Together Again (Open)

Name: Melodie Akanu
Age: 21
Height/Weight: 5'4 / 110
Bust: 36 C
Hair/Eye color: Dark brunette, hazel
Nationalty: Hawaiian
Personality: Tomboyish, saracastic, playful, blunt
(CLOSED FOR: Annisthyrienne)
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With a long deep sigh, Melodie laid back onto the sand and crossed her arms behind her head. The gritty substance coated her bare back and shoulders, but she was more than used to it. After living in Hawaii so long, sand was just another casual thing, like dust or fuzz. Her brown eyes closed slowly but the bright rays of the sun still managed to leak past her eyelids. Melodie was comfortable though, which was all that mattered. The waves of the ocean crashed against the shore steadily and a few birds flew over head. It was such a beautiful day out, there was no way she could have spent it inside studying. Besides, she was on Spring break. College could wait a day. Speaking of which, a small smile curled onto the junior's lips. Her cousin would be arriving any minute now and her stomach gave a flutter. She hadn't seen her in what? Eleven years? They had been ten when the other girl moved to the States mainland and left Melodie all alone with her brothers. Both girls had big families. Big. Male families. And as much as Melodie loved her brothers, it was nice to have a female relative her age around. She’d missed her cousin despite the fact there were plenty of other girls on the island. There was still a difference though.

Melodie’s mind drifted from her cousin for a moment and began to recall other girls she’d made friends with on the island. There were quite a few, but only a few real close ones. It was somewhat hard for her to truly relate to other girls because she was so…masculine sometimes. Over the past few years, she’d begun to develop a liking for actual feminine clothes, but all through junior high and high school, she was a strict tee shirt and jeans/shorts girl. She even wore boys trunks and a wife beater when she went surfing for quite a while. Leilani had changed that though. Another mischievous smile dawned Melodie’s features and she wondered how her cousin might take the news. They were always extremely close, but she didn’t know if she could handle the fact she switched teams. It’d happened in high school when Leilani stole her heart and then some. Since then, Odie knew she was gay. No. She knew before, but it just hadn’t been something that registered. Lei lured it out of her and even though they were split, Melodie still thought of her fondly for her help in discovering herself. “MELODIE!”

The girl’s eyes flickered open and she sat up quickly, recognizing her cousin’s voice immediately. Without hesitation she stood up from her bed in the sand and turned to face her seemingly long lost cousin. Melodie only had a moment to look her over, but it was very obvious both of them weren’t kids anymore. She dusted the sand off her bikini and her lean figure before wrapping her arms tight around her relative. “I’ve missed you so much! How have you been, kai??”

Hawaiian translations


Name: Kai Hokeo
Age: 21
Height/Weight: 5'6 / 117
Bust: 34 B
Hair/Eye color: Brunette (almost black), Brown
Nationality: Hawaiian
Personality: Reserved, somewhat sheltered and naive, but wanting to break out.

Kai was a little nervous, but very eagerly anticipating her reunion with her cousin as she headed for the private beach where she knew Melodie would be waiting. It had always been 'their' spot. It was the perfect place to meet up again.

She was a little tired from the flight over. It had taken nearly 14 hours travel time to get here from Knoxville. But there was no way she was going to spend any more of her Spring Break away from her favorite 'kama 'aina'. It seemed like so long since she had seen her last. It had been over a decade since her mother got the teaching job at UT Knoxville and they had to move away from the islands. She missed this place, but she never realized just how much, she thought, as she made her way down the lush path.

She could hardly wait to see Melodie again. She wondered how her cousin would look after all these years. She knew she had changed, and wondered if Mel would even recognize her. They had tried to stay in touch with email and chat sometimes, but it was not possible to have the closeness they once shared as childhood companions. They had been nearly inseparable when they were girls, being so close in age. Only 3 months separated them, not enough to matter.

When her family had moved to Tennessee, she thought she'd never fit in there. She was basically shy and had relied on Mel to break the ice when they were young, meeting new people, making new friends. Mel had never had trouble opening up to people. But Kai was more reserved, and it was months before she really made any new friends in Knoxville.

It didn't help that she looked so different from the mainlanders in Tennessee. There were a lot of Hispanics in the Knoxville area, and a lot of people mistook her for Latina, which she thought was completely ridiculous. It was one more thing that kept her from fitting in.

And forget dating much. Her brothers became very protective of their 'kaikuahine', their little sister, when the family had moved inland. As a result, she hadn't had much experience with guys, only a few first dates that never went anywhere. She loved her family, but she felt oppressed by them sometimes. So when her brothers decided to go to Tampa for Spring Break, she chose to come back here. She had to save up her own money for the trip, but it was worth the many months working as a waitress at Tony's Pizza. And it helped that her aunt let her stay with them while she was here.

She felt the sand between her bare toes as she neared the beach, and she could see a beautiful young woman lying in the sun on the beach ahead. She breathed deeply of the sea air and called out to her, "Melodie!" Her steps quickened to a run to close the distance between them as she saw her cousin stand and brush the sand off her bikini. Kai's excitement grew with every step closer and she flung herself into a joyful hug as she greeted her cousin. "Aloha, hoahanau!"

Kai had lived long enough in Tennessee to pick up the southern drawl and it made her Hawaiian pronunciation sound funny to Melodie's ears, but also sexy in a way.

“I’ve missed you so much! How have you been, Kai??” Melodie asked.

"Oh, I've missed you too, more than you could know! I've been good, but I'm better now; I'm home and we're together again!"

Kai was reluctant to let go of her cousin; she had missed her so much. It was amazing just to hug her and know she was real and they were together again, just like old times. Well, not exactly like old times, she thought as she pulled back to arm's length to take in the sight of her childhood companion, now all grown up into a beautiful woman.

"Wow, Mel! Just look at you! You're beautiful! You must have the local male population in a frenzy." Kai joked.

Melodie was ecstatic that Kai was just as excited as she was to see each other again. Part of her had worried that moving away would sever their bond more than she originally thought. The two of them were still young and for all Mel knew, Kai could have become one of those vain and pretentious girls that often visited the island with their daddy’s jets and alcohol. Absentmindedly, she rolled her eyes. So far Kai seemed like…well Kai. "Melodie!" "Aloha, hoahanau!" Her accent was…strange though. She knew her cousin had moved into the southern part of the main land, but she hadn’t really expected her to have an accent…let alone such an attractive one. She grinned, hugging her cousin closer as she lightly buried her head into Kai’s neck.

