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“Hello?” Uncle Noa called, poking his head into the doorway. “Oh! Ari, you’re in. Wonderful. I was wondering if you had time. I’ve been having trouble with my shifting…”
“Sure, Uncle,” I said.
“Is this your mate? Hello!” he said, waving.
“We’re not mates,” Istil and I said in unison, and I came outside and closed the door behind me.
Aunt Kanea’a’s comment about the beds should’ve washed right over me, but it stuck like a piece of seaweed, clinging and irritating. And Istil’s quick rejection of my suggestion was even worse. I felt like a fool for even considering the idea. It was a reminder of where we stood.
Strangers on two distant islands.
* * *
“Hey, brotha!”
I was surprised to find Makoa lounging in a hammock slung out front as I walked up the path to the main house to file the folio of the day’s examinations in my office. A plate of sliced mangos rested on his chest, and he gave me a lazy wave as he popped a piece into his mouth.
“You’re still here?” I asked. “I thought you’d go back to the lighthouse.”
“We told Istil we’d come out here for him, that’s what we’re doing. Just ‘cause you two moved out doesn’t change that. Mango?”
“No, thanks,” I said.
“Everything alright with the new place? Istil happy?”
“He seems much more content, now that he’s able to nest.”
“Seems like you have something you need to get off your chest,” Makoa said. “Am I right?”
It irked me to know that it was that obvious. “Walk with me,” I said.
He followed me to my office carrying the plate of mangos and sat on the side of my desk, watching and eating as I opened the record cabinet to stow away the folio.
“So, what’s up, brotha?” he said.
“Don’t rush me,” I snapped. “I’m trying to think.”
He stared at me and ate the last piece of mango, then slowly sucked the juice off his fingers.
“Don’t do that either,” I said.
“What? I’m not doing shit, bro!”
“You’re trying to get to me with the finger sucking! There’s a sink right over there.”
“Yeah, well, maybe you need to lighten up,” he said, sliding off the desk to wash his hands.
“Sorry,” I said, falling into my chair. “You’re right.”
Makoa leaned against the bookshelf with his arms folded across his chest and waited for me to speak. I rocked in my chair uncomfortably.
“Never mind,” I said. “I was just having a moment, but it’s fine. I’m sorry I wasted your time.”
“Uh-uh-uh,” Makoa said, placing his arm across the door. “Since when have you let me walk out of an examination? If there’s a problem, you better let it out. You’re the one who always says not to ignore when things are hurting.”
“This isn’t an examination. And you’re in my office, Makoa.”
“You don’t live here anymore. Maybe it’s my office now.” He grinned. “You heal the body, Makoa heals the soul.”
