Another Chance by Janet Cooper Page B

since his grandmother had died, it had never seemed like home. His wife had preferred the cottage now used by their overseer, Brave Bear. After her death, Wolf had moved back so that Bowl Woman could care for his motherless son. Wolf shook his head, forcing aside the unwanted memories. Immediately, Sarah's face filled the space. Although he sought to chase this vision away, he failed. She dominated his dreams and many of his waking hours. When night fell and the stars appeared, he recalled her comment that she could accept his people's belief about the heavenly bodies.
    He had foolishly believed that seeing Sarah again would cure him of the desire growing inside. Instead, his interest multiplied tenfold. The picture of them sharing the same spoon pervaded his brain. He recalled her licking the same spot his mouth had touched and saw again her eyes filled with teasing and perhaps desire. The idea of physically possessing her hardened his manhood. No longer did he deny his attraction for her. The idea however revolted him; he could never allow himself to care for she was white. Wolf had loved his English grandmother, but he refused to dilute his Lenape blood further. He wanted his son to have the strength and honestly of his people, not the flawed and deceitful manner of most whites.
    Although Sarah appeared to accept the Lenape’s beliefs, he knew from experience that this was only temporary. Pressure from her world must overwhelm the openness and turn her interest to aversion.
    When he opened the front door, he stared at the very man who represented the dichotomy of whites . While proclaiming his friendship, Jeremiah Low had ignored Silver Wolf's wishes and taken Clear Water canoeing. That was the last time that Wolf had seen his wife alive. Wolf could still picture Jeremiah carrying Clear Water's lifeless body from the river. From that moment, Wolf's relationship with Jeremiah had changed. Although Low had apologized and pleaded for forgiveness and Wolf had tried, a portion of Wolf's heart had hardened against his once best friend.
    “L uke!"  His former friend vaulted off his horse. "I have news about the troops responsible for the raid." He whipped the reins around the post.
    Wolf hoped this lead might prove of more valuable than the others he had followed , but he wished it had come from anyone except Jeremiah. Still, Wolf would never allow his personal feelings to interfere with finding his father's murderers. "Come inside."
    Even as Jeremiah strode forward, he glanced around . "I cannot believe the progress you have made. No one could tell if they had not seen the damage. The barn is amazing. Are you increasing the size?"
    A sense of pride, mingled with sadness, touched Silver Wolf . "By a third."
    "You have selected the Chester county design ."  Low climbed the three steps leading to the main door.
    W olf gestured for Jeremiah to proceed him. "The idea of a partially protected enclosure for the animals on the ground level will help during the cold weatherl."
    "Let me know how you like it . I might consider putting on an addition to my barn."
    How easily we slip into our old relationship, Wolf thought. I must not allow myself to forget what was done.
    As they entered the house, White Owl greeted them . Jeremiah and his grandfather grasped one another's shoulders.
    "I am sorry to hear of the death of Running Deer ." His face showed his sorrow. "Forgive me. I'd forgotten that I must not mention his name now that he has passed on."
    "You are forgiven," White Owl said graciously .
    I would not forgive him . He and I spent too many years together. He knows our culture , Wolf thought with annoyance.
    "Our societies are different," White Owl continued, "yet you have tried to learn and accept our ways . Come join us for a drink." He led them to the kitchen.
    Bowl Woman poured blueberry flavored water into three mugs and placed them on the table near the apples .
    "Help yourself," White Owl said, gesturing to the food