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Chapter 11

Dakota

Robin stepped away from the trailer as Dakota approached. When he peered inside, he couldn't believe his eyes. On the floor was a naked American Indian boy who looked to be about four. He was asleep and using Harry as a pillow. Dakota stepped inside the trailer and gently picked up the sleeping boy. He could smell why the boy was naked. Looking around, he found the wet jeans and underwear. Robin grabbed one of the dry blankets and handed it to Dakota, who wrapped the boy in it and carried him to the cab of the truck.

As he sat him down, the boy woke and sleepily asked, "Are you my Shizhe'é (Shé zhé é){Father}?"

Dakota smiled and said, "Yá'át'ééh (YA ta hey), little one. No, I am not your father. I am Mingan Ashkii Dakota Two Guns. Who are you? And why were you in my trailer?"

The boy proudly said, "I am Naiche Mingan Chee. (Na EE chee Min gan Chee) I wanted to play with your dog. Someone shut the door, and before I could get out, you started moving."

Dakota turned to Robin and asked him to go inside and get Naiche some food. He then asked the boy if he knew his parents' phone number.

"I never met my Shizhe'é (Shé zhé é) {Father}. Yesterday Shimá (Shé á má) {Mother} went to sleep after lunch. She wouldn't wake up this morning. There was a bunch of her needles lying there, and she was cold. I think she's gone to Wakan Tanka."

Robin returned with a cheeseburger, fries, and a soda. While Robin helped Naiche eat, Dakota stepped away and called his grandfather.

After explaining how they found the boy, he said, "I know I should call the Sherriff or Child Services or, more likely, Indian Affairs, but I thought I should call you before I do."

Wamblee grunted, then said, "Bring the boy home. We can do more for him when we have more information."

Dakota replied, "Yes, Shinálí. We will be there in three hours."

Dakota disconnected the call and returned to the truck, where he found Jonas asking Naiche question after question, making it difficult for the boy to eat. Dakota ended that problem by taking Jonas with him to walk the horses. As they walked, Dakota kept his attention on his Naiche. He noticed the boy's eyes were constantly alert, scanning his environment. More than once, their eyes met, and every time they did, the boy seemed to relax.

After loading the horses, Dakota gave Jonas specific instructions on appropriate topics of discussion for the rest of the drive. He then pulled a package of pre-moistened towels from the console and washed Naiche from nose to toes, making sure to get the ketchup and cheese off his face and the urine off his legs and groin. When he told the boy he would have to make do with the blanket for modesty, Naiche didn't understand the word.

When it was explained, Naiche laughed, saying, "Shimá told me The Great Spirit gave us our skin, and we should only cover it when we're cold. I'm not cold."

The three older boys shrugged, and as Dakota tried to put a seat belt around Naiche, he realized they needed to improvise. He folded the blanket several times over and placed it under and behind the boy, then grabbed one of his tee shirts and wrapped the rear center lap belt so it didn't cut the boy's legs. He realized it wasn't perfect, but it was the best he could do in the situation. He hated crowding all three passengers into the rear seat, but he wanted Robin back there to help Naiche, and Jonas couldn't sit up front, so they made do. The RAM was equipped with a DVD player, so Robin suggested he dig a few movies out of his bags. Shrek II had just ended as they pulled up in front of "Two Guns Tack".

Wamblee walked out to greet them as they piled out of the truck. Dakota introduced Robin and Jonas, then asked them to unload the horses and directed them toward the corral. He then lifted Naiche onto his hip and said, "This little pup is Naiche Mingan Chee. He tells me he has no father, and his mother has passed on. I didn't want to open up wounds or force him to share his story with the others, so I haven't learned more."

The old man looked at the thin, naked boy and said, "I am Wamblee Two Guns. You may call me Wamblee or Shinálí."

The boy looked confused, then said, "You're not my grandfather. Why would I call you Shinálí?"

Wamblee smiled at the boy's logical thinking, but he understood that the child was probably in denial. Soon, the pain of his mother's death would hit the boy, and he intended to ensure there was a safe place for him to land. He could see from Dakota's body language that his grandson had already claimed the boy. Nothing would harm this child, not if the Two Guns had anything to say about it.

After a beat, Wamblee said, "I would be honored if you would consider me your grandfather unless you have one already, and we should call him?"

