Chapter 4
Author's note: This story is based around the episode of Ki''ilua which does not belong to me. Thank you so much for going on Myah's journey with me, taking the time to read and/or review. You guys are the best.
When Myah's alarm clock went off at its usual 6:30 time, she rolled over and groaned. Her hair was tangled and oily from being out in the rain, her teeth felt fuzzy and she was in a foul mood over all, with the beginnings of what was probably a tension headache from crying herself to sleep. Slowly she eased out of bed and noticed a telltale cramping around her abdomen. Nahele brushed past her in the hall and raised an eyebrow after giving her the once over.
"If I didn't know better, I'd think you were hung over."
"It's no wonder you don't have a girlfriend. Now if you'll excuse me."
Nahele snorted. "I could if I wanted to." He flexed his bicep.
Myah rolled her eyes. "Hold on, I'll need to get my glasses to see anything there."
"Yeah right. Anyway, hurry up. It's lifting day."
"Great." Myah had found that she actually did enjoy strength training, but with the way she was feeling this morning, nothing sounded great. She really just wanted to get in the hot shower, but that would make her late for working out. Irritation growing, she yanked on some clean exercise clothes and felt a tiny bit more human after brushing her teeth. While using the bathroom, she discovered that her period had indeed started. It had always been irregular and this was only the second time she'd had a period since coming to Hawaii. A quick search under the sink had her quickly realizing that she only had two pads left in her supply. She felt a tear trace down her cheek. Clearly nothing was going to go right this morning. Myah decided she didn't care if she was late to their workout and stepped into the shower, hoping that the hot water would at least ease her cramps.
Steve and Nahele had converted a back corner of the garage to a home gym area. They had done a good job with the simple space and with a bench and squatting rack, it was very adequate for lifting. Steve was spotting Nahele during his bench press when Myah tardily entered the garage. Steve shot her a look. He didn't say anything but his usual mantra of: "If you're not early, you're late," came across clearly.
"Sorry." she muttered. The rebellious thought occurred to her that she could always use his leaving on a mission as an excuse; that she had assumed they wouldn't be working out since he was flying out that day.
Steve spoke before she could. "Myah, stretch out and then get started with zercher squats."
"Okay." Inwardly Myah was complaining wholeheartedly about the situation. I'm probably going to pass out. My belly hurts. She hefted the barbell and was somewhat shocked when she was able to perform the lift about as well as she always did. She was able to perform the repetitions without any feeling of being lightheaded. She didn't want to admit it, but a little sympathy would have been nice, and the ability to perform the workout in spite of her monthly visitor, did not actually make her feel better about the day.
The bench was sweaty by the time it was Myah's turn to slide onto and she couldn't help but crinkle her nose with disdain. "I'm not pressing. I don't need to lie in your guys's sweat."
Nahele looked at her in amazement and Myah really couldn't blame him. Normally she wasn't much of a clean freak and could care less about getting sweaty. But this morning, it just seemed intolerable.
Steve exhaled, sounding impatient. "I don't know if you're tired or what. It doesn't matter though, you don't let other things bleed onto your training."
If Myah had been in her more typical mood she would have burst out laughing at his unintentional use of the term, but today it just seemed insensitive. She glared at Steve who held her gaze unflinchingly. Myah's precarious emotions didn't give her much of a leg to stand on, and she broke gaze first. She hated having his stern eye turned on her anyway. Her lower lip poked out and slowly she slid into place under the bar.
Myah's mood stayed dark, but she managed to complete the workout without saying anything volatile or bursting into tears, which could certainly be counted as a small victory. One of the things she'd actually found she liked about lifting weights was the focus it required. Steve was a drill sergeant about proper form and breathing technique, and when you were handling something heavy, it required one hundred percent of your attention. When she racked her weights after her final set, she briefly noted the setup of her smaller dumbbells, next to the larger ones used by Steve and Nahele. It was a silly thing to feel emotional about, but it served as a small visual reminder of their family. And how broken she'd be if anything happened to it. She swallowed hard.
"Nahele." Steve motioned to Nahele who picked up his phone and silenced the music playing through the bluetooth speaker. "Come here." He motioned to both of them, while chugging back his bottle of water. Myah silently moved to stand next to her brother, who seized the moment to innocently shake his thick black hair, showering her with tiny droplets. She was sweaty herself, but it still felt gross and after flinching, narrowed her eyes at him.
"Look at me."
Myah instinctively straightened up and felt Nahele do the same. Steve was in full on commander mode and there seemed to be no other option but to listen.
