"Aloha and welcome to the island of Kauai - The Garden Isle." Aunt Lana places a lei around my neck. She looks just like Mom, wide hazel eyes, dark brown hair and a gorgeous white smile that brightens up a heart shaped face.

Mom's family is from Hawaii, my grandfather came here during the war, fell in love with an island woman and had Mom and Aunt Lana. Aunt Lana stayed out here but Mom left to California. I haven't seen Aunt Lana since the funeral. She never really visited before that. Unlike my relationship with Kayleigh, Mom and Aunt Lana could go years without talking to each other.

"Thank you." The flowers around my neck are brigh orange, blue, and pink - they look more like something out of a cartoon than real life.

"Did you enjoy your flight?" Mike asks me. He looks different in his blue floral shirt, white shorts and flip flops. He actually looks a bit more fun than when he was at the funeral, stiff in his black suit. The only difference between Aunt Lana and Mom I'd say would have to be their style. Aunt Lana's wearing a long flowy purple gown. Mom is more of a pressed white pants, peach colored button up, type of lady - more Martha Stewart.

"It wasn't that bad. Though, I couldn't really sleep like I wanted to."

"Well, you'll get plenty of rest when we get home. You're going to love it here Taylor. We don't live that far from the beach, and now that it's summer there are a lot of options: hiking at Kokee, snorkeling in Poipu!" She goes on some more as we exit out of the airport. I narrow my eyes some at the sun, shielding it with my hands as I take in the view. Over the heads of people and the rooves of cabs and cars, I'm welcomed by lush greenery and this distinctive natural beauty.

There's a sweet smell in the air and the sky is this clear bright blue. I can't help but feel blown away. I snap back into focus when I notice Aunt Lana and Mike have gotten ahead of me.

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The back seat of Aunt Lana and Mike's black Nissan Versa is more comfortable than the seats on the airplane. As soon as I rest my head against the head rest, my body relaxes and turns into this pool of loose putty.

"It's beautiful isn't it?" Mike says, looking at me through the rearview mirror. Trees stretch toward the sky and colorful flowers, like the ones around my neck, are splathered here and there.

"Yeah, it really is," I answer, breathless almost. With nothing but green and bright colors passing as we drive by. A bitter taste stretches across the inside of my throat. The more the colors blur by the dizzier I become. Rolling down the window, I welcome the cool breeze. My hair whips across my face some in the wind. The sun's lights makes the blonde streaks shine like spun gold.

The temperature is maybe around mid seventies, I'd be burning up if I still were in California. But the heat from the sun is easier to bear.

The further we drive from the airport, the more things change. The buildings are now smaller and closer together, customized with funky handwriting hoping catch your attention and bring in business. Soon the smell of salt water sits in the air, I can practically taste the saltiness on my tongue when I lick my lips.

"Here's the beach," Aunt Lana says as she looks over the seat back at me. The first thing I see is the ocean, it's kind of hard to miss. The shimmering of the azure sheet spellbounds me. I lean forward some more, inhaling deeply and closing my eyes.

The sun is warm against my skin and there's something soothing, like a lullaby from the driving.

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Aunt Lana was right when she said the house wasn't that far from the beach. It could be just because we drove, but it looks within walking distance. We pull up to a two story home. It's a teal blue color with white framed windows. The door along with the roof is a slate gray color. Tall green plants create this small jungle within the yard. Mike parks the car in the drive way and we all get out.

"You'll have your own room," Aunt Lana says as she stretches, simultaneously with my yawn and stretch. "I did a bit of decorating, it was kind of last minute, so I really couldn't do much. But, well, it's your home for the summer, you can decorate it to your liking."

"That's really great. It means a lot," I thank her.

Mike has disappeared to check the mail and comes back with a handful. "You go ahead and show her the house Lana, I've got the suitcase." Aunt Lana smiles and loops her arm through mine.

Together we march up the drive way, and into the house. She points out the spare key tucked under a potted plant. Inside there's the smell of honey.

"Is the-"

"Yes," Lana says laughing a little, the bedrooms are downstairs and the kitchen upstairs. Weird I know," she says with a shrug. "But there's this gorgeous view in the dining room, you can see right over the trees and straight over Kaui." The tour goes by quick, or maybe it's because Aunt Lana darts around excited. By the time we come back from upstairs, where the view was unbelievable, I'm tired and I have a feeling Lana is to.

"You can go ahead and rest and I'll wake you up for dinner," she says as we land at the end of the stairs.

"Sounds good."

"Remember which room is yours?" she teases.

"Last on the left," I respond. Mike dropped my things off before heading out to grab some last minute things for dinner. I start for my bedroom, stopping only when Aunt Lana calls my name. "Taylor, I really am glad you're here. I hope you enjoy yourself."

"Thank you, I do too." I'm only half lying.

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It's been a week since arriving in Kaui and the only thing I've done is snorkeling. Mike has to go back to work for this construction company, but Aunt Lana works from home for this small advertising firm. As usual I drag myself out of bed around noon, and shuffle upstairs to the kitchen. She's typing away on her laptop, sipping now and again from her coffee mug.

It's hard getting used to the kitchen, how the the fridge is on the left instead of the right. And they don't leave their cereal on the counter, but in the cabinet.

"Afternoon," she says cheerfully and I grumble something close to proper English. I find a bowl and fix myself some whole graham cereal. Usually Lana goes about her business, but today she watches me, a nervous expression crossed on her face as though she's debating whether or not to say something.

"Is there's something wrong?" I ask, nervous as I wipe a stray drop of milk from my lips.

"Well- I'm worried about you Taylor. I don't want you to spend your whole summer inside." I let out a breath. Is that it? "I told your mother I'd watch out for you. Make sure you . . . make sure you have a good time." The doorbell rings throughout the house, saving me from an uncomfortable conversation.

Lana sighs and gets up to go check who it is. I finish my cereal and put the bowl in the sink. What do they want me to do? I can't bear the idea of doing anything fun. Would people think I don't miss her?

I lift my head up at the sound of laughter and soon Lana is calling for me. "Taylor, can you come downstairs?" By the time I'm halfway down the stairs I can see a shorter and younger girl standing beside Lana. She has light brown hair and caramel colored skin, smooth and shining some. She's dressed in a swimsuit top and a pair of shorts and sandals. A scar stretches from the tip of her right eyebrow and down to her cheek. It's light against her dark skin, and flat - an old scar.

"Taylor, this is Becca Mahuiki. She lives just down the street. Becca, this is my niece Taylor that I told you about."

"Ah cool," she says, her tone full of air and carefree. She extends her hand, it feels soft in mine.

"Becca dropped by to borrow some sun screen. She's heading down to the beach. I was wondering -"

"She was wondering if you wanted to come along," Becca finished for Lana. She hadn't yet mentioned Kayleigh, so I figure that Lana kept it to herself. I open my mouth to decline the offer. I haven't settled yet to bother with trying to ease into conversation with someone.

"I don't-"

Becca interjects."Oh come on. It'll be so much fun, I can introduce you to everyone."

"I-"

"Please," she tries, batting her eyelashes. I know Aunt Lana is holding her breath, waiting for my response and Mom would be happy to know I'm trying.

"Okay," I finally acquiesce. "I'll go." It's just the beach. I'll spend a half hour or so in the water and then come back. That can't be so bad.

Right?

(Note: Sorry to end so lamely, I got tired. But things will pick up soon, promise! The next chapter introduces everyone and finally we get a taste of Taylor as more than this sad and lost girl! Stay tuned, vote, comment and fan. As always, thank you for reading!)