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Exhausted and covered in bits of wood chippings, Lucas headed away from the lumber mill, venturing towards the long road that would lead him home. Extremely physical, the job at the lumber mill left his muscles sore and overworked. The pay was good but the hours were lengthy, beginning at six a.m. before finally coming to an end at four in the afternoon.
Although he only worked three days a week, it felt more like five, and with his full-time school schedule, he didn’t have much downtime at all. Yet still he was grateful for the job, and for the first time in his life, was earning his own money and paying for everything by himself.
As he continued down the road, the sound of saws slicing through wood could still be heard. It was a keen, high pitched noise that used to annoy him, but since starting the job a month ago, he’d grown used to it. And although he’d never been particularly fond of hard work before, he found himself invigorated by the work, and appreciated that it gave him the chance to work outdoors.
Sweaty, fatigued and hungry, Lucas kicked up dust with every step. The sun beat down on him, further tanning his reddish-brown skin. Now at the tailend of August it was unusually hot, making him wish he had a car so he could travel home in comfort.
But since suffering an epileptic seizure four months ago, he’d been prohibited from driving, and now relied on his parents or friends to give him lifts to school or work.
At present moment, however, he was in the mood for being by himself, so rather than call one of his friends to pick him up, he continued walking down the dirt path.
He’d been on foot for nearly fifteen minutes when a car approached behind him, its tires crunching over small rocks as it pulled alongside him and slowed down. Curious as to its occupant, Lucas turned his head to look at the driver, and that was when he saw who was sitting behind the wheel.
As soon as he laid eyes on her, he came to a halt, waiting for her to put the car in park before approaching the vehicle. It was a faded blue Jetta, with an exhaust that lightly sputtered.
On reaching the lowered passenger window, Lucas leaned down to gaze inside, and as Wanakee’s pretty face looked back at him, he noticed her give him a smile.
“Need a ride?” She asked.
“Naw, I’m pretty close to home, so I think I’ll walk. But thanks for offering anyways.”
“Come on,” she urged while unlocking the door so he could get in. “It’s ninety degrees outside, no need to suffer.”
“I’m not,” Lucas assured her. “Really, I’ll be fine.”
“Stop being so prideful and just get in.” A touch of amusement danced in her eyes. “I want to give you a ride, Lucas. This isn’t me pitying you or anything.”
Gazing at her face, Lucas noticed there was a genuineness in her expression, so he opened the door and got in. No sooner had he settled into his seat, did a loud squeal erupt from the rear of the car. Turning his head to check things out, Lucas saw that Wanakee’s baby was secured in a car seat, and as he eyed the tiny boy, the baby stared back at him with curiousness.
“Mato’s saying hi to you,” Wanakee said to Lucas, and briefly turning her eyes to the rearview mirror, offered her son a soft smile. “Right, Mato?”
A second squeal was let loose from Mato’s mouth, but this time it was one of jubilancy.
“He’s an excitable boy,” Wanakee proclaimed while putting the car into gear, and as they continued down the road, she initiated a casual conversation.
“So, you don’t have a car?”
“I’ve got one,” Lucas responded. “But I won’t be able to drive it for another month.”
“Why?”
“I’m prone to epileptic seizures. Had a real bad one about four months ago, so I’m so suspended from driving until September.”
“Oh.” Her brows rose as she briefly studied him. “Wow, so are you taking medication?”
“Yeah, but the side effects suck, so I’m hoping to lower the dosage.”
“Would that be safe to do, though? I mean, wouldn’t it make you more likely to suffer another?”
“Not necessarily. Certain medications are more effective at lower dosages, so it would probably work out fine.”
“Okay.”
Her eyes focused back on the road, and for the next few moments they rode in silence. Occasionally a high-pitched noise would come from Mato in the backseat, but for the most part there was stillness. Unable to resist himself, Lucas snuck several looks at Wanakee, soaking in her feminine presence as the car continued along.
Naturally pretty, she wasn’t the type of girl to wear a lot of makeup. In fact, from what Lucas could tell, she only had mascara and a bit of eyeshadow, along with a thin coat of lip gloss.
And yet, despite the fact that she wasn’t glammed up, he found himself irresistibly attracted to her. There was a naturalness about her, an effortless beauty that he was drawn to. And as he not so slyly took admiring looks at her, the corners of her lips began to turn upwards.
“You’re studying me.”
“Sorry, am I making you nervous?”
“Not at all,” she responded. “Just escort hoping I don’t have anything on my face.”
Lucas lightly chuckled. “You don’t. I just like looking at you.”
