by Di Morrissey
‘How was it?’
‘Good. I felt really good out there on my own.’
‘Might be time you graduated from Waikiki. Let’s take tomorrow off; I’ll take you over to Little Sunset.’
‘Ooh, I’m not sure I’m ready for anything too big.’
‘I’m not talking monsters. Too early in the season for them, but you should tackle different breaks, go to a different point.’
‘Great. I’ll bring a picnic.’
Over the next few days, Catherine enjoyed getting the apartment ready for Mollie’s visit. She stocked up the pantry and did a spring clean. The apartment had looked neglected and she realised how little time she’d spent there, but now it looked lived in again. On the morning of Mollie’s arrival she filled the apartment with flowers and took a beautiful lei that Kiann’e had made out of the fridge.
*
There was no missing Mollie . . . face alight, eyes dancing, soft arms outspread. Mollie was rounder than last time Catherine had seen her but still a ball of familiar energy and excitement. The girls hugged, laughing and dancing.
‘Hi, hi. Oh, wow, how beautiful!’ Mollie admired the lei Catherine dropped over her shoulders. ‘God, I’d forgotten how beautiful it all is. Couldn’t believe it when we flew over the neighbouring islands . . . they’re huge! Those cliffs, the beaches, the colour of the water.’ She linked her arm through Catherine’s. ‘We’re going to have a ball. No men . . . Be like old times. Everyone at home sends their love.’
They both talked and laughed, barely pausing for breath, all the way back to the base. Mollie did a double take at the guard at the entrance. ‘Wow. What a doll. Those uniforms . . . They make any bloke look handsome. So how’s Bradley?’
‘As far as I know, just fine. He doesn’t exactly gush in his letters. And we wives are not supposed to dump how we really feel.’
‘You’re kidding,’ said Mollie. ‘Who says? So how do you feel? I mean, do you miss him heaps and heaps?’
Catherine paused, ‘Well, it’s nice having my own space, but of course, I do . . .’
Mollie nudged her in the ribs. ‘Go on . . . come on, you’re having a ball. I know it!’ And burst into laughter, making Catherine smile. ‘Look where you’re living! It’s paradise! I can’t wait to see it all again. Last time I was only here for such a short time.’
‘The outer islands are even more beautiful. I just love Kauai – that’s the Garden Isle. Come on, this is us. I’ll help with your bag.’
Mollie looked subdued for the first time as she stared at the formal brick building of apartments with the square of green lawn in front, the Stars and Stripes flying, the immaculate white woodwork. ‘It’s not Heatherbrae, is it?’
They sat over tea after Mollie had showered and unpacked.
‘So what’re we going to do first?’ asked Mollie. ‘I’m sure you have a plan.’
‘Bradley’s the planner, I’ve got more into the go-with-the-current, see-what-happens kind of groove. But I thought you might like to go and see Kiann’e dance and we’ll have a sunset cocktail at the Moonflower.’
‘Shopping? Wasn’t there a big mall near the water?’
‘Ala Moana. Sure we can go there,’ laughed Catherine. Mollie was always such a shopper. It’d be fun. Apart from buying groceries she hadn’t been proper shopping since Bradley left.
After having a drink with Kiann’e between her shows, Mollie, who wasn’t the least bit tired after her trip, insisted on doing a cocktail crawl around the smarter bars and restaurants, ending up at the Chart House for dinner.
‘I suppose you miss doing this sort of thing now you’re engaged,’ said Catherine.
‘No way! Jason and I go out several nights a week. He likes to entertain clients. I refuse to do the entertaining at home. I enjoy having pals over but I’m not into playing hostess for his dinner parties.’
‘Thanks for your idea of ordering in for my dinner party,’ said Catherine. ‘I felt guilty but it made it so much easier. Bradley wants me to do a cooking course.’
‘Good grief, haven’t you got better things to do with your time? I love the pictures you’ve been taking. Will I get to feature in the paper?’ She struck a pose.
But there was no way Mollie was getting up early to walk and swim with Kiann’e so Catherine let her sleep.
‘Mollie is very gregarious, but strong-willed I’d say,’ said Kiann’e the next morning. ‘A good friend. She’d fight tooth and nail for you. You must miss her.’
‘I do. Funny how we’re such close friends yet we’re so different, but she’s like a sister to me.’
