"What wrong?" Mari asked as we walked out of school one day in June. We'd actually made it to the end of the school year. Yeah!
I was looking around. "It's not bad," I told her. "I'm looking for someone. I smell someone . . . There do you see her?"
"Who . . . Her?" Mari said looking around the parking lot.
"My mom! Come on!" I half dragged her to my mom who was standing near a car that I knew wasn't hers.
"Do look OK?" Mari asked as I dragged her across the parking lot.
"Don't worry about that. Mom! Mom! Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
"How would this be a surprise if I told you I was coming," she said giving me a big hug. She moved me out of the way. We were blocking traffic leaving the school.
"Mom! Mom . . . This is Mari Jackson." I knew each knew about the other. I'd told Mari about mom as my teacher. I let her think our mother/daughter relationship was like normal. It wasn't but then again I wasn't normal either. Mari knew that when she realized that I lived with Jacob and mom hadn't killed either of us.
"My God she's beautiful. Come here," mom said about Mari and that was followed by a big hug from mom. "She's too good for your brother – You know that right?" Mom sent to me. Like I didn't know that already.
"Hello Mrs. Honshiro. It's very nice to meet you in person," Mari managed to say while getting hugged almost to death.
"My God, she's a cute as a button," mom said aloud. "Not everything was bad about you coming here."
"You're here to see my grandmother aren't you?" Mari asked. That . . . was the most important issue to be discussed.
"Yes, she's straight forward. I like that. Can we stop by and see her?" Nona answered. "This whole thing won't take a minute. I promise." I knew she was lying but I'm her daughter and a new Seer sister. And this was important. Very important.
"Sure let's go." And off we went.
.
"What's gonna happen?" Mari asked as I drove to her house.
"I don't know. I've never been to one of these kind of meetings. You know this isn't a normal kinda thing."
"Who's the girl?" Mari asked unsure of what the answer will be.
"A student – like your gran. My mom trains girls what have 'powers'."
"My gran? She has powers."
"I guess so. It takes time to learn not to read other peoples minds and being able to function. That's why my parents kept me home instead letting me go to school. You have to learn to handle it or you just go crazy. That's why I don't touch people."
"What can my Gran do?" Mari asked all excitedly.
"I don't know. It's impolite to ask."
"You said crazy . . . I . . ."
Mari started somewhere. I wasn't sure where she was headed so I jumped the gun. "Yeah, I don't think Edward was a mind reader before he was turned. So yeah, I do think he's is insane."
.
"So what happens to me," Kaleki Delores Tanaka asked when we got into the Jackson house. She'd taken a seat in the family room after Mari let us in: mom, Akari and I.
"What should happen to you?" Nona asked in English. Then the conversation changed to Hawaiian Kai.
"You've lived your life without your family. The people that loved you most and missed you too." Nona paused. She'd rehearsed this but she was lost for words in seeing Kaleki in person. It brought back so many memories. Old friends' lost and new babies that she didn't know and never would know. The age that showed on her face. "Nina grew up without you. Your sisters' daughter needed you. And you . . ."
"I know . . . I'm . . ." Grandma Tanaka stuttered.
"It's fine. Nina married a pack member and lives in New Zealand on the South Island. She has children and grandchildren now. We took care of her, but you knew that we would." We were family first and foremost.
"What is my punishment? . . . I know what I did . . . My God! Simons' family the Aoki. The pain I've put them thru . . ." she began to weep for the friends she knew she'd never see again. At least in this life.
"You have been forgiven. Kaleki! You have been forgiven . . ." Nona repeated. She wasn't sure if she was getting thru to her. Nona motioned for Leilei to touch her to calm her. No need for her to have a heart attack after 60 years. "There isn't any punishment. You punished yourself by leaving . . . You are now and always will be our sister." Nona let those words settle in. "You are now and always will be our sister. We are family - Ohana. You know this." Then Kaleki and Nona hugged. Then Akari. Tutu ended up in Mari's arms.
"So when does your mother come home? I'd like to meet her Mari," Nona asked wiping her eyes.