“Listen to that funny accent! You sound like a regular paniolo!” she chuckled, “but it fits you, it’s adorable,”

Then again, Kai had always been rather adorable to her. Even though they were the same age, Melodie felt like Kai was a younger sister. She was just so shy most of the time, but it wasn’t too hard to slip past whatever awkward wall she had put up. As kids, Mel was Kai’s courage, her charisma and Kai was Mel’s logic and support. The two of them had been a team, they were inseparable and being reunited felt incredible. Part of her didn’t wanna release her ‘hoahanau’ but it wasn’t like they could stay there all day. Don’t get me wrong, they were going to relax there plenty. A chill day in their own little spot was exactly what the doctor ordered for both of them.

"Oh, I've missed you too, more than you could know! I've been good, but I'm better now; I'm home and we're together again!"

“Definitely, it’s been so weird without you here. I have so much to tell you,” Reluctantly, her grip loosened and her arms fell gently to her side as she glanced over her cousin once more. Her toes dug a little into the sand and her nose wiggled a little in playful frustration. “Since when are you taller than me? Ugh, so unfair…I swear everyone in our families are giants. I’m normal.” Realizing she was sinking a little, the woman readjusted her footing and straightened her back to stand on her tip toes. It added a small amount of height, but still only enough to put her at eye level.

Her eyes searched Kai’s face slowly this time, taking in how her ‘hoaloha’ had changed. They had both blossomed beautifully, her cousin especially. Her skin seemed flawless and unconsciously Melodie reached out, placing her palm against her cousin’s cheek affectionately. The skin was soft and she drew back with a small satisfied smile. Melodie couldn’t help but be impulsive, it was how she’d always been. Everything about her was completely spontaneous, well almost everything and she prided herself in that. She never liked to take the same path twice and her plans always change at a moments notice. It’s not all that great when you have a job to do or a girlfriend for that matter, but other wise, it just…makes life a little more interesting. Speaking of jobs, she had to reminded herself to head down to the surf shop later and turn in her application. She was there enough, why not apply? "Wow, Mel! Just look at you! You're beautiful! You must have the local male population in a frenzy." Kai’s voice snapped Melodie back into the present and she realized she’d been staring at her cousin for at least a few minutes. She smiled sheepishly and ruffled her dark locks a little, looking over the rest of her cousin’s grown up appearance. “Haha, I guess you could say that. I don’t pay much attention really,” In fact the only time she really did was when free food was involved. It sounded terrible, she knew it, but they were the ones offering. More than half the island knew of her preferred gender and more than that half of the male population was convinced they could rescue her from the darkside. The thought alone made her chuckle. Melodie was no stranger to guys. She had experimented like every other high school girl, despite her brothers attempts to restrict her, but guys just…weren’t her thing. She could pretend all she wanted, but it wouldn’t make it true. It was that simple. So when guys asked her out, she never flirted or purposely tried to lead them on. She knew and he knew it wasn’t happening, so it wasn’t her fault if they were dense. “What about you, hoahanau?” she said with a smirk, taking a step around her cousin. She circled her slightly, before nodding in approval. It was certain, her cousin was gorgeous…it was too bad really, because Melodie knew if things had been different…well… “Do you have a ku`uipo back home? Or have your brothers been a pain?” Melodie reached for her cousin’s hand as she spoke, motioning for her to come to the water’s edge. The ocean was just the perfect temperature in the April months which is why she’d spent most of her time in the water lately. “Your figure is stunning by the way. I have a lole 'au'au that I thinks perfect for you. You’ll definitely have to try it on later,”

“Listen to that funny accent! You sound like a regular paniolo!” she chuckled, “but it fits you, it’s adorable.”

Kai blushed a little but played along, doing her best imitation of John Wayne, hooking her thumbs in the waistband of her bikini briefs. “Well shucks, little lady, yer makin’ me blush!” She laid the accent on thick, exaggerating the drawl.

She knew she was grinning like an idiot, but she just couldn’t help herself. It just felt right to be back with Mel and here on the beach where they had spent many happy hours. It felt like coming home must feel, she mused. She stepped back to drink in the feeling, watching Mel’s facial expressions as she looked her over. Kai felt a little self conscious at first, but hey, this was Melodie. She was more than just a cousin; she was her ‘hoapili’. Playfully she struck a pose for her inspection.

“Since when are you taller than me? Ugh, so unfair…I swear everyone in our families are giants. I’m normal.”

“I don’t get the chance to be taller than anyone very often, Mel. And besides, I always said one day you’d look up to me!” she quipped.

Melodie reached out to touch her cheek. Kai’s grin faded only slightly, and only for a moment. Her eyebrow arched in a slightly puzzled look, but the look faded quickly replaced by a warm smile. It had seemed like an unusually tender gesture, perhaps out of place just a little. But she remembered that her Melodie was like that; you never knew what she might do next. And besides, it somehow made her feel nice inside, like she was wanted, welcome, and cherished all at once. When Melodie withdrew her hand, Kai found that she missed it.

Kai waited while Melodie looked her over until the moment stretched on long enough to make her self-conscious. Mel seemed to be deep in thought. Idly, Kai wondered what she was thinking about. She took the time to let her gaze drift over Melodie’s body, now matured into the ripeness of a young woman. That Mel took care of herself was obvious. Her physique showed Kai that, just like when they were kids, Mel liked to spend time outdoors. She was beautifully tanned in addition to her normal complexion, and she had filled out and rounded out to the point of making Kai a little envious.

She couldn’t help commenting on how beautiful Mel had become and the effect it must have had on the local boys.

“Haha, I guess you could say that. I don’t pay much attention really.”

Mel’s reaction brought the grin back to Kai’s lips as she watched her cousin try to deny her obvious sex appeal. But then, it would be just like her to not notice, Kai thought. Melodie had always been something of a tomboy, more likely to compete with the boys at surfing or some other physical activity, and at least half the time, she’d beat them too. Kai could remember more than a few times when Mel had gotten them both into a competition, just to prove they could be better than the boys. And when it came to surfing or beach volleyball, Kai was right there with her cousin, loving the challenge, even though she was too shy to ever initiate it on her own. And then they’d laugh and boast about it later.

The physical lifestyle of their childhood had helped Kai when she moved to the mainland. Sports had been her outlet and a means to try to fit in. She played softball and soccer almost every year growing up, and joined the women’s volleyball team in college at UT. (Go Vols!) She was very competitive and at the same time, a little withdrawn. That combination had alienated her from some of her teammates, who thought she was some sort of prima donna on the court. Kai never meant for it to seem that way, but it was hard for anyone to get close enough to get to know the reserved girl behind the competitor.

“What about you, hoahanau?” Mel smirked as she stepped around Kai, looking her over. “Do you have a ku`uipo back home? Or have your brothers been a pain?”

