It's my Birthday!! I'm 21!

I'M 21!!!!

I'M LEGAL!!!!

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!

I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M 21!

(And yes, I will now continue to write the story. However I will be changing point of view from third person to first person. The story will now be told from Scott's point of view. You, the reader, will better understand how he feels.)

Ch. 7

Setting: Before Noon, after the morning baths

“Scott, I need to explain to you something but we don’t have the time. After sitting for a while Stephanie got up and walked towards her bed making it up. Scott sat watching her, wondering how she could move on, living with this terrible fate. Then he though about his self for the first time since coming her. What of his parents, his family? What of his home, his school? What of his college apps, his future? What of questions slowly filled his mind briefly before an interruption. A knock, then two, at the door.
“Oh, Miss Stephanie? It’s me, Rose.”
Stephanie immediately stopped what she was doing and ran to the door pulling back the tough skin. A young woman with long straight black hair and fair skin wearing a tan animial skin sleeveless, knee-length dress stood at the threshold. She wore a belt made of fine deer skin sprinkled with white spots around her waist. It was tied in a knot in back. Her feet bare, rugged, and lightly sand covered like everyone else in the village. She carried a small basket with a large handle. It was covered with a skin protecting the insides of the woven container.
“Rose! Oh, it’s so good to see you!”
“You too!” She smiled warmly as she and Stephanie embraced. Scott could tell they’re friends because Steph lighted up.
“I still can’t believe it! Congratulations!” Stephanie’s voice leaped with excitement.
“I know, I just found out. I told Lee of course, and my father’s family.” Rose’s hand gently padded her tummy.
“Oh, do come in, Rose. You are no stranger here.”
Rose entered their cave or house whatever one would call it. She placed the basket on the floor. Scott quickly stood up. His face no longer showed any signs of tears. Actually no one can tell thought Scott. He stood next to Steph. She motioned to him to greet their guest, Rose, a family friend.
“Rose, this is my brother Scott.”
“Nice to meet you.” as she extended her hand out to Scott.
“Nice to meet you too.” He greeted warmly noticing her shining smile.
Turning to Stephanie she asked, “I didn’t know you had a brother?"
“Most people don’t.” Stephanie responded geniuely.
“You two don’t look alike. Very different actually.” Stated Rose in a matter-of-factly way while visually comparing the siblings.
“I’m the oldest.” Said Scott suddenly catching Rose off-guard.
“Ready? Cause you’re not as tall as your sister.”
“Rose, I think we should wait on questions. My brother just arrived. It’s only his second day. The chief gave me permission to teach him the laws in two months. After that, Scott, will become head of the family.”
“Really?” pondered Rose, “The chief gave you permission? That’s odd.”
“But Rose, you must remember Lee. He’s my best student. The chief realizes my ability to teach the law since I’ve broken almost every law.”
“You know, your brother is going to be…
“Forced to make my decision?”
“Yes, forced.” Said Rose softly. “I understand your front, really, I do but why must to do this? Is it really necessary to live this way?”
“Absolutely! I will not rest until some changes are made regarding us women!” Stephanie declared.
“What changes?” spoke Scott with curiousity filling his eyes.
“Women’s rights.” Stephanie responded without haste.
“Don’t you mean…”
“Rose, I haven’t told my brother everything yet. Please don’t tell him. This is between siblings.”
Rose nodded with agreement. She almost spoke the truth regarding the source of Miss Stephanie’s pain. So she pulled the basket over to the enter of the trianglar circle the three somehow made.  She lifted back the skinned covering.
“Oh, you shouldn’t have!” exclaimed Stephanie as her eyes teared up. She leaned over giving Rose a hug.
“What is it?” Scott said as he looked into the basket.
There were small glass bottles of a yellowy green substance. Two light yellow thick squares with two rolls of small square animail skins. Two small clay bowls with a painted ribbon like design on it.
“It’s bathing soaps and oils.” Giggled Stephanie.
“I would have never guessed.” As Scott studied the odd things in the basket called soap.
Rose and Stephanie shared a glance. Rose understood why Miss Stephanie had not revealed the source of her scars to her brother just yet. There was much to teach. Rose however took notice of the way Miss Stephanie cared for her brother. She glazed upon her fatigued body and wondered how such a weak girl could find the energy to teach. Rose suspected that Scott isn’t Stephanie’s brother but rather a familiar face from the far away land she’s heard Miss Stephanie talk about.
Scott just stared at the basket wondering if it really was soap. He wanted to ask a simple question like “What’s that green yellow liquid?” but he was afraid that he might be rude to Rose.
“It’s beeswax soap and aloe oils for your scars. The Healer said to bathe with the soap first and then use the oils to nurture the skin back to health.”