Naiche looked down and shook his head, saying, "Shimá is all I had."

Dakota squeezed the boy as he said, "Well, now you have me, and Shinálí, and Robin, and Jonas." When Harry barked, Dakota laughed and added, "And Harry, of course."

Naiche looked at Dakota, then turned to Wamblee and said, "I would be honored to call you Shinálí.

Robin was standing back, trying to respect their privacy, as Jonas came walking up, saying, "Is this where I'm gonna live?" He turned to Wamblee and asked, "Are you Dakota's grandfather?"

Wamblee smiled as he said, "Yes to both, Little Dove." When Jonas looked confused, he explained, "Jonas means Little Dove. I hope you don't mind that I use that. I will stop if it bothers you."

Jonas thought for a moment, then said, "I like it. It makes me feel special, grandfather."

Wamblee ruffled the boy's hair as he said, "You also, may call me Shinálí if you like." He looked up and nodded at Robin, saying, "The Blackfoot men say that the robin is a symbol of peace, a sign that the village was safe from attack. As such, I welcome you to our little village and pray your blessing remains long after you depart. The Ojibwe word for robin is Opichi (ō-PEE-chee). As you are a Two-Spirit, it is fitting that you have two versions of the same name. Would you honor our ancestors by accepting these names?"

Robin cleared his throat and tried to speak. The lump wouldn't go away, so he just nodded.

Dakota put his arm around Robin's shoulder and said, "The Navajo word for robin is Téél halchíʼí. Would you prefer that?"

Robin laughed and said, "I don't think I could get my white man mouth to say that one, Dakota. Opichi is easy."

A laughing Wamblee turned and led the boys into the kitchen, directing them to sit. Dakota put Naiche in a chair and, ignoring his grandfather's command, proceeded to carry the chicken casserole from the oven to the table. He pointed his finger at the chair at the head of the table and glared at the older man until he sat. Dakota then carried the jug of ice water to the table and sat to enjoy the meal. As they ate, Wamblee explained how things needed to be arranged.

"Because we have Montana Child and Family Services involved with Little Dove, he needs his own bedroom." Wamblee turned to Dakota and grinned as he continued, "This is a good thing. I am tired of my lazy grandson taking up space in my home when there is a perfectly good apartment over the workshop."

Robin looked up, concerned, and asked, "I thought I was going to live there?"

Dakota shook his head as he explained, "There are two apartments. One has one bedroom, and the other has two. I hope you don't mind my taking the larger one, but as Shinálí said, Jonas needs his own room. That means Naiche will take one of my bedrooms until we sort out his situation."

Robin's relief showed as his shoulders dropped, and he said, "No, that's fine. I just need to know I have a place to sleep."

Wamblee stared at the teen, then said, "You will always have a place here, Opichi. Never doubt that."

Robin got a strange look on his face, then the corner of his lips curled up in a slight smile, and he nodded. Dakota noticed the tear that wouldn't quite fall just before the older boy dropped his fork and had to bend to pick it up.

Dakota then said, "We need to move my things from Little Dove's room to my apartment. Then we need to unload your things from the truck into your room or apartment. If the two of you would do that, I need to go into town before the store closes and get Naiche some clothes."

Naiche looked up, saying, "I told you I don't need to wear any."

Dakota shook his head as he said, "We wear them because others might not be comfortable seeing us naked. I enjoy running around naked too, but Little Dove or Opichi might not always want to see my fine body." Jonas giggled as Dakota winked, then continued, "We also have a business here, and our customers don't want to see your boy bits. Understand?"

Naiche giggled and replied, "Ao" Shizhé'é." (Yes, Daddy or Father)

Dakota shook his head as he said, "I would love to be your father, but sadly, I am not."

Wamblee looked at Naiche and suggested, "If you don't want to use his name, you could call him shínaaí - shi tsilí. I think he's more of a big brother, anyway."

Dakota interrupted with, "Actually, shínaaí - shi tsilí is cousin, specifically the child of your mother's sister. Shinaaí is older brother." Wamblee nodded and smiled as Dakota turned to Naihe and said, "And please try to use English. I doubt your new brothers speak Navajo." He then winked and added, "When it is just us, we can speak Navajo, and you will be my guide. OK, brother?"