"She'll be home soon I guess," Mari said wiping her eyes too. She didn't know what was said but she understood that this was important. "Is everything ok?"
"Yup – it's fine," Leilei nodded.
"Mari! MOM!" Grace Jackson called from the back door.
"Oh Mrs. Jackson – here let me help you," Leilei said moving to give the rest a few more seconds to get themselves together.
"Oh hello . . . Leilei?" Mrs. Jackson said sounding upset. Leilei was sure Mari would get in trouble for letting her in the house while she wasn't there but Nona was with then so maybe not.
"Mrs. Jackson, I'd like to present my mom, Mrs. Nona Harkoni." Now the fun can begin.
"Mrs. Jackson wonderful to meet you," Nona chimed in right on time.
"Oh hello! Mrs. Harkoni?" Mrs. Jackson said just about throwing her pocket book down to shake hands with Mrs. Harkoni.
"What?" Nona asked Mrs. Jackson paused for a moment.
"I didn't realize you. You're so tall!"
"I'm half Hawaiian – 6'4" barefoot," Nona said smiling. "This is Akari Sumi, a student of mine."
"Oh one of Leilei's childhood friends?"
"No, not really. She's studying huna, traditional Hawaiian religion and culture with me. We're just here for a little vacation. And we're just here for a little visit before we take Yutan to Tahiti. She knows right Lei?"
"Oh boy! Does she! Has he decided on patterns yet?" Leilei asked aloud to keep the conversation going.
"The sea . . . Mr. Surfer likes the sea," Nona noted.
"Is he coming here to Forks?" Mrs. Jackson asked.
"Yes. He wants to see the farm and go camping out on the rez with the guys again. He said he had fun the last time. Lei – let's go."
"You're leaving?" Mari asked.
"Mari, honey we don't want to impose on you and your family any more. I just wanted to see your Tutu, your grandmother as soon as I got here. She's an old friend of mine, from Hawaii. Mrs. Jackson . . ."
"Oh, please call me Grace," she interjected.
"Grace . . . perfect." Kaleki meant Grace too. She named her daughter after herself. "Oh, by the way I did want to ask you since Leilei and Mari are such good friends if next weekend you'd allow my husband and I to take the girls to Las Vegas for the weekend. We'd leave on Thursday about noon and get back to Forks on Sunday evening."
"They'd miss a day of school?" she said.
"Vegas?" Mari whispered.
Maybe Kolohe didn't mention anything to her about it. "Didn't want to get your hopes up," I sent reaching for my mom's purse that was near Mari's hand.
Mom was in mother mode schmoozing, "My husband is a karate master. There's convention where he's a guest speaker. They've given us a suite in the host hotel. We've decided to bring all the kids, together for a weekend. Yes Leilei, Travis and Rehka are coming down from Yellowknife for a little vacation too!"
"Well . . . This weekend can we get together with your husband and the Cullens for dinner?" Mrs. Jackson asked.
"Oh God not that again. Dinner with the Cullens," I sent. "It's a constant topic."
"Can I check with Esme and Carlisle and Billy and get back to you?" Mom said getting ready to head to the door.
"Billy?"
"Jacob's father! Chief Black. I wouldn't dream of having dinner party without him. He's family too. You do know what happened right?" Nona asked knowing they should know what happened. It was in the newspaper.
"Oh! Yes. That right," Mrs. Jackson lied. We could tell.
"Leilei give Mrs. Jackson my phone number. We'll all get together I promise. Good night. Aloha!" We left. "She's a little tight isn't she?" Mom sent giggling as she got back into the rented car.
"That's up tight and yes she is. Esme told me she freaked out when we got stuck in the rez overnight in a storm." Even Akari giggled when Nona relayed what I was telling her about Mrs. Jackson.
"Just over night in a storm. Oh well, Akari you're off duty for the next month," Nona said aloud when we got to the farm.
"That's great. I can't wait to see my folks," she said as we walked into the kitchen. It was as familiar as being home for her. We always lived a lot of our lives in the kitchen, cooking or eating.
"Are they still living in Portland?" I asked her as I offered her cookies. "Kim came in 2 days ago. He helped with some of the painting."