“Oh.” She was silent for a moment before saying, “Well thanks, that’s flattering.”
As silence fell over them again, Lucas tried to think of something to say. He wanted to say something flirtatious, to compliment her in some other way, but for some reason he was drawing a blank, unable to think of anything worthwhile. It was an unusual thing, his quietness, because for as long as he could remember, chatting up women had been effortless. But with Wanakee he was tongue tied, unable to do much more than admire her beauty.
“So…” Wanakee said while glancing at the hard hat on his lap. “You must work at that sawmill down the road.”
“Yeah, I just started a month ago.”
“What’s it like working there?” She asked. “Seems like It’d be pretty laborous.”
“It is,” Lucas responded. “But it pays well and gives me the chance to work outdoors, so I can’t really complain, you know?”
She lightly nodded. “Well you’re obviously getting your exercise in, so I guess that’s a good thing.” Just briefly, her eyes dipped to his toned biceps, which were left exposed by the sleeveless white tank top he had on.
“Yeah, I work up a pretty good sweat. Which keeps me healthy and feeling good.”
“That is important,” Wanakee said. “I like to go running early in the morning, just before the sun rises and it starts to get hot.”
“Start off the day with some exercise, huh?” Lucas lightly nodded. “That’s a good idea.”
“Yeah, I try my best to keep fit. Still got a couple pounds of baby weight to go, but I’m pretty pleased with the way I look.”
“You should be,” Lucas stated. “You’ve got a gorgeous figure, so no need to diet.”
“Oh, I don’t do diets,” Wanakee said. “I love food way too much to starve myself.”
“That’s good,” Lucas responded. “No need to diet, as long as you exercise a bit.
“Yeah,” Wanakee agreed. “And besides, my mom makes the best frybread in the world. So there isn’t a chance I would ever deny myself that.”
“Every Indian on the rez has a mom or grandma that makes the best frybread,” he said with a grin.
“Well my mom actually won a couple of contests,” Wanakee replied. “She’s won cash prizes and everything.”
“Impressive,” Lucas said.
“I’ve tried like hell to make frybread like hers, but it just never tastes quite the same.”
“She’s got that magic touch, huh?” Lucas lightly chuckled.
“Either that or my technique sucks. But my uncle assures me I’m gradually getting better, so it gives me hope for the future.”
“You ever need a taste test done, I’m totally game to sample your cooking.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” she said with a smile, and on pulling in front of Lucas’s house, she put the Jetta into park.
“I just realized that I didn’t even give you my address.” Glancing curiously at her he asked, “How’d you know where I lived?”
“I was the one who handled your school registration, remember?”
“Yeah, but that was nearly a month ago. You actually memorized my information?”
“Sure did,” she replied. “Addresses, phone numbers, birthdates…I’ve got a knack for that kind of stuff.”
“Oh…well hey, that’s cool. I guess that means you’re good at taking tests.”
“I do pretty decent,” she modestly replied, but as a tall, thin figure began to approach the car, her attention immediately shifted. “Who’s that?”
Following her line of sight, Lucas immediately recognized the person as Kimi’s brother. “Oh, that’s Tyler. He’s a friend of mine.”
Dressed in a pair of athletic shorts and a raglan tee, Tyler was wearing a large grin.
Lowering his gaze to the basketball in Tyler’s hands, Lucas immediately remembered the promise he had made. He gathered his lunch cooler and hard hat, then reached for the door handle so he could get out.
“Tyler’s a good kid, real friendly,” Lucas said while opening the door. “Come out and say hi so he can meet you.”
Following Lucas’s suggestion, Wanakee slid out from behind the steering wheel, and after retrieving Mato from the backseat, carried him in her arms and towards Tyler. Currently engaging in a fist bump, Lucas and Tyler shifted their eyes to watch Wanakee as she approached.
“This is my friend, Wanakee,” Lucas said as she came to a stop next to them. “And Wanakee, this is Tyler.”
“Nice to meet you.” She held out her hand so that he could shake it, then gazed down at the baby in her arms before saying, “This is Mato, my son.”
Tyler waved at the child and offered a smile, then once again regarded Wanakee with a friendly gaze.
“So, it looks you’re coming back from a game of basketball.” Her eyes lowered to the ball in his hand, which looked brand new.
“Actually, we’re about to head out to the court for a game,” Lucas said. “We get together every Friday afternoon to play.”
“Nice,” Wanakee stated. “I have a cousin who plays basketball. Maybe he could escort bayan meet up with you guys sometimes.”
“Sure,” Lucas replied. “We’d love to have him along.”
