Illumine Her

by Sieni A. M.

  “Well, as soon as I sent those words out into the universe, it definitely became egotistical. Now when I help someone, you’re probably going to think that I’m expecting some kind of recognition or something, that I’m checking off a mental tick box. Check! Helped the old lady board the bus. Check! Gave a lift to some school kids up the hill. Check! Stopped a bank robber from escaping.” She paused. “Okay, that last one was dumb.”

  Chase’s mouth curved into a smile as he shook his head. “I wasn’t thinking that at all.” She raised her eyebrows in question. “I was thinking that this world needs more people like you, Alana. People that think like you, who want to try to live like you,” he said, and something in her heart moved. “I can see that what you’re saying comes from a pure place—that there’s no trace of ego.”

  Alana’s face flushed with shyness, and she held up her palm. “Okay, stop, before this really goes to my head,” she said, a small smile stirring on her lips.

  Chase chuckled and reached out, squeezing her hand. “What you’ve just shared—it’s one way to fight the villains, Alana.”

  Chapter 18

  It rained heavily, the kind where rolling grey clouds accompanied splatters that pummeled hard against the iron roofing. Alana had always loved rain showers in Samoa. The sound of thrashing rain muted the noises inside the house and consequently created a cozy atmosphere within. It meant the television had to be switched off because you couldn’t hear it anyway. Rain like this usually precipitated a power outage which meant candles and lamp light. She remembered feeling surprised on a trip to Maine when it rained and she couldn’t hear it beating down on the roof. She was nine and her grandfather told her it was because they had insulated roofing which made it practically sound proof. On days like this, she loved nothing more than to curl in bed under a sheet and read a novel until she drifted off to sleep. But sleep was a long way off on this particular day.

  “I can’t believe it’s pouring!” her sister exclaimed as wind picked up and carried moisture inside the reception hall.

  “It’s a tropical island, Malia. You know the chances of rain are always high,” her mother soothed. “Besides, it brings good luck on a wedding day.”

  Malia sighed and picked up the skirt of her ivory gown before breezing away. Alana admired the dress that was ordered online from the States and carefully hand carried on the plane by her grandparents in those big white bags. It was strapless with a mermaid skirt that swished from side to side when she walked. A cluster of fresh-water pearls in shimmering ebony, a gift from their grandmother, adorned her neck. The chapel-length veil billowed around her and blew in the wind. Alana admitted she looked stunning.

  The guests were all gathered inside the reception hall, which was a large fale situated near a golf course. It was the equivalent to a typical country club you would find overseas but with island flair. Its intricate wooden posts were surrounded with white organza and draped along the inside of the ceiling. Tables and chairs donned with white covers and tied off with ribbons were arranged neatly around the hall and topped with colorful tropical flowers. Alana and her cousins had spent the previous night organizing the floral centerpieces: an abundance of frangipanis, orchids, and bougainvillea. Since the fale lacked walls, the rain threatened to fly in and wet the décor and everyone seated near the outer posts.

  Alana gazed around the hall where some guests were eating and others were milling around to greet friends and family. They didn’t seem to notice the significant change in weather. The background music was loud enough to keep people’s spirits high, and the buffet table was laden with enough food to satisfy an entire village. It was no secret that in this Pacific island, the success of a wedding was judged by the food served at the reception. If there was enough, then your family got a big seal of approval. If not, then there would be grumbles later on to deal with. Alana sighed in relief knowing that the wedding turned out well so far. She glanced at the ginormous cake displayed proudly near the bridal table. Twenty-seven tiers of red velvet cake to represent the age of the bride. Whoever thought of that wedding custom? It was a neat one, but a little on the indulgent side. Camouflaged in white fondant, it was tastefully decorated with pink bougainvillea that wrapped around each tier elegantly like a lei. Dainty edible pearls dotted the sides, and it was easily the prettiest cake Alana had ever seen. Over the top, but still pretty.

