(A/N: made one change guys and that's the luau was a month away instead of a week. It worked better in my head and timing for this story. Hope you don't mind. Please enjoy c:)

"There no real difference between swimming surfing. You have to have complete control of your body and though the moves don't have to be exactly right, each movement matters. But then again, that's what makes them different I guess. We all have a different style of surfing. Your board is an extension of you and only you. How you surf is a unique experience. No one can tell you to surf."

"So why have I been listening to you for the past half hour?" I look to my side where Kai is staring out at the water, droplets falling down the side of his face from his damp hair. Contrary to the jerk I thought he was, he's really helped a lot and is actually a great teacher.

"Because I'm the expert," he says with a roll of his eyes and a nudge to my shoulder. I nudge back with a laugh as I cross my legs out in front of me. These last few weeks we'd been enjoying each other's company on more than an instructor and pupil level. I was not only getting better at surfing but becoming closer to Kai. Of course Becca liked to think of it as something more.

I didn't think of it that way. It was just being out here with Kai, near the water and talking about everything but Kayleigh, made me happy - happier than I'd been when leaving home. And even then, when Kai would look at me with his eye crinkling smile, or make a joke about how I looked when surfing, I was pretty sure I hadn't been this happy then either. That scares me and in the back of my mind, I feel guilty about it.

We're at the end of our session which means it's time for us to go our separate ways. "Well," I say as I stand up.

"Well," Kai repeats as he looks up at me.

We've still got sunlight to keep surfing, which I wouldn't mind, but sitting here seems perfectly fine with me too.

"So are you going to the luau tomorrow night?" He asks me. Aunt Lana and Mike wanted to go, but it's their anniversary and they'd rather spend it alone. That said, I have much more initiative to go.

"Yeah, I am actually. Becca and Ida are going to swing by and then we're heading out together . . . Will you be there?" I ask after a moment of chewing on my lip.

"Keno's actually performing, so yeah I'm going." I think about the girls he was talking to and I want to ask if he's going to with one of them. But I bite my tongue.

"Is he going to dance?" I duck my head and chuckel half heartedly, sort of mad at myself for holding back.

"Yeah, something like that." Kai says, a bit deflated and now I'm entertaining the thought that maybe he wanted to ask me. Before I can speak he stands up. "You want to call it an early day? I'm sure you're probably getting sick of spending all your time with me." He smirks, back to being playful. After standing, I pick up my board.

"I admit you're kind of annoying, but I'm not finished just yet." I start for the water, looking over my shoulder to throw Kai a grin. The truth is, whether I spoke up or he did, I didn't want our time together to end just yet.

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I peel off the light blue shirt I considered wearing to the luau. This is the fourth outfit that I've tried on and Ida and Becca will be arriving soon. I don't want to slip and tell them why what I wear is so important. When I talked to Mom earlier, I almost slipped about my surfing lessons.

It's because I'm nervous. I know I shouldn't be because it's not a date, but the thought of Kai being there makes my stomach twist with anticipation.

"Taylor the girls are here," Aunt Lana calls as she enters the room. She's dressed in a sleek black gown, her hair pulled up and light makeup accentuating her natural beauty. Tonight her and Mark will go to a restaurant before returning home to finish off their anniversary. She frowns some, "Still getting dressed?"

"Nothing to wear," I tell her, sighing out with exasperation. She taps her lips in thought before snapping her fingers.

"I think I've got just the dress. Wait here." She disappears out of the room. I can hear her talking to the girls, explaining I'll be down in a minute before soon she returns. In her hands she's holding this white dress. She holds it out for me to get a look at it. It's light enough that I won't feel strnage when wearing it and there are some small flowers along the fabric in this light yellow color that make the dress casual enough to wear.

"You've gotten quite tan these past two weeks so it'll look great against you."

"Aunt Lana, it's amaizng," I compliment, taking it into my hands. "You're a life saver!"

"Yeah, well I had a few crushes on boys in my time too." I narrow my eyes suspiciously at her and she gives me a knowing smirk. She smiles and places her finger to her lips in a secret motion.

Hearing someone else say it and coming to the realization that it's obvious makes me nervous some and once more I'm overwhelmed by my thoughts.

"What's wrong?"

I stare at the dress, running my fingers through the clear straps. "I-" I pause, trying to find a way to explain how I feel. "I feel confused."

"About what? You don't think he likes you?" Aunt Lana takes a seat on my bed and she taps the spot beside her. I take a seat next to her.

"No, yes - I want to like him, but then again, I feel wrong somehow. I feel like wanting this goes against Kayleigh. Like I don't deserve to be happy." I stare down at my hands. Aunt Lana places her hand to my chin and gently lifts it.

"Taylor, you should never feel that way. I can understand that the lost of Kayleigh is hard." Carefully she weighs her next words in her mouth, licking her lips before continuing, "but it doesn't mean your life has to stop. Don't stop loving, or being happy - don't stop living."

