22 Ch 22 Yard Party (1/2)

I opened the door as Mahina was reaching for the bell.

”Hey,” I said smiling at her, ”seems our gathering got kinda bigger than I planned. Hope you don't mind. A few of my cousins and some friends came up unexpectedly. Looks like I'm having a surprise birthday party tonight.”

I made the rounds again with Mahina. By the time I was done, Anna was calling out for everyone to get the food.

”So you got dinner and firewood, huh?” I couldn't resist complaining to Dad teasingly.

Dad just gave me a look like he didn't know what I was talking about. I leaned against him briefly before going out to check the fire.

When I came back in, Mac was getting some food, taking small samples of this and that. I shook my head at his nearly empty plate.

”Mac, dig in before these ravenous wolves finish it off.”

Oh, the look he threw me, suddenly slightly nervous, before taking in my teasing grin. He gave a little half-laugh before grabbing a bit more of the roast. I understood now why Dad had brought a whole elk and how he got it in the truck.

I paid attention to Mahina then, making sure she had everything set. I grabbed my own food, being able to choose from many of my favorite dishes, before leading her outside.

I sat Mahina on the bench. There were blankets all around the fire. Someone was spiking drinks, keeping an eye out for my dad. Mahina and I both accepted a splash in our cokes. Even though I was officially legal now, it was still fun trying to sneak in some alcohol behind Dad's back.

Along with the food came the stories from my childhood. I swear they were trying to outdo each other in their efforts to embarrass me in front of Mahina. It was all in good fun. I laughed along with them as they recounted stories that showcased my personality.

They spoke of my honor, like when a few of us had pulled a prank on one of our girl cousins and she got upset and cried. I was the only one to turn myself in so I could apologized to her. It didn't matter that I was nine at the time.

They spoke of my courage, running over and tackling Running Elk to get him out of the way of a few elk that had gotten spooked and almost ran him over. It was how he got his name.

The stories went on for awhile. It was dad who changed the tide.

”Don't forget his penchant for fighting. Let's see... had to pull him off another boy... you were what? Eight? Who was it I pulled you off of? Thomas I think, wasn't it Thomas? And the first year you went to public school? Coming home with a black eye? Thomas, weren't you the one who gave it to him? Skinned knees from wrestling...who.. ah, Thomas again I think?”

Dad was grinning at Thomas's discomfort. All of the girls snickered. Most of the guys were starting to grin as well. Dad spoke more directly to Mahina then.

”If I remember right, it didn't matter what I said, those two especially would end up fighting.”

”Until high school,” snickered Anna, ”when they had to play lacrosse on the same team, instead of against each other. We had the best lacrosse team the whole time they were in high school, with those two finally working together.”

Everyone agreed with that rather loudly.

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Running Elk and I shared a look. I nodded, giving Running Elk permission to speak up.

”Wonder who would win a wrestling match these days?”

There were lots of cat calls and hoots and hollers.

I looked challengingly over at Thomas. ”A victor match?”

The girls began shouting, encouraging the bout, the guys all looked at Dad.

”To the count of five or the third consecutive hold.”