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Black-feathered and sleek looking, a group of ravens gracefully flew against a vast Montana sky. Swooping gracefully towards the land, they zeroed in on a particular target. Well-maintained and sporting a fresh coat of paint, the house they moved towards had a well-kept yard. The land surrounding it was rural, with short-grass prairies stretching far beyond.

As the ravens came in Lucas happily fed them, scattering bits of bison meat that was covered in bear grease. While the meat itself would fill their bellies, the grease would keep their feathers shiny and maintain some fat on their bones. Lucas watched as they gathered in to feed, gobbling the tiny cubes of meat which were thrown from his hands. Thinking back to the last time he’d fed them, he realized it had been months, but it felt good to do it again, so he would definitely make it a routine from now on.

His father had fed the ravens for many years, and from a young boy, Lucas had been taught to do the same. It’s good to feed the ravens, Eagle had told him at the age of seven. Just like the eagles, they can carry prayers and pleas up to God for us.

Lucas has remembered those words ever since, and wanting to continue the tradition his father had started, he decided then and there that he would do it weekly. Not only was it a routine that he liked, but it made him feel closer to his dad, and he also knew that the ravens were grateful for the sustenance.

He was nearly finished feeding them when a boxy 80’s Oldsmobile pulled into the yard, and instantly recognizing it, Lucas offered a wave. Seated behind the wheel was June, who waved back before parking the car and getting out. As the medicine woman approached she smiled at Lucas, then eyed the birds who had gathered in the yard.

The look on her face was one of approval, and on reaching Lucas she pulled him into a hug. Long and tight, it was filled with love and deep compassion. So much that Lucas didn’t want to let go, but when she pulled back he did as well, gazing into her eyes with a soft expression.

“Good to see you, June.”

“And it’s great to see you as well,” she offered back. “I see you’re feeding the ravens, just like your daddy always did.”

“Just taking over until he gets back home,” Lucas replied. “We used to do it together, so I know he would want me to carry it on.”

“It’s good that you are, then.” She lightly nodded, then watched as the last of the meat was thrown out to the birds. “This spring has been colder than usual, so they need the extra fat.”

With the bowl of meat now emptied, Lucas and June headed towards the house, and on entering were met with the scent of a dish that Lucas particularly loved. Indulging in the delectable fragrance, June gazed towards the kitchen.

“Something sure smells good,” she said while inhaling deeply. “Rita’s at work on another one of her famous recipes, huh?”

“Bison meatloaf,” Lucas replied. “She makes it every Thursday, so you’re in luck.”

Finding it cute that Lucas was boasting on his mother’s cooking, June took off her coat, which was long and quilted. Lucas assisted her by hanging it up on the rack, then followed June into the living room, where she immediately greeted Lucas’s grandparents. Both seated in La-Z-Boy’s, they offered June a friendly smile which she returned. She spoke a few words of greeting in Blackfoot, then chatted lightly about the episode of Rifleman on the TV screen. Clearly pleased to have her around, they lightly joked and nodded at the commentary she gave, before allowing her to return to Lucas, who joined her side as she headed for the kitchen.

On entering they noticed Rita with meat cleaver in hand, expertly dicing up onions as veggies cooked in a steamer on the stove. On seeing that June was present, she halted her work, wiping her hands on a dishtowel before giving the older woman a tight hug.

“Wow, so good to see you,” Rita said while pulling back. “Wasn’t expecting you at all, but I’m sure glad you’re here.”

“I thought you and Lucas could use some more support,” June replied. “Everyone on the reservation knows what happened to Eagle, so I can only imagine how challenging it is.”

“We’re getting through it,” she sadly replied. “Not much of anyone has stopped by, and everytime we go out, people just stare and talk in whispers. Makes me feel self-conscious, so I stay in as much as I can these days.”

Lightly nodding, June gazed into her eyes. “Well I hadn’t seen you at bingo night last Friday, so I figured that was the issue. And you know I’ve tried to call and come by, but you haven’t been answering the phone or the door…”

“Sorry about that,” Rita softly replied. “Just haven’t been in the mood to talk to anyone at all. Aside from Lucas and the family elders, I’ve pretty much blocked everyone else out.”

“I know, dear.” June’s eyes were gentle, full of compassion. “That’s why I gave you a week. Figured it would take time for you to come around.”

“Well thanks for understanding,” she said. “And I’m glad you’re not upset with escort me.”

