Chapter One

"Carry on my wayward son, They'll be peace when you are done,

Lay your weary head to rest, Don't you cry no more… "

The strings of guitar produced a rhythm that kept me happy. I strummed, trying out different tempos, while the song blasted in my earphones.

"Hey, hey mister!"

Where did that man go? He left a hundred dollar note in my guitar case. Not that I played for money, but I didn't deny the few cents people dropped my way, because I put the collection of the week to good use. But a hundred dollars for my song? That was too much.

I couldn't spot him, just a suit. Well, never mind. At least the money will be great help. It was Saturday anyway.

Later, I was in a clothes shop, with the kids. "Everybody stand in a line." I told them. "now, go through the store, and pick up one thing that you like, and bring it to me. No taking more than one. And no running, or else the nice lady will throw ME out, get it?" they all laughed.

"That will be 450." Oh! I had only 340 at the moment. Shit! I forgot to take out more money from the ATM. "Diane, listen, let the kids take these things, I'll run around to the ATM, and give you the remaining. Please?" I quickly requested the lady who ran the shop. "That won't be necessary." I heard a man's voice speak beside me.

I turned around. Damn, he looked good. He impeccably dressed in a three piece suit, not a hair out of place. His voice was deep, melodious, and leveled. "May I?" he handed Diane money. "Thank you," she responded.

"you don't have to do this. I can pay for it myself." I said.

"I know. I want to." I looked at all the excited kids.

"Um, you are the gentleman who dropped 100 dollars in my case today, aren't you?" I remembered him. The same suit.

"Guilty as charged, my lady." He answered, with a cocky smile.

I smiled at him, as the kids came up to me. "Listen up, guys! I want you all to meet our new friend, and say thank you to him for helping us." I said, "What's your name, pray tell us?" I said to him. "I'm Elijah." He told us all.

Twenty-something childish voices chimed a 'thank you, Elijah'. I saw him feel a little flustered at the attention.

I picked up some of the bags, along with the two caretakers that accompanied the kids from the orphanage. Yup. These were all orphans.

The caretakers formally thanked Elijah, who asked them all about the orphanage. I and the kids exited the shop. "May I help you with those?" he suddenly appeared at my side, indicating at the bags I carried. "You don't have to. The home's just a few blocks away, and we all generally walk. I can handle this." I told him, not wanting to burden him.

"And as I said earlier. I know, but I want to. I'd like to walk you all home." He smiled that crooked smile again. "Fine, if you really want to." I said, handing him one of the bags.

The kids ran around us, walking in a group. One of the younger ones boldly came up to Elijah. "Elijah?" "Yes, my dear?" he smiled at her. This was a much innocent smile.

"Can I ride your shoulder?" she asked. "Oh Lily, don't trouble Elijah," I admonished her a little. "It's alright. Up you go." And he lifted her up onto his shoulder.

"I'm afraid I don't know your friend's name, lily." He asked her, pointing at me. "That's Tessa. She's cute." I blushed a little. Inside, of course.

"So Tessa, tell me about yourself." He asked me, holding lily onto his shoulder.

"Um, okay. I moved here about three weeks ago. I play the guitar for a few hours every day in the park. Whatever I get there, I double it and every Saturday, I treat the kids. Thanks to you, we had a huge treat today." I told him.

A wonderful breeze was flowing, the trees around were dancing, and the kids laughter made all more joyful. I smiled to myself.

"Why did you move here?" Elijah asked me.

"Um, you don't want to listen to my sap story. I save that for when I've lost all inhibitions."

He looked confused. "When I'm drunk, Elijah." I explained. He chuckled. "Oh, I'm much more intrigued now. Please." He insisted. Lily wriggled, and he put her back on the ground.

"You asked for it." I got ready to tell the tale. "My parents passed away. I didn't want to be stuck in the same house, so I came out here for a change of scene." "I'm sorry."

"You didn't know, so don't be."

"When?"

"My father passed in an accident about a year ago now. And 8 months later, my mum."

"How have you been doing?" he asked, with genuine concern.

"You know. First month was bad, and then it grew duller. That's all." I didn't think I should relate my troubles to a man I just met.

"This is us." We had reached the home. The head of the home had come to know of Elijah's contribution. "Kids, let us all give our friend Elijah a big hug, shall we?" and all the kids ran to surround Elijah. I saw he was overwhelmed.

A few moments later, the kids were all trampling inside, and I walked out, having said goodbye. I hadn't expected Elijah to have stuck around.

"Won't you give me a hug?" I heard him say as I was walking down the stairs.

"What?"

"I was told I was entitled to a hug."

"And you got it."

"Oh. Are we not friends?" he looked dejected.

"Oh Alright. We are," I spread out my arms. He seemed surprised, as he moved up a step, and I was engulfed in a rather awkward hug. "That's not how it's done, Elijah." I said, as I freed myself. I held his arms apart, and hugged his torso, "now wrap your arms around me." I ordered.

We clicked into each other like lock and key.