"We were just kids when we fell in love (the inBESTigators)" a mauzra story

CH7: birthday gone wrong (or right...)

Ezra's pov:

Today is Maudie's birthday she just turned 12 years old and me, Kyle, and Ava are in the inBESTigators office because Ava really wanted for Maudie to have a great birthday every year so she got me and Kyle to help her decorate and prep (prepare) everything for the big day.

"Ok, so, Ezra, you put the 'happy birthday' lights on the ceiling, and Kyle will help move stuff." Ava said.

Yeah,

She was really having the party in the inBESTigators office.

I grabbed the ladder from the storage room and placed it then Ava and Kyle went outside to grab the stuff and move it so I was alone if was pretty hard for me to do this on my own so u went to go get Ava.

Then I saw Ava holding a bunch of things like plastic cups, cupcakes, straws, etc

So I decided not to bother I went to Kyle but I didn't find him I went back to the office Ava was there too.

"Where's Kyle?" I asked.

"He's in the bathroom, one of the cupcakes dropped on his shirt." Ava said.

She went to go get more decorations so I decided to try to do it on my own I climbed up the ladder it was wobbly and I started to get a bit scared as I climbed the other step.

I reached to place the decoration then I felt something holding the ladder for me.

It was Ava she gave me a reassuring smile as I looked up again and put on the decoration once I was finished I put the ladder back and went back to help.

Kyle came back and he was resting on the couch I sat next to him Ava was calling her friends and telling them the plan to come.

And when they came we all stood in front of the door waiting for her.

"You guys Maudie's gonna arrive at any moment now in 3, 2... 1." Ava said excitedly.

And she was right the door then suddenly flew open and Maudie was there.

"Hey, guys-"

"Surprise!!" We said in unison, slightly startling her.

Ava then got out a mini confetti cannon and popped it then grabbed Maudie's wrist and pulled her inside to show her everything.

"W-wow, I'm shocked, I don't know what to say." Maudie said, with a smile on her face.

Then Ava explained everything and Maudie listened intently they were all partying and stuff when suddenly I turned around trying to find Maudie but I didn't find her at all.

Maybe she was in the bathroom so I went to go check I opened the door to see Maudie sitting on the bathroom floor humming and looking around.

"Maudie?" I asked.

"Oh, hi, Ezra." She waved.

"What are you doing in the bathroom?" I asked "and why are you sitting on the floor?"

She sighed.

"Uh, it's nothing... it's just stupid." She said.

I sat next to her on the floor.

"Please, Maudie, tell me what's wrong." I said taking her hand and giving her a reassuring smile.

She took a long and shaky breath.

A/N: y'all might hate me for this next part

"I have autism." She admitted

What. The. Heck.

I did not expect this at all.

I've always thought Maudie was different and just quirky, but-

Autism?!

"Ezra?" Maudie asked, gently shaking my shoulder.

"Y-yeah, sorry I was just zoning out." I said.

"Why, are you okay?" She asked.

"Yeah, I just didn't expect this confession." I admitted.

"Promise you won't tell anyone?" She asked.

"I promise," I said, linking my pinky with hers. "Pinky promise."

She smiled in relief.

"Can you stay here with me for a while till I get comfortable with going out?" She asked.

I nodded as she placed her head on my shoulder.

I feel like our friendship just got better by her just trusting me with her big secret.

We stayed there for about 5 minutes till be got out and continued Maudie's surprise birthday party.