Two-Spirit

Chapter 21

("Come in!") With Ama's words the hut door opens. Me and Ama both sit on her bedding having been doing her reading while I wait for Inola.

I expect it to be Inola but instead walks in a dark haired girl I've never seen before. She seems to be around my age or at least no older than Ama. Her beauty makes it look like she could be a princess of Ama's people.

I look to Ama and see a confused frown on her face. "Tsula." She says as if addressing the woman, I take it to be her name.

"Wado." Tsula looks at me, a frown on her face. ("Who is this white girl?") She speaks in their language and I'm not sure if she's talking to me until Ama answers her.

("Constance, she is living with me.") I catch the use of my name.

("Why?") Tsula's frown remains.

Ama glances at me before looking back to the girl, I of course follow her gaze. ("That is a story for another time but I promise she is one our people can trust.")

Tsula hums and smiles at me, though it seems a little forced. "I'm Tsula. Do you mind if I sit?"

I smile genuinely even if hers isn't and move over for her to sit. "Of course not."

She sits.

Ama sends a small smile my way and I watch as she crosses her arms, giving notice to the strength in them.  ("Now will you tell what brings you here so early?")

Ama gives the impression of someone who holds authority, it is no wonder why she is chief. It shows evermore when she is addressing her people.

("I came to tell you that my grandmother wants us to marry.")

Ama laughs with Tsula's words. ("Really?") I can't help but feel a little jealousy at her laughing at this girls words. I wish to ask what's funny but it's not my concern.

Tsula giggles a little herself. ("Yes. She claims that your grandmother would have wanted it that way as well.")

("How do you feel about that?") Ama studies Tsula.

I watch as Tsula shrugs and she avoids Ama's eyes, seeming to find her clasped hands interesting. ("I'm not opposed, you would make a lovely partner and father to children.")

Ama sighs. ("Tsula you are lovely and all but I already have my eye on someone.") Ama catches my eye and smiles beautifully.

("Who?") My eyes go to Tsula when she talks.

Ama uncrosses her arms and glances at me. ("I can't tell.")

Feeling eyes on me I look to Tsula just as she begins speaking. She stands up. ("Oh, I see. I will let my grandmother know how you feel.")

Amadah nods her head. ("Thank you and I do apologize. There is a perfect someone out there for you.")

Tsula smiles. ("I do hope.") Her eyes go back to me. ("I never expected you would be with one of there people.")

("Me neither.") Amadah stares at me with a sweet smile. My hand goes up to tuck my hair behind my ear.

"Donadagohvi." Tsula says her eyes going to me as well.

I smile and return the farewell with Amadah. At that leaves, closing the door behind her.

"Who was that?" I ask, eager to know. It seems they know each other. Their conversation seemed to hold certain emotions on Tsula's part.

Ama sighs. "A friend of mine. Her grandmother wants us to marry."

My eyes widen. "Oh. What did you say to that?" Surely she said no but I still worry that maybe she agreed to it.