“You are so kind! Thank you Rose!!!” Stephanie hugged her friend.
“Oh, and the Healer said one another thing.”
“What is it?”
“He wants to see you.”
“Is it serious?’
“He didn’t say. He might want to check up on you.”
“Well, he’s a kind old man. He probably just wants to make sure I’m becoming healthy again. My mother is a healer too so the Healer and I can talk about some things and understand one another.”
“I still can't believe a your mother, a woman, knows medicine. How rare? But, you do look weaker than usual, Miss Stephanie.” Rose knew Miss Stephanie mentions her parents rarely because she misses them so.
“How odd? Andrew said the same thing to me yesterday. “Don’t push yourself too hard.’”
“Oh, he just cares for you. You’re like his little sister. That’s all but you really do look weaker. You’re skin is so pale. Are you eating?”
“I had carrots and potatoes last night plus seveal bowls full of water.”
Rose leaned over placing her hand on Stephanie’s forehead checking for a fever. She didn’t have one. Rose eyeballed any source of injury minus the scars that could make her appear so weak. Scott just sat listening in on the conversation. He noted how Steph reacted with Rose. She trusted this girl for reasons he himself did not know. Rose seemed sisterlike to Steph in the way they cared for one another. Scott spoke up.
“I helped with dinner last night.”
Rose turned towards Scott noticing his choice of words.
“Really? And why is that?”
“Steph was weak so I took care of her.”
Stephanie looked at Scott.
“You took care of Miss Stephanie? You speak so informally about your sister? Don’t you know who she is?”
“Rose, that’s enough. Yes, my brother cared for me. The truth is Rose, I’ve been living off of pears. A pear a day for the past 6 days. I’m desperate for food so while preparing dinner my brother took over. I fell ill. Last night was the first time I have eaten real food like potatoes and carrots.”
“Oh, Miss Stephanie! Why didn’t you come to my father’s house? I would have given you some fish and vegetables.”
“Because, Rose, you are not my family and either is Andrew’s. I can not become dependent on you whenever I’m starving. And you need your food, Rose.”
Silent was Rose after Stephanie spoke. She knew it was true. They were not family and shouldn’t depend on one another in times like these. However, because of this rule, Rose bought the basket full of skin care items with directions from the healer to aid her friend in her time of need, to physically recover.
Rose nodded as she gently padded her tummy. She understood that Miss Stephanie cared for her and that she was strong enough to survive. Miss Stephanie wanted Rose’s health to be at its best but Rose simply wanted the one person who was as close to her as a sister to just get better.
Scott remained silent observing the speechless exchange of understood glances between the two. He would not interrupt them in their talk. Instead he listened to Rose’s words about Steph. She spoke with such care and revealed details about Steph’s harsh life at this village. He did learn one thing, Steph is always addressed as “Miss Stephanie” and doesn’t know who she is. Why was that? How could he not know who his friend is? They’re family here so surely he knows her although they had not seen each other in 8 months. Steph had changed. She seemed so welcoming to those like Rose, Andrew and his kids, and now to someone named Lee. They obviously were the people Steph trusted and geniuely cared for.
He had seen her speak so harshly of the hunters tembling at the sound of their voices and their presence in the village. He has seen her express plenty of energy despite how weak she was. He had seen her disillusional at night, believing that he was a dream. He had seen her behave in various ways unusual to the kind of person she is, happy and content with life.
While Rose was visiting there was another knock at the door.
“Knock, Knock”
Stephanie started to get up but then Scott quickly got up and answered the door. Stephanie was taken back by this but she truly thanked him from within for answering the door even if he didn’t know how to address a villager properly. There was no better time than now.
A man stood as Scott pulled the bearskin door back seeing their latest guest arrive at the cave. He stood still expecting Miss Stephanie to answer. Scott dreaded it could be Matthew but as it turned out he was not. He wore the normal animal skinned outfit similar to the one Scott wore just fitted to his height and structure. He had short brown hair and light blue eyes. He carried what resembled a small messenger bag made from hide. He politely asked.
“Is Miss Stephanie present?”
Stephanie noted to Scott nodding her head.
“Yes, she is. What can I do for you?” he said.
“Miss Stephanie has been summoned for questioning by the Elders of the Village on regards to the intake of a family member.” The messenger blanky.
Stephanie got up from Rose’s side walking to the door. Scott stepped back allowing her to take over. He didn’t know why but something in her body lanuage as she walked to the door made him think she’s been summoned before.
“I am of who you speak.” Miss Stephanie stated to the man.
"You have been summoned concerning your newest addition to the family.”

