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Drumbeats Within His Soul

By: Tony155



It had been a long drive for Dan and he was tired. Although he had been driving for only two days, his odyssey began a while ago. Dissatisfied with his life, his work, and his inner being, he knew he needed a change. He had always wanted to get back to his roots, his origins, and he could hear the distant drums beating within his soul. He knew his Native land was calling him home.

Dan did research in the library and on the internet and came upon a small Shawnee reservation near Midwest City and Shawnee, Oklahoma. He sent a long letter to the Tribal Council and petitioned for a visitation pass. He detailed his life, his Shawnee heritage, and his need to find answers within himself about the problems he was having. He was very gracious and courteous with his letter and he hoped and prayed they would be favorable to him coming. A few weeks later, his wish was granted. He immediately felt a warm peace come over him, a peace that he always felt whenever he read about the Shawnee and their way of life.

Although he was only 1/8 Native, most people could tell Dan had Indian blood coursing through his veins. His black glossy hair, high cheekbones, dark brown eyes, and his perpetually tanned skin gave him away easily. His grandfather had been adopted by northern Ohio farmers named Rieger when he was a toddler. They didn't know much about his parentage other than he was born out of wedlock to a Shawnee mother and a foreign father. Unable to face the shame of the elders, she left the infant in the care of the state. Nothing was heard of her again.

Dan's affinity with Indians began at a young age. Whenever a western show or movie was on TV, he would root for the Indians and would be sad whenever they lost. He read as much as he could about the history of the Shawnee Nation and it's heroes: Tecumseh, Blue Jacket, and Cornstalk among others. Trying to keep some kind of tie with his origins, Dan's grandfather affectionately called him "Screaming Turtle". Shawnees are named after a significant incident upon their birth or a characteristic they possessed. The first time his grandfather saw him, Dan was an infant and having his diaper changed. He was on his back, kicking, yelling, and very upset. Dan reminded his grandfather of a turtle who had been flipped, hence the name.

Now, Screaming Turtle was going home. Going home to what, he didn't know. He had asked for and received vacation time for his trip and he was grateful for the time off. His syllabus was up to date and he made sure it was easy to follow for the substitute. He couldn't remember exactly when he started to dislike teaching, whether it was when his marriage failed miserably, or when the incident in the parking lot occurred. The two seemed to go hand in hand, the one following the other.

It had been a year ago when he came upon the circle of students who were watching the fight. After he pushed his way through the ring, he told them both to stop. They did, but one of them pulled out a knife. Scared out of his wits, but feeling the need and responsibility to protect the other students, Dan stood his ground and tried to talk the student into dropping the weapon. The student didn't listen and took an awkward swipe at him. Dan dodged the assault and was able to dislodge the knife with the help of other teachers. Unfortunately, while doing so, Dan accidently broke the student's wrist and one of his fingers.

Falling to the pressure of the parents of the injured student, the superintendent suspended Dan for three days for excessive force. Although urged by friends and family to fight the suspension and to sue the student for attempted assault, Dan instead chose to close up within himself and not fight. He was crushed by the decision of the superintendent and could not understand why his employers would do that to him.

Dan was never one to communicate well outside of the classroom, so when he cut himself off, he only made his already rocky marriage worse. No matter how hard she tried, his former wife couldn't get him out of his silent, sullen state. To her credit, she tried very hard to keep the marriage going. And then she stopped trying.

Teaching was nothing like he thought it would be. Dan was finding the blank stares, the lack of interest, and the underlying insolence of the students disconcerting. He was disheartened by the fact that he was burnt out after only four years. He was lost, confused, and out of focus. It was then that he began to long for a simpler life. He bought CD's of Native music, taking in the life and spirit of the flutes and drums. He felt relaxed and at peace whenever he listened, losing himself and imagining that he was sitting at a fire, listening to a Chief telling a story about a great war or hunt. He was drawn closer and closer to that image.

He didn't know what he expected to find once he arrived. Dan knew he was restless and he desperately wanted to regain the love of teaching he had when he graduated from college. He wanted to find an inner peace within himself that would last all of the time, not just when he listened to music.

Dan arrived late on a Sunday afternoon at the reservation and was greeted by a large, burly, and gruff officer at the entrance.

"Papers," he said as a greeting, wary of any stranger who wanted to enter their land, no matter how Native he looked.

Dan handed him all of his paperwork; the letter from Blackhawk, the elder of the council, papers proclaiming his Shawnee heritage, birth certificate, ID cards and other miscellaneous items.

The deputy looked at each piece carefully, studying them for authenticity and glancing at Dan from time to time. He had been expecting the visitor, but he still wanted to make sure of his identity. You just never knew who might try to enter their land without permission. After a few minutes, the deputy handed everything back to Dan and smiled thinly.

"You are welcome because Blackhawk welcomes you. I welcome you because you are a brother in blood." He extended his hand to Dan through the car window and Dan took it. His grip was amazingly strong and Dan grimaced a bit. "I am Snow Wolf, also known as Chris. I will have another deputy lead you to Blackhawk's house. I hope that you will enjoy your stay."

"I know I will," Dan replied.

He followed a red jeep driven by the other deputy through the winding roads of the reservation. There were many small houses scattered about, along with varying sizes of apartment buildings. Dan saw several small school buildings, some old and dilapidated, while others seemed newer. He passed the government center, several stores, and many fields of crops. After almost a half hour of driving, they stopped in front of a medium sized house, a one story brick structure.

The deputy got out, strode to the door and knocked. Dan got out of his car as well, but hung back. A middle-aged man dressed in sandals, blue jeans, and a blue denim shirt answered. His long, black hair was pulled back in a ponytail and hung down to the small of his back. The deputy left quickly and Dan didn't get a chance to thank him. The long-haired man beckoned Dan to come forward.

"Please come in, Dan," he said in a soft, almost melodic voice. Dan came to him and followed Blackhawk into his house. It's walls were covered with pictures, posters, and paintings of his family and his heritage. Dan's nervousness evaporated quickly, immediately at ease in the presence of Blackhawk.

"Can I get you some water? Tea?" Blackhawk asked.

"No, thank you," Dan replied as he continued to look around the room.

"My family interests you," Blackhawk remarked, studying his young visitor.

"I've always been fascinated with the Shawnee and their lives."

"So you said in your correspondence," Blackhawk said. "You intrigued me with your desire to find a simpler life for yourself. I cannot offer such a life for you. Our people struggle everyday and work hard to maintain the life they have. We are not a sanctuary for people who struggle outside this reservation." Blackhawk's eyes narrowed slightly.

He then looked at Dan thoughtfully. "Have a seat," he said, indicating the sofa behind him. Dan sat down as instructed and Blackhawk took a chair in front of him.

"You have troubled thoughts and you are not happy. Perhaps these two weeks will benefit you, but you will still have to face your problems once you leave and go back to your world. That cannot be solved here."

"You have indicated you are a teacher and your desire to teach is waning," Blackhawk continued. "While you are here, I ask you to visit our schools and talk to the students and teachers. Sit with a class and perhaps you might find some answers to your problems."

"I was hoping to get away from students and teaching for a while," Dan said sadly.

"Running away from your problems will not solve them, Screaming Turtle," Blackhawk said, sounding very much like a chief. "Do as I ask."

"Yes sir," Dan replied, but he doubted he would learn anything from it.

"Good," Blackhawk said, "I think you will benefit from it." He paused for a minute and thought about his plan for this unhappy teacher in front of him. Meneto works in mysterious ways, sometimes, Blackhawk thought to himself. Meneto is what the Shawnee call their God. He is also known as The Great Spirit. "I do not have room to let you stay with me," he continued, "but I have arranged a place for you at our guest lodge."

"Thank you," Dan said, "that would be fine."

"You are welcome. If you will drive, I will show you to the lodge," he said as Dan rose from the sofa.

They drove in silence for only about fifteen minutes before they reached the lodge. It was next door to the government center and across from one of the general stores. Dan, with bags in hand, followed Blackhawk into the small lodge. They were greeted at the front desk by a short, stout, middle aged women with silver sprinkled in with her black hair.

"Blackhawk," she smiled, "it's good to see you. Who is this fine looking youngster with you?"

"This is Dan Rieger," he replied, gesturing to Dan. "He will be staying with us for a few weeks. Do you have his room ready?"

"Of course we do. It's all arranged," Mary said.

"Good, good," Blackhawk nodded, "then I will leave him in your care." Blackhawk turned to leave.

"Sir?" Dan asked.

"Yes," he said, turning back to him.

"Don't you want me to drive you back to your house?"

"No, but thank you. My legs need to stretch and it is not that far of a walk. I will check on you from time to time to see how you are doing." To Mary, he said, "Take care of him."

"I will, Blackhawk," she replied, watching the elder leave the lodge.

"That's an awful long way for him to walk," Dan remarked once Blackhawk had disappeared.

"He walks everywhere," Mary explained. "I will show you to your room now."

"Don't I need to sign something or pay for the room?" Dan asked, thinking that she had forgotten.

"You can take of it when you leave," she replied noticing the perplexed look on his face. "Come along, now."

Dan followed her to his room. It was a small lodge, perhaps having only a dozen rooms or so, but it was clean and appeared to kept in immaculate order. They arrived at room 8 and Mary let them in with a key. It was a fairly large room with 2 double beds, a television, dresser, desk, and a bathroom with a shower. It was very rustic and Dan was pleased. 

"We have dinner at six o'clock in the dining room, or if you prefer, there are other eateries nearby that I can direct you to," she said as she handed him the key. Dan checked his watch and it was almost five. "You'll have plenty of time to freshen up from your long journey," she remarked as she left the room.

Dan didn't really feel like cleaning up at that time, so he began to unpack and get used to being on the reservation.

As Mary said, Blackhawk walked everywhere except to work. It was too long and far for his old legs to carry him. Walking was a peaceful endeavor and it always cleared his mind. It gave him time to think about his people and his plans for their future. Blackhawk was a worrier and he always was looking ahead to make things easier for the people he loved. He had specific plans for his visitor, plans that he began formulating when he received his letter of inquiry. His children needed education and Dan was dissatisfied with his life, so perhaps an agreement could be reached. He just needed a little prodding. The schools were always in need of qualified teachers, teachers who were not driven by money, only driven because they wanted to mold young minds and receive satisfaction from that. Blackhawk knew he could never compete with a salary Dan enjoyed now, but what was the price of peace and happiness?

