Sadness Helped

The ten year-old body of Kirala Nekaliam snuggled deeper into her cocoon of pillows and blankets. She opened her book to where she had left off.

'Trianthra remained motionless as if terrified that her enemy was close. Something snapped behind her. Suddenly…………

-Kira was interrupted.

"Sweets I know you like to read, but well that's all you ever do. Couldn't you go outside once in a while?"

Kira peered up at the face of her Aunt Rosa. Rosa's face was weathered, strong, and kind but there was a sort of sadness in her eyes. Kira knew that sadness well. For it often shone in her-own jade eyes. The sadness was more noticeable in Rosa's eyes though, because she had lost more then Kira.

Kira thought back to when the sadness had first appeared. It was six years ago and Kirala was still living in the city.

~ "Mummy why are you crying?" a four year old Kira had asked climbing up to sit on her mother's lap.

"Oh baby, your cousin, Aunt Rosa's son, had," Lilikou Nekaliam paused to wipe away a multitude of tears. " Honey cousin Teku had an accident." Lilikou burst into tears and hugged Kirala close. ~

Kira's mind flashed forwards to a week later at Teku's funeral where Aunt Rosa had sobbed throughout the entire service. After all she was a single parent raising her only child. That was the first appearance of the sadness. And then……….

~ "Kira! Kira! Honey wake up!" Aunt Rosa shook Kira awake and propped her up.

"Is it time to get up already Auntie Rosa? Are mummy and daddy home?" Kira yawned and stretched her small, frail, five-year old arms, up over her head.

"No sweetie but you need to get on your coat and come with me." Rosa's voice was sounded very scared.

"Where's mummy and daddy?"

"Kira darling… they were in an accident on the way home from the show, and we need to go see them at the hospital."

Kira's eyes widened. When Teku had an accident he stopped coming to visit. Did this mean mummy and daddy weren't coming back anymore?

At the hospital Kira wasn't allowed to see Daddy. He was hurt too bad. She got to see mummy though.

"Hi baby." Kira remained silent, afraid of all the tubes sticking out of mummy. "Baby, mummy is going to go away soon. You see, mummy's hurt really bad, and the Doctors can't help her."

"Where are you going mummy? Can I come visit?" whispered Kira.

A tear rolled down Lilikou's cheek. "No baby. Mummy and Daddy are going to live with the goddess."

"Is Teku with the goddess?"

"Yes baby. He is. So baby, I need you to be strong for mummy. You're going to live with Auntie Rosa so please listen to her."

Kira nodded, her eyes shining with tears. "I will, but mummy," Kirala sniffed and began to sob. "I don't want you to leave!"

Lilikou pulled her daughter towards her, and kissed Kira's head repeatedly. "I know baby, I know. Be strong for mummy though. And always remember to be nice to people, and do the right thing. Have fun, and never think that being different is bad. The most important thing though baby, is that when you love and are loved back, don't ever let it go. Never let your love go."

Kira nodded and burrowed deeper into her mother's arms, until both mother and daughter fell asleep, Lilkou never to awaken. ~

Kira looked at Rosa. "Sorry Auntie, it's just that well there's nothing to do but read when Jack isn't here."

Rosa smiled. She had always approved of Kira's friendship with Jack. "Well sweetie that's the other part of what I came to tell you. I was just saw Gotz and he told me that the ferry just entered the harbour and," She didn't get a chance to finish her sentence for Kira leapt up tossing aside her pillows and throwing her book to the ground. She dashed out the front door and went in the direction of the beach.

Her mind was working faster then her feet though as she ran into old Ann's farm yard, and turned down the beach path. Many sailors were unpacking supplies, and Kira laughed as she watched Nina, the older woman who ran the flower shop, yell at them for mixing up her flower seeds.

The ferry always carried a few tourists and some villagers who had been away. Today she watched the midwife greet her son and his young wife, and Ann greet her grandson Rick. But where was Jack? Kira strained her neck trying to see him but he was nowhere in sight. Was it possible he had missed the ferry over? No, it couldn't be he was always on time. What if he had been late though? The next ferry wasn't for another month!

Kira ran over to one of the sailors and asked if all the passengers were off the boat. When he replied yes, her heart sank. Kira thanked the man and turned to go home, feeling devastated. Jack was her best friend, and she only got to see him in the summers when he came to visit his grandpa. Kira smiled at the thought of Grandpa Jack. She'd go see him and he'd cheer her up. He was like a father to her, and was much kinder to Jack then his own father… Now she felt bad again, thinking of Jack.

Kira sighed and trudged on when all of a sudden a hand was clapped over her mouth. Her eyes widened and she began to struggle, when a familiar voice whispered in her ear.

"Miss me?"

The hand let go and Kira whirled around to face Jack. "Ohhhh!" she scowled, "You little…" unable to find the words she playfully punched him on the shoulder.

Jack grinned "You're losing your touch kid, for the first time ever you punched like a girl!"

"I am a girl stupid! Is it my fault I try to be more feminine?" Kira started giggling at the thought of her acting girly. She liked being a girl but saw no reason why she should always wear dresses and make-up. Kira liked dresses too but they weren't good for hiking in the mountains, and makeup made her itchy. Her father said she was strong willed. Her mother said it would wear off eventually. Mum, Dad… Kira's eyes welled up with tears at the thought of them, but she furiously wiped them away as Jack joined in her laughter.

"So you never answered my question. Did ya miss me?" he tilted his head and waited for Kira's response.

"Of course I did! There's nothing to do when you aren't here."

"Well I'm glad you feel that way!" he smiled mysteriously and walked up the path.

Kira followed, confused before she realized he had no luggage with him. "Jack," she called "Where is your stuff."

"They were too heavy too carry, so I had the sailors deliver it to Grandpa's house."

"Too heavy? Who punches like a girl now sissy boy?" Kira mocked

Jack glowered at her. "For your information, I had way more stuff with me this time."

"Why?"

Jack grinned. "Well dad is going on this really long business trip that's taking him all over the world, and I don't want to go with him, cause he wouldn't let me do anything except stay in the hotel room because he hates sightseeing, so I get too stay here."

They were almost at the farm now, but Kira stopped dead in her tracks. "The whole year?" she marvelled

Jack chuckled. "Nope. The whole three years."

Kira's eyes bulged "When you leave we'll be old! Like thirteen and fourteen!"

"I know. It's a good thing you have a girly crush on me or we'd get sick of each other."

"A CRUSH!!!!" Kira said horrified at the gruesome thought. A crush on her best friend?! That would NEVER happen "You think I have a crush on you?! I'll crush you, you little dweeb!"

Jack laughed and ran off, Kira sprinting behind him, ready to soak him in the river, when she caught him.

It was just like old times.

That was how it should be.

Thanks sooo much to all my reviewers! I love you guys and promise to r&r your stories. Oh and this isn't me in the story. The names are VERY close but not identical. Kirala and Kiara. Or Kira and Kia. But anyway I'll try to have Chap three up soon, so any comments on this chappie would really help me get motivated. Kiss Kiss, buh bye.