“I am aware of this. When is the summons?”
“After high noon’s meal.”
“Thank you sir. You may tell the Elders that I will arrive for summons.”
“One more thing Miss Stephanie.”
“Yes?”
“Your brother must come and be present.”
“Why? That is unneccasary for summons.”
“The Elders desire to question your exact relation with your brother. He must verify that you are his sister, as you say he is.”
“This is riduclous! Of course my brother is my brother!”
“Don’t tell me this, Miss Stephanie. Convince the Elders. Otherwise…”
“Please don’t recite the Law to me, young man. I know the Law better than the Elders themselves.”
“Miss Stephanie! If they heard you say that so disrespectfully they would..”
Cutting him off she snared, “What? Torture me?”
The messenger gasped when she said that. However sharp of a tone she used she was right. Miss Stephanie always managed somehow whenever she was summoned.
“You have your summons, Miss Stephanie. I warn you. They will not be easy on you. Be prepared.”
“Tell me, sir, have they ever showed an ounce of kindness in my favor? Of course not!”
The messenger personally chose not to start a quarrel with Miss Stephanie knowing full well her reputition, her ideals, her arguments, her strength and her knowledge on the topic. She was a force to be reckoned with.
Rose stood next to Scott watching Miss Stephanie take her summons. She pulled down the bearskin door and walked back to the center of her little cave. They stared at her as she angrily sat down on the floor with arms crossed. She was fuming.
“You’ve been summoned again?” said Rose raising her brow.
“Yep.”
“And you must bring your brother?”
“Yep.”
“And the Elders’ hate you…”
“Yep.”
“What will you do?”
“Defend my right to have my brother live in my house. We are family and I will convince those slime bags that Scott is my brother!” she stormed.
“Steph, who are the Elders?” Scott asked.
“They are the old men of the village. They are the judges of the society. They are regarded as the wisest of men in the village. They have summoned me to question our connection as family. They probably want to disprove that you are not my actual brother but rather someone I just took in to teach all of my ideals too.”
“First off, I answered that door. I had no idea what that guy wanted but you came to the door and took over. What started off so peaceful turned ugly. You are going to have to tell me what’s going on. I’m so out of the loop here. I have no idea how to get home. I don’t know what’s happened to you since you’ve been here only that you’re serverely injured and malnourished.”
“Scott, there’s a lot happening right now. It’s only your second day. I mustn’t download you with so much. I want to tell you but in due time. You just have to trust me. Let me doing the talking. I know how to talk to the Elders, my own personal demons. I know how to use the Law to my advantage. You don’t know the Law. I have a short time to prepare for your defence. But you don’t know my ideals so when they question you your answers will be blank and surely they will let you go only questioning me.”
“Still, I can’t just stand here watching you like this.”
“Trust me. Everything will be alright.”
Her smile was uneasy. She was becoming lost in thought. Rose spoke up.
“Miss Stephanie while you prepare I shall go home and collect some soup for you. You need your strength for the summons. I barely know your brother but I can already tell you care deeply for him as he does for you. If the Elders can not see this, you must convince them you love each other as family. Then surely they will allow your brother to stay.”
“Rose, that’s so kind of you. Thank you for your words. They mean more than my words can express. I just wish it was that easy. For I know what they will say. I must prepare my brother for their commentary.”
“Rose,” said Scott after thinking about something for a while “I noticed something about you. Are you expecting a child?”
Rose giggled. “Yes, I am. Did you just take notice?”
“This might sound awkward but yes.” He said shyly.
“Did you know, Scott, that Miss Stephanie’s former student, Lee, is my husband. We are expecting our first child.” She glowed as she smiled at his question.
“You and Lee are married?”
“Yes,” Rose responded with her love story. “I met him within the first week he arrived. He’s Chinese says Miss Stephanie and he didn’t know English says Miss Stephanie. So she taught him our tongue. He came to speak it very well and has already learned bits. He entered the Fisherman trade and became very good. He caught many fish and sold some to my father. I just so happen to be at market that day with my father. That’s when I met Lee. Miss Stephanie was with him setting up the booth but that’s all she did. Lee was running the booth himself as a final test. He spoke well, smiled, bartered with fish and made profit. He passed and was officially accepted into the Village during Festival. After that time, Lee took notice of me walking in the market shopping for fish to feed my father’s family. I was of age and Lee asked my father’s permission to court me. He agreed. Within the three weeks time he proposed. We married. It was a marlovous celebration. The entire Village came out to rejoice in our union. We received the blessings of the ancestors and the Elders, moved into our own home and now are starting a family together.”