  “I’ve got to say, Lana, rain or shine, this is some of the best wedding food I have ever had,” Sera gushed as she plopped down next to her at the bridal table. Rubbing her stomach, she sighed in contentment. “I’m going to have to take up your offer to go jogging with you next time.”

  Alana smiled at her best friend. “I’m happy you’re enjoying yourself, Sera.”

  Her eyes drifted past Alana. “Oh! They’re bringing out more palolo. See you later!”

  Sera jumped up off the seat and rushed to where the caterers were placing a large plate of the Samoan caviar-like delicacy on the table. Resembling blue and green worms, this spaghetti-looking delight sprung up once a year in the coral reefs around the islands and was savored for months after when frozen. While it looked unappealing, the taste was far from it, and Alana hoped Sera would think to bring her some as well.

  She turned away and reflected on the ceremony that took place mere hours ago and smiled. She couldn’t help but be distracted by the handsome man that stood opposite her near the other groomsmen. Chase stood regally next to Kane as the bridal couple exchanged vows and rings, but Alana’s thoughts were far from the momentous scene taking place in front of her. Her eyes ultimately drifted beyond her sister and brother-in-law. When she caught his warm eyes gazing back at her, she smiled softly before her cheeks heated, and she had to turn her head away. Now, she couldn’t help but keep track of him and his every move. She looked towards the direction where Chase was standing and laughing amongst the other groomsmen. He was significantly taller than the others and looked dapper in his rolled cuffed shirt and trousers. His tie was loosened at the neck, and he moved his hand through his ruffled hair.

  “Alana!” her aunty snapped to get her attention. Aunty Malae looked frazzled and worked up, her lipstick faded, and the elegant chignon in her hair slowly coming undone. “Did you tell the caterers to put out more egg foo young?”

  “Yes, Aunty,” she responded calmly.

  She didn’t tell her that she didn’t need to, that the caterers already had. Her aunt nodded and hurried away, no doubt to bark orders to another unsuspecting family member. Everyone needed to calm down. Even with the hired help, she and her family were rushing behind the scenes to make sure things ran smoothly. There was a sense of excited urgency that brought everyone together, but despite the infinite number of hands assisting, there was always some level of stress to keep them on their toes. As a result, Alana was beginning to feel the effects down in her feet which were currently bound and strapped tightly in nude high heels. She arched her back which was stiff and achy all over and needed to be seriously adjusted into place. She secretly vowed that when she got married it would be a simple event. No muss, no fuss.

  She let out a long sigh and picked up her fork to stab a piece of the crab salad, popping it in her mouth as the MC’s voice boomed over the mic and announced a performance that was organized by her male cousins. She watched from the bridal table as they put on a hilarious dance number to the mash up of Beyoncé, Color Me Badd, and Michael Jackson. It reminded her of one she saw on YouTube. The guests laughed and clapped loudly at their comedic dance moves, and Alana smiled and giggled alongside with them. Her plate was empty when a slow song came over the speakers, and Kane led Malia onto the main floor for their first dance as a married couple. He wrapped his arms around her waist and dipped his head to kiss her on the shoulder. Alana melted inside.

  Perlita sat down in an empty seat beside her and rested her hand over her arm. She smiled in the direction of the couple swaying to the music before turning to her youngest daughter. She was dressed elegantly
in a maroon puletasi, befitting for the mother-of-the-bride and tailor made by Moira, of course.

  “Alana,” she spoke softly. Alana turned to face her mother. She noted the little crinkles around her eyes. For a woman in her sixties, she was aging beautifully. “Thank you for everything you have done for your sister. I know lately it hasn’t been easy for you…particularly with what happened at the salsa party.” Alana drew in a sharp breath and her pulse started to race. “I know it’s been difficult for you after your father’s death…” Perlita’s eyes clouded with moisture and her voice quivered. Alana reached out with her hand to grasp one of her mother’s. She squeezed it to comfort her. “I know with the wedding planning and with all the guests arriving you have been busy helping everyone. I want to thank you, Lana. Thank you for everything you have done for this family. You have been a great help and support.” Perlita gave a small smile. “Just know that it doesn’t go unnoticed by me, and I am incredibly proud of you. I love you very much, my darling girl.”