He had wished he had brought along his walking stick. It was comfortable in his hand when he walked and it helped ease his aching knees. Blackhawk pushed aside his pain and began to meditate as he walked. Soon, he was oblivious to everything around him, even the effort of putting one foot in front of the other. Blackhawk looked for signs in his mind. Sometimes, he could see bits and pieces of what was to be, brief glimpses of the future. However, on this early evening he saw nothing. That was not necessarily a bad thing, only disappointing. When he shook himself from his semi-trance, he realized that he had walked a small distance past his house. Smiling to himself, he turned around and started to walk back.

A brilliant sun woke Dan that Monday morning. He couldn't remember the last time he felt so fresh and alive. The cries and squeals of school children could be heard in the distance and he smiled at the thought. Dan got up and looked out his window in the direction of the noise. His watch read 7:48 and he figured the time would be short before their day would start. He showered and dressed quickly, eager to be out and amongst his people. He ate a meager breakfast of toast and very strong coffee before he began to stroll the dusty roads of the reservation.

Her students were busy studying when Wind In Her Hair looked up and scanned the hallway again for the stranger. Blackhawk had told her to expect him, that he had made arrangements for him to be directed to her classroom should he choose to visit. She wondered who this stranger was and what was he doing on the reservation. Blackhawk had only told her he was a teacher visiting and she should make him feel welcome. But, why would a teacher and a foreigner be allowed to stay? That was highly unusual. Her large, brown doe eyes saw nothing out of the ordinary and she went back to concentrating on her students.

Dan walked for about an hour before he decided to turn around and come back. The reservation was pretty much as he had expected, although he wished there were more people around. But, he knew they had jobs to do and he was on a vacation, so to speak. He could tell most of the inhabitants were very poor and they struggled to survive, just as Blackhawk had said. It saddened him to think that this once proud Nation was reduced to virtual poverty. He walked quickly through the streets, stopping occasionally to browse in a store. The shopkeepers eyed him warily, not trusting any stranger until they knew his business. He talked to some and it was plain to see that he was as uncomfortable as they until he mentioned Blackhawk's name, and then they began to warm to him a bit.

Remembering Blackhawk's request, Dan turned his attention to the schoolyard as children were running about chasing each other and playing other games. He excused himself from the store and ambled over to the entrance of the school. It was near noon, but most of the classrooms were filled. Dan saw an open office to his right and walked in.

"May I help you?" the secretary at the desk inquired. She was a large, plump lady, perhaps in her late thirties or early forties, but had a pleasant smile. She didn't have that look about her that suggested she didn't accept his presence, like many of the others had when he arrived, but then, she suspected he was the stranger about whom Blackhawk had spoken.

"Yes ma'am," he answered, softly, politely. "Blackhawk asked that I stop by and observe some classes. I'm Dan Rieger," he added.

"Oh yes, Mr. Rieger," she smiled, "Blackhawk did say that you might stop by." She got up stiffly, walked around her desk and took him by the hand. "Come along and I'll show you around."

Wind In Her Hair looked up as a noise from her students distracted her from her thoughts. It was a giggle or laugh, she couldn't tell which, but one look from her silenced the class. She glanced to her left and two pairs of eyes were looking back at her at the doorway. The one belonged to Jacqui, the school's secretary, but the other was from a tall, thin, foreigner. He could almost pass for a Native, but she could tell he was not full-blooded. He was very pleasant looking, nonetheless, as he continued to look at her.

"Melanie," Jacqui said, "this is Dan Rieger. He would like to visit your classroom for a while if that is not an inconvenience to you." They glanced at her students who were rapt with attention upon the visitor.

"That's fine," Melanie said, her voice soft and feather-like to Dan's ears. To her class, she said sharply, "Back to your studies." Their eyes fell once again to their books.

"Do come in, Mr. Rieger," she said. Melanie got up and moved quickly to the other side of the room, found a chair and brought it to her desk. She was casually dressed in a yellow cotton blouse and blue jeans, and her waist-length hair was pulled back in a single braid. She was quite lovely, even to the casual observer, and she moved quickly and gracefully. As the secretary quietly left the doorway, Dan had yet to move. Melanie looked at him inquisitively and wondered why he was still standing there.

Dan saw her looking at him and he looked down quickly for a split second. He felt for sure that they had met previously and he couldn't shake the overpowering feeling of deja vu that gripped him. Dan looked up again and she was still staring at him with a bit of bemused puzzlement etched upon her face. Sheepishly, he walked towards her, glancing at her students as he did. They appeared to be around 10 or 11 years old and there were approximately twenty children in the class. Although poorly dressed, they were neat and clean and appeared well mannered. They eyed him with curiosity as he now stood next to Wind In Her Hair, Melanie.

"I'm glad to meet you, Mr. Rieger," she said low and soft. She extended her hand to him and he took it briefly before letting it go. They were almost even in height and Dan stared unashamedly into her eyes.

"Have we met before?" he asked. "I'm sure I've seen you, but I don't know from where."

"No," she said, "unless it was at school. I've lived in Oklahoma on this reservation my entire life. Where did you go to school?"

"The University of Cincinnati."

"I went to Oklahoma State."

"Oh." He now knew that it wasn't so. He was deeply troubled by this revelation. Why was she so familiar to him?

"Class," Melanie addressed her students, "this is Mr. Dan Rieger. He is a teacher from Ohio and he will be observing us today."

"Good morning, Mr. Rieger," they said almost in unison.

"Good morning," he replied, looking at their dark, scrubbed faces and their eager eyes.

"Please have a seat," she said, gesturing to the chair beside her desk. Once he was settled, she took her chair next to him. "The children just had their lunch and they will have a study time until twelve-thirty."

She was wearing no perfume, but Dan could smell her clean, fresh scent as if she had just stepped out of a refreshing shower. He tried not to be too obvious as he inhaled deeply again.

"What do you teach?" she asked.

"English and literature, although I'm able to muddle my way through math and science in a pinch if necessary."


Drumbeats Within His Soul



"What grade?"

"I teach in a high school near Cincinnati."

"What brings you here?"

"Oh," he said, looking down a bit, "I have my reasons."

She didn't press any further as she looked at him closely. Melanie noticed a sadness behind his eyes he tried to hide, but was unsuccessful. He seemed pleasant enough, a bit quiet and reticent, but she never liked men who talked incessantly. This foreigner was intriguing to her and she hoped to see more of him. She glanced at his hands and noticed no rings or hint of rings ever being there. She thought it odd that a nice looking man such as himself was not married. Of course, the same could be said about herself as well. Although only twenty-four, many thought she would be married by now, but she thought of no one on the reservation with whom she would want to spend the rest of her life. Most of the men around her age were either already married, unemployed, or she had no interest in them. Marrying a Native was important to her, but it was not the only prerequisite. It didn't matter if he were Shawnee, Cherokee, Choctaw, or any other Nation. It also didn't matter to her if he was full blooded or not. It only mattered if he understood that she would never leave the reservation as long as there were children who needed her to educate them.

They fell silent before Melanie stood up and addressed her class once more. Dan watched her and observed how she kept the children's attention with her style and poise. He noticed her pronounced cheekbones and the way that her nose bobbed up and down as she spoke. His eyes glanced at the outline of her breasts as they pushed against the thin cotton material of her blouse. They were not large, in fact, quite small, but they fit her profile nicely. He looked away quickly when he realized that he was staring at them and hoped that nobody noticed.

As she went to the blackboard to begin the math lesson, Dan left his chair to avoid obstructing their view and went near the back of the room to watch. He could tell that she was very good at what she did, especially how the students responded to her questions. Presently, he felt a tug at his pants and he looked down to find two brown eyes staring at him.

"Can you help me?" she asked in a small, pleasant voice. Dan looked down at her, then at Melanie.

"Sure I can," he said. Dan stooped down until he was level with the small girl. "What do you need?"

"What did Miss Melanie write on the board? It's a little bit blurry to me."

"You can't see it?" he asked softly. She shook her head slowly. "Maybe you should move up to the front so you can see better."

"Miss Melanie doesn't like us to move."

"Oh," Dan said, nodding his head. "Well, in that case..." He took the girl's pencil and wrote the problems on her paper for her. Melanie looked on, curious as to what was happening, but she said nothing. It didn't escape Dan's thoughts that the girl had said Miss Melanie whenever she spoke of her teacher.

"Thank you, Mr. Rieger," she said as he stood up again.

"You're welcome," he said softly, backing away. The rest of the day flew by as the children absorbed everything that Melanie threw at them. One other time, the little girl asked Dan for help and he wrote down things for her. Before he knew it, it was three o'clock and class was over for the day.

The children filed out quickly and silently before they were allowed to talk in the hallway. As soon as they were alone, Melanie asked, "What did Autumn want?"

"The girl?"

"Yes."

"She can't see the board so she asked me what was on it. Why won't you let her sit closer?" He said it before his brain could stop it. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that," he apologized. "You must have your reasons."

"No apology needed," she replied. "I had no idea that she was having trouble seeing. She's never said anything."

"She said you didn't want them to change seats," he said, a bit accusingly. Damn it, he exclaimed to himself. Stop it. You're not the teacher here!

"There are exceptions, Mr. Rieger," she said sharply, "and I will rectify it tomorrow."

"Of course you will," he said quickly. "I didn't mean it that way." Why was he acting like such an ass?

"Okay," she said quietly a she began to gather her papers and place them in a brown leather briefcase. She looked at him again and could feel the sadness coming off of him. She wasn't angry at him. Melanie truthfully didn't know what to think about him. She finished packing her briefcase and locked her desk. "Well, I guess it's time for me to go. Come on, I'll walk you out."

Melanie locked her door and led him to the entrance. They lingered on the steps for a few moments before she spoke again. "Will you be coming back again?"

