𝕄𝕒𝕕𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕀𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕪

Chapter eight: We're All Made of Ivory

        Madam Orantia pulled Ivory along quickly, keeping a fast pace toward the zoo.  The hospital had allowed Ivory to check out, with a long lists of 'why you shouldn't go too hard' and such.  It had been a waste of ten minutes.  Ten minutes they couldn't spare.  The thought added a boost of speed to Ivory's step.  

        Cars honked, showing many drivers' displeasure as the two jaywalkers sped across the street.  Madam Orantia continued walking with firm confidence, not even flinching at the surrounding sound.  Ivory winced but didn't have time to hesitate.

        They had to get there before they did anything to Eliot.  

        "The zoo is a block away," Madam Orantia said breathlessly. "We're almost there, darling. We'll make it."

        Ivory sprinted in front of Madam Orantia, reaching the gate in record speed.  Finding a lower part in the surrounding wall, she vaulted over it.  She didn't stop running, even after she reached the elephant exhibit.  She expertly jumped over the fence and ditch, only stopping after she had reached a wild Eliot.  A dozen zookeepers and vets were desperately trying to calm the creature down.  He looked like he was growing weak, not from stomping and fighting, but from something they were giving him. "No!" she screamed. "No! Stop!" 

        At the sound of Ivory's voice, Eliot's stomping slowed and his trumpet whipped around to face Ivory's terrified expression.  Hands held up, the girl slowly grew closer to the elephant. 

        "Please!" Ivory turned to the vets. "Please, he's not wild! He's just scared...and lonely..." Ivory looked back at Eliot. "He just needs a friend." The elephant let out a trumpet sound. "And I need one too." She giggled, the sound calming the desperate yet silent cry in Eliot's eyes.  He nudged her gently with his trunk, and Ivory wrapped her arms around it.

        Finally, after a long hug, Ivory turned back to the completely shocked audience. "Please let me help him. I promise he won't cause any more trouble," she said.  She turned to Eliot and he gave her a small nod and quiet trumpet. 

        A middle aged man with a short beard reaching toward his ears and soft blue eyes stepped forward.  His voice shook slightly as he questioned, "How are you doing that?"

        "Doing what?" Ivory asked in reply.

        "Getting near him! Touching him!" the man answered.

        Ivory blinked, sneaking a small glance at Eliot. "I-I think he trusts me," she answered, taking a step forward. "I'm his friend." She showed assurance to the man through her eyes--they spoke a thousand words. "You need to be his friend...not his master. He's still a wild animal, you know. Just because he's trained and lives at a zoo, doesn't mean he's like a perfect little human." She smiled, reaching her hand forward. "Don't worry. Eliot might bite, but I don't!" She gave a little giggle and the man looked down at the younger in surprise.  His eyes widened suddenly and Ivory turned to see Eliot leaning over.

        Ivory touched Eliot's trunk and approached the man with gentle steps, keeping an air of calm.  She lifted Eliot's trunk toward the man and her reached out gingerly, his arms shaking in fear. "Don't worry," Ivory assured. "He won't hurt you. Just remember, you aren't his master. You're his friend."

        The man nodded and carefully touched Eliot's rough skin.  The elephant pushed against him and let out a trumpet laugh.  The man didn't shy away in fear, instead he laughed with the elephant, clear joy showing in their faces.

        Ivory joined in, unable to keep the utter excitement from exploding inside of her.  

        When they were finally finished, the man spoke, "I'm Devin, the head veterinarian at the zoo." he sighed. "I'm so sorry for not seeing things like you do...You're right--He's not a servant...and I'm not a master." He breathed out, his shoulders relaxing at the confession.

        "It's fine," Ivory replied softly. "I didn't see things well at first either. I saw things quite bitterly actually. But the sudden friendship connection between Eliot and I--It just changed everything. It was like he let the light flood into my black and white world."

        With that she turned back to Eliot.

        "Thank you, Eliot. Thank you for helping me understand how strong we all are. That we'll get through anything life throws at us, especially with a friend by our side. Thank you for helping me see that we're truly all made of ivory."