Naiche's face lit up as he smiled and nodded. Robin stood and started clearing the table. Jonas joined him, and soon everything was done. Robin asked Dakota if there was anything in his room he preferred Jonas and Naiche didn't see or touch, and when the reply was no, he proceeded to organize the two younger boys into a chain, carrying clothing and personal items to Dakota's new apartment.

Dakota climbed into the cab of his 1970 GMC K-10 pickup. It was his first major purchase with his earnings from making saddles. It was a disaster when he found it behind a neighbor's barn, but now, after two years in various local shops, it was a museum piece. It wasn't in Dakota's nature to value material things over people, but he did have a sense of pride in the fact that he had paid for the truck all on his own. He was just putting it in reverse when Jonas came running to the side of the truck, holding something.

Dakota rolled the window down to hear Jonas ask, "How did you get a picture of Naiche already?"

Confused, Dakota looked at the picture that Jonas was holding. He laughed and said, "That's not Naiche; that's me when I first came to live with Grandfather. You're right, though; it does look like him."

Dakota was still smiling at the image of a naked Naiche carrying things up the stairs when he parked in front of the national chain store. When he headed for the checkout an hour later, he had boxer briefs, briefs, socks, jeans, shorts, tee shirts, long-sleeved shirts, a jacket, tennis shoes, and hiking shoes. As he was bagging everything up, he realized there was no food in his new apartment, so he took the clothing out to the truck and headed back inside. Thirty minutes later, he was loading the groceries alongside the clothing. He climbed behind the wheel and turned the key, then turned it off and went back inside to purchase two booster seats, one for Jonas and another for Naiche.

On the drive home, Dakota realized that maybe he should have only purchased a few items until he was sure of the boy's sizes. As he pulled into the drive, he saw Harry and the boys sitting around the table on the deck that the apartments shared. He gathered the grocery bags and walked up the stairs.

"Would you guys mind grabbing the rest of the stuff from the truck, please? I need to put this food away."

All three jumped up and ran to carry things inside. Once inside, Robin started unpacking the clothing to try it on Naiche. He then realized that a shower might be a good idea and asked Jonas if he would shower with Naiche and help him. Jonas agreed, and after running into the house to get clean clothes, the two boys headed to the shower. While the boys were in the shower, Robin helped Dakota put away the food.

"I'm surprised you bought all this. I assumed you would just eat in the house." Robin observed as he stacked cans on a pantry shelf.

"I probably will, most meals, but I want to have something here in case Naiche gets hungry. I can bring Jonas up here sometimes, and it will allow for Shinálí to have some time alone."

Robin looked thoughtful, then said, "Maybe I should get some groceries too."

Dakota shook his head, saying, "My door is always open to you, brother. You're putting your food away as we speak."

Robin grinned and was about to speak when two dripping, naked boys came into the kitchen, both talking at the same time.

Jonas: "I don't know how to do his hair."

Naiche: "Shizhe'é, er, Dakota, would you braid my hair like yours?"

Robin and Dakota both burst out laughing. Then Robin took Jonas in search of a towel while Dakota sat with Naiche between his legs and patiently showed him how to comb a part down the center, then separate each side into three equal parts, alternately bringing them over the center one to make a traditional braid on each side. When he was finished, he used a rubber band to hold them but promised that tomorrow, they would go to the workshop together and make leather ties like his.

They had just finished Naiche's braids when Robin and Jonas came into the room. Jonas gave Dakota a hug, then turned and gave Naiche one. Robin said he would take Jonas to the house, and Dakota told both boys to be at the breakfast table in Grandfather's house at 8 AM. That news caused two groans. When Dakota mentioned that he had to wake at 6 AM to care for the horses before breakfast, the boys went silent. Once they were alone, Dakota went with Naiche to the smaller room and sat on the edge of the bed as the boy climbed under the covers.

In Navajo, Dakota said, "I see you mischief-making grey wolf pup. I see you as you are and accept you."

Naiche replied, also in Navajo, "I see you grey wolf boy friend. I see you as you are and accept you."

Dakota smiled at the boy's knowledge of the ways of his people and at his proper response. He leaned down and gently kissed Naiche's forehead and said, "I will be happy forever. Nothing will hinder me."

