A Letter For Kaela

[Kaela McIlvoy]

Kale,

Sharpies are permanent markers.  I'll send you one so you can see.  Just don't smell it.

I'm not sure what he sees in her either, but he obviously sees something.  Who knows?

I have a cat, Bengal, but that's about it.  My ma's actually allergic to cats, so it's kind of good she's not here.  Usually I have to find someone else to care for him when I go home.

I started out as a chaser and moved to beater.  Courtney and I make a pretty good team together, if I do say so myself.

I don't think fine is really the right word.  I'm not really sure what the right word is, but it's not fine.  My ma kind of took a turn for the worse last night.  I spent the whole night at the hospital reading.  I finally just got home and after I send this off I'm gonna get some sleep.  I guess I'll see later how things really are.

Take care.  Hope things are going better over there than they are here.

-Kaela

 

[Kale Thomas]

Kaela,

Why do Muggles name simple things like markers names like Sharpies? How confusing. And why must I not smell it?

Cats are cool. My sister Morgan has one, he's fat, lazy and gets in the way an awful lot.

You played Beater? I never knew that. That's awesome. When you get back, we should practice out Beater skills.

Wow. I'm really sorry. The doctors still haven't found what is wrong with her? That's beginning to make me worried too. I hope that everything turns for the better. You must be exhausted..

Hang in there,
-Kale

 

[Kaela McIlvoy]

Kale,

Sharpie is the brand name.  Like Weasley's products, Weasley is the brand.  It's just a certain type of marker.  I'm not real sure what happens when you smell it, but I was also told it kills your brain cells.  So, I'm pretty sure it's not good.

Yeah!  Most recently when I played I played beater and I loved it!  Way more fun than chaser.

I think they sort of know what's wrong, but they don't know what to do to fix it.  They keep trying things, and sometimes it helps for a little bit, but then she ends up getting worse all over again.  I'm just trying to keep my mind off of things.  Writing to you has really helped.

Well, I gotta go.  Take care.

-Kaela

 

[Kale Thomas]

Kaela,

Heeeeeeeey! Well, I've been trying to think of ways to get your mind off of your ma's illness and stuff...and I was having a hard time coming up with ideas since you're so far away...

Here are some questions for you for now...When did you last smile? How old are you? Are there things that you can't live without? What is your favorite food? Where would you like to live? What kind of house would you like to live in? Whats your favorite color?

I'm happy that my writing to you has helped you in some way. Writing to you keeps me from being bored, so thanks for helping cure some boredom. It's also cool to catch up with someone that isn't currently attending Hogwarts. Talking to the same old people gets boring. : )

Let me know how things are going...

Hope to hear from you soon,
-Kale

 

[Kaela McIlvoy]

Kale,

Wow, that's a lot of questions.  Let me see if I can answer them all.

* The last time I smiled was a few moments ago...
* I'm 14 going on 15.
* I can't live without books and music and friends.
* My favorite food is without a doubt chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.
* I really like Ireland, and the house I grew up in.  I'd like to live in the same type of place again I guess.  Although I'm open to options
* My favorite color...that's a toughie.  I really like blue, for Ravenclaw, but I'm also a big fan of green.

Now it's only fair that you answer all the same questions, since I was so honest to you.

Uhm, things are all right I guess.  I haven't had to rush to the hospital lately, so I guess that's good.  Anything interesting happening at Hogwarts?  Oh, who's in the lead for the cup?

Well, take care.

-Kaela

 

[Kale Thomas]

Hey Kaela,

I guess it is only fair that I too answer the questions if you wish...

1. Thinking of that question makes me smile. I don't know why, so the last time I smiled was right now.
2. I am now 14 years young. Yaaay.
3. I know it sounds corny, but I can't live without family. Friends are good, quidditch too. Those are the top three things.
4. My favorite food is definitely pizza.
5. I have also really enjoyed living in Ireland.  If I had to make a choice though, I'd probably want to live in Switzerland. The first time I visted there was when I was eight years old with my Da and I've always enjoyed it there. I like the house that I live in now, maybe a cozy cottage or something.
6. My favorite color is red, but that is closesly followed by the color green. Its the Slytherin in me, I guess?

At the moment Gryffindor is in first place for the house cup I believe. I haven't checked for a couple of days so it could have changed since the last time I checked. I hope so. Heh

To tell you the truth...nothing exciting has been happening here. We need more action around here. This school year is going far too slow for my taste. How has the life of Kaela been? Enlighten me. : )

Hope to hear from you soon,
-Kale

 

[Kaela McIlvoy]

Kale,

Sorry to make this so short, but I am being dragged off to the hospital again.  It doesn't look good this time.  I'll write you back soon, I promise.

