4 Chapter 3

I didn't get to sleep at night. After they were gone, I went up to my room so I could dress my wounds and change into my pajamas and then go to Koda's room. He was waiting up for me to read a book and then I had to read it to him. It didn't take him long to go back to sleep and I was thankful in my heart that he didn't ask me anything about them, it would be quite uncomfortable for one thing. From there I spent the whole night tidying up the house and when it was no later than a quarter to seven I went to take a shower, treat my wounds again, and from there bring the two backpacks down to the front door.

-Koda, you're waking up! - I shouted from downstairs, I got no answer but went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the two of us, which took me no less than five minutes to finish.

I sat down first at the big table we had in the kitchen and started eating cereal and checking the messages. I answered some that were from my work giving me a good vacation as well as from the principal of Koda's school who told me that there would be no problem with Koda leaving a few days earlier than planned plus she promised to pass me the homework and exams I would have to do until I got back. On one hand, that was a relief. I left my phone on the table listening to Koda's hurried footsteps coming down the stairs and going to the dining room, but when I realized he wasn't coming, I peeked my head through the large doorway between the living room and the kitchen and found myself looking out the window rather intrigued.

-Koda?

-Mom - he turned to see me - that man is out in front of the van.

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion to get up and go look too. It was Isaac, his hair was in a ponytail and his hands were inside his black leather jacket pockets and a pair of loose-fitting pants with some hiking shoes. He turned to look at us; he raised his hand to wave.

I quickly looked away to see Koda and put my hand on his shoulder to get his attention.

-Go have breakfast sweetie, we have to go.

Without looking at me he hurried off to the kitchen and I followed him too, giving a glance outside. Isaac returned to his original position. With a sigh, I sat down at the table trying to finish breakfast to which I watched as Koda ate. After a few minutes of silence, he began to tell me about a dream in which he was riding a dragon and some pinkish clouds which was quite funny to me. When we finished he helped me clear the table while I washed up what we used for breakfast.

When I checked that everything was okay, I turned off all the lights as well as closed the windows and the back door of the little one. I went to the foyer having Koda ready with a small smile. I returned the gesture by taking my backpack and coat in one hand. I opened the door and the first one out was Koda, then I locked the door with a key and the spare lock. I turned around putting the keys away seeing Isaac looking at us.

-Aren't the others coming? - I asked him to which he shook his head as he walked forward and Koda ran to the van opening the back door of the van throwing the backpack inside, closed the door and opened the passenger door, and got in the passenger door without saying good morning, slamming it shut. I sighed and then looked at Isaac who wasn't taking his eye off Koda - He's in the rebellious age. I think...

-How old is he? - he asked looking at me.

I was a little surprised that he was looking at me so I looked at Koda and then pouted my lips since the situation is a little weird for me with him being here. I scratched my cheek to which I replied.

-He's seven years old, but he's too smart for his age. He's a good boy - I smiled, I looked at Isaac who was not taking his eyes off me. I swallowed and went to the door of the back seats to open the door, placing my two backpacks and my jacket on it so he could sit down - Sit down.

I walked away and hurried to my seat opening the door and closing it behind me to check that Koda put on his seat belt and then I put it on. I took the keys out of my pocket and inserted the key to start the van and begin driving.

None of the three of us were talking, only the 70's and 80's music station was playing. There were several songs that I liked quite a bit as luckily they were playing Queen and others. I looked sideways at my son who was focused on the music moving his head as his hand on his thigh, and when he noticed that I was looking at him he smiled slightly to return to look ahead.

With a sigh, I looked in the rearview mirror observing how Isaac was looking out the window with his hand resting on his chin and his elbow on the glass. I took my eyes off him to look ahead. It was only a few seconds before we passed the sign that we were already out of Banff starting to drive the general highway. I looked around for a moment to make sure I wasn't mistaken or that nothing was out of place to focus on the road.

-Aren't you going to ask me why they didn't come?

I blinked rapidly, not knowing what to answer.

-I suppose you have formed a plan - I didn't get an answer -. Your silence confirms it but I have to warn you that whatever you are going to plan may not work.

-Why do you say that?

-There is a protocol - I licked my upper lip -, before we get there I have to put a bag over your head so that you can't see the way or hear it and you can't be traced. It has a magic seal, so to speak.

-So it's true that you were waiting for us - I looked at him in the rearview mirror meeting his gaze and quickly averted mine.

-Yes...but that has always been done to people who are not from here, from the herd I mean. Including me... - I whispered.

-Well, it's strange that they trust you knowing who you are, isn't it? - I looked at him in the rearview mirror for a second.

-Mom is one of the warriors of the herd - Koda spoke suddenly, making me nervous - and also the right hand of the yaya.

-That's a surprise.

-I shouldn't -I looked confused at Koda who was looking at Isaac in an intense and threatening way-, after all, he showed that he could take two of the chosen ones last night. He could take all four of them even.

My mouth dropped open in surprise.

-Koda!

-What?! I'm telling the truth!

-Don't talk like that to an elder!

-I have the right! They were the ones who interrupted the house and turned it upside down! Besides hurting you... - he crossed his arms grumpily.

-But, honey, that...

-Let him - Isaac spoke with a funny tone -, he has every right. We were the disrespectful ones to come in like that and hurt you. It wasn't the plan but you know how Jo is... I apologize for that.

Koda didn't say anything, I saw from the glimmer that he turned his head to look at him and turn around again having a sideways smile as if he had won. I shook my head not knowing what to reply.