Today's the day. The day I have to leave Alani, and move to a stupid orphanage.
Mr. Ouakai brought me and Alani shopping earlier, as a little "gift". I was very thankful, but now, all I can think about is having to leave my best friend.
I slip a new pair of jean shorts, that have a ripped design, onto my olive-colored body. I pull a pink flowy shirt over my head and look in the bathroom mirror.
I have deep circles under my bright blue eyes, and my long black hair is a knotted mess.
" Noelani!" Alani calls, "are you ready?"
I sigh. "Yup!" I call back. I'm as ready as I'll ever be.
I grab my bag filled with my new clothes from Alani's room and slowly walk down the stairs. Mr. Ouakai and Alani are already by the door.
Alani's shoulder length hair is neatly brushed and she's wearing a nice blue dress that matches well with her chocolate brown eyes.
Mr. Ouakai is putting on his best fake smile when he see's Alani's Makuahine pull up in her car.
We all head outside, into the pale blue day.
A tall, tan woman with curly brown hair and deep brown eyes steps out of her car, staring coldly at us. She's dressed in a grey suit skirt, and it seems like her narrow eyes are staring deeply into my soul.
I shudder as she walks closer.
"Alani!" Her Makuahine calls. "Car! Now! I don't want to have to see your worthless excuse of a Makuakāne longer than I have to! And who is this skimpy piece of trash next to you!"
"Hey! She's my friend! Stop being rude and just wait in the car! I'll only be a minute!" Alani snaps back.
"Fine. But hurry up!" She storms back to her car and slams the door shut when she gets in it.
First Alani goes over to her father and talks to him for a while, shedding tears and sadness. I refrain myself from listening in, not wanting to be rude.
When she finishes I see Mr. Ouakai brush back his tangly short hair and wipe glittering tears from his hazel eyes.
Alani then walks over to me. "I'm sorry Lani, my Makuahine doesn't have a filter."
"That okay, Lani. I've met her before."
We both just stare at each other, not knowing what to say, or how to let go.
"You've been my best friend since kindergarten," Alani says, "and we've done everything together. I want you to know that you're my only true friend, no matter where I go. So I got you this." She puts a heart locket around my neck and whispers, "open it."
I slowly open the locket to see our faces right next to each other on each side, me on the left, and her on the right. We are both laughing in the pictures.
"I have the same one. It's so I'm always close to your heart."
Tears start rolling down my checks like little diamonds.
"Oh Lani! I don't know how I'm going to do this without you," I cry.
"I know! I don't know how I can either!"
We wrap our arms around each other in a hug, and I lay my head on her shoulder again.
We stay in that hug, never wanting to let go when Mr. Ouakai says, "come on girls, let's go."
Neither one of us let go.
Alani's Makuahine comes out of the car, yelling, "Alani Kaimana Ouakai-Tamatoa! Get in the car now!"
Again, we don't move. Alani's Makuahine rips Alani from my grip and pulls her towards the car.
"No!" I scream.
Mr. Ouakai holds me back as I try to get to Alani.
"Never forget the sunset!" Alani calls to me as her Makuahine drags her.
"I won't! I love you Lani!"
"I love you too, Lani!" She responds.
I'm thrashing and kicking against him, but Alani's Makuahine has already put her in the car, and is driving away.
I fall to my knees sobbing, and Mr. Ouakai helps me stand up.
"I'm sorry, Noelani, I had no choice." He wraps his burly arms around me in an awkward hug.
I only nod. I lost my family. And now I just lost my best friend.
"I'm sorry Noelani, but it's time for me to bring you now."
Again I nod. I'm never going to let anyone come into my heart again. I'll only loose them and it will hurt me more.
I climb into the passenger side of his truck. I look at his sad, weary face.
Two mourners in a car. Never to love again.
•~•
When we arrive at Madame Maliyah's Home for Girls I look up at the tall, eerie building.
It is a very, non-remodeled house with huge, trees that have long branches reaching out, ready to grab you.
This is the orphanage?
Mr. Ouakai leads me in and knocks on the mistress's door.
"Madame Maliyah? Noelani Wahilihi is here." Mr. Ouakai says.
"Oh! Come in, come in!" A sweet voice calls through the door.
Mr. Ouakai opens the door for me, and I walk in.
Madame Maliyah is a very large woman, with a wrinkly face, grey wispy hair that's thrown up into a bun, and almond shaped ebony eyes. She has very fair, but has a slight tan complexion.
"Oh, hello Noelani!" She picks up her cellphone and snaps a picture of my face.
"W-What was that for?" I ask confused.
"Oh, sorry dear. For our website. We are associated with the Hawaii International Child program so I take pictures of you and put them on our website for other people around the world to know."
"So I could be adopted by anyone around the world?"
"Yes! Which is why you will be taking English classes, mainly because most people who adopt here speak English."
"But, I already took English in school. I'm pretty fluent." I reply. Which is true, but I'm not perfect.
"Nevertheless you will continue taking them." She smiles.
Eww. I don't like her already.
"Noelani. I-I hate to be rude, but I have to go. Will you be fine on your own?" Mr. Ouakai asks.
"Um...I guess. But will you visit?"
"I'm sorry. I may be able to once a month but this is far from my house, you know."
"I know." I sigh. "Goodbye, Mr. Ouakai."
"Goodbye, Noelani." He me a slight hug and leaves.
And now I'm left with a crazy, fat lady in a creepy orphanage. Nothing could get worse than this.
•~•
Oohh! She's arrived at the orphanage! I know this was kind of boring but don't worry, action is coming soon! Please vote, comment, and follow! Love you all!