"I'd like to," he replied. "You're a very good teacher. The students respond to you very well."

Melanie smiled at the compliment, her white teeth shining. "Thank you," she said. "And thanks for helping Autumn. I'll be sure to move her closer."

"Maybe she needs glasses," Dan suggested.

"I'm sure she does," Melanie responded, "but her parents are very poor and they wouldn't be able to afford it."

"Isn't there funding from the state or someone who could help?"

"I don't think so," she replied sadly. "I'll have to look into it."

"I see," Dan said. He looked back at Melanie who was looking off into the distance. Another wave of deja vu hit him as if he and Melanie had been in the same situation at a previous time. He had to have seen her before. He just knew it. But how? They couldn't have crossed paths before, at least not that either of them could think of. He had never been to Oklahoma and she had never been to Ohio. It was just too weird. 

"Do you think you could stop staring at me?" she said, breaking him out of his thoughts. Dan blinked in surprise.

"I didn't realize I was. I'm sorry," he said, embarrassed. "I better let you go." Dan quickly turned and walked away in the direction of the lodge.

"That's okay," she said softly to the person who was once there. She resisted the urge to call him back. Now, Melanie was really mystified by him. She had an odd feeling about him too, that she knew him or had seen him before, but it was not nearly as strong as Dan's had been. It was merely a passing thought. Sighing softly, Melanie began her walk home.

Dan couldn't get his mind off of Melanie or the little girl. He spent the rest of the evening thinking about both. He scanned his brain continuously, trying to think of a way to get the girl to an optometrist and have her eyes tested. He knew the easiest way was to pay for it himself, but he was not optimistic that her parents or anyone else would appreciate it. It was not a matter of money for Dan. When he divorced, everything was split in half, including the money, and he had a fairly healthy savings account built up. He was not one to get caught up in material things. He lived simply. His car was a plain sedan and five years old. Dan rented a small apartment and his college loan was paid off. He knew that the Shawnee were proud and he just didn't think they would accept his generosity.

Melanie was another thing. She simply would not leave his thoughts. It was almost becoming an obsession with him as he tried to think of the time or place they met before. He was certain of it and eventually he would remember.

Dan looked upon his first full day at the reservation with happiness. He seldom gave his life in Ohio a thought and he felt at peace with himself and his life for the first time in a long while. This was exactly what he sought when the drumbeats within his soul began to pound.

He woke early that next Tuesday morning to the sound of dogs barking and howling. He had slept fitfully until then, his troubled thoughts a thing of the past, for now. The dogs continued to bark and then he heard the unmistakable sound of a wolf crying, baying at whatever pleased itself. It was long, low, and it sent chills through his skin. Dan sat up and listened in wonder, curious as to where the wolf was and why it was howling to it's hearts content. It continued for a few minutes until it's cries drifted like the ever changing wind. Dan found that sleep was fleeting from that point as he dozed on and off until the cries of the school children woke him for good.

After Dan ate a simple breakfast of corn cereal and eggs, he strolled the streets once more and browsed through the shops. He was greeted with less reluctance as most recognized him from the previous day. Dan was more at ease with them and he wished to know these people better. They were friendly, but curious about this new person who chose to visit them. They knew he was there only because Blackhawk had allowed it and that satisfied them. Perhaps if he stayed long enough, they would get to know more about him.

It was around noon when Dan walked to the school. He stopped by the office to let his presence be known before he walked unescorted to Melanie's classroom. Dan knocked lightly on the doorjamb as to not disturb the students who were deep in concentration at their desks. He glanced quickly at the front of the room and he saw that the little girl was directly in front of Melanie. He was happy for her and he hoped it would work out for her, but he knew she needed more than just a new seat to help her see the chalkboard easier.

Melanie looked up from her desk and the tapping sound and saw Dan standing there. A small smile escaped her lips before she motioned for him to come in. He picked up a chair near the door and carried it with him to her desk, setting it down beside her before sitting down.

"I'm glad you came back," she said in a low voice. "About yesterday," she continued, "I'm sorry I snapped at you."

Dan smiled. "I have that effect on people sometimes." He looked at the girl in the front row. "How's Autumn doing?"

"I think she's doing well. She seemed very happy when I moved her, thanks to you."

"I had nothing to do with it. She merely asked for help and I happened to be there."

"Nonetheless, she'll be able to see the board now."

Dan agreed in his mind, but still was trying to find a solution to the problem. He remained silent as Melanie went back to her papers. A few minutes later, he looked up to find Autumn staring at him. When she caught his eye, she gave him a big, toothy smile. Looking to see if her teacher was watching, Autumn pointed to her eyes, then to the blackboard, and then gave him an okay sign. Dan smiled and nodded his understanding.

Leaning against a bookcase, Dan stayed out of the way as Melanie led the class through their lessons for the rest of the afternoon. He watched intently, noticing the students rapt attention to their studies and their teacher. Rarely was a student called upon and not able to supply a sufficient answer to the question given. Many a student were called to the blackboard to answer a problem. Not only were they expected to answer the question, they were also required to explain how they derived the answer. They did not disappoint and his respect for Melanie grew.

Once again, the afternoon class ended much quicker than Dan expected. As he waited for Melanie to gather her papers, Dan stood near the door. He looked up and down the hall at the students bustling about. Thinking back to the high school where he taught, his heart sank. He really didn't want to go back to that zoo, back to the chaos and ungratefulness. In the past, he had considered going to the lower grades to teach, but he had never did it. He always felt more comfortable with the high school students and he didn't feel that he could relate that well with the younger kids. He sighed loudly before he realized that Melanie was standing next to him.

"Ready to go?" she asked, although she would have rather asked him what was on his mind.

"Sure," he said, uncrossing his arms and pushing away from the door.

They walked out the main door and into the bright Oklahoma sun, squinting as they did. The warmth of sun cheered him as did the woman at his side. He knew absolutely nothing about her, yet it seemed right and natural for her to be at his side. They began to walk, neither saying a word, just strolling together as if they had nothing better to do on that warm, spring afternoon.

It took a while before Dan realized that they were quite a distance from the school. He looked back in surprise at the distance they covered in such a short time. "My place is just up the road a ways," she remarked.

"Really?"

"Thought you might want to know."

"Okay."

They walked for a few more minutes. "For a teacher, you certainly don't talk very much," she said, turning to him as she stopped walking.

"I guess I'm the strong, silent type," he replied.

"And not a very good liar," she added.

"Liar?"

"People like you don't just show up for no reason. Something's wrong and something's bothering you very much, otherwise Blackhawk would never have let you come. The only strength you show is that you're keeping it all in. But, that may not be a strength in the end, after all."

"How so?"

"Unless you let it out and deal with whatever it is, you will never be strong. It will eat at you until there is nothing left, and then where will you be?" She stared at him, examining his face and features and waiting for him to reply.  

"Blackhawk said pretty much the same thing," Dan admitted. "Maybe you should be a chief."

Melanie smiled at the compliment. "I could never be Blackhawk," she said softly. They began to walk again and soon, they were in front of her house and they stood in front of it.

"Now you know one of my secrets," she said, gesturing to the small, one story abode. Tell me one of yours."

"Secrets?"

"Yes."

"I have no secrets."

"Then, why have you come here?"

Dan hesitated for a moment. He didn't want to say anything to her. He never liked to talk about himself, but something about her compelled him to begin.

"There's a lot of things going on in my life and I needed some time away to sort things out in my mind. A lot of it has to do with my job and that I don't know if I want to be a teacher anymore." He put his hands in his pockets and sighed, much like he did at the school.

"I see," she nodded. "Hopefully, you'll continue to teach. The world needs as many teachers as possible."

"We'll see."

Melanie looked down at her hands and then back to Dan. "Well, you've been kind enough to walk me home, would you like to stop in for a cold drink for your trouble?"

"That sounds nice. I'd like that." Dan let her walk past and she led him into the house. It was small, even smaller that Blackhawk's. It had one bedroom and one bath and the kitchen and living room did not have much size, either. It was clean and nicely kept, though, but it didn't have the feeling that an Indian inhabited it. Dan expected to see Native pictures, paintings, wall hangings and the like, but he was disappointed to see that the furniture and paintings were dull and drab, very American.

"I have milk, water, coke, and iced tea," she said from the kitchen.

"Coke would be fine," he said as he returned to the kitchen area.

"Please excuse the mess," she said as she handed him his drink. Dan looked around and saw no mess that had been made. It was a very neat, tidy house. "I just moved in a few months back and I haven't had time to get rid of the crap the previous owner had."

"This isn't your furniture?" he asked.

"Oh, no," she laughed. "My stuff is still at my father's house. The furniture came with the house. I haven't had time to get rid of it."

"That's a relief," he said softly.

"What are you talking about?"

"I just couldn't believe that you, a Shawnee, would have decorated the house like this. I was hoping you would have had more taste than that!" He took a sip from the bottle.

"Well, come on in and have a seat, that is, if you can stand the thought," she giggled.

Dan smiled and took a seat on the small sofa and Melanie took a chair opposite of him. "So, why do you want to give up teaching?" she asked. She was tired of beating around the bush and was hoping for a straight answer from him.

Dan sank back in the sofa and thought for a moment. He looked at her large, brown eyes as she waited patiently for his answer. They had a warm, expressive look about them and he loved the look that she was giving him. "Oh," he began, "it's not just one thing, it's many things rolled into one." He slowly told her about his ideals when he graduated from college, the incident at school, his divorce, and his disillusionment about the students. Dan looked at her expectantly when he finished, hoping that she wouldn't find him stupid or too idealistic.

Melanie waited for a few seconds and let it all sink in. She now knew why her father had given his consent to allow Dan to visit. In his own gentle way, he hoped to steer Dan to a new life for himself and for the children of the reservation. Melanie understood it all now and she marveled at his wisdom. "I hope that you find what you're looking for," she said simply. More than anything, she knew that her father wanted Dan to make his own decision about his future, whether it meant Dan would stay there or go back to Cincinnati. That was just the way her father's thought processes worked. No matter how bad Blackhawk wanted Dan to stay, Dan's own peace of mind was the most important thing.

