Beneath the Scars

Chapter Twelve

In the weeks following the confrontation, the village settled into a new rhythm, a cautious optimism replacing the initial tension. No humans were seen again. Mae, now five months pregnant, had slowly been accepted in the village.

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As Mae's pregnancy progressed, her movements became slower and more deliberate, her body adjusting to the life growing within her. Noa's protective instincts, already strong, intensified to the point of near-obsession. He hovered around her, always ready to offer a helping hand or a concerned glance. While Mae appreciated his love and care, there were moments when his overprotectiveness grated on her nerves.

"Noa, I'm pregnant, not incapacitated," Mae would often say with a mix of affection and exasperation.

Noa would just smile, his eyes soft with love. "I know, Mae. But I can't help wanting to keep you and the baby safe."

Mornings began with the soft light of dawn casting a golden hue over the village. Mae often woke to birdsong and the gentle rustling of leaves. Noa, would already be awake, ensuring everything was perfect for her. They started each day with a simple breakfast, savoring the quiet moments before the village stirred to life.

Mae's days were filled with activities that connected her to the village. She worked in the gardens, learning about herbs and crops, her eagerness making her a valuable asset. The village children adored her, drawn to her gentle nature and patience. They often surrounded her, eager for stories of the world beyond the village, bringing her joy and a sense of fulfillment.

Under Dar's close monitoring, Mae learned traditional healing practices, deepening her understanding of the village's culture. Their bond grew strong, forged through shared experiences and mutual respect. Dar provided Mae with advice and remedies to ease her discomfort, teaching her what was normal in pregnancy and what to watch for.

The elders, having recognized Mae's dedication, began including her in decision-making processes. Her perspectives and insights proved valuable, and her genuine concern for the village's well-being helped solidify her place in the community. Villagers' perceptions changed as they witnessed her commitment and growing bond with Noa. Small gestures of acceptance became more frequent, easing old fears and prejudices.

Noa remained vigilant about potential threats, working closely with Anaya, his closest friend, to strengthen the village's defenses. Anaya's support allowed Noa to focus on Mae and their future, knowing that the village was in capable hands. When Noa went hunting or attended to other duties, Mae often stayed with Dar.

Despite ongoing concerns, moments of peace and happiness punctuated their days. Mae and Noa cherished their time together, often spending evenings by the fire, sharing stories and dreams for the future. Noa would gently caress Mae's growing belly, talking to the unborn child and sharing his hopes.

One day, Dar approached Noa and Mae, suggesting a ceremony to formally recognize their union as mates. "It's important for the village to see this commitment," she explained. "It will strengthen our bonds."

Noa, however, wanted to take things slowly. "I understand the importance, Mother, but I want to wait. There's no rush."

Mae appreciated Noa's understanding and patience. She felt supported and loved, knowing that he prioritized her well-being. Mae often asked Dar about what to expect about her pregnancy. "Is it normal for my back to hurt this much?" she asked one afternoon, her face etched with concern.

Dar smiled gently, reassuring her. "Yes, Mae, it's quite normal. Your body is adjusting to the growing baby. I'll show you some exercises that can help relieve the pain, and we'll make sure you have plenty of rest."

Mae nodded, grateful for Dar's wisdom and care. The knowledge that her experiences were normal and shared by many women before her brought comfort and a sense of connection to the village's history and traditions.

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One bright morning, Noa insisted on following Mae to the gardens, his protective instincts refusing to let her out of his sight. Mae's patience, already thin, wore dangerously close to snapping.

"You don't have to follow me everywhere," the human said, her voice edged with irritation as she knelt to inspect the herbs.

"I'm just making sure you're safe," the chimpanzee replied, trying to keep his tone calm and reassuring. "It's my job to protect you."

Mae stood up too quickly, wobbling slightly. "I am safe, Noa. This is the village. What do you think is going to happen to me here?"

Noa stepped closer, concern etched into every line of his face. "Anything can happen, Mae. I just want to be sure."

Frustration bubbled over. "I'm not made of glass! You act like I can't do anything on my own!"

As she turned to walk away, her foot caught on a patch of uneven grass. She stumbled, reaching out instinctively and grabbing one of the wooden poles used to hang the fish for drying. The pole snapped under her weight, sending the fish tumbling to the ground.

Mae stared at the mess in horror for a moment before her frustration and anger found a target. "This is your fault, Noa!" she shouted, tears streaming down her face. "If you hadn't been hovering over me, I wouldn't have tripped!"

Noa felt a surge of frustration and helplessness. He moved to comfort her, but her anger flared even brighter.

"Don't touch me! I can't do anything without you breathing down my neck!" she cried, her voice breaking. "Goddamn it, Noa, just leave me alone!"

The chimpanzee took a step back, his mind racing. Hormones, he thought, trying to remind himself that this was part of the pregnancy as his mother told him once. But seeing Mae so upset, so shattered, tore at him.

Her sobs grew louder, her shoulders shaking with the force of her emotions. Noa's heart ached to see her like this. He approached her slowly, his hands raised in a gesture of peace.

"Mae, please," he said softly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make things worse."

She looked at him, her eyes red and puffy from crying. "You don't understand, Noa. I feel like I'm losing myself. Everything is changing, and I can't control any of it."

Noa reached out and gently took her hands in his. "I know this is hard. I know you're scared."

Mae's resolve crumbled, and she fell into Noa's arms, her sobs quieting into soft whimpers. "I just... I don't know how to do this," she whispered.

Noa held her close, his heart breaking for her. "Oh Mae..."

They stood there for a long time, the morning sun casting a warm glow around them. Noa's protective instincts were still there, but he realized he needed to find a balance. He needed to trust Mae's strength and resilience, just as much as he needed to protect her.

Eventually, Mae pulled back slightly, her tears slowing. "I'm sorry, Noa," she said, her voice still shaky. "I didn't mean to yell at you."

Noa smiled gently, wiping a tear from her cheek. "It's okay, Mae. I understand. Let's clean this up together."

Once the mess was cleaned up, Noa noticed Mae still seemed downcast. Wanting to lift her spirits, he leaned in close and started to gently tickle her neck with his fingers. "Come on, Mae," he said with a playful grin. "Let's see a smile."

Mae tried to resist, but the tickling sensation and Noa's infectious grin were too much. She giggled despite herself, swatting at his hands. "Stop it, Noa!" she said between laughs. "You're so annoying!"

Noa laughed too, his heart warming at the sound of her laughter. "There it is," he said, smiling. "That's the echo I love."

Mae's laughter finally subsided, and she looked at Noa with a grateful smile. "Hey...," she said softly. "Thank you...I needed that."

Noa kissed her gently on the forehead. "Anytime, Mae. Anytime."