Chapter 12: Haole
Brenna
I headed off in the direction of the pool. I saw April and Beth had snagged two poolside cabanas right next to the poolside bar. Perfect for their viewing pleasure of all the physically appealing males at the resort. I shook my head and laughed. Of course they would be right there. The pool was pretty quiet for it already being about 1130am. I strolled on over to them and laid down on one of the lounge chairs in the second cabana that they snagged.
"I take it this one is for me and Greer when she comes to join us?" I asked.
"Yup! Or if Mom and Grams get back I figured we would need more than one anyway." April said.
"Good thinking! But lets hope they don't get back for a while. Mom told me to keep the make out sessions with Greer to a minimum in front of her and Grams. I won't lie but that is really, really gonna be hard to do." I said.
"She put that restriction on you again?" Beth asked. "Thank God she has never told me to do that."
"You never bring home the same guy more than twice. She hasn't had a chance to put restrictions on you, yet!" April said to Beth.
"Oi! Shut up!" Beth said throwing a pillow over at April.
"Am I wrong?" April asked looking at me.
"Well, not exactly." I said while dodging the pillow being thrown in my direction now. April and I could not stop laughing.
"Is it so wrong to try and find Mr. Right?" Beth asked.
"Nope, not at all. It must be fun trying to find him because you never seem short of receiving attention from the opposite sex." April pointed out.
"I can't help the attention. It does suit me though!" Beth said with a smirk.
We all started laughing. After a bit, we settled into the lounge chairs and were pretty much eyeing all bodies that passed us by.
"Wow! Definitely an 8!" April said giving a score to the guy with 6 pack abs, nice tan, and longer black hair pulled back into a pony tail that just walked past.
"I definitely would not kick him out of bed." Beth said. "I'd say 8 as well."
"Eh, I'm not so into the Rico Suave look. But he does have a nice body. I'd say 7." I said.
"But you still wouldn't kick him out of bed, right?" Beth asked.
I shrugged. All I could think was if it wasn't Greer, everyone else was definitely getting kicked out.
"Well if you kick him out, then be sure to kick him in my direction, yeah?" Beth asked.
"Will do!" I said with a smile.
I sat back for a while and let April and Beth continue their game. I couldn't stop thinking about last night and my conversation with Greer. It felt so good to talk about everything with someone. My fears with April and her cancer and how I have been keeping all my frustrations with Dad dying to myself. I actually admitted to her that I was mad at him. I know it wasn't his fault, but I just couldn't help but feel mad that he is not here to help us through this with April. Or that he wouldn't be there when I graduate high school, or go off to college, or even to meet this amazing girl I've just met.
Greer listened and never judged me. She held me when I needed to be held and gave me a little bit of space when I needed a breather. She allowed for silence when I had nothing more to say and spoke when I needed reassurance or to hear kind words. I felt a connection with her. More than I ever have with Kieran. I can't help but think about him in this moment, too.
I love him. He's been a solid person in my life for a while now. Although he was never much for being there when I needed to express frustration about my Dad's death, and when I found out about April he didn't exactly know what to do or say, I can't really fault him for that. I probably would have reacted the same before all of this because who would know unless you have been through it right?
Ford stepped in on the few times I really did need someone, but reality was she reacted just the same as Kieran. She just stuck around a little bit longer before she took the chance to bolt.
But Greer, she just stayed with me. She never left me. And I had just met her. Who does that? She is amazing. I couldn't help my smile.
"You're thinking about her aren't ya?" Beth asked.
My smile grew bigger.
"Maybe." I said.
"Bren, that smile cannot get any bigger. You are definitely thinking about her." April said.
"Okay, yes, I was thinking about her." I said as I smiled. "Hey Ape, can I ask you a question?"
"Sure." April said.
"Did you ever feel mad at Dad? I mean like after his death." I asked.
She stared at me for a minute, almost as if she was debating on telling me the truth or not. "Yeah, yeah I did." April said sighing. "There was a little bit of time after he died where I couldn't help but feel like he was gonna miss so much of my life, of our lives. I just couldn't handle it, so I occasionally screamed and yelled at him even though he was nowhere around. I hated hearing his name and I just didn't want to talk about him at all. I eventually talked to Beth about it. She helped me to see that it's normal and okay to feel that way. She convinced me to talk to Mom about it some more as well. I did and it helped, too. Are you feeling mad at Dad?"
"Not any more really, but I did. I told Greer about it. It helped to talk to her about it." I said.
"You could have talked to me about it." April said.
"I just didn't exactly feel like talking about it back then." I said.
"Okay!" April said. "Well I recommend Mom, too. She actually was a great help!"
"Okay. I'll keep that in mind. Thanks Ape." I said.
"Love you!" April said.
"Love you, too!" I said.
"Ditto to you both!" Beth chimed in.
April and I laughed and April pulled Beth into a hug. I leaned back in the chair and closed my eyes. I started thinking about Greer. Her eyes, her smile, and that cute little tush of hers that she so nicely gave me a sneak peek of. Just thinking about her made my body start to tingle. I couldn't help it, but just thinking about her made me hot. I needed to cool off.
