When they returned, they dug four deep holes in the sand on either side of me, then they placed a long stake in each pit, being careful to shore each one up so that it stood firm and steady. I watched dumbfounded as they began erecting a webbed scaffold all around me from the smaller branches, tying the posts tightly together with cross-ties of threaded bark. As they scurried up and over the structure like spiders, Te' reached out her arm and held my hand while the wall slowly rose between us.
"What's happening, Te?" I said, horrified they was caging me up like an animal.
"My father doesn't trust us to be together," she said. "He plans to keep you in this enclosure under close guard until either your friends return or the next cargo ship passes by our island. He doesn't want to take any more chances that either one of us will escape before then."
I glanced up at the lattice of poles rising above me and noticed they weren't building any kind of door into the structure.
"Don't you think this is a bit extreme?” I said. “How am I supposed to go to the washroom?"
Te' frowned sheepishly as she pointed toward the back corner of my cage.
"There's a small opening at the base of your enclosure through which we can pass a bucket and plates of food. I'll make sure you're kept as clean and well fed as possible until the ship arrives."
I reflected back on the image of Nona carrying a bowl in and out of her hut while Te' was being held in detention. At least there she had the advantage of covered walls to protect her modesty.
"They w
ant me to do my business in plain sight of all the other villagers?" I said, hardly believing my ears. "Jesus, Te'—this is worse than a Turkish prison. At least there, you have a modicum of privacy."
Teuila squeezed my hand as she looked at me painfully.
"I'll talk to my father about placing a drape over your enclosure. I know it seems harsh, but he could have decided on a far worse course of action. As long as you're still alive, there's a chance we can find a way to be together."
I glanced behind Teuila and noticed Manaia conferring quietly with the chief as they watched us suspiciously.
"What about Manaia? Doesn't your father believe our story about him being a traitor?"
"Unfortunately not. He thinks Manaia comported himself bravely in battle and that his injury was further evidence he was fighting for our side."
I allowed a slight curl to form in the side of my mouth.
"So he doesn't know that you shot the arrow that injured him?"
"He has his suspicions, but there were a lot of arrows flying in every direction during the battle. My father is convinced that it came from one of the other tribesmen."
"And I suppose he also doesn't believe that Manaia was trying to kill me just before he was injured?"
"There were too many people running around, and he was busy fending off his own attackers. It's my word against his."
"And he believes Manaia over his own daughter?!"
"Unfortunately, he's already seen where my allegiance lies, which is with you. He has no reason to believe Manaia had any motive to betray his own tribe."
"So what happens now? What will become of you once your father gets rid of me?"
Teuila glanced down toward my feet as a tear dripped down her face onto the sand.
"He intends to marry me to Manaia tonight after everyone is rested, in celebration of our victory over the other tribe."
"Even though you've made it clear that you want nothing to do with him?" I said, shaking my head in dismay.
"It's no use. My father doesn't understand how two women can be in love the way we are. He insists on following the custom our tribe has practiced for hundreds of years. He expects Manaia and me to produce lots of babies and live happily ever after. He's convinced that once you're out of the picture, I'll regain my senses and settle in to a normal family life here in Anuta."
My face tightened into a painful expression as I peered into Te's eyes, realizing how hopeless our situation had suddenly become.
"Maybe he's right," I sighed. "Maybe I'm just pulling you away from what is natural and right. Maybe I'm just another Western intruder chipping away at your culture, leading you down a path of destruction and heartache, like the explorers did with the people of Easter Island."
"No Jade," Te' said, clasping my arms with both hands. "It's just the opposite. You've opened my eyes to the joy of true freedom and helped me recognize the opportunities outside my tiny sheltered island. It's my father who's been oppressing me and my people. I'm just expressing my free will and following my heart to be with the person I love."