ape.”
“Oh, Leonard.” How could I deny that
statement? I had to be diplomatic. “I like you both. I don’t want you to fight.
We have to let Lori go. I can call Dr. Haynes, and they can come get her.”
He nodded. “But you want him.” He
pointed at Brutus.
“We’re here for a while. Can’t…we
just enjoy one another?”
He grunted, but his look was unhappy.
I was about to say something, when he turned from me, resuming his work by the
fire. I scrambled out of Brutus’s lap, holding Maggy to my chest. For that moment, as I glanced around the camp, I felt lost. Leslie
and Shelly stared at me, as did Zelda, who had her hand in a bucket of water.
The apes were busy with the fish, as others were out hunting. All seemed well,
everyone had a job to do, but I sensed tension and disharmony. Trouble was
brewing.
The day was spent in an uneasy truce;
the only bright spot had been the call I had placed to Dr. Haynes. They would
send a helicopter for Lori, who had finally smiled at the news, tears falling
down her face. Harry and Pooky had taken her to a
grassy field several miles away where they would pick her up. She had chosen to
leave her baby, the tiny ape would be cared for, and I would have to feed it
with my milk. At camp, we heard the sound of the rotor blades, the noise
echoing through the gorge. Perhaps, Lori could have acclimated to this life
given enough time, but I hated to see anyone suffer in this manner. We had the
means of calling for help, and, if I could save someone from an existence they
didn't want, then I would do so.
Brutus didn’t seem to mind her
absence, as he stayed by my side most of the day, much to Leonard’s irritation.
My lover hadn’t said another word to me, but his unhappy glares spoke volumes.
It was unfair that he would treat me with such disdain when I knew full well
that he had developed a crush on my sister Lena when she had been with the
tribe. I’d felt tenderness for more than one ape myself over the years. Archie
had been sweet, and Dale and Pooky held places in my
heart. Why was he so bent out of shape by Brutus?
Zelda brewed a strong dandelion tea
for the Sasquatches, as some of our guys had tummy problems and constipation.
They drank it, grimacing at the taste. The vibe around the fire that evening
was subdued, but festive, the aroma of venison mouthwatering. Daisy and Wolfie had played together most of the day, and they were sprawled
out on a pelt, staring at the stars. Dr. Haynes had left marshmallows, and the
youngsters had grilled them over the fire on the end of sticks. The sweet scent
lingered along with grilling deer steaks.
I was with Leonard. “Are you still
mad at me?” He gazed at the fire, a pipe hanging out of his mouth. I pushed his
leg. “Leonard!”
“ Ggggrrr …”
he grumbled.
“You enjoyed Lena. Don’t even deny
it. You seduced her something silly.”
“You like him.”
“I do, but I like you too. Come on.”
I tilted my head, staring at him. “Don't be jealous.”
“He take you from me.”
“No. I’m with you.”
A plume of smoke drifted from his
nostrils. His mind was working, digesting my words. I’d never expected to feel
affection towards another Sasquatch, but I knew where my place was in my tribe.
I was the leader’s woman, and I would remain with him in all matters. We shared
children, memories, and an enduring love that had seen us through the years.
Even a brain injury hadn’t separated us, or my love for Mike. He was being
silly.
He seemed to read my mind. “Mike
doesn’t worry me.” His eyes darted across the camp. “He worries me.”
“Everybody shares everybody. That’s
the motto.”
Zelda approached. “I’ll put her down.
She’s out.” She picked up Maggy , who looked like a
limp stuffed animal.
“Thanks.”
“No problem.” I glanced at Leonard,
seeing a stoic, yet grumpy ape. “Stop it now.