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“But why can’t you go to one in Hawaii?”
A metamorphosis changes her face, expression, mood. Haven’t seen that smile since we came back.
“For real?”
Her hands grip my shoulders.
“For real. If that’s what you want, I’ll take you out now, and get a refund. You can start the new school after winter break.”
“What about you? I know you want to be with Leilani, but what about the restaurant? And where are we going to live? When are we going?”
“Let me tell you the whole plan. But I don’t want you to tell Leilani. I want to surprise her.”
“I think you guys are really good together, Dad.”
“I think so too. I want you to get to know each other. It’ll take time, but we’ll have it now.”
Arms encircle my neck and she cries into my shoulder. The lump in my throat rises. Damn. Never been so sure I was doing the right thing.
Chapter 25
LEILANI
Something is in the air. What’s going on? Auntie Nani is acting strange. A little too happy when we are together. Like she knows something I don’t. But no one else here is acting different. Not Paula or Aunt Marie. Not Noa. Not even Lani. I must be imagining things.
Except for one telling puzzle piece. Alana. Her mood has changed dramatically. Starting with FaceTime. Each time she is there with Alek, she’s different. How she talks with her father, and the way she describes her days. Like the girl she was three months ago. Is it my wishful thinking? Iamsearching for any sign that leads to their return to the island.
He would tell me. I could read it on his face. But I see nothing there. It is hard to fight logic which says it will be four years before we can be together daily. We will live in a half-dreamed dream. But still better than any I have known.
Daily walks have kept me sane. This routine, every morning and around sunset. It takes up three of my waking hours. Not that I stop thinking about it all, but at least I have something beautiful to look at while I turn every stone over in my mind.
The ocean is gorgeous today, taking on a deeper blue. A winter sun dips into the horizon, and a breeze has come up. Forgot my chopstick, so wild tendrils float in the air. Pulling my sweatshirt close, I head for the point, passing the stooped man who never looks up.
Rarely does the sand between my toes feel cold. But today it does. There are a few people in the water, bodysurfing. Looking to catch the last waves of the day.
A gray blur races past me, so close it almost knocks me down! Kanaka! I call to the excited dog as he makes circles around where I stand.
“Boy! What are you doing out? Is your mama here?”
“It’s okay. I have him.”
I turn to face Alek. Shock turns to happiness, and every cell in my body jumps for joy. We are in each other’s arms and I lose all control of my emotions. I begin to cry.
“Are you happy or sad?”
“Happy if you’re staying. Tell me you are. Please tell me you are.”
“I don’t want to live without you, Leilani. I knew it months ago. But I needed to consider more than myself.”
“I understand and respect that. It’s how a father should be.”
He smiles and holds me tighter.
“Alana and I come as a package deal. I’m hoping you might come to love my girl too. With time.”
“I believe it with all my heart, Alekanekelo.”
Our lips meet in a gentle caress, like soft rain on a winter’s evening. There is only this. One timeless moment, where love thought only to be found in fantasies proves real.
