Attitude 13: A Daughter of Guam's Collection of Short Stories offers a glimpse into the life of Chamorros across the spectrum of humanity. Taimanglo's anthology includes a myriad of voices and points-of-view with strong Chamorro themes. The stories range from humorous to poignant and offer a mirror for fellow Chamorros and a passport for others to be introduced to the Pacific Islander culture. From the pride of a "Hafa Adai" to the shackles of a culture scarred by colonialism, Attitude 13 is a literary expression of Taimanglo's love for her island home of Guam. ATTITUDE 13 A Daughter of Guam's Collection of Short Stories By Tanya Chargualaf Taimanglo AuthorHouse Copyright © 2010 Tanya Chargualaf Taimanglo All right reserved. ISBN: 978-1-4520-7241-8 Contents Resurfacing..................................1By Any Other Name............................9Sand.........................................19Flightless Bird..............................25Goddess......................................33Yes, I Am....................................45Apostle's Creep..............................59Chirika's Pepper Plant*......................67The List.....................................77Skin Tag You're It...........................81The Tigress Club.............................85Echoes.......................................89Off Road.....................................97Chamorro Word/Phrase KEY.....................103 Chapter One RESURFACING I drew the warm air into my mouth, and it left a cool trail to my lungs. It wasn't painful to breathe again, but I sat on the moist sand and thought about each breath for some time. How long had I been in the ocean? My wish had been granted, to be among those who walk the land. I thought I returned to the spot I walked out on my former life, but the shores of my home looked so different. I wanted to run to my home by the river, but my legs felt heavy. It was like I was in a dream. I clawed at the sand; it was dawn on Guam. I didn't realize that my hair had grown so long, like black seaweed that nearly reached my feet. Remnants of my former shape were still visible on my legs. There was an occasional roar behind me and I was not frightened. I had encountered very scary creatures in the ocean, amongst all the beauty. I just wanted to see my mother and godmother one more time. I realized my nakedness and I looked around for some form of cover. That's when I saw towering white cliffs in the dim morning light. These weren't like any cliffs I had ever scene. Bright lights shone through a line of holes. The lines on these cliffs were straight. Some of the structures were higher than the others and I saw movement in them. Were these caves? I then heard footsteps coming towards me, quick and rhythmic. I pulled my hair forward and it served as a blanket over my body. The last of the shiny scales disappeared from my legs. I did not move. I did not want whoever was approaching to see me. I kept my eyes on the sparkling ebony water and wondered if I had made a mistake in wishing to come home. King, my ocean father, said I could always return if I submerged myself in the water and swim back to the trench. He warned that it would be the last time he would grant me the wish to return to the shore. The change would be permanent. The clomping feet slowed and I heard heavy breathing. A crackling sound made me shift towards the person and I heard the woman's fear in her high-pitched squeal. "Oh my God!" There was a clattering of sounds as she dropped her brown bag of things. "Miss? Are you okay?" I did not understand her words as I pushed my damp hair off my face. It didn't sound like the language I knew. Something in me told me she was friendly. I tried to speak, but my words could not escape. I cleared my throat and then the flood of sounds exploded forth. It was a cluster of odd notes and from the look on the pretty woman's face, I could tell she was frightened. She stumbled back and I decided not to move. She had her hands over her ears and a pained look on her face. "I can't understand. Is your throat hurt? Damn, you can shatter glass with that voice." I cleared my throat again, rubbing my hands on my neck. The slits on the side of my neck were nearly smoothed out. I tried again. "Guahu si Raina." "Oh, I don't speak Chamorro. Well, I took it in high school, but I don't remember much. Siñot Benavente would kill me." The woman spoke quickly in her language. She smiled and I was thankful for her kindness. " Guahu , hmm. You are Raina?" "Hunggan! Guahu si Raina!" I said. "Guahu si Maia." "Maia. Hafa tatamanu hao?" "Todu maolek." Maia jumped up and down. "Awesome. I totally remember that!" "Taotao Hagåtña yo'." "You are from Agana, I mean Hagåtña ? This is Tumon." Maia pointed to the ground. "Where's your house? I mean, these are all hotels here." "Hoh-tels. Este , hotels?" "Raina, you are totally naked. Here." Maia gave me her white g