4
JUNE TUTORING HAD FLOWN BY and Cyrus was the better for it. Auli’i and Cyrus had really bonded during Cyrus’ indentured servitude.
Martin gave him the eye every time he picked him up. Cyrus forced himself not to smile to avoid the looks from Martin. The look of credit belongs to me that Cyrus hated. He knew Martin did it jokingly to irritate him, but Cyrus hated the thought of Martin using this experience to justify future activities. The proof was in the pudding though … Cyrus had perhaps made the coolest friend possible.
Auli’i was cultured in every sense of the word. She was well read, feisty as a firecracker and could keep up with Cyrus’ semantics. She was better at roasting Cyrus than he was of her, and she reminded him of that fact constantly. She said it was to, “establish dominance.” To which Cyrus would shake his head and try to hide his smile. Cyrus’ sarcastic comments never went unnoticed by Auli’i, and she always had one in response. They were two peas in a pod.
Auli’i was not very familiar with tablets or phones which really surprised Cyrus since everyone his age or older had a phone and was always on it. Cyrus showed Auli’i how to use them and just like everything else, she picked it up quick.
A woman by the name of Kamalani was Auli’i’s mother. She had made quite the impression on Cyrus by smothering him in the most back breaking hug and wettest kiss he had ever received. Martin had also been taken by surprise but was absolutely charmed by the woman. Kamalani had started a new job so she couldn’t always pick up Auli’i. The moment Cyrus found this out, he insisted Auli’i catch a ride with them back home. It didn’t take a lot of convincing, and Kamalani was over the moon. They lived in the opposite direction in-between an old donut shop and the drive-in theater where the flea market took place. It was a considerable distance to walk.
“Fine, I’ll let you hang around me a little bit more, geez,” Auli’i had said.
“You flatter yourself. I’m just doing my good deed for the month.”
Cyrus got a flick to the ear for that comment. She was incredibly fast.
Auli’i had extended an invitation for Cyrus and Martin to come over for lunch after their last day of tutoring. Auli’i’s mother was cooking up a fish called ‘Mahi-mahi.’ Cyrus had never eaten it, but Martin was particularly interested when she told him about the fish.
When Cyrus asked him if he’d had it before, he said cryptically, “Yes, but it’s been a while.”
“You clean up nice,” said Auli’i with a flirtatious look as Cyrus rolled into the classroom.
“Wish I could say the same,” replied Cyrus.
Auli’i chuckled. They’d finished tutoring, and although it would be a month until school started back up, they’d promised to still see each other outside of school.
“So, what we gonna do?” asked Auli’i.
“I don’t know, whatcha want to do?”
“I don’t know, whatcha want to do?” replied Auli’i with an eye roll. “But seriously, what are we going to do?”
“First, we will watch phase one of those superhero movies I’ve been talking about. You really must live under a rock. How have you not seen them?”
Auli’i rolled her eyes.
“Then, we’ll walk the beach at sunset looking for shells and sand dollars.”
“You mean I’ll go for the sunset walk while you roll beside me.”
“I could sue you for making fun of a cripple.”
“Do it. I’m smarter than you so I would get the lawsuit thrown out on baseless charges.”
“Baseless?! You got a lot of nerve young lady.”
“Young lady? I am fourteen and you are eleven. That is no way to talk to your superior, young man.”
“Hmph … Well, look who’s tutoring who. Age doesn’t account for everything. I can’t help that I am a child prodigy.”
“With California’s public education system right now, I don’t think skipping a grade or two counts for much,” laughed Auli’i.
“Hey, it’s not my fault the material is so easy, or the fact that Martian drills me at home. My big brain, being confined to a chair and Martian’s regimented schedule all contributed to me skipping those grades.”
“Yes, yes … but of course, darling.”
Cyrus chuckled softly.
“Can I ask you a question?” asked Auli’i, flipping back to normal.
“Fire away.”
“Why do you call him Martian?”
“Have you not seen the way he acts?”
Auli’i shrugged and nodded in agreement.
