Challenging Directions - Book 1 (Completed)

Chapter 25 - Preparation

Everyone was up in the middle of the night as the ceremony was at dawn. Everyone was scrambling around, Enya had to learn the steps and find the perfect conch shell, and Lani had to pick fresh flowers and find a way to de-petal them with out ripping them. The boy's jobs were a lot simpler, Arvin had to take care of the ring. A gorgeous white pearl attached to the silver ring. George just had to make sure James was presentable.

"Have you figured who you are taking?" James asked George, who was looking through the drawers to find James' bright green sash.

"Oh, Arvin already asked Lady Enya and she accepted. So I went ahead and asked Lady Lani." He smiled victoriously, pulling it out of the bottom of the drawer.

"Ah." He replied hesitantly. "I thought he would have asked Lani." He said under his breath.

"Hmm?" George looked across the room at him, curious.

"Ah, nothing." James smiled. "Oh, where is Arvin?" They both looked around the cabin but found no sight of him.

"I hope he doesn't lose that ring..." George sighed.

"Yeah you and me both... It took forever to find that pearl." He chuckled.

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"So... That Lime Head asked you?" Lani asked Enya bitterly as she was de-petaling the white blossoms on the beach, and putting them in the basket.

"Yup..... No idea why... You would think he hates me, at least more than you..." Enya sighed, throwing another rock back in the ocean. "WHERE ARE ALL THE DAMN CONCH SHELLS?"

"I don't know, maybe try Coral Chain?" Lani grunted, ripping petals.

Enya sighed, "How do you think Tanda is doing?" She was trying to take her mind off of Sir Atticus.

"She is in Kalila's hands, she will be beautiful." She smiled. "I can't believe little James is actually over 1,000 years old."

"And he is getting married." Enya went further down the beach.

"How do you feel about this?"

"What do you mean?"

"You have been a little out of it since... You know... The engagement was announced." Lani peeked at her sister who was fidgeting with another rock.

"Don't worry, I am fine... I was just shocked.. So much has been happening. Riac, Momma, Jamie..." Enya threw another rock back and went further out.

"Are you sure?" Lani stopped and floated to Enya, so she didn't get wet. "We all knew he had a thing for you, and I know you.... You liked it. And I think in some way you liked him."

"PSH, he is over 1,000 years old Lan."

"Yeah, yeah we all know you are sick.. But are you okay?" Lani grabbed her sisters shoulder. "Seriously."

"Yes, oh my gosh Lani. He is getting married, I am their conch maiden. I am extremely happy for them, and can't wait till they have kids so we can fight over who is going to be God mother." Enya took a deep breath and went back to digging in the sand.

"Bitch please, we all know they will pick me." Lani giggled. "Okay, I believe you, now hurry up. Dawn is coming."

"Says the brat who still needs to de-petal 30 more bundles of White Blossoms." Enya laughed and splashed water at Lani.

"Ah! How dare!" She floated back to the dry ground.

"Much dare!" Enya giggled and grabbed something out of the water. "FINALLY!!! VICTORY!!"

"Oh, good for you." Lani sighed sitting back down next to the flowers and basket.

"I will be right back, I am going to clean this out and check on Mia and Fia.... How come so many of our people's names rhyme?"

"Hehehehehehe, no clue." Lani giggled. "I thought it was cute."

"Yeah okay." Enya shook her head and headed off towards the cabin containing Mia and Fia.

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"Knock knock!" Enya called pushing opted the door. "How are the Hakus?"

"Good" Mia smiled. "We have White Azaleas, some Sea Lavender, and a bunch of different colored Primula. It is going to a rainbow, and beautiful. I hope it will bring some more color to the celebration, I mean he just has a green sash and they are both wearing white robes..." Mia sighed.. "If I ever get married I need more color than this."

"Noted." Fia smiled. "Lady Enya, Sir James' Haku should be done soon, when I am done I will help Mistress Lani with the petals."

"Thank you girls. And I KNOW Lani would love the help." Enya smiled and went to the bathroom. "Okay, this is cleaned out... Now to practice the movements... Which way is north?"

"Umm.... I don't know." Fia said.

"Same." Mia said grabbing some more flowers.

"Okay, thanks anyways." Enya waved as she left.

"See you soon." The girls said in unison.

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"The girls are getting along surprisingly well.." Enya commented. "Hey Air girl. Where is east, that is your element right?"

"I don't know Fire Girl, where is south that is your element right?" Lani smiled at her sister.

"Touché." Enya smiled.

"It is behind me." Lani giggled.

"AHAHA! See you were always the smart one."

"Yeah, and you were always the brute."

"Oh, Fia said when she was done she would help you when she is done with James' Haku."

"OH THANK ALL THAT IS GOOD!" Lani yelled with relief.

"I knew you would be pleased. Now back to work. If east is that way, then North is there." She faced North and blew into the shell, but instead of the loud vibrant music, a shallow squeal was produced instead.

"Ew.. I don't think that is right.." Lani giggled.

"No duh genius." Enya looked at her sharply.

"I uh... Could help with that..." Sir Atticus stepped out and offered to take the shell.

"Oh... Uh, thanks." Enya handed it over and Lani glared evilly at them.

"Yeah, of course. This is my Great great however many greats Uncle of mine's wedding." He said, his eyes started glowing and the air around the shell changed. "There.. That should work... But, I wouldn't try it for a little while longer."

"Yeah... Okay." Enya looked unsure.

"In the meantime... Can we talk.."

"Ugh." Lani groaned.

"Oh... Um why?" Enya looked confused.

"Well, we are going together. And we had.. Difficulties.... Before this... I think we should clear things up."

"Sounds reasonable." Enya nodded, and Lani huffed.

"Ok good. Shall we?" He motioned towards the south side of the beach, and waited for her to follow.