“I could never be upset, and you know that.” June took Rita’s hand into her own, and then grabbed Lucas’s as well before speaking. “We’re going to get through this, you know. All of us, together as family.”

Bottom lip quivering in response, Rita did her best to keep it together. But as tears wet her eyes, she let out some words in a burst of emotion.

“Thank you for caring, June. And thank you for treating me and my son as one of your own.”

“You’re like a daughter to me, Rita. And Lucas is like a second grandson. I love you both dearly and I know you need the support at a time like this, so just know you can call on me always, alright?”

Rita nodded and blinked back the tears, then squeezed June’s hand in a show of appreciation.

“Now how can I help?” June asked while eyeing the various ingredients spread out on the counter.

“Making gravy, Rita replied. “So if you want you could sautee the onions, while I strain the chicken stock.”

June nodded in agreement, then got busy at pouring onions into a cast iron skillet. Seeing it was nothing but women’s work to be done, Lucas exited the kitchen. He then headed for the living room where his grandparents were, and taking a seat on the couch, tuned into Rifleman with them. Along with preferring to speak their Native language, his grandparents were proud of the fact that they didn’t know much English at all.

This didn’t stop them, however, from enjoying the various shows they had grown up on. As the program continued Lucas and his grandparents watched, engrossed in the black and white images as they played across the screen.

* * * *

As Tristan opened the door he saw Lona standing before him, soft smile on her lips as he curiously regarded her. Surprised at her presence, it took him a moment to find his voice, but once he did he, he spoke in a voice that was soft yet friendly.

“Hi…”

“Hi yourself, handsome.”

Her smile deepened considerably, and it was then that he noticed she had a dimple in only one cheek. Finding it cute, he focused in on it, but not for so long that it gave him away.

“Wasn’t expecting a visit,” Tristan said. “Everything okay, I hope…”

Everything’s just fine, Lona replied. “Why? Is this a bad time for you?”

“Well no…” Shifting on his feet, he slid his hands into the pockets of his blue jeans. “I just don’t remember us saying we were gonna meet up.”

“And we didn’t,” she confirmed. “Just thought I’d stop by and see if you wanted to hang out.”

“Oh…” He seemed to think it over for a moment before replying. “Well yeah, sure. I mean not right now though, cause I already got company.”

“Okay…” Her face fell at this, eyes going dim with disappointment. “So you want me to come back later, then?”

Immediately picking up on her hurt feelings, Tristan began to feel guilty. But he had no time to reply, because she was looking past his shoulder and right into the living room. As Lona’s eyes came to land on Kimi her lips pulled tight, but Kimi offered a smile, then gestured with her hand for Lona to enter. Realizing he now had to invite her in, Tristan opened the door wider.

“I mean you can come in if you want,” he said to Lona. “Just wasn’t sure if you wanted to hang out with us.”

“Well I don’t have to.” Not feeling welcomed at all, she stood in place right there on the porch. “I mean, don’t wanna butt in or anything, know what I mean?”

“It’s cool, you can join us.” Kimi called from the living room, where she longing on the couch and watching a movie.

Still feeling a little hesitant, Lona waited, glancing from Kimi to Tristan and then back again before finally entering. As soon as she stepped inside Tristan closed the door, then gestured towards the living room so she could sit and hang out with them. As Lona entered, Kimi checked her out, taking note of her outfit which was casual, yet stylish.

The belted knit sweater she was wearing had a southwestern pattern, with a boho look which fit her style perfectly. Washed out blue jeans were on her lower half, perfectly fitting her slim frame. Lowering his eyes to her shirt, Kimi saw that it read, “Made in the 90’s’. Her gaze then lifted to land on Lona’s face, and that was when she gave her a welcoming smile.

“How you been?” Holding a can of coke, Kimi took a slow sip through the straw.

“Oh, not too bad.” She sat uncomfortably on the couch next to Kimi. “How about you?”

“Not great, to be honest. My boyfriend and I are in a weird place right now, so you could say I’m kinda going through it.”

“You broke up?” Lona asked.

“Not exactly,” she sadly replied. “We just agreed to see other people, is all.”

Having taken a seat across from them in an armchair, Tristan awkwardly sat as the two girls conversed.

“Well I’m sorry to hear that,” Lona said. “But I sure do hope you guys get back together.”

“We’ll see how it goes,” Kimi replied. “Last night escort bayan was especially rough, but being here with Tristan sure did help me out.”

“You were here last night with Tristan?”