“No, that’s not it. As a kid I had difficulty pronouncing my T’s. He thought it was cute … I think it’s funny. We both win. Plus, he is very different from anyone else I’ve ever met. So, it just kinda fits, you know?”
“Why don’t you call him dad?”
“I … well … there was this time when I was in kindergarten and we had to make finger paintings for our parents. Everyone was busy painting and as the teacher was making her rounds and she asked me who I was making mine for. You can imagine her confusion when I said Martian.”
They both took a minute to laugh.
“When I went home that day and gave him the painting, he loved it, of course. Because, you know, I’m a genius.” Cyrus did an upper-crust impression.
Auli’i rolled her eyes while laughing.
“I asked him what you just asked me.” Attempting his best Martin impression, “I adopted you, Cyrus. I am not your father, but I am indeed your guardian. Dare I say, guardian angel. One day you will meet your parents, and when you do, I would still like to be your Martian, if you’ll let me.”
“Awwwwww. That is sooo cute.”
Cyrus shook his head, embarrassed. “Mehhhh … Depends.”
“So, when are you going to meet them?”
“He said sixteen or when I start walking.”
Auli’i raised her eyebrows in shock. “When you start walking?! What is that supposed to mean?”
“With how Martian speaks … literally.”
“Then get to walking, young man. I don’t think I can wait till you’re sixteen.”
“Yes, mom,” Cyrus said, smiling. “Now, I have a question for you.”
“Shoot.”
“Why are you here? You’re obviously brilliant and really didn’t need my help.”
“You mean here in tutoring or here in San Diego?”
“Yes.”
Auli’i chuckled. “Well, here in tutoring because I wasn’t in school for the last two years. My family moved when my father got called on to be a governing chief. So, during that time, I learned a lot if things that were … interesting but had very little to do with things like math, science or anything we’ve gone over together. So, I needed a refresher, and here I am. As to why I’m here in San Diego … Putting it plainly, it was so I could escape my father.”
Cyrus tilted his head with curiosity.
“My father is one of the three main chiefs that makes decisions for our people … but we were outsiders coming in. It was very controversial my father was appointed as one of the chiefs of our nation. Suffice it to say, my family and I were treated pretty ruthlessly in attempts to get us to leave. Two years of this turned my father into a different person, and I wanted out. Instead of letting me go alone, like I had planned, my mom came with me instead … she said I didn’t have to do things alone and dropped everything to come with. I made her promise not to say anything if she decided to come, and that’s what we did. She grabbed a bag of clothes, and we left then and there,” said Auli’i, slightly embarrassed.
“Your mother is a good woman.”
“Yeah … She really is. Listen, I’m a little embarrassed, honestly, so don’t you dare make fun of me for this, or I’ll steal your wheelchair’s battery pack and leave you stranded. OK?”
“You got it.”
“Anyway, my father took me, my brother and sister out of school and to a different island when I was 12 and—”
“Wait, wait, wait … You have a brother and sister?”
“Yes, I do. Now, shut up and let me finish.”
“Sorry.”
“When we were taken out of school, we moved to another island called Ni’ihau and were taught in the nation’s ‘ancient ways’. At first, it was fascinating … but it got old real quick. Mom and dad started fighting more. Everybody shunned us. I didn’t want to live like that. So, I left.”
She had a lot of tension on her face. Cyrus hurt seeing her like that.
“Why San Diego?” asked Cyrus.
“The house we are in right now belongs to my uncle. He’s my mom’s older brother. He would always tell us we had a place to stay if we decided to go to the mainland. My father and our nation forbid leaving the islands. Since they forbid it, I did it. So far, it’s worked out pretty well.”
“Your father … is he … bad?”
Auli’i paused and thought for a moment. “He’s not a bad man, Cyrus. I love my father very much. He’s very … passionate about something I don’t believe in, and I feel he was trying to force me to believe it. His priorities are mixed up. That’s the best way I can put it.”
Silence filled the space. Not knowing what else to say, Cyrus changed the subject.
“I’m excited to try this Mahi-mahi. Your mother is definitely cooler than you.”