“Wow.” Said Scott as he reflected upon her words.
“So you are how old?”
“16.”
“16? But you are so young!” exclaimed Scott.
“Why didn’t your sister tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
“The Marrying age.”
“Enough Rose.” Stephanie suddenly said after thinking about her presentation before the Elders. “I have an important summons to face.”
“You know they’re going to ask, Miss Stephanie. I think to need to explain to your brother about your title.”
“Matthew still shows disrespect in concerns with my title. But had I not earned it by now?
“Yes, you have Miss Stephanie but you must explain to your brother now before the summons or his answer will be unprepared and you will look bad as a teacher of the Law.”
“You’re right, Rose. I should.”
“Steph, I already guessed it.” Scott remarked. “You’re unmarried which is why everyone calls you “Miss”.”
“Yes, Scott. You are correct.”
“And,” continued Scott “This “marrying age” Rose speaks of probably is between 16 to 18. Am I not correct?”
“You are correct, my dear brother.”
And the source of your pain lies within this one issue. Scott thought.
“And she’s refused to marry!” declared Rose suddenly putting her hand over her mouth as Miss Stephanie glared at Rose for revealing her status within the village to her brother. Her expression was that of a huge “opps.”
Scott looked directly into Stephanie’s eyes. She watered up a bit but prevent any tears from flowing. This is the source of her sorrow, pain, tears, and maybe, quite maybe her scars. His eyes widened.
“What?. Is this the decision you were telling me about?”
Stephanie bit her lip calling on strength to answer his question.
“Uh,…yes..I didn’t…I mean, I didn’t I didn’t want to tell just yet…because…I…I …I don’t want you to force me into marriage like everyone else in the village is trying to get me to do! I’m too young I say!”
Rose replied while Miss Stephanie’s eyes shed some salty tears.
“Miss Stephanie is of marrying age. She is 17. She can marry but she refuses to marry. She could have a family but decides to live alone until you came. Now she has a family without having to marry to have a family.”
Scott’s jaw dropped. He was shocked to hear such an unexpected thing! He had just gotten used to Rose as Steph’s friend and now she’s just revealed the Steph’s decision. It occurred to Scott that he will soon be head of the family and make Steph’s decision. Now it clicked in his head why she begged him not to force her decision.
While still in a state of shock high noon passed. Rose had made lunch for the three of them and they ate to their fill. Stephanie was motionless unsure of Scott’s reaction. Oh, how she wanted to tell him so bad but she didn’t want to bother him with this major issue just yet. She wanted him to enjoy the little things first before giving the news. But one thing Scott didn’t know was he’s next.
“It’s after high noon.” Quivered steph’s voice.
“You’ll do fine Miss Stephanie.”that they will try to marry you off as well…”
“Whoa, hold your horses, WHAT!”
“That’s right. The Elders of the Village will try to marry you off. They’ll find someway to disprove our relation to one other, separate us, and not tell you your rights. They’ll force you to propose to someone.”
“They can’t! They can’t do that!”
"They tried with me. I’ve denied every proposal from Charlie because I believe I’m too young and they won’t listen.”
“But surely…”
“How do you think I got all of these scars?”
“Just from that?”
“Most of them.”
“It’s true.” Added Rose. “I witnessed most of it, even the Torture…”
“Well, it was a combination of basic law breaking, like disrespecting the Elders, manners at  Festival, the ancestors thing, and not marrying.” Stephanie replied. Then she changed topics and realized that she had not properly thanked Rose for her kind gift.
“Rose, thank you for the bathing soaps and oils. I will use them and I will see the Healer. He probably want’s to see if the oils are healing my skin.”
“He is a good Healer.” Remarked Rose.
She knew it was time to leave since Miss Stephanie had been summoned. One thing she knew was that Miss Stephanie had the power to change the laws. She was the only one capable of standing up to the Elders defending women. She deeply understood her front regarding marriage laws. But she also wondered why she chose this hard life by herself? At times, even Rose, wondered if she married too young. She patted her belly softy then shook her head in the way of a "no". I hope Miss Stephanie doesn't get punished again. I hope she wins for the first time. She doesn't deserve this fate.
Miss Stephanie and Scott departed their cave waving goodbye to Rose. Scott pondered about Rose. Did she grow up here? Did her parents arrive here? At least Steph as a friend he thought as he followed her to the trails' beginning.

Update on story "Village at the Cliffs"

Ch. 4, 5, and 6.

Ch. 6 (Really Ch. 3)