The New World

Chapter Twenty-Six

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I couldn't believe him. He left me. He left me all by myself as I fought to stay calm. There he was, sitting with other men. Laughing and talking, like nothing was wrong. And here I stood, clutching onto a cup with both hands, filled with an unknown liquid, filled with almost uncontrollable anxiety.

I think I have a hold on it, though. No one has yet to bash or threaten me nor Tecumseh. Yet. That word clung in the air that I breathed in. I locked my knees to keep them from shaking, making me almost pass out. So now I held onto this cup for dear life so my hands wouldn't shake.

Women of the tribe had came up to me, some just by themselves or with one or two following behind them. Some of them did not speak English, all I could do was smile. When they asked something I would bite my lip, shake my head or shrug. Then they would come to realization that I had no idea what they were saying and they would laugh warmly, grab my hand or pat my back and say their goodbyes.

I felt stupid. Tecumseh was forcing me to socialize, which I barely knew how to do unless I hated them. Then I could just jabbed them with sarcastic remarks that took them too long to figure out.

"You are having fun?" a feminine voice interrupted my thoughts.

I spun around too quickly to see a woman standing with a smile on her face. She looked younger than Mother, but I couldn't be sure. Her long hair was draped over shoulder and beamed at me with warm eyes.

"Oh, uh-- yes. Thank you," I forced a smile.

"Good, good! I am glad!" she laughed.

I couldn't help but smile back at the lovely woman. Two more women came up behind her with gentle old faces. Their dresses looked similar to the younger lady's.

One of the elders placed a hand on the younger woman's shoulder. She looked down and smiled back to me, "This is my-- grand.. mother." She looked pleased that she remembered the English word. I smiled at her, reassuring that she did well with.

The two elders stepped up. The one removed her hand and grasped mine, "Welcome," she said. Her voice smooth and rich from age just like warm milk, "to the tribe, my child."

I raised my eyebrows, "What-- what do you mean? With no disrespect!" I quickly added.

She gave a small chuckle and squeezed my hand, "My child, you are part of our tribe now. Tonight we are celebrating that you are joining us."

I blinked, wide eyed, "Oh..." was all I could manage.

The other elder and younger woman just smiled up at me.

"You did not know, child?" asked the elder. The other two waited for my answer. They almost looked like they were hoping that I did actually want to be here.

I slowly shook my head, "Uh-- no. But, that is... that is-- wonderful." I pressed my lips into a smile. The last thing I wanted was for them to think that I did not want to be here. Their faces were relieved.

"That is good, my child. We are joyful that you are here with us."

I smiled, "Thank you." She squeezed my hand one last time and left with the other elder and woman with her.

I exhaled loudly. My hands began to ache from gripping the cup for so long. My stomach was fighting noises to escape from my growing hunger.

"I never thought I was to see you again," a sweet voice came beside me.