“Well, I can cook just as good as her.”
“I doubt that.”
“Also,” Auli’i pointed her finger right at Cyrus. “Give some effort by giving her a kiss on the cheek. She has been worrying that she is coming on too strong. Try. Make sure she feels some love back … or else.”
Auli’i made a fist at Cyrus, and he gulped.
“I will be watching.”
“I’ll be sure to put some chap stick on and pucker up. How loud do you want the smooch to be when I give her a kiss?”
Auli’i punched him in the arm.
“Ow!”
Tutoring ended at 11:30 on the last day. Cyrus and Auli’i said goodbye and thanked Ms. Dougle before they left. She smiled at their words of appreciation. Martin wasn’t kidding when he said gratitude goes a long way.
The sun was shining and a light breeze was coming from the ocean. The perfect day to end tutoring and enjoy their freedom. Martin was out front waiting.
“Aloha, Auli’i,” said Martin with a grin.
Cyrus rolled his eyes hard.
“Aloha, Martian. You’re dressed so nice for our lunch appointment!”
It was true. Martin wore a light blue shirt tucked into black chinos with a belt and black dress shoes shined to perfection.
“Well, shall we be on our way? Your mother did say around noon, correct?”
“That’s right. We got 10 minutes so let’s get going. Shoots summer tutoring!” Auli’i said giving the school the Shaka.
The drive after tutoring remained the same all summer … seven minutes talking about Auli’i and Hawai’i. Martin’s questions were endless.
“Aloha means’ hello,’ ‘goodbye’ and ‘I love you?’”
“Yep. It also means something else. ‘Alo’ means ‘face to face’ or ‘to share,’ whereas ‘ha’ means ‘the breath of life.’ Aloha. It was, and still is, used in tandem with our traditional greeting where we embrace, put our heads together and inhale and then exhale deeply. We share our breath of life.”
“Wow … ” said Cyrus and Martin in unison.
Auli’i smiled. Hard to resist captivated listeners.
They rolled past the best donut shop in town. Cyrus loved the donut shop and so did Auli’i. Only now and then had Martin taken Cyrus there as a treat. Now that Cyrus had a friend, they went at least twice a week.
They pulled up to Auli’i and Kamalani’s house. A little wall protected a tiny front yard while a pinkish hue splotched the walls of the house. Before Auli’i reached the door, it burst open and out came her mother. Smiling ear to ear, she embraced her daughter with a hug and a kiss to which Auli’i returned. Then she pushed her aside and came towards Martin and Cyrus at a frightening speed. Cyrus could see where Auli’i had gotten her ninja skills.
“Oh honey, it is so nice to see you!”
“It’s great to see you, too—”
Before he could finish his sentence, Kamalani swooped down and gave Cyrus a hug and smothered him in kisses. Cyrus peeked over Kamalani’s shoulder and saw Auli’i pointing at him. Cyrus quickly gave Kamalani a kiss on the cheek with an audible ‘smack’. Kamalani swooned, and Auli’i nodded in approval.
Finishing up, Kamalani turned her attention to Martin. Auli’i and Cyrus glanced at each other. They had a bet as to whether Martin would extend his hand. Every time Martin spoke to Kamalani, he had always stuck out a hand first to which Kamalani would ignore and give him a peck on the cheek and a hug. Auli’i said he would wise up and just accept it. Martin was a creature of habit so Cyrus bet he would still go for the handshake. Loser got to choose what they did the first day they hung out.
Cyrus made his way closer to Auli’i and looked around excitedly. Birds chirped, cars drove by on the main drag and a cloaked man stood on the corner. Cyrus gave a double take and then returned his attention to Martin and Kamalani.
This is going to be good.
“It is so kind of you to invite us over for lunch, Mrs. Fualautoalasi,” said Martin, extending his hand.
Completely ignoring the extended hand, Kamalani went in for the kill.
“Dang it,” whispered Auli’i, putting her head into her hands.
Cyrus bobbed his head slightly. The moment Auli’i looked at him, Cyrus stuck out his tongue, and Auli’i made a fist at him.