Thanks for being there and making me smile.  =)

-Kaela

 

[Kale Thomas]

Kaela,

It's fine, I just hope that everything is going okay on your side. Keep me posted on what's going on. I'll keep you and your ma in my thoughts.

I hope everything is fine.

You're welcome Kaela, thats what I'm here for.
-Kale

 

[Kaela McIlvoy]

It had been a few days since Kaela had received her last letter from Kale. She hadn't written him because she hadn't been able to do much of anything. After writing her last letter to him she had rushed to the hospital with her da and brother only to witness the death of her ma. It had hit Kaela harder than she had expected, and she had been sulking around the house, the same as her da and brother.

On this particular morning Kaela woke up to see the sun shining brightly through her window, looking really neat as it came through her blue and green sheer curtains. She smiled weakly, and looked over to her other window to see Fluffy sitting on the sill. I guess I should write Kale. She got up out of her bed and wrote him a letter, the first productive thing she had done in days.

Kale,

Sorry for not writing sooner.  Things have been really bad over here.  My ma passed away a couple of days ago.  So, uhm, I better get going.  Her funeral is today actually.  Take care, and again, thanks for being there for me.

-Kaela

 

[Kale Thomas]

Kaela,

Merlin, I didn't even have time to brace myself for that one...
I'm so sorry, Kaela... I honestly don't know what to say to you.

Hang in there, I know exactly what you're going through and it is really, really tough time right now. You'll eventually grow from it. I know it's cliche thing to say in dark times like this, but just know that your Ma is in a better place now.

-Kale

 

[Kaela McIlvoy]

Kaela was sitting at the kitchen table when Fluffy came in with a letter from Kale. She smiled weakly at Fluffy and petted him, getting him a biscuit while she read the letter. As she sat down she took a piece of paper and pen and wrote Kale a reply.

Kale,

It's definitely a lot harder than I expected it to be.  My ma was a primary school teacher, so a lot of her past and current students came to the funeral.  I hate seeing sad kids, it's just awful.

I wish I could fast forward through this moment in time.  I now I can't, but it just seems like such a nice alternative to this feeling.  I was not prepared for this feeling.

I think I just need to take my mind off of things.  I can't change what has happened, so I need to focus on the future.  How are things over there?

Hey, cliches are cliches for a reason, because a lot of people have said the same thing a ton of times.  Why would so many people repeat something if it was wrong?

Thanks so much for everything.  You're a real life saver Kale.  I don't know what I would have done without you.

-Kaela

 

[Kale Thomas]

Kale was concerned about Kaela lately because of her mothers death. She was on his mind a lot recently, he was busy trying to think of ways to keep Kaela's mind off of all of the drama that was taking place in her household, but was having a bit of trouble. Kale stopped by the general store and picked up some flowers for Kaela, he hoped that it would help her in some way. Kale placed the flowers in a box and had them wrapped with a little card inside that read: Hope you're getting along. Hang in there. -Kale

Kale looked down at the box that was holding the boquet of a dozen roses, he looked for blue since it was her favorite color; but instead had to get purple, that looked just as cool. He then pulled out his parchment and self inking quill before replying to her last letter.

Kaela,

I'm pretty sure what you're going through right now isn't any fun at all. It's hard losing a loved one. When my dad passed away I didn't know how to sort out all of the emotions. I still think about him lot, especially lately. Since then, my brothers were really the only ones I had as older male figures to look up to since he passed. It's really hard. It's scary how quickly people can be taken out of your life, it shows that you have to cherish them while they are here.

Fast forwarding won't do anything. This is most important process of the phase after something like this happens. You're going to grow and get stronger from this. Right now things are crappy but I promise real soon things will be okay. Just take everything one step at a time.

You're welcome Kaela. Like always, I'm happy to be able to help you out; even though we're like thousands of miles away...if you ever need anything let me know and I can try to help.
- Kale

P.S. I looked for blue...but hope you like em anyways.. : )

Kale gave Dash the package and letter hoping that Kaela was doing fine.

 

[Kaela McIlvoy]

Kaela was sitting outside underneath her favorite tree wearing jeans and a hoodie. Fall was her favorite season because she loved wearing jeans and hoodies. However, Kaela was having some trouble enjoying the fall weather today. She was trying her hardest to read a book, but tears kept streaming down her cheeks.

