Chapter 316: 1-2

Damaged. I don't know how many ways that different humans had tried to label me as that – broken. Irreversibly damaged nor would I be able to succeed to anything – all that decided before I was nine years old. Kayla's age – granted our circumstances were wildly different – but she had a purpose, one greater than she could probably imagine. I didn't want to think it, or even consider the fact that she had been too greatly hurt to do more than survive – not be someone that could help anyone else. But, with my own history, I couldn't bring myself to think of her that way, put her down before I even gave her a fighting chance. Because that was what she needed among so many other things, she needed people in her corner. Yes she had family there but there was something about having someone outside of that, someone that would cheer you on when you needed it, or even the person that just sat with you silently when you needed that. I looked at Ben watching her shyly with wide impressed eyes, looking away when he noticed me with my eyes on him. I didn't know what to do, I knew I was no picnic mate but Gabriel loved me regardless of my problems, could Ben be that for Kayla? He was so young and while I saw the way he loved Oakley, would he want to even be Kayla's friend? I shook my head, stepping back leaving him, Ava, the twins and Kayla on the floor in the small clearing. Heading to the porch, Rainy came out surprised to see me. why does she have so many scars on her face? Her lip? Even on her hands... Ben noted but didn't ask Kayla. Her small smile dropped, her eyes darkened underneath, a sign of sleepless night, something I was acutely aware of, "How are you?" I asked her stupidly, "Sorry that's a stupid question; I just – I wanted to come see how you were doing? I had meant to come sooner you know – Logan explained that we're cousins and all but then-" Her eyes widened the faster I spoke, "I'm okay... one day at a time, no tantrums or breakdowns yet today," she smiled brilliantly – and I could understand why – at such a minor thing.  Her eyes focusing behind me, widening, the boy... hope Kayla is okay... looks just like her... She thought eyeing Ava and myself. I bit my lip. "I don't think you have anything to worry about where Ben is concerned," why does Kayla like that clearing so much? Rainy cocked her head to the side. "Because she's an Earth Elemental – actually I take that back, she's the Earth Elemental," I answered her question but that only confused her.  I can hear you Rainy...you were wondering why she liked the clearing. It's because out there she's making flowers grow in her hand, the twins love it, and they're even helping her, her eyes widened further.  Why didn't she say anything? She bit her lip questioning is she angry with me? Pulling away from me – I listen to the thoughts a wave of sadness hitting me but as she hears the giggle of all the children, there is a change, she wants to be helpful Rainy, Kayla isn't pulling away from you, she doesn't love you less, she just wants to be helpful. Chris her mate tried to ease her worry but her inability to hear Kayla's thoughts for herself, that kept her doubt spiking at times. Then it dons on her, can you hear Kayla's thoughts? She asks me prying but still unsure, battling between wanting to know, wanting Kayla to come to her on her own and hoping everything is all right. Wait why won't I have anything to worry about where Ben is concerned?She questions but her eyes before less focused on me and more on the children, turning slightly I see Ben had put his soccer ball down, and was sitting on it a good three feet away from Kayla. We watch – Rainy on baited breath – as Kayla glances at Ben from the corner of her eye, tilting her head slightly but focusing her attention back to Ava, Quinn and Fiona when she see's Ben gazing at her. Exhaling, they are mates? She asks her nose scrunched up, yes I replied still nodding as well, "Aren't you hot?" Ben asks her innocently enough, thinking, a sweater but its burning hot outside, Kayla doesn't look at him, but she shakes her head. Despite the over ninety degrees, Kayla wearing a long knitted sweater rolled up to her elbows, over a white shirt and blue jeans. The twins dressed more weather appropriate – shorts and sleeveless tops. "She has been such a big help," I say trying to distract Rainy's chaotic mind, "I mean with what she pointed out for us, we had no idea..." I slow down realizing just how Kayla was able to give us that help. "What's your name?" Kayla asks, "Ava Gwavino," I smile then snort, "And I'm Benjamin, but you can call me Ben, Oakley calls me Benny." "Gan – gan Wala," one of the girls chirp, "She can really grow plants..." Rainy says after watching from our spot, yeah, she's a very special girl... "I'm not too sure if I'll have a gift like yours..." Rainy just settles down on the outdoor furniture, a small smile on her face listening, "Gabriel – that's my sister's mate – I asked him if he could order me a boat kit. I had been saving for a really long time – since I was like five years old so I could build one of my own..." what's a boat? Kayla thought listening to him, "Bot? wawer?" one twin who actually understood what Ben was talking about looked around, confused. I watched as Ben laughed,  "it's going to be down at the beach..." he pointed where he thought the beach was. "Do you... want to help... it's going to come in pieces..." Rainy turned to look at me, but I kept my face neutral. Ben, Kayla doesn't know what a boat is... try explaining it to her, I offered him. Even from my seat I could see his face scrunch up and he turned to look at me, how could she not know what a boat is? I sighed softly, Ben she doesn't understand what it is or what you use it for, if you want her to help you, explain, he nodded and proceeded to do just that. Finally after him stumbling over stories and explanations, "How do you make one?" Kayla asked planting a few of the flowers with Ava.