Running Wolf jolted when she waved a hand in front of his face. “Oh yes. So I will leave you to it then.”
She nodded and he could feel her eyes following him as he left. Running Wolf hurried off, determined not to embarrass himself any further.
Chapter Nine
Elaina watched him go and felt a smile on her lips. Her hand flew to her mouth and she covered it. So yes, she found his attitude cute but that was not enough reason to smile. Why was she even finding him cute? Elaina shook her head and turned back to the stream that was flowing in front of her. Looking at it, it gave her peace and clarity and that was something she needed to refresh every day. Whenever she found herself falling down the rabbit hole that was her mind, it was best to always sit here and clear out all the cobwebs.
She felt a sharp pain in her stomach and winced. Elaina rubbed her belly softly.Please be fine in there, little one. If anything happens to you, you will break mother’s heart. Elaina managed to stand up and she headed back to the shack slowly. She was suddenly overwhelmed with fatigue. It was not too out of place as she had been experiencing it a lot during this last month of the pregnancy.
She settled down in front of the shack and tried her best to rub her back. It was no easy feat and it only made her hurt more. Elaina shut her eyes and when she finally opened them, she was surprised to see faint darkness. She rubbed her eyes. Had she slept for that long? Her eyes darted around and they rested on a basket of fruit a short distance away. She did not need to check to know that her wood box would be full. He really was a good man. Not only was he giving her a place to stay, but he truly did care for her from a distance. She sighed. She wished she could thank him for all his help.
Elaina filled a bowl with fruit and found her way to the shack. Once she was in a comfortable position, she started nibbling, enjoying the fresh juice.
“The little pleasures of life, my darling. We should savor them, respect them, experience them and enjoy them while we can. Life is too short. We have got to make the most of it!” James'words came back to her.
He was a man who had a sweet tongue. That speech had been because of her unwillingness to marry him. She loved him, no doubt but she had wanted them to wait a while longer till he was more stable.
“We have no time to waste, my love. We have each other and that’s all that matters.”
She had known that was not the only thing that mattered but she had been carried away by his words and the next week, they had tied the knot.
It seemed like so long ago it happened but it was not. So many things in her life before that night seemed so far away. Recalling the events from before that night was a painful task because they were only reminders of all she had lost.
Elaina slipped into bed and set the bowl aside. She shut her eyes tight, trying to fight the memories of her past and the pain bubbling in her chest.
Don’t think about any of it, Elaina. Just sleep. Sleep and forget it all. It is the best option you have.
Unfortunately, sleep was not going to happen for her that night. Elaina felt very uncomfortable and no matter how much she adjusted, she still could not sleep. She sat up, making the decision to sit outside of the shack.The cold air would do a whole lot of good,she thought.
Before she could stand up, a pain sharper than earlier burnt through her causing her to scream at the top of her lungs. Elaina felt something sticky between her legs and looked down to see liquid. Her eyes widened as she realized her water had broken. No, no, no, she shook her head.
She had another contraction and she screamed again. She found herself holding on to the walls of the shack as she tried to bear the pain.
“Indian men do not help women during childbirth so be prepared to handle that yourself,” that was what Running Wolf’s friend told her.
She was all on her own and she was scared out of her wits.
*
Running Wolf dusted his hands as he returned to his tepee. Now, that was covered and she had enough wood to last her for some time, he could focus on other matters. He was done with his good deed for the day.
Running Wolf set the fire and got to work stewing the rabbit in his possession. Once he had devoured it all, he resigned to his bedding, feeling full and ready for the long night ahead. His eyes had barely closed when he heard a loud scream. They flew open and he sat up.What on earth was happening? It had to be the pale face!
Running Wolf grabbed an axe and hurried out of his home. There was another scream and he paused mid-step. He knew that sound. It was as a result of labor pains. He had heard it from his wife months ago just before she left. He swallowed hard. This was something he could not get involved in. There was no role he could play in this situation. This time, she was on her own.
He turned and started back to his tepee, but a voice nagged at the back of his head. What if she is unable to bear it like Fala? Can you stand another death? He swallowed hard and continued on. Her scream came again, and his step paused.She has no one. Are you really going to leave her by herself? How exactly is that going to end?A piercing scream floated to the night sky, accompanied by a great pounding in Running Wolf’s chest. This time, he did not hesitate. He turned around and took off toward the shack where Elaina lived. He had to help her. There was no doubt in his mind.
Running Wolf ran the distance to Elaina’s shack and as he expected, he found her squirming in pain. He crouched besideher and held her hand, whispering, “It’s going to be fine. I am here to help you. Just tell me what you need. Please, you have to speak. I know you can. I heard you before.”
“Clean cloths,” she gasped between breaths. “Hot water, knife. The baby is coming!”
She squeezed his hand hard as she screamed again. Running Wolf stroked her hand. If it was anyone else, she would have probably broken his hand.
It did not take long for Running Wolf to get together all she asked for. By that time, her contractions were closer and the pain was stronger. Running Wolf stayed with her and watched in amazement as she pushed out the baby. He was waiting to grab the baby as it came out. Looking down at her little face, Running Wolf gasped, unable to hold back the rush of affection that ran through him at that moment. He had the overpowering urge to protect the child from the dangers that lurked in the world. The baby’s sharp cries filled the night air, reminding him that she had a mother that wanted to hold her too. Running Wolf quickly cut the umbilical cord.
Then, he gave the baby to Elaina who kissed her forehead, whispering, “My little Jessica.”
Running Wolf stepped out to give Elaina space to feed her. Upon his return, the sight he saw, of the baby sleeping in the arms of her sleeping mother caused warmth to fill his heart. He gently took the baby away from Elaina and the baby grabbed his thumb, refusing to let go.