"I'm gonna hop in the pool. Be back in a bit." I said.
"Okay!" Beth said. Her and April were back to their game again and the whistles have started. I definitely need to get away now.
I stood up and headed for the deeper end of the pool. I have always been the type to dive in rather then slowly take the stairs. I dove in and the cold hit me perfectly. I swam underneath the water as far as I could. I eventually came up for air. I placed my hands on the side of the pool and stared out at the view of the ocean from the pool. This place was beautiful.
Greer
I left Brenna and headed for my room to change into my swimsuit. I needed a swim. Last night was heavy. She confided in me a lot of things that were personal to her. I know it wasn't easy and I'm glad she did, but wow it was a lot. I got back to my room, changed, and grabbed my goggles before heading out to the beach. I took a minute to stretch, but then just plunged right in. I started thinking back to last night.
First of all, her sister has cancer. That is big. I mean April seems like a tough woman, but cancer is rough physically, emotionally, and psychologically. It's gonna take a toll on her and anyone close to her. And from what it seems, Brenna is definitely close with her sister. I know Bren is gonna have a rough road ahead. She is going to need a strong person to be there for her. I'm strong, but am I ready for that? I mean I just met her.
Second, Brenna lost her father in a car accident. I am not too sure on the details, but what I do know is Brenna is still working through some feelings and emotions from his death. I could not even imagine if I lost my Dad. Even though he and Mom are rarely around, they are still here and I can call them and talk to them anytime I need to. I didn't know what to say last night when she was talking to me about it. I just stayed quiet, but that seemed to be okay. Other times I just tried to reassure her. But honestly I have no idea how to help or even if she is looking for help. I don't know what to do and it's starting to freak me out a little bit.
I powered through my swim. Record time from what I can tell, too. I am definitely more tired than I usually am. I walked up onto the beach and stretched out my arms.
Whistles came from behind me.
"Hey Beautiful! How about you and I go for another swim and you show me how to do the breast stroke?" A deep voice came from behind me.
"Really?" I said as I turned around to see three local guys probably in their early 20's approaching me.
"You're HOT! You here by yourself or are your friends around too?" One of the guys said while looking around for other ladies.
"Seriously? Are you for real?" I asked.
The guy actually walked over to me and put his arm around my shoulder.
"Trust me, Haole, I can show you all the best parts this island has to offer, starting with me." The guy said.
"Ha! I doubt you are the best part." I couldn't help but laugh.
"May not be the best, but definitely one of the best!" He said with a smile.
"Pass!" I said as I shrugged off his arm off my shoulders.
"Ah, come on. You're hot! I'm hot! It's only right that we burn this island up together." He said.
"What's your name?" I asked.
"Keoki. This is my boy Hani, and his brother, Keanu." He said.
"Well, Keoki, I hate to break it to you but boys aren't really my thing." I said.
"Oh what? Sweet! You're into the ladies?" Hani said.
"Yes. And as a matter of fact, my lady is waiting for me. So if you don't mind, I'm leaving. You boys have fun!" I said as I took off in the direction of the pool.
I left the boys laughing and, of course, making a few comments as I left. I ignored them.
I took off in the direction of the pool. I used the shower they have set up to wash off all the sand and ocean water. Man, it was cold. But felt good since the day seemed to be especially warm. I could see into the pool area as I was rinsing off. I saw Brenna in the pool looking out toward the ocean. I decided to jump in and join her in the pool.
I jumped in and swam up to right behind her. She hadn't turned around, so I figured she must be lost in thought. I grabbed on to her hips and pulled myself into her. Her breath hitched just for a second. I began placing kisses on her shoulder. I could feel her relax.
"Hi Beautiful!" I said.
"Hello Gorgeous!" Brenna said back.
"I didn't mean to scare you. I just couldn't resist feeling your body up against mine." I said.
"It's okay. I didn't breathe in quickly because I didn't know it was you. I did because my skin felt on fire the moment you touched me." Brenna said as she turned in her spot and wrapped her arms around my neck.
I leaned in and captured her lips.
"What were you thinking about?" I asked when we finally pulled our lips apart.
"How beautiful this place is. How beautiful you are. And… well about last night." Brenna said. Her smile didn't exactly fade away, but it definitely wasn't as bright.
"Well, this place is beautiful. You are beautiful. And any thing I can help with regarding last night?" I asked.
"Um, no. Was just thinking." Brenna said. "How was your swim?"
"I think I beat my own personal best." I said with a smile.
"Pushed yourself hard this morning?" Brenna asked.
"You could say that." I said.
"Any reason why?" Brenna asked.
"I was just doing some thinking and that just kind of got me going fast." I said.
"Oh yeah? Anything I can help with?" Brenna asked.
"Um, not at the moment, but I promise I will talk to you about it once I'm ready." I said.
"Should I be worried?" Brenna looked a little bit scared.
"Nope. Nothing to worry about I promise." I smiled and leaned in to capture her lips.
"Wow, Haole, you really know how to pick 'em!" Keoki said. The boys were walking through the pool area and just happen to notice me in the pool with Brenna. The boys kneeled down next to where we were in the pool.
