Of course it can. It's an Eevee. But it'll take some time before it can evolve, so even if you get to customize that pokémon later on, it won't be as "cool" or strong in the beginning, since, well, it hasn't got le elemental powers.
I want Eevee too though xD If you want Eevee mostly because it can evolve into Leafeon, then maybe you can take Leafeon as starter and I can take Eevee? I wouldn't want to evolve it at all, at least not for a long time.
Because I don't know where to go with Chai's personality so I want to start over. That's right. I like writing so much so I want to start over with a new character. I hope no one liked Chai too much and is sorry to see her go xD I just think she was too bland in comparison to all the very interesting and unique characters of the other players, even if her appearance was very cool.
This would mean that machomuu gets a Vaporeon. He didn't express interest in a particular starter, so I hope he's ok with that :3