Old Soul Imprint
by Wizardtho
Chapter 04:
BPOV:
There’s always been magic here, on the Quileute reservation. Some could feel it when they get to a certain point… almost like the land had its own magical boundary line. Dad promised me from an early age, that though he didn’t feel it, he believed that I did. He said I was special, that I could feel things that others might not because I have an ‘old soul’. He believed I was connected to the reservation in ways no regular person would understand. I never quite knew what he meant by that, but I often had dreams of the forest and magnificent wolves.
I never really missed not having a mom, even though my birth mother left Dad and me when I was just 4 months old. Instead of one flighty, irresponsible mom, I ended up with several caring, overprotective ones. I had my Gran Marie, Sarah Black, Sue Clearwater, Tiffany Uley, and Joy Ateara. They would each take turns watching me while my dad worked at the station, and always made time to make me feel special.
We lived just outside of reservation land, but I was practically raised on it, so I grew up hearing the old legends of the tribe. Gran Marie liked to tell me them as bedtime stories, while Billy, Old Quil, and Joshua liked to tell them around weekly bonfires. Dad and Harry, on the other hand, liked to make a little game of quizzing me on the histories and legends of the tribe.
Once I turned nine, and everyone started adding more detail to their stories, I realized that one of the legends dealt with a living Quileute tribe member. I don’t think I was supposed to see it, but I happened to be playing by the window in Jake’s room when I saw the black and white wolf I’d always dreamt of, poke his head out from the treeline at the back of the Black property. The wolf’s head disappeared, then only seconds later, Levi Uley was walking up to talk to Billy, who was on the back porch.
No one ever said how old Levi was, and I would never have been brave enough to ask, but he only looked to be in his early 20’s… for my whole childhood. He never seemed to age.
Either way, when I saw the wolf that day, I realized that the newest addition to the legends I was always told had to do with Levi. If I was right, the Uley who was part of the pack that made the treaty with the cold ones was Levi himself… which meant that his wolf still had not found its mate.
See, the ‘Old Soul’ legend stated that a wolf once longed for a mate to complete his soul, but unfortunately, his perfect match would not be born for several generations. As such, the man would continue to transform into his spirit wolf well past his time, until finally his ‘imprint with an old soul’ was born and of age to be mated.
Even with all of the time I spent on reservation land, I was an excellent student. It was commonplace to see me with a book in hand... or at least within reaching distance. I was so advanced, I skipped a grade in elementary school, then another during middle school. It wasn’t fun being two years younger than my classmates, but I was graduating as valedictorian at age 16, with several basic college courses already completed.
Dad wasn’t surprised at all when I got a full ride to the University of Washington. He was surprised, though, that UW was the only college I applied to. When he asked me why during dinner only three nights before graduation, I shrugged while explaining, “Washington is my home, Dad. I’m already going to be missing you and all my rez family, with living on campus. I really don’t want to be states away, or even worse, all the way on the East Coast. At least Seattle is only a couple of hours by car from here.”
Dad left it at that, but the conversation got me thinking more about my reasons for not wanting to leave the state, as well as my secretly growing feelings for a certain black and white wolf. I thought long and hard the next day about those feelings, as I had only ever had casual contact with Levi. Even then, it was only because he came to see someone I was with, or we happened to bump into each other somewhere. We’d never really sat down and talked without a bunch of people around, so why did I feel so much for him?
The more I thought about it, the more I knew only he could give me those answers.
The day before graduation, I got up early, intending on speaking with Levi. The problem was, I didn’t know which exact house was his. I only knew he lived on Quileute St, somewhere along the Quillayute River. After looking at a map, I was pretty sure I knew the general area where the river was closest to the road, so I decided to try my luck.
Luck must have been on my side because even though the road had turned to forest all around me, I was able to clearly make out a gravel drive through the trees. I put my truck in park near the house, smiling at how quaint it was. I must have been admiring it for too long, though, because the next thing I knew, Levi was coming out the front door with a worried look.
I got out and approached, ready to say good morning, but he asked with a frown, “Bella? Is something wrong? Has something happened to Charlie?”
I rushed to reassure him, grateful for his concern, “NO… no, Dad’s fine. Thank you, but nothing’s wrong. I just… umm… would it be alright if we talked for a few minutes? If you’re busy, I can come back-”
He chuckled, which only made the butterflies in my midsection grow. “Bella, slow down. Would you like to come in? It’s still early, so would you like some tea?”
