I look out the window waiting to see when my friend Autumn arrives.  We have been best friends for as long as I can remember. We are both six years old and love to play. We often play dress up with the clothes my governess, Francine, put in the big oak wardrobe. She had said, "Rosie, you and Autumn may play with these clothes but you may not get into mahogany wardrobe. That one is not for playing." I had politely agreed, although I had no idea what mahogany was, and later that day autumn and I had dressed up in the scarves, hats, shoes and other pretty clothes in the wardrobe.

I suddenly hear a knock on the door I run and see autumn there. We hug and run off to play.

"Let's play with the costumes!" She suggests.

"That sounds wonderful!" I answer.

We run off to the big oak wardrobe and open it. I am still amazed at the huge amount of clothing inside. I pick out a light purple dress and put it on. Autumn chooses a teal dress. We deck ourselves with jewelry and go to play in the garden.

"What if we pretend to be princesses?!" I ask enthusiastically.

Autumn smiles, "Yes!"

"I'm Princess Isabella of whales," I say in the most elegant way possible.

"I'm princess Cortiana of York," Autumn replies. Her elegant voice isn't quite as good as mine.

We play for a long time and then I hear Francine. "Girls! We have a guest!"

The two of us run inside and are surprised to see a boy our age in the sitting room. He had dark hair and is dressed in a suit. He is with a lady.

I curtsy, "Hello. I am Rosemary Taraly and this I my friend Autumn Daion."

"Hello Rosemary," the lady greets, "I'm Miss Jadely and I am the governess to this young man," she says gesturing to the boy.

"My name is Walter Littleton. Pleasure to meet you," he says. He's face gets red as he sits down. He plays with the edge of his shirt sleeve. Autumn and I sit down. The adults talk FOREVER and while they are I watch Walter.

He has a kind face but doesn't look like he smiles enough. He always looks down. His clothes are extremely neat and I wonder if he's ever played in the mud. It would be a real shame if he hasn't. Even if you get dirty it's completely worth it.  He looks at me and half smiles. I smile back.

He doesn't look completely happy and it bothers me.

I begin dozing off but I stop myself. I wish the adults would stop talking! I look over at Autumn. She is looking tired as well.

Eventually the adults stop talking and Walter and his governesses leave. Francine allows us to play outside again. Autumn and I go to the garden swing and sit.

"Walter looks sad," I say.

"He does. I want to help him," Autumn replies.

"We should see if he wants to play tomorrow," I suggest.

Autumn smiles, "That sound like a great idea!"