“Sorry, Mr. Weatherford. We’re huggers in this family … And please, call me Kamalani.”
“Oh, I noticed. We are very excited to be here, Kamalani.”
“Well, come on in! The fish is ready and everything is hot, so let’s eat! Auli’i, make them comfortable while I go grab the food for the table.”
Cyrus continued to bob his head as he wheeled past Auli’i into their house. Auli’i looked at him blankly.
Cyrus whispered just loud enough for Auli’i to hear, “Winner, winner, chicken dinner.”
“Weren’t you listening? My mom said it was fish, not chicken.” Auli’i stuck out her tongue and locked the door behind them.
Cyrus saw a flicker of light behind him as they entered the house. Must have been his eyes adjusting.
The house was small but open. The walls were decorated with paintings of the ocean and islands. These oceans were much different from the one Cyrus saw everyday. I.B. was nice and dirty thanks to the Tijuana estuary that leaked into the ocean. The deep blues and vibrant greens of the photos brought the living room to life. The light from the windows and the bright lights inside made the home feel inviting.
Garlic and the smell of what Cyrus assumed was Mahi-mahi, marinated the room. It wasn’t a strong fishy smell like Cyrus had expected. It smelled almost … sweet. The table was set nice and neat. In the center of the table was a jar of mysterious pinkish-orange liquid. Everything was new.
Kamalani brought out the plates filled with fish, rice and Okinawan sweet potato. The fish was cooked in a white sauce and garnished with green onions. The sweet potato blew Cyrus’ mind.
It’s purple!
The look of surprise made Kamalani smile. Mouths watering and stomachs grumbling, Kamalani impressed both Martin and Cyrus with a word of prayer.
It was the best fish Cyrus ever had, not too strong, with a slight sweetness balanced by a garlic kick. The Okinawan sweet potato was really good too. It had a nice chewy texture with a pleasant earthy-sweet taste.
Martin went on and on about how delicious it was and insisted she pass him the recipe. Kamalani basked in the glow of Martin’s compliments. Cyrus chatted with Auli’i about their plans for the rest of the summer, constantly reminding her that he’d won the bet.
Life is pretty good.
“KAMALANI!!!” a thunderous voice bellowed from outside.
Martin jumped while both Kamalani and Auli’i’s eyes filled with horror.
“AULI’I!!! I KNOW YOU’RE IN THERE!”
Cyrus had never seen Auli’i like this. She was visibly frightened and in disbelief.
“Auli’i … Who is that?” asked Cyrus.
BANG BANG BANG.
The house shook from the force of the mystery man knocking.
Auli’i looked at her mother who had regained some of her courage. Martin was already on his feet and in between the door and everyone else.
“Kamalani, what are we dealing with? Anything you can tell me will help,” said Martin gravely.
BANG BANG BANG.
“It’s my husband.”
“OPEN THE DOOR!”
“He found us … ” Auli’i trailed off, looking at Kamalani in confusion.
BANG BANG BANG.
“Kamalani, if he is violent, I will defend,” said Martin.
Martin had an expression Cyrus had never seen before. Martin didn’t look worried or tense in the slightest. His shoulders were relaxed but his expression was lethal. He was completely focused on the door. The banging stopped. Not a sound could be heard. Cyrus dared not breathe it was so quiet.
Rapid footsteps approached the door. BANG!
The door burst from its hinges, revealing a mammoth of a man. He stood a couple inches shorter than Martin but definitely had him beat in girth. He had dark brown skin, long black hair and tree trunks for limbs. Behind the man stood what seemed to be a younger version of himself.
The man looked absolutely infuriated. His brow furrowed and his cheeks moved as he exhaled loudly, like a horse. The boy looked conflicted.
As soon as they got through the door, the large man marched straight to the living room, the man child following close behind.
Martin held his ground, not flinching when the man came face to face.
“I don’t know who you are, but stay out of MY family affairs.”
The man began to walk past Martin but before he could, Martin put his arm up, blocking his path.