Surprise filled her when Dash flew up beside her with a package. Kaela wiped the tears from her cheeks when her sleeve and looked down at dash with a weak smile. "What've you got there?" She saw that there was a letter with the package and decided to read it first. It was of course from Kale, and her weak smile strengthened a little.

When she was done reading the letter, tears streaming down her cheeks all over again, Kaela wondered just exactly what the things in the box were that weren't blue. She set the letter down beside her and opened the box, happily surprised to see a bouquet of roses. It was the first time a boy had ever bought flowers for her. Granted, it wasn't the best circumstances under which to get flowers, but she still got them, and from Kale.

Grabbing the bouquet Kaela brought them to her nose and smelled them, smiling at the scent. She sniffled as she set the bouquet down on the grass, wiping the tears from her face once more. When she looked down she saw that there was a note inside the box too. Hope you're getting along. Hang in there. -Kale Talk about the sweetest guy ever! Kaela picked up her things and headed inside to write a response to Kale.

Kale,

Thank you so so much for the flowers, they're beautiful.  I must admit I've never seen purple roses before.  I put them in my ma's favorite vase on the kitchen table.  I'm sure she would have thought they were beautiful too.

Yeah, it is really hard right now.  Being here isn't helping.  I absolutely can't wait to get out of this place.  I love my family, but being home everything just reminds me of her, ya know?

How old were you when your da passed? 

Please tell me it gets better soon.  I really need to know that it gets better soon.  I know you just did, but I need to hear it again.  It's just so hard to believe right now that things will ever be good again.

Somehow you've found a way to comfort me from thousands of miles away, and for that I commend you.  Thank you for being an awesome friend.  I'm gonna have to buy you a best friend ever present when I get back.

I'm gonna go horseback riding and see if it helps me clear my head.  Take care, and hope to hear back from you soon.

-Kaela

 

[Kale Thomas]

Kale hadn't been having the best week since he had gotten the news about Kaela's mother, he felt awfully morose even though he never did meet her in person before. It was just the thought on how bad Kaela must feel in her position, he had been through it in before and wanted to help her...but it was impossible due to the distance.

As Fluffy came flying into the owlery, Kale took the letter and opened it up. He hoped for the best while he scanned the contents of the letter.

Kaela,

You're welcome, I hoped that you would like them. Anything to help you feel a tad bit better. I thought the purple looked cool too.

Well, once you get away from home you'll feel better. Everything will be a constant reminder until you get away from there for a while. My da passed away when I was nine years old, it's still hard for me at times; it took me time to realize that he really is in a better place watching over everybody. Just like your ma.

Things will get better. They will. It will just take time for your heart to heal. Everything will get better. I promise.

Once again, you're welcome Kale. I'm just sorry that you have to go through this. It's not a  easy thing to go through, but you're strong. I know that you'll be fine. Everything will end up being okay. It just takes time.

How are things going since the last time that you wrote me? And how are your brother and da getting along with everything? Let me know how things are going with you.

Hope to hear from you very soon,
-Kale Thomas

 

[Kaela McIlvoy]

Kale,

My da is an absolutely wreck.  He's been spending all day and night in his office watching old movies.  He even sleeps in there.  Finn has taken up the role of head of the house and has been standing strong for my da, trying to help him through it.  He keeps giving me the death stare for not helping him out.  What could I possibly say that would help my da feel better?  I sure can't think of anything.

Getting away from here is the one thing I have to look forward to right now.  I cannot wait to just leave here and get a nice big hug from you.

I really need to think about something else, so I'm going to change the subject now.  I've been reading this book series called The Wheel of Time.  They're fantasy books.  It's really weird to read fantasy novels after having gone to Hogwarts.  I used to think things like witches and wizards were fantasy, but it turns out they're quite real and I'm even a witch.  It was so odd when I first found out, I thought it was a practical joke.  But anyway, the series is really long and intensive, but great.  Finn read them and I kind of stole them out of his room.  But he doesn't mind, since it gives us something to talk about.

How are things at school?  Anything interesting happen lately?

Well, I better get to finishing this.  Finn is yelling that dinner is ready.  I hope to hear back from you soon.  Thanks again.

-Kaela

 

[Kale Thomas]

Kaela,

I don't have much advice on what you can do at the moment for your da. Things are tough, it will take him time to get used to your ma being gone. Just try your best to help out around the house, you should wait a bit before talking it out though; considering it is still early. He's going through a tough time so just be there for your da. I'm sorry I'm not very good at this whole giving advice or 'guiding' people..