"You made him earn his keep?" Akari asked choosing oatmeal over ginger snaps.
"Well just a little. I'll get dinner started. The guys will be here soon. Just sit and keep me company."
"I've got to call Esme and chat about Grace and this dinner. They don't fake eating do they?" Nona asked as she was working on the dinner party part problem.
"I saw Carlisle bite a cookie once but fake an entire dinner . . . I don't know."
"We can have that discussion after we meet with your dad," Nona said still pondering the problem.
"Is he here?" I was a daddy's girl.
"Of course. He's been in contact with Tokar since you moved out. The Cullens are full of surprises aren't they?"
"Not surprises so much as total fuck ups," I said deciding on turkey for dinner.
.
"What the fuck?" Mari started with me. "Why didn't you tell me about Vegas?"
"Kolohe asked me not to," I snarked back at her. "He didn't want you to get your hopes up. And anyway it's better, parental unit to parental unit to ask if they ask. Rents tend to trust each other. The Cullens will be there for moral support too. Tokar and Sue will be invited to the dinner to help to get your parents to say yes." that quieted her down for a minute.
"So what's planned for Vegas?"
"Well, I've never been to a karate demo. I was too young before but now I get to be invited. Rehka will be invited too. She's Travis's fiancée."
"My mom might agree if we weren't missing school," she lamented.
"We're not missing anything important." Counterpoint. "We're almost seniors already."
"What happens in mom says I'll have to take Lori with me?"
"She won't say that. Karen maybe? Lori? – Not a chance." Counterpoint again.
"So are the any things planned or do we get to run around Vegas alone?" she giggled.
"That won't happen. We're too young to do anything in Vegas anyway," I giggled back. "Well I know mom planned a spa day mani pedi thing. And there will be some shopping or shop looking. We will have to attend some of the demos – Kolohe and Travis will be participation. So will dad but the rest of the time us girls will be with mom." Now it gets tough, "Mom wanted me to let you know that she's told us we can sleep publically if we want. Not just girls with girls."
"Ok I'll explain," the look on her face is perfect, AAAAAAAKKKK. OK. OK. "Rehka and Travis are a couple, so are Jacob and I. Mom and dad won't let us sleep paired in a hotel bedroom together." Ok I can see you're not getting it. "There will be, no having sex on vacation with the parental units in the same hotel suite. So, us kids can have a slumber party in the den of the hotel room if we want. You don't have to sleep in the den with us but you should know that that's what's planned."
"So you'll be sleeping with Jacob?"
Yup. "It will be Jacob and I on a couch with a blanket."
"So what do you wear to bed – sleep?"
"Shorts and a tee shirt with socks. My feet get cold. Alice bought me come fuck me negligées, I gave them back to her. Jacob wears shorts too." Oh, it's the naked thing. "We're not going to be naked with you especially since you're not comfortable with it. We all grew up with it. You're new to us and our family and our ways."
"So this is me meeting your family. Well if Bella met the Cullens, I can meet the Honshiros," Mari said proudly.
"When Bella did it – Jasper almost killed her. She cut her finger opening a birthday present." Just remember who they are and who we are.
"What do I bring?"
"A bathing suit or 2 – the hotel has a pool. A couple pairs of semi dress pants. Casual stuff – like the way you dress for school."
"How many people are there in your family anyway?"
That was out of the clear blue sky. "I don't really know . . . It isn't important to us like that. I grew up . . . kinda in a pack. In the greater Hoku Ao family. Other than Kolohe and Yutan I don't know who I'm related to. It isn't really important. My life is with Jacob. Fitting in on the rez is my job now. Taking care of Jacobs' pack and helping the families of the pack members and the rest of the tribe."
"Is that what your mother does?"
"Yup."
"So that's how Travis joined your family?"
"Yup. His mom didn't want a fuzzy son," I said not wanting to get into that as a topic. But we did have another 10 minutes for lunch so this was gonna happen.
"His mom knew?"
"His mom was like your tutu. She knew about us and she knew there was a chance he could be fuzzy. So when he went fuzzy, he came to live with us. I was about 8 months old then."