In the calmest yet most dangerous way, Martin said, “If you have something to say, say it right here. We heard you from out there, they can hear you just fine right here.”
A look of pure venom came from the man’s eyes.
“Love, please,” said Kamalani. “We will hear what you have to say, but please be calm. You’re scaring us.”
“LOVE?!” the man said incredulously. “You call me Love after leaving in the middle of the night taking MY daughter away from ME?!”
“Dad, it wasn’t mom. I—”
“YOU DON’T GET TO SPEAK RIGHT NOW, AULI’I. I receive my new position leading our nation and you abandon me when I need you the most? YOU UP AND LEAVE?!”
Martin flinched. “Wait … What did you say?” whispered Martin.
“For. The. Last. Time … Stay out of my family affairs.”
Martin’s look of focus was replaced by intrigue.
“Don’t blame mom! She didn’t want me to go alone! I made her promise not to say anything, dad. I … I just couldn’t live isolated like that anymore. It was too much like a cult. You may believe in that nonsense, but I never did. I never had a choice!”
“NONSENSE?! CHOICE?! You have no idea what you’re talking about! This way of life has been around for thousands of years. The Lumen Caligo is out there somewhere, right now! We are lucky to be a part of it.”
“YOU felt lucky enough. The rest of us were just along for the ride!” yelled Auli’i back.
“Mongoose, I know Ni’ihau isn’t Oahu, but it was a chance for—”
“You guys are from Ni’ihau?!” interjected Martin.
Martin is acting very out of character.
“This all makes sense now,” he continued. “You guys are …”
“THAT’S IT, YOU ARE OUT OF HERE!” The mammoth of a man grabbed Martin’s outstretched arm and began removing from him from the house.
Cyrus gasped, suddenly feeling very helpless and worried for Martin. The man was easily twice Martin’s weight.
Martin whirled around and a skirmish ensued. Both men moved impossibly fast, going toe to toe with each other. Kamalani started yelling for them to stop. The young boy began making his way towards the fight. Auli’i got up and, in her ninja way, got between the boy and the fight. Putting a hand to his face, she shook her head and scowled at the boy. He stopped in his tracks. Although he was much bigger than her, he seemed frightened of the expression she gave him.
In the blink of an eye, Martin had this Goliath of a man on the floor at his mercy. The man was face down with his hand twisted up behind him. Martin looked unfazed.
“I’m going to ask you again,” started Martin, looking up at Kamalani. “Are you from Ni’ihau?”
“Yes, we came from Ni’ihau!” said Kamalani frantically.
“Who are you and what do you call yourselves?” asked Martin.
“HAWAIIANS, WHAT ELSE WOULD WE CALL OURSELVES?!” responded the man furiously.
Martin twisted the mans arm slightly, and the man winced.
“Think carefully before you respond. Who are you? What do you call yourselves? And what do you want with the Lumen Caligo?” asked Martin.
The man’s eyes widened. Realization filled everyone’s eyes in the room except for Cyrus. He had absolutely no idea what was going on. The man’s tone went calm.
“I am Manaia Fualautoalasi, and this is my son Kimo Fualautoalasi. To some, we are known as Terrams.”
Martin released the man from his grip and stumbled back towards the dining room. Cyrus witnessed yet another expression he had never seen cross Martin’s face … shock—pure shock.
The man stood up quickly. He rotated his shoulder a few times with eyes that never left Martin. He was now the subject of interest.
“Now, I have a question for you,” began the man. “Who are you and what do you call yourselves?”
Martin cupped his hands to his mouth and mumbled to himself. Cyrus could only make out a few sentences. “ … this is too soon. I wanted him to wait until he was 16. How can I contain this? No … It’s too late, but … no … it is too late … I’ll have to go explain …”
Martin looked at Cyrus intently. Worry filled his eyes.
“Hey! I’m talking to you. Don’t make me ask you again. Who are you and what do you call yourselves?”
Martin looked at the ground, let out a long sigh and then began unbuttoning his fancy shirt.
