The Rising Moon

by Nilsa Rodriguez

  “My parents died when I was little and because I didn’t have any known relatives, I was sent to foster care. I’ve lived in Louisiana, Georgia and North Carolina and now I live over at the Ulric ranch, with my foster father, John Miller." I let out a deep breath everyone's eyes were on me, listening closely. Even Kima was listening in on my pathetic, depressing story.

  “How did your parents died?” asked Lisa.

  “They died in a car accident.” Their impressions were mute, I wasn’t sure of what they were thinking. I lowered my head, palm in cheek and gently chewed on the inside of my mouth. My eyes went back to Kima. She was busy yanking on the grass.

  “Sorry about your parents,” said Lisa. "Well, we're glad you‘re here," she said with a smile.

  "Yes, we all are." Ryan agreed as he lifted me up to my feet. We walked over to sit alone under the cooling shade of a tree. I reached into my bag and pulled out an apple, while Ryan sipped on a soda. We sat laughing at the twins who were shooting spitballs at the girls. The twins turned to shoot at me, but Ryan warned them with a silent look.

  "Sorry my friends are so immature." He rolled his eyes.

  "Don't worry about it. They're funny and besides I haven't laughed this much in a very long time." I said, placing my apple core in the paper lunch bag.

  He brushed some loose strands of hair behind my ear and softly stroked the bruise on my forehead with his thumb. "Must've been some nightmare," He said.

  "How did you know I had a nightmare?" I pulled away from his touch, and hid the bruise behind a curtain of hair.

  "It was just a guess," he teased with a half grin. "Come on, I'll walk you to class," he said at the sound of the buzzing bell.

  The afternoon passed quickly. Emi was waiting by the car with two of her friends. She had a shocked yet pleased look in her eyes as she saw Ryan and me walking together.

  "Ryan, this is Emiliana Lupe," I introduced, knowing she would never let me hear the end of it if I didn’t.

  "I remember you from this morning," he said reaching to shake her extended hand.

  "Emi," she said, trying to keep a cool composure, "Everyone calls me Emi." Her two friends just stood there giggling as Ryan turned to greet and shake their hands as well. The whole scene was ridiculously embarrassing. He opened the passenger door and Emi melted inside, as he walked me to the driver side.

  "So, do you think it’s ok if I call you tonight?"

  "Sure.” He seemed pleased this time I didn’t freak out.

  As I drove out of the school lot, I tried to keep my focus away from Emi who was gawking stupidly at me. I glanced quickly at her from the corner of my eye and then refocused my attention on the road. For the first time since I began to drive her to school, she’d forgotten to turn the radio on. I stretched my arm and reached for the power button on the radio to see if music could bring her back to earth.

  "Oh-my-God," She finally squealed, as she awoke from her spell, "I can't believe you actually did it. I was beginning to worry about you. Seriously, Lia, I was beginning to think you might need psychiatric help or something but I can see you’re doing fine now.”

  "It's not like I really had a choice," I hedged, "It was either make friends with him or listen to you whine about my freakish anti-social behavior everyday on our way to school."

  "Well, at least my whining helped you become semi-normal," she snorted.

  ∞∞∞∞

  I drove up to the Ulric's house nestled among the tall ponderosa pines. The trees sheltered it like a hidden treasure and a treasure it was indeed. The eighty eight year old home looked more like a museum, with its well-manicured lawns and picture perfect landscaping. The Ulric’s were one of the richest families in Lander and a family that kinda stuck out too. Not everyone knew much about them. All we knew was that they moved here from Argentina in 1923, they ran a horse ranch and that’s about it. They pretty much kept to themselves and didn’t mingle much with the local people. In fact, it was a surprise that Emi was allowed to attend public school this year like the rest of us. But they were good people. I have not had any reason not to like them. They treated everyone in the ranch like family. And I loved that.

  "How’s Ramira doing?" I asked.

  "Grandma's fine," she replied, as she opened the car door, "actually, she was asking about you the other day. She mentioned you haven't stopped by to see her in awhile."True. I haven't gone to visit her since Veena's funeral. It’s not that I didn’t want to see her, it’s just I’ve been trying to dodge from the 'are you ok?' sympathy bullet.