I could only grin in response, “I’d love some, Levi. Thank you.”
Once we were both settled in his tiny living room, I let out a breath. My boldness had gotten me here, then promptly fled. I didn’t have the slightest idea of how to go about this until something came to me.
I sipped my tea for a second, then said, “I’ve always loved it here on the reservation. I’ve never felt at home anywhere else, other than Dad’s house, of course.”
He gave a smile at my statement, but he waited for me to continue. “You know… I’ve dreamt of the Quileute legends my entire life. Even though I wasn’t born with Quileute blood, I feel tied to the reservation and people as if I were. As I grew, I learned more and more about the histories… more of the legends. I didn’t start putting them together until I saw a black and white wolf peeking into Billy’s backyard when I was about 9 years old while playing in Jake’s room. Funny enough, you appeared from the same spot only moments later.”
This time, Levi sipped his tea in order to try hiding his smile. I knew I had him, so I came right out to say, “Up until that moment, I believed the wolf was only a protector of my dreams. That day though, I realized you must have been the Uley who was Ephraim’s beta… and that you still hadn’t found your imprint.”
He shook his head, setting his tea down, “I am the wolf you have been dreaming of. Though I had little clues to tell me when I would be able to be with my imprint, it has been a long wait. You are mistaken on one part, though, Bella. I have found her… she just isn’t ready to be mated yet.”
I nodded, having hoped he would say that, then offered as he sipped his tea again, “I’ve put the pieces together. I could be totally wrong here, so stop me right away if I am… but you’re the reason I can feel the magic in the tribe’s people and land. You’re why I don’t want to go away to college. You’re why I only applied to Washington State, why my feelings for you make no sense, why I dream of you, and why I feel like I can say anything to you without the risk of you making fun of me. No, I don’t quite think I’m ready to be mated, but that’s because I only know you through others.”
After my ramble was done, I realized something. He’d stayed silent through the whole thing. I looked hesitantly in his eyes, to see what I could only describe as his wolf, calm and reassured, “You haven’t stopped me, so… I’m right? I’m who your wolf has waited so long for?”
Levi set his cup down, then knelt at my feet. “Yes, Isabella. You are my imprint, and I will wait for you, no matter how much time you need. I am sorry that you feel you can’t go to any college you want. I didn’t know it would happen this way when I took my spirit journey to meet you those many years ago.”
I shook my head, smiling as I offered, “That doesn’t upset me in the least. None of the things I said upset me, Levi. I only wanted to explain how I put it all together. I don’t want to be far from my Dad, any of my rez family… or you. My feelings for you make no sense to me because until this moment, we’ve never had a deep conversation. We’ve only talked with others around, and only casually if we bump into each other. As for your wolf, I love dreaming of him. He keeps the nightmares away. He’s my protector when I’m most vulnerable. Never apologize for any of those things, please.”
He nodded, then looked down at my fidgeting hands. Slowly, he lifted one of his own, then took hold of one of mine. I took a shaky breath at the calm that seemed to seep into me through his touch, then whispered, “I’ve wondered, but now I know.”
I squeezed his hand slightly, which caused him to smile, “I feel it, too, Bella. It’s not just you, it’s proof of what I’ve known all these long years.”
With a nod, I let out a breath in a sigh. I took a chance to look into his eyes again, then said, “Graduation is tomorrow. I leave for Seattle in a few days, so I can start summer courses. I don’t want us to continue how we have been, though. I think if maybe we talk while I’m gone, and can see each other as friends once in a while, I might be ready once I return. Do you think that’s possible?”
The smile Levi gave me in response made my heart flutter in my chest. “That sounds perfect, Bella. I would like that very much.”
After a few more minutes of talking with Levi, I happened to smile while looking around the tiny room. There were pictures and lots of books, but Levi himself seemed to be hunched down even while sitting in a chair that looked too small for his frame. I chuckled a bit, unable to help it, “Question… does your wolf still grow? Even now?”
He nodded with a curious look, so I explained, “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to sound rude, or as if I’m making fun. It’s just that this house seems too small for you. Maybe it fit you at one time, but now it just seems to me that you’ve outgrown this house. I mean, look at you, Levi. You’re sitting down in a chair that’s too small for you, yet you’re still hunched down, almost as if you’re afraid you’ll hit your head if you sit upright.”
