Authors note: Some of the words in a different language in this story are in Cherokee & Potawatomi and will be translated at the bottom of the chapter and hinted meanings will be in the sentences.

Chapter 7 Nvda Adanvdo

As the end of the first day drew near, it was finally time for the girls most anticipated class together.

Katara was one of the first to arrive to class. She approached a small old woman with grey hair who sat at her desk reading a book.

"Mrs. Elohi! I didn't know you were teaching here!" Katara said, putting a hand on the woman's shoulder.

Mrs. Elohi looked up. Her green eyes lit up. "Katara! How nice to see you."

"Haru didn't mentioned that you'd be teaching here." She said in their native tongue.

"I was offered this position at a higher pay than at the other school."

"You don't teach literature anymore?" She asked.

"I do. I teach the junior classes." Mrs. Elohi explained. "So what brings you here, Ayoli?"

"I'm your TA." Katara said excitedly.

"In that case you can sit in that desk by the back wall." The woman stood up. "I need to make some copies so I'll be right back."

"Alright."

The room was arranged with the teacher's desk at the front beside the whiteboard with the student's desks facing forward. On the back wall was another whiteboard and a long table with two chairs, Katara and Jet's desk. She set her bag on the chair and sat on the desk, waiting for Suki.

By the time the room was half filled, Suki and Jet walked in together.

Katara waved. "Over here!"

The two smiled and walked over.

"Is this our desk?" Jet asked as he tossed his backpack down either way.

"Yes. Suki sit close to us."

She nodded and took the desk right in front of them. "Sure."

Jet studied the name scribbled on the board in front of the room. "Elohi? As in, We'onuk Elohi? Is that old hag here?"

She nodded. "I'll tell Haru you're calling his grandmother names again."

He rolled his eyes. "Like I care."

"Who is that?" Suki asked curiously.

"Haru? He's a friend of ours that didn't come to this school. His grandma is our teacher." She clarified. "She doesn't really like Jet."

Suki tilted her head. "Why not?"

Jet was looking away so Katara hesitantly answered. "It's a long story."

"Hey Zuko! Sit over here!" Jet called out to a tall, pale boy with black hair. The boy walked over with his backpack hung over one shoulder. He sat in the seat next to Suki and in front of Jet. "Zuko, this is Katara and Suki. Girls, this is my new friend Zuko. This makes four classes that we're in together." Jet high-fived him.

"Nice to meet you." Katara reached her hand out to shake his.

"Likewise." His voice was deep and quiet but somehow sent a warm shock into her chest.

When greeting Suki, Zuko made little eye contact which she barely noticed because of how quick it was before he looked away.

"Hey Katara." Jet tapped her shoulder, whispering in their native tongue as Mrs. Elohi taught the class how to say "My Name Is" in Nvda Adanvdo.

"What?" her elbow was propped on the table and her head rested against her palm.

"Can I ask Zuko to the party on Nyano?"

"You already invited those girls from your class so why should inviting him matter?"

"You don't know who he is?"

Katara rolled her eyes at Jet who just wanted to gossip. "Co. Nime'? Why does it matter?"

Jet leaned closer. "His dad is some big shot CEO who wants to open a branch here or something. The counsel is split right now. Some think its pretty shady and others think this could boost our economy. Basically, dad wants me to be friends with him and get a better idea what their family is about."

"You're going to spy? What I don't get is if he's rich, then why here? Aren't there larger cities on the mainland that would be bring in more business?" Katara asked.

"That's what I have to find out I guess."

Translation

Nvda: moon

Adanvda: spirit

Elohi: earth

Ayoli: child

We'onuk: beauty

Nyano: Friday

Co: No

Nime': why