  Alana’s eyes became teary and her throat tightened at her mother’s words. She didn’t feel she deserved the praise considering how consumed with anger and hurt she had been the last few weeks.

  Perlita stood and smiled down at her warmly. “Please go easy on your brother, Lana. He tries his best to look after everyone, including you, anak. He won’t come to you, so you need to be the one to break the ice and go talk to him.” She bent down and kissed her on the forehead before walking away.

  Alana immediately blinked back the moisture from her eyes and blindly watched as more couples joined the bridal couple on the dance floor. She swallowed hard and tried to keep a straight face.

  It was no surprise that her mother picked up on the tension between her and David. After all, she had ignored and refused to talk to him for weeks. She searched him out in the room and found that he was sitting with Manu and her uncles around a table near the rear. Frowning, she noted the dark circles under his eyes, the brooding stance. He looked as harried as she felt, and she hated herself for hurting him with her words at the station.

  When she felt a familiar warm hand rest on the middle of her back, she closed her eyes and her heart rate slowed down immediately. Opening them, she looked up at Chase’s face and smiled. His piercing blue eyes gazed down at her face, and the corners of his mouth curved up into a slow grin.

  “Dance with me?”

  Alana nodded and stood. Her feet screamed to be released from their patent leather prison, so she kicked the shoes off. Her back still ached but at least there was less pressure on it now. Placing his hand on the small of her back, he guided her to the floor. Alana noticed the other bridesmaids dancing with their partners, and a few other couples, including her aunt and uncle, were amongst them.

  She turned towards Chase, placed one hand on his shoulder, and leveled her eyes on his chest. He placed his hand on her waist and grasped her free hand tenderly with the other. Without her heels on, the top of her head barely reached his chin, and she could hardly see over his shoulder. She turned her head to the side to keep from gazing up at his face. They moved to the music, and Chase led them around while the sultry voices of Pacific Soul crooned in the background. When she breathed in she was surrounded by his scent of fresh soap and a hint of musky cologne. They danced in comfortable silence, and when the song ended, Alana realized she didn’t want to let go.

  The strums of another soulful song immediately started and, without missing a beat, he continued to lead her around the floor. It was one of her favorite bands, the lyrics singing about a little heaven and moon clouds, and she allowed the melody to uplift her. She felt completely at ease in Chase’s arms and closed her eyes briefly to savor the moment. Suddenly conscious that her entire family was probably gawking at them, she immediately popped them open again.

  He was an adept dancer, a skill he probably picked up from many years of dancing in extravagant ballrooms with marble tiled floors and guild framed mirrors on the walls, sweeping elegant ladies in billowy dresses with low collars and heaving bosoms around large columns and pillars. Alana stiffened at the scene her imagination created. Of course Chase would have made company with many women in his centuries old life. He probably healed a number of them, touching them with his warm hands in places she didn’t want to think about. She frowned and pursed her lips.

  “What’s wrong?” he whispered near her ear.

  She shook her head stiffly and kept her mouth shut. She wasn’t about to divulge her ridiculous daydream. Who was she to him anyway? She was just an ordinary island girl from a tiny speck in the Pacific Ocean. There was nothing special about her compared to the dozens of worldly ladies he would have met over the years. She was surprised that her heart sunk at the thought. Get a grip, girl. You are a worthy, self-assured woman. She willed herself to calm down and enjoy the way his warm hands held her steady, his steps masculine and confident. She became aware of his restrained strength by how he handled her with ease. She inched back to give a respectable amount of space between them for modesty’s sake and sighed when her thoughts shifted to questions she still had for him. She had a number of queries she wanted answers to such as his relationship to—

  “Go on,” Chase said in a low voice. “Ask me.”