Dan fell silent as Melanie continued to study him. She had never met a man who was so reluctant to talk about himself. It was as if he felt he would burden her if he talked. Dan met her gaze and smiled awkwardly, not totally meeting her eyes.

"I hope I didn't bore you with my story," he said softly, breaking the silence.

"Not at all," Melanie replied. "Noone's life is boring. Everyone has a story to tell. I think you've had a very interesting life." Dan rolled his eyes. "No, really, I do. Everything that's happened to you has shaped you and has led you to this very moment."

"Perhaps..."

"Well, you can disagree all you want," Melanie continued, "but I think Blackhawk feels the same way, otherwise he wouldn't have given you permission to visit."

"Why would you think that?"

"He doesn't allow just anybody to visit this reservation. Something about a person has to strike him, interest him, otherwise that person will never get permission to come. He grants visits very infrequently, so you should consider it an honor that you are here."

"Really?"

"Yes."

Dan took another swallow from the coke bottle and thought about what she said. Foolishly, he had taken it for granted that Blackhawk would give his blessing and allow him to come, but he now realized how lucky he was. He looked back at Melanie, who had her face turned slightly away from him and looking toward the window.

Suddenly, her face took on a shadow as a glowing, flickering light shined upon it. Dan could hear crackling coming from a fire and it's flames flickered across her face. Her hair was long, shiny, and free, except for the feathers attached. She didn't look like Melanie, but he knew it was her.

"Dan?" Melanie asked as she watched him, his eyes staring straight ahead and unseeing.

Just as quickly as the vision appeared, it disappeared as he heard his name being called from a distance. Melanie was in front of him again, dressed in her blue jeans and red denim shirt. "Are you okay?" she asked, not knowing what happened to him.

Dan shook his head back and forth, trying to recapture the vision he had just seen, but it was useless. He looked at Melanie and was bewildered. "Huh....?"

"Are you okay?" she repeated. She moved from the chair to the couch in which he was sitting and stooped in front of him. "Dan, what is it?"

His mind was still a bit fogged as Melanie came into focus, her face but inches from his. Her fragrance, her clean, sweet smell became stronger as the vision's distinctness diminished. "What?" he said thickly.




Drumbeats Within His Soul



Melanie grabbed his hand and squeezed it, hoping to get him out of this stupor. "Dan, are you okay? What's going on?"

"I'm okay," he said slowly as he came back to reality. What in the world did he just see? He saw Melanie in front of him, a very concerned look etched upon her pretty face. How long had he been out? He checked his watch and saw that it was about the time he thought it should be, so he had seen the vision for only a few seconds perhaps. "I don't know what happened, but I'm okay now." He thought back to the vision once more and shivered as if a ghost had gone through him. He shook his head again, trying to regain his thoughts and think about what he was going to say to Melanie since she surely would want to know what he had seen. He truly thought she would think he was daft if he told her the truth, but what else could he say? A few seconds of silence went by and he continued to collect his thoughts. 

Dan looked down at his hands as he noticed that Melanie was still holding his right one. She realized it, too, and let go quickly. "I'm sorry," she said softly, "I thought you were sick or something." Melanie stood up and backed away a few feet, very disturbed by what had just transpired.

"Don't be sorry," Dan replied. "I'm glad you cared enough. I, I really don't know what happened. I thought I saw something and then it was like I was in some type of trance. Then, I heard you calling my name, but it was like you were far away. It's weird. I just don't know..."

"What did you see?" she asked earnestly.

"I don't remember," he said quickly, looking down.

Melanie knew he wasn't telling her the whole truth, but she let it go. Maybe he would tell her later. She wasn't going to argue with him about it. She sat back down in the chair, her hands between her knees. "Are you okay now?" she asked.

"Yeah," he replied softly, "at least I think so." Tentatively, he took another swig of coke and looked at her, almost afraid that the vision would reappear. But, Melanie remained in front of him and he was relieved. He still was not at all certain of the vision's meaning and he desperately wanted to know why it appeared to him. He knew the person was Melanie, even though it didn't look much like her, but he had no idea why he knew. He had never seen the girl in the vision before, either, so why was she appearing to him? These thoughts were swirling in his mind as he remained on the couch.

Melanie glanced at him from time to time as Dan continued his silence. Things were getting stranger and stranger with this man, yet she didn't fear him. She was very intuitive when it came to people and Melanie felt no danger from him, only a deep melancholy emanating from within his deepest regions. Something obviously scared him and she wished to know what it was, but she wouldn't pry. She could tell almost from the first moment they talked that he was an intensely private person and would only reveal what he felt he was able to do at that particular time. Perhaps when he felt more comfortable with her would he reveal what he had seen. Until that time occurred, she could only imagine and wonder what it was.

"I really should go," he said suddenly after he finished the last of the small bottle of coke. He really didn't want to go. He enjoyed Melanie's company very much, but he couldn't afford another round with something he didn't understand. He was tired and he could feel a headache trying to edge it's way into his skull, so he thought it best that he should leave.

"Okay," she said, disappointed, "if you must."

Dan handed her the empty bottle before he stood up and yawned. "I'm sorry," he said, "whatever it was took a bit out of me. I'm kind of tired all of the sudden."

"Do you want to rest here before you go?"

"No, no," Dan said, "I'll be okay. It's not too far to the lodge."

She walked him to the door and opened it for him, and they both saw the sun sitting in the west as dusk was still in the distance. A light wind blew, kicking up dirt and pushing the new leaves to and fro in the trees that lined her property. Melanie touched his arm lightly, her fingertips barely making an indentation on his sleeve as she caught his attention. "Will you stop by the school tomorrow?" she asked, hoping for an affirmative answer.

Dan hesitated and cleared his throat. There were so many things he needed to sort out through his mind, things he didn't understand, thoughts that were baffling him. New problems and thoughts were captivating his imagination and somehow he knew things were going to get more difficult before anything was to become clearer. "I hope so," he said softly. "I'd like to." He looked at her and tried to smile, but the corners of his mouth were only able to twitch slightly. Dan sighed softly and looked down.

"You know you're welcome to drop by any time. The children seem to like your being there."

"Really?" he asked, looking up and at her once more.

"And I like it, too," she added. 

"Oh?"

"Yes," she said, "I do. You are a very nice person and I enjoy your company. It's nice to talk to an adult once in a while. It breaks up the day."

"I enjoy being with you, too. You've been very nice to me and I appreciate it."

Melanie looked down and bit her lip. "You know," she said looking up again, "if you ever want to talk about, you know, what happened, what you saw, I'll listen."

"I'll remember that," he said, forgetting he had told her he couldn't remember the vision. He left her side and stepped into the sunshine. It was a perfect spring afternoon, perfect for a short walk. Perhaps that was what he needed to clear his mind. "I'll try to stop by tomorrow," he said as he slowly backed away from her and began to head to the street.

"Okay," she said as she waved to him, watching him amble away from her small home. She watched for a few seconds before she headed back into her house.

It was perhaps an hour later when her phone rang, breaking her thoughts from the papers she was grading. Answering it on the third ring, she said, "Hello."

"This is your father," Blackhawk said urgently. "Come to the lodge at once."

"What's the matter, father?" she asked, a bit alarmed at his tone.

"Something is wrong with Mr. Rieger."

Oh no, not again, she thought to herself. "I'll be right there," she said before hanging up the phone.

Dan's headache was no better or worse as he walked back to the lodge. He thought about the vision and tried to shake the feeling, but couldn't. He couldn't understand how he knew the girl in the vision was Melanie. How were they connected? Dan was becoming more and more confused and didn't know what to do. The shops, government center, and the lodge was coming into view as Dan looked ahead. He was looking forward to a hot shower and perhaps a short nap before supper. As he looked up, his headache started to return with a vengeance. He stopped, winced, and rubbed his temples with his fingers. Looking back up, the road ahead blurred and the buildings were shimmering. Rubbing his eyes in hopes of regaining a clearer vision, Dan looked again. The road and buildings were gone and were replaced by a dusty dirt path and a village of wigwams. Dan stood transfixed by the sight, unable and not wanting to move. This sight seemed more real than the vision he had seen at Melanie's house. He could see people milling around near the camp and around their homes. A woman looked his way, a woman with long, flowing black hair, and she was the same woman whom Dan had just seen before.

She shouted to him in a strange language, "Mkateewa Nepi! Wahsiu." ( "Blackwater! Husband.") She came towards him, shouting again in a friendly greeting. Dan moved forward, but the village and the woman began to evaporate before his eyes. He tried to shout to make it stop, but instead, the ground rushed up to meet him.

When Melanie arrived at the lodge, she followed the voices of her father and Mary until she found them in Dan's room. Dan was laying on the bed, covers up to his chest. He was muttering incoherently and appeared to be asleep.

Melanie stepped in quietly and looked to her father. "How is he?"

"Sleeping."

"What happened?"

"He was found on the ground not too far from the lodge and was brought in here. He's been sleeping ever since."

"Shouldn't we get him to a doctor?"

"Why? He is sleeping, his heart rate and breathing are normal. When he wakes, perhaps he will be better and able to tell us the problem."

"I think I know what might be wrong," Melanie said.

"What might that be?"

Melanie proceeded to tell him of the events that had happened at her house just a short while before. As she finished, Dan murmured something again, something that neither of them could understand.

"Perhaps there is a correlation between the two," he said softly, clearly disturbed by the events.

In his slumber, Dan was dreaming. It was so real. He was standing with the girl in his visions (Melanie?), dressed in wedding finery. Dan knew it was he who standing next to her although he looked nothing like he did now. The Indian standing with her was short, but very muscular. A holy man stood in front of them. He joined their hands and Dan spoke in Shawnee. "Ni haw-ku-nah-ga." (You are my wife.)

She replied in a soft, clear voice. "Ni wahsiu." (You are my husband.)

The holy man nodded and Dan led her to a decorated wigwam to begin their life together. As they approached the wigwam, Dan began to hear voices from his real world. "Nithese Mikona. Ni haw-ku-nah-ga."  (Three Feathers. You are my wife.) He said this over and over as he slowly lost her.

