“Don’t worry, I will help you. Sit down. I will get the water.Wash your hands while I clean your hair.”
Before he could protest, she hurried off. Before he could process the situation, she returned bearing the water. She set the bucket at his feet and shoved him into the seat gently. Running Wolf watched her settle on the bench beside him in a kneeling position. Before he could say anything, she gently shoved his head down so he was facing the water.
“Wash your hands and stay in that position. Do not interfere with my work.”
“I can just do it by myself. There is no need for you to...” he started to turn his head around but she pushed him back into position.
“How can you do it when you cannot see your hair? Just let me do it or give me a good reason why you do not want me to do it. What? Are women forbidden to touch Indian men’s hair?”
Running Wolf found that the only answer he had for her was one he dared not say. How could he tell her that he did not want her touching him because he felt things he had never felt before when she did? He was pretty sure that she would run away and never look back.
“Well?” she tugged on his hair lightly.
He shook his head and muttered, “Nothing.”
He turned to wash his hands and try to ignore the warmth enveloping him from her touch. She hummed a tune under her breath as she cleaned his hair.She’s certainly having fun while doing this while I’m going crazy just being this close to her, Running Wolf thought to himself.She is obviously not as bothered by me as I am by her.I’ve got to get these unusual feelings of mine in order if I do not want her to cut me off completely.I would rather have her in my life and be able to see her from a distance than not have her near me at all.
“All done!” she announced with a flourish. Running Wolf who had finished washing his hands turned his head to her.Due to her previous position, their noses were almost touching. Running Wolf’s eyes skimmed over her face and rested on her lips. He stared at her lips and his eyes darkened with passion as the tip of her tongue nervously skimmed over them. Slowly, he raised his hand to her lips and his thumb grazed it slightly. She shuddered under his touch and let out a little gasp.
There was no doubt, Running Wolf thought in surprise. She felt the electricity and warmth between them as much as he did.
“Do you feel it too…? He whispered as he stroked her cheek, “Warmth, I feel it whenever I am with you.”
She jumped up just then and cleared her throat. Her hands nervously brushed through her hair.
“I should go check on Jessica. She must be missing me now.”
Running Wolf smiled softly as he stood up, “Jessica is fine, Elaina. If she was not, we would know already. She is very expressive, you know your daughter.”
He walked to her slowly and she backed away. He stopped and crossed his arms, “All right then, you can go and check on Jessica. I’ll be waiting.”
“Right…. you’ll be waiting?” Elaina scratched her head. “Aren’t you going to leave yet?”
“Oh not yet, I still need to finish the base. I’ll do that when you’re away. I don’t need the mud for that,” He explained with a mischievous smile playing on his lips.
“O… kay then. Well… good working. I should uh… check on… uh… her.” she motioned in the direction of the river and Running Wolf turned his face away so he would not show her his smile.
She hurried off and he turned back to her. A smile spread across his lips as he watched her back disappear. How had he not noticed it before? He was not alone. These crazy, strong feelingshe was experiencing, she felt them too. He smiled affectionately as he remembered her expression when he asked her that question.
He shook his head. The fact that she felt whatever this was did not mean that much. He had to tread carefully so as not to hurt her or drive her away. Oh how he longed to see that cute, nervous smile of hers again. Running Wolf groaned and turned back to the shed. If he kept thinking about her, he was bound to not get any work done. She distracted him so much. And he did not even want it to stop. He loved the way she made him feel. It would be good if he could be finished with everything so he would be able to spend as much time with her as possible by the time she returned. He did not want to overwhelm her but he also wanted to spend time with her. He would just have to be careful not to scared her, he decided.
A happy tune in his head, Running Wolf turned back to the work.I cannot believe all the thoughts running through my head right now, Running Wolf found himself thinking.Just weeks ago, I was more than willing to let go of my life. Now, I have no idea what I am doing but I know that I want to hold on to my life. I have a newfound purpose, to help Elaina. It is the only thing that actually gives me happiness.
Running Wolf smiled to himself softly some time later as he heard Elaina’s approaching footsteps. He did not turn around but rather, waited for her to speak. He had been equally engrossed in his thoughts and the work before him but nothing got past him. There was a reason he was the head warrior of the Northern Choctaw Tribe.
“Here you go,” Running Wolf’s head snapped back at the sound of her voice. He smiled as he gratefully accepted the gourd of water that she was stretching out to him.
He took a taste and his eyes widened, “This isn’t water, and it tastes really good.”
“It’s honey water. I made a little yesterday. You could usesome of it. Thanks a lot for today. You helping me, it was really nice of you and I am truly grateful for your constant presence. I really hope you know that.”
“I do know,” Running Wolf smiled, “And it is fine. You do not need to thank me every single time. I am glad to always be here for you, to help you. I consider you one of mine, Elaina...”
She quirked a brow and he cleared his throat, “By that, I mean that I consider you one of my people, a friend. Yes, that's what I am trying to say. You do understand what I mean right?”
“Of course, I do,” she nodded slowly.
She was about to leave but he caught her hand and gently turned her toward him, “I’m sorry. I guess that came out wrong. I meant… uh… I meant that you are my friend, you know. I really hope you don’t leave here because I spoke out of line or you feel I’m putting too much pressure on you and...”