“My people are known by many names, but our existence has nearly been erased in the memories of the outside world.” Martin began removing his shirt ... there was a vest of some sort underneath. “But to those who still know the ancient ways, we are known by a certain name.”
The sound of ripping Velcro and ruffling filled the room. Facing towards Manaia, he let the shirt and vest drop to the floor. Cyrus’ jaw also dropped to the floor. Like a roll of wrapping paper being unraveled, two giant white wings unfurled from his torso and filled up the room.
I’m dreaming … this is a dream …
“I am Martin James Weatherford, and to some … I am known as a Lumen.”
Martin was glorious to behold. The wings seemed to be pulsating light from within. The feathers were individually highlighted and were as fascinating to look at individually as the wings were collectively. Each feather looked like a real-life Van Gogh brushstroke, the detail was so fine.
Manaia looked relieved but unsatisfied with the response. Pointing his sausage finger at Cyrus, he gruffly asked, “What about him? Your son?”
All eyes turned to Cyrus. Auli’i was looking Cyrus up and down, as if she had missed something.
“This is Cyrus Ganymede Weatherford and … ” Martin looked at Auli’i, paused and then said, “ … he is the Lumen Caligo.”
Manaia let out an audible exhale of disbelief. “I don’t believe you. Prove it.”
Martin reached into his back pocket and extracted his wallet. Carefully, he removed a single feather. It was small and detailed. Martin then slowly rotated the feather, revealing the darkest black on side and softest white on the other.
Kamalani fell to her knees and began crying. Auli’i cupped her mouth and both Kimo and Manaia fell to one knee with a strange hand gesture in between their eyes.
Cyrus had no idea how to react. There were wings, strange sounding words and tears following a conflict. This was too much for him to process.
He’s had freakin’ wings this whole time.
Nothing could surprise him now.
Manaia got up slowly from his kneeling position and Kimo followed suit.
Turning to Martin, he asked in a humble tone, “May I approach?”
Martin nodded.
Manaia began walking toward Cyrus.
Cyrus gulped nervously. The man was much larger up close.
Leaning down to him, he took Cyrus’ hand, interlaced their ring finger’s and said, “We’ve waited for you for a long time, little one. Know that me and my family will always be loyal to you. I was blinded by my rage, but now I see it was fate that brought my wife and daughter here. Anything we can do to aid you, you can count on us.”
“Umm … well … thank you very much, Mr. Fualautoalasi. I … will … keep that in mind.” Cyrus was being treated like a king and he didn’t know why.
Standing up, Manaia turned back to Martin.
“I must inform my nation. I am one of the three governing chiefs and hold sway. This will awaken my people to action. I will depart back to the islands with the news.”
“No,” said Martin. “There are too many with ill intentions within each of the governing bodies. He must remain a secret.”
“I do not see why. These are glad tidings. Everyone will be thrilled to learn the Lumen Caligo lives!” Manaia said excitedly.
“NO. He doesn’t even know about all of us.”
Manaia and Kamalani audibly gasped. Kamalani had stopped her sobbing.
“Regardless, I will tell my people the Lumen Caligo lives. When my family returns back with me—”
“I am NOT going back,” said Auli’i defiantly.
“Yes, you are,” said her father with the same fire Auli’i had.
“NO. I’m not. I refuse to return to that black hole of an island. I’m staying right here.”
“If I don’t come back with you, your sister will pay the price of your abandonment with her life!”
Auli’i and Kamalani gasped. Great big tears welled up in Kamalani and Auli’i’s eyes. Then Kimo issued his first words.
“After you guys left, the council met to decide how they would track you down. They were going to send Marquise to hunt you down and kill you, but we were able to convince them to allow us. Their only condition was they had to have Akela as collateral,” said Kimo somberly.
“Not my baby … ” said Kamalani sobbing.
“They gave us four fortnights. That was forty days ago,” said Manaia.
“I told her to come. I begged her to come! But she insisted on staying to help daddy and tutu,” sobbed Auli’i.
“Sailing back will take a month. We will have to send a godwit to let them know we have found you,” said Manaia.
“Wait … there may be another way,” said Martin.