He chuckled loudly at my statement before offering, “You are very perceptive. I have owned this home since my wife, Ellen, went to be with the ancestors. I was alone at the time, one son already with the ancestors, the other raising his own family. Since it hurt too much to relive all the memories in our shared home, I bought this one… and yes, I have hit my head many times in recent years.”
I bit my lip, gave him a tentative smile, then whispered sadly, “You must have loved her very much. I’m sorry you had to lose her. She gave you two strong boys though, Levi, and undoubtedly you had a good life with her.”
He nodded, then sighed, “I did. It isn’t a story for now, but when you are ready, remind me to tell you about my spirit journey and life with Ellen. She wasn’t my soulmate, but I did care for and love her as much as I was able.”
I nodded in acceptance, “I’ll be sure to. Now, how about we get out of here so that you can stretch your legs… and possibly stand upright.”
He chuckled in response, “Yes, lets. I guess I should probably think of remodeling… or starting over, even. I’ll have to look into that.”
Levi and I talked and sat by the river for most of the morning. By lunchtime, I knew I should be going, but hated to break away from the comfort I felt in his presence. My stomach growled, but when I frowned at knowing I really needed to be going, Levi asked, “Would you like to have lunch with me back at the house?”
I sighed, then offered sadly, “I’d really love to, but I still have so much to do before graduation tomorrow. I shouldn’t have stayed as long as I did, but I very much liked having your company for the morning.”
Levi stood to help me up from my spot in the grass, then smiled down at me, “I loved having your company, too, Bella. Let me walk you back. I’ll give you my number, so you’ll have it anytime you feel like talking. If I don’t answer right away, know that I will get back to you as soon as possible.”
I nodded with a smile, “Right… the council of elders and patrolling. You’ll be careful?”
He nodded while taking my hand, then looked directly into my eyes. “I won’t let anything ruin this opportunity for me to finally get to know you, Bella. I promise you I will take every precaution.”
When we reached my truck, he looked worried before saying seriously, “Seattle is a big city. I know Charlie has taught you how to protect yourself, but promise me you will be careful. If you need me, I will come to you. You have only to ask.”
I nodded, getting a little teary at the sound of goodbye in his voice, “I will, I promise.”
We exchanged numbers, then before I could start to cry, I hopped into my truck, saying, “You’ll wish you hadn’t given me this soon, you know. I’ll end up texting or calling you all the time.”
He chuckled before placing a kiss on my cheek, “No tears, little firefly. I look forward to each and every one. Call me anytime, Bella.”
When I got home, I was surprised to see that Dad was home already. I went straight to the kitchen to fix lunch, where Dad was pulling a bottle of water from the fridge. “Hey, Bells. Where did you run off to this morning? I thought you said you needed to finish packing and doing some last-minute things for graduation?”
I hummed, “Well, Chief... I went to the rez to spend the morning with Levi.”
At his scowl and grumble of, “Did he ask you to go see him?” I responded, “Nope. Actually, in a roundabout way, you sent me to him. What you said the other night during dinner got me thinking about why I didn’t want to leave Washington. I thought about it all day yesterday, and today I went to talk to him about some things.”
Dad sighed as he plopped into his seat at the kitchen table, “So you figured it out? I always dreaded this day... hoped it wouldn’t come so soon. I guess I’m not really surprised it happened now, though.”
I sat across from him, studying him, then said, “Yes, Dad. I figured it out. I’m not changing my plans for college, if that’s what you’re worried about. I told Levi that I’m not ready to be mated. That I need to get to know him, and maybe we could see each other as friends sometimes while I’m away at school. We’ll talk on the phone, too. Then, maybe when I get back, I’ll be ready. Right now I’m focused on getting my degree, which he understands.”
Dad let out a sigh, then smiled slightly as he caught my eyes, “You shouldn’t be so grown up about this, but I’m glad you are. At least I get to keep you as my Bells for a little bit longer before I have to give you away to a century-old spirit wolf. Does it upset you that no one ever told you?”
I shook my head, “Honestly? No. I don’t think I should have been told before I figured it out on my own. You and our rez family have always supported me and told me anything I’ve asked questions about, in an age-appropriate manner. It was up to me to put the pieces together -or not- when the time was right. And I’ll always be your little girl, Dad. That will never change.”
