Ova Da Rainbow: HAWAII'S STORY (3)

The Taste of Blood

Aka one time out of many Hawaiʻi happened to beat the shit out of someone.

It was three weeks before Yua was going back to Hilo for the summer. She had been waiting all year to go, and Hawaiʻi would make sure the rent was paid and the place was kept nice for her. Sure, if Hawaiʻi really wanted she could visit whenever she wanted, but Yua deserved to have some time with her family.

Yua had almost completed her first year in college. That was amazing for more than one reason, and Hawaiʻi couldn't be happier. So here they were, picking up mail at the post office, because Hawaiʻi thought P.O. boxes were better than mail coming directly to the house.

"Hey, Lani, look at this." Yua said happily. "My dad sent us a box."

"He sent you a box." Hawaiʻi corrected, and Yua shook her head.

"Nope, it says right here. Yua Daigo and Emma Kameāloha." Yua tapped the box's address. "Wonder what it is."

Hawaiʻi smiled. "When we get home, we can do a grand unboxing. I just have to pick up the mail from my box. I keep leaving it here to pile up all week."

"Sounds like Lani." Yua rolled her eyes. "I think I see someone I know, so you have fun, alright?

It was the same type of paper. The same one with no return address and curly scrawl that the other letter did. Hawaiʻi shoved the letter in her pocket

"Well, open it, Yua. You know I hate waiting." Hawaiʻi said, laughing. She pushed the letter further into her pocket, and tried to keep up a smile. This was too important to interrupt with her worries.

Yua opened the box, and showed Hawaiʻi the letter that came with it.

Dear Yua,

Ren is very excited to see you this summer. Emma is staying on Oahu for the summer right? That's alright. At least it guarantees that you have a place to stay when you go back next semester. We're so proud of you, you know that?

It's got people talking now. The Lums, the family with all girls next door, has started saving money to send some of them to college. The youngest Bautista is already set to be a freshman in Cali. Even little Gracie, the girl from Ren's school, is talking about how she's going to go one day. And it's because of you, my dear.

I never finished schooling, neither did your mother, so we both don't know how everything goes. But I really want you to know that we'll be here for you all the way.

Well, I suppose I should say hello to Emma too. I remember her taking a grand interest in a ukulele I made a few years back, and even tuned it so it sounded the way it was supposed to. And I know she loves old things, so I knew the bottom case was one she would enjoy.

Your Ma says it's weird for a friend's father to send presents, but I figured since I was sending things to you, might as well give something she'd like too.

In either way, there's things in there for both of you, and we can't wait to see you as soon as school gets out.

Call me when you get the package. I can't wait to see what you and Emma think of it.

Love, Abe.

Yua smiled, shaking her head. "He still doesn't feel right calling himself my dad at the end of the letters. Poor thing. "

In the box was several smaller boxes, and as promised, at the bottom, there was a large black case that Hawaiʻi immediately recognised.

"Is that... Oh, it is! Holy moly, I remember these!" Hawaiʻi said, picking up the case. "This is a maybe forty year old ukulele case. Oh, it has something inside it."