"So, do I bring money for meals and stuff?" Mari asked changing the subject.
"Money? For the souvenirs and stuff that you want yes. Meals and transportation nope. We've got plane reservations already,"
"You're flying! Your parents are paying my way?" Mari asked sounding upset.
"Well no, not really. You earned some money by helping on the kid's day out. Don't worry about money."
.
The problem was solved. Too many people were invited for Billy's house so the Cullens wouldn't come to dinner they'd show later. Perfect. "Come on in," Rachel said opening the door to Billy's house. "Please come in."
"Thank you," Mr. Jackson said holding the door open for his wife and daughter and mother in law.
"Hi! Come on in. We'll all here. I'll do the introductions. I'm Rachel," she started. "This is my dad, Chief Billy Black. You've met my brother, Jacob. This is Mr. and Mrs. Harkoni and their kids, Kolohe, Travis and Leilei. Rehka Angstadt is Travis's fiancée. And this is Paul, my fiancé. Dinner will be in about 10 minutes." We all filled the little house full. A house full of shifters makes it warm and close feeling. Windows were open and there was a slight smell of musk. Kinda like cologne but nothing over powering. I was glad the Cullens couldn't fit in the small house with the rest of us. I'd put up with that stench over Thanksgiving.
"This is for you," Mr. Jackson handed her a bottle of wine. "Thank you so much for inviting us to dinner."
"Dad, they don't drink," Mari whispered.
"Coq au vin," Nona said saving the day. "Stewed chicken in a red wine sauce. I'll show you how to make it," Nona said nodding to Rachel. "This is perfect for that."
"Come in and sit down," Billy said moving into the living room archway. His house had been remodeled to better accommodate him and his wheelchair. The pack brothers did the work and learned how to do repairs. All of that knowledge was coming in handy since the storm.
"You have 3 sons? I thought just Kolohe and Yutan were your sons," Mr. Jackson asked taking a seat next to his wife.
"Travis, he's my son," Nona said. "He came to live with us when he was 15 or so."
Tutu said, "It's a common practice on the homeland."
Harkoni interjected, "He wanted to study karate with me so he moved in." We were going with the story that the wedding was them renewing their vows, not them getting married married for the first time.
Mr. Jackson continued, "He just moved in?"
"Well, his parents allowed it. We didn't kidnap him," Harkoni said.
"Dinner's ready," Rachel said from the dining room.
"Please some and sit down for dinner. We'll be a bit close in here but . . ." Billy said taking the place at the head of his table.
Tutu and Nona said, "More people . . . More love," at the same time. That comment was followed by laughter.
Harkoni said, "Billy this is your house please, bless the food."
"Mother and father spirits and our blessed ancestors. We welcome your presence with us. We welcome our new friends to share in your ever present bounty with us. As always, our ever present prayer is . . . Thank you," Billy concluded.
And all of the Hawaiians said, "Amene."
"Please sit at my table and enjoy," Billy said with happiness. We passed smoked fish pate on toast with a farm salad of wild greens. Then a cream soup of crab and cranberry beans. Roasted venison with onions, mushrooms and wild rice. Wild berry crisp with ice cream for dessert.
"Rachel honey, dinner was wonderful. Thank you," we all agreed. Even though those of us that were 'wolf impaired' who ate before we came still enjoyed the meal.
"Ok kids," Nona said after she poured the coffee. "Go out for a walk. All of you right now. We adults need to talk. If it's pouring outside go into the barn. If not, go to First Beach. See all of you in an hour. Go!" After a few moments staring at each other we got up and excused ourselves. And we all left.
.
"Why are we leaving? I don't understand," Mari asked when we got outside the house.
"They have things to talk about," Kolohe started then carried on with Mari alone, "Leilei had a birthday last month. We didn't have the traditional party. Our parents want to let your parents in on the planning. And oh my God!" Kolohe swore aloud.
"What's wrong?" Mari, Rehka and Rachel asked when all of us wolf impaired people started to snort.
"What is . . . THAT?" Travis asked alarmed at the stench.