"Nithese Mikona, ni haw-ku-nah-ga! Ni haw-ku-nah-ga..." Dan said over and over and over again as the dream faded. His face was bathed in sweat and his head thrashed back and forth.

"What's he saying?" Melanie asked. Although Blackhawk was fluent in Shawnee, he had never taught her even the simple principles of the language.

"He is saying, 'Three Feathers, you are my wife.'"

"Does he know the language?"

"Not that I am aware of."

Melanie took the cool, damp cloth from Mary and moved forward to wipe his brow. What is going on with you, Dan, she thought as she pressed the cloth against his forehead. Suddenly, his eyes flew open and he grabbed her hand that held the cloth.

"Nithese Mikona?" he asked, not totally back from his dream.

"Dan," she said softly, "it's Melanie, Melanie." Dan loosened his grip from her hand but brought it back to his forehead.

"Melanie," he sighed and smiled before he fell back into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The next few days went by slowly as Dan stayed near the lodge and didn't venture out very much. He was reluctant to discuss his dream or the vision in town or the vision at Melanie's house. He knew there was a common bond between all of them, but he was still puzzled as to what was being revealed to him or why. Dan came to realize that Melanie and Three Feathers were one and the same but he still couldn't grasp the significance. He understood perfectly the Shawnee language in his dream and was told that he was speaking fluently when he came out of it, but he had never been exposed to it, nor had he ever spoken it. He had read about past life experiences and to some extent, he believed in it, but he still wasn't sure if this was one of those. But, there was no other explanation.

He didn't stop by the school, although he had a feeling it could be somewhat of a safe sanctuary since he only had mild cases of deja vu there. Dan was still tired in his mind and spirit knowing it was just a matter of time before more would be revealed to him. Melanie stopped by after school each day to check on him and hoped he would be more willing to talk, but his reluctance was starting to aggravate her. Whenever she broached the subject, he would clam up or divert the conversation to something else. 

He heard the knock on his door that Friday afternoon and knew that Melanie was there. He really wasn't up to any visitors and almost didn't answer.

"Dan?" Melanie asked outside the door. "Are you there? I've got someone who wants to see you." She heard soft footsteps come to the door and it opened.

Dan opened the door and was delighted to see Autumn smiling up at him. "Hi, Mr. Dan," she said sweetly, giving him a big, toothy grin.

"Well, hi there, Autumn. This is some surprise. Come in, come in." He stepped aside as Melanie and Autumn both entered his room. He shut the door behind him and looked at Melanie and smiled.

"Miss Melanie said that you weren't feeling good, so we made a card for you." She took a card from her book bag and handed it to him. It had flowers and rainbows on the front with 'Hope you feel better' written on it. On the inside, all of the students signed their names. He read their names and his smile got bigger with each.

"I'm feeling better already," he said, patting her on the head. "Thank you so much, Autumn."

"Will you come to school on Monday?" she asked.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," he replied.

Melanie ended her silence. "Autumn, I think you should be heading home before your mother worries."

"Okay, Miss Melanie. See you Monday, Mr. Dan," she said as Melanie held the door open for her. She waved to him before she disappeared down the corridor. Dan smiled broadly and felt at peace again.

"Thank you," he said quietly when she shut the door again.

"For what?"

"For this," he replied holding the card in front of him.

"I didn't do that, the kids did."

"But..."

"All I did was tell them you weren't feeling well and weren't able to come to the class. They asked if they could make a card for you and they took it from there."

"Well, it was really sweet and it made my day. I'll be sure to thank them on Monday." Dan hesitated for a moment and moved forward. "I owe you and your father an apology, you especially."

"An apology for what?"

"For being such a jerk when all you were trying to do is be helpful and caring. I tend to push people away when they try to help. I'm divorced because of it and now I'm doing it again to the persons I should be most grateful to. Here, you've come by everyday to visit and you've tried to get me to talk about what's going on, but I go and push you away just like I always do..." Dan looked down and away, avoiding eye contact with her. "But, no more," he continued and looked her straight in the face, "because I need to tell you and your father everything I know so I can figure out what's going on with me."

Without letting her say a word, Dan began to relate to her everything that happened to him from the vision he saw in her living room to his dream before he woke up. He tried to remember everything in the minutest detail and he left nothing out.

"I don't know why you are Three Feathers and I don't know how I know all of this. You look very little like her and I don't resemble the man at all. From what I've read about past lives, the people you live with and meet in your present life were more than likely to have been in your past lives, although most of the time you wouldn't recognize them. I think I'm having some sort of past life revisited, but I'm not sure. I just don't know why this is happening to me."

Melanie thought for a minute before speaking. "Perhaps you are getting what you wished for."

"I'm not following."

She took his hand and sat down on the bed with him. "You've said you wanted to get back to a simpler life and to get back to your ancestry, your origins. Maybe, somehow, this is what you're receiving instead."

"I don't know..."

"Perhaps by coming here, you've opened yourself up to all kinds of possibilities, feelings, and vulnerabilities. Maybe your spiritual side is awakened now and is showing you things you deemed impossible."

Dan remained silent and thought to himself for a few minutes.

"Welcome home, Screaming Turtle," she said softly.

"I am home, aren't I?" he said, looking at her seriously.

"I certainly think so," she answered.

Dan didn't remember how they ended up in each other's arms and he simply didn't care, but he was holding her and hugging her, feeling no resistance from her as he felt her arms around him too. The drumbeats within his soul were pounding, telling him what he already knew. His place was here on this reservation, whether he never set foot in Oklahoma before or whether he was returning to a place where his soul had once lived over a hundred years before.

He released Melanie, but took hold of her hands and gazed into her eyes without the fear of leaving for his other life again. She met his stare with her own unashamed intensity as she could feel her own heart beating rapidly.

"Thank you," he whispered, almost too low for her to hear.

"For what?"

"For being my friend when I really needed one and...."

"And?" she asked, eyebrows raised.

"And for being my wife a long time ago."

Blackhawk took his nightly walk as was his custom these days. Walking stick in hand, he walked slowly along the dusty, deserted road towards town. He let his mind go free and soon he was in a light trance. He saw fleeting images, most too quick for him to understand anything from them. He relaxed and let the images wash through his mind again. Things were becoming clearer as he saw many baby cradles and children running around the school. He saw healthy crops and cool streams and saw that it was good. The images faded away and Blackhawk was in the middle of the square looking at the school and stores around him. He smiled thinly. "I am going to need a new teacher soon."

Dan hovered over the scene unfolding below him. It was so realistic and he felt he could simply reach down and touch them. Three Feathers was laying on a bear skin, naked and glistening with sweat as Black Water was pushing into her, grunting as he did so. Dan felt as if he were making love to her through Black Water. He could feel the sensations, the soft, warm, moistness of her sex that surrounded him. Three Feathers grunted softly as her lover began to get into a rhythm, pushing harder and faster into her. Her small breasts bounced lazily from the rocking motion and she made small mewling sounds as her own heat was building. Within minutes, they climaxed as he grunted loudly and she cried out softly. Dan felt the ejaculation himself and was amazed at the intensity of it. The dream faded before he woke with a start, feeling his hand cradling his softening penis and also feeling the warm, crawly flood of semen that had just escaped it.

It was Dan who broached the subject to Blackhawk that Wednesday evening. He had spent most of Melanie's free time with her, mostly talking or taking strolls around the main village. They hadn't got much past holding hands, but he was happy merely being with her and felt that she had the same feeling. He had also spent a lot of time in her classroom and even taught a small segment of her English class, much to the delight of everyone, himself included.. He now knew what it was like to love teaching again. These kids made it worthwhile. Dan knew he could teach anyone who wanted to learn and these children thirsted for more knowledge. They drank up everything he threw at them and wanted more.

"You and Melanie have been more than kind to me. I couldn't ask to be around better people than you. Melanie has been a great help to me in rediscovering why I became a teacher..."

Blackhawk listened and nodded. He had heard from friends that his daughter and the stranger had been keeping company with each other and he was pleased. Of course, he wished that Dan was entirely of Native blood, but he could overlook that. He would like to be a grandfather sometime before he got too old to enjoy them.

"...I don't know what's happened to me when I see things, but I've learned to accept whatever is in store for me. Perhaps there is more life lessons for me to learn. I don't know..."




Drumbeats Within His Soul



Blackhawk had seen visions of Dan in the classroom on a walk a few days prior. His visions never were untrue and he was relieved to have seen this one. He was surrounded by small Native children, not foreigners and he was genuinely happy. Blackhawk knew his reason for stopping by probably before Dan came to the conclusion himself.

"...I now know I can be a teacher again and I want to teach where I am wanted and needed. But, you knew that when you wrote back to me, didn't you?"

Blackhawk nodded. "You needed to find that out for yourself."

"You are very wise and very shrewd, sir."

Blackhawk merely chuckled. "So, what brings you to my house this evening?"

"I think you already know, but I'll ask anyway. I would like to live here permanently and teach, with your permission, of course."

"What about your position in Cincinnati?"

"I would have to finish the school term which ends next month. Then, I would resign and be able to move here in June and begin teaching," Dan explained.

"I see," Blackhawk said. "I cannot compete with the salary that you command. We might be able to pay you only ½ of your present salary."

"I never have thought much about money. If I did, I never would have gotten into the teaching profession to begin with. Whatever salary that you are able to afford to give me will be sufficient." Dan leaned closer to Blackhawk. "I belong here, sir. The children need me and I need them."

"And where does my daughter play into this scenario?"

Dan looked down, a bit embarrassed. He had not expected that. "Truthfully, sir, I like her very much. I wholly believe that we were married a long time ago, but whether that is in the future for us, I don't know. I do know I will miss her terribly when I go back to Cincinnati on Saturday and if you allow me to return, I will count the days until I see her again."

"I see." Blackhawk stood up and walked to the window, his back facing him. "I have been entrusted by my people to do what is best for them. It is a great responsibility I embrace each and every day I walk this earth. My eyes have allowed me to see you in our schools and I cannot go against what has been foretold." He turned back to Dan and faced him. "I believe you will be a great asset to our children and our community and I welcome you."

