A Surprise

Chapter Six

I hadn’t spoken since we had moved to our Summer camp and Helushka had never visited. It had been about five months. “Posala?” I asked one afternoon as for the first time I walked into Nosh’s tipi across from mine and Helushka’s, she’d decided to try out living with him this camp.

“Aponi!!” she yelled hugging me.

“Shhh…” I shook my head letting her know I still wasn’t really willing to talk.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m with child.” I whispered.

“That’s good news.” She smiled.

“It would be.” I whispered.

“If Helushka was here so that you could share it or even so he could know.” She nodded knowing that’s why I’d been hiding it for so long.

“Yeah and Chief Heammawihio said I wasn’t to go see him unless it was an emergency.”

“Did you try writing?”

“Yes he hasn’t written back.” I nodded crying, “What if he got there and realized that marrying me was a mistake?” I whispered.

“He didn’t I’m sure there’s a perfectly good reason for why he hasn’t visited.”

“Thanks Posala.” I whispered and just sat down next to her. “I’m sorry I just can’t be alone right now.” I explained at her confused face.

“I have no problem with it I just wasn’t expecting it. It’s a pleasant surprise.” She smiled pulling me closer and holding me to her. “I’ll try to get hold of him on the school phone.” She promised.

“Thank you. You won’t mention the…”

“No I won’t mention the baby.” She shook her head.

“He needs to know soon I can’t hide the weight I’m gaining for long. Shimasani says it will only get more noticeable and she’s surprised that no older women have noticed the extra clothes I’ve had to make lately. Of course I’m also just now starting to show.” I forced myself to try to talk it out because it still didn’t seem real to me.

“I’ll get Helushka here for you.” She promised.