The Pack

Chapter 5

By the time she woke back up the next day, Kono was gone. She wasn’t sure where he had went off to and it left her with two very different mixed emotions; relief and sadness. 

Weird. 

She got up, got dressed and headed outside. It was a new day, everything about it just felt new. The sun was shining, there was a cool breeze blowing, and everyone was walking around doing what they usually do. Atepa came running up with a big smile.

“Good morning! So...how was your night?”

“It was fine. Why are you smiling at me like that?”

“Because you were chosen to be Kono’s bride! That’s exciting. Did you guys...do anything...special, last night?” Her eyes were wide with excitement.

“Atepa! No! We talked and then went to sleep. That’s all.”

“Really? Hmm...I always thought more was supposed to happen.”

“Well, it apparently is. Turns out Kono is an okay guy though and knew it would be an awkward situation for both of us. He told me he was fine with waiting.” Atepa just shrugged it off.

“Have you seen him this morning? Kono, I mean. I woke up and he was already gone.”

“He went down to the river early this morning with Chief Ahote.”

“Oh. Okay then. I think I will go see my mom, I need to talk to her.”

Anika hugged her friend and they went their separate ways. 

There was so much going on in her mind she needed to talk to someone who had experience and who had always been there for her. She got to her family home, the one that she used to call her own. Her father was out on the side working, like he did every morning. It looked like he was starting on a new canoe. She walked inside to find her grandma and mother chatting away. They both looked over and smiled as she sat beside them.

“Well good morning Ani, how was your night?” Her grandma Neha was the only person who ever called her Ani.

“It was fine Neha. Not what I expected but not terrible.” Her mother looked up at her with a smirk.

“Well what exactly were you expecting?”

“I’m not sure really. I wasn’t even expecting to be chosen. It’s still a little shocking if I’m being honest. I don’t really know too much about Kono, it’s not like we’ve really ever been friends. We just see each other around. He seems nice enough.”

“Kono is a good man and will do right by you.”

“I’m sure he will. He said the reason he chose me was because he had a vision.”

“What kind of vision?” Her grandmother had the gift of visions and hearing that Kono had one peaked her interest.

“Just that he seen me as his wife, helping him to do right by the people. He said that is what helped him to choose me.”

“Well then, how about that.”

Anika stayed to visit a few more minutes before deciding to leave. She left with still so much on her mind. She looked around for Atepa but couldn’t find her, she figured she was off somewhere with Howi. She decided to take a walk through the trees between their village and the river. She figured the fresh air and quiet would help her to think. 

She walked through the trees listening to all the life that was in them. From behind her she could hear the faint voices of her people; from where she stood she could hear the leaves in the trees rustling and birds chirping; and from in front of her she could hear the rolling water rushing in the river. She always felt more like herself when she was with nature, it had always been that way. Her parents always had to keep a close eye on her so she didn’t get lost, drown in the river, or be attacked by wolves or something. Before stepping from the trees, she searched the river banks to see if Kono and Ahote were still around. She didn’t see them so she walked out, went right up to the rivers edge and laid back on the grass. The heat from the sun was so soothing and the peaceful sounds around her began to put her to sleep; until she heard footsteps coming toward her.