  I really liked Ramira. She was a sweet eighty year old woman, who used to love gardening and hosting parties, but she suffered a stroke a few years ago and now was blind and confined to a wheel chair. Although she was blind, her hearing and sense of smell were extraordinary. She once told me that every person had a unique smell and that she could tell who was near her and what they were thinking by their distinctive scent. I once asked her what kind of scent I had, but she said that ironically she was unable to smell me. I was already convinced of my freakish nature, so I wasn’t surprised.

  "Why don't you come in?” Emi asked, leaning into the passenger side window, "grandma should be awake from her nap. She’d be glad to see you.

  ∞ Chapter 5 ∞

  AS I STEPPED inside the large three-story house, I felt as if I took a step back in time. The house still had the original furnishings from the early nineteen twenties with only a few modern amenities like a phone, computer, and a flat screen TV. A serene night sky complete with a shiny full moon was painted on the raised ceiling of the living room. I always felt it odd, that they would have the ceiling painted with a night sky. You would think people would prefer a serene blue sky, or some kind of celestial scene like the paintings in the Sistine Chapel. However, the Ulric’s loved the night sky and the full moon. It was evident in their choice of paintings and decor throughout the house.

  The hard wood floor squeaked as I walked up to the marble fireplace to wait for Emi. Portrait paintings of the Ulric family covered the burgundy walls of the room. The painting that stood over the mantle was a portrait of the current family. The Ulric children well dressed with an enchanting moonlit forest backdrop. Emi was a baby in the portrait. She looked so delicate surrounded by her seven brothers and father.

  "It’s been a long time, Angelia." Ramira flashed a big smile as Emi rolled her in on her wheelchair. She was the only one on the ranch who called me by my real name. I didn’t mind it much. I liked how she pronounced it with her slight Spanish accent.

  I gave her a hug. Her white long hair hung loose over her left shoulder. She wore a black velvet dress with gold buttons and around her neck hung a gold-chained necklace with a large circle pendant. The pendant had a large pearl in the middle, surrounded by seven crescent designs. She always dressed in fine clothing, even though she seldom left the house.

  "I’m sorry for not stopping by and visit sooner," I said.

  "No need to apologize dear, I’m just glad you’re here,” she replied in her usual sweet voice. “Emi, go and fix me a cup of tea while I chat with Angelia," Ramira waved her feeble arm at her. It was amazing how she could tell where you were standing even though she couldn’t see. She pointed to the furniture, “sit down child, I’m not going to bite.”

  “Thank you,” I said as I shyly sat on a black armchair.

  “So, how are you and John doing these days?”

  "We’re doing fine," I figured I could get away with keeping Johns drinking problem from her since her ability of reading people's mind did not include me.

  “That’s great. You know you can always count on us for anything.”

  “Thank you, ma’am.”

  Emi walked in carrying a silver tray. She placed it on the mahogany coffee table. “Here you go, grandma," Emi said handing her a cup filled with tea.

  "I hope you didn’t forget to bring Angelia something to drink as well,” Ramira said holding the hot cup of tea in her hand.

  "No
grandma. I didn’t forget. This one’s for you," she said handing me a tall glass of iced tea. "Grandma, have you heard from Fenix yet?" Emi asked. "My birthday’s in two weeks and I want to make sure he’ll be back in time for my party. We’ve been planning this party for over a year now and it will suck if he doesn’t make it.”

  Ramira leaned closer and placed her thin hand on Emi‘s lap, "honey, you know he won't miss it for anything in the world."

  Fenix was Emi's eldest brother. After their father died, he took over all the Ulric’s businesses and stood in as her father figure but he was hardly ever around.

  He was a very tall handsome man, with skin the color of mocha. His salt and pepper hair was short and wavy. He had his grandmothers’ high cheekbones and broad nose. He was always serious and very stern around everyone on the ranch. All the workers were usually on their best behavior whenever he was around. No one wanted to be the unlucky one to cross his path on a bad day. Emi was the only person who knew how to soften him up. Around her, he was sweet and gentle. Emi was the only girl and baby in the family after all and she usually knew how to control her brothers to do as she wanted.

