The Neighbor

Chapter 10: Lani Kamaka

I looked at my calendar when I got home from Brendan's house. My mother was angry that I got home so late but I didn't hear what she said, I couldn't stop thinking about that music room. I still couldn't believe Brendan could play all those instruments. He agreed to teach me starting on Saturday. I had a whole week before I learned how to play, a whole week of struggling through music class. I circled Saturday on my calendar then laid on my bed.

"You can do this, "I whispered to myself, "it's just one week." I looked over at my beautiful guitar. I hadn't the slightest idea how to play it but I would soon, sooner than I thought.

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"Hey creep!" Jace threw an apple at my head as he walked by. "How're things going in Hell?"

"Wonderful, "I said. He glared at me and I glared back. He went and sat down with all his friends.

"That was a good come back, "a girl's voice said. I turned around and stared at the girl. She had long wavy dark brown hair. Her skin was pale, which contrasted immensely with her dark hair. She wore a black shirt with a skull on it and a black jean skirt. "I'm Lani by the way, Lani Kamaka."

I turned around to see who she was talking to. It took me a moment to realize she was talking to me. I turned back around and said, "I think you've made a mistake, no one talks to me."

She laughed and sat down. "So who're you?"

"Seriously, "I said, "you need to get out of here before someone sees you."

"You are so funny, "she laughed, "so what's your name?"

"You know that once you accept me you can't go back right?"

"All right I'll go along, "she laughed, "ok so once I know your name I will be at the point of no return."

"This is your last warning, "I said. She said nothing. "My name is Danny, "I sighed.

"Danny, I like that, "she said, "so let me guess, you haven't had many friends."

"Hey!" I shouted, "I'll have you know I have..." She raised an eyebrow at me and I sighed, "absolutely no friends."

"Not no friends, "she said, "you have me."

I smiled at her and took one of her french fries. She looked shocked and I said, "Hey that's what happens when you make friends." She laughed and soon I joined in. We ignored all the stares we got from other people and laughed all through lunch.

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"So why haven't I seen you around before?" I asked Lani in music class. Everyone was hanging out with their instruments, waiting for Mr. Kahele to show up.

"I just moved here from Washington to live with my grandmother, "she said.

"What about your parents?" I asked.

"Oh um, I'm an orphan, "she said awkwardly.

"I'm sorry, "I said.

"It's fine, "she said quietly. She attempted to smile but I saw through it; she was grieving.

Before I could say anything comforting Mr. Kahele walked in and told us to take our seats. He wanted us to play a "simple" tune that I messed up completely.

When the tune ended Jace raised his hand. "Yes, Jace, "Mr. Kahele said.

"It seems there is a bad sound coming from the back, "Jace said. Everyone turned and stared at me.

"Yes well I'm sure it will be resolved soon, "Mr. Kahele said pointedly.

He went back to talking about music but Jace turned around to talk to me. "So creep, do you know that you sound like a dying walrus or are you deaf? Deaf and unpopular, what a bad mix, "he taunted. I sat there and tried to keep tears out of my eyes. "It's only a matter of time before you get kicked out of the class, "he continued, "I guess when they decided to make us take this class they didn't think that someone could suck so much like you."

"Stop it, "Lani said, "leave her alone."

"Oh my does the creep have a friend?" he said rhetorically.

"Yes she does, "Lani said, "and this friend will beat you to a pulp without hesitation within seconds." She cracked her knuckles and Jace turned around.

"That..what...awesome, "I said. She held out her fist and I bumped her's with mine. "By the way you don't have to pretend I'm good, "I said, "I know I'm bad. I'm getting lessons this weekend."

"I could teach you, "she said, "my dad was a musician. I learned to play at a young age."

"You would really teach me?" I asked.

"Of course, "she said. I leaned over and hugged her.

"Thank you, "I said.

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Wednesday afternoon I went down to the beach to meet Lani for my first lesson. I skipped happily with my guitar, excited to finally learn how to use, sorry play, it. But when I got there I saw a horrible sight. Jace was standing over Lani. He was saying something and holding a knife. I couldn't make out what he was saying. Lani looked beatened as she lay crying on the ground. I dropped my guitar and ran over to her.

"Leave her alone Jace, "I said threateningly.

"What are you going to do?" Jace said, "call on some of your skeleton friends?"

I finally snapped. I lunged forward and punched Jace square in the face. He fell backwards and held his nose that was obviously bleeding. He tried to say something but his voice wasn't audible. Finally he got up and ran away up the beach.

I knelt down next to Lani and asked, "Are you okay?"

She shook her head no and began sobbing. I held her close and spoke words of encouragement while she cried into my chest.