Smells Like Nirvana

Chapter 23

The Luau

"Have I told you yet, how beautiful you look tonight?"
Scarlett blushed.
"Maybe once or twice, but I don't mind hearing it. Please continue."
"Ok, so this is a luau. The girls go up and dance, and they ask ladies from the audience to go up and learn too. You should go."
"Me? Oh, no. No no no. I have terrible stage fright. I can't do that."
"You'll just be standing by other ladies, that don't know what they are doing either. They teach you to hula. And to sign in our native moves. It's like telling a story. But with a dance. It's beautiful, and I think you'd love it."
She thought about it for a second.
"Then it will be my turn, and I can show you a few things."
"Well, ok. I'll do it. When do they do it?"
"In just a few minutes. They have a show first. Would you like some wine? Or a beer?"
"I'm only 18."
"I didn't ask your age, I asked if you were thirsty."
"Oh, ok then. I'll have a red wine please."

He ordered her a wine and they talked for a While. They talked about what brought him there, to Hawaii, and then why she was there.

He moved there as a kid. His parents were in the military and then, when they died not long ago, he decided to stay.

"So, how old are you, Brian?"
"I'm 22. I love to surf and even though I have a house, I prefer to sleep on the beach. It is just so peaceful."
"I may have to try it some time."
"Just let me know. Oh, they are calling up the ladies now. It's a volunteer thing."

Scarlett waved her hand and they called her up. The Hawaiian ladies on the stage were so pretty, and moved so eloquently. One of the ladies came up behind her and placed her hands on Scarlett's hips to show her how to sway to the rhythm. Moving her arms in other directions as well. She was really enjoying her self. Brian was right. She loved it.

She could see Brian looking up at her. Intently. Like she was a secret, that he just had to know. She moved slowly, along to the beat, and after a few minutes, she was the only one of the volunteers doing it right, and by herself.

Brian stood up in the audience and applauded her.  She didn't think she could stop smiling, if she tried. She was just so over the hill happy. She hadn't been this happy in so long. She blushed, and then laughed.

"Amazing dancing ladies! You can go back to your seats now. Great job!"

Scarlett walked back to her seat next to Brian. She was absolutely over the moon!

"Hey Scar. How's it going?"
All happiness was lost in her mind.
Her heart began to race.
Slowly, she turned behind her, to see Michael.
In swim trunks.
And he had a lei around his neck. Which is just a necklace made of flowers.

"Michael."

She looked over to Brian, and he came quickly over to her side.

"Everything ok? My hula queen?"
She blushed at the thought of being his queen. And he kissed her on the cheek.

"Yes, Im Great! Brian, this is Michael. My ex. Michael, this is my date. Brian."

Brian extended his hand to shake Michael's but, Michael just ignored it, and apparently everything else that Scarlett had said.

"Do you wanna hang out Tonight? When you're done with 'flower' boy over here."

He made air quotes with his fingers when he said flower boy.

"Excuse me, but I'm pretty sure I have her booked up all night."
And she blushed again.

"Sorry Michael, but I'm busy. I don't have time tonight to stroke your ego and make you feel better about what you did to me. I'm on a date, now leave us alone."
"You heard the lady. You should leave."
Brian was just trying to help,  but out of nowhere, Michael punched Brian, clean in the jaw. Brian swung back, but missed. Michael always was faster than anyone else she ever met.
Then Michael threw Brian to the ground and jumped on top of him to hit him more. Brian was trying so hard to dodge and block all of Michael's hits, but wasn't doing very well at the end. Scarlett had had enough.

"Michael! That's enough! You broke up with me! Don't take your anger out on other people! Just get away from us and LEAVE ME ALONE!"
She screamed at him, as she shoved him out of the way, and dove over Brian to protect him. She knew Michael would never hit her. She turned around to see Michael, but he was gone.

"Oh my God Brian, are you alright?"
She gently touched his face with her fingertips, being careful not to hurt him.
He was bleeding.
He looked up to her face and held her hand.
"It wasn't too bad. But you're like an angel, and you can protect me anytime, as long as I can look up into your eyes and see that care and concern for me. I haven't had that in so long."
"Well..."
He placed his hand, gently on her cheek, and before she knew what was going on... His lips were on hers, and he was kissing her.