Second Spirit -16- by Melanie Brown

Second Spirit

By

Melanie Brown

Advisor: Lisa Charlene
Copyright © 2024

Part 16

“Hey honey,” said a male voice from the living room.

 There were some muffled sounds and then Mom said, “So Ben. How was your day?

 Ben grunted a laugh. “Same o’ same o’”

 Mom giggled. “Well, we have a little surprise for you.” I’ll take what’s behind door number two, Bob.

 Mom said, “Linda! Come out and meet your father.” A quick inspection revealed all the windows were too small to crawl out of.

 “Linda?”

 John poked me. “Better get your butt out there. I’ll be right behind you.”

 “Don’t rush me!” I hissed. What am I afraid of? It’s not like he’s going to beat me. The first day at least. I picked up my doll, which had become my security blanket.

 I walked slowly down the hall to the living room. Mom was standing behind a large man sitting in what I was to learn was his chair. Even through his shirt, you could tell he was well-muscled. Middle-aged with close cropped hair, he was still what you would call ruggedly handsome. Even though he ran a business, his hands were large and rough. He did construction, after all. He was removing his tie when I walked into the room.

 Though I wear a shirt and tie, I’m still part red-man deep inside…

 Ben laid his tie on the arm of his chair and leaned forward and grinned. “So you must be Linda. Come closer. Let me get a look at you.”

 Timidly, I said, “Yes, sir.” I took a few steps towards him.

 He looked back at Mom and nodded. “She’s polite.” Hah! You should have seen me a week ago.

 He studied me a moment. “Aren’t you just the prettiest thing?” He reached out towards me. “Can I see your doll?” What is he, a freak? Ah, he knows I’m hiding behind it. I hesitantly handed over the doll.

 Taking the doll, he studied it for a moment. “Pretty doll. Does she have a name?” Think, boy think. I haven’t named my doll yet. I really hadn’t given it a thought.

 “Sheila,” I said. “Her name is Sheila.”

 “Pretty name.” I know he’s probing. I can tell he doesn’t believe I just popped out of thin air. Hells bells. I have no history and I have no past. He’ll just have to deal.

 He set the doll down away from my reach. “So, Linda. Welcome to our family. Tell me a little about yourself.” I’m sure he’s seen the court documents.

 I looked down at my feet. “Um, I don’t know. Not much to say that you can’t see. I’m just me. I don’t remember anything before last Saturday.”

 Ben… I don’t feel like calling him Dad just yet… nodded. He tilted his head and said, “What about being a young man college kid here on Spring Break?”

 I shifted my feet and forced a smile. “I know. Pretty stupid huh? I was scared. I didn’t know what to say.”

 Ben grinned. “Well, you’re much too pretty to be a college boy. I admit, I was worried at first about bringing you into my home. But I’m glad you dropped that silly notion.” Well, bub. Telling the truth will get me locked up in the looney bin. I’m a survivor if nothing else.

 “According to your papers, you lack any knowledge of your heritage, you only know English.” He picked up some papers lying on the table next to him. “But they also say you’re smart, very clever and resourceful with a penchant for lying.”

 I shifted on my feet again and smiled shyly. “Nobody’s perfect.”

 His face darkened. “I don’t tolerate lying.”

 His expression chilled my soul. I shook my head and said, “Oh no, sir. You do what you must to survive. I think that falls under being resourceful.” I forced a smile.

 Apparently this was a sore point with him. “I better not catch you lying to me or your mother.”

 I shook my head and looked shyly away. “Oh no sir.” You can’t handle the truth.

 He set the papers down and leaned towards me. “In all honesty, I think you know more than you let on. I don’t know what game you’re playing, but it ends now. You’re my daughter now and I expect you to behave.”

 Mom walked around and placed her hands on my shoulders. “Don’t frighten her, Ben. She’s been nothing but angel since she’s arrived.” I smiled slightly. I think I’ve found an angle I can exploit when needed.

 Mom said, “She’s been very willing to learn new things. In fact, she’s making dinner tonight… with John’s help.”

 Ben grinned. “I hope it’s good. I’m hungry.”

 John said, “We’re having Navajo tacos, Dad.”

 Ben… Dad? grinned. “I can’t wait.”

             *

 Dinner was a success. Dad said if I can cook that good, he’ll definitely keep me. I know he was just kidding, but I felt a sense of pride of a job well done. That said, I still have no interest in being the cook, maid and baby dispenser for some man.

 After dinner, being Friday night, I discovered John was a man after my own heart. He and a few friends would get together on-line for some computer gaming. He didn’t mind me hanging around to watch. He was pretty good.

 The session ended a little after eleven-thirty. John said, “You should probably get to bed. I’m surprised Dad hasn’t said anything yet.”

 I shrugged. “I’m  not sleepy yet.”

 John chuckled. “That doesn’t matter. Bed time is bed time. Dad is pretty strict about that.”

 I nodded. “I don’t doubt that. But I have a question for you. Seriously.”

 “What are your plans for the future?” I asked.

 John looked thoughtful for a moment. “I’m sure Dad wants me to get into the construction business with him. I’d like to get into computers. But to me, staying on the reservation is a dead end.”

 They took the whole Indian nation locked us on this reservation

 “So what are you planning to do?” I asked earnestly. I’d like to get back into computers myself.

 “I was thinking of joining the Army and getting into computers and then getting the scholarship when I get out to get my computer science degree.”

 Nodding, I said, “Sounds like a plan.” I wouldn’t want to join the Army though.

 Mom poked her heard into John’s room and pointed at me. “You need to get to bed, young lady.”

 I sighed. “Yes, Mom.”

End of Part 16