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“No. It isn’t like that. He has been good to me. Real good. I had zero credit, I’m an addict. But he gave me a chance to show I could be responsible, establish some credit, and he let me do a month to month lease.”
“Wow. So what are your plans? You have the same job?”
“Yeah, but it’s a shitshow. I want to look for something better, if I can find it. Thought maybe I would have better luck back in my hometown. I know more people here.”
The feeling of excitement grabs me.
“Yes! Why don’t you stay here with me?”
His old smile reappears.
“Really? You’d do that? I can’t afford too much. Not until I get a job. And who knows how long it will take?”
“Of course I would! I’d love to have you with me, Akoni. You don’t need to pay me anything for now. And I would help you find work.”
Now the tears are in his eyes.
“It’s pretty pathetic I need to ask my little sister for help. But I appreciate it more than you will ever know.”
“It isn’t pathetic! Not in the least! We will always be here for each other, just like Mom and Dad taught us. It’s settled. You’re moving in, for as long as you want.”
“I promise not to disappoint you, Leilani. I’m staying clean this time.”
“I know. I believe it with all my heart.”
We come together in a tight hug. I have my brother back. Now I need to do everything I can think of to keep him.
“What about Alek? Is he going to mind?”
“We have just begun. I think he’s a good man who would understand and agree. But most importantly, it isn’t his decision to make. It’s ours.”
The smile on Akino’s face reminds me of the boy so many summers ago.
“You’ve always been strong, Leilani. I’m going to be strong soon too.”
“You’re already there, brother. You just came through hell.”
Chapter 9
ALEK
“You look really pretty, Mom.”
She put pale pink lipstick on for the occasion and a hint of perfume. Think that’s a good sign. And her white hair is loose and looks beautiful against the long blue dress.
“I don’t know why I agreed to this. Remember your promise.”
She has repeated the request three times today. Now, on our way to the party I sense her anxiety rising. It would have been hidden if Leilani was with us.
“I told you if you want to leave at any time, I will bring you back. Okay?”
No answer. She stares straight ahead, as we take the final turns away from the water, toward Paula’s house.
“I hope there are going to be some people my age. If everyone is young it will be boring.”
“Well, thanks a lot.”
“You know what I mean.”
