She Rises

Chapter 5

 "HASEYA TANYA TAYLORS! What the hell happened today to get you detention!?" Oh, I'm in deep shit.

"On your first day of all days. A 3-day detention at that!" The look on her face was scary.

"Give me five minutes to explain everything." I plead.

"Five minutes, little lady." She says.

So, I tell her what happened today, except the part of detention. As I finish my explanation, I look at her face and see a look of anger and amusement. As I look at my uncle's, I see him trying to cover up his laugh with a smirk. Thanks, a lot!

"Well, if it wasn't your first day, I wouldn't be as angry as I am. Yet, it has simmered down, because of the reason you did it. Like I've said before, you may not believe everything that your tribe has done, but you still respect them enough to defend their honor. I am very proud of you!"

I look at her with awe. My aunt is proud of me that I got a detention. What the hell!?

"So, I'm not in trouble or anything?" I look at her questioningly.

"No sweetie, I think we should celebrate your first day and the fact that you stood up for yourself." She gives me a smile.

So, we have dinner and dessert. Then my aunt brings out what I thought I would never see in her house. I haven't seen or used any in so long. What does she bring out, you say? Some peyote. Oh, that shit is good. I go to lay down while I'm still in a good place. I start to close my eyes when I remember my childhood.

Flashback*

"Yahana, my loving daughter, you may be young now, but I want you to know this before anything happens to me." She grabs my hand.

"Mother, what do you mean before something happens to you?" I start tearing up.

"My daughter, that is nothing for you to worry about. Just know that I am here for you at this moment. What I want you to remember, is to follow your heart. No matter where it takes you, don't let anyone or anything hold you back." She gives me a small smile, and hugs me.

"Mother please don't leave, what will I do without you?" I start crying.

"My dear, I want you to promise me a few things." She pulls me closer.

"Anything! I promise!"

"If you choose your heart, which I know is telling you that you want to leave here. You know why? You are just like me. I wanted to leave, but I stayed back because between me and your aunt, one of us had to stay and since I was the oldest sister, and I loved your aunt so much I let her leave. So, when you leave, I suggest you leave around the age of 16. I want you to seek out your aunt in El Segundo, California. She will take you in. When you get there, I suggest you change your name. If I may give you a suggestion, I encourage you to change your name to Haseya. It means She Rises. I give you this name because you will be rising above what you have here and following your dreams." She gives me a big smile and a hug.

"I promise you mother; I will do as you ask and remember your guidance." I start crying

"Oh, beautiful girl, do not shed tears for me. As I know you will not say anything, if something does happen to me, I do love your father. But I will be happier than I have ever been to get out of here. I know you will be too." With that she closes her eyes and goes back to sleep.

*End of Flashback*

I open my eyes to just close them again when I hear my name. Behind my eyelids, I see my mother staring at me.