Thread: The Journal of a Boss [lulz]

Gabriel had honestly thought the kid was a little girl until the child turned to meet eyes with him. There was just the hint of an angular jaw and wiry body hidden underneath the mountainous folds of clothes that made his male gender a certainty. Hey, kid, you lost?... he asked, tucking down his shirt more neatly against his chest. He was still pretty sticky from all the construction work earlier in the day and he was sure he smelled pretty rank. The blonde-haired boy looked over at him with a rather solemn face but it wasnt one of panic. It was more like one of polite curiosity and bafflement. No There was an accent. Irish maybe? Im looking for my g-pa, the boy said matter-of-factly. He turned away from Gabe and looked up at his surroundings, his wide eyes opening and closing with deliberation as if they were small camera shutters. The kid struck him as strange. There was a very independent, detached air about him that did not match his physical age. Gabe shouldered his worn duffle bag and walked over to the kid. Whats your name, kid? Im not supposed to give my name to strangers, he said without missing a beat. Gabe blinked. Thats true. Well, I know you wont find your g-pa here and its actually kind of dangerous here, kid. This is all still under construction. So, how about this? You can keep your name but how about you follow me out of here and Ill try to help you find your grandpa, he said with a small smile. The young boy studied him for a moment and nodded. Great. Come on. You probably dont want to walk too close to me though. I just got off of work and Im sure I smell pretty bad. The child shook his head. No, youre okay. Gabe couldnt help but smile some more. The kid was so serious it was kind of reminding him of Michael. He rummaged through the outer pocket of his duffle bag and finally found the Kit-Kat bar. It was slightly squashed but it wouldnt take away from the taste. Gabe tore open the thin package and held it out to the boy. You got first dibs. Thank you, he said as he broke off one of the chocolate sticks and ate it thoughtfully. You know, youre technically not supposed to take candy from strangers either, Gabe said with a small arch of his eyebrow, keeping himself from smiling. The kid looked up at him in mid-chew and Gabe grinned. Nah, its okay. I wont tell anyone, I promise. You want some more? he asked. No, thank you And my name is Brady. Gabe smiled. So, you giving up your name because of the candy? Yes, I might as well Gabe laughed. Lighten up, Brady. Well find your grandpa soon, I promise. And my name is Gabriel but only my mom calls me that so you can just call me Gabe. Brady smiled slightly. See, that wasnt so hard, was it? Gabe asked with a kind grin as he readjusted the weight of his bag on his shoulder while he crumpled up the empty candy wrapper and stuffed it into one of his pockets. They were exiting the main construction area now and heading more toward the apartments. Gabe was sure hed find a frantic looking older man soon. Thank you Gabe. No problem, Brady. Not all of us strangers are bad news, Gabe said with a smile that the boy returned with a hesitant one. It would be thirteen years until Gabe saw it again.