  "Lia, you better come to my birthday party," she warned. "This year, we won’t let you worm your way out of it, right grandma?” She placed the empty tea cup on the table.

  “She’s right dear. The fifteenth birthday party is a special tradition in our family. It would be an insult if you didn’t celebrate Emi’s quienceañera with us.” Ramira said. I looked over at Emi, who had a big grin on her face.

  “Hey! You can even bring Ryan,” she blurted.

  I coughed up some tea and cleared my throat, as I threatened Emi with a warning look.

  "Who's Ryan?" Ramira asked as she turned to look at me.

  "He's Lia's new boyfr---" Emi started to say.

  "He's not my boyfriend!" I interrupted. "He's just a friend.” Emi rolled her eyes.

  “Do I know his family?” Ramira asked, “Is he a boy from school?”

  I took in a deep breath. “I don’t think you know him. He’s from Wind River.”

  “From Wind River?” She asked before she began to cough loudly. Emi quickly flew to her side handing her a cloth napkin.

  “Grandma are you ok?” she cried.

  She continued coughing and then she replied, “I’m afraid I’m not going to be around too long, my little moonbeam. What will you do when I’m gone?” Her fragile knuckles were white, as she tightly gripped the napkin.

  "Stop talking like that,” Emi said as she held her grandmothers fragile hand. Nurse Fielding rushed in and offered Ramira a drink of water and medication.

  "I should go.” I got up from my seat and swung my bag over my shoulder. “I hope you feel better. I promise I’ll visit again soon." I walked over and kissed Ramira on her cold forehead. She didn’t look too well.

  Outside, the sun was beginning to set. The sky was a mix of orange red and dark purple blue. I headed home to get started on my homework. A couple of hours later I was interrupted by the chiming ring on my cell phone. The number was unfamiliar. It had to be Ryan. Who else would be calling my phone besides John or Emi? After a few seconds of debating with the idea of answering or rejecting the call, I quickly pressed the answer button.

  "Hello?" My voice sounded scratchy, like it hasn’t been used for days.

  "Hi."

  I was right, it was him. I smiled at the sound of his cheery voice. “Are you busy? Did I call you in a wrong time?" he asked.

  "No, I'm not busy," I said as I closed my book, "what's up?"

  "Can you meet me at Centennial Park?"

  I looked at the clock. It was nine o’clock. "Isn’t it late?" I sounded so corny. I rolled my eyes and pressed my lips.

  He chuckled, "come on Lia, it’s not late. I promise you'll be home before midnight."

  “Ok. See you in a little bit.”

  ∞ Chapter 6 ∞

  AS I DROVE into the lot, I saw Ryan’s truck parked under a dimmed street light. His eyes beamed as he walked up to meet me. We walked along the paved sidewalk underneath a trail of cottonwood trees. The air was brisk, filtered by the canopy of branches.

  I was glad I wore a pullover sweater, because the wind was moderately picking up as we stopped at the multi-colored playground. I made my way to the top of the crescent shaped monkey bars while Ryan headed for the yellow slide. He stood as tall as the playground itself, but he didn't seem to mind. With two quick steps, he reached to the top of the slide. After a few seconds of tugging, twisting and pulling, he freed himself from the top and made it down unto the ground, bursting a whirl of dust into the air from beneath his feet. I shook my head and laughed at his childish behavior as he made his way to me and lifted me off the bars. We walked side by side on a stone paved trail and took a seat on a bench overlooking a pond.

  “I’m going to be dancing at the powwow Saturday and I’d like it if you’d come see me dance,” he said.

  “Sure I’d love to go,” I replied.

  “Have you ever been to the Rez before?”

  “My foster parents took me there for the Indian Days powwow four years ago. It was amazing.”

  “Has it really been that long since you’ve visited Wind River?”

  “Yea.” I replied, “aren’t there two tribes living at the Rez? The Shoshone and Arapaho tribe right?”

  “Yea, my mother’s Shoshone and my father is Navajo,” he turned his eyes away from me. "I don’t live with my parents though. I live with my aunt and uncle---Denise’s parents.”

