Loving Eli

chapter 21

Portland, Oregan 1986

"Wakey, wakey."Kai shook Gabby as she turned over in her bed. "Kai, what are y-" "Happy Birthday! Breakfast in bed by yours truly."Kai smiles handing her a tray. She sits up in her bed with her long hair a mess. Although she had just woken up Kai couldn't find her any more beautiful.

She blushed as she cut some of her waffles and put one into her mouth. "Must you watch me eat, Eli?"She asked after swallowing. "Yes, it's your fourteenth birthday. I want to make sure you are safe at all times."He smiled.

"But you do that everyday."She chuckles. "Well, today is special. It's another year. Now eat up so we can go downstairs and see your Aunt Beth."He replies.

Gabby finishes up her waffles and bacon. She drunk up her orange juice which caused Kai to get up and signal her to follow him. She quickly brushed her teeth then walked down the stairs to Kai, Joey, and Aunt Beth in the living room.

"Happy Birthday."The other two piped up as she appeared. "Thanks for the breakfast and wishes."Gabby smiled taking a seat. "I've got to get to work in a few but Joey and Kai will keep you company for today."Aunt Beth stood up placing a kiss on Gabby's cheek before leaving.

"I'm glad you could make it, Joey. I know you have been busy with your science project."Gabby smiles. "Don't worry about Joey. He said happy birthday. He should leave now so you could start your day."Kai stood up. Joey simply rolls his eyes at his stupid big brother.

"I hope that we could spend time tomorrow. I will meet you in our spot around two."Joey pulls her in for a hug. "Yes, of course. Thanks for coming, Joey."Gabby hugs back. "Enough, Joey."Kai pulls him back a little too harsh.

"I'm telling dad you're being mean again. You can't always hog Gabby. She doesn't like you back anyway."Joey storms out of the house slamming the door. Gabby looks away from the door to a flustered Kai.

"Kids. They're the worst."He forces a smile not meeting her eyes. "He's only a four year difference."Gabby smiles at his comment. "Yeah, but I think he's got a little crush on you."Kai spills meeting her eyes.

Gabby just laughs. "That's cute. He's so adorable." Kai only bites his lip before changing the subject. "You have to get ready for today. I planned out our whole day."Nodding, Gabby gets off the couch and heads for her room.

Kai took her to the woods. It was quite dumb but they knew their way around and never went in too deep. The day was spent by Kai taking her to the cave where he had snacks that she loved alot. They listened to some of their favorite artist and went swimming.

Lots of time has past as they realized it was getting dark. Kai walked her back home not even bothering to rush back home. "Thank you so much for this, Eli. I really appreciate all of this."She thanks him as they walked inside.

The house filled with steak and rice. Gabby's childhood favorite. "Can you please stay for dinner? Aunt Beth can he stay pleassseee?"Gabby begged. "If you call your dad and let him know you can stay the night it's fine by me."Aunt Beth answers.

Kai thanks her before standing next to the garage door and picking up the blood red phone on the wall. Kai already knew the answer. His dad tried to get rid of him every second. His dad gave him the usual yes.

Kai has stayed over so many times that having change of clothes wasn't an issue. He would always make a bed on the couch and on her floor whenever he snuck in. They spent all night talking and laughing her telling him to quite down.

"Let's wash up."Gabby grabs his arm taking him upstairs. Kai grabbed a pair of boxers, shirt and shorts. "Here."Kai hands her his gift from his pocket.

Gabby held a golden locket in her hand of her and Kai making silly faces. "Thank you for this."Gabby pulled him into a tight hug. "I-It was nothing."Kai blushes rubbing the back of his head.

"No, it's beautiful. Thank you for everything. For being my friend and setting up this whole day. Every year you do something special for me, Eli. And I appreciate it."She smiles.

Kai stared into her eyes lost for words. She was just so beautiful and kind. No one has been so kind for him before. Gabby loved how nice he could get. She loved how he was able to smile after all that he went through all because of her.

That night she realized that she didn't just care for Kai. She completely adored him. He goes out of his way to make her happy and although it doesn't take much he always seems to try. She loved him for it as well.
-
Mystic Falls

"Welcome home/back or to Mystic Falls!"Everyone yelled as they walked into their new house. "Hey, guys."Gabby smiles as Jake closes the door right behind her. "It's really nice to see you guys again."Jake walks into the living room with Gabby.

"I got you a welcome home gift."Kai holds a Golden Retriever in his arms and hands it to Gabby. "Wow, thank you so much. What's it's name?"She asks taking the puppy into her hands.

She always wanted a dog. Her aunt wouldn't let her because she was allergic and having one during college just didn't make any sense. "Eli."He smirks earning a shocked stare.

"Wait, isn't that his middle name?"Elena asks earning a smirk from Kai. He put his hands in his pocket and takes a glance at Gabby before turning to the gang behind him. "It might be so that back in the day when we were in deep deep deep love-"

"I used to call him Eli well the guy that I knew decades ago."Gabby finishes not wanting to hear his response. "I thought you only wanted to be called Kai."Caroline looks at him in confusion.

"Yeah by you people. Gabs can call me whatever the hell she wants. She called me Malachi for a while to piss me off but I loved it when it lef-"Gabby clears her throat. "So, where can I find a job?"Gabby asks changing the subject.

"Actually, we have a shrink job opening at the Mystic Falls Clinic. It's the same as your old one except types of people. If that's fine by you."Bonnie offers.

"No, that's fine."Gabby smiles. "Good, your interview is tomorrow at noon."Stefan smiles. "And you my boy. You got you a job as sheriff. Your shift starts tomorrow at eight. Your sheriff car is at the Mystic Falls police station."Damon hands Jake his keys.

"We have a donut shop here right?"Jake asks earning chuckles. "Yes. Matt stops by every morning at 7:15. He said he'll meet you over there tomorrow and drop you off at the police station."Damon laughs.

"That's nice. I think I'm going to enjoy it here."Jake smiles wrapping an arm over Gabby shoulder. "So, you guys should get adjusted and all that good stuff and have dinner at the Salvatore Boardinghouse tomorrow night."Stefan offers.

"Yes, of course. Thanks for the welcome back."Gabby gives everyone a hug. "Stay safe and use protection. Sharing a house with the opposite sex always lead to bad decisions."Caroline smirks earning an eye roll from Kai. Everyone left with their goodbyes with Kai being the last.

"He's so cute."Gabby coos at her new best friend. "You like puppies right, Jake?"Gabby asks rubbing his head. He placed licks all over her hand as he sat in her lap. "I'm more of a cat person."He replies. "It's only fair you get a kitten then."Gabby smiles up at Jake who's cooking dinner.

"Yeah, maybe we can go to the pound tomorrow."He suggests. "Yes, that would be great. I want to plant the garden tomorrow after the interview. I will also drop you off at the donut shop in the morning as well?"She asked.

"Yes, I guess my truck will only come in handy on my off days."He smiles. They finished their dinners and went to bed ending their first night living in Mystic Falls.