"I'm hoping to only be gone for four days at the most. I won't be able to check in until the mission's completed and I'm on my way back. Danny will have the number for my emergency satellite phone. You know he's going to be staying here, and I expect a good report when I get back. You understand me?"
Nahele shifted. "Yes sir. But I don't need a babysitter."
Steve eyed him. "I know. If I was still going to be somewhere on the island, maybe it'd be different, but I'm not leaving the country without someone here in case you guys need something. You keep him in the know about what you're doing and your whereabouts. The rules stay the same."
Nahele nodded in acquiesce and Steve raised an eyebrow at Myah.
"Yes, sir." she said, softly. "You'll only be gone four days?"
"That's the plan. Alright, we need to roll. Myah, shakes are on you this morning. Be ready to walk out the door by eight fifteen."
There was no time for further chatter or for Myah to express her complaints about being charged with breakfast. Steve hadn't said it, but she was pretty sure it was partly because of her tardiness that morning. It was tight but she managed to be showered and ready by eight ten.
The truck was quiet except for the music Nahele had turned on. All too soon they reached five-0 headquarters. A slim woman with chestnut colored hair that curled around her ears was waiting for them on the sidewalk. Myah noticed the woman seemed to breathe a sigh of relief as they vacated the truck.
"I was almost afraid you'd backed out." she said, watching as Steve unloaded his green duffle from the bed of the truck.
"Nope." he said lightly, smiling. "These are my kids, Myah and Nahele. This is Jenna Kaye."
"Hi." Myah greeted her.
"Hi…" Jenna seemed taken aback. "Nahele, i think we've met… but… your kids?"
"Yep. A lot's happened since you've been in DC. Alright, guys…" Steve turned to them and Jenna stepped back, looking a little uncomfortable. Steve pulled Nahele into a tight hug. "I love you, son. I'll miss you."
When Nahele stepped back, his cheeks were a little red, but he looked touched by the words. "Love you, dad."
Steve enveloped Myah in his arms next. "Love you, kid. Try to be good."
"Okay." Myah said, her voice muffled against his chest. "It's hard sometimes."
Steve tightened his grip just briefly until she had to catch her breath. "I know." He dropped a quick kiss onto the top of her head.l, then picked up his duffle. "Let's move out." He nodded to Jenna.
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"I'll look forward to seeing you all tomorrow."
Myah stretched and carefully gathered her binder and notebook together, placing her things in her backpack. Some of the other students around her were stopping to chat but she was ready to feel the sun on her face, and headed towards the door. She was only a few blocks from the beach and thought maybe she'd hang out there for a little while.
When Myah pulled her phone out to text Danny her plan, she swallowed when she saw Lacey's name flash across the screen. She opened the text and read: I need you. Life is falling apart. Parents might b getting divorced.
"Oh, crap…" Myah shifted back and forth before answering. That sucks. I'm so sorry.
Almost instantly Lacey responded. Can you come over? Ur the only one that understands family stuff.
That seemed an odd thing to say, since Myah did not have experience with divorce in her family. Her parents had never even been married. She did certainly have experience with massive changes in family life, so maybe that's what Lacey was referring to. And she certainly understood feeling alone and needing support from friends… and not really getting any. She didn't wish that isolation on anyone. Even Lacey. Myah's mind couldn't help but flash back to Steve's words the day before. Three strikes and she was out… and in his opinion there shouldn't have even been a third time. Myah exhaled in frustration. She knew he was right, but this seemed a different situation entirely. And perhaps most importantly, she wasn't putting anyone else in any sort of compromising situation.
I'm at the library. Myah squinted at the name on the sign before typing it into her phone. I don't have a ride. She knew Lacey's family had a driver that operated at the girl's beck and call and wasn't surprised when she responded quickly.
I'll come get you.
Myah settled on a bench outside the library and swung her feet back and forth considering things, and then remembering that she needed to text Danny.
Uncle Danny, I'm going to my friend Lacey's house. Her parents might be getting a divorce and she's having a rough time. Myah immediately wanted to unsend the message, regretting her wording. She didn't didn't think he'd appreciate feeling like she was trying to manipulate him because of his own situation with Grace. Her phone rang and she let out a sigh when she saw Danny had decided to go for more direct communication.
"Hey Uncle Danny."
"Are you done with your class, babe?"
"Yeah. I was just going to walk over to the beach for a little while, when Lacey texted me. Her family's got a driver so she can come get me."