I know she's right and my head says to believe her, but my heart is unsure. "So," Aunt Lana says with a stand, she wipes away a stray tear from my cheek. "You're going to get dressed and you're going to have fun. Alright?"

"Yeah, alright," I say as I offer a weak smile.

"I'll tell the girls you'll be down soon." She says as she leaves. I take a few moments to compose myself before finishing getting dressed. Aunt Lana is right, the dress looks great against my skin and my hair seems to have benifited from the sea walter oddly enough. It's shinier and brighter from the sun's rays. I slip on a pair of brown sandals and finally place around my neck, the necklace I took from Kayleigh's dresser. After assuring I have my keys and phone in my little brown bag. I leave the bedroom and head downstairs.

When I see Ida and Becca in dresses similar to mine, I don't feels so nervous about wearing a dress. I say goodbye to Aunt Lana and Uncle Mike as I head out with Ida and Becca. Becca's Mom is giving us a ride, since the the luau will be held on another part of the island. Becca is chirping about how amazing the luau will be and I admit it excites me, but there's something a little different about Ida. We never really clicked much in the beginning, but now there just seems to be an icy link between the two of us. Even with Becca between us.

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When we arrive, I'm taken aback by how gorgeous the area is. It's like a private little world with its fence of thick trees and bright green grass with beautiful flwoers sprouting. A lake encircles the area, continuously winding like an endless blue string. The smell of cooked meat and a fire burning filters through the open windows of the car. The sound of drums fills the air, juxtaposed with a light chiming sound and the voices of women singing.

It's nearing seven and the sky is turning this fuzzy orange color mixed with blue and purple. We get out the car and follow the train of people toward the populated area. Wooden tables are spread out, crowds of young and old talk and laugh, enjoying each other's company. Becca's mom leaves us alone and we go in search of the boys.

Keno is dressed in island attire, long thick pants with lots of grass at the cuffs of the pants. He's bare chested and a red mark is crossed along his bare chest.

Kai is dressed in a simple pair of khaki shorts and a white shirt with a red flower on the front.

"Hey," I say to Kai and he smiles.

"Hey."

"You guys almost missed the unearthing," Keno says, breaking what could've been a pregnant and awkward pause.

"What's that?" I ask.

"It's when they remove the pig that's been cooking underground all day," Becca says, laughing when she sees my expression.

There's a gong sound and everyone starts moving toward the center. "C'mon Blondie," Kai says with a smirk and I follow. They weren't kidding when they said it was underground. Two men, strong with old eyes but young faces each stand opposite of each other. They're standing above a large pit where the same smell of rich meat dances along smoke. Inside the pit are logs that are covered with rocks and coal, topped with banana leaves. They bend and pull up two sticks that holds a platform where the pig, lays. I admit I'm more thrown off by their strength than the actual pig.

After that, is the announcement that it's time to eat. Keno disappears to prepare for his performance and Kai follows. As I walk along the buffet line, I notice he's talking to some girls, dressed in island wear.

I sit alongside with Becca and Ida at a table along with some other girls, named Christy and Fifi. I start to think they're twins since they both look so similar, round glowing brown faces, dimpled smiles and tick curly black hair. After asking, it turns out they're sisters. Conversation comes easily since the girls surf as well.

"Are you thinking of competing? There's an island competition at the end of next month. Mano gives out a free board and accesories to the winner. And, if you win you go to the semis." Fifi explains to me.

"Yeah, but that's a bit extreme. There's some real talent at those competitions," Ida says.

"Are you competing?" I ask her, looking up from my plate.

"I am actually, I've won the last two years." No shock there.

"That's cool," I say with a shrug. "Well, you never know what could happen. Maybe I will."

"If you don't, you can work the concession stand with me," Becca offers, "I surf purely for fun. There are some pretty crazy birds in that competition." I snort at that, immediately thinking of Ida. The sound of a conch shell interrupts and then someone beating the drum. I'm surprised to see that it's Kai. A man, heavy set wearing a friendly smile comes forth. I recognize him as being Mano from the shop. He's wearing a tall crown of grass and red fabric on his head and a necklace of seasheslls around his neck.

"Aloha! It's a joy to see such beautiful smiling faces, here to once more have a spectacular evening with delicious food, sensational dancing, and a breathtaking fire dance. The luau is a significant form of celebration of the Hawaiian culture to honor not only our Gods and Goddesses, but you, the guests. Please, enjoy yourself and relax. Become one with Kauai and the exciting island tradition, experienced on rich soil of love and under the stars of brilliance."

Clapping follows before Kai starts up the drums again. Keno comes out with two girls that stand on either side of him. In his hand, Keno holds two sticks, which the females light on fire. While normally he's clumsy and a bit of a jokester hismovements are graceful and precise, the fire moving like a fluid and slicing the air. The whole while Keno tells the story of Pele, the fire goddess.