Kai’s blush returned at the mention of her love life. The table she had set was now turned on her. She looked down, shyly as she shook her head. “No, you got it right, Mel. There's nobody serious. They threatened the last guy I dated when he got a little too grabby. I thought I handled it just fine, but they made sure he never called back. I love them, but sometimes they drive me crazy with this protectiveness!”

Kai turned the conversation to the subject of her brother’s protectiveness to cover the memory of the feelings of disappointment she had felt on that date. It had been a pleasant evening with Bobby. He was handsome and popular, and she had been flattered when he asked her out. She had thought that if he liked her, it would be a way to get in with the popular crowd better than she had been able to do on her own. But when they had parked and he’d assumed she was his plaything, she’d felt let down and disillusioned. On some level, she realized all guys probably wanted the same thing, but was that all she was to them: a set of breasts? He hadn’t even tried to take time to get to know her first. She’d come home visibly upset, and her brothers had ganged up to get the story out of her.

Kai felt Melodie take her hand, leading her towards the inviting waves and it broke her out of her reverie. Her smile returned and her eyes twinkled. You just couldn't be this close to the beautiful azure water and not want to be in it. She looked forward to getting wet. "You must have read my mind, Mel!"

“Your figure is stunning by the way. I have a lole 'au'au that I think is perfect for you. You’ll definitely have to try it on later.” Melodie said.

Kai glanced enviously at Melodie's bustline and shook her head slightly, grinning. "Sure, I'll try it, but I'm not sure I could fill it out like you can." She pulled her hand loose and laughed at the look on Mel's face, and ran into the surf. She made a few ungainly strides until she was in knee deep water, then gracefully dove into the next wave, and stroked powerfully into deeper water. She didn't have to wait for Melodie to catch up. Both of them had grown up at the water's edge, and probably spent as much time wet as they did dry. Even after moving to Tennessee, Kai still loved the water.

She paused, treading water until Melodie drew near. The sunshine glistened off the water droplets that clung to her skin. "I know you still surf! That's one of the things I've missed doing with you. We have to do that while I'm here, if I can borrow a board from you. I might be a little rusty though. There aren't many waves on Lake Jackson."

Kai hoped there were many things they would do together in the week she had left to her before she'd have to return. She planned to spend as much of it with Melodie as she could, just like old times.

Accents. If one thing could make Mel melt like butter, it was an accent. She didn’t know what it was about them that got her, all she knew was that she wasn’t the only one. A lot of people found certain, if not all accents, sexy. At least she knew she wasn’t a freak. But then again, she wouldn’t have cared. “Well shucks, little lady, yer makin’ me blush!” Melodie giggled a little at her cousin’s impression. Already she knew getting past the fact that Kai sounded like a little southern belle was going to be a challenge. She’d have to resist setting her up to say this and that just to hear that drawl.

“Well, nothing’s better than a ‘little lady’ blushing, especially one with such a cuuuuute accent,” Melodie giggled again and reached out to pinch her cousin’s cheek. Egging Kai on was something Melodie always did. It wasn’t out of maliciousness or anything like that though. She just felt that she needed a push out of her comfort zone sometimes for her to fully enjoy something, ya know? Maybe she was delusional, maybe she wasn’t, but she liked giving her a hard time and vice versa. Still, Mel did have a thing for girls that tend to blush a lot. There’s something just…powerful about being able to do that. Well, in the none malevolent sense. She just liked knowing she could have that affect on a girl.
“I don’t get the chance to be taller than anyone very often, Mel. And besides, I always said one day you’d look up to me!”

Melodie opened her mouth to speak, but instead simply stuck out her tongue. She hated being short. Hate. Hate. Hated it. Most of the girls she went out with were the same height for that reason, though she did make exceptions. When she went through her guy phase however, they were all much taller than she was. It was just awkward. Not to mention most of them were chauvinist jerks so they tended to tease her…until she’d punch them in the throat. Ok, she only did that once and that was because he picked her up and started making baby noises. He’d been maybe 6’2 and he knew she hated anyone to even mention her height, let alone make fun of it. Overall, he deserved it. With girls it was easier to find someone of the same general height, which kept her ego from being wounded.

It had taken a minute to register that she might be making Kai uncomfortable. Sometimes she forgot not everyone was as comfortable with people as she was, especially when it came to their bodies. Melodie knew she was attractive and knew how to use her looks if she needed to, but she wasn’t vain. She didn’t spend hours doing her hair or perfecting her body. Exercising was wrapped in surfing and volleyball and whatever other outdoor activities she wound up doing. It was natural and so was she. No make up lined her face and she’d never even dreamed of any sort of plastic surgery. Still, she didn’t want to freak her cousin out too much, so she did her best to move her attention elsewhere.

“No, you got it right, Mel. There's nobody serious. They threatened the last guy I dated when he got a little too grabby. I thought I handled it just fine, but they made sure he never called back. I love them, but sometimes they drive me crazy with this protectiveness!”

Melodie knew she hit a touchy subject the minute Kai’s head bowed. She blushed again, but the shorter girl decided not to make a big deal out of it this time. Mel knew from personal experience how brothers could be and how protective hers had tried to be. When she’d come out to them, they were ecstatic. Well, all but one, and he was still getting used to the idea. Regardless, they still tried to dictate who she went out with. Gender didn’t matter. They were just as protective. Mel was just lucky she was bold enough to push their opinions aside and do as she pleased. Kai on the other hand, was just so…awkward sometimes. She felt bad for her. Thinking about it though, she probably would have acted the same way her cousin’s had if she heard some scum was being ‘grabby’ with her. She hated guys like that and granted, she could be a little playful but not to the point that it made the other person uncomfortable. Melodie was affectionate; she couldn’t help that. She made it a point not to be too inappropriate though. “Yeah, Makani still tries to tell me who I can and can’t date. It’s just a kunane thing,” she said while shaking her head slightly. Her eldest brother always tried to look out for her, but sometimes he just got to be ridiculous. “Don’t worry, I’ll help you find a nice kama`aina boy while you’re here. Oo, maybe even an ali`i or koa!”

"You must have read my mind, Mel!" "Sure, I'll try it, but I'm not sure I could fill it out like you can."

As Kai took off, Melodie could only watch with a lopsided grin. She’d definitely missed Kai and having her back was great. Still something was different. She couldn’t help take notice of how her long legs easily and gracefully carried her to the surf or how the beads of water made her practically glow. She blinked a minute, shaking her head of whatever she had been thinking. Sure, her cousin was gorgeous, but she was still her cousin. It was bizarre to see her as…she didn’t even wanna think about it really. Snapping back, Mel made her way after Kai, wiping whatever it was from her mind to focus on the cool depths of the ocean. Hitting the water immediately made everything so much better. She dove into the water, letting it surround her for a moment before breaking the surface. Her now damp hair clung to her face and shoulders slightly and she ruffled it before paddling a little so that she reached her cousin.