He moved to Dan and shook his hand, a broad smile etched upon his weathered face. "Teach our little ones what is good and what is true, Screaming Turtle, and you will forever have my blessing." 

Dan couldn't be happier and his heart swelled. He knew he had a difficult time ahead as he would finish out the school year in Cincinnati and be away from Melanie, Blackhawk, and the children, but five weeks was not too long of a wait when you had so much to look forward to. Although it was late, he decided to walk to Melanie's house to tell her the news. 

He remembered back to when he saw her for the first time at the school and he swore he knew her from somewhere. Who would know how true that would turn out to be? He still didn't know why these visions were appearing to him and perhaps he would never know. Now that he believed in the visions and knew in his heart that he and Melanie had been connected for over one hundred years, he wondered if the visions would continue or slowly fade from his subconscious. Dan didn't want to fight whatever was being shown to him and he would let it continue to happen, but now that he knew his purpose for being brought there, he wasn't sure if the visions would ever be exposed to him again. And that saddened him.

She was waiting for him on her porch, rocking quietly and listening to the sounds of the night. Hearing his quick footsteps from the road, she stood up and watched him come to a stop in front of her walk. The moonlight shone on his face and she could see the mixture of happiness and sadness as he looked her way.

"I suppose you already know," he said quietly.

"Yes, father told me." 

Dan walked towards her until he was by her side. He breathed in her fresh scent. "I'll have to leave for a while, but I'll be back."

"I suspected that. When will you leave?"

"Saturday morning."

Melanie looked down at her sandals and sighed. She was going to miss him so very much. She couldn't believe she had never fallen for any of the males in the area, and there were quite a few males whom she had been attracted to at one time or the other, but yet she was falling for this stranger in such a short time. But he wasn't a stranger, was he? She had known him over many centuries, she now suspected, this Screaming Turtle, Black Water, or whomever else he had been in the past. And perhaps she would know him many centuries into the future.

Her head rose slowly and she looked at him. Without a word she brought him to her and hugged him. Her arms held him to her as his hand began to lightly stroke her hair, loving the feel of it's fine silkiness against his fingers. She pulled back slightly and stared at him again.

"I'll miss you," she said as tears began to form in her eyes. She wiped them away with the back of her hand and giggled. "I'm such a baby."

Dan laughed softly. "If it makes you feel any better, I'm going to miss you, too."

"You will?"

"Of course I will. Don't you know you're one of the main reasons I want to stay here?"

"I am?"

"Oh, come on Melanie, you can't be serious. Don't you know how much you mean to me?"

"You've not said much about that. Remember, you're the strong, silent type," she chided him.

"Well, no more. I screwed up one relationship because of my stupidness, but I don't want to mess this up. If I start getting too quiet, just slap me."

"I don't want to slap you, Dan, I just want you to feel comfortable talking to me and not keep things to yourself. Didn't it feel better when you told me about your visions?"

"Yes."

"Well, doesn't that tell you something?"

"Of course it does, but it's something that's not natural for me to do. One thing I've found out is I find it a lot easier to talk to you than anyone else I've ever been close to. That's something, isn't it?"

"It's a start." Melanie looked at the moon-lit sky and smiled. Although she knew he would be gone for a while, somehow she knew it would be alright. She glanced back at Dan, who was still looking at her and smiling. "The moon is full," she remarked, "we might hear the wolves tonight."

"I heard one the first week I was here. It was chilling. It went right through me, but I enjoyed it very much. It was almost like it was welcoming me. The dogs didn't like it, though." Dan laughed at the memory.

He looked at the moon with her for a minute or so and they were quiet for the moment. Dan was totally at peace being next to her and perfectly content to just stand there and admire the moon. Melanie sighed softly and put her head on his shoulder. Silently, the tears began to fall as she no longer wished to fight them. She sniffled and Dan tore his eyes away from the moon and saw the tears. Instinctively, he kissed her forehead and tried to wipe away the tears with his thumb.

"I'm really going to miss you," she said quietly, letting the tears fall freely. Not waiting for him to say anything, she pushed his hands away from her face, pulled his face to hers and began to kiss him.

He tried to say something, but she wouldn't let him. "This is one time when I want you to be quiet," she whispered. Her kisses were tentative, soft, and delicate, and Dan couldn't remember being happier kissing someone. Within seconds, Dan was returning her kisses with his own, which were a bit more urgent and passionate than hers. His hands found her face once again and he massaged her skin as he continued. Her eyes were closed and she was melting from his touch, his kisses, the moment. Dan kissed her nose, her cheeks, and nibbled lightly on her lower lip, eliciting a giggle from her.

That broke the moment as their lips parted and Melanie opened her eyes. "That was lovely," she murmured. "Were you this good a kisser a hundred years ago?"

"I hope so," he answered, thinking back to the dream.

It was after eleven when Dan finally left her house. Kissing and holding each other on the sofa, they lost track of the time. She led him to the porch and they stood arm in arm for a few more minutes, each not wanting to let go. "Stop by the school tomorrow, please," she pleaded. "I want to spend as much time with you as possible before you go."

"Won't I distract you too much?"

"Yes," she laughed, "but I don't care." She pulled him close and kissed him lightly. "Please stop by."

"You know I will." He planted a soft kiss on her cheek before he left her and began his short journey back to the lodge.

Doesn't it always seem to be that when you want the time to stand still, it speeds up instead. That is what it felt like to Dan and Melanie those last two days. Hours seemed like minutes to them and they dreaded the time when they would have to say good-bye. The Saturday morning sun was brilliant, but Dan thought that a gloomy day would have been more fitting. It would match the heaviness in his heart. The drumbeats within his soul were slow and mournful and he wasn't looking forward to his departure.

He packed quickly and placed everything in his car before breakfast. Dan ate a larger breakfast than usual, enough to keep him on the road past noon. After breakfast, he went to the front desk to settle his bill.

Mary came out to greet him and smiled. "All ready to go, Dan?"

"Almost. I just wanted to pay for my room. How much do I owe?"

"We don't charge guests of Blackhawk."

"What? I don't understand."

"Blackhawk forbids us to let any guest of his pay. He won't allow it."

Dan thought for a minute. It didn't make sense that he wasn't being charged. He had been there for two weeks and had eaten meals there countless times. Blackhawk was being unbelievably generous and Dan couldn't just leave without repaying his friendship.

"Would you accept a donation instead?" he asked. Maybe there was a way around this, he thought.

"Your money is no good here," Blackhawk's voice said calmly from behind.

Dan turned and saw the chief behind him at the doorway. Melanie was behind him and smiling.

"Perhaps we can work something out," Dan said.

"We will not accept payment for your lodging," Blackhawk said firmly, his jaw set.

"Would you accept an anonymous donation for the school instead?" he asked.

"What do you have in mind?" Blackhawk asked. He was testing Dan's character, wanting to see what he would do and say.

"Someone will leave an envelope of money in his room after he leaves. He only asks that some of the money goes to a little girl named Autumn, who needs to have her eyes checked. The rest of the money can be used for any other purpose deemed necessary for the school. That is what the anonymous donor wishes to do."

Melanie's eyes shone and moistened at the thought of his request. She turned away to wipe her eyes.

Blackhawk's eyes raised slightly and he was impressed with Dan's thinking. He liked the fact that Dan was putting others in front of his own wishes and he was pleased. "I think that a donation to the school would be a very good thing," he said.

"Good," Dan smiled, "I'll let the donor know."

Dan and Blackhawk said their good-byes and Blackhawk went to the general store to leave Dan and Melanie alone for their own fair well. Dan went back to his room for a few minutes before he returned to the front desk. "I had to talk to the anonymous donor," he winked to Mary. She understood immediately and went to the room before anyone from the cleaning staff arrived.

They stood on the deserted back porch and held each other for a few minutes. Dan figured it would be a difficult parting, but he didn't realize until then how much he wanted to stay and be with her. He continued to hold her close and not saying anything. It was close to nine o'clock and he wanted to get on the road soon. He always liked to drive until supper time and find a motel to stay in for the night. He would then have a relatively short drive the next day. They kissed for a few minutes; light, soft kisses that were feathery and breathless. Melanie opened her eyes when Dan pulled back slowly.

"Call me when you get home, okay?" she asked, fighting back tears.

"You know I will," he answered. He knew it was going to be a long and difficult five weeks without her. He kissed her forehead and said, "It's time to go."

"I wish you didn't have to."

"You know I don't want to go. Please don't make this any more difficult for me."

"It's hard to let someone go when you love him," she said tenderly, touching his face with her fingertips.

"But..."

"Sssh," she said, pressing her fingers to his lips. "Don't say anything. Just know that I love you and carry that with you on your journey."

They walked slowly to his car and stopped when they arrived at the driver's door. He pulled her close and hugged her, feeling her soft, warm body against his. He was really going to miss that. He pressed his lips near her ear and whispered, "I love you, too." 

He kissed her lightly on the cheek and was in his car before his words sunk in. Dan started his car and looked up at Melanie, whose face was wet with tears. He reached out his hand for her and she took it with both of hers.

"I'll be back before you know it," he said.

"I'll miss you. I love you, Screaming Turtle."

"I love you, Wind In Her Hair."

She let go of his hand and he backed away slowly from the lodge. She watched him drive down the road until all she could see was the dust that his car made.

Dan didn't know how he could be so happy and so sad at the same time. He dared not look in his mirror as he drove away for fear he would turn around and never go home. But, he had a duty, an obligation to fulfill. The only good thing about going back was the fact he could begin writing his letter of resignation.

Blackhawk walked back to the lodge when Dan drove away. Melanie was still near the entrance, her tear-stained face nearly dried by the morning sun. He patted her tenderly on her shoulder, "He will be back soon, daughter." Melanie nodded and followed him into the lodge.

Mary handed him the envelope left in Dan's room and he opened it. Inside was the money and a short note.

Dear Blackhawk,

 

No one can put a dollar amount on happiness. It is priceless. You and Melanie have shown me much kindness over these past few weeks and I will be forever grateful to both of you. Please put the donation to good use and remember that special little girl for me.