"She's pretty!" Keoki said.
"I thought you boys would have moved on to the next victim, I mean tourist. What? You can't find any pretty ladies that fall prey to your lovely pick up lines?" I asked.
Ah! That hurts Beautiful." Keoki said grabbing his heart.
I could feel Brenna tense up in my arms.
"Don't worry sweetheart, I've spotted a couple of beauties over there by the bar. I guarantee you I will have them eating out of my hands in about 5 minutes." Brenna and I both looked in the direction he was pointing. He was pointing at April and Beth. Oh, this will be good.
"That's my…" Brenna started to say but I interrupted her.
"Oh Bren, don't we have that thing to do right about now?" She turned back toward me and caught my slight smile. She definitely got the hint.
"Oh right. Sorry boys! We have to go." Brenna said to the guys.
"See you again soon Beauties!" Hani said.
The guys took off in the direction of Beth and April. Greer and I swam back across the pool to get a better viewpoint of how this all goes down.
"Hello there Beautiful Ladies! My name is Keoki. This is my boy Hani and Keanu." Keoki said.
"Well hello! I'm Beth. This is April." Beth held out her hand and Keoki leaned over and kissed it. "Well, well."
"So I can tell you are definitely not from the states. Australia?" Keoki asked.
"Very good!" Beth said.
I was able to catch April's eye. Brenna and I both made a few gestures to let her know that these boys were up to no good. April smiled and Brenna said she totally understood what we were trying to say. I asked her how she knew and she said that smirk right there is the 'let's play' smirk. It means she up for the challenge.
"And what about you? Australian as well?" Keoki asked April.
"Nope! Born in good ol' US of A. New York City actually." April said.
"Ah, a city girl. Welcome to the Islands!" Keoki said. "You know if you want a tour of the island I'd be happy to give one to you. You and your Beautiful friend."
"Wow, that's so nice of you. How did we end up so lucky?" April grabbed onto Beth's arm and definitely over exaggerated that statement. "Beth I think its our lucky day!"
"Trust me. We can show you all the cool spots this island has to offer." Hani said.
Beth started to get where April was going with this.
"The luckiest day ever. So what are the cool spots? And which one of you is going to be my personal tour guide?" Beth said as she started to stand up.
April followed her lead.
"Will it be you?" Beth asked pointing to Keoki.
"Or you?" April said pointing to Keanu.
"Or maybe you?" Beth said as she pointed to Hani.
"I'll do it." Keoki said stepping up to Beth.
"I'll take you around." Hani stepped up next to April.
"No I'll do it." Keanu said shoving Hani out of the way.
The boys began shoving each other around trying to get next to the girls.
Brenna and I were in tears laughing at their antics.
"Boys! Boys! How about you take all of this energy out in the water." Beth yelled as she and April pushed them into the pool.
I got up out of the water and reached down and gave Brenna a hand getting out as well. We walked over to April and Beth and high fived each other.
"What? You all know each other?" Keoki said as he popped up in the water.
"You've got to be kidding me?" Hani said.
"Is that what you call 'eating out of your hands'?" Brenna asked. "Because that was pathetic."
"Ha! Was that your best move? C'mon boys, you gotta do better than that." Beth said.
All four of us walked back over to the lounge chairs and sat down. The guys got out of the pool and came over to them.
"That was cold, ladies." Hani said.
"What? And you trying to hit on all the poor unknowing tourists isn't?" April said.
"We just want to make sure every one has a good time is all." Keoki said with a smile.
"Uh huh! I'm sure!" I said.
"Hey look. I'll admit you pulled a fast one on us ladies, but if you do get bored here at the resort and want to go have some real fun on this island, let me know. Me and my boys would be happy to show you around." Keoki said.
"We'll keep that in mind." April said.
"Here's my number. Give me a shout when you're ready." Hani handed a piece of paper to April.
The boys took off out toward the beach. The four of us laughed.
"Where did those guys come from?" Beth asked.
"They came up to me on the beach and tried the same thing. I shot them down and told them I had a girlfriend. I didn't realize they would come up this way to the pool. But when they saw Brenna and I in the pool they couldn't help but stop and talk to us. They spotted you two and I knew you two could handle them." I said.
Brenna squeezed my hand and smiled.
"That was actually quite fun. They weren't bad looking either. I'd say a 7 each." Beth said.
I gave a funny look in their direction.
"I think Keoki was an 8 or 8.5, but the other two were definitely 8's." April said.
"They are rating them. Don't mind them." Bren said.
"Really? You two would give them 8's and an 8.5?" I asked.
"Yeah. What would you give them?" April asked.
"No more than 6's. But maybe that is because I'm not into kissing scruffy faces." I said.
"You agree Bren?" Beth asked.
"7's and then maybe Keoki would be like an 8." Brenna said.
"Really?" I asked a little bit in disbelief.
Thanks again for all the follows, favorites, and reviews. Still keeping this story going. I am enjoying writing it. If you have any suggestions or ideas about what direction you want the story to go in, I'm always up for a little help. I already have ideas, but y'all are creative and I don't mind bringing some of your ideas into fruition. ENJOY!