BPOV:
There’s always been magic here, on the Quileute reservation. Some could feel it when they get to a certain point… almost like the land had its own magical boundary line. Dad promised me from an early age, that though he didn’t feel it, he believed that I did. He said I was special, that I could feel things that others might not because I have an ‘old soul’. He believed I was connected to the reservation in ways no regular person would understand. I never quite knew what he meant by that, but I often had dreams of the forest and magnificent wolves.
I never really missed not having a mom, even though my birth mother left Dad and me when I was just 4 months old. Instead of one flighty, irresponsible mom, I ended up with several caring, overprotective ones. I had my Gran Marie, Sarah Black, Sue Clearwater, Tiffany Uley, and Joy Ateara. They would each take turns watching me while my dad worked at the station, and always made time to make me feel special.
We lived just outside of reservation land, but I was practically raised on it, so I grew up hearing the old legends of the tribe. Gran Marie liked to tell me them as bedtime stories, while Billy, Old Quil, and Joshua liked to tell them around weekly bonfires. Dad and Harry, on the other hand, liked to make a little game of quizzing me on the histories and legends of the tribe.
Once I turned nine, and everyone started adding more detail to their stories, I realized that one of the legends dealt with a living Quileute tribe member. I don’t think I was supposed to see it, but I happened to be playing by the window in Jake’s room when I saw the black and white wolf I’d always dreamt of, poke his head out from the treeline at the back of the Black property. The wolf’s head disappeared, then only seconds later, Levi Uley was walking up to talk to Billy, who was on the back porch.
No one ever said how old Levi was, and I would never have been brave enough to ask, but he only looked to be in his early 20’s… for my whole childhood. He never seemed to age.
Either way, when I saw the wolf that day, I realized that the newest addition to the legends I was always told had to do with Levi. If I was right, the Uley who was part of the pack that made the treaty with the cold ones was Levi himself… which meant that his wolf still had not found its mate.
See, the ‘Old Soul’ legend stated that a wolf once longed for a mate to complete his soul, but unfortunately, his perfect match would not be born for several generations. As such, the man would continue to transform into his spirit wolf well past his time, until finally his ‘imprint with an old soul’ was born and of age to be mated.
Even with all of the time I spent on reservation land, I was an excellent student. It was commonplace to see me with a book in hand... or at least within reaching distance. I was so advanced, I skipped a grade in elementary school, then another during middle school. It wasn’t fun being two years younger than my classmates, but I was graduating as valedictorian at age 16, with several basic college courses already completed.
Dad wasn’t surprised at all when I got a full ride to the University of Washington. He was surprised, though, that UW was the only college I applied to. When he asked me why during dinner only three nights before graduation, I shrugged while explaining, “Washington is my home, Dad. I’m already going to be missing you and all my rez family, with living on campus. I really don’t want to be states away, or even worse, all the way on the East Coast. At least Seattle is only a couple of hours by car from here.”
Dad left it at that, but the conversation got me thinking more about my reasons for not wanting to leave the state, as well as my secretly growing feelings for a certain black and white wolf. I thought long and hard the next day about those feelings, as I had only ever had casual contact with Levi. Even then, it was only because he came to see someone I was with, or we happened to bump into each other somewhere. We’d never really sat down and talked without a bunch of people around, so why did I feel so much for him?
The more I thought about it, the more I knew only he could give me those answers.
The day before graduation, I got up early, intending on speaking with Levi. The problem was, I didn’t know which exact house was his. I only knew he lived on Quileute St, somewhere along the Quillayute River. After looking at a map, I was pretty sure I knew the general area where the river was closest to the road, so I decided to try my luck.
Luck must have been on my side because even though the road had turned to forest all around me, I was able to clearly make out a gravel drive through the trees. I put my truck in park near the house, smiling at how quaint it was. I must have been admiring it for too long, though, because the next thing I knew, Levi was coming out the front door with a worried look.
I got out and approached, ready to say good morning, but he asked with a frown, “Bella? Is something wrong? Has something happened to Charlie?”
I rushed to reassure him, grateful for his concern, “NO… no, Dad’s fine. Thank you, but nothing’s wrong. I just… umm… would it be alright if we talked for a few minutes? If you’re busy, I can come back-”
He chuckled, which only made the butterflies in my midsection grow. “Bella, slow down. Would you like to come in? It’s still early, so would you like some tea?”
