Loving Eli

chapter 22

Portland, Oregan 1982

"It's a little creppy. I understand being in the middle of no where but you will like it here. It's quiet and you have your own room."Aunt Beth smiles at ten year-old Gabby as she ate her grilled cheese sandwich.

"It's not so bad compared to the city. May I go outside and walk around?"Gabby asks finishing her lunch. "Yes, of course. Don't wonder too deep in the woods."She got up collecting their plates.

She began her walk outside finding the quiteness quite peaceful. It was a new start for her. She walked into the woods making sure to walk straight so she wouldn't loose her sight of direction.

She spotted a figure of a little boy with his back to hers. She walked over closer hearing him quite upset. His soft cries filled her ears as she walked over. Her foot stepped onto a leaf crunching just as she was close enough to almost touch him.

The boy immediately stopped crying and turned around. Gabby gave the sad boy a small smile. Kai was silent as he didn't know why she would smile at him or anyone for that matter.

"Are you okay?"She asks after a moment of silence. "Go away, little girl!"Kai yells in hope of scaring the girl but she just stood there. She stared at his face full of anger and pain. "I hope you aren't hurt or anything."She steps closer.

"Why do you care? No one does."Kai wipes his tear stained cheeks standing up. She takes another step to where they are eye to eye. "Why are you crying? My aunty Beth can help. She's a nurse."Gabby smiles ignoring his words.

"Aunt Beth? You are related to Beth Haynes? The woman who lives near by?"He asks. "Yes. My name is Gabriella Jones but my friends call me Gabby. I just moved in with her."She answers.

"I'm Malachi Eli Parker. I live on the other side of the woods about fifteen minutes away from you on a walk that is."He introduces himself. "Wow, Malachi Eli Parker. I like it. It sounds beautiful."She compliments him earning a boyish grin.

"That's funny because I hate my name but I'm not so sure now."He chuckles. "Call me Kai. It sounds much better."He adds. "So why were you crying, Eli?"Gabby asks earning a smile from the boy at the mention of his middle name.

"Is that some special name for me? No one calls me that."He laughs. "And that's why I'm going to call you that for now on. Now why where you crying?"She asks impatient.

"I can't tell you."He replies looking down. "What do you mean? I only wish to help. You shouldn't be out here crying by yourself."She gives him a worried look.

"You woudn't understand or believe me for that matter. If I tell you, you won't believe me."He bites his lip. "Try me."She crosses her arms. Kai sighs. "I hurt my sister. I didn't mean too. I just grabbed her too hard and...I stole her magic."He sobs.

"Magic? Wait, are you a witch?"She asks. "Yeah. I don't have any magic. But I guess if I take it from someone I get magic."He replies a few tears leaving his eyes.

"I'm a witch too. I have my own magic though."She smiles. "Really?"He asks. "Yes. Do you want to be my friend, Eli?"Gabby asks. "Y-Yes. I never had a friend before."He sniffs giving her a real smile.

"Good. I have to get back but I shall you at school tomorrow, right?"She asks. "Yes, of course."He answers as she walked away. Kai was glad he went into the woods that day. He didn't know what he would of done if he didn't.
-
Mystic Falls

"This is my welcome gift to you."Matt smirks handing  Jake a bag of donut holes and a coffee. "Thanks for that. There isn't a better way to start the day."Jake answers as they walked outside.

Gabby opened the slide in door that lead to the back porch. "Come on, Eli."She called out before his little feet hit the floor. He went straight outside letting Gabby search for dog food in the cabinets. She found the bag at one of the bottom corners as her phone rang. She poured some dog food into the dog bowl and answered her phone.

G:Hey, Kai. Anything wrong?

K: No, nothing is wrong. I was wondering if you wanted to go get breakfast with me?

G: Um, actually. Yeah, I think I can. I will meet you in an hour?

K: That's good. I'll be meeting you at the Mystic Diner.

G: Okay, Bye.

Gabby went upstairs and decided to change into her interview clothes. It was almost eleven by the time she finished getting ready. She decided to leave the back door open and leave food and water in the dog bowls before leaving.

She pulled up to the Diner and got out. She walked inside to the smell of pancakes and sausage. Gabby walked over to Kai who was nervously looking over his menu.

"Hey, Kai."She sat down earning a smile in return. "Gabs, hey. How is Eli?"He asked as Gabby picked up her menu. "He's so cute. I fed him before I left. Why did you get me a dog? I almost forgot how much I wanted one."She asked finding her meal.

"Dogs are a man best friend. I hope Jake isn't mad at him being there."Kai looks up hiding his intentions. "No, he's more of a cat person. He's getting a kitten today after work. Thank you so much for Eli. That's so nice of you."Gabby smiles looking up.

"Are you guys ready to order?"Red, the waitress asked the young couple. "Yes, I would like the number six. Scrambled and with bacon."Gabby orders. "I want the same."Kai looks away from Gabby eyes for a second.

"Drinks?"She asks writing down their order. "OJ."Kai orders as Gabby agrees as well. She nodded and left to put up the order and make the drinks. "How do you think your interview will go?"Kai asks.

"I think I got it. I mean I majored in Psychology and have experience. It can't be that hard."She replies. "I have a job now. I never thought in a million years I would."Kai laughs. Gabby looks at him shocked. "You? Job?"She asks in chuckles.

"Damon gave me a job at the Mystic Grill. He's got me as a bartender."Kai answers. "That's impressive. Will you be attending the welcome dinner party tonight?"She asks.

"Yes, of course."Kai answered as the waitress came back with their drinks and food. They finished eating and talking.

"I have to go for my interview. I'll see you later."Gabby stood up. "Oh, yeah of course."Kai nodded standing up. "Bye, Kai."She gave him a quick hug. Kai hugged her back even tighter. "Break a leg."He laughed. "The last time you said that I actually did."She smiles before leaving to her interview.