"I know you still surf! That's one of the things I've missed doing with you. We have to do that while I'm here, if I can borrow a board from you. I might be a little rusty though. There aren't many waves on Lake Jackson."

“Haha, of course! I’ve got plenty of boards for you to choose from. I’ve become sort of a collector. Makuahine hates it. She thinks I should be spending my money on more worth while things like school supplies,” Melodie smirked at the thought of how often she drove mother crazy. Sometimes she felt bad seeing as she was the only daughter in the family and she acted just like another son. Putting her arms behind her head, Melodie popped her back slightly and leaned back to float casually in the water. Her eyes shut a bit to block out the brightness of the sun and she sighed contently. “But yeah, I’ll whip you back into shape. The boys, both haole and kama`aina, looove surfer girls. You’ll have them flocking in no time,” Getting an idea, she smiled mischievously. “Until we get you a board, I’ll start your retraining by getting you used to the current…” She trailed off and began to tread the water again, “and how quickly it can… SURPRISE YOU,” Just as she said ‘surprise’, Melodie dove under water and grabbed Kai’s legs pulling her under the waves playfully.

“Well, nothing’s better than a ‘little lady’ blushing, especially one with such a cuuuuute accent,” Melodie giggled again and reached out to pinch her cousin’s cheek.

Kai wrinkled her nose in a face of consternation when Mel pinched her cheek. 'Oh, God!' she thought, 'I should never have done that impression!' She had picked up the accent to help her fit in back in Tennessee. Maybe she even tried a little too hard to adopt it sometimes. There, it had made her more like everyone else. But she should have known it was sure to make her stand out here, and now Melodie had noticed. She would never let her live it down, Kai knew. She knew her hoaloha wouldn't be mean about it but as they said back in Tennessee, she had an ornery streak a mile wide! Kai just knew Mel would find the perfect opportunity to get her to open up and say something, and end up sounding like a hick.

And she knew that's exactly how she sounded. Once she had been captured on home video at a birthday party for one of her brothers at the lake. When they played it back later, she could have sworn she sounded like Holly Hunter in 'The Closer'. She couldn't wait to hear what her 'anake would think about it. And even worse, her other hoahanaus. She rolled her eyes at that thought, groaning internally. Well, there wasn't anything for it now, and Mel would be on her side when they started in. That was the good thing about their relationship; they might tease each other, but with anyone else, Mel always had her back.

“Don’t worry, I’ll help you find a nice kama`aina boy while you’re here. Oo, maybe even an ali`i or koa!”

Kai's level of apprehension shot up at Melodie's suggestion, though she tried to cover it by bowing deeply with a grin, "Oh, ali'i wahine, I had no idea you moved in such high circles!" Kai said with exaggerated formality. But inwardly, she almost cringed. She only had a week here, and meeting new people was so....awkward for her. She never knew what to say or how to feel comfortable around them. It seemed so easy for Mel. She never seemed to worry about saying the wrong thing, or trying to say the right thing but having it come out all wrong. Kai envied her. If only she could find someone she could be as comfortable being with as she was around Mel.

There was never any pressure with her hoahanau. She wondered on the flight over if it would be weird, but it was amazing how easily they were slipping right back into their old roles. Kai just loved being around her. And it seemed as if Mel hadn't changed a bit, other than becoming more beautiful, confident, and sexy. Well, okay, some things had changed then. Kai wished she had changed that way too, but she didn't feel it. She hoped that Mel would be too busy spending time with her to try setting her up with someone she didn't know.

When she dove in the refreshing surf, it helped to clear away some of her anxiety. She thought maybe she could change the subject by asking about going surfing. She knew Mel loved to surf; that was one of the things they'd chatted about online. For Kai, surfing had to be replaced with wake boarding at the lake. It had some similarities, but was also very different. You could get some serious air with the speed that being pulled behind a boat could lend you, but not so much just from the waves. Well, maybe with the exception of North Shore during winter.

Kai watched as Mel floated on her back. The position emphasized how much she had filled out, and Kai blushed when she caught herself staring. Her hoapili really had become a na 'au wahine. And the way the sun shone down on her body, and made the water droplets glitter like jewels brought a wistful sigh to her lips. Kai thought idly that Mel would have a hard time of it if she was still intent on setting her up with a local boy. No one would notice her when they had Mel to look at. She began to relax, until she heard Mel's next comment.

“But yeah, I’ll whip you back into shape. The boys, both haole and kama`aina, looove surfer girls. You’ll have them flocking in no time,”

Once Melodie got it in her head to do something, it was going to happen. That was one thing Kai should have known. Now she could only hope that things might go easier with Mel around. Despite Mel's earlier modest response, Kai was sure she had boys knocking each other down to fawn over her. It would probably be too weird for her to have Kai around if she didn't set her up with somebody, she thought. She'd just have to make the best of it.

She was lost in these thoughts and didn't quite hear what Mel was saying to her, until she caught the emphasis on the words 'surprise you'. When she noticed Mel dive under, she had a feeling she knew what was coming. She barely had time to let out a squeal and grab a breath before being pulled under. The cool water closed over her head, transporting her into another world. She opened her eyes and twisted around to reach for Melodie. This could not go unanswered!

The next hour became a game of chase and grab, interspersed with splashing and laughter as she forgot her inhibitions and just enjoyed the company of her favorite cousin. But all too soon, the weariness of jet lag begin to tell on Kai. Normally the two of them in the ocean were practically mermaids, but she began to have a little trouble keeping up.

Kai surfaced and waited for Melodie to come to her. She couldn't help smiling, it had been so much fun. Seeing Mel's smile too just made her happy. Her expression showed her growing fatigue though. "You still swim like a nai'a, Mel. But I admit I'm getting a little tired. I think I'll head in and rest a little. Then maybe we could find some food? I'll even let you buy!"

In all honesty, Melodie could have spent hours on end in the ocean. More often than not, she did, but as the two continued to goof off, she noticed her cousin’s sluggishness. Kai was usually pretty high energy in the water, they both were, that’s just how it was. In the beginning she was laughing and smiling, something Mel had always admired. Her laugh was just so….cute. Not to mention, it was highly contagious, but then again, everything about Kai was. Melodie could easily remember their childhood and a lot of people considered them one person rather than two. When one laughed, the other laughed, and when one cried, the other did too. Mel always hated crying…it was a sign of weakness, but she couldn’t help it. Whenever Kai got upset it was just…too much for her. Either she went and found the person that did it, told her brothers or just sat with her and cried too. She smiled faintly as she paddled up to her cousin. It was crazy to think about how close they’d always been. She hoped that they were picking it back up as easy as it seemed.