  Alana gasped softly when his words punctuated her thoughts. She looked up at his face and gave him a tentative smile. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that…”

  He chuckled in response. “Whatever it is you’re curious about, fire away.”

  Alana licked her lips and glanced around. Besides her aunty who gave her a little knowing wink, which she quickly brushed away, she didn’t notice anyone else paying them any particular attention, and this gave her the confidence to look back up at his face.

  “Does Kane know who you are? What you can do?” she whispered so no one could hear.

  Chase smiled at her discreetness. “Yes. I rescued his father when he fell on a hiking trip. He was in his early twenties then. We became good friends soon after and he worked for me.”

  Thinking back to the conversation they had at the restaurant Alana mused softly, “He remembered you.”

  “He did. His family has assisted me over the years. They take care of whatever tasks I need handling. That’s how Kane ended up here in Samoa where he met your sister. He was researching the hospital for me before I arrived.” Alana nodded in acknowledgment. “Of course things are going to change now that he’s getting married. I’m going to have to let him go.”

  Alana pulled back. “You’re going to fire him because he’s married now?”

  Chase half shrugged. “He quit. He wants to move here to be with your sister. I can’t hold him back. Besides, he’s been more a friend than employee.”

  “Don’t you need him?”

  “I’ll look around for someone. Someone I can trust. Perhaps I’ll hire you?” One corner of his mouth was tugged upwards.

  Alana laughed out loud to hide the loud thump of her heart. “Right. Because now I know all about your deepest, darkest secrets.” Chase beamed down and twirled her around before reeling her back in and clasping her waist firmly with his hand. The sensation almost took her breath away.

  Alana quickly changed the subject. “So, why did you give all that money to the hospital?”

  His brows furrowed before he answered her. “Because I promised myself I’d return after the influenza. The money is a small gift in comparison to the number of lives lost. It’s to redeem the suffering your people went through.” She was again swept away by his thoughtfulness. There was no arrogance attached to this act, just a genuine sense to give.

  Alana breathed softly as she lowered her eyes to the buttons on his shirt. “That’s incredibly generous and kind hearted of you, Chase.”

  He shook his head and cleared his throat. “It’s the least I can do since I couldn’t do anything about it before. I needed to do this.” He squeezed her hip for emphasis.

  She sensed his turmoil. “Has it helped?”
/>   “What?”

  “Do you feel you’ve been…redeemed?”

  He inhaled sharply and looked away.

  “It wasn’t your fault and you shouldn’t feel responsible for something that was out of your hands, but I can understand how you would want to do something selfless to feel better about a dark situation.” She spoke quietly. “It’s being put to good use, and a lot of people will get the treatment they need because of your generosity.”

  She knew that part of the money was being used for dialysis units—diabetes being the number one killer in Samoa.

  Chase swallowed and frowned. “I’m not doing it for recognition.”

  “I know that,” she responded softly before her mouth turned into a sly grin.

  “Why are you smiling?”

  This made her smile more.

  “Well, it’s just that you breezed in with your fancy car and delivered one heck of a speech in Samoan at the ‘ava ceremony. I’d say it was hard not to notice.”

  Chase grinned and his eyes lit up. “Yeah, I couldn’t get out of that one no matter how hard I insisted. Besides, it was good practice for my rusty Samoan. It’s been years since I used it.”

  “How did you learn it?” she asked.

  “It’s taken me years but I studied and learned some of the languages in the Asia-Pacific region—the area I take care of.”

  Her eyebrows shot up. “Wow, that’s incredible!”

  Chase’s mouth curved into a grin. “Did you know that there are over 800 languages in Papua New Guinea alone? I stuck to Tok Pisin though. Much easier. When you’ve lived for as long as I have, there’s some time in between missions for a lot of things... Time to learn a craft, earn several degrees, collect authentic items, invest, travel to exotic locations.”

  “That’s impressive, Chase. Life’s been good to you.” She returned a genuine smile. “Is there anything out of your reach?”