Naiche joined him, and they continued the traditional Navajo prayer:

"I will walk with beauty before me."

"I will walk with beauty behind me."

"I will walk with beauty above me."

"I will walk with beauty below me."

"I will walk with beauty around me."

"And my words will be beautiful."

Dakota kissed the boy's forehead again and went to his own room to undress. He hadn't been himself at night since he left for South Dakota. Tonight, he could be himself. He climbed atop the king-size bed and stretched his muscles, letting out a low growl, then he curled up and dozed off. He woke to the sound of Harry stalking down the hall, and he wasn't surprised when the bed shook as the dog landed beside him. He had just settled in when he heard the sound of another stalker. This one was young, not as familiar as Harry, but still friendly. When he felt the gentle movement of the bed, he stretched out and waited until Naiche curled up against his body, laying his little head on Dakota's stomach. They were both soon fast asleep.

A sound outside woke Dakota, and he was immediately alert. He glanced at his phone and saw it was five minutes before his alarm was to start. He listened and heard the sound again, then he grinned, kissed the pup sleeping on his bed, and got up. Quickly dressing to clean the stables, he snuck down the stairs and up the path. Rather than use the front doors, he slipped around to the paddock and entered the empty stall. He smiled as he watched Jonas and Robin cleaning the stalls and putting food and water out for the horses. He thought for a moment, then quietly retraced his path until he was in front of the stables.

Dakota opened the doors and feigned surprise as he entered the stable and found the morning's work had already been completed. Jonas came running, saying, "We wanted to surprise you. We decided it should be our job to care for the horses. We wanted to thank you for letting us live here."

Dakota hugged the boy and grinned at Robin as he said, "We are put here to care for each other. That's all I'm doing. That's what you'll do someday. That is thanks enough. Now, if you two are done, I suggest a shower. Shinálí will not appreciate the smells attached to your boots."

The boys laughed and followed Dakota back to the stairs, where they split. Jonas headed inside the house as Dakota and Robin headed up to their apartments. When he got to his bedroom, Naiche wasn't there. He looked in the other room and found an empty bed there as well. Dakota started to panic. Then he saw Harry lying in front of the closet door, whining. Dakota shooed Harry out of the way and slowly opened the door to find Naiche curled up on the floor.

"Why are you here, little one?"

"I woke up, and you were gone. I got scared."

Dakota picked Naiche up and held him tight, saying, "How could I ever leave you? I love you like I love life itself."

Naiche was purring as Dakota carried him to the shower and unbraided his hair. When he finished, Naiche put his hand on Dakota's shoulder and turned him around, then unbraided his hair. That done, they showered. Dakota watched as the boy washed, making sure he knew how to properly clean his boy parts, then they took turns washing each other's hair. Dakota had forgotten how wonderful it felt to have someone shampoo his hair and massage his scalp. After they rinsed, Dakota taught Naiche about conditioner and how to use a comb to spread it evenly through the hair. They spent a few minutes slowly combing the other's hair, then rinsed everything off and got out.

Dakota wrapped the boy's body in a towel, then took another and wrapped it around his hair. He then used the body towel and dried every inch of the boy. That done, he sat on the bench and pulled Naiche between his legs as he again guided the boy in braiding his hair. When they finished, Dakota dried himself and started to braid his own hair but stopped and sat down when Naiche begged to do it for him. When the boy declared them finished, Dakota looked in the mirror and thought, `these braids might not appear perfect, but they are the best braids I've ever had.'

They both got dressed, and Dakota was happy to see that he had guessed right on clothing sizes. He still needed to get the boy several things, but he wouldn't go cold, and he wouldn't embarrass the preacher if he visited. Before they headed down to breakfast, Dakota sat Naiche on the chair in the kitchen and knelt to look him in the eyes.

"You understand you can't tell others our secrets, right?"

Naiche solemnly nodded, saying, "They wouldn't understand. I know."

Dakota hugged the boy as he wondered how Robin and Jonas would feel about the secret he and Naiche shared. Even Shinálí might turn his back on them if he knew. Naiche's arms around him reminded him that, no matter what, they had each other.

He picked up the giggling boy and tossed him over his shoulder. Laughing, he opened the door and let Harry out as they headed down the stairs and inside the house to join the others for breakfast. The others would accept or not. They could not change.