Brioche skies

Part 1

Somber shades of grey blanketed above and pouring rain that created small ponds had Mei'lani wonder if it was possibly a bad omen for the future ahead, or at least that's what her horoscope said. Then again yesterday, she apparently was going to get the best sex in her life.

"Mom, is Auntie Bri still coming?" It wasn't that they were on bad terms; in fact, Auntie Bri would even say Mei'lani is a sweet girl with an interesting perspective on the world. If only Mei'lani could get more than two words in before being interrupted by a sudden "phone call."

"You know her," her mom said with a sigh as songs from the early 2000s played in the background, which never seemed that inappropriate until now. "It's too big, it's too wide, it's too strong" doesn't really ring any bells at ten years old. Guess that cerebral cortex is finally kicking in. If only this new-found knowledge had come about when the project was due.

"How are my grand baby's doin?" Grandma yelled out from her rocking chair, which appeared older than even her. "Go and be with your family," Mei'lani thought before putting on a performers smile and prepared for an embrace.

"More piercings," she says, just enough to let you know she's concerned while also judging you at the same time. "Yup," Mei'lani replies plainly, heading up inside with her bags in hand, not minding the panicked look on her mother's face when it's her turn.

"Why do you allow her to do that?"
"Momma, she is a grown—"
"That girl needs to stop embarrassing this family," despite their somewhat quiet exchange. Mei'lani had only made a few steps inside and could hear it all.

Sometimes it felt like everyone was just out looking for a reason not to like something about her. Most of the time, it was things she couldn't change. It doesn't matter much anyway; she was going to spend her time locked in her grandmother's fabric room. Unlike her small two-bedroom apartment that housed two other roommates, she had limitless access to colorful hues and intricate patterns to create.

Last year, she had crocheted a skirt and two headbands. While the sounds of chaos outside faded, she could be alone for a few minutes until her younger cousins found her. "Why do little kids just scream at you?" She wondered, but until then, Mei'lani planned to use this time to get acquainted with her materials.

Searching through plastic containers, she found the same set of white hooks her grandma bought when things used to not be so complicated. Labeled now as the problem child. The one who had so much potential but threw it all away. Mei'lani didn't want to think about it, but here she is back in the same dark place.

The colors begin to dull, and her reflection in the window, with raindrops trailing downward, finds itself on her face. Don't they know how lonely it gets? To have your own family make fun of how you look. Whether it be your hair color or hairstyle, saying that you must be compensating for something is painful. "Lani," her father calls out to her as she rushes to wipe off the tears before he comes in; however, Mei'lani's glassy eyes and crooked smile ruin any chance of escape.

"It's okay," her father says gently, wrapping his arms around her. "I think the auburn looks nice on you." Brushing the back of her head before lifting her up, "Dad," she laughs as he quickly sets her down. "I am definitely getting old," he says, smiling down at her as they agreed to return to the kitchen for dinner.

Aside from the bitter introduction, one thing is for sure: having proper meals is one of the benefits of being home, especially when the food has the perfect amount of seasoning. Mei'lani would never forget the words "I don't need to season my food" from one of her friend's other friends who came over.

"So Mei'lani I heard you're becoming a nurse?" her grandmother said implying a hint of sarcasm in her voice but with nod of her father she adjusted herself. "Yes and I'm planning on completing my program later this fall"
"But I thought being a doctor was your calling" her grandmother shot back still keeping her wide smile.