Chapter 44
Becky-
The elder Grandma walked over to Kaysi and splashed some type of water onto her. She began to chant as she picked up a shell with sage burning by the bedside. She grabbed the feather from her head and fanned the smoke of the sage over Kaysi. When she was done, she took the ash of a sage, dipped her thumb in it, and placed a mark across Kaysi's head.
"There, I have cleansed her. She should be healing much faster and waking soon."
"Do you really think that she'll wake up? After all the injuries she's endured," Evan said, his head hanging. He did not look at the Elder as he spoke, still keeping his gaze on Kaysi.
The elder grabbed his chin and pulled him to look him sharply in the eyes. Evan was surprised by her reaction.
"Young man, regardless of your emotion or intention, always make eye contact with anyone you speak to. In our tribe, it's not just a matter of respect. But we wish to see into your heart. I see you have a history with this girl. There's more to you and her destiny than what you know. When she wakes, bring her to my Hut."
"You know, Evan, that's the second time I've heard someone say that there is a history between you two."
Evan stood up and stormed off after the Elder had left. I followed closely behind, trying to figure out what he was up to and what he was doing. He completely seemed to ignore my comment, acting oblivious.
Everyone else was inside, keeping an eye on Kaysi. If Evan was so concerned about Kaysi's health, why did he just leave?
Should I say something? Where was he going? Should I keep following him like this? I know it was none of my business, but I have to know the truth.
It was nighttime. He walked into a forest and circled a tree. He leaned his back against the tree and placed his right foot behind him, propped up on one of the roots. They just leaned there and looked up at the Moon and stars.
"I know you're there; I saw you following behind. I'm not as completely oblivious as you think I am. I just wanted to get some more private. I'm guessing you're not going to let me off the hook until I answer that statement you said earlier. Am I wrong?"
"No, actually, you're right. I think it's time you came clean. What are you not telling us about your relationship with Kaysi."
"I've known her for many years. We went to the same school together. But I've changed so dramatically through the years that no one really knew me. With everything going on each year, I would try to start over. In elementary school, she was constantly very sick. Kaysi was in and out of the hospital a lot. In Middle School, I dated and protected her for the longest time.
"Hold on, Kaysi, and I met in Middle School. The guy that was always protecting her was known as D?"
"Yes, that was a nickname I took on because of my father. He would call me that because of the initial of my middle name. This is before I knew he was evil, and I went on to use my actual name."
"Oh my gosh. Then why did you hesitate to go after her and the abyss?" I angrily shouted at him.
"At the time, I didn't recognize her. I've been angry at myself ever since. I would have tried harder to fight my brother. I would have tried harder to get her before she even went down there. And the wounds that she carries and her lost memories it's my life each day."
"I could have done something."... No, Evan whispered. "I Should have done something sooner."
"No sense in eating yourself alive about it. How do you think she's going to react when she gets her memory back."
"Honestly, I don't know..."
"So why didn't you say something to me sooner? You obviously recognized me. I didn't change much. Only you and Kaysi had such dramatic changes. I'm guessing things related to puberty."
"Ha... You could say that I also went through a lot of social and emotional development over the years, which didn't quite help some of my changes. I knew her in high school for a short amount of time before this. My hair was very long, and I snapped off at her."
"You did...? Why would you do that?"
"Unfortunately, I was going through a teenage rebellion. When she smarted off to me because I wasn't paying attention to grab my paper from her, let's say I decided to get even a show off in front of my girlfriend then. She liked the bad boy. But then, when we broke up, I decided to cut my hair as it is now. hahaha..." Evan laughed awkwardly.
"I just didn't know how you guys were going to judge me. So... I want to keep this quiet for now."
"I will as long as you don't keep secrets from me, at least. You have to be able to go to someone occasionally and get stuff off your chest."
"Okay. That is a deal I can make with you." He said as he offered his hand to me.
I grabbed his hand firmly and shook it. Giving him an I got my eye on you. (Side-eye.)
As we exited the woods, we came to the clearing. I could see people coming out of the hut and looking around.
