I had the idea that seemed to be shared by some readers that Alyssa should meet the rest of Steve's family and how that would go. I changed it up a little and figured that there was no reason that Aunt Deb, who I adore, could not decide to spend her remaining time in Hawaii. Other than that, hopefully this is canon.
"Are you sure that this is a good idea," Alyssa asked Steve for the fourth time as they drove down the highway. "I mean, are you just going to show up on her door step and just say, 'Hi. This is my half- sister that you never knew existed.' I can't imagine she would like such a surprise."
Steve just smiled. "You don't know Aunt Deb. She'll love to meet you and I think you two will get along great. I want you to meet her before...," Steve's voice trailed off and he stared ahead, not willing to say what he was thinking - that Aunt Deb was dying and time was short.
Alyssa looked worriedly at Steve. She knew about Aunt Deb. Knew that Aunt Deb had an inoperable brain tumor. Knew that she had married in Hawaii and decided to spend what time she had left in what she considered to be paradise. She also knew that Aunt Deb's husband passed away recently after only a few weeks of marriage and she knew that Aunt Deb was getting hospice care to make her remaining time as happy and comfortable as possible. She knew Steve well enough to read his body language and expression - this was very hard for him and he was not dealing with it very well at all. If her meeting Aunt Deb would somehow help, she was willing to do it. Actually, she was looking forward to it after all that she had heard about this remarkable woman.
The residence was located close to beach amid beautiful gardens and looked more like a hotel than hospice. Aunt Deb came to the door herself when Steve knocked. Alyssa suggested that she remain outside while Steve prepared Aunt Deb and provided whatever background he felt was appropriate.
Truth to tell, as she got closer and closer to the door, she became more and more nervous. Her story was not one of which she could be proud. Steve did not care, but others might. Her father had been a drug dealer and mob boss - not a pedigree that would recommend itself. She nervously chewed the inside of her cheek as she waited for Steve.
It did not take long and Steve came out to get her. "What did you tell her?" she asked.
"Just that there is somebody I want her to meet."
Alyssa gave him a dirty look. "You promised you would prepare her. What is she going to say when you spring this on her?"
"Come on, she'll love you," Steve assured her, pulling her along by the hand as if she was a child. "None of the other stuff will matter to her, I promise."
"Aunt Deb," Steve called out when they entered the room. "Here she is. This is Alyssa Grant."
Alyssa looked over and saw a slight woman sitting in an arm chair. She was smiling which Alyssa thought was promising.
"Steven McGarett," she said chidingly. "You have never told me that you had another sister. I had no idea that Doris had another daughter. Come here, Alyssa and give your Aunt Deb a hug."
"Gotta love, Aunt Deb," Alyssa thought with relief so deep her knees actually felt a little weak, as she walked forward to embrace the older woman.
So that went pretty well. How will the rest of the family, especially Steve's sister react to this? Stay tuned to find out. I will post more very soon. Please review and let me know what you think and how I can make this better.
