Keeping Kama

Chapter 21

The days after the marathon marched toward Christmas way too fast. Leia dreaded Derek returning to Los Angeles. Living in a fantasy world sure was fun. With each passing day, Leia fell harder and harder for Derek, so hard, she spent most nights in bed plotting out how she and Derek could be together. Leia knew she needed to consider moving from Hawaii, surely she could find another teaching job if she relocated. But Leia didn’t know if she could do it, leaving everything behind, her family, culture, home, for the chance to be with Derek. Ahh … what a risk.

Torn in a thousand directions, Leia’s hands shook as she pulled on her red dress. In a little bit, she’d head over her to her parents’ house for the annual Christmas Eve gathering. Leia’s mouth watered as she caught a whiff of the kalua pig roasting deep in the pit behind her parents’ house.

Two days.

Derek left in two days.

And then Leia’s world would shatter.

Again.

With no resolution, Leia left the safety of her apartment walking toward her parents’ house. Her aunt and uncles had come over earlier and helped her and Derek pull out the folding table and chairs from their garage. They set them up on the grassy area in her parents’ front yard. Being outside allowed her entire family to gather, without feeling cramped inside. Luckily, Hawaii’s weather made meeting outdoors possible any time of year.

As she rounded the corner, Leia saw many of her family members out on the lawn, mingling. Kale and Kai carried the pig over to the table. Derek sat at a table next to Teresa and Noa. They were deep in conversation. Slowing her pace, Leia’s stomach twisted on itself. As she approached, Derek shifted in his chair, catching her gaze. Their eyes locked, smoothing out the skittish feeling in her gut. And she knew she was in love, and Derek belonged. There. With her.

Derek stood and strode a few paces to meet Leia. “Leia, Mele Kalikimaka.”

Arriving in front of Derek, Leia smiled and replied, “Mele Kalikimaka.” She reached out, giving Derek’s hand a squeeze. “I’m glad you’re here to spend it with me.”

Wrapping an arm around her waist, Derek brought her closer to him. Heat radiated off his skin, and Leia warmed from his touch. “Do you want to come sit by your parents?” asked Derek.

Leia tilted her head close to his and whispered, “Has my mom been behaving?”

Touching his head to hers, Derek quickly kissed Leia on her temple and whispered into her hair, “She has. We had a nice chat, and I think we’re now on the same page.”

“And what page is that?” questioned Leia.

They were interrupted by Alana arriving with Malia, and Hilo in tow. “Kai said the food is almost already,” said Alana. Her gaze slid across Leia and Derek. “Do you like kalua pork Derek?”

Giving Leia’s waist a squeeze, Derek replied, “I do. It smells delicious. I can’t wait.”

More of Leia’s family arrived, making the space electric with noisy reunions. Leia’s heart warmed seeing her family gathered. She didn’t know how she could ever leave, but Derek, he was worth whatever sacrifice she needed to make for them to be together.

After introductions to her various extended family, Leia led Derek back to the table where her parents sat. Leia settled into the seat next to Noa with Derek on the other side of her. Derek wrapped his arms around her shoulders. Alana sat down with Malia and Hilo, too.

Shifting toward Malia and Hilo, Derek asked, “What are you hoping Santa brings you this year?”

Malia lit up. “Top of my list is a new art kit. All my markers are dried out, and my colored pencils are broken.”

Alana’s eyes widened. “Since when?” asked Alana.

“Since yesterday, when my last light blue marker ran out,” stated Malia. “But it’s okay, Santa will know.”

Alana fidgeted with the tablecloth, smoothing out the fabric in front of her. “He might not work that fast. You can’t be upset if Santa ends up bringing you something else.”

Bringing her hands into tight fists, Malia replied, “But he’s Santa!”

“Oh dear,” muttered Alana. She gave Leia and Derek an exasperated glance.

Derek winked at Alana. “Malia, I think you’re right. He’s Santa, and I believe you’ll get exactly what you want this Christmas.”

Malia’s tight fists loosened. “See, Derek understands.”

Alana pursed her lips together. “Apparently,” mumbled Alana.

Derek leaned extra close to Leia and whispered, “I have just the thing for Malia in one of my bags. I can get it to Alana after dinner for her to give to Malia from Santa.”

“Food’s ready!” bellowed Kai.

Their conversation was cut off. Malia and Hilo bolted toward the food table.

Exasperated, Alana rose. “I guess I’d better go catch up with them before they take too much or knock something over.” She shuffled around the table.

As she passed by, Derek said, “I have something for Malia. I’ll drop it off tonight. I think it will solve your predicament.”

