Saved Girl sent me Chapter 7 of "Andi Lost." Here it is. If you haven't read Chapters 1-6 yet, click here: CHAPTER ONE. When the entire story is completed I'll post it in its entirety without all this commentary at the top.

Andi--Lost!

Chapter 7

Copyright © Saved Girl

            Andi opened her eyes and winced. Everything was swimming in the small room. As everything started to come into focus she started up in surprise.

            "Wh-where am I?" she said.

            "Don't you remember?" Aiyana said looking up from the cooking pot.

            Suddenly Andi did remember. She asked hesitantly, "How is Cory?"

            "He is fine. Have some, uh, what do you call it?" Aiyana asked motioning towards the pot.

            "Um, do you mean breakfast?" Andi suggested.

            "Breakfast! Sure I'd love some. Don't you dare eat it all, Andi," came Cory's cheerful voice from the skin on the floor.

            "Cory," Andi exclaimed, going quickly to his side. "How do you feel?"

            "Fine, except for the fact that my stomach is empty."

            "Could you bring us some please, Aiyana?" Andi asked, chuckling.

            As Aiyana brought them the food, Talise entered the hut carrying some wood.

            "Good morning. I sorry there not enough food but we been having some hard times lately," Talise said.

            "It is fine. If it wasn't for you we would probably still be lost and Cory would still be sick. Thank you so much."

            Aiyana smiled at her. "You are welcome."

            Andi cleared her throat. "If you don't mind my asking, why were you two dressed as men when we first met you?"

            Aiyana sat solemnly down beside them and said, "To protect ourselves. Most people would no want to rob and hurt two braves, but would consider Indian women easy prey."

            Taking Andi's hand in hers, Aiyana said, "You are troubled about something, my young friend. What is the matter?"

            Andi looked down at her clothes in embarrassment. "Well, I don't understand why you helped us. I mean-"

            Talise cut her off. "You mean that you have heard and believed that 'Injuns' are bloodthirsty savages that only murder and destroy. Now you confused because that not way we act."

            "Right. I just don't understand it."

            "Wait a little while. Aiyana and I will explain to you when time the time right. But you be sure of one thing. We are a good example of how Indians really act."

            Andi and Cory settled into deep thought as they ate their food. Andi noticed the beautifully woven baskets sitting around the hut and some small, painted wood figures.

            In a few moments Andi spoke again. "I hope you don't think I am being nosy but I was wondering what you two are doing living out all alone out here, and why you can speak English.

            "That a long tale, and I not sure if Cory strong enough yet to hear it," Talise said slowly.

            "Aw, come on. I feel fine, really," Cory protested.

            "As you wish. Once, many, many seasons ago, I was a young Indian girl in a Yokut village. I was the chieftain's daughter and very pretty. Then one day-"

            Andi looked at her expectantly. This should turn out to be a good story!