I need a drink for this discussion.A Chapter by Island HippyI studied the map closely, my husbands broad frame leaning over mine. A calloused hand skimming the map. Landing on Congo. "There it is babe" I stared expressionless my mind trying to comprehend the distance. Just barely past newly married we were about to embark on a journey into some discovery chanel documentary. Pages yet to be written. -- We met in October. Lani worked as an engineer, kanaka born and haole raised in San Diego. He studied and carved out a career designing and building concrete jungles for greedy people with more money than sense. In a Honolulu coffee shack I found myself staring at his stupid smile. Every morning, the same time he'd swagger in, a black coffee and a fresh Hawaiian roll to go. Fruitlessly he'd make small talk while I prepared his coffee before disappearing to the monstrosity he called work. Another ugly a*s resort polluting the declining shore line. I detested it, and that stupid f*****g smile. Tai whistled long and low as he wiped the front counter. "That boy is kolohe, and you in trouble girl" he teased a smirk on his lips. I glared at him and gritted my teeth, f**k, I knew he was right. Six months later we were saying our I do's. A simple wedding in Lahaina. On the shore of a well guarded secret away from tourist eyes. We exchanged vows no fancy suits or lavish gowns just a couple dreamers who were all in. Before ohana our lives changed forever. We greeted the night island style with food music and laughter. Two weeks later I found myself at the check-in. My life had been stuffed into the grand total of three cases and a board bag. Finally after long drawn out teary good byes I boarded a flight to San Diego with my husband. I was exhausted once we were seated, I was excited but there was a mourning inside that drained me. I slept the majority of the 5 1/2 hour flight my right hand firmly held in another. Life in San Diego was a massive social and cultural shift. Scared didn't even come close to the way I felt in those initial days. Island time couldn't be further from the regimented way of life in this new eden. I called home twice a week I told myself it was for their benefit but it was more for mine. I loved life with Lani but I missed the five - o. After two months of playing Mary- homemaker, things started to come together. I took a job as a preschool teacher and quickly made friends. I had made strides and settled into the swing of things. Lani worked long hours on a new condo development, life was busy but home became our peaceful end to the day. -- It was a filthy hot summer day, a Wednesday when Lani came home unusually early. With a mile wide smile he strolled into the kitchen, straight to the fridge for a beer. He leaned over and gave me a kiss before taking a seat at the kitchen island. I looked at him puzzled and intrigued at the same time. "So, what's up?" I tried hard to sound nonchalant. He skulled half his beer then smiled at me again, another big smile the kind that made me instantly suspicious. "Howzit, good day babe?" he said in between skulls. I just stared waiting for further explanation. "So how do you feel about Congo?" his expression turned from playful to thoughtful and rather serious. "What, Congo, what's this about Larnz?" He leaned over and grabbed my hands soothing my growing concern. "Trust me?" he looked at me with soft sincere eyes. "Ae, of course, you know I trust you Larnz but give a girl a clue for god sake." He pulled me toward him, I rounded the island and took a seat. "Babe lets go to Congo." It sounded f*****g ridiculous but his eyes were dead serious. I sighed and pulled away heading for the fridge. I needed a drink for this discussion. © 2017 Island HippyAuthor's Note
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