When they arrived at the doctor house he was confused, Eric felt great better then he had felt in years. Why had the girl brought him here? Goldy just gripped his hand harder and pulled him forward to the gateway. The guard opened the doorway for them and silently let them enter.
Amelia flew towards her daughter to ask about her first day and to give her a hug but pulled up short at the sight of the town bullies son. Even though he was only seven years old he seemed to be taking after his father if one listened to the gossip. However she knew Goldy would only bring him here if he was trustworthy.
As they entered the house the doctor sat expecting his daughters warm hug and was surprised to see her enter with a older boy. Eric who many claimed was a bully but he knew only fought when no other choice remained.
He had seen his father's handiwork on the lad several times and treated him without even charging so his father would not have another excuse to beat him. Not that men like that needed a excuse they just needed to be stronger to let out explosive anger.
Amelia told Eric to sit down while she and Goldy went to set the table, she knew her husband would want to talk to him. Amelia wanted to talk to Goldy privately as well. She asked about school as she got her hug but Goldy just talked about what they had studied and practiced.
As they gathered the things to take out, she then asked about the boy. Goldy face fell, "Someone hurt him bad, so bad he was almost dead. So I gave him the prayer of healing and strengthening, that way he can get rid of any infection." Amelia face dropped in fear, if others found out they would lose their beautiful girl.
As the doctor talked to Eric he soon figured out his daughter had probably used her magic to heal him. If it got out not only his daughter but his whole family might perish he would have to assure this child's silence. He was about to turn the discussion to something more serious when his wife and daughter returned.
He decided to talk after they eat dinner then he could talk to Eric as he did last rounds and walked him home. The simple food was good and filling but for Eric it was truly the most delicious meal he had ever had. After dinner mother and father went to do dishes so they could talk so it left the two alone.
Goldy came around the table and held her hands out when he took it she said, "Sorry I forgot to introduce myself, my name is Goldy and I would like to be your friend. I am five years old and a bit different but I will never hurt you."
Eric replayed, " We already are friend, and I make you a promise right now. I will be there for you anytime you need me. Just call out my name and I will protect you until I pass from this world. Your dad said what you did was give me a prayer of healing. I never had mine answered til today so you are my Angel."
With that being said Goldy gave him a tight hug and it filled him with love for the first time. His mother had died when he was one so he could not remember her and his father had never held him or cared for him a day of his life.
He would have probably be dead already if not for a few kind people like the doctor who would hire him for small chores that paid in food mostly. The few times he got some coppers and bought some food, his father almost killed him for wasting money. After- words he would ask only for food and if he got money he just gave it to his father.
However what he had just experienced just now showed how much he was missing out on. This would have made many mad, envious and even vengeful but Goldy's hug made it just seem to be a possibility. One that might be achievable in the future when most in his situation would give up but this moment made it possible for him to open his eyes to choices.
Goldy small hand touch his cheek and told him it would all work out just to count on her and she would count on him. The future was not that far away and if they worked together anything could be possible. The doctor and his wife heard most of their conversation and came to a decision of their own.
Doctor Trueborn came into the room to see the two holding hands even though he towered over her, he could tell Eric had formed deep feelings for Goldy. "Eric, I would like to have you become a apprentice, it doesn't pay much but offers room and meals. I can clear it with your father and tell him you are staying in the clinic for healing reasons.
I'm sure in this way your father guilt will allow you the chance to have a better life but in return you will have to keep Goldy's abilities a secret. In addition you owe her your life and so I expect that you will protect her from any harm. Effectively you will be her body guard.
That includes at school, I know you haven't gone much but it will be necessary if you expect to be successful as my apprentice do you understand." Eric ducked his head and thought for a few minutes then said," Can you help me with school work I'm not very good, as for the rest I wholeheartedly agree."
Before they could even guess he had grabbed up Goldy and was swinging her around in circles in great joy. They were both laughing and it made her parents laugh as well now they could relax a little about Goldy's experiences at school. This had been a scary but good day as the doctor tucked his new apprentice into the cot in his small office. For Eric it was two new first, a bed and a caring goodnight.