I could only grin in response, “I’d love some, Levi. Thank you.”
Once we were both settled in his tiny living room, I let out a breath. My boldness had gotten me here, then promptly fled. I didn’t have the slightest idea of how to go about this until something came to me.
I sipped my tea for a second, then said, “I’ve always loved it here on the reservation. I’ve never felt at home anywhere else, other than Dad’s house, of course.”
He gave a smile at my statement, but he waited for me to continue. “You know… I’ve dreamt of the Quileute legends my entire life. Even though I wasn’t born with Quileute blood, I feel tied to the reservation and people as if I were. As I grew, I learned more and more about the histories… more of the legends. I didn’t start putting them together until I saw a black and white wolf peeking into Billy’s backyard when I was about 9 years old while playing in Jake’s room. Funny enough, you appeared from the same spot only moments later.”
This time, Levi sipped his tea in order to try hiding his smile. I knew I had him, so I came right out to say, “Up until that moment, I believed the wolf was only a protector of my dreams. That day though, I realized you must have been the Uley who was Ephraim’s beta… and that you still hadn’t found your imprint.”
He shook his head, setting his tea down, “I am the wolf you have been dreaming of. Though I had little clues to tell me when I would be able to be with my imprint, it has been a long wait. You are mistaken on one part, though, Bella. I have found her… she just isn’t ready to be mated yet.”
I nodded, having hoped he would say that, then offered as he sipped his tea again, “I’ve put the pieces together. I could be totally wrong here, so stop me right away if I am… but you’re the reason I can feel the magic in the tribe’s people and land. You’re why I don’t want to go away to college. You’re why I only applied to Washington State, why my feelings for you make no sense, why I dream of you, and why I feel like I can say anything to you without the risk of you making fun of me. No, I don’t quite think I’m ready to be mated, but that’s because I only know you through others.”
After my ramble was done, I realized something. He’d stayed silent through the whole thing. I looked hesitantly in his eyes, to see what I could only describe as his wolf, calm and reassured, “You haven’t stopped me, so… I’m right? I’m who your wolf has waited so long for?”
Levi set his cup down, then knelt at my feet. “Yes, Isabella. You are my imprint, and I will wait for you, no matter how much time you need. I am sorry that you feel you can’t go to any college you want. I didn’t know it would happen this way when I took my spirit journey to meet you those many years ago.”
I shook my head, smiling as I offered, “That doesn’t upset me in the least. None of the things I said upset me, Levi. I only wanted to explain how I put it all together. I don’t want to be far from my Dad, any of my rez family… or you. My feelings for you make no sense to me because until this moment, we’ve never had a deep conversation. We’ve only talked with others around, and only casually if we bump into each other. As for your wolf, I love dreaming of him. He keeps the nightmares away. He’s my protector when I’m most vulnerable. Never apologize for any of those things, please.”
He nodded, then looked down at my fidgeting hands. Slowly, he lifted one of his own, then took hold of one of mine. I took a shaky breath at the calm that seemed to seep into me through his touch, then whispered, “I’ve wondered, but now I know.”
I squeezed his hand slightly, which caused him to smile, “I feel it, too, Bella. It’s not just you, it’s proof of what I’ve known all these long years.”
With a nod, I let out a breath in a sigh. I took a chance to look into his eyes again, then said, “Graduation is tomorrow. I leave for Seattle in a few days, so I can start summer courses. I don’t want us to continue how we have been, though. I think if maybe we talk while I’m gone, and can see each other as friends once in a while, I might be ready once I return. Do you think that’s possible?”
The smile Levi gave me in response made my heart flutter in my chest. “That sounds perfect, Bella. I would like that very much.”
After a few more minutes of talking with Levi, I happened to smile while looking around the tiny room. There were pictures and lots of books, but Levi himself seemed to be hunched down even while sitting in a chair that looked too small for his frame. I chuckled a bit, unable to help it, “Question… does your wolf still grow? Even now?”
He nodded with a curious look, so I explained, “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to sound rude, or as if I’m making fun. It’s just that this house seems too small for you. Maybe it fit you at one time, but now it just seems to me that you’ve outgrown this house. I mean, look at you, Levi. You’re sitting down in a chair that’s too small for you, yet you’re still hunched down, almost as if you’re afraid you’ll hit your head if you sit upright.”
