11. Aiyana

Chapter eleven

Aiyana

L et him know if things change?

Clearly, he has. We haven't been great about being vulnerable with one another the last few years. Not since my dad realized that things between Kas and I were getting serious after I graduated from undergrad.

He made it abundantly clear that we should be proud to be Ani'-Yun'wiya', that it's important to honor tradition, and that I'm expected to marry someone with a similar cultural background. And I am proud to be Cherokee. I'm so damn proud that I let his words worm into me, making decisions for me.

If he weren't so sick, I'd probably tell him my thoughts on his opinion of my love life. I'd tell him they're archaic and that love is about more than just culture, but he is sick. And I don't have the heart to say any of those things to him as he continues to become more and more frail every time I see him. Besides, he and Kas have always loved each other, and I don't want to put either of them in a position where things would be strained.

My dad was more of a father figure to Kat and Kas growing up than their own father was. There's just too much at stake for me to put my own wants ahead of those I love.

But I miss him.

Maybe just hanging out with him wouldn't be such a terrible idea. We could be friends?

No, no. I know that isn't true. There's no such thing as just being Kas's friend. Not for me.

So, I finally respond.

Nothing's changed.