Two-Spirit

Chapter 5

I watch the fish while I wait for Amadah. It's Friday and everyday me and Amadah have been meeting here. This is the first time she isn't here ahead of me.

I wonder how she tells time any how.

I feel hands grab my shoulders bringing me back to the world and I squeal in fright.

I hear a familiar laugh behind me and frown.

"That wasn't funny."

"It was. When scared you sound like little mouse." She grins.

I frown slightly offended. "You're comparing me to a rodent."

She looks away in thought. "No, just the sound you're much prettier than a mouse." She smiles.

"I suppose. Where were you? You're often here before me."

"I was having a hard time getting away. Talking with the Elders."

"Oh."

She holds out her hand. "Want to go for a walk? Not too far from here the forest clears out where there is a field of a many beautiful flowers."

I love flowers. "Yes sounds lovely. I think I've memorized everything in this area but no further." Since we've only been sitting here for the past week. I grab her rough hand and she pulls me up.

I follow her. "There are many plants and trees here we didn't have in London." I say as we walk through the forest. I observe everything around us.

She hums. "My people use most of the flowers you see out here."

"What for?"

"A many things. To color our clothes or to eat."

"You eat flowers?" I squint my eyes, finding that odd.

She nods. "Yes certain ones and plants."

"Interesting." I mumble continuing to follow her.

Soon we get to the beautiful field of colorful wild flowers and In the distance I can make out a range of mountains.

"Wow this place is beautiful." I sigh in wonder.

"I know."

I spot a familiar yellow flower. "Oh Dandelions." I bend down and pick one up.

"We call them hu tsi la ha."

I hum but don't attempt to repeat it. "Do you do anything with them?"

She sits down and sit beside her. "Yes we use the flower, roots, and leaves to make teas and as a mix with our food. It also makes for a medicine when mixed with the right things." She grabs the yellow flower and puts it in her mouth before chewing.

I raise a brow at her. Has she eaten it? She did mention eating flowers. Yet It's still a strange site.

"What?" She frowns adorably, mouthful of dandelion as if it's normal to eat them. I suppose it is for her, I shouldn't be so quick to judge.

I giggle. "Nothing I've just never thought of putting it in my mouth. Growing up we were taught not to eat anything from outside. Is it tasty?"

She swallows the dandelion before talking. "That's for you to decide." She grabs another flower and holds it up to my mouth.

I stare at it. "Is it not dirty?" I ask looking at it.

"No, that is how animals eat it." She says as if that's enough reason and puts it closer to my mouth.

I frown. "That doesn't convince me in the slightest. I once saw Max lick his own shit."

She chuckles. "I promise it's fine."