"That is Carlisle and Esme. My guardians," I said snorting like the boys. They were coming for the meeting about my party. "Since they don't eat they weren't invited to dinner. Sue and Tokar should be coming too," I finished.
"I don't smell anything. What do they smell like?" Rehka asked.
"Paul says they smell too but he's never explained it me either," Rachel added smacking Paul with a practiced hand.
"Rehka no don't ask Leilei about that. She'll try to explain it to you. Lei don't please! Please!" Kolohe begged. "She can describe smells . . ."
"Like a guy can," Jacob finished for him.
"Two!"
"Oh come on babe Two! For that?" Jacob whined.
"Two? You're on my list Mr.!"
"Sorry Jacob," Kolohe apologized. But not meaning it.
"Did you really have to bring her up in a house full of boys?" Jacob said shaking his head as he moved to Leilei's truck. It wasn't raining so we were off to First Beach.
.
"Now that the kids are out for a walk, let's talk. Have you thought about Mari coming to Las Vegas with us?" Nona asked taking a seat on the couch.
Harkoni said, "That would be perfect. The 4 of you women together would be nice."
"What is this?" Mr. Jackson asked. "What's all this about? Mari's been invited to go to Las Vegas?" Someone kept him in the dark about something. "With Leilei and you?"
"A karate exhibition has asked me to attend and teach a master class in ancient techniques. It's the perfect opportunity for a family vacation," Harkoni started.
"Why ask Mari to go?" Mr. Jackson asked.
"She's Leilei's best friend," Nona stated the fact.
"What about the Cullen girls?" Mrs. Jackson.
"They're all away at college and Leilei's younger than all of them," Nona said. "Billy, what do you think?"
"It's a weekend with parental supervision. I trust Nona and Harkoni."
"You have a son," Mr. Jackson filled in with the observation.
"I also have twin daughters," Billy continued. "You saw them in the wedding DVD. So I kinda know what it's like. Does Mari have a phone? Call her to check up on her if you're worried."
Knock knock
"Welcome. Come on in," Billy said. "Thanks for coming way out here for this," as everyone sat down. "This is Sue Clearwater and Tokar Dwyer. She is the tribal secretary and historian and Tokar is a relative of Harkoni's. And you know Dr. Carlisle and Esme Cullen correct?"
"Where were we?" Mrs. Jackson asked.
Nona jumped right in, "Talking about Leilei's 17th birthday."
Tutu stated, "I thought Leilei was 17 already!"
"Yes and no. She's always acted older than she is but she had her birthday last month but we haven't had the party yet. In Hispanic cultures girls are considered women at 15, it's called a quinceanera. In this culture the big thing is the sweet 16 but we're Hawaiian – so it's 17."
"Is this a big formal party?" Esme asked. She and Carlisle had been let in on what would be discussed and why they hadn't been invited to the whole evening with the Jacksons. They agreed it was best.
"Oh my no. We're planning a cookout for the weekend after we get back from Vegas. Yutan will be here then," Nona replied.
"Do you have any idea where you're having this party?" Sue asked. She'd been told the whole story too.
"The La Push school complex I think would work," Tokar added to the conversation. "Plenty of kitchen space, picnic tables and room for games."
"How big a party are you planning?" Esme questioned.
"Well Jacob and all of his friends of course. Kolohe and Travis and all of Leilei's friends from school. Would Mari know any of them?" Nona asked.
"Leilei doesn't have many friends at Forks high school," Esme said. "The town kids don't much care for the rez kids. I think Leilei has more friends here on the rez."
Harkoni spoke up, "And don't forget Sam and Emily."
"The farm boys too," Carlisle said.
"We'll need a big pig," Nona said planning what might be needed. "Maybe 2."
Mr. Jackson asked confusedly "Pig?"
"Pork is traditional for celebrations," Tutu said.
Sue asked, "Are we making all of the food?"
"Oh my no. I'm all for making the cakes and ice cream and having the rest catered."
Mrs. Jackson concluded, "So this is a big deal!"
"I'm thinking about maybe about 100 people or so," Nona pondered how big party this would be.
"That means 250," Harkoni chuckled.