Mel dove under the water, the salt stinging her eyes a little. It wasn’t anymore than usual, but it had caught her slightly off guard as she swam behind her cousin and resurfaced. With a playful sigh, her arms wrapped around Kai’s neck and used her as a support. Melodie wasn’t exactly tired, but she didn’t want Kai to feel too much like a haole. "You still swim like a nai'a, Mel. But I admit I'm getting a little tired. I think I'll head in and rest a little. Then maybe we could find some food? I'll even let you buy!" The native couldn’t help but laugh as she shook her head.

“Let me pay? What ho`okipa, cousin!” But then again, Kai knew Melodie was the type of person to want to pay for everything. So she liked to pamper people? What was the big deal? Whether Kai had been serious or not, Melodie already knew anything that would be purchased while they were together would be purchased by her. Besides, Mel could be very…persuasive to the men on the island and even some of the women. She liked to say it was just ‘pomaika'i’ but really, she just knew how to use that womanly charm of hers. Manipulative? Maybe, but it wasn’t like she forced it on them. There were never any arguments when they turned her away. If her flirting didn’t work, it didn’t work, that was that. She’d gladly pay full price if that were the case, but they just…rolled over most times. If you have it, why not use it? “We can head back and relax for a bit. Hopefully Konani isn’t there with his ipo. I’m pretty sure she’s pregnant…so don’t be offended if she’s bitchy…”

Releasing her cousin, Mel paddled around her with a small smirk. Just the thought of Konani having a kid was amusing to her. He was only a year younger than they were but he was about as responsible as a twelve year old boy. One thing she knew for sure, she was going to spoil the kid to no end. She loved children and even thought about going into education, but it just didn’t feel like the right way to go. Besides, disciplining them wasn’t her thing. She’d rather wind them up and sick them on people…like her brothers for instance. Since she didn’t plan on having kids of her own, all Melodie would have are her nieces and nephews. It was kind of sad to her, but it’d be worth it. For a moment she debated over when she would tell Kai about her ‘discovery’ over the years. She doubted it’d be all that important to Kai, but she wanted her to know that way she wouldn’t get skiddish later. It’d been too long to know whether or not Kai would freak out. Not to mention, it was an awkward thing to bring up in regular conversation. She decided she’d have to wait for some similar topic to come up before she could mention it at all. “I’ll race you, Kai! First one to the beach gets dibs on the hammock…on the count of three…one…two…”

Before she finished the count, Melodie started to paddle quickly toward the shore. Playing fair was overrated, besides it was all in good fun. The minute she could touch, she began to sprint toward the small pile of her stuff. Sand coated her ‘kama'a 'oles’, making them a little itchy, but she ignored it and picked up her towel, still laughing. She felt her sides hurting slightly from giggling so much and a small haze of sleepiness began to over take her too. As much as she liked to have fun, Melodie knew she hadn’t laughed this much in years. She hadn’t even paid attention to who reached the beach first. Pulling the towel over her head, she dried her dark hair a bit. It frizzed it slightly, but she smoothed it down casually as she looked out from beneath it. “Do you wanna see the ohana? Or do you wanna head to my “bachelorette” pad? It’s not far from makuahine’s and it’s bit quieter there…just a bit…‘messier’ so to speak,”

Kai had to know that Melodie wasn’t the cleanliest of people. She never had been and never would. Mel did straighten up a bit in case Kai decided to come by, but it wasn’t spotless like her parents’ place. “I’m up for either or, so it’s up to you, hoahanau,” As she spoke, she began to walk further up the beach. Both houses were in the same direction, so it was no worry. Melodie’s place was just further down. It was a cozy little one bedroom bungalow almost and she absolutely adored it. It kept her close to home, but away all at the same time. Her mother had a bad habit of finding her way over, which was a bit unfortunate when she was having a ‘friend’ over. It wasn’t too bad overall though. It was definitely good enough for her. Kai? Maybe. Melodie truly didn’t mind either venue though. She could easily leave Kai sleeping and head home and come back whenever she wanted.

Kai loved the feeling of Mel's arms around her. It made her feel like they were kids again. She reached up to touch Mel's arm affectionately. It was a comforting gesture for her. Mel made Kai feel secure and it had been a long time since she felt that way, really since the last time she and her cousin were together. She was so lost in the moment that she didn't hear Mel's comment about Konani.

“I’ll race you, Kai! First one to the beach gets dibs on the hammock…on the count of three…one…two…”

Kai barely had time to stutter out, "Wha- wait, what about Konani? Little Konani?" But Mel was already power stroking towards the beach. Kai surged after her. It was just like always; her hoahanau 'bending' the rules a little. Kai didn't mind. After all that was one of Mel's quirks that made her fun to be with. But she was still stunned by this new juicy tidbit. She had to hear more about this!

It was a close finish, but with a head start and no jet lag to contend with, Mel reached the beach just ahead of her. She watched with a grin as Melodie dried herself. Kai reached for her duffel and brought out a towel of her own. As she pulled it out, the photograph that she'd brought to share with Melodie came out with it. It was a picture of the two of them taken at about the age they were the last time they were together. Kai reached out to put it back in her bag for later, but seeing their two smiling faces in the picture brought a smile to hers. She forgot to ask about Konani.

“Do you wanna see the ohana? Or do you wanna head to my “bachelorette” pad? It’s not far from makuahine’s and it’s a bit quieter there…just a bit…‘messier’ so to speak. I’m up for either or, so it’s up to you, hoahanau.”

Kai stared after her hoapili as she started up the beach, then hurried to catch up. Here was more news she hadn't expected, although once she thought about it, she wasn't sure why she expected anything else. She did feel a sudden bit of anxiety about staying alone at her aunt's home now that Mel wouldn't be there. She had this flash of the teasing she'd get from her other cousins, Mels' brothers. But almost as quickly, she reminded herself that if Mel had moved out, they probably had too. Still, being with her favorite cousin was the main reason she had wanted to come back to the islands.

"Wait, Mel, I... You have a place of your own? When I arranged to stay with my 'anake I guess I just assumed you would still be living there too and we’d be together. I really came all this way to see you again, not that I don’t want to visit the rest of the family too. But Listen to me, I'm stuck in the past, I think. First you tell me Konani is going to be a makuakane, and now you say you have your own place? By all means then, Chez Melodie it is, messy or not!"

Kai hurriedly caught up with her cousin, and taking advantage of her height difference, slipped an arm around Mel's shoulders, laughing. "You've got to tell me what all else has changed. We've got a lot of catching up to do! Here, I have something to show you.” Kai pulled out the picture, handing it to her cousin. “Do you remember when this was taken? It wasn’t long before I moved away. I’ve saved it all these years.”