I'm going to be honest and say that I don't have any knowledge on Muggle books. So 'fantasy' isn't something I've ever had the opportunity to read...too bad Flourish & Blott's only sells wizarding books, otherwise I would have read every book offered there. That's funny...I used to think the Muggle world was a joke. It's so interesting to see how different both worlds are.. Do you read a lot? (I know that's a stupid question to ask, considering that you're a Ravenclaw and all.)

The other day I did something really stupid...well, said something really stupid. I bumped into Estrella and said some things I really wish I didn't. It was my fault. I was angry and was being an ass to her when I saw that she was with her father. Someone that she told me so many times that she hated. I feel like a real jerk. She ended up punching me and I left before the situation could escalate. I wouldn't have hit her...that completely against my morals, at least the ones that I do posess. I've been feeling real bad about that though. I don't plan on talking to her anymore though.. You're the only one that I have told this, so yeahh..

I miss having you around, Kaela. Once you get here, be sure to brace yourself for a big bear hug!

I'm sorry this took me a while to get back to writing to you..
I hope to hear from you soon,
-Kale

 

[Kaela McIlvoy]

Kaela got a bit excited when she saw the owl come in with a letter from Kale. With a smile she opened the letter and read it. Her smile faded however as she read, and she frowned, wondering how to respond. Kaela had been developing feelings for Kale, but, she had forgotten about Estrella.

Kale,

Wait, back up.  You saw Estrella with her father?  Are you sure she wasn't under the Imperius Curse?  He's kidnapped her before!  I saw him kidnap her 2nd year before the Yule Ball.  He was quite scary, and very mean.  I can't imagine her going to meet him voluntarily like that!  Wow, how much has changed since I left???

I can't believe she punched you!  That's just wrong.  I mean, I'd be confused if I saw her with her dad too, and I'd probably say something equally bad as you said.  Although I have a feeling I'm a bit more scared of her dad than you are.  Don't feel too bad.  Estrella is a strong girl, and she was probably just mad at you because...well...you're her ex.  that puts you at top of the enemies list my friend.

Don't worry about being bad at giving advice and "guiding" and stuff.  Just hearing from you brightens my day, and me being in a good mood helps me help my da better and stuff.  He's started to leave his study now.  The University has been calling asking when he's coming back to work.  I don't know if he's ready for it, but I also don't think we can afford not to have him working.

I cannot wait to see you and redeem my big bear hug!  I'm counting down the days until break.  That is, if I'm still allowed to come over and all.

Missing you,
Kaela

 

[Kale Thomas]

Kale ripped open Kaela's latest letter, he had been in a strange mood lately. It seemed like writing to her really made him feel better about the whole deal with Estrella. He couldn't believe that he was actually writing to her this much recently, but it was nice.

Kaela,

Yep. She was with Tristan and it seemed like there wasn't any force involved. She told me that she could count on her father more than me. Estrella has really changed, that person at the Hogshead wasn't who we all used to know..I think I desereved the punch though, what I said wasn't very nice and I didn't mean it.

Actually, nothing more than that is happening here. I'm still awaiting news for quidditch, I really want to play but there are no signs yet that it will be happening. It's driving me mad! When you get back we should practice!

I'm happy that I could brighten your day in some way or another. You've been helping me lately too. Thanks for the kind words. It's great to hear that your father is finally leaving his room, that's a baby step to getting better for him. Just keep on helping him out, I know that you're doing you best. How is your brother progressing now?

Me too! The offer for you to stay still stands, its all up to your da. I really hope that you can, it would be awesome to see you again.

Missing you too,
-Kale

 

[Kaela McIlvoy]

Kale,

Yeah, my dad is definitely starting to get better.  Today he went horseback riding with me and Finn.  Finn has been a real trooper through all of this.  He's been doing everything around the house and everything in his power to keep everyone happy.  He's like the best older brother a girl could ask for.  I'm lucky to have him.

Still no word on Quidditch?  What is going on over there man?

Well, how are classes?  You are going to class, right?

As far as I know I'm still on for visiting you over winter break.  I'll let you know if I hear different.

Sorry this is so short, but Finn is yelling at me to come eat.  Hope to hear back from you soon.

-Kaela

 

[Kale Thomas]

Kaela,

It's good to hear that things are pulling together over there. Things will get even better from there...

I don't know what is going on with quidditch, I'll have to ask Ford...I'm assuming that he's going to know the most about house teams. I've just been practicing on my own a lot...

