241 A visit to Tennessee 2

"She is still only a child,  eyes back in your head Yanasi. She has barely turned fifteen. So not old enough for you to even be interested." Her voice stern and her look fierce. The boy smiles and says 

"Aww auntie , I understand it's just she is so beautiful with that long blond hair and those eyes just make you feel like your looking into the sea. " his eyes still haven't left Crystal's back as she moves around the store. 

HeJin just chuckles and tells him. 

"Unless you want to see her two uncles get angry , not to mention her father Yona to come after you I suggest you be more subtle about your admiration." Yanasi turns to her in shock. 

"That is Yona's daughter, man that is not fair . How is it that she has to be my cousin, so unfair but that means I can talk to her and get to know her as family. So it's ok we can be friends." He grins and goes to introduce himself to his cousin. 

he taps Crystal on the shoulder as she jumps in surprise she flips him and knocks him to the ground. Her eyes grow large as she looks into a face that resembles her father.

"oh I'm so sorry but don't ever touch me when I'm not expecting it . Your lucky I didn't hit your windpipe. You must be elogi Ama son. I'm Crystal your cousin Yona's daughter. You look like my Dad. I'm sorry for flipping you to the ground. We haven't visited since I was about five when my uncle Astila and aunt Aisling were married. " 

Yanasi grins and stands up. 

"It's ok , to be honest I was disappointed when Auntie HeJin told me that we were related. Then I thought at least by us being related I can be the envy of the boys that I have such a beautiful cousin. I'm Yanasi by the way. " Yanasi holds out his hand to shake hers. Crystal is reluctant to touch anyone she doesn't know because of her gift, since he is family she takes his hand. 

Lotus and Lilli walk around the corner to see them Lotus calls out. 

"Crystal have you found a boyfriend already, we have only been here less than a day?" Crystal puts her hands on her hips and glares at them. 

"For your information this is Yanasi, he is our cousin . His mom is our grandma's sister, Aunt Ama. So be nice and say hello." The twin giggle and introduce themselves. 

"I'm lotus and I look like my dad. The white girl is my twin Lilli she takes after our mom. Before you ask we are twins just not identical. " Lotus being more outgoing than Lilli speaks for the both of them. Lilli looks at Yanasi and asks him. 

Yanasi knows exactly where she is talking about he tells her. 

"Don't worry your dad knows these mountains he grew up here. The cave your talking about is near the sacred circle where we hold ceremonies. It's not far,  if your dad says it's ok I would like to go with you . " Lilli smiles and writes down her dads number for him. Telling him to call after work. HeJin calls to the girls letting them know she is done shopping and it's time to go. The three girls wave bye to Yanasi and follow their aunt. 

On the way, home Crystal asks HeJin. 

"Do you think we will get to spend time with the elders on this trip? I want to learn to weave a basket. " HeJin smiles at the three children. She had been worried they would be bored but each of them has things they want to do. Luckily Astila has already decided to stay till school starts again. So they have plenty of time to spend learning a few fun things. 

"I'm sure you will, Aisling and Astila have already said they may stay till school starts. So that gives you nearly a month to accomplish everything you want to do." 

the girls begin to cheer at the thought of getting to stay for a month. They have never really gotten to spend time with the family here so it will be fun. Crystal looks a little sad so Steve asks her 

"What's wrong imp why the long face?" Steve waits for her answer. 

"I'm just going to miss mom and dad. I have not been without them that long and I didn't bring enough clothes." Crystal tells him sighing. 

"No worries when you start to run out of clothes we can wash them and if need be I'm sure your Aunts will take you shopping. You know you can FaceTime with your parents anytime you like. " Steve tells her as they are pulling into the driveway.

Aisling comes out to greet them and help carry the groceries. Lilli tells her mom. 

"We met Yanasi at the store he works there. He says he knows where the cave I want to find is. I told him to give Dad a call after work to find out when we are going. You know he is our cousin and he was smitten with Crystal until he found out we are related. " 

Crystal groans at the thought of a boy liking her already. She has too much on her mind to think about boys. Astila walks in and calls out to the girls. 

"Come outside I have a surprise for you girls. " the three girls smile at the sound of his voice and take off running for the door. When they get outside there stands a big man with six horses in the front yard. 

"This is my cousin and he brought my horses that I asked him to get. They have been specifically chosen for each of you. Crystal the pinto is yours, Lotus and Lilli the Tennessee walkers are yours . The two Sakhalin-Teke are mine and Aisling's. The Shetland is Alex's." Astila tells them as they go to stand next to the horses. Lotus looks at her Dad with a puzzled look and asks. 

"What about the other kids? When they come to visit they will need a horse also. You can't expect Brayden and Noah to want to ride a girls horse. " Astila laughs and tells the girls. 

"I have already spoken to Sam,Marshal Randy and Dude they all said that when the time comes we can get horses for the others. Your aunt Salali already has three horses in New York . So we do not need to worry about them. As you know Uncle John always had horses and Brayden will soon be working in the stables at the track so he will most likely be getting a race horse soon. As for Tannis and Daisy they both have said they are afraid of horses. So you need not to worry there will be enough horses for everyone. Now these horses will be staying here in Tennessee when we leave at my cousins ranch. So who is up for an evening ride?" Before he could finish his sentence the girls were already mounting their horses . While they were on their ride HeJin was getting dinner ready and Steve was making sure the fire pit was ready for the evening. It's nice  having the family visit. Steve is enjoying his retirement more than he expected. He gives John a call it's been awhile since he talked to his brother. 

on the ride Lilli tells her dad about Yanasi. 

"Daddy when we were in the store we met an older cousin. He says that the cave I'm looking for is near the sacred circle. So can we go tomorrow?" 

Astila knows that she is tenacious and will not give up so he agrees. 

"You know that the cave you are talking about is a sacred cave . That we are not supposed to enter that cave unless invited to. " 

Lilli looks dejected then smiles brightly. 

" since it has been in my dreams then I guess that can be considered an invitation. I wonder who we will meet in the cave. I hope Yanasi won't get frightened when we enter the cave. I don't think he knows about our gifts does he!" Lilli asks her Dad. 

"I'm not sure but we will find put tomorrow when we arrive at the cave. " Astila looks at Aisling wondering if it is a good idea . he knows that they will try to go without them if they do not take them. So it looks like they will be going on a special journey first thing in the morning.