Picture

It was more than obvious that Kai was stunned by the changes that had taken place while she was away. There really had been a lot happen in the eleven years they’d been apart. The few times they got to chat and email each other was hardly enough to cover anything at all, so Mel was glad they were getting this time to catch up. Silently she wondered if much had changed with Kai and her family. Kai seemed to be the same, just taller and…sexier, but in that awkward sort of Kai way. Melodie was happy for her though. She had the goods, she just needed someone to show her how to use them. It wasn’t hard to get a guy’s attention and keep it. Most of them were like puppies. You feed them, play with them, and let them sleep and they were perfectly content. There was bound to be someone on the island she could help Kai snag before she headed back to Tenn. She was determined to succeed.

"Wait, Mel, I... You have a place of your own? When I arranged to stay with my 'anake I guess I just assumed you would still be living there too and we’d be together. I really came all this way to see you again, not that I don’t want to visit the rest of the family too. But Listen to me, I'm stuck in the past, I think. First you tell me Konani is going to be a makuakane, and now you say you have your own place? By all means then, Chez Melodie it is, messy or not!"

Melodie wiggled her nose slightly as her cousin’s arm wrapped around her shoulders. Height differences drove her bonkers, but this was her hoaloha so she shook it off quickly and smiled warmly. Her own arm wrapped around Kai’s waist drawing them even closer to each other as they walked up the beach. Their bodies touched ever so slightly, sending a chill down the smaller girl’s spine and she resisted instantly making a gap between them again. What that had been was beyond her, but it wasn’t exactly a usual reaction she had to being close to Kai. Maybe it was the fact their bodies were still somewhat slick from the salt water? Either way it was a strange sensation that she quickly ignored with conversation. “If that’s the case, then you have to stay with me. Makuahine will understand besides, she enjoys having us all out. Well, she’s still working on Konani and Wainani, but the rest of us flew the coop ages ago,” Considering how many people lived in their tiny ‘hale’, having only two boys left had to be a huge relief to her parents. How they fit a family of ten in their little Hawaiian home was a mystery. An even bigger phenomenon was how they didn’t kill each other over the “lua”. There were only two in the place, which meant five to each one, ideally. Melodie was probably the fastest one in the mornings too. “The only thing is that my place only has one bedroom, so I can sleep on the couch and you take the bed or we could share the bed like we did when we were kids. It’s a king sized bed, so we should fit fine, especially with you being so damn tiny. I think I need to feed you more, haha,” Sharing a bed wouldn’t be a problem on Melodie’s end…but Kai? Well, she might have an issue with it once Mel spilled about the changes in herself and on the island. Still, it didn’t hurt to offer.

"You've got to tell me what all else has changed. We've got a lot of catching up to do! Here, I have something to show you.” “Do you remember when this was taken? It wasn’t long before I moved away. I’ve saved it all these years.”

A smile immediately dominated her features as she took it from her cousin. Of course she remembered this picture! It had been taken before a “lu`au” for their families. The two of them were had been practicing a hula dance for weeks for it, hence their matching outfits. Melodie had been so happy then, despite not particularly liking hula as much as the other girls around the island. It was beautiful, she knew it, but it…just wasn’t her. Surfing was much more her stereotypical calling. Kai being there with her had always made it bearable though. “Haha, wooow. This is so ancient! I can’t believe you still have it!” she chuckled. Turning slightly as they walked, she held it up to Kai’s face with a teasing smirk. “You don’t look a day older, Kai. You’ve still got that baby face, haha” Mel pinched her cheek affectionately before handing the photo back to her cousin. She glanced ahead and sighed contentedly as she slipped into thought about all the things she need to catch Kai up on.

“There’s so much to tell you about, Kai. So, so much,” she mused as she used the arm around Kai’s waist to turn them to the right. There was like an invisible fork on the beach, left lead them to her ohana’s place and right lead to hers. “Makani is doing well for himself. He joined the army as a flight tech, but he’s home on leave right now. Keoni and Akoni aren’t joined at the hip anymore, but they own a little restaurant in town. The kaukau there is `ono, so when we get hungry we can head there. Leolani just graduated and he’s gonna be living in the states studying…” Her voice trailed off and she slipped from her cousin’s grip as they finally reached her hale. She smiled and made her way up to the back door, motioning for Kai as she did so. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was home. Anything was good enough for Mel though. Casually she opened up the door and took a quick glance around. She had a bad habit of leaving “things” lying around and the last thing she needed Kai to see was a pair of some other girl’s panties or something far worse scattered about the floor. Then again, if it was just panties, there was no way her cousin could tell they weren’t hers. Luckily, there was nothing in sight that could be taken shockingly. The worst thing was probably a few pictures on the table left of the door, but they were innocent enough. Just her and a few of her college buddies.

“Welcome to my humble abode, cousin! Make yourself at home!” Mel glanced around again as she walked through the house and to the left. “The bedroom is over here and so is the bathroom,” she said as she stepped into the bathroom to hang her wet towel. “Straight ahead and a little to the right is the living room/couch and what not,” After hanging her towel, she leaned in the doorway of the bathroom lightly, watching for Kai’s reaction to the place. It was quaint, but between the random pictures and or posters scattered about, it obviously had her ‘touch’ so to speak. “Where’d I leave off? Ohh, Leo…hmm, do you want me to go on? Or would you rather sleep some? You look exhausted, so I don’t wanna keep you awake with my babbling if you really do wanna catch up on your Z’s,”

House

"Mahalo, hoapili." Kai said, giving Mel a hug. "But it wouldn't be right for me to put you out. If anything, I should take the couch. But I don't mind sharing the bed, if you're sure." Kai remembered the many nights the two of them had driven either her 'anake or her makuahine nearly crazy on their many sleepovers. They had been like sisters, each of them surrounded by brothers in their own households. So when they got together, it was 'girl time' and they took turns playing tricks on the boys. Nobody with a Y chromosome was safe in those days. Kai wondered if staying with Mel now would be anything like the old days.

Walking alongside Mel with an arm around her shoulders made Kai feel good for reasons she didn’t quite understand. It just felt comfortable, like they were two halves of a whole that had been separated long ago and now had come together to be complete again. Mel had always been her strength and confidence when they were young. When Kai’s family had moved away, she lost that confidence. Now she felt a little of it returning. There was a little spark of something when she first put her arm around her hoahanau. Kai felt it. She passed it off as just the thrill of being back together again. She wondered if Melodie felt it too.