Kiann’e smiled. ‘Family is good. Look at my huge family.’ She touched Catherine’s arm. ‘And our extended family – like you.’
‘Oh, Kiann’e, that makes me feel so . . . ’ Catherine was quite overcome. Having Mollie around with all her warmth, humour, irritating habits, the memories she triggered, had made her aware of how her marriage to Bradley had isolated her from her old friends. ‘It’s a comfort to know you guys are around for me.’
‘You know, Catherine, if you are ever in trouble, if anything ever happens . . . we’re here for you,’ said Kiann’e seriously.
‘Thanks.’ Catherine drew a breath to steady her voice. ‘Let’s hope nothing bad ever happens.’
‘Bring Mollie around to Aunty’s, we’ll have a little party for her.’
After leaving Kiann’e, Catherine went past PJ’s house to see if he was home and found him gluing two halves of a board and clamping them in place.
‘Hi. Mollie’s here.’
‘That’s good. You having fun?’
‘We are actually. I can’t wait for you to meet her. I thought I’d bring her and Lester around this afternoon while we have a surf.’
He gave a half smile. ‘A surfing lesson, or a little bit of showing off?’
She laughed. ‘Mollie will be pretty surprised. I don’t think she quite believes I actually get out there on a board alone.’
‘Bring her round at sunset. Are you sure she doesn’t want a lesson? I’ll bring a board.’
‘Oh, no. She’s not sporty. She’s the party animal who shops.’
Later Catherine and Mollie picked up Lester and went to Waikiki.
The late afternoon sun glinted on the water, beachgoers were lazing in deckchairs and on beach towels enjoying the last of the day. Lester and Mollie settled themselves on the sand and Mollie began snapping photographs of Catherine.
‘Look at you with your surfboard,’ she laughed as Catherine pulled a top over her bikini and picked up her board. ‘They’ll love this at home. I’ll send one to your parents and Rob.’
‘Mollie, this is my friend PJ. Peter James.’
PJ smiled and shook hands with Mollie who glanced from PJ to Catherine, her eyes signalling, wow, what a great looker. ‘Nice to meet you. Never thought my country cousin here would take to surfing.’
‘I gather there’s not much surf where Catherine’s from,’ said PJ.
‘No, it’s all turf,’ laughed Mollie. ‘I’m the city girl but I’m not ocean-going either. More the Pimms by the pool type.’
‘Mollie, Lester will keep you company for a bit. Then we’ll all have a drink and pupus.’ Catherine picked up her board.
‘Aren’t you going in, Lester?’ asked Mollie. ‘I hear you’re a legend.’
‘Did you now?’ He looked pleased. Mollie made him laugh. ‘I prefer the other side of the island.’
‘This’ll do me. I can’t believe Catherine lives here. Must be like being on perpetual holidays.’ She put on her new white and gold sunglasses and leaned back closing her eyes.
Catherine wanted to show off her new surfing skills for Mollie, but once she was out there in the surf concentrating on the two-foot swell, following calls from PJ, she forgot about everything else. When she finally went back to the beach, Mollie and Lester were deep in conversation and clearly enjoying each other’s company.
‘Coming for a drink, PJ?’
> ‘I should get back and do some more work.’
‘Aw c’mon, PJ, I haven’t had a chance to talk to you,’ cajoled Mollie.
Catherine nodded her head in agreement, so PJ gave in and agreed to come. The four of them settled at the beachside café and ordered freshly squeezed juices and spicy satay sticks. Mollie chatted to PJ about his life, his home, where he grew up, how he got into surfing and then turned her attention again to Lester who was more talkative than he’d been in weeks.
As they were leaving, PJ said goodbye. ‘I’m off to Maui for a while. See you when I get back.’
Catherine tried not to look surprised. ‘Maui? What’s happening over there?’
‘A few waves, I hope,’ grinned PJ. ‘Damien and a couple of the guys are taking some of my new boards over.’
‘Sounds fun. How long are you going for?’ asked Catherine, suddenly disappointed she’d miss their lessons and his company.
‘Depends. Enjoy your visit, Mollie. See you when I get back.’ He touched Lester on the shoulder and smiled at Catherine. ‘Take it easy out there, don’t surf on your own except on Waikiki.’
‘Man, is he a heartthrob,’ said Mollie as they drove away.