"Hey guys, what's up? Are you looking for us? I'm sorry; we went on a walk."
"Well, I guess you had decent timing, babe." Kaysi is starting to show signs of waking up." Josh said as he put his hand on my lower waist. " Come on, get your butt in here. We don't need you sick; it's starting to get cold." He said, blushing and looking the other way.
"You trying to be romantic, little brother. Or are you jealous cuz we were alone together?" Evan taunted with a raised eyebrow.
"Shut the hell up, Evan!" Josh punched his brother's shoulder and pouted.
Evan rubbed his shoulder and laughed.
"Hey! Micah poked her head out. "Didn't you tell them Kaysi was waking up? You boys, stop horse playing and get in here."
When we walked, in case you just opened her eyes, she started blinking and looking around the room.
She tried sitting up quickly. Micah pressed her shoulders, slowly pushing her back down.
"Hold off on trying to do any of that. Please slow down and take it easy. Evan, help me sit her up so she does not strain herself too much."
They set her up and placed the pillow behind her back.
"So, how long was I out?" Kaysi looks down at her arm with all the stitches and bandages.
"You were only out a couple of hours, thankfully. How are you feeling?"
"My arm is sore as heck, but I should be good. You guys can stop helicoptering over me like I'm going to die. I seem to be okay right now, so obviously, it wasn't too serious."
"Kaysi".... Before I was finished, Josh cut me off.
"Let me say it so I can clear my conscience. Kaysi, you were bleeding out of your artery very badly. We all had to hold you down, and I had to use my ice fire to burn your artery shut. You were screaming out a lot of pain. If we didn't do it, you would have bled to death before we could get you back here. Now I think everybody's feeling bad about putting you through so much pain."
"You guys shouldn't feel bad. I was the idiot to run off on my own without you guy's backup."
"Yes, I agree; we were all dealing with the chaotic situation."
"I'm alive because of your actions, no harm, no foul. And thank you for everything you guys did." Kaysi said as she stood up. There was much to be done around the village.
Her eyes rolled into the back of her head, and she started to fall. Evan caught her before she hit the ground.
"Dummy, we said take it slow. Besides, it's nighttime."
"Ha... Oh my, bad. You're right; I need to slow way down." Kaysi smiled.
"The Elder did want to speak to us if you're feeling up to it, but I want you to take it slow! Your old personality seems to be starting to show through again. You're being stubborn like you used to be."
"Oh, that's right! The trauma of the fight was to help unlock some of my memories. I remember the time I first manifested my sword saving you from the boar demon."
"Oh, that is great." I looked over in Evan's direction. Do you remember anything else of your past?"
Evan gave me a dirty look, but he could tell I was messing with him.
"No, unfortunately, I'm sure it will come back to me gradually over time. Look how much I've unlocked so far. I can at least start helping you more with fights."
"After you heal! Micah shouted at Kaysi." Kaysi squinted her eyes and smiled.
Haha... Just kidding!
When we got to the Elders Hut, she guided us to her room, which had a fire pit in the middle. I had a vent in the roof for the smoke.
"Please have a seat. One of the guards pointed to the stone seats around the room."
Evan helped Kaysi to sit down slowly in the seat. And took his place next to her.
"Thank you, Evan, for being so helpful. You don't have to feel obligated to stay so close to my side, you know."
Evan laughed... I could see he was trying to hide but was blushing a little.
I laughed and stuck my tongue at him. "Yeah, Evan, why so close? You're going to catch cooties from her. hahaha"
"I don't have cooties, Becky!"
"Oh, that comment was mainly pointed to harass him."
Kaysi turned her head at Evan and tilted her head in confusion. Evan looked away again, staring up at the sky, trying to be nonchalant.
"Kaysi, my child." The elder grandmother walked into the room.
"I know there are questions that you want answered from me. Some of them are about your memories. I had heard from your comrades."
"Yes, ma'am, you would be correct," Kaysi said.
"Evan son, I see you have troubles with this girl. Do you want to know more?"
"No... I don't! I do not wish to know any more than what I already know.
Everyone in the room looked at him and was taken aback by his comment.