her pale faced lover

Chapter 4

It had been several weeks after Eugene's arrival. The men of the tribe had taught him how to fish, hunt, and make advanced crafts, like making boats, and huts. Eugene taught the men of the tribe how to use a gun. At first the men were nervous and frightened, but afterwards they thought the gun was very useful. Eugene and Nayeli also became good friends. Nayeli would show Eugene around the tribe and often explained and descibed daily tasks and rituals. One day Eugene went exploring around nearby, and came upon some beautiful waterfalls. He thought he saw someone near the rocks, and realized that it was Nayeli.

"Nayeli! Coincidence to see you here!" Eugene beamed.

"Actually, I come here after work everyday with Sayen. She had to take care of her sister, so she did not come along today. Nobody knew about these waterfalls except for us, and now, you. Sayen and I have named these falls, Friendship Falls, because this is where we bonded together and also where we first met, " Nayeli explained. Nayeli seemed unusually upset today. "What brings you here?" she asked dully.

"Exploring," Eugene paused for a second before he continued. "You know, I was just thinking about all your amazing customs and rituals, and I thought you all ought to have some sort of grand festivals or ceremonies to accompany them."

"Of course! There are harvest festivals, rain festivals, and many more. There are also ceremonies for the cheif and for other reasons too. Marriage ceremonies are one of the biggest and most popular ones. Maybe you will attend one soon."

"Is anybody getting married anytime soon? Sorry, that was a ridiculous question.. obviously a marriage ceremony would be held only if someone is getting married!" Eugene joked.

Nayeli didn't even smile. "Yes. Nahuel, Sayen's older brother, is getting married to this girl name Citali soon. And-and-and so am-so am-"

"Yes?"

"So am I. To Achak," Nayeli sighed sorrowfully.

"Oh," Eugene felt a blow to his heart.

There was a long sad silence. Finally, Eugene broke it.

"Can I tell you something?" he asked. Nayeli nodded. "I know this is terribly timing, but to be honest, I always liked you from the start. When I was introducing myself to the tribe, I saw a bunch of girls trying to grab my attention, yet you caught my eye. I will never forget that moment. You looked gorgeous, practically a goddess in disguise. Your hair, was shining, and your eyes twinkled in the sunlight. And where do I even start for your smile, just wow! But you never failed to impress me throughout the weeks, you looked so hardworking.. I mean, you even assisted the men in some jobs! You helped the young girls make dolls that day.. and the next you taught the boys how to use a bow and arrow. I've never met such an accomplished, beautiful, and confident woman like you, Nayeli," Eugene grinned shyly.

Nayeli replied, "Stop. I am not a trophy to be won. I do not even know you that well. Please do not gush all over me like that, for it is immature and disgusting."

Eugene was a bit shocked by Nayeli's snappy reply. "Nayeli, I did not-"

"-I am sorry. I should not have said that. I have just been so caught up in this marriage mess that everything I say is influenced by how I feel about people not giving me my own pick in who I want to marry.. I just feel that everyone decides for me or wants me, but no one ever asks what I wa-" Nayeli stood up. She tripped on a pebble, and then found herself in Eugene's arms.

Eugene reddened, "Nayeli, I understand. You of course have your own choices, I really am not forcing anything. It is not right for me to overwhelm you like this, but you have to understand what I'm saying..my feelings for you are different. Special. I've never felt this way for anyone. I'm sorry if you thought differently. Truly. I only want you to be happy."

Nayeli blushed and stammered, "Oh...well... I forgive you, and again, my apologies for my rudeness...If I am being honest.. I-I-I... I love your smile, it is so mischevious, so adorable! And you are so brave.. you come to a new island, with new people, and yet you shine in confidence! You also taught us all something new, and that too with kindness and compassion! I have never felt this way for anyone either, and it scares and excites me at the same time. Eugene, I love being your friend..and just hope...hope that we can become more than that. "

Eugene beamed. Nayeli stood back up, faked a cheesy sigh, and they laughed afterwards. Suddenly, Nayeli frowned once more. Eugene asked why.

"I am due to wed Achak soon," Nayeli cried. "I hate it! And I try to be strong and cooperative about it, but I just can not handle it anymore! I do not want to! I do not want to marry him, for he is like my brother... I just want.. I want to choose my soulmate, and I want a say in my marriage.. I want to wed someone who is kind, brave, smart..I want- I want to wed-"

"-You-" Eugene and Nayeli whispered together. There was another silence, but this time it was filled with love and happiness. The waterfalls' big splashes harmonized with the fast beating of the two hearts.

"I shall go to ask your father for permission. Perhaps he will allow me marry you," Eugene said.

"Yes, but what will happen of Achak?" Nayeli asked.

"There are plenty of other girls in this tribe that he can marry, for I will never ever let go of this one," Eugene smiled as Nayeli giggled in embarassment.

Eugene pulled Nayeli close as they gazed at the waterfall, and soon the two hands weaved themselves together, like patches of a quilt, hoping the thread that bound them would never come apart.