‘You should see the pictures of Lester when he was a young surf god. Makes all the others look second rate,’ said Catherine and Lester chuckled, but looked pleased.
*
That night as they sat over a glass of wine, Mollie gave Catherine a shrewd look.
‘That PJ. He’s an interesting man. A case of still waters running deep though. How well do you know him?’
‘I don’t think anyone knows PJ all that well. He’s a bit of loner.’
‘You seem to like him. Like there’s a bit of a zing there? What’s the story?’ asked Mollie.
‘There’s no story, Mollie. He’s nice and he’s been very patient teaching me. We’re good friends, surfing buddies. He’s just easy to be with.’
‘How come you wanted to learn to ride a surfboard for gosh sake? What’s Bradley think?’
‘He doesn’t care what I do so long as I’m happy and active – and don’t neglect my duties as a naval wife.’ She wrinkled her nose. ‘I guess Lester got me interested in surfing. More wine?’
‘Why not?’ Mollie watched Catherine pour the wine and changed the subject. ‘So when do I get to meet the dreaded navy wives?’
‘Day after tomorrow. There’s a meeting and a tea. I’ve let them know I’m bringing a guest. They like to know ahead of time, for the name tag and so on.’
‘Oh, so I’m expected. That means I can’t take up a better offer?’
Catherine laughed. ‘No, Mollie, you can’t. I want you to experience the Wives’ Club.’
The phone rang and Catherine was delighted to hear Eleanor’s voice. ‘Catherine, dear. How are you?’
‘Eleanor! Lovely to hear from you. I’m well. Very well, I have my girlfriend visiting from Australia.’
‘How nice. I’m here in Honolulu on business – can we all get together for dinner? Are you free tomorrow night? I can ask Kiann’e, too.’
‘Wonderful. Oh, I’m so happy Mollie will be able to meet you. She’s not going to Kauai this trip, but I’ve told her so much about the Palm Grove, she’s going to bring her fiancé and stay there,’ said Catherine.
Eleanor sighed. ‘Well, I hope we’re still open for business. We appear to have a few problems.’
‘Goodness, that sounds bad – you will tell me about it? How are Abel John and Mouse and everyone?’
‘They’re fine, they send their best. Shall we say drinks at the Moonflower at six and we’ll have dinner after Kiann’e’s show?’
‘Wonderful. See you then.’
The four women sat in a quiet booth in the Hibiscus Room at the Moonflower. Kiann’e was explaining the history of the hula to Mollie who confessed she’d give anything to move so gracefully.
‘Catherine is learning, she’s very good,’ said Kiann’e. ‘But you have to learn the proper way, not the tourist way.’
‘Cath, you’re nearly half Hawaiian – surfing, hula dancing – what other hidden talents have you got?’ laughed Mollie.
‘There’s lots to learn, isn’t that right, Eleanor? You know so much about the Islands,’ said Catherine. ‘And that’s what visitors want to know, isn’t it?’
Eleanor had not been her usual self, she was quieter and seemed troubled about something.
So Catherine finally asked, ‘What’s happening at the Palm Grove?’
‘It’s a long story . . . I don’t want to bore you with it, spoil our dinner.’
‘C’mon, Eleanor, we’re friends,’ said Catherine.
‘You seem very worried,’ said Kiann’e.
‘I am. I have to speak to your mother, but I know what she’ll say.’ Eleanor sighed. ‘We have been excavating for the new building at the back of the lagoon – on land that hasn’t been touched in goodness knows how long – and the workmen came across something. Being Hawaiians, they called in a kahuna. Now sometimes I wish they were haole workers who’d just kept on bulldozing.’
‘What’s a kahuna?’ Mollie asked solemnly.
‘An elder. Like a priest,’ said Catherine, anxious to hear Eleanor’s story. ‘What did they find?’
‘Stones. A heiau. Well, they think it is . . .’
‘What’s a heiau?’ asked Mollie quickly.
‘It’s an ancient temple, a sacred place,’ answered Kiann’e, who then turned to Eleanor. ‘Do they think the stones are part of a structure, a burial site, or have they been moved there?’
‘It’s too early to tell. Between you and me, Abel John is seeking advice from an archeologist who has been working on malae sites on some of the outer islands and in Tahiti and Samoa,’ said Eleanor. ‘It appears it’s been there for a long time. No-one knows for sure when the first Hawaiians settled here. When the workmen dug out the palm trees and undergrowth and drained the swampy ground they found this muddy straight line which could be a wall or an altar.’
