Page 40 of Keeping Kama

“I— I’m sorry that was your experience.” Leia couldn’t imagine a life without it being filled with family. “I know I’m lucky to have so much family. When we get together for birthdays or weddings, it’s one big party. It’s loud with Hawaiian music and more food than anyone could ever finish. If you stick around long enough, you’ll see what I mean.” The words tumbled out before she had a chance to process them. “I— I—” Leia fiddled with some loosened wisps of her hair, forcing herself to tuck them behind her ears.

Stopping, Derek shifted closer to her. “I’d love to see it.” His hand found hers, and he continued, “I’d be honored to go, and I wish I’d be here to go with you.”

His words settled in the uncomfortable spot in the pit of her stomach. Leia tried to ignore the nagging feeling building inside of her.

Tugging Derek forward, Leia said, “Come on. Enough about things we shouldn’t worry about right now. We’re getting close to my favorite spot, and I don’t want to be in a sour mood.”

Derek obeyed, matching her step for step as the dirt path curved upward. Climbing for a few minutes, Derek gripped his chest dramatically. “Thanks again for reminding me once again how out of shape I am,” commented Derek.

Leia rolled her eyes and whacked Derek on his arm. “Stop being so hard on yourself.”

Soon, the path evened out. Leia led him to an opening above the tops of the trees. Both halted to catch their breath. Up here they took in the view of Kama Farm and her parents’ home nestled in the distance. Then the earth gave way to the miles of seemingly endless ocean.

Derek stared out unflinchingly at all of it. Finally, Derek exhaled and said, “Wow. This might be the most beautiful view I’ve ever seen.”

Leia squealed and clapped her hands together. “I knew you’d love it.” Her hand found his, and Leia led him to a grouping of flat rocks. “Let’s sit for a minute.” She tapped the screen of her watch. “We have maybe a half hour until sunset.” She sat down on a rock big enough for them to sit side by side.

Derek lowered himself next to her and said, “I see why this is your favorite place in the whole world.” He stared out at the view. Slowly, he removed her backpack, placing it on the ground by his feet. After a little lull, Derek knocked his knee against hers and asked, “Do you bring all your boyfriends here?”

Leia laughed, rubbing her hands rapidly over her thighs. “What boyfriends?” She raised an eyebrow, catching Derek’s side glance. “Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I’ve come here.” Slowly, she let out a loud exhale. “Or even why I wanted to bring you here.”

Derek brought his body closer to hers, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Leia leaned into the warmth cascading off his body. Derek whispered into her ear, “I’m glad you did. I consider it a privilege.” His words tickled her neck, sending goosebumps down her spine. He kissed her temple. “Thank you.”

A lump formed in her throat. Leia wondered why his words pierced her so deeply. She liked having someone who cared about her, wanting to be with her. Yes, she had family, tons of them, but she didn’t have this, a person next to her with whom she could share her life. For so long, Leia figured her time had passed, but then Derek came waltzing in, making her remember what it was like to have someone who was just yours.

A lump formed in her throat. Leia croaked, “My pleasure.” Then she tilted her head, making it fit perfectly in the crook of his neck.

They sat in the stillness of the evening, watching as the sun dipped lower and lower. With each passing minute, Leia wondered how much time she had left to live in this fantasy world. A world with Derek, where the future didn’t exist, and today was all that mattered. Finally, the last stray stretch of gold submerged below the water, replacing the sky with a dark blue. A smattering of stars slowly appeared against the rising of the moon.

Much too soon, Leia forced herself to untangle from Derek’s arm. Once free, Leia stumbled to her feet. “We’d better go.” After she dusted off her backside, Leia held out a hand to Derek. He took it. “It’ll be pitch black on the path back in a few minutes. I worry about one of us tripping.”

Derek reached down, nabbing the backpack. In a swift movement, Derek unzipped the top and held it open for her. Leia dug out the two flashlights. He zipped it closed, swinging it onto his back. She handed him one of the two flashlights, clicking hers on. Derek did the same.

As they started down the path, Leia said, “Let’s take it slow.” She kept her flashlight pointed down, illuminating the next few steps on the path. “I don’t want to slip and get injured. I’m not as young as I used to be.”

With a laugh, Derek said, “Then I must be ancient, because I’m older than you.”

Whacking him on his arm, Leia said, “You know what I meant.”

Though it was dark, Leia caught the mischievousness in his glance. “I know.” He smirked. “You’re way too fun to tease.”

Rolling her eyes, Leia said, “Okay, Derek.” Leia reverted her gaze to the path in front of them.

They walked, taking care with each step not to rush. It was quicker back to her apartment than the way up. Eventually, Kama Farm came into view. Manure tickled her nostrils as they walked by the rows of fruit. When they passed by her parents’ house, Derek wrapped an arm around her waist, giving it a squeeze. “This has been an incredible evening. I’m so glad I shared it with you.”

With him near, Leia picked up his distinct manly scent, making her skittish. “I’m glad we had today too. We might not have many more times together.” Her voice faded off, and she darted her gaze away from him and toward her apartment.

“I know,” Derek’s voice cracked. “I don’t know how to remedy that.”

Leia didn’t have an answer either, so she remained silent. Her fall fling was ending, and she hated where that would leave her, alone.

They arrived in front of her apartment. Derek dropped his arm from her waist, taking a step back. “Five, right? Bright and early?” asked Derek.

It took Leia a second to process what he was asking. “Are you talking about running with me?” asked Leia.

Nodding, Derek wrung his hands. “We might only have tomorrow to run together. I’d like to join you one last time if you don’t mind.”

Gnawing on the inside of her cheek, Leia tried to sound casual. “Sure. I’m running twelve miles. So …”

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