Meant to live

Chapter 7

He sat between her legs and she fed him until he couldn't eat anymore. There was something about her. A fondness that filled him with fire.

It was her smile. She shone like the moon as she looked down at him. She didn't say anything as she ran her fingers through his short hair. He sighed at the feel of her fingers. He looked up and saw the old women still rushing in and out of the new tent.

"What are they doing?" He pointed to the tent.

"I don't know. I didn't ask. They only pushed me away."

The villagers danced and sang as the flames touched the sky. Little Shadow appeared and pulled the two to their feet, urging them to dance. They followed as Amelia ran ahead of him, letting go of his hand as he stopped and admired her.

She spun and laughed as she danced with the other women. Men came up behind him and patted him on the back as they chuckled. Little Shadow came from behind.

"Your woman is very strong."

"Oh no, she's not mine. I only followed her so she wouldn't get killed. I think that worked out so far."

"So you don't want her?"

"No, well. I mean... Look at her, she's..." He watched her and sighed not ready to find the words. "Beautiful."

"I see. You followed her into a foolish quest that would have meant your demise."

"In a way of speaking, yes. Does that make me crazy?"

"No, white man. Just a fool in love."

Love. That sounded a bit right as he saw her across the fire. Little Shadow pressed a wild flower into his hand.

"You put this in her hair before you kiss her."

Amelia looked out to Thomas. He had a genuine smile on his face as he watched her. Her lungs expanded as she danced, feeling the summer air kiss her skin, making her feel alive. She turned to the darkness seeing Daphine waving at her. She could hear her voice as the women pulled her wrists towards the fire.

"Say yes, Amelia."

"Daphine?"

Little Shadow pushed Thomas to Amelia and picked up a bowl, giving it to Amelia.

"Paint his cheeks. Down."

Amelia repeated the motion that Little Shadow made. She took the bowl and gave it to Thomas as he did the same to Amelia. He looked at the wild flower as he placed it behind her ear.

"How does it look?"

He looked for the words the describe her but anything he said would be lying. She was an angel.

"Beautiful."

He traced the side her face with his fingers careful not touch the paint. Her hand reached around his neck and pulled him down as they kissed. He pulled her closer, feeling her body warm his bones. Hollers and cheers fill the air as they look around the fire.

"What just happened?" asked Amelia.

Little Shadow howled to the sky as she held their hands.

"You're wed."

"Say what now?"

Amelia laughed as Thomas looked around confused. Married? The woman could barely stand him. How could he be married to her? She only smiled.

"Stop fooling yourself, white man. I've seen you together. You belong to each other and you know it."

"Amelia, did you know about this?"