 

Yours,

The Anonymous Donor

Blackhawk gave the note to Melanie and she began to read it. Meanwhile, Blackhawk started to count the money. When he got to one thousand dollars, he stopped counting, even though there were more bills inside. He pressed the envelope into his pants pocket and sighed quietly.

Blackhawk looked at his daughter and smiled as she finished reading. "If you let him get away," he warned, "I will thrash you!" He laughed lightly at the perplexed look on her face and led her out of the lodge and into the sunshine.

A feeling of dread came over Dan as the skyline of Cincinnati came into view that early Sunday afternoon. In one respect, though, he looked forward to being home because he could call Melanie and hear her voice once again. He arrived home to find the mail and newspapers stacked on his kitchen table. His landlord had been kind enough to do that favor for him. Dan always had the feeling that she liked him more than just as a tenant, but her being about fifteen years older than he put a damper on any thoughts he might have had of pursuing a relationship with her. Nevertheless, he would make it a point to thank her.

He threw his suitcases onto his bed before he came back to the livingroom to make his call. Dan checked his answering machine first, but found nothing interesting except one or two calls from his parents. He dialed Melanie's number quickly and she answered on the second ring.

"It's about time you called," she said indignantly as her greeting, although she was smiling on her end.

"I could hang up," he replied.

"Don't you dare!" she squealed. "It's so good to hear your voice. I miss you."

"I miss you, too. How are you?"

They talked for almost a half hour as Dan recounted his trip back to Cincinnati to her, his plans for the next few days, and other such details. Melanie made no mention of Dan's gift and Dan didn't talk about it. In his heart, he knew he did the right thing and knew good things would come from it. It made him feel good about himself and he was glad to have been able to do it. Reluctantly, they hung up after several long good-byes.

Dan set about writing his letter of resignation. Surprisingly, it took him very little time and he had the final draft completed within an hour. He sighed happily upon it's completion and set it aside for typing that evening. Next, he took his briefcase and emptied it's contents onto his desk. He studied his syllabus and his notes for each class and began to familiarize himself with his classes expected progress since his departure. Of course, he had to take into account that the classes could be behind schedule for one reason another, but he hoped everything would be in place.

After a while, he sat back and reflected upon the past two weeks and what he had learned from it. He definitely learned he still wanted to teach and it was his duty and profession to continue teaching children who desperately wanted to learn. He also found he needed to be more open to the people who cared about him and not to close up and shut people out who wanted to help. Thinking about his former wife, Cheryl, he knew part of him still loved her and he deeply regretted the pain he caused her. But, he felt that neither one of them wanted to get back together. At least he didn't. He wished things had gone better for them, but they had been married only two short years and they both had plenty of time to find someone else. In the grand scheme of life, two years was not very long.

And maybe he had found that person in Melanie. He almost felt as close to her already as he had with Cheryl. Dan laughed to himself at the thought of knowing Melanie for maybe centuries in one form or the other. Who would believe that? Well, he did, and that's all that mattered. Melanie was becoming very special to him and he really did love her. Was he in love with her? That, he couldn't answer truthfully. He only wished the next few weeks would go by quickly so he could begin his new journey.

Blackhawk never told Melanie how much money was in the envelope. Melanie could only guess it was a sizable sum. It was enough to impress her father and he was not easily impressed. His statement about not letting Dan get away amused her. Her father had rarely taken any interest in her personal life. In fact, it appeared he was perfectly content with her being single. The same could not be said for Melanie. She did not like being single and she wanted to find someone and get married. That is not to say she would marry solely to put an end to her singleness. Melanie wasn't entirely sure how she felt about Dan, yet. She felt she definitely was not in love with him. She didn't take the word "love" lightly when she told him she loved him at the lodge before he left. Melanie cared for him very much and would miss him terribly over the next five weeks. She loved him in that sense, but she thought they hadn't known each other long enough for her feelings to go any deeper.

Melanie genuinely wished he didn't have to go home to Cincinnati, especially at a time when their relationship was just starting to turn into something special. The timing couldn't have been worse. But, she never expected a foreigner from Ohio to embrace her heart in less than two weeks. Dan stirred her soul like no one else she had ever known. The scenes he described concerning his visions frightened her and fascinated her at the same time. She believed in his visions entirely. Her father's visions had become legendary and she had no reason to doubt Dan. She could not help but believe they were linked so many years before.




Drumbeats Within His Soul



She was happy and relieved when he called that afternoon. She was nervous and jumpy the entire day waiting for it. He was constantly on her mind after he left and she found it difficult to concentrate when she graded her student's papers later in the evening. She tried not to worry, but she secretly hoped he would call her before she went to bed. And she was sadly disappointed when he didn't.

Melanie sighed as she sat on the couch. Looking back at her feelings when it got later and later without the call, she knew she was kidding herself. This wasn't just about liking someone and caring for him. She was falling for him. It was as simple as that. When the realization hit her, she sat back and laughed lightly. "Well," she giggled, "it finally happened."

For the next hour, she argued within herself about her feelings, trying to persuade herself she couldn't be in love with him that soon. Melanie questioned herself about every aspect of their relationship thus far. Normally, she felt she was a cautious, level-headed person; one who didn't get caught up in fairy tale, romantic nonsense. She certainly wasn't looking for romance when he appeared at her door, nor was it love at first sight for her. He was nice looking, certainly, and his features pleased her, but he wasn't someone who made her jaw drop and salivate. But, he grew on her quickly nonetheless and no matter how hard she tried to rationalize against her innermost feelings, it was plain to see she was losing the battle and she knew it was useless to fight it. Melanie would now embrace it, welcome it, and ride it out for however long it would last. And she hoped it would last for a few more centuries.

A funny thing happened on the way to the superintendent's office, thought Dan as he drove away from the school. His first two days had gone well. His classes were pretty close to where they should have been and the students were actually pretty well behaved and attentive. He turned in his resignation to the principal that Monday morning along with a copy for the superintendent and the board. It went without fanfare and he didn't tell any of his faculty friends. When the principal called him Tuesday afternoon to tell him the superintendent wanted to see him, he was mildly surprised. He wasn't expecting a meeting and figured his resignation would be accepted and he would be notified of that.

Once at the board of education, he found Dr. Nichols' office easily. He had been there before. Dr. John Nichols was an imposing man whose education and background dwarfed many learned persons. He was fully six and a half feet tall and close to three hundred pounds. His deep, thundering bass voice scared most people and that was when he was being pleasant. Dan's only previous dealings with him was during the parking lot mess and it was not a pleasant experience for him.

"Come in, Dan," he commanded when Dan appeared at his door. Dan came in quietly and sat down in a chair in front of Nichols' desk.

"What is this?" he asked, pushing a copy of the resignation towards him.

"My resignation," Dan answered politely.

"I can see that, Dan," Nichols said impatiently. "Why are you resigning?"

"I received a better offer."

"Where, may I ask."

"Midwest City, Oklahoma."

"Did they offer you more money?"

"No, in fact, they're offering me about half of what I'm making here," he replied.

"How is that a better offer? Forgive me, math wasn't one of my best subjects, but how did you receive a better offer when you'll receive half the salary?" Nichols sat back in his plush leather chair, his fingers tapping on the desk in front of him.

"It's called peace of mind. I haven't had much of that around here lately."

"Peace of mind? At least we let you keep your job," he said, alluding to his suspension.

"How gracious of you," Dan said sarcastically. He didn't know where this was heading, but he was tiring of it. "A three day suspension for protecting myself and dozens of students was very gratifying. Thank you so much."

"If you hate it here so much, why don't you quit today?" Nichols asked, his voice becoming more threatening. Dan refused to be goaded into quitting at that time. If he quit, he would be ineligible for unemployment benefits during the final weeks of the school term.

"No, thank you. I believe I'll continue until the end of the school year, as stated in the letter." Dan sat back and smiled.

Nichols smiled malevolently and opened a folder in front of him. "Your performance has slipped since your unfortunate incident, Dan."

"I still received good marks," Dan replied.

"Did Midwest City see your evaluations?"

"No."

"Do they know about your suspension?"

"Yes, they do. In fact, they were very sympathetic and couldn't understand how it could happen."

"Why don't you just quit now and avoid the embarrassment of being fired?" he asked quietly.

"Fired? It seems like an awfully drastic measure to take against someone who merely wants to resign after the school year, don't you think?" Dan couldn't believe Nichols was that stupid.

"What would Midwest City think of their new teacher being fired for sub par performance?"

Dan laughed. Nichols seethed.

"You're an idiot," Dan said, still laughing, "if you think they give a damn about your worthless evaluations. They know what kind of teacher I am and they have my credentials. Nothing you can say or do will affect that." Dan shook his head, still laughing at the audacity of his boss.

"You leave me no choice, Dan," he said. "We've tried to help you and you've basically spit in our face. Your contract is terminated, effective immediately."

"For what? Resigning?" Dan's voice was starting to rise as his temper was growing. Usually, he was meek under these circumstances, but now he just didn't care.

"For insubordination." He pushed the termination papers to Dan and he snatched them without looking.

"For calling you an idiot? You are unbelievable! I'm sorry if you can't handle someone disagreeing with you, but I feel sorry for this school system and the other teachers if you continue to be in charge. You're nothing but an egotistical lunatic who can't stand the thought of being disagreed with. Thank you for firing me. I will enjoy the next month collecting unemployment at your expense." Dan stood to leave.

"Good luck with getting any benefits, Dan. After I'm through with my report, you won't get a penny!" Nichols smiled sweetly, but showed no warmth.

It was Dan's turn to smile. He had taken precautions because he had a feeling things could turn ugly. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a small tape recorder. "You can write anything you want, Nichols," Dan said coldly, "but I have the truth right in here." He pointed to the recorder and to the termination papers. He then turned and left without looking back. 

Dan closed the door behind him softly. Trembling and a bit scared, he walked away from the office and to his car. As he sat in his car, he thought about his immediate future. His rent was paid through May even though there was a few days left in April. Financially, he was in sound shape and on solid ground. His savings account was healthy enough to cover his expenses for the next few months, with or without unemployment compensation. If worse came to worse, he had some stock he could sell. He took out the paperwork given him by Nichols and read it thoroughly. He smiled. He was free and he could go back to Oklahoma whenever his affairs were in order. He estimated it would take him at least two or three weeks to take care of everything before he could begin his move. His heartbeat quickened as the drumbeats within his soul began to roll. He was going home.

