Soulmates

Chapter 3: Life isn't Fair

I can no longer bare the extra attention so I rushed away to my wigwam. There I found  Kineks sitting there and staring out into the distance.

"Kineks?" I got her attention and she looked up.

"What, are you doing in here Winona? You should be out there with Chief Tapu and Hakan." She said. Her face was flushed with pretend concern, behind that vail of worry I thought I could detect jealousy. I cleared my mind of that idea.  She would never! Right?

"I couldn't deal with the overwhelming attention." I exclaimed.

Kineks rolled her eyes. I knew she wasn't trying to be rude, but instead show her indifference. Ever since I was little I hated the extra attention I got being the Cheif's only daughter. Kineks however, LOVED attention! Secertly sometimes I got the feeling that the only reason she was so nice to me and eventually became my best friend was so she could have some of my spot light. Sharing my popularity didn't bother me, but did make me lose some trust in my best friend.

Even though I already knew the answer I quized my knowing of her anyways. "What is wrong Kineks?" I sat down beside her.

"If I were to say it, I might upset you."

"It's alright, just tell me. I promise whatever it is won't upset me." I begged.

Kineks let out a sigh. "I still want Hakan. I am a bad friend."  She turned her face away from me.

I had to think out my response for a moment. "Well, I don't have a choice. I've never had a choice in things like this. I couldn't just say 'no'.  Your not a bad friend so don't say that."

"Yes, but how can I be a good friend when you're married to the man I want?" She asked.

"Forget about me marrying Hakan. I don't mind you caring for him, really! Lets not let something so dumb get in between us."

She smiled. "Thanks Winona."

"Hey, I want to show you something." Kineks said as she reached over into her sachel. She pulled out a red beaded necklace. "I was saving this for myself in the silly hopes I would wear it the day I married Hakan, but since that clearly won't happen and your my best friend, I want you to have it.

I felt myself beginning to tear up. I remembered when we were both young girls. Kineks would always get this moony look whenever Hakan walked by and then she'd turned back to me with a big grin and say "I'm going to marry him someday just you see!" I also remembered the day Kineks made that necklace. Kineks and I had been sitting outside her wigwam sorting out food for the winter when Kineks stopped what she was doing and pulled out a few red clay beads. When I inquired she said, "I'm making this necklace for Hakan! You know, when we get married."

Thank you." I simply responded trying not to cry and took the necklace. I guess the whole day had just been too much to bear though so I did cry, and not long after Kineks joined in.  I didn't want to marry Hakan, my best friend did. Together we sobbed. Life isn't fair.