"A driver…"
Myah could picture Danny rolling his eyes at that, having overheard a few comments he'd made about Grace's mother and her husband's more extravagant lifestyle, which also included a driver.
"Yeah, okay, hold on, isn't Lacey the one who was shoplifting yesterday?"
"Technically yes, but that was only because that other girl, Kira, started doing it."
"Yeah, sorry, that's a no go."
"But… we'll just be hanging out at her house. Just us. She really needs a friend. Please?"
"Well… Only her house, then. You send me her address and her mom's number, you got it?"
"I will." Myah said in relief. "Thanks, Uncle Danny."
It was only a few minutes later that she spotted Lacey waving out the window of a large expensive looking silver SUV. She was startled to see her normally perfectly put together friend with swollen looking cheeks and streaked eye makeup. Myah climbed in next to her and gave her a hug.
"Why were you at the library anyway?" Lacey sniffed.
"I'm taking a babysitting class this week. I'm going to get to babysit for my little cousin Joanie…" Myah trailed off.
"You have a cousin?"
"Yeah, Uncle Steve's sister… I mean, Dad's sister Mary has a-"
"That's so weird!" Lacey interrupted her. "Sorry, I just don't get your family. I mean he's not really your uncle, he's not really your dad…"
"He… he is now. He adopted me. He chose me." Myah said protectively. Her phone buzzed and she saw a question mark from Danny. "Oh, what's your address and your mom's number? Dad's actually out of town and Uncle Danny's in charge of us."
"Your uncle Danny?"
Myah stared at her, beginning to seriously regret the whole escapade. "Yeah, he's…Dad's partner at work and his best friend. Honestly, his whole team is like family."
Lacey rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Who cares about family?"
Myah felt a small flash of understanding even if she didn't agree with it. Lacey was lashing out because she felt like her life was falling apart. She leaned back and prepared herself to just listen and support, as Lacey started pouring out her frustrations. She supposed that sometimes the best thing a friend could do was just listen and be there.
It was about an hour later that Lacey paused in her story about how she was certain her father was cheating on her mother, and announced she was starving. The two girls made their way through the immense house to the kitchen. Myah was certain that without a guide she would have gotten lost. The house had the personality of a very stuck up celebrity, one who was dressed by a stylist only, with no input of personal preferences by the actual inhabitants.
"Ooh, jello." Lacey sounded excited as she pulled a tray of jello jigglers out of the fridge. "My sister had these at her party last night." She crammed one into her mouth. "You want to play Never have I ever?"
Myah rolled her eyes. "Sure."
"I'll go first. Never have I ever… been in a car accident."
That was certainly not a good memory… Myah chose a lemon lime flavored piece and placed the whole square in her mouth.
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Myah fumbled with her key, barely managing to fit it into the lock. It finally clicked and she almost fell into the kitchen when the door finally opened. If only the room would stop spinning… She clutched at the counter, but lost her balance and landed on the floor. This struck her as terribly funny and she started to laugh even as she forced herself to start crawling. This was funny but she really needed to lay down somewhere comfy. The big armchair recliner suddenly loomed in front of her and she managed to clamber into it. The room was still fuzzy so she curled up in the seat. She considered texting Lacey to see if her friend felt as strange as did. Of course, Lacey's mom had been practically foaming at the mouth when she'd escorted Myah to the car and instructed the driver to take her home. Normally she would have been horrified at the very thought of angering a friend's parent, but right now it just made her chuckle. Unfortunately she found that laughing felt as though her brain was trying to pound its way out of her skull with a mallet.
The slam of the front door magnified in her fuzzy brain and when she heard Danny's voice call out her name she could do nothing but cover her ears. "Myah!" He said again, and even through the fog Myah detected more of a growl in his voice. She jumped when his presence suddenly loomed next to her and opened her eyes blearily at the feel of his glare.
"Hey uncle Danny."
He did not return her greeting. "Young lady, I call your name, I better get an answer, you understand me?"
Frankly, his tone was scary. Myah had never heard him speak so sternly, at least not to her. She was unsure why she wasn't more scared in response. "Actually… you're kind of fuzzy. Very fuzzy." She grunted in discomfort when she felt him grab the collar of her denim shirt and pull her slightly up and towards him. He wasn't rough but it didn't feel overly gentle either. Myah squirmed when it seemed that of all things, he was attempting to smell her. "Geez, you're kind of in my personal bubble!"
"You're about to be in my personal bubble, over my knee."
Myah's brow creased and she shifted uncomfortably. "You can't do that."