‘How exciting,’ breathed Mollie. ‘So it’s very old.’
‘It would be exciting if it wasn’t holding up the whole building project. The area could be taken over by the state if it’s deemed to be historic.’
‘My mother believes that the first Polynesians arrived in Hawaii in the third century from the Marquesa Islands,’ said Kiann’e. ‘Eleanor, this could be of great cultural significance.’
‘That’s just my problem,’ said Eleanor briskly. ‘I have a meeting with my investor tomorrow and he doesn’t care about cultural sites, just dollars and schedules. He’ll drive the bulldozers over the place himself to get the building up on time.’
‘You’ll have a riot on your hands if the old people hear about this,’ warned Kiann’e.
‘Please, not a word, Kiann’e,’ said Eleanor, looking very serious.
‘Couldn’t you turn this ancient place into a tourist attraction?’ asked Mollie.
‘While I really admire Hawaiian culture, I have to admit that some old stones buried in mud isn’t all that exciting for most tourists,’ said Eleanor. ‘Look, I don’t want to put a dampener on our evening. Let’s order dinner, the new chef here is excellent. We’ll see what transpires at the meeting tomorrow.’
On the way home Mollie was thoughtful. ‘Sounds like your friend Eleanor has a headache with her building plans.’
‘Yes, apparently there are remains of ancient building sites all over the islands. The Hawaiians don’t want them damaged but most developers don’t care about Polynesian history,’ said Catherine.
‘How come you know this stuff?’
‘Kiann’e and PJ have told me stories about the early Polynesians. How they sailed canoes across thousands of miles of ocean. PJ says they must have been brilliant readers of stars and tides and winds to settle on so many far-flung islands across the huge Pacific Ocean.’
‘So he’s not just interested in surfing?’ said Mollie with a glance at Catherine as she drove.
‘PJ is interested in lots of things,’ said Catherine.
‘And what are Bradley’s theories on Polynesian navigation skills? Being in the navy, he must have a view?’ said Mollie.
Catherine gave a little laugh. ‘I don’t think we’ve really discussed it.’
‘I’ll treat you to brunch after your swim tomorrow morning,’ offered Mollie. She could see Catherine wanted to change the subject. ‘And then it’s off to the Wives’ Club do. I can hardly wait.’
Mollie made a huge effort at Mrs Goodwin’s to charm and gush. She adored the beautiful house, gorgeous gardens, how lovely all the ladies were, the delicious food, how lucky Catherine was to have this exciting life.
Catherine kicked Mollie under the table as they sipped their watery tea and nibbled the rich fudge brownies. She gave Mollie a look that said, Don’t overdo it, kiddo.
But Mollie pressed on. ‘You must have lived in so many fascinating places, Mrs Goodwin. And I suppose you’ve entertained no end of important people?’
‘Commander Goodwin and I have had our share of influential people to entertain. Why last month we had the Under Secretary of the Navy passing through. These girls will learn what it means to set a fine table and make conversation with very different people from all over the world. It’s our duty to let everyone know, by example, what a wonderful place the USA is.’
‘Yes, I imagine, so,’ said Mollie. ‘Particularly Hawaii. This truly is paradise.’
A slight flicker passed across Mrs Goodwin’s face. ‘It’s all very well having a first posting somewhere as comfortable as the Islands,’ she glanced at Catherine, ‘but one has to be prepared for some hardship assignments also.’
‘But if you’re on a base with all American mod cons and other American families, you wouldn’t feel too isolated would you?’ said Mollie.
‘No, that’s true. It is a blessing. We all try to support one another.’
‘Just one big happy family,’ smiled Mollie.
‘Excuse me, the teapot needs replenishing.’ Catherine hurriedly left the table before she burst out laughing or crying, or started hitting Mollie with the teapot.
Mollie did the rounds. Watching her chat, laugh, ask everyone lots of questions about their life in Hawaii, Catherine had to smile to herself. Mollie was certainly a larger-than-life person and was making a big impact on the other wives. They must think me so dull and wimpy in comparison, Catherine thought. Mollie sat quietly as Mrs Goodwin conducted the meeting and welcomed Mollie as their charming guest from Australia.