Page 6 of Hula

The look she sends is pointed. And then a knowing smirk appears.

“You are more interested in making a friend than I am. Right?”

We have never bullshitted each other, and I am not going to start now. My fingers sift through soft sand, piling grains into a collapsing pile. If I have a tell, it is this one.

“Both things are true. I want to find friends for us. We’re here for the summer and it would be great if we had fun while we’re in Paradise.”

“Thought so.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

Her eyes move to the group and mine follow. Paula has her hand on the knee of the dark-haired girl next to her. They are having a conversation that ends with the young girl getting up. She begins to walk our way. Alright now. Alana has a different opinion. It comes out in a whisper.

“Ohhh no. Go back, stop.”

As the girl approaches, a wide smile precedes her words. Speaking directly to Alana, in a friendly tone, she calls.

“Hi! We saw you sitting here. Want to join us? My mom is the instructor.”

Alana does not know what to say, but I bet she is trying to figure out how to escape the kindness without looking ungrateful. She eyes me for help.

“Go! It will be fun. Maybe you’ll want to surf while we are here.”

“You surf?”

No doubt my daughter wants to kick me in the ass right now, because eye daggers are stabbing me. For some unknown reason, she suddenly is not into going in the ocean or telling anyone she can surf.

“No.”

Why the lie? But I won’t tell.

“I’m Ahn. What’s your name?”

“Alana.”

She says it so softly as if it is a secret.

“Well, come on, Alana. They’re waiting for us.”

She turns and starts for the group, not giving my daughter a choice. Slowly Alana gets up and follows. There is one look back and this one isn’t pissy. She looks so young and scared. I want to save her from whatever the fear is, but I nod and send her off with a smile, as she tugs at the hem of her hoodie.

Chapter 2

LEILANI

The sound of the ocean speaks to my soul. No matter how many times the waves are sent away, they can’t stop kissing the shore. I saw the sea differently after my mother said that to me as a young girl. Today seems especially beautiful. Despite the world’s upheaval and my income, or lack-thereof in free fall for three years. The beauty all around me is easier to see, because I understand at a deeper level how tenuous the gifts of life are. So much has been taken for granted by us all.

“Who caught a wave today?”

One question gets the group replaying their greatest hits. Ridding myself of running clothes, I take a seat in the sand.

“I did,” Monica says, raising her hand. “Even though they were all ankle biters.”

“They still count!”

I am going to make a suit for that girl. One for surfing, that fits properly on top. They may be just a dream now, but a female wants to feel womanly long before her body catches up. I remember my humble beginnings in that department and the way friends and I encouraged ourselves while doing pec isometrics. Your boobs look bigger!We were compassionate liars.

“I stood up for a good five seconds. That’s three more than last week,” Henry brags, peeling off the unnecessary wet suit. The roll of belly baby fat is released like an escaping prisoner.

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