She listened as Mel filled her in on all the developments of her family. She let Mel do the talking, figuring she'd fill her in about her own family a bit later. For now there was so much to take in, and it helped to pass the time it took for the brief walk to arrive at Mel's little bungalow. Kai took in the sight of the quaint little home and couldn't help but smile. If she'd been asked to imagine what her cousin's house would look like, she couldn't have described it any better than what she saw before her. She followed inside, making sure to brush the sand from her bare feet before entering. She looked around with interest as Mel showed her around, explaining where everything was. Her curious eyes took in the contents and furnishings of the home. This was Mel's place; it reflected the person she was, and Kai wanted to know that person again.

There were surfing posters on the walls, of course. Kai grinned, imagining that one day Mel herself would be in one of those pictures. Casual furniture and decorating style told her that Mel still preferred comfort over formality. "It's so cool that you have your own place, Mel! I can't believe we're the same age and you're on your own already. I'm still living with Mom until I finish school. I'm still not sure where I want to go after that, so it doesn't seem right to make any commitment on a place to stay. Besides, it helped me save up the money to come back here. Come to think of it, I wouldn't mind coming back to live here on the islands after I graduate, if I can find a good job. I always loved it here, and Tennessee winters? Overrated!" she grinned.

Kai noticed some pictures of Mel and a couple other girls about the same age on a small table. Kai figured they must be some friends of her cousin. She picked one of them up, looking at the smiling faces of her pretty cousin and the other dark haired wahine. She couldn't help noticing the girl in the photo looked a bit like herself. "She's pretty, Mel. She's a friend of yours?" Looking at the similarities the girl in the photo had in common with herself, she glanced over to see Melodie's reaction to her question, wondering if, on some level, Mel might have been looking for a replacement for her. It would be nice to think so, Kai thought. She never found anyone that could replace Mel in her life, though she had tried. But the people her age in Tennessee were just too different. And let's face it, Melodie was Melodie; one of a kind! With a sigh, Kai replaced the picture on the table.

The walk in the sunshine along the beach had helped to dry her, mostly, but she didn't want to sit down on Mel's furniture with her still damp bikini. She bent to sort through her clothes in her duffel, taking out a pair of shorts, panties, a bra, and Tshirt as Mel continued to tell about her family.

“Where’d I leave off? Ohh, Leo… Hmm, do you want me to go on? Or would you rather sleep some? You look exhausted, so I don’t wanna keep you awake with my babbling if you really do wanna catch up on your Z’s,”

"Well, I could use a shower to freshen up. Maybe that will perk me up so we can get some food, and we can catch up some more then. I think if I sleep now, I'll keep you up all night later. Are you sure you don't mind me staying here, Mel? I don't want to be in the way. If you want to have someone over, like one of your, no doubt, many suitors, you can just tell me to take a walk or something." Her eyes had a glint of mischief, offering the hint that she was teasing just a little.

Kai slipped through the bathroom doorway where Mel was leaning against the jamb, the maneuver bringing them in close contact for a brief moment. She offered a shy smile by way of apology for the awkwardness. “I won’t be long, Mel. Just don’t flush while I’m in there, okay? Back home I get scalded every time somebody uses the other bathroom while I’m showering. I swear Kaleo does it on purpose every time!” Kai laughed lightly, knowing that Mel knew her little brother and just how mischievous he was.

A quick but refreshing shower had her mind and body at least partially refreshed. It couldn’t make up for the time difference, but Kai figured she’d be good enough until evening, and then maybe turn in early. She came out of the bathroom dressed in her shorts and T shirt, but still drying her long hair. “I’ve been thinking, Mel. Since you’re so nice to let me stay with you, I’ll buy a late lunch for both of us if you’d like to show me Keoni and Akoni’s place. I hope they have some good pork barbecue, island style. My mouth is watering for it!”

Melodie watched with a grin as her cousin surveyed her place. She was actually pretty proud that she had managed to get such a cozy little spot. Her brothers had their own bachelor pads but she honestly thought she had the best deal out of all of them. It was small, but cozy. On the beach but far enough away to really enjoy the view of the sand and water. Away from home, but close by. It was the perfect place for her and seeing Kai be impressed by it made her swell with pride. "She's pretty, Mel. She's a friend of yours?" Mel glanced over at her cousin as she picked up one of the pictures seated on the small round table. Of all the pictures to grab, she had to have chosen Leilani’s. The smaller girl bit her lip slightly and felt her cheeks blush a hot red as she looked between her cousin and the picture. There was nothing incriminating about the photo, on the contrary, it was a normal picture. The two of them were together, laughing, and holding each other close. It was a typical day in their life and Lani had always loved snapping pictures of them. Studying it however, she started to notice things about it she’d never seen before. For example…exactly how much Leilani and Kai looked alike. Both were around the same height, had the same skin tone and color of hair. It…was bizarre to her and she couldn’t help but let the hot shade of red stain her cheeks.

“Uh…yeah! She’s actually a really close friend of mine, her name’s Leilani…” She said hastily as she glanced around for a distraction. They even have similar… Melodie mentally smacked herself as she realized her attention had focused on Kai bending body. She’d never mentioned it allowed, but when her cousin had left…Mel was a little hopeless. She got into more mischief than she or her parents could handle. She’d even got arrested once…but that was on her juvi record and sealed. Leilani had been a savior to her…someone to reel her in and calm her down, much like Kai had always done. Melodie had just never realized that they weren’t only alike mentally, but physically as well. It became clearer why she’d grown attached to Lani so quickly…it was the Kai she saw in the girl. She bit her lip again, out of nervous habit.

"Well, I could use a shower to freshen up. Maybe that will perk me up so we can get some food, and we can catch up some more then. I think if I sleep now, I'll keep you up all night later. Are you sure you don't mind me staying here, Mel? I don't want to be in the way. If you want to have someone over, like one of your, no doubt, many suitors, you can just tell me to take a walk or something."

Melodie shook her head and laughed a little. “Suitors? Haha, as much as I wish there were, there won’t be. Besides, I’d much rather have your company. Suitors come and go, but blood is forever, cousin. You’re much better company,” She pushed her fingers through her now semi dry hair, her eyes somewhat shut until she felt Kai’s body heat which brought another chill to her spine. What on earth was happening to her? This was Kai…her cousin…not leilani or some other girl she’d picked up. This was all too bizarre. Melodie was lost in thought as Kai spoke and she missed most of what she was saying. She needed to busy herself, so while the other girl was showering she grabbed a spare towel from the bedroom, dried herself and changed into some halfway decent clothes. Her upper body was still slightly wet, so her v neck tee stuck to her slightly and her jean shorts accented her behind, thighs and legs.