Mr. Jackson asked, "What else are you going to serve?"
"The pig, laulau, sushi, yakatori . . ." Harkoni rattled off Leilei's favorites.
Nona brightened, "Yes! Just like our wedding reception. I'm thinking it will last from noon to 6 pm."
"All day!" Carlisle added to the excitement.
Tokar continued, "And all night too." He was there to outrage the parents.
Harkoni stated, "We'll let the kids do that at First Beach."
"Good!" Billy interjected. "The kids can go and scare the fish."
"Do what at First Beach?" Mrs. Jackson didn't miss anything.
"The kids usually have a dance after the party. Usually it's a dance on the beach at midnight," Tokar added. "They, she deserves it. The recognition and acknowledgement is important."
"The staying out all night?" Mrs. Jackson repeated.
"So the party gets over when?" Mr. Jackson asked.
"Dawn or so. Whenever the kids get back home," Harkoni said calmly.
"Out all night? I'm sorry but . . ." Mrs. Jackson said.
Nona answered, "How is this different than a junior prom? I trust my daughter. She knows what we expect from her. This will be the first time she gets to go to a night dance. I'm happy for her."
"You trust Leilei that much?" Mr. Jackson wondered aloud.
"We trust her enough for her to live with the Cullens. We trust her. No question," Nona said.
"Leilei is a wonderful girl," Esme said.
"Leilei is a wonderful young lady. She's earned the respect and trust of us all," Carlisle added.
Mr. Jackson asked, "Won't Leilei find out or figure out what's going on?"
"She'll probably figure it out but she won't spoil the surprise," Nona said.
"What's her present?"
Harkoni questioned, "Present? There isn't any present. The party, being together and having fun with her friends is the present."
.
"Hello! Are we back too soon?" Rachel asked. "Oh good evening everyone."
"No, you're all right on time," Billy answered.
"No Mari, don't take off your coat we're heading out," Mr. Jackson said. "Very nice to have met you Esme and Carlisle, Sue and Tokar. Harkoni and Nona we'll be in touch."
Tutu said, "Thanks for inviting us. Rachel, dinner was wonderful."
"See you in school Mari," I said watching her leave with her parents.
.
"So how's your mom taking the, 'Let the kids go to Vegas' with my parental units request?" I asked Mari on Monday as we headed into civics.
"Dad is pushing to let me go. So is Gran – Tutu actually. She wants to be called Tutu now. It seems that sometime after we left the men went outside to smoke cigars and your dad asked my dad if he really thought he'd put you in danger ever, his only daughter. My dad isn't worried about Kolohe the way my mom is. It's probably because Kolohe is helping with the repairs. My dad is impressed," Mari said understanding the logic behind why the offer of the trip was made in front of people who knew more than her parents.
.
"Auntie Rosalie says there isn't much to do in Vegas except for the car shows, fashion shows and gambling," Nessie said not wanting to get too much jealous over me going to Vegas on vacation.
"Well, mom's hunting for things for us to do. We're not old enough for the gambling. And since your family doesn't eat – that does leave out lots of things to do. So you and Seth will be the pack leaders for the weekend."
"So . . . Can get the kids together for an outing?" She asked hopefully for permission to just go wild on inviting the girls over to the Cullen house.
"Just so you know, they aren't kids and you can schedule an outing or something but if they don't want to come over, you can't make them. Just remember some of the girls are in high school so they may have other things to do."
.
"So, is Nessie going to take it slow?" Jacob asked.
"Nope. She wants to show the Cullens like they're just folks and that isn't going to work," I answered Mr. Pack leader.
"Are you going to ask the girls to be nice?"
"No."
"Leilei!"
"Jacob! Nessie needs to find her own place with the girls without me. If Nessie decides to hold a big party at the Cullen house she may be disappointed. I don't think the girls will like her showing off."
"I'll tell Seth to have her just take it slow," Jacob finished hoping that I wouldn't say anything else that might worry him.
"It's just a weekend . . . They don't have to do anything."
.
"So, what did you do?" Nessie asked not wanting to hear it was fun.