Danny folded his arms across his chest, stared up at the ceiling, and then finally back down at her. Myah felt leveled by his gaze and noted that her stomach felt like it was starting to turn itself inside out.
"Man I do not feel great. I think maybe that jello Lacey gave me was expired or something."
"Jello?"
"Yeah, it was extra from her sister's party and that's what we had for lunch and we were playing a game and I ended up eating a lot…. Lacey's mom was really mad though." Myah's brow furrowed. "I don't know why. Are you mad at me too? Am I in trouble? My stomach hurts."
"Unbelievable. Myah Joelle McGarrett. Are you really telling me you got drunk on my watch?"
"What?" Myah squinted up at him. "I'm not drunk. I wouldn't do that. I'm… I'm trying to be good." She closed her eyes and clutched her stomach.
"Aw boy…" Danny sighed. "You feel like you're going to throw up? Come on." He reached down and slid an arm around her shoulders.
Myah stood and found she had no chance of keeping upright. Her legs buckled and Danny slid an arm behind her knees and stood with her cradled in his arms. He carried her to the bathroom and just in time, as Myah felt all the jello making a return visit. Danny held her hair back as she vomited several times in the toilet, before collapsing on the rug.
The next thing Myah knew, she was waking up in her bed. She moaned softly, becoming aware of a massive headache. There was only a dim light coming in from the window and her clock read seven-thirty. Myah covered her eyes. What had happened? She slowly sat up. Her stomach felt tender from throwing up earlier, but she was not nauseous. Deciding to test her legs, she slowly stood up. She noticed a cup of water and bottle of ibuprofen on her bedside table. Taking the hint she immediately took two tablets. Still feeling disgusting, she decided to take her third shower of the day. While drying off she noticed her eyes looked red rimmed and she wondered again what had happened. The task of getting dressed brought to light the pressing issue of her lack of feminine hygiene products. "Crap." She had completely forgotten to pick some up while out that day and now… Myah pressed her fingers against her still aching temples and then folded up some toilet paper to carefully place in her underwear.
The house was empty as Myah slowly made her way down the stairs. She thought she heard voices out the open kitchen window, but was more focused on getting coconut water out of the fridge. The back door opened and Danny and Nahele stepped in, looking flushed and sweaty.
"How are you feeling, babe?" Danny asked.
"Like I got cracked in the skull with a hammer." Myah said truthfully. "What are you guys doing?"
"Basketball." Nahele eyed her. "You know, of the two of us, I figured I'd be the first one to come home drunk."
"Excuse me, I am not drunk." Myah glared at him, and then saw Danny's expression. "I… I'm not… I swear I didn't drink anything."
"It's called a jello shot, Myah." Danny sighed. "It's jello made with vodka."
Myah stared at him in shock. "Are you serious?"
"If that's the only thing you ingested, then that's the only thing it could be."
"So you really didn't know?" Nahele asked. "I swear… if Lacey was a guy, I'd punch her lights out."
"Yeah, well…" Danny sighed, but looked as though he tended to agree. "Did you take the ibuprofen?"
"Yeah. Thanks."
"There's leftover spicy shrimp and rice in the fridge if you want it." Nahele snickered at the look on Myah's face.
"No thanks. I'm just going to have toast."
"I'm going to take a shower." Danny said. "MJ try to behave yourself for five minutes okay?" He exited the kitchen.
Myah's face burned and she lowered her aching head onto her forearms onto the counter. "Seriously what is wrong with me? I got drunk?!"
Nahele leaned against the counter next to her and where he gave her an almost sympathetic pat on the back. "Hangovers suck. Why were you hanging out with her, anyway? Cause you're mad at dad for leaving?"
"No. No way." Myah stood up and looked at him. "She was upset cause she found out her dad's cheating on her mom." She eyed her brother closely. "So you've had a hangover before? You've been drunk before?"
"Uh… yeah." Nahele looked uncomfortable. "But not recently. Just a couple times before I met Steve. Dad. You know he would kick my ass if I did that now."
Myah sniffed. "Well, from where I'm standing, you're due. I shouldn't have to take all the spankins' around here."
Nahele gave her an exasperated look. "Well, you're the only one who earns them!"
"You know I never used to get in trouble before I came here. Perfect child. You're looking at her."
"Yeah… I don't see her." Nahele shook his head.
"You think Uncle Danny's going to tell Dad?"
Nahele gave her a look. "Do I even need to answer that?"
"I know."
"I'll make sure he knows it was an accident though. I'll tell him we had to tell you what a jello shot was… that you didn't even know."