“How old are you, Tyler?” Wanakee asked. “Because my cousin just turned seventeen last month.”
With a gesture of hands, Tyler signed his age, which led Wanakee to gaze at him in confusion.
“He’s sixteen,” Lucas interpreted. “And I guess I should have mentioned that Tyler is deaf.”
“Oh, I see.” Wanakee’s features instantly softened. “I didn’t know you knew sign language, Lucas.”
“I don’t,” he replied.
“Then how do you and Tyler communicate?”
“Mostly through gestures and by writing words down, but I have managed to learn a few basic signs.”
Having quickly scribbled some words on his memo pad, Tyler tore off the sheet and handed it to Wanakee, who allowed her eyes to scan the message he had written.
He’s learning quickly. Give him another couple of months, and he’ll probably know the entire alphabet.
“Wow.” Wanakee regarded Lucas with a look of admiration. “Tyler says you’re making really good progress.”
“He’s just being nice,” Lucas said with a grin. “The truth of it, I sorta suck. But I promised him I’d learn ASL, so that’s just what I plan to do.”
“Good for you.” She gave him a smile. “I think It’s pretty cool that you’re even willing to learn it.”
“Well Tyler’s a good kid, and I enjoy hanging out with him. So it only makes sense that we bridge that gap, so we can fully connect with one another.”
“Right on…” Giving a slow nod, she looked from Lucas to Tyler, and then back again before offering a smile. “Well, I’d better get back on the road. Mato needs his nap, and I’ve got housework to do.”
“Okay,” Lucas said. “Thanks again for the ride, and I’ll see you around school.”
“Not a problem. And yeah, I’ll see you on Monday.” She then offered a wave and smile to Tyler before turning around, but before reaching her Jetta, she suddenly stopped and looked back at Lucas.
“By the way, Mato is having a birthday on Saturday. I’ll be giving him a little party at my house, so if you’re not doing anything else, you’re more than welcome to stop by.”
“Yeah, sure. I’d love to come.”
“Cool,” she replied. “The party starts at two, so I’ll see you then.”
“Definitely. I’ll be there.”
“Alright, well take down my number so I can text you later with my address.”
Retrieving his phone from the pocket of his jeans, Lucas prepared to get her digits, and after keying them in, saved it to his list of contacts.
“Great. So I’ll wait to hear back from you, then.”
“Yep. Enjoy your basketball game, and I’ll see you on Saturday.”
“Alright, see ya later,” Lucas said as he watched her walk to the car, and only after she’d gotten in and drove off, did he finally shift his attention to a grinning Tyler.
Having already written some words on his mini notepad, Tyler tore off the sheet and handed it over, whereupon Lucas read the words that had been hastily scribbled:
8She’s hot. You going to make her your girlfriend?8
Lightly chuckling, Lucas shook his head. “No, It’s not like that between us. We’re just friends, not trying to date or anything.”
Tyler wrote some more words down on the pad:
*Why not? If I was your age and didn’t have Jolene in my life, I’d be trying to make Wanakee my girlfriend.*
“She’s got a kid,” Lucas responded. “Too much baggage for me, you know?”
Rather than reply with another scribbled note, Tyler only stared at Lucas in a curious sort of way. Staring right back, Lucas waited for Tyler to look away first, but as moments passed, the younger teen kept his gaze steadily focused.
“What?” Lucas inquired. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
A soft shrug was all Tyler offered in response, and as Lucas started for his house, Tyler followed behind.
“If she didn’t have the kid, I’d be all over her,” Lucas continued. “But she does, and I don’t want her thinking I’m taking on some sort of responsibility for Mato. I mean the dude who got her pregnant is the one who should be taking care of him, you know?”
Tyler nodded, watching as Lucas placed his lunch cooler and hard hat on the porch. Lucas stripped out of his jeans and put on a pair of long gym shorts and sneakers, then lead the way across the lawn and in the direction of the basketball court.
“I won’t lie, I really like her,” Lucas admitted. “But I’ve got work and school, plus other things to worry about. So It’s probably best that we just remain friends.”
Now spinning the basketball on his index finger, Tyler’s attention was entirely off of Lucas.
“I see you’ve been practicing those tricks I taught you,” Lucas said, and before Tyler could even think to react, Lucas suddenly snatched the ball.
Shocked at his quickness, Tyler watched as Lucas dribbled while walking, trying to show off by bouncing the ball through his legs before passing the ball back to Tyler.
“You been working on that jump shot, bayan escort too?”
