“It’s hot as hell, ain’t it?” I quip.
“Watch your mouth, and it’s a beautiful sunny day. Plus, Maui isn’t any cooler, so you shouldn’t be using that as an excuse.”
“I wasn’t. I was stating the obvious,” I tell her.
“You’re a pain in the ass,” she replies.
“Maybe, but I’m doing what I have to.”
“I know you are, and as sad as I am that you’re leaving, I’m proud of you.”
“Thank you, Molli. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me these past years. I can’t ever think of a way to repay you.”
“You did pay me, Denver. Plus, I would have been happy to help you for free,” she says. “You know that.”
I’m not great at goodbyes. I usually avoid them, but I couldn’t do that this time. I owe Molli a proper goodbye.
“All right, well, it’s time, girl. It’s time to spread my wings and fly,” I tell her.
“I guess so,” she says, tucking her hair behind her shoulders. Her hands flatten against her chest, she bites down on her lip, and tears forms in her eyes. “I’m going to miss this little girl. I really am.” I know this sucks for her. She’s Aya’s aunt, and the only relationship Aya has with that side of her family, but Molli knew this was the plan and we both have lives to carry on. We promised holidays and other visits, so we’ll make sure we don’t lose touch. “We’ll have to visit soon.”
“It’s just a quick hop over to the next island. You guys are welcome anytime. Open invitation, always.”
“I’ll have to see about persuading Lan to take some time off,” Molli says, rolling her eyes.
“Oh, screw that. Lan has saved up paid time off. Tell him to get to it.”
“I will,” she says. “I know your situation sucks, but I’m still glad we’re family, even if it’s in a screwed-up way.”
“We’re not the screw-ups, so it’s okay,” I tell her with a chuckle. “Thank you again, Molli.” I reach over and give her a quick hug, feeling a tug in my chest, but everything today is making my chest ache. It’s the fresh start we need, and I know it’s best for us.
“Have a safe flight, and take care of my favorite niece, okay?”
I grab Aya by the waist and flip her over my shoulder, hearing her ferocious giggles echo off the side of my truck. “What were you doing over there in the dirt, you crazy girl?” My girl. She likes to play in the dirt, catch bugs, rodents, and every other thing that makes most little girls scream. She also loves purple, dresses, and glitter. I don't know how she pulls it off, but she's kind of perfect.
“I was trying to catch a gecko, Dad, but you made it run away. As always.”
“What did I tell you about chasing geckos?” I ask her as I place her into her booster seat on the back bench of my truck.
“That it won’t save me any money, it’ll probably have a fake accent, and won’t ever know when to shut up,” she repeats my words, groaning with annoyance.
“That’s right. So, let’s not go picking up any more geckos, you got me?”
“Whatever,” she sighs.
As I slide into the driver’s seat, I peer back into my rear-view mirror, catching the look on Aya’s face. “You okay, baby girl?” I know she’s not okay. I can see it in her big, blue, dime-sized eyes—the eyes that will someday force me to have a shotgun waiting behind my front door. Those eyes, together with her natural Hawaiian tan and light brown hair mixed with natural blonde highlights, make for a gorgeous little girl who I intend to keep in a bubble for the rest of her life.
“I’m going to miss it here,” she says. “I hate moving around.”
“I know, baby. Me too. You know what, though? We have better things to see and do over in Maui, okay?”
“I know,” she says. I watch her waving goodbye to Molli, and the tears they’re both shedding make me I feel like a giant asshole. I didn’t want anything in my life to affect Aya more than it already has, and this is supposed to be my way of finally ensuring that. Staying here isn’t an option. I need a fresh start, and this island isn’t big enough for that. “Dad?”
“Yeah, baby?”
“I wish aunt Molli could come with us.”
I look back at Aya again. “I know, but aunt Molli has her own life now. Plus, she wouldn’t have a lot of time for us once the baby is born and she marries Lan, right?”
