By the time John had caught up with Nakoma, she was already halfway to the cornfields that separated the village from the forest. John panted heavily as he ran. He had always considered himself pretty athletic and in good shape, but Nakoma easily gave him a run for his money when it came to running long distances. He swore the woman must be part deer, the way her long strides seemed to carry her effortlessly across the wide fields of her village. He knew that Pocahontas was also a fast runner, but to him it seemed that Nakoma could easily beat her, given the opportunity.
So lost in his thoughts was he that he never noticed Nakoma come to a dead stop and almost knocked her off her feet when he ran into her. John mumbled a quick apology while helping to steady her so she wouldn't fall. She assured him it was no harm done and he in return asked her why she had stopped so suddenly. His answer came when he followed Nakoma's gaze across the way. John's eyes grew large and a chill ran down his spine when he saw the chief approaching. His first instinct was to run in the other direction. This surprised him. He had never been a coward, but something about the man was able to intimidate him.
He was about to take a step in the opposite direction when he felt a hand on his arm. He turned to see Nakoma glaring at him. "Where are you going?" she hissed silently. "The same place you are. " John replied. "Jamestown. Remember? Thomas needs us?" Nakoma nodded. "I know. We will go after a few moments. The chief is coming right now." "Yeah, so?" John asked. Nakoma's eyes grew narrow. "Have you no respect, John. The chief is the most powerful man in the tribe, not to mention the father of the woman that you love, at least I assume you do." John rose to his full six-foot-one-inch frame and met her challenging gaze. "Of course I love her. Why would you question that?"
Nakoma's relaxed and her voice softened. "I apologize John. I don't question it, but if you truly love her as much as you claim you do, then her father should not pose a problem. I know he can be difficult at times, but you work together to try to get around that. Now I know she's not here, you could try and smooth things over on your own. If not completely, then at least start it. If nothing else John, just remember this. Love is patient, kind and endures through all circumstances, no matter the difficulty." Nakoma turned and went to greet the chief, John following silently behind. He was surprised at how much her words had impacted him. Was that the type of love he was showing toward Pocahontas? Was he willing to endure anything with her, even if it tested him to his very limits? He knew for a fact he certainly been patient with her and Thomas this morning and he knew he must apologize. He decided at that very moment that he would do his very best to live up to the standards that he was raised by and to do everything in his power to show that kind of love to her, even if it meant dealing with her father at times such as these. He was called out of his thoughts by Nakoma clearing her throat.
John raised his head, only to come face to face with the very man that he had previously made a definite effort to avoid at all costs. The chief stood in front of him, arms crossed and watching him with a stern gaze. "Chief Powhaton." John said softly, nodding respectfully. "John Smith." Powhaton replied, repeating the gesture, which surprised the captain. "Wingapo Nakoma." Powhaton acknowledged her presence. Nakoma silently returned the greeting and muttered something in rapid Algonquen. The chief nodded and replied, leaving John watching them with a confused look on his face
After a few minutes the two stopped and the chief turned back to John. "Nakoma tells me that you know where my daughter is." John nodded. "Yes, sir. I do. She's a t Thomas's house in Jamestown. His wife has gone into labor and she sent me to retrieve Nakoma. I had just done so when you arrived and we were headed to Jamestown to get the doctor and then go back to his house to be of some assistance. The chief listened silently and when he was done, motioned for John and Nakoma to follow. Leaning in next to Nakoma, John whispered "Where are we going?" "Jamestown." She said without turning to face him. Once again, John felt like throwing up his hands in frustration. He was learning more and more about Pocahontas's culture and ways. While some was fascinating, other areas were downright new and quite confusing at times. Despite this, Nakoma's words rang through his mind and his vow came back to him. He then came out of his thoughts and followed the chief and Nakoma toward Jamestown to where his future waited.
……..Later…..
John burst through the door of Thomas's small cabin; Nakoma and the chief following close behind. He scanned the room for Pocahontas and finally spotted her in a small side room. She met his gaze and hurried out to meet him. When she reached him, John took her hands in his as she asked. "Did you get everyone?" John nodded. "Nakoma and your father are here and Dr. Walker is on his way." "Thank you so much." She said, pulling him close to her. John allowed her to hold him and he rested his head on top of hers for a moment. A moment later, she lifted her head, which startled him. "Did you say my father is here as well?"
John nodded. "Nakoma and I ran into him on the way here." Pocahontas looked worried. "Did he say anything to you?" John shook his head. "Just asked me where you were and then followed us here. He was surprisingly cordial. Maybe this is our chance to talk with him." Pocahontas shook her head. "No, it's too soon. It was only last night that he tried to arrange my marriage to Naco." "Naco?" John asked, trying not to laugh. "What kind of name is Naco?" Pocahontas smirked. "His parents weren't too good with names. He has a sister called Socko." At this John burst into outright laughter and Pocahontas snickered along with him, not able to contain it.
They were interrupted by Nakoma a few moments later. "Pocahontas," she said. "The doctor needs your help. Linda's contractions are getting worse and the doctor is not specialized in child birth." "Of course, I'll be right there." She answered. Nakoma nodded and went back to the room. "I have to go." Pocahontas said, turning back to John. "Stay with Thomas and make sure the poor man doesn't hyperventilate." She smiled and turned to go, but John pulled her back. When she gave him a look, he said nothing, but pulled her to him, took her face in his hands, and softly placed his lips on hers in a brief, gentle kiss.
When he pulled back after only a second, Pocahontas smiled. "What was that for?" she asked. John smiled. "Just because." Pocahontas smiled back and went to assist Nakoma. John was still smiling when he turned to find Thomas sitting on couch a few feet away. "So Thomas," John said. "Are you ready to become a father?" Thomas looked up at him surprised. "Why would you care." He said, a denfensive edge to his voice. "You basically told me to go take a flying leap when I came this morning."
John was startled at his response and realized why Thomas was acting so strangley. He knew it was time to make peace with his best friend. "Thomas, I'm sorry. I know I was a jerk this morning and I apologize. Someone talked some sense into me this afternoon and I sincerely apologize." Thomas rose from where he sat and made his way over to John. "John, I'm scared out of my wits. How will I know what I'm supposed to do? What if I mess up? There won't be anyone there to fix it! And Linda! How can I provide for a family? I don't even have a job yet! I really did it this time, John. I'm in way over my head."
John waited until Thomas was finished. "Listen to me." He commanded, taking the young man by the shoulders. "You will be a great father. You're younger than I am and look at you. You're married to a wonderful woman, who adores you, have a beautiful home, and soon another person who will love you. In all honesty, Thomas, I should be jealous of you." Thomas chuckled. "I guess I am pretty lucky." John nodded. "Of course you are. I hope to have the same luck one day." Thomas glanced back at him. "You have Pocahontas. I wouldn't say you're doing terrible." John nodded again. "You're right. And Lord willing, someday we'll be in the same position and you can keep me from hyperventilating." The two friends shared a laugh before embracing. After releasing Thomas, John stood back and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You'll be fine," he said. Thomas only nodded. He noticed Pocahonast coming into the room and turned to face her with John following suit. John expected to see joy on her face and was surprised to find fear and concern. "Pocahontas, what is it?" Pocahontas said nothing but turned to Thomas. "The doctor needs you." was all she said. Thomas turned frantic. "Is Linda alright?" Pocahontas looked solemn. "He didn't say. All he said was that I needed to fetch the husband and from the tone of his voice, I suggest you come." With that, she turned and went back to Nakoma and Linda, leaving Thomas and John standing in the living room, shock on their faces.