Raven Braids

Raven Braids Chapter Two

Bear Paw looked up, blushed madly, and then excused himself and left. So much for protecting me. I curled up in a ball, waiting for my beating. But my father stood there. I looked up. His eyes were glazed. Then, he hugged me. H. U. G. G. E. D. M. E. I hugged him back. This was the first time this ever happened. I was savoring it while could. He pulled away, and I flinched.

"I am so sorry I have been so horrible to you. This won't ever happen again. From now on your safe," my father assured.

"AAAHHHHH!" I started breathing heavily, and sat up. Bear Paw was sitting next to me, and he was suddenly alert from my scream. That never happened. My father never hugged me, never made me feel wanted. I had fallen asleep.

"Raven Braids are you okay?!" Bear Paw said, while pulling away.

"I was just dreaming," I whispered.

"What?"

"I had a strange dream. How long was I sleeping?"

"Half the day."

"Wow," I breathed.

"Yeah. And your lip is almost fully healed." I moved my arm and tried so hard not to scream. That still hurt.

"Come on," he urged. I followed him to another teepee. Then I started shaking. Because Eagle Feet was lying on a deer hide with four paw marks coming off of her face going in all directions. I felt a rough hand on my shoulder.

"Father!" I gulped. and turned around. I looked over at Bear Paw and he. nodded. My father struck me twice, and I teared up.

"Chief, don't you think you are being a bit too harsh on your only daughter?" Bear Paw interrupted. My father struck him once and was setting up for another when and I jumped in front of Bear Paw.

"NOOO!" I screamed. Bear Paw shoved me out of the way, put his hands on his hips and looked my father straight in the eye.

"You can hurt me all you want, but please do not hurt Raven Braids." My father was silent. Then he walked out of the teepee not saying a word as he went.

I stared at Bear Paw for a long time. Then I kissed him. I couldn't help myself. I loved him so much. He saved me twice. He kissed me back.

"Raven Braids?" I heard Eagle Feet say. I pulled away from Bear Paw, and walked up to where Eagle Feet was laying. I hugged her and tears started streaming down my face.

"I am so glad you are okay," I said between tears.

"I am so glad you are okay too."  Thorn Bush walked in.

"Oh good, you are awake," he said. Bear Paw draped his arm around my shoulders. I wrapped my hand around his back and leaned into him. Thorn Bush looked my way but said nothing. I noticed that he had a scratch underneath his eye too.

It was silent for a few moments.

"How long until Eagle Feet can get up and move around?" I asked Thorn Bush.

"Two or Three days," he answered shortly.

"Okay, that gives us two or three days to prepare," I said, quietly.

"Prepare for what?" Bear Paw asked.

"Prepare to leave this place," I said with a grin.