I'm so, so, so, so sorry this has taken so long to get posted. I've been suffering an acute infection of HarryPotter-itis. I'm addicted. Then with school, busyness, and the fact that I'm a wretched procrastinator, it all adds up to the lateness here. I hope you enjoy it nonetheless. I'm sorry it's so dreadfully short.

-Charlie's POV-

Hawaii really is an interesting place. It would be more interesting if my life wasn't one big black hole of awkwardness. I avoid Connie's eye at all costs. I honestly don't think I could possibly make myself into a bigger idiot if I tried.

So when Elisha pulled me into this Hawaiian music store, I had clutched onto the opportunity as if it was a rescue boat in the raging sea. Poetic, yes? Either way, I had needed a distraction.

I run my thumb over a random CD and watch Elisha walk out. I put the CD back down and start to follow until I see her sit down next to Connie. I freeze and watch words exchange between them. I can't make out what they're saying, but Connie looks really uncomfortable. If I walk over to look at those CDs by the door...

No! I will no eavesdrop. I am above that. Really. I really don't care what they're saying. Maybe Elisha's telling her about a bad reaction to the clam chowder.

Who am I kidding? I'm dying to know what they're saying, and those are definitely not the faces of people whining about clam chowder. But I'm not going to listen in. I'm going to...scoot in this general direction...and focus on the pretty lava rocks...errr...well, lava rocks really aren't particularly pleasing to the eye but I refuse to eavesdrop on their conversation. It's really none of my business.

I pick up a lava rock and decide it really isn't that interesting at all, tossing it back down amongst its lava rock friends. This is making me uncomfortable just thinking about what they could be saying. What do girls talk about when they're alone? I mean, seriously, it's not like I'll ever get to know.

Dang, they moved a little and now I can't see their faces at all. At least before I was able to read their expressions...Their voices are quieter too, and I haven't been able to distinguish a single word. This bites. I'm a failure at casual eavesdropping. Screw this.

Noticing a lull in their conversation, I leave the store. My eyes lock on Connie's instantly – I just stand and stare. My heart skips, jolting my brain to look away. I advert my gaze a little to the side and shift. "So, uh, we ready to go?"

Elisha gives a look between me and Connie that I don't quite understand, but I know that if I dwell, it will be bad. Chances are it's connected to their conversation, and I might do something stupid like ask about it. Bad idea.

"We are," Elisha says, standing and smiling, closely followed by Connie. I continue to void her eye, becoming particularly interested in the sidewalk. I can't help but wonder where this ranks on the Awkward Scale – we've had a pretty close race so far.

When I realize they're already started walking, I clear my throat and trot along behind. Their occasional glances at each other are making me nervous. Paranoia's not a foreign thing to me, and I now really, really want to know what they were talking about. Really bad.

"See anything you wanted?" Elisha asks me, sparking up conversation even though it was pretty obvious I hadn't seen anything particularly interesting, as I'm empty-handed.

"Not really," I reply with a shrug anyway. "Did you find the CD you wanted?" I ask in return, also ignoring that I knew good and well she hadn't. The only thing she bought was that 7UP.

"Nope. I may go back for more thorough search and inspection later."

Because she cut her search short to talk to Connie.

About something I really, honestly am going to stop wondering about.

Really.

Honest.

"That's cool," I say for no real reason at all. It's one of those things you say for the simple need to speak. Something to fill the empty air when there's absolutely nothing else you possibly can think of to say.

Other than blurting out a question about what they talked about.

Which I won't be doing.

I glance over at Connie again and see her downcast eyes. She's got that kind of sullen, uncomfortable aura that I'm feeling myself. I'm suddenly overcome with the urge to make her smile at any cost. I just don't know what to do...especially with Elisha here.

We meet back up with Taylor, Alex, the adults, and Shawn for dinner. There's a luau not too far from the hotel, and Shawnie had convinced us all how thrilling it would be to go, so we're on our way.

Luckily we're not required to wear anything specific...though in a split second of normality, Connie teased that I'd make the hula skirt look hot. Of course, I naturally shot back an instant "not as hot as you would," which of course clammed us up and has terminated all conversation for the night thus far. We need to try that "think before you speak" business.

Standing near the punch bowl, I swirl my drink a little and observe as a few guys with flowery leis around their necks yell "I got lei'd!" and wink at hula girls, likely finding themselves to be very clever. This, of course, led on to arguments over whoa had the "better lei," which then progressed to guys taking off their leis and walking up to the hula girls and asking "you wanna get lei'd?" Safe to say they were drenched with the dark red punch before the the words fully left their mouths. I, naturally, found this intensely amusing in my lonesome and pathetic state. It's just not a smart thing to do. As clever as it surely seems in your head, ultimately, it just becomes a source of amusement for the guy standing along at a punch table, wondering if he'll ever be able to talk to his best friend in the same way again.

"They're pretty idiotic, aren't they?"

I jumped, nearly leaving my skin as I instantly looked beside me, finding Connie looking at out friendly neighborhood "lei boys," just as I had been.

After a moment I nod and return to our observation. "Yeah."

"Do you think they really believe some girl is going to find that charming?" she continues after a slight pause.

"Who knows," I say, almost as more of a statement than a question.

Silence returns, and I mentally kick myself. She's trying to start conversation, and what do I do? I freeze up with short, pointless answers. I need to say something. Nice weather, isn't it?

I clear my throat. "Uh, want some punch?" I ask awkwardly, motioning to the punch bowl with my drink.

She shakes her head. "No, I'm fine."

Slowly nodding my head, I shove my free hand into my pocket and rock on my heels a little. Eventually the desire to speak at all dissipates as we share a people-watching moment. Hula girls and guys in Hawaiian shirts. Leis, punch, flowery decoration. The whole she-bang.

The punch swirls in my cup as I absently revolve it.

"What were you and Elisha talking about outside of the shop earlier?"I suddenly blurt out before I can stop myself. When I see her turn an odd shade of scarlet and glance over at me with a look of some angry-confusion mixture, I instantly regret the outburst. I really need to learn to control the words that come out of my mouth. How did that happen?

"Nothing," she says, her face now the same as the punch as she makes a strong effort not to look in my direction.

Knowing that I should stop while I'm ahead – or at least while I still have full bodily function – I decide to shut up.

I sigh and take to nibbling on the rim of the plastic punch cup, wondering how many times I can possibly take a decent situation and ruin it.

ShortAtntionSpaz- Hehe, no kidding. Our poor kiddies missed that memo, however. I'm glad you like the story. :)

Tiff- Thanks, and all accounts. :D

Hockey-girl90- Thank you. :)

Banksiesbabe99- I know right! We should be TRAGEDY as a genre for the story! Hehe. I agree! All Charlies and Connies should totally be together. :) Speaking of Charlie's and Connie's being together, I still need to finish your Charlie/Connie story! I have been hardcore busy/distracted, but I haven't forgotten you, love. :)

Blonde-brain- Depressing thought, isn't it? I'm glad you like it, and sorry for the long wait.

Punkteacher- Thanks!

Agel15- Thanks for the feedback! Hee. :)

PJFan200485- Hee, thanks:waves the Charlie and Connie flag: I'm glad you like. :D