Free Long Snows Moon by Stacey Darlington Page A

like the dog’s birth certificate.”
    “Okay, I get it, now. So, give me an Indian
name.”
    “You are Shadow Wolf.”
    “Devon,” Claire called.
    “Shadow Wolf, that’s awesome,” Devon said.
“Maybe we can stop back by here on our way home. I didn't even get
a chance to look in the store.”
    “Sure, try to stop by. My mom and I make
dream catchers, medicine pouches, arrowheads, all kinds of stuff. I
even sell some of my paintings.”
    “That’s cool. I’ve never met a real artist.
But, I couldn’t tell you were Indian.”
    “I’m half.”
    “Well, you don’t look it. Let me braid your
hair like an Indian squaw.”
    “No, that’s so cliché.”
    “Come on, you have beautiful hair, I bet it
looks awesome as hell.”
    Jameson stared at the ground, shyly.
    “I’m sorry,” Devon said. “My aunt Claire’s
right. I have a big, filthy mouth. I just love your hair.
    “That’s okay.” Jameson smiled. “You are just
a little wild, you can’t help it. Come on, I’ll let you braid it.
What the hell.”
    They giggled and Jameson pulled Devon to the
ground. The puppies tumbled over their laps until they fell asleep.
Devon stroked Jameson's long hair, separating it with her
fingers.
    “Your hair is so dark it’s almost blue,”
Devon whispered. “But your eyes are an amazing yellowish-green
color. I've never seen anyone who looked like you.”
    Jameson blushed and pet Berry. “My great,
great-grandparents were Navajo and Sioux. They settled here and
joined with the Lakota. My dad was a white man so I am a half-breed
like the puppies. Look, your eyes are the same color blue as my
puppy.” She held her up for Devon to see.
    “You're right, they are the same color. She
could be my daughter if I was a wolf,” Devon said.
    “Devon,” Claire hollered.
    Devon rolled her eyes and sighed, “I hate
that bitch.”
    “Do you really hate?”
    Devon frowned. “Not hate, I guess. She’s just
so bossy and controlling.”
    “Your mother loves her.”
    “Yeah, my mom does have a way with animals,
get it?” Devon laughed as she braided.
    “Yeah, that's funny. But, seriously, she
can’t be all bad if your mom loves her. In a way you love her,
too.”
    “I guess I love her a little, but she’s still
a bitch,” Devon insisted.
    Jameson raised a quizzical brow. Devon felt
conscious of her language. Claire was right for sure. She squirmed
under the girl’s cat-like gaze, hypnotized by her wild eyes.
    “You’re a mind reader, aren’t you?” Devon
hurried to finish the braids.
    “Yep,” Jameson laughed. Her eyes flashed as
she revealed her secret. “I can read your mind right now.”
    Devon watched Jameson's mouth and wondered
what she tasted like.
    “I doubt that,” Devon tossed her head. “I
doubt that very much.”
    “Well, then tell me what you were thinking
about.”
    “I wish I could fly away from my life and not
worry about stupid things like boarding school and proper
etiquette.”
    “In your mind you can fly here whenever you
want.” Jameson said.
    “Devon, honey,” her mother called.
    “I really have to go.”
    “Good-bye, Shadow Wolf. Good luck on your
journey.”
    “What journey?”
    “Your life.” She got up and pulled Devon to
her feet. “The grand journey of life, your Medicine Walk.” She
pulled Devon closer and whispered, “Walk lightly and listen well,
there will be signs of the Great Mystery all around you.”
    Devon nodded, not understanding but
accepting. She withdrew her hands, feeling light-headed.
    “Your hands are hot.”
    Jameson smiled at Devon and her cat eyes
twinkled. “Here, take this in case you don’t find what you’re
looking for.” She untied a leather string from around her neck and
gave the arrowhead to Devon.
    “Wow, that’s amazing.”
    “It confirms our friendship. It’s to remind
you even when you’re alone we are still connected. We are all
one.”
    “We are all one,” Devon repeated. “Thank you.
I’ll never forget that.”
    Devon