I N G  W I T H  U S ❞

Tears prick the corner of Addilyn's eyes, slowly beginning their descent despite her attempts to hold them back.

"What's wrong?" Daniel questions, gently removing Mr. Quackington from his lap and rushing to the girl's side. "Who called?"

"My brother." Her voice cracks, bringing her to cry on his shoulder as he pulls her into a hug. "He can't come home for Christmas."

Daniel's shirt is quickly soaked and, although she would normally apologize for being the cause of it, Addilyn can't bring herself to care in the moment. Mr. Quackington waddles over and, unable to climb onto the couch, nuzzles his head into her leg, comforting his owner in his own way.

She had told her brother it was fine, that she would be fine, but she knew that was nothing except a big lie. She understands why he won't be home, and it makes her incredibly proud of him. But, at the same time, Carson being overseas kept her worried sick until he was back safe and sound.

And this deployment has been going on for months. It's the middle of November and she hasn't seen him since he left in May.

Now, with the news that he wouldn't be home for another three months, she just wanted to curl up in a ball until February.

"Go pack a bag."

"What?" Addilyn sniffles, glancing up at the boy.

"Go pack a bag," he repeats, grinning slightly. "You and Mr. Quackington are staying with us for a while."

"Daniel, I can't do that," the girl argues, pulling away from his comforting hug. "I've spent too much time there already, I don't want to overstay my welcome. Plus, you haven't even talked about it with the others! What will they think?"

Even as she's arguing against it, Addilyn can't help but to be slightly excited about his plan. After all, she had promised Carson before he hung up that she wouldn't isolate herself again, and what better way not to do that than by staying in a house with eight other people?

"You're a part of our crazy family now, whether you like it or not," he states, shooing her towards the bedroom. "Everyone will be thrilled, especially Corbyn. And you don't need to be alone while you're upset, so you're staying with us and that's that."

****

"Hey, Corbyn," Daniel shouts, opening the front door of the Why Don't We house. "I got you an early birthday present!"

Addilyn catches a glimpse of her reflection in one of the windows, bringing her to grimace as she stands behind the brunette. Her eyes were red and puffy, and her hair was piled in a messy bun on top of her head, causing the girl to look like she had just crawled out of a dumpster.

"What is it?" Corbyn skids down the hallway, fixing the other boy with a curious stare.

Daniel steps aside, revealing Addilyn and her rather large bag filled to the brim with clothes, makeup, and her laptop, as well as Mr. Quackington standing at her feet.

"Addi!" A bright grin spreads across his face as he practically tackles her into a warm embrace.

"Hey, Corbs." An involuntary sniffle escapes her as she drops her bag and envelopes herself in his familiar hold.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Addilyn shakes her head. "I just love you so much it hurts."

"I love you too," the blond mutters, pressing a kiss to her temple. "So, what's in the bag?"

"Clothes," Daniel answers for her with a smug look on his face. "I decided she should stay with us for a few weeks."