The Seven, and their Wealth. II

IX - Elijah.

Elijah closed his Microsoft Word window and reclined into the leather office chair he had been sitting on for the past two hours. His most recent assignment was proving to be a challenge, and after having been on video calls with a few of his classmates, he had made little progress – which he found encouraging. Any progress can be considered a good thing.

Outside of school, he had been heavily distracted by the day he had spent with Clinton not too long ago. He concurred with Clinton being a cool guy, however, Elijah's pride would not allow him to say that out loud. He was also confused by how easily he gave up the details regarding the breakup. It would go without saying that Elijah did not care what Clinton thought, and maybe that's what helped but he still could not get over it. Maybe they could be friends, outside this whole debacle involving Naledi, but that was not his priority just yet.

While stretching out his arms, trying to get his energy back, Elijah's phone vibrated, and he read a text that said.

Your mother's flight has been delayed indefinitely. Would take-outs suffice?

It was his father.

Elijah shot a text back to him.

Oh okay. Uh, I could go get them. It won't be much of a hassle, turn 'n tender?

Moments later.

Sounds good, but you could get me something light. I don't think I'll be home early anyway.

Elijah sent a thumbs-up emoji and put his phone back down. There was nothing new there. Most would think that Musa had an extra-marital affair going on, with all these late hours he has – but that could not be any further from the truth. Musa had nothing to gain by cheating on Alice. He might have not been the most ideal father – to Elijah especially – but it did not mean he was a horrible husband to Alice.

He reclined in the seat again, this time distracted by the sight of birds making use of the stone bird bath right outside the study room. Fascinated by the lightning-quick movements, Elijah stood behind the glass door and continued monitoring them. It occurred to him that in the entire time they'd resided in this house, this was the first time he saw the birdbath being used.

If Jordan were here, he would make some crude statement about how Sabine would have pounced on those birds and Elijah would have laughed, reminding him that pouncing is only done by cats.

He missed his younger brother. Another thing he would not overtly confess. But it was hard to deny the commanding presence Jordan had. An idea hopped into Elijah's mind, and he turned around to reach for his phone on the polished oakwood office table.

Elijah scrolled through his contacts until he found Jordan's and dialled to request a FaceTime call.

A few seconds passed, and eventually, Jordan appeared on his brother's phone screen – looking rather confused. He was dressed in his uniform, a shirt, Michaelhouse branded tie and blazer with his hair drastically shortened.

'Kai?'

'I didn't think you would answer,' Elijah laughed.

Jordan disapprovingly shook his head.

'I did not think you'd call. Is the house on fire?'

Elijah turned his camera and pointed in the direction of the birds bathing under the sun.

'I wanted to ask if you've seen any birds using this before?'

'You're joking right?'

'What's that supposed to mean?'

'You called to ask if I have seen birds using a birdbath in our backyard?'

Elijah laughed.

'This is literally my first time seeing this.'