Tyler nodded, then briefly halted in the middle of the road so he could demonstrate the technique he’d been perfecting.
“Looks pretty good,” Lucas said while watching him pantomime a jump shot, “But keep your feet shoulder-width apart, and make sure your knees are slightly bent.”
Correcting his stance, Tyler pantomimed again, then glanced at Lucas for approval.
“Better,” Lucas said with a nod, and as they reached the court where the basketball hoop was set up, the two teens sprinted onto the asphalt.
Seconds later, they were playing one-on-one, pounding the pavement with their basketball sneakers. They played for hours, not stopping until the sun went down and the sky turned dark.
* * * *
The smell of the Volkswagon’s old leather seats permeated the air around Tristan, contributing to the retro feel that the hippie van seemed to radiate. With its wrap-around bench seating, the rear of the bus had an almost limousine-like feeling.
The sunroof allowed light to fill the vehicle, creating a warmth that should have comforted Tristan. But he was far too freaked out to appreciate the beautiful sunny day, and as thoughts of Detective Gonzalez filled his head, an empty feeling came into his stomach.
Disturbed by the fact that the detective knew so much about him, Tristan was trying to figure out what his next move would be. Now that his telekinetic powers were in danger of being exposed, he would have to find a way to take the heat off of him. The last he wanted was to stick out at university, to be the “weird one” who possessed unexplainable powers. And since Andy had gone missing and he was the number one suspect, word would probably spread quickly about his suspected involvement.
Blowing out a harsh sigh, Tristan slumped in his seat and clenched his jaw. University was supposed to be about making a fresh start, not gaining a reputation that would follow him around for the next four years. Although Detective Gonzalez hadn’t confirmed that Andy was dead, Tristan had a feeling that he might be.
Someone, somewhere, had decided to do something to him, and although Tristan didn’t have an ounce of sympathy for the abuser, he couldn’t help wondering just why he had disappeared.
He was sitting there stewing in his thoughts when the door to the van slid open, revealing first Claudia, before Ethan and Kimi stepped in as well. Situating herself next to Tristan, Claudia took his hand and held it tenderly, studying his face with an expression that made it clear she was deeply concerned. Directly across from them was Ethan and Kimi, who plopped down on the wraparound seating before casting a look his way.
“So what’s up, man?” Ethan asked while giving Tristan a questioning look. “Why are we all meeting in here?”
“Because the information I’m going to share with you is too private to discuss out in public.”
“Oh, okay…” Clearly more curious than ever, Ethan gazed with focus at Tristan’s face. “Well Claudia told us that the police pulled you out of class today, so I’m guessing you’re in some sort of trouble.”
“Yeah, and It’s pretty serious.” Briefly pausing, Tristan swallowed around the lump in his throat before looking at Kimi. “Andy went missing a day ago, Kimi, and the police think I had something to do with it.”
“Seriously?” Kimi’s brows lightly furrowed as the information sunk in. “But why would they think that? You left the rez a week ago, and haven’t been back since.”
“I know,” Tristan replied. “But they’ve got it in their heads that I was somehow involved.”
“You can prove that you were here at the university,” Claudia said. “I’ll back you up, and of course Ethan and Kimi will too.”
“I know you guys will, and I really appreciate that,” he responded. “But this detective is convinced that I murdered Andy, and I have a feeling he’s not going to let up.”
“Wait a minute, what do you mean murdered?” Kimi leaned forward in her seat, gaze focusing intently on Tristan’s face. “I thought you said he was just missing.”
“From what the detective told me, he is. But I can tell that he thinks I killed Andy, so in his mind, Andy’s already worm food.”
“Oh my God.” Claudia’s eyes had widened, mouth falling open in shock. “But why would he be dead? I mean, why would somebody murder him?”
“Why wouldn’t they?” Kimi asked, and as all eyes turned in her direction, she followed up with some more words. “Oh don’t look so surprised you guys, we all know he was a flaming asshole.”
“Yeah, but for somebody to actually murder him?” Claudia flitted her eyes from face to face. “I mean you’ve gotta be filled with a lot of rage to actually take another human’s life.”
“Well Andy was more monster than he was human, so…” As Kimi’s voice drifted off, she lightly shrugged. “Look, I’m not saying I’m happy that he possibly bit the dust. But I was raped by this man at eleven years old, so shedding any tears are the last thing on my mind.”
“Hey, we’re not judging you, angel.” Ethan wrapped his arm around her waist to comfort her. “I think It’s totally understandable how you feel, and you don’t have to guilty about not being sad. He was a dysfunctional person, and put you and your family through a lot of hell.”
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