America the Mysterious (United States of America #1.5)

His American Wife (China) (Part 2)

The waves crashed into the shore in a calming yet powerful rhythm, turning the sand a light brown that mixed with its drier, more golden counterpart nearby. The ocean itself continued into the horizon, its dark blue color contrasting with the sky's lighter tone. It was a beautiful sight, one that America desperately needed right now.

She was in Hawaii, where it had been decided she and China would be wed, and right now she was taking some time off at an unused part of the beach, listening to the waves and light breeze over the sounds of the city behind her. For the moment, she was dressed in a white sundress, complete with a straw hat and white sandals, though the latter was off so her feet could dig themselves into the sand.

Then, hours after she arrived, she heard footsteps heading her way, small footsteps.

"Makuahine?"

America looked up, seeing one of her youngest daughters heading her way. Hawaii's almond-shaped brown eyes were full of concern as she looked at her mother, her long black hair flying lightly thanks to the breeze. Around her left wrist, her pearl and seashell headpiece was wrapped, looking like an elegant bracelet and ring combined.

America smiled at her. "What is it dear?"

"Are you okay Makuahine?" The concern in Hawaii's eyes didn't leave. "You seem troubled."

America's smile weakened, and without a word, she offered Hawaii to sit next to her, which the second youngest state didn't hesitate to take. For a moment, the two of them watched the scene in front of them go on by without a care about what was happening to those enjoying its beauty and simplicity.

America envied that.

Finally, Hawaii looked at her mother. "Makuahine?" she questioned.

America jumped a little, then mentally slapped herself. "Sorry Kyleen, I was just thinking."

"About what?" Then Hawaii seemed to understand. "It's about your marriage, is it?"

America nodded. "I know that in today's age, arranged marriages are not common and are unneeded, but this one is different."

"You're marrying a man you do not love," stated Hawaii, a downcast expression appearing on her face.

America smiled sadly. "Yes."

The two were silent for a few moments longer, though now America noticed that Hawaii was glancing into the sand with a bitter expression on her face. She didn't need to guess to know the cause of it.

"Makuahine," Hawaii began slowly, "do you really need to marry China?"

America didn't answer at first. "It depends on how you look at it Kyleen, but in a way, this can help our country and China's country in the long run."

"I know that, but why did you have to marry China?"

America took longer to answer. "I don't know Kyleen, I really don't, but if I were to guess, this will connect our countries in ways other alliances will not."

Hawaii didn't respond to that for a few minutes, her eyes now shifting to look into the horizon, where the sea was shining brilliantly, almost like a rare precious gem.

"I don't like it Makuahine," she finally said.

America smiled sadly. "I know you don't Kyleen, especially since I am marrying a man who enjoyed tormenting me even after finding out I was actually a woman. Marrying a man who thinks he's mature is not a pleasant thing."

Hawaii bit her lip. "I just wish he didn't have to keep blaming his own faults on you," she said. "If he really was as mature as he said, he wouldn't be doing that in the first place. I'm really glad Makuahane didn't end up like him."