Someone Else’s Life(23)

“Honu?” Serena looked confused.

“The Hawaiian green sea turtle.” Annie was surprised that Serena didn’t know what a honu was, if she lived on Kauai. “They sometimes come up on the sand to bask in the sun, and you have to keep at least fifteen feet from them. Finn loves seeing them.”

“I’ve been to Poipu but haven’t seen any animals.” Serena shrugged. “But maybe I wasn’t looking for them.”

“You can’t really miss them,” Annie said with a laugh. “There’s always a large crowd gathered around them, taking pictures. The turtles usually come up on the kiddie area, where the water is shallow and calm.” She passed the bowl of cucumber salad to Serena. “The monk seal come up on the regular side of the beach.”

“I like the kiddie side.” Serena took another generous scoop of the cucumber. “I can’t swim, so it’s perfect for me.”

“You live in Hawaii and you can’t swim?” Annie widened her eyes at Serena in mock horror and was rewarded with a giggle.

“Yeah. I guess I should learn. Especially if I end up staying here.” The laughter died and Serena’s expression sobered. As if she’d just had a thought that made her unhappy.

“You never said what you’re doing here.” Annie looked at her new friend, and when she saw the way Serena’s mouth pinched, she added, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry. You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”

“You’re not prying.” Serena put her fork down. “I’m just not sure what I’m doing. I’m kind of at the point in life where I feel like I need a change, and Kauai seems like a great place to live. I’m not really a tourist, but I’m not from here either. I’m thinking of staying permanently. To figure out my life. I mean, this is paradise, right? If I can’t figure out my life here, where else can I do it?”

“You’re right. That’s kind of why we’re here in Kauai too. To start over after what—” Annie stopped herself. She didn’t want to bring down the mood by mentioning what had happened to Finn. And she didn’t like seeing the shadow pass over Serena’s face, so she changed the subject. “Speaking of paradise, where do you think the best mai tai is on this island?”

“Oh, definitely at Tahiti Nui in Hanalei. I love Hanalei. I think I want to find a place up there.” Serena’s face lit up. “I went there one day to go to the beach, but it was raining, so I ended up at happy hour at Tahiti Nui. Their tsunami fries are so good, with that furikake and teriyaki sauce on them.” Serena’s eyes cleared, and Annie noticed they were an unusual shade of dark green now, when earlier, they’d been a lighter green.

“I think Duke’s has the best ones.” Annie was glad to have distracted Serena from whatever thoughts were distressing her. They continued to debate the mai tais around the island while they finished dinner.

“You’re so lucky to have family around you.” Serena stared down at her empty bowl.

“Where’s your family?” Annie was curious about her friend.

Serena dropped her hands into her lap and didn’t answer at first. Annie thought she hadn’t heard or was ignoring the question, but then Serena spoke. “They’re dead. At least my dad is. He died in a car accident when I was in college.”

“Oh no.” Annie reached across the table to squeeze Serena on the arm briefly, returning the comfort the other woman had offered earlier, when Annie had told her about the year her life fell apart.

“And I don’t speak to my mom.” Serena stared off into space. “She disappeared when I was ten, and I haven’t seen her since.”

“What?” Annie’s forehead scrunched up. “What do you mean, she disappeared?”

Serena continued to stare off for a moment, then turned to look at Annie. “I meant she left. She left me and my dad one day. It’s as if she just disappeared.” Serena flicked both hands in the air. “Poof.” She giggled, but the sound was not a happy one.

“I’m so sorry,” Annie said.

“It’s okay.” Serena looked up, her words at odds with the way her mouth turned down and her eyes glittered, as if with unshed tears. “It’s been a while. I’m used to being on my own.”

“But I bet it doesn’t make it easier. What about sisters or brothers?”

“I was an only child. I have an aunt and uncle somewhere on my mom’s side, but we don’t keep in touch. I really am all alone in this world.” Serena gave what Annie thought was a brave smile, making Annie’s heart go out to her.

“That must be so tough. As much as my family drives me up a wall sometimes, I don’t know what my life would be like without them in it.”

Serena shot Annie a look. “Exactly. That’s why when I found Danny, I was so hopeful he’d be my family. He promised to love me always and be my best friend, my new family.” Her expression changed as she looked off at a point above Annie’s head. “But then he left me. When things got tough.”

“That’s terrible.” Annie tried to temper her shock. “What happened? Do you want to talk about it?” Serena had listened with compassion earlier. It seemed only fair to offer an ear for what obviously had been a very difficult time of Serena’s life.