Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 141492 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 472(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 141492 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 472(@300wpm)
A lump developed in Safia’s throat, nearly choking her at the thought of Aura learning the art of applying henna just so she could participate in Safia’s marriage ceremony. It felt like such a loving tribute. She had to flutter her lashes several times to keep from crying.
You’re amazing, Aura. You know I love you. But you can’t make me cry.
Instantly, there was a stirring in her mind. Petru poured into her. Warm. Confident. A man she could always count on. The moment he was with her, she realized how much she had missed him.
He had awakened her gently, the soil already open when the sun set. He fed her, all the while showing her how to remove the earth. He had her go over the mechanics many times in her mind before he covered them again, without burying her head. He had her practice eliminating the soil from over their bodies until she was flawless at it.
She loved that he knew the one thing she feared the most. That was the first thing he addressed, teaching her how to open the soil so she could do it on her own. She had replayed the steps in her mind dozens of times since then, determined that the process would become automatic.
Sívamet? What is causing the tears? You are supposed to be happy. Should I come to you?
He was such a good man. Safia was very sure she had gotten lucky. Happy tears, Petru. Thank you for thinking of this. I always looked forward to this ceremony. It marks the time when a girl makes her transition into becoming a woman. The women give advice to the bride, and we laugh, sing and tell stories. It’s just such a wonderful bonding time.
“I would love for you to help,” Farah invited Aura.
Aura glanced up at Safia. The look in her eyes was loving. Sisar, she whispered into Safia’s mind, calling her sister. She bent to begin the meticulous work of drawing the pattern Farah had designed on Safia’s foot.
“What about you, Layla? Do you have advice for me? You’re so good with my brother. I know Badis adores you. Was there a period of adjustment for you?” Safia asked.
Layla appeared to be very confident. She was always kind to everyone. She had a calm, serene personality. While Amara made beautiful jewelry, Layla made leather-and-silver belts. Safia thought their love of the craft gave the two women a special bond. Even though the two women were close in age, Layla seemed far older and wiser and was good for Amara.
Layla thought carefully before replying, as was her way. “There’s always a period of adjustment in any relationship, Safia. You’re two different people from two different environments. I knew the moment I laid eyes on Badis that he was the man for me. I was fortunate in that he felt the same way. We first saw each other at the market. He didn’t speak to me, but we both looked for a long time. I wasn’t surprised when he came with your parents to my home to offer for me.”
Her voice was very soft in the way she had that spoke of a tremendous love. “When we married, I was determined to make him very happy. My grandmother often told me I was too proud, an overachiever, and men didn’t like a woman who appeared as if she could do everything. They wanted her to be good at chores but not look as if she were. I am not the type of woman to pretend. I am who I am. I did fear Badis would think I had an inflated opinion of myself.”
Safia frowned. “Why is it wrong to be good at the things you do? I’m not sure I understand. Wouldn’t your partner be proud of your accomplishments?”
“I’m fortunate in that Badis is. But no, not all partners are.”
“Why would that be?” Safia honestly didn’t get it. She’d grown up with loving encouragement. She was surrounded by it, from both the men and the women in her family.
Aura looked up again, pausing in her work. “It has been my observation that some people can become jealous, and others feel inferior. This makes them petty and mean-spirited. Having a woman look strong and capable can threaten their authority. Fortunately, the men in your tribe do not appear to be that way.”
“In any case, I promised myself I would only show Badis the true me.” Layla smiled at Safia. “Your brother was gentle and caring. He showed me patience and understanding and that he was always proud of me no matter what I did. He liked the way I cooked. He loved the belts I made. When I didn’t know about caring for the sheep but was able to learn quickly, he praised me. I especially liked that he was encouraging when he was teaching me to use weapons. I hadn’t done anything like that before and really wanted to learn. When I asked him if it would bother him if I took extra lessons in the late evening hours to work with you and Aura, he said right away that it was a good idea.” Layla’s smile was serene, but her eyes glowed with love.