Heart Like a Machine

Chapter 37

"He said something along the lines of him not believing you went with Aloy and that you might like her. And he even said that you were a disgrace to the tribe and he would be fine if he never saw you again."

Varl's retelling of what my dad said about me rang throughout my head as we were getting closer to them. My mother looked up to see I was walking towards them. I wanted to turn around and forget about them, but I think if I did that, Aloy would prevent that and drag me to talk to my parents. 

"Y/N, you're back," my mother said. "When you returned the first time, we barely got to talk to you. I know you were in a rush, that's why I didn't stop and talk. Dear, say something to Y/N."

My dad looked up at me and then at Aloy. Aloy was trying to avoid eye contact with my dad. I think it made her uncomfortable since she let go of my hand. Not wanting to be embarrassed, I reached down and grabbed her hand and tightly held onto it.

"Mom, dad, there's something I wish to tell you. You can probably already tell, but Aloy and I, we fell for one another. And now we're together."

"I always figured you fancied her," my dad said with some venom. "You were always sneaking around with an outcast. I don't care what your title is, outcast. Savior of Meridian, Hekarro's Champion, whatever they call you there out West, I don't care. You're always going to be an outcast to me. Once an outcast, always an outcast."

"Well this outcast saw much more of the world than you ever will."

"It's been six months since you saw her and the first thing you call her is an outcast."

"She was born motherless. The motherless who are part of the Nora will forever be outcasts. That's how things work around here, Y/N. You better start embracing the tribe and be grateful you weren't raised as an outcast."

"I'd rather be raised as an outcast than to have a father who is close minded. She won The Proving fair and square and earned her name amongst the ranking of the Nora. And there was a reason as to why she was motherless."

"Why's that?"

"We would tell you, but why would you believe anything she says? You don't believe anything she says now."

"Maybe if you have physical proof, I may believe her."

I looked over at Aloy. She slowly nodded her head and she tapped her Focus. The video of her finding she was made by a machine played through. My mother had a look of shock on her face while my father looked like he was before: emotionless. 

"You see, dad?" I asked. "She was made by a machine of someone who lived long before us."

"Explains why you don't have dark colored hair like the majority of the tribe. I don't care what made her, she's still an outcast."

"Maybe you should be a little more open minded, dad. And think about how your words affect others."

"What are you talking about?"

I tapped my Focus and the conversation with Varl popped up and started to play.

"He said something along the lines of him not believing you went with Aloy and that you might like her. And he even said that you were a disgrace to the tribe and he would be fine if he never saw you again."

He looked into my eyes and just nodded his head, "I said every word and I meant it. You were always one to break the rules of the Nora. Associating with an outcast when you were young. You were not allowed to. And sneaking off to do it was even worse. And then leaving without getting permission from the Matriarchs. They scolded us for letting you leave. I was removed from the hunts and had to work as either someone who gathered trees or berries. Imagine how pitiful that looks for a man."

"A man should learn how to know which berries are edible or not. And if they're ripe or not. It's not just a strength factor anymore, dad. Besides, you could barely hold your own against that Thunderjaw. You were lucky that Rost was there to help you."

"He didn't do much to that thing. The same goes with me. Neither of us could compete with one another. But that's not the point. The point is, you made our family shameful here in the Nora. All because of your actions and what you did. Leaving the tribe and now associating with an outcast."

I clenched my jaw and shook my head, "So you're saying that everything I do reflects on you?"

"Your mother and I, yes."

"What did she have to lose when I left? Did she get removed from the berry fields?"

"No."

"Only you lost your position as a hunter."

"Yes, because it was my job to make sure you talked to the Matriarchs. It was my job to teach you the ways of the Nora. So I had to take responsibility for your actions."

"The responsibility should have fallen onto both of you. Both of you should have taught me the ways of the tribe, not just you, dad. And I can't believe you would say that you would never want to see me again. But here you are now."

"After this little interaction, I don't want you coming by the house anymore, no matter how many times you visit. Your mother and I do not wish to see you."

I looked over at my mother who had a saddened look on her face. She had no power or voice in this situation.

"What do you feel about this, mom?"

"I just want to see my daughter again. I want to see her happy with where she is in life. And I can tell you're happy with where you are now. Aloy," my mother said to her.

"Yes?"

"Take care of her. I know you can."

"I will certainly do my best."

"I guess this is goodbye," my mother said and stood up, walking over to hug me. She looked at Aloy and hugged her as well.

"Welcome to the family, Aloy. Even though this family is a bit dysfunctional."

"Thank you," Aloy said.

We both pulled away and we walked away from the house, leaving my father speechless. While we were walking away, all my emotions I tried to push down and hide away were coming back up. I squeezed my eyes shut as the tears slid down my face. Aloy stopped walking and she turned to embrace me, trying to calm me down.