"We went to Fremont Street. It's like a strip mall with a cover over the street that has laser lights on it. We went bowling. We went to the Bacara and watched the dancing waters – like at the end of Oceans 11. We went to Circus Circus. We went to game arcades and to an amusement park."
After Nessie stopped pouting. Maybe she hoped that we couldn't find anything to do. "Arcade?" she asked.
"Computer games for like $1.00 a piece. Each machine was a separate game. And we went out to eat of course. It was the first time I've went on a restaurant chain. We had appetizers in 1 restaurant and the boys ate dinner. Then we went to another place, we girls had appetizers again and the boys ate dinner and we did that one more time. Then we went out for desert."
"Why 4 restaurants?"
"We can't call any attention to ourselves in public. If the boys sat and ate what would be normal for them then someone might decide that they needed to have their pictures taken and then they would end up on the restaurants big eater list or something," I said trying not to smile too much.
"So you did stuff in the day time without being outside? In the light?" Nessie asked cautiously.
"Yup! We bought tee shirts for gifts in the Freemont Mall. Medium right?" I said handing her a pink Vegas baby tee shirt with rhinestones.
"So how was everything else?"
We got off the plane & it was bright and hot. The trip to the hotel - uneventful. We checked in and got upstairs. 'Girls turn left – boys right', mom said. We found the bedrooms and dropped of our bags and met in the den, family room, for 'The Talk'.
"There are pack members here. Know that. No talking out of turn, that means no telling anything you shouldn't. This is Las Vegas. There are cameras everywhere. Be mindful of that. So if you need to kill something take the camera out first. Do you all have everyone's phone numbers? Good. We'll be having dinner tonight in this hotel about 8. By the way this hotel has a Jacuzzi, a swimming pool and a sauna," Harkoni concluded.
"Yeah!" Rehka said. "With a cold dip?"
"Yes dear."
So on Thursday night we curled up in the den to watch TV. Avatar on a huge screen. Travis and Rehka were on one couch. She fell asleep early before the Kolohe and Mari drama started. They couldn't get comfortable with each other.
When mom got tired of it she came into the den and pulled Mari aside, "Mari, honey you're over thinking this. This is a slumber party. You don't have to do anything you don't want to. Remember you have to be comfortable with yourself. Not with what I think or what anyone else thinks. Kolohe get on the floor you're making her nervous." Finally they did calm down and go to sleep. Jacob and I went to sleep on the floor. The couch that we were on wasn't quite big enough for us both.
"Get up!" Mom whispered aloud. "Quiet!"
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Nothing. Come on and don't wake up anyone else," Nona whispered. Jacob and I went to the balcony outside the girls' bed room.
"What?" Jacob said aloud. Too loud . . . "Sorry," he whispered. Then the glass door was closed.
"What?" We asked.
"I just, we just wanted to talk with your 2 alone. You've had an eventful year, this year. So how's everything, truthfully Jacob?"
"I'm fine," Jacob started after a moment of thought. "Kolohe is a great teacher. Tokar is the biggest asset ever. It's great having a teacher like him. Sam agrees too. My dad . . . My dad is doing fine. He likes his life now. He, I mean, things are better for him now. I'm settled. Rachel is settled. Things on the rez are getting done. The money from the Cullen settlement helps."
So I jumped in, "Jacob likes knowing there are pack leaders he can consult about things. He also likes being part of the chain."
"Chain?" Jacob asked me silently.
"Someone you can call for help when you need them," Nona answered the silent question.
"So my baby, how are you?" My dad asked.
"I'm fine. I'm happy. I'm glad Jacob and I have our own space. I'm happy Kolohe has found his ku'i, his imprint. I'm just really happy," I giggled.
"I'm so glad. I'm very happy for you honey," Nona continued.
Harkoni asked again, "Any problems? I know Kolohe can be difficult."
"It's a little hard to feed them both sometimes," I said. I didn't have any problems. Other than the obvious, Them.
"Last and most difficult question, the Cullens? How are they?"
"Leilei and the girls don't get along any better since we moved out," Jacob outted me . . . but it was to my parents. So it was ok.
