Dark side of light

13. H.S.'s star

Why did my neck hurt so badly? I asked myself as soon as my eyelids fluttered open this morning. Oh right. Because I've fallen asleep on the sofa. I rubbed my skin with my fingers and images from last night came back to me. The party, the awful men and his attempt, Gabriel helping me.

Gabriel. Where have I heard this this name? I swear I've heard it somewhere.

"Oh. Good morning Ella" I heard Layla's voice. She looked at me from behind the kitchen island. She pulled the eggs out of the fridge and smashed them against the frying pan. "Fancy some scrambled eggs?" She asked already preparing it. I just nodded and stood up. I was still in my birthday clothes. In this tight, ripped dress to be exact. "Yea. Go and change. I'll take care of the breakfast" Layla said and returned her gaze to the eggs.

I walked up the stairs and into my room. Heavy curtains were still blocking the sunlight from dancing on the surface of my walls.

I walked over to my bed, to pull my shirt from under my pillow, because it was always there if I needed a comfortable clothing. But before I reached the bed I had stepped on something, that dug into my foot.

"Ouch. Shit" I cursed silently. I looked down to find out what caused me pain. It was a shining Jewish star, holding on to a silver chain. I picked it up gently and raised to my eyes. It was definitely a Jewish star. It was perfectly polished, almost like a mirror, and there was a tiny inscription. So tiny I had to squint my eyes to see what it read clearly. 'H.S ' Initials. So it's not Layla, because her name disqualifies her, it couldn't be me neither. So... Harry.

This precious thing must have fallen down when he was carrying me to my bed. I have to give it back to him.

I grabbed the new found object and some fresh clothes to change into.

"Are you still alive up there Ella?! The breakfast is ready!" Lay screamed from downstairs.

"Yea I'm coming!" I shouted back, than quickly changed into my new outfit and hid the star in my jeans pocket, for it to remain safe until I return it to its right owner. Than in the speed of light, I found myself in the kitchen. Wow. The breakfast Layla prepared was just...wow.

"Enjoy your meal" she said and began eating.

"You too lay!" I mumbled with a mouthful of food. She only shook her head with resignation.

***

After Layla left, I decided to find Gabriel. It was still pretty early, so he should still be at the coffee bar. Like he said I started looking for Starbucks near Piccadilly. I stepped into one, but Gabriel wasn't there. So I made my way over to the another. I scanned the interior and there! He was sitting by the huge glass wall, sipping his coffee and reading some book. I walked up to him and covered his eyes.

"Guess who?" I said excitedly.

"Hmmm..." He said calmly. Almost as if he's been expecting this. "Are you tall?"

"Yes"

"Are you brunette?"

"Yes"

"Are your eyes a deep shade of blue?"

"Yes"

"Have I saved your life from some sick guy?"

"Yes"

"Than hello to you too Ella" he said and turned around. His eyes were as black as night, but friendly nonetheless. He gave me a quick hug and I sat next to him.

"I'm actually surprised you've come" he said, smiling lightly.

"I just wanted to thank you properly. Yesterday was crazy no doubt about that and I was so overwhelmed with this whole situation." I took a breath and looked him in the eyes "thank you Gabriel"