Zoe’s eyebrows came down.What?
“It’s just that people keep saying that.” She shook her head and smiled. “I love Pualena.”
“Well, it’s not like you get the books for free.”
“I did, actually. A lot of them. Mostly from Oakley.”
“Good ol’ Oakley.” Zoe seemed a bit better now – a little bit more at ease.
Laurie longed to ask her what was wrong, what was going on with her, but she knew that any kind of interrogation would just make her niece clam up. She would have to put her hours in before she could hope to truly regain Zoe’s confidence.
She hadn’t been there for her in a long time, but she was determined to do better.
That was what community was all about.
She was learning to accept help. Now, thanks to her community, she was strong and steady enough to offer help back.
It might not always be directly back to the people who were helping her, but that was the beauty of community; the aloha just kept circulating.
Suddenly, Zoe jumped.
“What?” Laurie asked.
Zoe pointed up.
Laurie looked up and saw nothing but the dark ceiling of the lanai. Then she turned on her hearing aids and heard nothing but the soft crash of rain against the roof.
Zoe flinched again, and this time she heard it. The baby was nearly here now. Akemi’s screams were so low and loud that Laurie could hear them easily.
She switched her hearing aids back off.
That’s it.Zoe stood.I’m out.
It’s the miracle of life,Laurie teased her.
She just shook her head and walked out into the warm Hawaiian rain.
Laurie went inside to find Mia. She and Pete were huddled together on the couch, looking terrified. Even the mongoose seemed more frantic than usual.
Do you want to go home?Laurie asked her daughter.
No!I want to see the baby.
“It could be a long time.” Laurie looked between the two kids. “Maybe you and Pete should both come to my place for the night. Anne?”
She turned to check with her sister, but Anne was staring up at the ceiling.
“What is it?”
Anne grinned and looked at her.I hear the baby.
That was quick!
“I bet it didn’t feel quick to her,” Anne said with a laugh.
I want to see the baby!Mia signed again with huge, excited motions.
“Can we go up now?” Pete asked at the same time.