The worry lines on Alana’s face softened. “Thanks. I had no idea how I was going to make her last-minute wish come true.” Alana then walked quickly to catch up with Malia and Hilo in line behind a few others, making their way through the buffet line.

They waited until the food line died down before going to get themselves food. Everyone ate as the cheerful, jubilant spirit dangled in the air for Christmas. Kale and Kalon started playing Christmas songs on their ukuleles. Her family sang in Hawaiian to the popular Christmas carols. Derek wrapped his arm around her shoulders, listening to the familiar songs in Hawaiian, Leia couldn’t remember the last time she had felt this happy and whole.

Kai came over with a printed page. “Here, Derek.” He handed Derek the sheet of paper. “I printed off the words in Hawaiian. I thought it would help you follow along and maybe you can join in if you feel comfortable.”

Smiling, Derek took the paper from Kai. “Thank you. I appreciate it,” said Derek.

After nodding his head to the melody of Silent Night, Derek finally attempted to sing along with the others. As Leia listened to the sweet harmony of her family’s voices, Leia’s heart was filled with gratitude. Tears misted the corners of her eyes.

The evening ended too soon. Her aunts and uncles packed up their food dishes before bidding them a good night. Derek and Leia helped fold up the table and chairs, taking them back to the crowded garage. When they returned to the front yard, everyone had left for the night. Leia’s parents had gone inside to settle in, and Kai and Alana had walked back with their kids to prepare for bed.

Rubbing the back of his neck, Derek shoved his other hand into his pocket. “Can I walk you home?” asked Derek.

“Sure.” Leia interlaced her fingers with Derek’s free hand. “Though it’s only a two-minute walk.” She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze though sadness seeped into her being.

Only two more days with Derek.

And the thought devastated her.

In no time, they arrived at her apartment door. Lingering in front of her door, Leia’s voice cracked when she said, “I can’t believe you go home the day after tomorrow. It’s making me dread Christmas day more than rejoicing in it, because I don’t want you to leave. I want you to stay here forever with me.” Shaking her head, Leia met Derek’s glance. “I can’t be separated indefinitely from you anymore, but I don’t know how to resolve our predicament.” She placed a hand over her heart.

Derek took a step closer to her. His hand grazed her arm, sliding down the length of it. “What if I moved here?” asked Derek.

Her eyes dilated. “I— I—” stammered Leia. “How?”

His gaze skidded across her face, and Derek’s hand brushed her unruly hair over her shoulder. His touch made her senses awaken. “Would you want me to move here?” rephrased Derek. He earnestly stared back at her.

Her heart hammered, making it difficult for Leia to think straight. “I mean … of course I do. But you’d do that … for me?” asked Leia.

Derek wrapped both his arms around her waist, tugging her close against his body so their hips touched. Leia rested a hand on his chest. “I would, I mean I’ve planned it out. I plan on staying after Christmas. I don’t plan on going back to Los Angeles.”

Her mind tried to play catch up. “What about your house? Your things?”

Shrugging, Derek said, “I’ve already rented out my house, and my things are in storage. I can go get them at some point.”

Wrinkling her brow, Leia asked, “And when did you plan on telling me all this?”

“Right now,” Derek glanced away for a second. “I didn’t want to scare you off by being too forward. But I told your parents tonight, before you arrived, about my plan. Teresa seemed pleased and only wants what’s best for you. I know her saltiness toward me was only because she was worried, that I planned on stringing you along for who knows how long. I think your parents now have a better understanding of how serious I am about being with you. They’ll come around to the idea of us.”

Leia laughed. “I can’t believe this.” Placing her hands over her warmed cheeks, she continued, “I had decided I would move to Los Angeles if I needed to so we could be together. I had no clue how I was going to do it, but I was willing to.”

Smiling, Derek said, “And now you don’t have to, because, Leia, I couldn’t ever take you away from Kama Farm. You belong here with your family. And I hope someday, when the time is right for both of us, I can become part of it too. Because I love you, Leia. I’ve loved you since that day you saved me in Shark’s Cove.”

Shaking her head, Leia drew a finger across his chest. “You can’t be serious.”

“Oh, I am.” Derek touched his forehead to hers. “I’ve loved you every day since then, and I hope if you’ll let me, I’ll go on loving you.”

Going up on her tiptoes, Leia brushed her lips against Derek’s. “I love you, too,” she said through parted lips. “So, stay. Be here with me. And I’ll promise to make you as happy as you make me.”

“Deal,” replied Derek.

Then Derek collided his lips with hers, igniting her insides. His lips danced with hers, reminding her of where she belonged. Under the canopy of stars, on a brilliant warm Hawaiian Christmas Eve, Leia received her Christmas wish. Derek. Here. In Kama. With her. Forever.