  “Why don’t you live with your parents?”

  “They divorced several years ago. My mom lives in

  California with her boyfriend and my dad lives in Arizona with his new family."

  “Don’t you miss them?”

  "I miss my mom more than I do my dad. My uncle has always been more of a father to me than he ever was.”

  “So why didn’t you move to California with your mom?” I couldn’t understand how anyone having parents would choose not to live with them.

  “I’ve lived at the Rez all my life. I couldn't just leave," he said removing the hat off his head and running his hand through his loose hair. "Besides, if I’d left I wouldn't have met you."

  I rolled my eyes even as my heartbeat stuttered. “You’re sweet, but really who am I? I’m no one special.”

  He took my hand. “You’re wrong,” he said. “You are special and it’s a shame you don’t see just how special you really are.”

  I snatched my hand and placed it in my pocket. I could feel his eyes on me, but I didn’t want to look at him. My gaze strayed to the falling leaves that whirled slowly in the wind. With his eyes still on me, I covered my head with the hood of my sweater.

  He tilted his head, and his hair slid across one eye, “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable again,” he said.

  I nodded, smiling at him. He smiled back at me, his cheeks adorned with dimples. "So, are you going to tell me how you got that bump on your forehead?" he asked.

  I grabbed the strings on my hooded sweater and wrapped it around my finger. “I’ll tell you, but only if you promise not to tell anyone.”

  He brought his fingers to his chest. “cross my heart.”

  I took a deep breath. “Last night, I had a dream. And in my dream, it was a beautiful sunny day. I was smiling and laughing as I ran through the plush meadows when suddenly the sky turned dark,” I paused to look at him. He raised his brow and gently squeezed my hand as though telling me to continue. “My hair began to smack my face as the howling wind pushed me forward. A dark shadow flew above me and when I looked up, I saw a vulture. It grunted and hissed, cheering on the wind as it continued to push me. I fought hard and tough against it, but I was no match for it. It continued to push me forward unto a cliff. With no more strength left inside me to fight, I surrendered and fell to my death. And that is how I woke up on the floor with this." I lowered the hood and pointed to my forehead.

  Ryan hopped off the b
ench and began to pace back and forth. "The vulture wasn’t cheering on the wind,” he paused. “He was trying to warn you.”

  “Warn me?” I gasped. “from what?”

  “My people believe that dreaming of a vulture indicates warning.”

  "You know how to interpret dreams?" I asked.

  "I don’t but my aunt does. She has a gift for interpreting dreams. She once told me that when we dream our soul enters the spiritual world where our past, present and future exist as one. They take turns imprinting images into our soul. Those images are what we call dreams.” He took his seat beside me, “My aunt’s going to be at the powwow this weekend. Maybe you can tell her your dream and she can help interpret it.”

  Was I going to lose someone I loved, again? Was John’s life in danger because of me? Because of my curse? Perhaps it was Ryan. Was our friendship a mistake? Oh God, what was the vulture trying to warn me about?

  Ryan held my face in his hand and gently massaged my forehead.“There’s nothing to worry about. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  I looked up at him with eyes wide open.

  “Come on, I’ll walk you to your car,” he said.

  I slid my hand around his elbow as we walked up the tree lined path back to the parking lot.

  ∞∞∞∞

  That night I was startled by a sudden blast of wind that cracked open the window while I lay in bed. The ivory curtains began to sway wildly. I rushed to shut the window, but stopped a few steps away when a set of small glowing eyes stared at me from behind the glass. I slowly stepped closer to try and get a better look of what was watching me, but the black shadowy figure flew away.

  ∞ Chapter 7 ∞

  THE WEEKEND HAD finally arrived and I nervously spent forty minutes trying to decide what to wear. I never spent that much time trying to decide on clothes before, but I was nervous about meeting Ryan's aunt today and I wanted to make a good first impression. I finally decided on a brown crinkled skirt, crème cotton shirt, and my favorite denim jacket. I completed the outfit with a pair of brown slouch leather boots Ramira bought me for my sixteenth birthday. I applied some lip-gloss, tamed my wild curls in a tail and took one final look in the mirror before stepping out of the room.