THE DESOLATE SOUTHLAND

CHAPTER 17: ANGE HANNAH AND MINKO

HIDING OUT BEHIND THE STABLES.

"Ange, I think we need to leave tonight as soon as they all go to sleep. What do you think Hannah?"

"I don't know Minko, they seem nice and besides those things are out there."

"Yeah, and they said that we could stay as long as we liked." Ange added. "Besides, what is your problem with them?"

"Nothing, I just thought we had plans to go to California, that's all."

"That's true, but that was before all of those things showed up eating everyone in sight." Hannah interjected.

****

The continued to walk around outside. Minko heard the horses neighing and went inside. The girls followed.

"Maybe we shouldn't be in here." Ange said.

"You think?" Replied Hannah.

"Awe, it will be ok," Minko said smiling. "Besides, it isn't like we are letting them out or stealing them."

He looked around and seen a bucket that had some oats in it. He took the bucket and went over to a horse and held the bucket up so it could eat.

"This horse is what they call a paint. Best breed in my opinion."

He rubbed the horse on down its neck, under and just at the base of its main. He talked to it softly and tenderly just like he was back home in Oklahoma. He and his mom had moved to Scottsboro five years ago when they received word that his father had been killed. He missed his horse and living on the reservation. His mom convinced him to move to Alabama because that is where his dad's tribe originated. Besides, she had a good job opportunity that would provide for the two of them. But, the truth be told, he did feel at home here at this place more than he has since they left Oklahoma.

The girls watched him with the horse and smiled. They could tell he was more relaxed, at least here in the stables with the horses. They commented between themselves that he actually seemed happy.

"Umm, Minko. I have an idea." Ange said.

"Yeah, what is it?"

"Well, I know we made plans to go to California, and stopping off in Tuscaloosa wasn't a part of that plan. But I was thinking, actually, Hannah and I, were thinking, what if we stayed here?"

Minko turned and gazed at her with fiery indignation, then back to the horse while he continued to pet it.

"Now here me out before you flip your lid. What if we stayed here until, Mr. Reiken can at least confirm how safe it is out there. I mean, I would like to know that my family is OK. I do care about them though they don't give a shit about me. And I would like to know that my family in Tuscaloosa is OK as well. If we stay, just for a few days, we can find out how bad it is out there and check up on our families. What do you think?"

"I know you Ange, how long are a few days to you?"

"Two weeks," Hannah blurted out.

"Two weeks, huh? OK, I agree to two weeks, but after that I am leaving, with or without you two." He turned and looked them both in the eyes with a serious gaze, "We keep our original plan a secret and we do not under any circumstances give them to much information, at least truthful information, agreed?"

They all agreed. Minko turned and focused his attention on the paint once again. Ange and Hannah left him alone since he was so focused on the horse. They were happy he agreed with their plan. They knew that if given the time, he would eventually agree to stay there forever if they wanted him to. They walked up to the cabin and went inside. The aroma of food cooking filled their nostrils and their eyes lit up with delight. They went into the kitchen.