Kimi nodded, then took a sip of her coke before speaking. “Oh nothing happened or anything, Tristan just didn’t want me all alone at my mom’s house.”

“Well where was your mom?”

“She works the graveyard shift at the casino, so she didn’t return home until 7 a.m.”

“Oh…” A sullen look crossed her face, eyes darting to Tristan who purposely avoided her stare.

“He was a complete gentleman, I can promise you that,” Kimi assured her. “Totally respectful, in like every way.”

Giving no reply Lona just sat there, but as Tristan stood to his feet she focused in on him.

“Um, you want something to drink?” He asked Lona. “Got some soda and iced tea. Water, too…”

“A glass of water would be fine, thanks.”

Seemingly grateful to escape for a moment, Tristan quickly headed off.

“You really like him, don’t you?” Kimi said with a smile, and focusing hard on Lona’s face, gave her an inquiring look.

“I do,” Lona replied. “But seems like the feeling isn’t mutual.”

“Oh he likes you, I can tell,” Kimi said. “But he’s just taking his time, not the kind of guy to rush into things, know what I mean?”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed that.” Lona lightly nodded. “So you said last night was rough, and that Tristan didn’t want you all alone at your mom’s. What exactly happened, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Well me and Tristan were in his car, just sitting outside of my mom’s house and talking, right? Then some huge weirdo in this massive truck speeds up behind us, like they were gonna crash right into us…”

“But they didn’t,” Lona said.

“No, but that was only because it suddenly swerved at the very last moment. It was so crazy, Lona. I honestly thought I was going to die.”

“You must have been so scared,” Lona said, and focusing on Kimi’s face, gave her a look that was deeply intense.

“Well yeah, I almost wet my pants. I mean who in their right mind would do that? They must have been a complete psychopath.”

A faint line creased Lona’s brow at this, eyes hardening just briefly so that Kimi didn’t notice.

“Anyways, Tristan was completely protective through all of it. He held onto me and made me feel safe. And I was super grateful he let me sleep me over here.”

“So did nothing truly happen? Because I just find it kinda hard to believe, considering you’re a really cute girl and all.”

Feeling as if Lona was not only inquiring, yet actually prying into the depths of her mind, Kimi felt compelled to just tell her the truth. It was almost as if Lona knew, because the look on her face seemed to say, ‘don’t even think about bullshitting me’.

“Okay, so maybe a little something did happen. But it was in his car, before we even reached his house.”

“And it wasn’t sex?”

Kimi shook her head. Like I said he was a complete gentleman. He actually made it clear he didn’t want to go all the way, so we didn’t get very far at all.”

“Well that’s good to hear,” Lona stated. “Because anything easily gotten, isn’t really worth having, is it?”

Lifting her brow at the snarky comment, Kimi gave Lona a long, hard look. Yet instead of feeling intimated Lona only stared back, just as hard and with as much fortitude.

“Look, I told you the truth because I thought you deserved it, okay? So I’d really appreciate it if you’d just be cool.”

“I am cool.”

“No, you’re being snarky. You know what you meant, and it was intended to hurt me.”

“Okay, so maybe I was trying to sting you with what I said. But I think it’s kinda messed up what you did, considering you know how much I like him.”

“I just barely met you a few days ago. And to be honest, you and Tristan aren’t even an actual thing yet.”

“But even if we were, that wouldn’t stop you, right?”

“Well of course it would. I don’t go after guys who are actually taken.”

Lona seemed to think this over for a bit before finally deciding that she would believe Kimi. An awkward vibe, however, had begun to set in, causing the girls to just sit in total silence. After a few moments passed, however, Kimi decided to break the lull in conversation.

“So you joining us on our trip out to Bozeman, or what? Because it’d be fun to have you along.”

“Trip to Bozeman?” Blinking in response, Lona waited for Kimi to elaborate.

“Yeah, we’re heading out there this weekend.”

“For what?”

“Just to have fun. Get away from the rez and see something new…isn’t Tristan bringing you along?”

“No, he didn’t tell me a thing.”

Kimi lifted a brow, then took a sip of her coke from the straw. It was at this exact time that Tristan showed up, glass of water in hand so he could give it to Lona. No longer thirsty, however, she stood to her feet, which made it obvious she was on her way out.

“So I’m gonna take off bayan escort now,” she quickly said to Tristan. “Got some things to take care of, so I’ll see you around.”