She paced a little in her room before hearing the water shut off in the bathroom. She sighed softly and stepped out as Kai did. “I’ve been thinking, Mel. Since you’re so nice to let me stay with you, I’ll buy a late lunch for both of us if you’d like to show me Keoni and Akoni’s place. I hope they have some good pork barbecue, island style. My mouth is watering for it!” She laughed watching her casually now, keeping her eyes up and focused on her drying hair. As sweet as it was, there was no way she was going to let Kai buy for her, especially when she could easily get it for free. The twins were push overs when it came to their cute baby sister and if not her, Kai would be the second option. Family was everything on the island, so of course, they’d wanna treat her.

“I don’t think so, Kai. My treat, but I’ll tell you what, you can play buffer next time makuahine wanders over,” Mel smirked and grabbed her wallet, carefully pushing it into her jean pockets. She knew her mom was still pretty upset about her last visit over. But then again, what mother wouldn’t be disgruntled after walking in on her daughter tangled up with a girl from their church? Granted, Mel had never been the religious type, but the girls there were quite feisty. The thought alone made her giggle as she turned toward the door. “Ready?”

The walk to her brothers’ restaurant was a quick one. They passed a few people they knew and stopped and chatted a bit, but overall, it was short. Mel was pretty starved and she knew her hoahanau must have been starving too. Still, she was a little ill at ease with who she might see here. They had already run into one ‘friend’ of Melodie’s, but thankfully she hadn’t said much other than hi. Still, she wanted a chance to tell Kai, not to have her stumble upon it. “KEONI! AKONI! GUESS WHO’S HERE!?” she called out playfully as they entered the restaurant. It wasn’t full, but it wasn’t empty either. Most everyone knew Melodie though, so they just continued eating.

“kaikuahine, you have to stop doin that! You’ll scare away all our customers!” Came a laugh as one of the twins came out of the kitchen. “KAI! Aloha `auinala! How have you been??” He made his way over and embraced his cousin tightly. Twins were both towers compared to them and Keoni was a bit…bulkier than his brother. His shoulders were wide and his muscular arms could easily engulf anyone. He definitely didn’t look much like a chef to most. Just as he let go, Akoni sauntered out, wiping off his hands with a towel. He was just as tall, but he was a bit lankier. An apron stained with barbeque sauce hung about his neck. “Well look what the cat drug in! Melodie and my favorite hoahanau,” He smiled and motioned to an open table.“Have a seat! Anything you want. Nau wale no,”

Melodie grinned and nodded to her brothers a few minutes later before snagging Kai’s hand, to lead her over to the open table. “See, I told you it was on me!” she said and grinned as they took a seat. “The boys are always happy to see you, haha. Sometimes I think they’d prefer you as a sister. Anyways, how has your family been? Good?”

Kai knew deep down that Melodie would not let her pay. It was her cousin's way to take care of her, and that included more than just paying for lunch. Mel was protective of her too, when they were girls. Kai remembered one time when she was particularly upset and crying. It was the day her mother had told her about her father's passing in that horrible wreck. Melodie had sat with her, arm around her shoulders, and cried right along with her. Kai's pain was Melodie's pain, and vice versa. Their good times were shared the same way. It was part of what made them so close.

It was that event that brought their mothers closer together too, which in turn brought both families together, closer than ever before. Kai had never forgotten that day, nor the way Melodie had been there for her. Now, walking the short distance to Akoni and Keoni's restaurant with Mel by her side, running into people they knew from so long ago, Kai could almost forget she'd ever been away.

She followed Mel inside when they arrived, cringing a little at hearing her call to her brothers. Everyone in the place had to have heard that, but it didn't seem to phase anyone. The next thing she knew, Kai was swept up in a bear hug with her affectionate cousin who, by the size of him, could have been a genuine contender with a real bear! Keoni had always been open and physical in his expressions of affection, and Kai just grinned at his enthusiastic greeting.

“KAI! Aloha `auinala! How have you been??”

She didn't even have time to answer him before Akoni joined them, ushering her and Mel towards an empty table.

Kai glanced around the place as Mel took her hand and led the way to the table. It was a nice place, not huge, but she could tell by the patrons that the food was genuinely good here, and traditionally Hawaiian. Her mouth was watering just thinking about the delicious tastes that would go along with the aromas she could already smell.

“See, I told you it was on me!” she said and grinned as they took a seat. “The boys are always happy to see you, haha. Sometimes I think they’d prefer you as a sister. Anyways, how has your family been? Good?”

"Well, where do I start? Let's see. Mom is still teaching at the university. It takes nearly all her time and every year she swears the students get dumber and harder to motivate. But every year she keeps going back. I think she really loves it, deep down inside." It hadn't been easy for Kai's mother after her father died, but at least here on the islands she'd had the support of her sister, Mel's makuahine, and her family. When she'd taken the job at University of Tennessee as an adjunct professor, it had been a big chance to take. It meant more money and security, but moving to the mainland, so far from family and in a place so different from what they were all used to was a huge challenge.

For a long time, Kai had hated the move, and blamed her mother for so many of the problems she'd had to face. Eventually though, she realized that her mother had just as many problems adjusting as she did. After that, it was the two of them on the same side as the only two women in the household. Sometimes her four brothers could be a real handful.

"Kaleo and I still live at home with Makuahine, but the other two are out on their own. Kaleo just started at UT last fall. Anakoni joined the Navy and went through their nuclear training. He's stationed in Savannah on a submarine now. Makaio graduates in May, but already he's pretty serious about his girlfriend. Makuahine and I have a bet for when he pops the question."

Akoni brought out a large platter of roast pork barbecue, placing it on the table between them. Kai's mouth began to water. "Sorry, Hoaloha, the time for talk is over for now." She grinned. "I've got a better use for my mouth for a while." She patted Melodie's hand affectionately, and began to dig in. For the next 15 minutes, Kai barely came up for air. For someone who was so slender, she could eat plenty.

Akoni stopped by to see how Kai was enjoying the food, but all he could do was grin and wink at Melodie as he watched his little hoahanau eat. "I see you missed some, Kai. Not much though!" he said, looking at the nearly empty platter.

Kai glanced up with a chagrined smile, wiping her mouth with a napkin. "You haven't lost your touch, Akoni. I haven't tasted any pork this good since that last luau y'all put on for us before we moved. You and Keoni really outdid yourselves that night!"

Beyond Akoni's hip, Kai noticed a pretty wahine enter the restaurant. Her face looked somewhat familiar, but Kai couldn't quite place her for a minute. The woman moved closer into the dining area, moving into line just behind Melodie's shoulder. The juxtaposition caused that sense of familiarity to overwhelm Kai and suddenly she realized where she'd seen that face before.

"Hey, Mel, Look who's here! Isn't that your friend, Leilani? We should invite her to join us."