Blackhawk took his customary walk that Wednesday evening. He decided to go into the more rural regions to clear his mind and for a change of scenery. The sky was clear and star lit, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the trees lining his chosen path. He had not had any visions recently, but that was nothing unusual. Sometimes, he could go weeks without seeing anything. His thoughts moved to his people, as it always did. Things had been running smoothly throughout the reservation and Blackhawk thanked Meneto daily for His blessing. At the tribal council meeting the previous evening, his deputies had reported only minor problems and the citizens had very few complaints. His announcement of Dan's pending employment was well received and he was pleased. He wished it was always this peaceful.

With his walking stick to help him, Blackhawk continued his slow, methodical pace deep in thought. Soon, his mind was open and free and he put himself in a light trance, still conscious about his surroundings. Nothing appeared for a few minutes and Blackhawk thought it would be another empty night. He began to bring himself back when a hazy picture began to appear before him. Surprised, he allowed the image to come to him. A few minutes later, it was finished and Blackhawk stopped walking. Looking up at the sky, tears fell from his eyes as he sighed. "She will be happy," he said softly before he turned and began his journey home.

She dreamed of Dan that night, her first ever of him. Melanie was having a rough time with him being gone. She never thought it would be this hard on her. Her body ached to hold him and to be held and her lips needed his soft kiss. She foolishly wondered if others had felt this way when their loved one was away. When he didn't call for a few days, Melanie was tempted to call him, but she let the temptation glide past. She knew he was busy and she didn't want him to think of her as a needy, immature woman who had to be in touch with him constantly. Damn, she missed him!

Maybe that was why her first dream of him was of them making love to each other. She could feel each kiss, every tingle from his touch, and every thrust as she accepted him inside her own quivering flesh. The dream ended quickly, offering her only a brief glimpse of what could be.

Melanie woke from it, sad from it's sudden ending and finding her own hand between her labia, stroking herself tenderly and wishing it was his hand instead of her own. Her climax came quickly as her thoughts were of him, but it was wholly unsatisfying. She wanted Dan inside her, not her fingers. She didn't want a dream. She wanted him in the flesh, in front of her, next to her, and joined with her. She wanted him. And because of that, she cried herself into an uneasy sleep.

Dan was nervous when he called her Thursday afternoon. He wanted to come out and visit, but he didn't want to tell her. He planned to go to bed after their phone call and wake around midnight to begin his trip. Hopefully, he would arrive in time to see some of the children before school let out. And he didn't want to tell her about the firing until he got there. He only hoped he could keep it a secret and not let on.

He had thought a lot about her and was excited to be on the verge of seeing her again. He didn't know how he would have lasted those four extra weeks. He wished he could say he was in love with her, but he needed more time with her. Maybe visiting her would give him a better idea of his truest feelings.

"I miss you," she said as a greeting, having checked the caller ID. Her heart leapt with joy when she saw his number appear.

"I miss you, too," he replied, loving the sound of her voice, one of the few friendly voices he had heard in the past few days. "How are you?"

"I've been better," she sighed, trying not to get emotional. That's one thing he doesn't need, she cautioned herself. "The kids have been pretty good and Autumn got her glasses yesterday. She's so excited. She wanted to move back to her old seat so she could prove that she could see the blackboard from there. You're so wonderful to do that for her."

"It was my pleasure. I can't wait to see her so she can show me them." Dan checked his thoughts.

"What about me?" Melanie pouted.

"You know you're the first person I'm looking for when I get out there," he said. "I can't wait to see you."

"Me too," she said. Melanie was quiet for a second. "How did your week go so far?"

"Monday and Tuesday went pretty well," he said truthfully. "Yesterday and today have been alright." He had spent Wednesday morning cleaning out his desk and saying good-bye to his colleagues. That day, he had just bummed around his apartment and began to get rid of things he knew he wouldn't be taking with him to Oklahoma. He didn't even know where he was going to live once he settled there. Perhaps he would be able to talk to Blackhawk about it.

They talked for almost an hour this time and neither wanted to end the conversation. He was so happy to hear her voice, to really listen to her and take in the magic of the pleasure it gave him. He never fully appreciated his wife when they were together, never took the time to really know her and find out what made her tick. He was truly sorry for that and he didn't want to make the same mistake again.

"I do love you, Dan," she said just before they were to hang up.

"I know you do. I can feel it in your voice. I love you, too."

"I know. I love hearing you say it." Melanie fought back tears.

"It won't be too long before I'm back," he said, smiling at the other end. "It'll go by quickly. I promise."

"I hope so..."

Dan felt fresh and alive when he began to drive that evening. He woke up before his alarm went off, so he started a little earlier than planned. If he was lucky and the traffic wasn't too bad, he thought he could get there before noon. Every three hours, he took a ten or fifteen minute break to rest and stretch his legs.

He didn't start to feel tired until around seven o'clock. His rest stops became more frequent, but he pushed through his tiredness and arrived at the reservation around eleven-fifteen.

Snow Wolf greeted him warmly when he saw who it was. "It's good to see you back so soon again. Blackhawk left a note last night saying you might be coming this weekend."

"That's funny," Dan said, "I didn't tell anyone I was coming. How did Blackhawk know?"

"How does he know about other things, too?" Snow Wolf asked in reply. "He's just Blackhawk and he has a way of knowing, that's all. It's no use trying to think about it or rationalize it. You'll only get a headache from it," he laughed. "He said for you to go to the lodge and he'll have a room ready for you."

"Thanks," Dan said before he left Snow Wolf and began his short drive to the lodge. He parked in front of the lodge and got out, debating whether or not to put his things away or go to the school and see Melanie. Suspecting the children in Melanie's class would be at lunch, he decided to go to her room on the chance she might be alone.

He walked down the hall of the school and noticed that some of the classrooms were empty. When he arrived at Melanie's room, it was deserted too. There was no sign of her. Disappointed, he figured she was with the children during their lunch time, so he decided to leave, get situated at the lodge, and then come back around noon or twelve-thirty.

Melanie rounded the corner coming from the teacher's lounge. It had been a pretty good morning for her, although her mind wandered occasionally to their phone conversation the previous afternoon. It had been so good to hear his voice and she really hated it when it ended. She looked up as she neared her room and saw the familiar figure of Dan perhaps forty feet in front of her. She blinked once, twice, not believing her eyes.

"Dan?" she said. Dan continued to walk, not hearing her. Melanie hurried forward a few steps. "Dan!" she said more forcefully. Dan heard her voice calling her name as his heart skipped a beat at hearing her again. He stopped and spun around quickly, smiling at her as he did.

Melanie squealed something unintelligible and hurried to him, throwing her arms around him and hugged him deliriously. She somehow managed not to kiss him, although she desperately wanted to. It just wasn't the right place. 

"What are you doing here? Why aren't you home? When did you get here?" The questions came flying out before Dan could even answer. She hugged him again. "I don't care. You're here and that's all that counts."

They walked back to her classroom and they sat at her desk. "The kids will be back pretty soon," she said. "Would you like to stay?"

Dan shook his head. "I'd like to, but I'm really tired and I need some sleep. I'll stop by Monday."

"Monday?" she asked. "Why are you staying until Monday? Dan, what's wrong? What's going on?" Her brown doe eyes frantically searched his face for answers.

Dan put his hand on hers. "Melanie, I swear to God, nothing is wrong. Stop by the lodge after school's out and I'll tell you everything. Nothing is wrong. Believe me."

"You're sure?" she asked, not totally convinced.

Dan kissed her forehead lightly. "I'm sure."

"Okay," she said, still searching his face for clues. "It's so good to see you, Dan. I really missed you." Melanie glanced in the opposite direction to the sounds of the hallway coming alive with students coming back from their lunch break. "I better let you go," she said, her hand upon his shoulder. "What room are in?"

"I don't know," he replied, "I haven't checked in yet. I wanted to see you first."

Melanie smiled. "You're too sweet. I'll stop by after school. Get some rest and you can come over to my house for supper."

"I'd like that," he said as he held her hand for a moment. "I guess I'll see you in a little bit." He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before he left her room.

A soft knock woke him just after his head hit the pillow, or so it seemed. He checked his watch and it was three-fifteen. He slowly shuffled to the door and opened it. A smiling Melanie wordlessly stepped into the room, dropped her briefcase on the floor, and closed the door behind her. She moved forward, placed her arms around his neck and pulled his face to hers. "I missed you so much," she whispered before she kissed him.

Dan didn't know how long they kissed by the door. Time stood still for him at that moment as his entire being was focused on the woman in his arms. He felt every sensation her kisses gave him. He took in every feature of her face. He breathed in her scent and her soft, delicate fragrance would be etched forever in his mind. Her kisses were soft and exquisite like a whisper in the wind and he didn't want her to stop. He wanted it to last forever and ever.....

.....as Three Feathers moved away from him. She smiled and reached down to the bottom of her dress. Swiftly, she pulled it up and over her head, revealing her tan, naked body to him. She shook her head and her once tousled hair smoothed to a black river of silk once more. Black Water marveled at her features, checking her from her lovely face to her small, round breasts. His eyes traveled to the twisted tangles of coarse raven hair that covered her pubic area and then to her shapely legs. He smiled his approval as he never got tired of seeing her naked.....

Melanie stopped kissing Dan when she couldn't feel any response coming from him. Perturbed at first, she saw the blank stare in his eyes and understood immediately. She held his hand and patiently waited for him to come back to her.

It was but a few seconds later when he returned, blinking and slightly confused. The first sight he saw was Melanie staring at him with a concerned looked on her face. Dan smiled sheepishly and hoped she didn't notice his erection.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"Yeah...I'm fine...a little tired. Was I out long?" Dan began to rub his temples with his fingers.

"No, not really. You weren't kissing me back and I thought I was losing my touch," she laughed softly.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It's okay. What was it about this time?"