Each time he says Pele's name, the girls throw something into the flire and it flickers.a richer red, growing taller. It's exciting to watch, and has everyone hanging on the edge of their seats.

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When he's finished intense clapping follows suit. Following Keno are a group of girls, wearing white tops and grass skirts. Curly hair springs from beneath headbands made of shells, matching the ones wrapped around their ankles, making a beautiful noise with each movement. Mano sings the tale of the love triangle between Pele, her sister Hi'iaka and the young chief Lohiau. The story follows betrayal between the sisters, forbidden love between Hi'iaka and Lohiau, who belonged to Pele and heartbreak. But the ending, of Hi'iaka and Lohaiau becoming one makes my heart clench with happiness. Mano's rich smooth voice evokes the right emotions with each word his tongue lays upon.

After that, Mano commences the start of the dance hour. Becca mentions that this part is for the teens of the island - it's when all of the older people retire for the night, leaving the teens to enjoy a night of pure and spiritual fun, connecting with their ancestry.

Rich and upbeat Hawaiian music plays and tables have been moved to give more space.

"C'mon," Becca pursues as she tugs my hand. I shake my head.

"I'm not a good dancer," I say. She tries again, but Ida pulls her away. I watch as everyone dances, even Kai and the girls. Everyone looks like they're having a good time. Eventually Kai's eyes land on mine.

"C'mon," he mouthes and when I refuse he dances over.

"I don't dance," I try to explain .

"I don't accept that answer." He's leaning against the table and smiling into my eyes. "What happened to the fearless blonde? You can't tell me surfing is less scary than dancing." I cluck my tongue duck my head, blushing. "C'mon -" he croons again, "you know you want to dance with me." I look back up and his hand is extended. Slowly I slide mine into his hand, following him toward the crowd of smiling faces and swift bodies.

I focus on Kai's hand, warm and large as it wraps tighter around mine. The realization sinks in and now I'm not nervous about dancing in front of everyone else, but dancing with Kai. The group welcomes us in. Kai starts dancing, arms waving, moving side to side.

"You look silly," I say finally with a laugh, looking around self consciously.

"No I don't, everyone's doing it," he retorts. "You're the one standing still." While everyone's doing it a bit better than Kai, he's right.

His hands find their way to my hips and he moves them side to side "Loosen up Blondie."

"Taylor," I stutter out. Kai cocks his head to the side, smirking.

"Well then, loosen up Taylor." He presses me a bit closer and soon my hips are moving of their own will. I want to say I can't relax being this close to him. We're dancing to the beat, but I'm so close that everything seems to slow down. Kai's hand reaches up toward my back, it's warm and I feel so safe, so secure.

"What'd I tell you?" He whispers.

"Yeah, yeah," I reply back.

"Taylor," he says after a moment.

"Yes?"

"Do you have a boyfriend?" My hands begin to sweat, and I shake my head.

"Why?"

"Well," he says, "I have this idea to do something and I don't want any conflict."

"What's that?" I ask him. He leans forth, lips pressed against mine and it's so soft and tender that I'm thrown off. Leaning up I deepen the kiss, and Kai complies, pulling me closer, lips now adamant upon my own. I want to keep kissing him forever but worry seeps in and my head starts spinning. Too soon.

Everything is too soon and too fast. I press my hands against his chest and pull away, Kai chasing after my lips.

"Wait," I say, "I can't - I-" I sigh out.

He looks at me confused, "What? Why? Is this because of Ida?" Now I'm confused. I pull away.

"What're you talking about?" I ask him. Kai bites his lip "What does Ida have to do with anything?"

"Nothing." The confusion is now anger and now people are looking at us.

"Oh it's definitely something," Ida says with a small smirk. "Considering we dated for two years." Now it all makes sense. The cold shoulders and glares.

"But we're through," Kai says and this look of hurt dares to cross Ida's face. I shake my head.

"I'm out of here," I say, turning on my heel. I grab my bag from where I left it on the table and keep walking.

"Taylor!" I ignore Kai's call.

"Taylor wait," Becca says and I can hear her coming after me. "I'll call my mom, she'll give us a ride."

"I don't need a ride." I say, "you didn't even tell me they dated. Ida hates me and you pretended not to notice."

"Taylor that's not true. Look, I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I didn't think it mattered. Ida doesn't even like him."

"Open your eyes Becca, her claws have been out since I got here." Looking over my shoulder I catch Ida and Kai arguing. "I'm leaving." I say finally and start walking away. I don't know where I am or where I'm going and the thought doesn't cross my mind until I'm a few feet away from the luau.

I open my bag and pull out my cellphone. Pride keeps me from turning back and embarassment keeps me from dialing Aunt Lana's number. Dejected, I stop and sit on a bench at the bus stop. I give in and call Aunt Lana. She tries not to sound disappointed, but I can hear it in her voice.

I let my head fall back and look up at the sky above me.

I wish Kayleigh was here. I wish she was hearing to comfort me, stroke my hair and tell me what to do. I feel so lost without her.