Runaways (Orphans 5)

Anita shifted her eyes to Tommy, who smiled. "There's a debate about that," he said.

"I was reading about the Navajo in that book you have," Crystal continued. "The tribe is divided into more than fifty clans. I thought it was interesting that descent is traced through the female line."

"Yes, we are the first true women's liberators," Tommy joked.

"You are also the second largest Indian tribe in the U.S.," Crystal said.

"Crystal's an A student," Raven cut in. "Give her a day and she'll tell you more about yourself than even you know"

"I just don't like wasting time," Crystal said defensively, "so I read."

"I'm flattered that you wanted to know more about us," Tommy said. "You probably will soon know more than I do."

"That's for sure," Anita said.

Tommy raised his eyes and then smiled. Anita seemed to realize that she had said something funny and immediately looked down. She was like a candle trying to flicker again. Every time there was a small spark of hope, she smothered it herself with guilt.

"This area may not be rich in gas or oil, but to me it's rich in other ways," Tommy said.

"I've always been interested in Native Americans," Crystal said. "Do you believe the wind is spiritual?"

"I believe there is something very spiritual about all of nature," Tommy said. "I believe the farther you go from nature, the farther you are from what is spiritual. That's why we live out here."

"I love it here!" Butterfly said. Actually, she just burst out with it as if it were something ready to explode in her heart. All of us were silent a moment. Then we heard the phone ringing.

"I'll get that," Tommy said and hurried into the house.

"Do you have any Indian costumes?" Raven asked Anita.

"Costumes? Yes, I suppose you would call it that. I have something you might want to see," she added. "After we eat, I'll show you. My mother made it for me a long time ago, and I think, it might just fit you."

"Really?" Raven's eyes filled with excitement. Anita actually smiled. It was as if her face was slowly unfreezing.

"That," Tommy said returning, "was the Child Protection Services."

"Are they on their way?" I asked sadly.

"No. They can't make it out here today. They asked me to bring you to the sheriff to have you shipped to Albuquerque."

"Shipped? What are they, produce?" Anita said before we could react.

"I told them it was all right for the girls to stay overnight," he said. He waited. "Is it?"

"Of course," Anita said. "You didn't have to ask," she added, and with tears in her eyes she got up to start bringing things back to the house.

Butterfly jumped up immediately and began picking up our bowls and dishes. When she had her arms full, she followed Anita. Tommy sat quietly.

"Anita," he began slowly, "has not been well since Annie's death. She has moments when she simply cannot stop crying and then there are times when she is so withdrawn, I feel she's not really there. Don't be upset with her."

"Oh no," I said.

"Never," Raven added.

"We understand what it means to lose someone you love," Crystal added.

Tommy smiled.

"I know you do, girls. Well, let's go to the corral and saddle up some horses. I might as well show you some of this reservation before you have to leave," he said.