"Thanks." Myah sat down at the counter with her toast with a sigh. "Thing is, last time I got in trouble with her… which was literally just yesterday… he said three strikes and she's out. That every time I've hung out with her, things have gone bad. I think he's going to be more pissed that I hung out with her, than about the alcoholic jello."
The sound of the television turning on, caused both of them to look up. "Nice! We've got a Magnum PI marathon going on!" Danny called.
Nahele rolled his eyes. "Do we get to vote on what we're watching?"
Danny crinkled his eyes at him. "What's wrong with you? This is a classic. And no, we do not vote. As much as it pains me to quote your dad, this is not a democracy. This is a benevolent dictatorship."
"I like the show." Myah offered, standing up to place her plate in the dishwasher. She froze and then quickly headed to the bathroom, concerned by the sudden feeling of discharge. A quick look revealed that a wad of toilet paper was not going to be sufficient for the evening. Feeling trapped, Myah leaned against the bathroom door, but couldn't figure out what to do. After hesitating, she texted Kono: I'm so sorry to bother you, but I need tampons. Any chance you're out and about?
Kono answered back shortly. Sweetie, you know I'd get them for you but I'm DD for a friend's bachelorette party tonight. If you're embarrassed, you want me to ask Danny for you? He's been married and has a daughter. He'll understand.
Myah's face flushed at the thought. She knew Steve's friend Ellie would get them for her, as would his sister Mary, but it was late and both of them lived too far away. Slowly she walked out to the living room but was afraid to sit down.
"MJ, join the fun." Danny said, patting the couch.
The use of the new nickname made Myah smile. She loved her new middle name and thought it was cute that he'd used it to make a nickname for her. "Um… uncle Danny, could we run to the store?"
"The store? For what?"
"I'm just... Thought we could get some snacks."
"I think we're pretty well stocked. I brought some stuff with me. You're welcome to it, it's in the pantry. And you, quit your bellyaching." This was directed at Nahele, who rolled his eyes good naturedly, and leaning back in the recliner, turned his attention to his phone. He didn't seem to be struggling with Danny as a babysitter, Myah thought bitterly. As usual, she was the only one struggling with a situation.
"I… please." Myah must have sounded even more desperate than she'd thought, because Danny looked up, giving her his full attention this time. He stared at her and Myah suddenly felt like she was on the other side of an interrogation table. Hazards of having a detective as a babysitter, she supposed.
"Babe, you need girl stuff?"
She nodded weakly.
"Why didn't you say so? We'll get what you need. Nahele, you want to run to the store?"
"Yeah, sure." Nahele looked up from his phone. "For what? You need snacks?"
"I need tampons." Myah whispered, feeling herself ready to wither away. "And I'm afraid to sit in the car."
"Okay…" Nahele held up his hand. "I signed on to be your big brother and I am here for you, but don't be gross. Can you text me what you need?"
"Yeah…" Myah was in shock that they were behaving so normally in response to this.
"Ok." Nahele stepped closer to her. "It's not a big deal. I used to pick up stuff for my mom when she needed it."
Later Myah probably would have attributed it to her emotions being on overdrive, but she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist, giving him the tightest hug she could.
He "oomfed" in response but gave her a quick one armed squeeze in return. When the door slammed behind him, Myah decided that it would be less embarrassing to sit on a towel than to get blood on the couch and so retrieved an old towel from the closet, that she folded and then perched on, on the floor.
"So…" Danny pulled out a box of cards. "Five card draw?"
"I don't know how to play."
"Well, tonight we'll fix that!"
"Okay, I'm here for it. Thanks for taking care of me Uncle Danny."
"No, problem babe. That's what I'm here for."
"Are you going to tell Dad about today."
Danny did not look as though he relished that thought at all, and Myah briefly held out hope.
"No, I don't think so. But you are."
Myah made a face. "I should have known you'd say that."
"Also…I'm picking you up from your class tomorrow and you can hang out with me at the office. After today I'm keeping you close."
"Okay." Myah was dejected at losing her freedom, but knew it could have been so much worse. "You think Dad's okay? He hasn't called you or anything, right?"
"No, and right now, no news is good news. He'll be fine, I don't want you to worry."
By the time Nahele returned a short time later, Myah had learned the basics of the poker game. Naturally Nahele already knew how to play and was happy to jump in. When Myah laid her head on her pillow that night, she very briefly considered how lucky she was to have the family she did. And how sorry she felt for Lacey to have no idea how wonderful it could be.