The Exit
CHAPTER SIX
“Son,” Tonowari started, “What happened?”
“I don’t know, we were just talking to them and he snapped.” Aiming responded, blatantly lying to his father. Tonowari looked at me angrily.
“Lo’ak, what’s your side?” My dad asked me, side-eyeing Aonung and Tonowari.
“He was making fun of Eza, then he called both my families freaks.” I said. I really hoped he’d take my side.
“Aonung,” Tonowari said to his son, “Is this true?”
Eza spoke up for him, “It is, sir.” Tanhí nodded in agreement.
Tonowari nodded, “I’ll deal with my son, you can deal with yours.” He said as he dismissed us.
We left immediately and Jake started, “What were you thinking, fighting the leader's son! Especially when you all are here to end a war.”
“You heard him Jake, I’ll deal with my son.” My dad said, pulling me to the other side of him so I’m not standing by Jake. Jakes pursed his lips and walked away.
My dad and I walked in silence for a bit till we got to the front of our hut. “So, what’d the other guys look like?” He asked quietly so mom wouldn’t hear.
“Worse.” I responded, “Way worse.” I said again with a smile once I saw him grin.
“Just try not to fight again, and you should probably apologize tomorrow.”
“What? I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I know Lo’ak, but we are here to end a war like Jake said.” Him agreeing with Jake was a shocker because it was fairly obvious they he didn’t like him. “I never said it had to be sincere.” He laughed before walking in.
I followed him in and mom immediately came over, fussing over the black eye I got and demanding to know what had happened. “It’s nothing mom, I’m okay.” I tried to reassure her.
“You’re so lucky you’re already hurt or you’d be grounded.” She said as she turned to pick up Tanhí.
Neytiri peaked in, waiting for my dad to allow her to enter. When she did she came up to me and put a hand to my face, looking at the black eye. I’d always noticed the similarities between both my mothers. Both being as fiercely protective as they come. “Oh Lo’ak…”
I took her hand and squeezed it, “I’m alright mama, don’t worry.”
I could tell by the look in her eyes she was imagining herself beating the shit out of Aonung.
It’s crazy how now after reuniting with my old family it’s like they see me now, much more than they did then. Well except for Jake. Neteyam used to be the only person who I felt truly saw me, mama always being more focused on Kiri, Kiri always off in her own world, and Jake with Neteyam. But now, I can tell they are all making the extra effort to make me feel seen. It’s nice, it’s really nice.
Tanhí wrangled himself out of our moms grip and ran over to Neytiri, who looked down at him confused. “You’re Tuk’s mom too, right? Can I go play with her?”
“If it’s okay with your mom it’s okay with me.” She said her and Tanhí both toward our mom for her approval.
“Only if Lo’ak goes with you, and no more fights.” She warned me.
Tanhí grabbed my arm and started jumping up and down, “Please Lo’ak!! Can we?”
I laughed, picking him up and throwing him over my shoulder, “Alright, let’s go” I said, hearing him giggle behind me, trying to break away.
I managed to carry him halfway there before he broke away, falling into the water where I had to help him back up. Once we got there Tuk’s face instantly lit up and ran over to him, the pair running off the go play, forcing Kiri to join them.
I trusted Kiri to make sure they didn’t get hurt so I didn’t pay attention as much as I probably should have.
Neteyam and Jake were both off to the side, talking about something that I couldn’t hear. Neytiri walked over to them, motioning for me to join them. I walked and sat between her and Neteyam. I wasn’t exactly eager to talk to Jake so I figured I could just avoid him as best as possible.
“I heard you got in a fight,” Neteyam said while grinning, “You’ve barely been here a week, skxawng and you're already beating up the leader's son!”
Neytiri, “Which was stupid of you.” she fills in before she can respond, but I know she’s proud I won.”
“Guess that makes me the mighty warrior.” I joked to Neteyam, remembering how we used to constantly try to one up each other to get the title of “Mighty Warrior”.
“For now, yes but overall it’s definitely me.” He laughed, smacking me in the arm.
Saw out of the corner of my eye Neytiri motioning something to Jake. Then getting up, “Neteyam, would you come help me with something?” She asked, though it was obviously more of a command.
That’s when I realized she was trying to get us to talk. In my mind I groaned.
Once they were gone Jake tried speaking but I could tell he didn’t really have an idea of what to talk about, “So, um- I thought that we should talk.” He said.
“We’re talking right now?”
“You know what I meant, I just- I wanted to say I’m s-“ He was cut off by a sharp yelp.
I jumped up and ran over to Tanhí who had a thin, bloody, cut on the palm of his hand, “What happened?” I asked Kiri, grabbing some clean water to clean it then tying it up in a piece of scrap cloth. Looking around I could see they were making something using seashells, he must’ve gotten nicked by a sharp one on accident.
“We were making necklaces, he must’ve got a hold of a sharp one by accident. I’m sorry Lo’ak, I should’ve-“ Kiri said, but I cut her off.
“It’s okay Kiri, we needed to leave soon anyway.” I said.
“Wait! Don’t go!” Tuk said sadly, not wanting her friend to leave.
“It’s okay! We can play tomorrow!” Tanhí reassured her. “Right Lo’ak?” He asked me.
“Yeah, you guys can play tomorrow.” I said, patting Tuk on the head then waved to Kiri. While leaving with Tanhí I saw Neytiri and Neteyam waiting right outside the tent.
I covered Tanhí’s ears, knowing I’d be skinned alive by my parents if he picked up cursing from me. “Tell him I don’t want his damn apology.”