"I'm sure they want me to do what they want and to be all, 'Ooooh WOW! You can do that?' And usually what they're doing isn't all that. And they don't get it. Oh well."
"Baby," mom started with the wisdom of the ages. "They don't understand your life. The things you're, we've done. How we are together. So they discount your life. And value their lives. Try to be nice baby."
"Anything else we need to know?" Dad sounded like he was finishing up. "No? Ok then . . . Back to sleep. Don't say anything to the others. Have a good night you two." So we went back inside to go back to bed.
"They are so good together," Harkoni said about his daughter and her imprint. "Give Mari and Kolohe about a year and they'll be the same too."
"Well . . . the conference was fine. Vegas was a great place to have it. Lots of the casinos have themes so we went to fake Egypt, fake New York City and fake Ye Olde England and shop looked at the stores inside the casinos. The gondola ride was fun too. Caesar's Palace looked like ancient Rome and we went to the spa there, mani pedis for each of us.
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"Are we ever going to be just friends?" The question was asked as I got in my truck heading to the rez for my party.
"Probably not. No."
"Why not?" Bella asked me after my visit with Nessie. Nessie was coming to my party with Esme and Carlisle about 4 pm when Kimmy was scheduled to be blowing out my candles and cutting my cake. Yes, I knew Jacob invited my little sister to my party. He better have.
"Are you really that stupid? Or when you got turned something really important got fucked up. Our 'kinds' are natural enemies. My people have a history that dates back to the beginning of hunting and killing your kind for doing the same to us and to the humans. And you want to know 'When are we gonna be friends?' What do you think? You outted me to some others of 'My kind' without my permission like we all have to know each other. Alice touched Kolohe without his permission. Rosalie almost killed one of our elders. And you were found at a pack meeting, like you were invited there and you still haven't given a satisfactory explanation about why you were there in the first place. (And I won't forget the names you, the Fashion Forward 3 called me at the farm before I even knew who and what you were) And you want all that to disappear so you and I can do what? The only thing that we have in common is we're both going to watch our parents grow old and die. But that won't happen for about another 2 or 300 years or so for me and yours will happen before you wear out those shoes. Unless you turn them too."
"We have Jacob in common," Bella shot back. Ok that was a low blow. But I'll go there if I have to.
"He's my husband to be . . . What is Jacob to you? Some ex almost boyfriend from your human life. But since your dead now . . ." Bella did not like that. Her eyes narrowed and I think she swallowed some anger but technically I was correct. "You have what you wanted, Edward and to be dead with him forever . . . Be happy with your choice . . . Anything else? I don't want to arrive late at my party."
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"Why does she act like that?" Bella asked Esme who came to comfort her newest daughter in this, another moment of frustration. They both wanted a measure of peace with the Quileute and the Kai and they never quiet had it.
"Because . . ." Esme paused and knew she had to tell the truth. "Because she's a Kai woman, brought up in a pack. She doesn't understand the decision you made to join our family. She was born into hers and they brought her up to be that way."
"To hate me?"
"Not you personally, but to hate what you are. What you became. What you chose to become. The problems you, Alice and Rosalie have had with her didn't help. If you all met in school you probably wouldn't have made friends with her either," Esme concluded. She'd seen the girls together and she knew they wouldn't ever be real friends the way Bella wanted them to be.
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Yeah! So I went to the school complex for my, the party. Kahlua pig with all the fixins. Hotdogs and hamburgers and roasted chicken and baked beans and potato salad and green salad and fresh fruit and sushi and the bestest spam musubi ever. Sam and Emily brought Randall with them and Emily lost him to my mom for about an hour. "Don't get any ideas kids!" she said cuddling Mr. Pack Leader to be in her arms. Right on cue Mrs. Jackson freaked out over how my little brother looked. A little over 5 ft tall 10 years old. Ponytail and pierced ears and way laid back attitude. Mom is still sure he's a pack member. She thinks he's like our dad, feline. To me, he's just my baby brother. We cut the cake after Kimmy blew out the candles for me. The eating part finished up about 6 pm, right on time. Part 2 started on First Beach about midnight and didn't end until we got Mari back home about dawn.