The Cabin (COMPLETED)

Home At Last

2 Months Later

"Can I have everyone's attention! Excuse me!" Matthew yelled throughout the crowd. He was standing on top of the platform next to the DJ stand, holding a microphone. The party was filled with individuals from the Kailua community who I had grown to know in the last two months of me being here. The evening was coming in as the orange sun started to set on the horizon.

After the trial everyone wanted to talk to me and give thanks. So many gift baskets and tokens were made in my honor. I looked upon the gift table that was accumulating with even more going away gifts.

All of this couldn't come with me on the plane. It must be getting sent through priority mail!

"Stella! Darling, wherever you are could you please come up to the stage!" Matthew said as he scavenged the crowd of partygoers. I was actually at the makeshift margarita bar, indulging in my third glass with Khelani. Khelani tapped my shoulder and pointed towards the stage.

"Go now. You're being summoned," She giggled as she took the tall glass of fruity goodness away from my lips. I rolled my eyes and finally got up out of my seat. The crowd of people split in two so that I could make it up to the stage with ease. Many people looked at me in admiration, patting my shoulder. Little kids cheered in groups as I walked past them. One of them snuck in for a hug on my leg. Those little stinkers were all a part of my weekly enrichment class at the local library.

Everything was packed and ready to go to catch my plane ride. However, Jason and Matthew thought it would be special if they threw me my own going-away block party; a mini-celebration for everyone to enjoy with games, food, and music on the resort's beach. It was quite thoughtful and well-planned out since I didn't know any of this was happening until 8 in the morning when so much ruckus was happening outside during the set-up.

I made it to the front of the stage, but Matthew held out his hand so that I could walk up the steps and on to the stage right next to him. I did so and hiked up my skirt so that I wouldn't trip.

"Everyone! Give it up for the lady of the hour, Ms. Stella Lawson!" Matthew exclaimed as he held both of our hands up in the air as if I was Katniss Everdeen. The crowd applauded me with abundant energy. I felt like a superstar to be honest. I looked everywhere for Jason's hulking figure, but he was nowhere to be found. My face held a bit of confusion, but Matthew started talking again.

"As everyone knows, Stella will be leaving us anytime now. This celebration is in her honor as we acknowledge all that she has done for this community not only during the trial, but after the trial. Stella, we thank you for emerging yourself in our culture and bringing the fire back into Kailua. You've assisted in our local businesses and invested so much time in our children who also find you inspirational. You do not know how much you've taken a part in reuniting us all. All thanks to your faith, courage, and kind spirit. I think I can speak for everyone here when I say that you will be severely missed, and we hope that you will return back to a place you can call home," Matthew started to choke up at the end. My bottom lip poked out as I went in to give him a tight hug. Matthew hugged me back and announced something else.

"Now that my blubbering speech is over, I would like to open the mic to anyone else to say a few words!" Matthew reached the microphone out to the crowd. Khelani and her family raised their hands so that they could ascend to the stage. Once they made it Khelani came to my side and held my hand in hers. I could feel the tears form in my ducts, for what Khelani was going to say. Khelani grabbed the microphone to speak first.

"Hey sis, hey!" Khelani said, trying to mimic me. I laughed a bit at her weird impression.

"You would always greet me like that with such enthusiasm and kindness. You know I never really experienced quite a friend like you. Especially a friend who puts you through cracking a crime case like off of a tv show! You've brought so much life into mine and I don't know how I could possibly thank you enough for opening my eyes to what's right and just. You are my inspiration and the epitome of excellence," Khelani started to cry and I gave her a side hug, encouraging her to continue on with her speech.