High Paradise

Chapter 1 - If I Lose Myself

[Connected to: Season 1 - Episode 18]

-

"You've got this one chance to sort things out, Matthew. Don't screw up while you're in Hawaii."

Clock ticking.

Lamps blinking.

Palms sweating.

As Matthew left the cold building to head back home he felt like he was being watched. He picked up the speed towards the parking lot and jumped in the car. The wheels cried out as he forced the gas pedal into the floor and took off.

-

"I can't wait! Won't this damn plane hit the ground soon!" Shay said and pressed herself towards the little airplane window. The ocean underneath her was blue and spread out as far as she could see. White beaches and green forests waited for her, together with her cousin and uncle.

"Inpatient are we?" Matthew asked.

"Shut up, dad." she said and laughed. When the little lamp that told the passengers to put on their seat belts finally lit up she couldn't help but burst out "Finally!"

The plane from New Jersey landed safely and the passengers started to leave. Shay and Matt sat in the back, and when they got to their bags most of the people had already left. Shay grabbed her sky blue bag and waited for her dad. She loved that bag. There was a tree print on it, like when you're lying under a tree and the leaves climb over your head.

Soon enough, they both had their bags and headed towards the exit.

"I can't wait to see Grace again, can't believe it's been two years already." Shay said as they made their way through the airport.

"I know Shay. It's a shame I haven't brought you here earlier. It's been hard to make all the pieces fit."

"Wow, it's really hot here." Shay mumbled and waved with her hand in front of her face. She was wearing light jeans shorts and a thin, white shirt with rolled up sleeves. On her feet she had a pair of white sandals and her long light brown hair was falling down her back in light waves. Her bang was braided in a loose braid.

"Shay!" a little girl's voice suddenly screamed. Shay quickly got eyes on her little cousin Grace, but pretended not to see her. Grace ran up to her with a smile like the sun and put her arm's up for a hug. She was wearing a cute little pink dress with flowers and her brown hair was in a ponytail.

"Dad, did you hear someone call my name?" Shay asked her father and ignored Grace. Matt shook his head.

"No, I don't know what you're talking about."

"Shay down here!" Grace yelled and started to jump up and down.

"Grace? Is that you? Wow, you have grown so much I didn't recognize you!" Shay said and lifted Grace for a big hug. "You're a big girl now!" she continued and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Well, not as big as you." a familiar voice said.

"Danny!" Shay let Grace down and hugged her uncle. "You're even shorter than I remember."

It was true that Danny was really short, around 5'7", while Shay and her father both were around 5'10"- 5'11". Danny was wearing a blue shirt buttoned all the way up and a tie. His blond hair was combed back as usual.

"I guess Hawaii doesn't have magic leg-growing water after all." Danny answered and laughed.

"How do you know? Have you even touched the ocean yet?" Shay asked and smiled mischievously.

"Yes, actually. But thanks for asking, dear."

Matt hugged his big brother and it was first now Shay noticed the tall man who stood behind Danny. She cleared her throat and nodded towards him.

"Oh sorry. Matt and Shay, this is Steve McGarrett, my partner." Danny explained.

Steve held out his hand and Shay shook it.

"It's nice to meet you." Steve said and smiled.

He had short dark hair and green eyes. He was a few inches taller than Shay, and unlike Danny, didn't look like your average Jersey cop.

"It's nice to meet you too." Shay said and returned the smile.

Shay held Grace's little hand and followed her father, Danny and Steve to the exit. The heat washed over her even more once they got out in the sun, but it wasn't overwhelming.

''So how old are you?'' Steve asked and slowed down so he walked next to Shay while Matt and Danny caught up.

''Um, I'm seventeen.'' Shay answered. She looked at him as he looked back and fourth between the four Williams's surrounding him. Then she laughed. ''My mom got pregnant when her and dad were still in high school. They stayed together for a while, but, I mean, it was pretty bound to fall apart. I was two when they split and didn't really get it. They were never married or anything.'' she explained.

Steve nodded understandingly. ''So no siblings?''

''Nope. But this little one may as well be.'' Shay squeezed Grace's hand and the girls smiled at each other.

They walked towards a silver-white camaro. Steve walked over to the driver's seat and opened the door.

"Wow! Is this your car?" Shay asked and her eyes widened.

"No, it's mine." Danny said and opened the door to the passenger seat.

"Then why is Steve driving?" Shay continued and looked at Steve.

"I like to drive." Steve answered and jumped in the car. Grace and Matt had already jumped in the backseat.

"He's a control freak." Danny whispered. Shay let out a quiet laugh as she jumped in the backseat as well.

As the car crossed the island Shay couldn't help but think that she was in paradise. Danny turned on the stereo. "If I Lose Myself" was playing, Shay loved it.

Tanned people could be seen everywhere. Surfers and bikini girls walked down the road, heading to the beach. Children played in the parks, birds crossed the sky.

Oh yes, she was in paradise.