He chuckled loudly at my statement before offering, “You are very perceptive. I have owned this home since my wife, Ellen, went to be with the ancestors. I was alone at the time, one son already with the ancestors, the other raising his own family. Since it hurt too much to relive all the memories in our shared home, I bought this one… and yes, I have hit my head many times in recent years.”
I bit my lip, gave him a tentative smile, then whispered sadly, “You must have loved her very much. I’m sorry you had to lose her. She gave you two strong boys though, Levi, and undoubtedly you had a good life with her.”
He nodded, then sighed, “I did. It isn’t a story for now, but when you are ready, remind me to tell you about my spirit journey and life with Ellen. She wasn’t my soulmate, but I did care for and love her as much as I was able.”
I nodded in acceptance, “I’ll be sure to. Now, how about we get out of here so that you can stretch your legs… and possibly stand upright.”
He chuckled in response, “Yes, lets. I guess I should probably think of remodeling… or starting over, even. I’ll have to look into that.”
Levi and I talked and sat by the river for most of the morning. By lunchtime, I knew I should be going, but hated to break away from the comfort I felt in his presence. My stomach growled, but when I frowned at knowing I really needed to be going, Levi asked, “Would you like to have lunch with me back at the house?”
I sighed, then offered sadly, “I’d really love to, but I still have so much to do before graduation tomorrow. I shouldn’t have stayed as long as I did, but I very much liked having your company for the morning.”
Levi stood to help me up from my spot in the grass, then smiled down at me, “I loved having your company, too, Bella. Let me walk you back. I’ll give you my number, so you’ll have it anytime you feel like talking. If I don’t answer right away, know that I will get back to you as soon as possible.”
I nodded with a smile, “Right… the council of elders and patrolling. You’ll be careful?”
He nodded while taking my hand, then looked directly into my eyes. “I won’t let anything ruin this opportunity for me to finally get to know you, Bella. I promise you I will take every precaution.”
When we reached my truck, he looked worried before saying seriously, “Seattle is a big city. I know Charlie has taught you how to protect yourself, but promise me you will be careful. If you need me, I will come to you. You have only to ask.”
I nodded, getting a little teary at the sound of goodbye in his voice, “I will, I promise.”
We exchanged numbers, then before I could start to cry, I hopped into my truck, saying, “You’ll wish you hadn’t given me this soon, you know. I’ll end up texting or calling you all the time.”
He chuckled before placing a kiss on my cheek, “No tears, little firefly. I look forward to each and every one. Call me anytime, Bella.”
When I got home, I was surprised to see that Dad was home already. I went straight to the kitchen to fix lunch, where Dad was pulling a bottle of water from the fridge. “Hey, Bells. Where did you run off to this morning? I thought you said you needed to finish packing and doing some last-minute things for graduation?”
I hummed, “Well, Chief... I went to the rez to spend the morning with Levi.”
At his scowl and grumble of, “Did he ask you to go see him?” I responded, “Nope. Actually, in a roundabout way, you sent me to him. What you said the other night during dinner got me thinking about why I didn’t want to leave Washington. I thought about it all day yesterday, and today I went to talk to him about some things.”
Dad sighed as he plopped into his seat at the kitchen table, “So you figured it out? I always dreaded this day... hoped it wouldn’t come so soon. I guess I’m not really surprised it happened now, though.”
I sat across from him, studying him, then said, “Yes, Dad. I figured it out. I’m not changing my plans for college, if that’s what you’re worried about. I told Levi that I’m not ready to be mated. That I need to get to know him, and maybe we could see each other as friends sometimes while I’m away at school. We’ll talk on the phone, too. Then, maybe when I get back, I’ll be ready. Right now I’m focused on getting my degree, which he understands.”
Dad let out a sigh, then smiled slightly as he caught my eyes, “You shouldn’t be so grown up about this, but I’m glad you are. At least I get to keep you as my Bells for a little bit longer before I have to give you away to a century-old spirit wolf. Does it upset you that no one ever told you?”
I shook my head, “Honestly? No. I don’t think I should have been told before I figured it out on my own. You and our rez family have always supported me and told me anything I’ve asked questions about, in an age-appropriate manner. It was up to me to put the pieces together -or not- when the time was right. And I’ll always be your little girl, Dad. That will never change.”