Classes are alright, I'm going to be honest and say that I haven't been keeping up with work. I have a lot to catch up on...I'll be getting to that really soon though.

Have you been keeping up with your studies at all at home? Has anything new happened in the world of Kaela since you've written to me last?

Hope to hear from you soon,
Sincerely,
- Kale Thomas

 

[Kaela McIlvoy]

Kale,

I'm a bit surprised at how fast my da has recovered.  I mean, he definitely hasn't recovered fully, but he is functioning pretty well considering.  Kind of odd if you ask me.  But at least he isn't moping.

You haven't been keeping up with your work?!  Why would you admit such a thing to a Ravenclaw?!  You best get to catching up Mister.  If you need any help let me know, I have all of my books here with me.  I can't cast any spells, but I've read through all of my books like twice now.

Nah, nothing new over here really.  Finn has taken to teaching me whatever he's learning in school, so as to give us both something to do.  He knows I'm dying of boredom over here and have nothing to cure it.  Physics is confusing man, I'm glad I'm a witch.  Magic blows physics out of the water.  Literally, it defies the laws of physics.  Although I'm sure you have no idea what I'm talking about.

Anywho, take care you.  I can't wait to see you!

-Kaela

 

[Kale Thomas]

Kaela,

That's good though. Wouldn't you rather have your da walking around and living opposed to staying cooped up in his bedroom? Like I said before I relieved that things are mending themselves over there.

I know, I know... I always have trouble with finished my school work. It's something I've been terrible at since my first year. That's why my grades are never the highest. I don't know...turning things in time and scoring high has never been an easy thing for me. Thanks for the offer Kaela, if I really do need help with anything I'll let you know! Maybe it will keep you entertained on one of your bored days at home.. : )

I've heard of physics and have always thought it was a more advanced form of science. That's basically all I'm aware of...haven't read much on it. I don't know what I would do if I was in your position of being away from Hogwarts...as much as some of the people drive me crazy and the work load here, I would really miss it. I can't wait for you to get back here!

Missing you,
- Kale

 

[Kaela McIlvoy]

Kale,

Yeah, no, I'm really glad he's recovering, just surprised, ya know?

I'd love to help you with your school work!  Not only would it give me something to do, it would help your grades.  You do want to pass all your tests and graduate eventually, right?  What are you planning on doing after Hogwarts?  I know you don't want to work at the Ministry, but there must be something you want to do?  Whatever it is, I guarantee they will want you to have a good education!

Sorry if I sounded like your ma there for a minute, I just hate to see you wasting your time at Hogwarts.  From what I've seen you're pretty smart, so there's no good reason why you can't get all Os.

Physics is crazy.  I barely understand it myself, and I like it better that way.  I got my brother to talk about what he's learning in English, which is far more amusing.

Being away stinks!  I cannot wait to get back!

Missing you too,
Kaela

 

[Kale Thomas]

Hey Kaela,

Finn has been starting to show you what he's learning from English? What kinds of things it he showing you? I've always enjoyed writing and things that involved English. Speaking of English, have you read any good books lately?

Thanks for the offer Kaela, I've been starting my make up work for Astronomy and it's got me confused as ever!  I remember running into you in the library and you seemed to have a knack for it... how much do you know on Elliptical Galaxies? I'm still reading through the books and haven't really started, but maybe you'll know a bit more then what I find in the books. : )

Don't kid yourself...I haven't ever gotten straight O's on my report card. And I don't ever see it. I'm still not really sure on what I would like to do after Hogwarts, something involving quidditch is a definite thing I would like to do. Maybe a Professor? Even though I might not have enough patience for some of those first years! Have you thought about what you would like to do yet?

I've gotta get to that Care of Magical Creatures homework before it gets too late! Hope to hear from you soon.
Take care!
-Kale

 

[Kaela McIlvoy]

Kale,

Finn's currently reading Les Miserables.  It's a classic French novel and it's really interesting.  He somehow snagged an extra copy so I'm reading it with him.  There's a lot of neat stuff in here.

I know some about elliptical galaxies, what do you need to know?  I'm pretty sure my da has a whole stack of books on them somewhere around here.

If you wanna be a professor I guarantee you're going to need to get at least some Os Kale.  I have absolutely no idea what I want to do after Hogwarts, but I think keeping my options open is best.  And I'm not kidding myself, I know you can get straight Os, I'm sure of it.

Well, Finn is yelling at me, so I better get to reading.  Hope to hear back from you soon!

Take care,
Kaela