Puzzled he just blankly watched her, still holding the glass. But as she made it out the door and onto the porch he sprung into action. Within moments he was following behind her, and as she made it to her car, he finally stopped her. The door was already open and she was ready to get in, but Tristan held onto her arm softly.

“Okay, what did I do. Why are you so upset?”

“I’m not upset, just hurt okay? And it’s pretty clear you don’t want me, so I’ll just be on my way.”

“But that’s not true, and I don’t want you to go. So please just stay and let’s talk things out.”

“Nothing to talk out, really. Kimi let me know about the trip to Bozeman. Thanks for asking me along, by the way. Really makes me feel like part of the group.”

“Look I didn’t ask you because I’m just kind of uncertain as to where we are. We’ve only just met, and to be honest I wasn’t even real certain that I was going myself.”

“And why are you uncertain?” She asked. “I’ve only made it super clear that I totally dig you, so what’s really up?”

“I don’t rush into things, Lona. I thought I made that clear.”

“But there is no rushing,” she quickly shot back. “Feels to me I’m more like a sister to you, than an actual prospect for someone you’d date.”

“Just because I’m not all over you like most guys would be, doesn’t mean I have no interest.”

“I do appreciate that you’re being respectful, but we’ve known each other for nearly a month now.”

“So what do you want that I haven’t give you yet?” He asked. “A kiss, sex…what exactly is it that you think we should already be doing?”

“Well nothing in particular, exactly. But it would be nice if you showed some actual interest. And yeah, I kinda had expected you to at least try and kiss me by now.”

“I can’t force myself into something if I’m just not ready,” Tristan stated. “So could you please just chill and let things happen at a natural pace?”

“Natural pace, right.” A bitter smile tilted her lips, eyes going hard as she recalled a memory. “Guess what you did in the car with Kimi last night was natural, right?”

“What?” Clearly stunned, Tristan just stared wide-eyed at her.

“Yeah, her hands were all over your crotch,” Lona hastily replied. “I saw what you two did in your car lastnight, so don’t even lie.”

“Wait, you actually saw us?”

Perhaps realizing she’d said too much, Lona froze in place, then dryly swallowed. “Well Kimi told me, so that’s how I know.”

“She told you what?”

“That you guys did something in the car.”

“But you just said, ‘I saw what you two did’.”

“Look, I heard it from her, alright? She confessed that you did something together.”

“No.” Tipping his head just slightly, Tristan peered deep into her eyes, as if studying her very soul. “You specifically stated I saw, which means you were there to actually witness it happen.”

No way out and backed into a tight corner, Lona knew that Tristan had found her out. Chin dipping down and eyes lowering, she now found it hard to look him right in the face.

“So it was you.” An incredulous look crossed his face, body stiffening up as he focused on her hard. “You were in that truck behind us, watching everything that we did.”

“Okay, so it was me, alright? And I know it was wrong, but I just had to find out.”

“Find out what?”

“If you and Kimi were screwing.”

“So you sneak around and literally stalk me?”

“You’re so totally guarded and I can’t figure you out. You haven’t made a move on me at all, but you’ve got two friends who are girls, and they’re both attractive so I had to know. It’s been difficult for me, Tristan. Just waiting on the sidelines for you to give me a chance.”

“You fucking charged at us with a monster truck,” Tristan loudly stated. “You could have killed us, Lona. It was a real stupid thing for you to do.”

“I wouldn’t have killed you, and it wasn’t a monster truck,” she quickly shot back. “It was a lifted Ford F-150.”

“Close enough!”

“Look, I know what I did and I’m so sorry. But I never intended to actually hurt you.”

“So what did you intend?” His tone was sharp, expression now darkened. “Because if you hadn’t been stopped, you would have rammed right into my car.”

“I wanted to scare Kimi, okay? To get her to back off you, before you went all the way. I could see everything from inside the truck, and I knew what was coming next, so I had to think quick.”

“And that though process involved ramming my car while Kimi and I were in it.”

“I never said it made sense!”

“Unbelievable.” Shaking his head, he backed away from her, eyes going cold as he regarded her warily.

“Please don’t look at me that way,” Lona softly pleaded. “It was crazy and I know it, but please don’t think that’s how I usually am. I just lost control, but it won’t happen again.”

“Because I won’t let it,” Tristan stated. “You can’t be around me, Lona. Not after what you did.”

“Tristan, please.”

“I’ve got a daughter to worry about, too. Maggie. You think I would put her in danger, by having you around?”

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