All eyes turned to Martin.
“With the Lumen Caligo’s permission, you may utilize modern technology, thus forgoing a sailing expedition. Fly back with me. Leave your family with Cyrus, and I will help negotiate the release of this Akela. I presume she is your daughter?”
“Yes, my youngest. How will we justify my family not coming along? The rules may be harsh but they have preserved our way of life these past 300 years. You know this, Lumen.”
“Swear your children to Cyrus.”
Everyone froze.
“Swear them to Cyrus as the Virtus Latores, and the council will have no choice but to accept the new conditions.”
“That might work … ” said Manaia. “What if it fails? What’s the back up plan?”
“Negotiate more aggressively,” said Martin with a shrug.
Manaia and Kamalani looked at each other. Kamalani nodded and then Manaia extended his hand.
“Agreed.”
Martin shook his hand firmly.
Turning to Kimo and Auli’i, Manaia and Martin gestured to Cyrus as they made their approach. Everyone gathered around Cyrus. He was surrounded.
“Now, you two are going to be sworn to Cyrus as his designated Virtus Latores. You know what that is, yes?” asked Martin.
Kimo and Auli’i looked at each other nervously, then back to Martin and nodded.
Martin clasped their hands with Cyrus’, interlocking their ring fingers while the rest of their fingertips touched—almost like some sort of hand tepee. Kimo’s meaty hand took Cyrus’ left hand ... Auli’i took hold of his right.
“You will repeat the oath in Latin. Repeat after me … Et omne, quod ego dico et lux in tenebris et in griseo. Dum ultima die virtutis meae et iuvenes armigeri iurare praesidio.”
They repeated it solemnly in unison. After they uttered the final words, they separated.
Turning back to the family, he said, “We leave immediately. Kamalani, I ask you move your stuff to our house tonight. I will advise our landlord of the situation. I will pack my stuff for this trip and purchase the tickets.”
Kamalani nodded and immediately went to her room.
“Cyrus, give Manaia permission to fly by airplane.”
“What?”
“Please, just do it,” said Martin calmly.
“OK … I give you permission to fly by plane.”
Manaia smiled and bowed with his hands together and ring fingers bent.
“Meet me by the van. I must speak with Cyrus privately,” said Martin to Manaia. Martin picked up the vest that covered his wings and the shirt he’d been wearing.
Manaia nodded, picked up the door he’d broke down, placed it next to the entrance and went outside.
“You two,” Martin said, pointing to Auli’i and Kimo. “Come with me. I have some instructions for you.”
Curiosity and confusion filled their faces. Cyrus moved his wheelchair forward. Martin put up a hand.
“Not yet, Cyrus. You’re after them.”
Martin led Auli’i and Kimo to the kitchen. Cyrus peered into the kitchen. He couldn’t hear what Martin was saying, but he could see the sibling’s faces. Shock, disbelief and surprise filled their faces. What was worse, they kept glancing over at Cyrus. It felt like middle school all over again … people talking about him behind his back. This hurt more though. Cyrus cared about the people doing the talking.
Martin pointed to his back and then said something Cyrus couldn’t hear. Both Auli’i and Kimo gasped in unison. Their gaze went straight to Cyrus with the most intense look of disbelief and pain. Auli’i and Kimo’s eyes didn’t stray from Cyrus this time. Kimo looked at him like he was the alien. Auli’i looked at him with the utmost compassion.
What is Martian saying?
Martin snapped his fingers and the siblings attention returned back to him. He expanded his chest and wings while pointing his finger at the siblings. The siblings nodded emphatically and then returned back to the dining room with Cyrus. Both of their eyes were glazed over and their mouths hung slightly open.
Auli’i gave Cyrus a hug and then followed Kamalani into her room.
“Martian … I … I’m so confused. What is going on?” asked Cyrus.
“Cyrus, I wouldn’t know where to begin … since the short version would only leave you frustrated, I will leave the explaining to Ms. Palermo. I … ” Martin faltered. He never faltered when he spoke. “I need some time to gather my thoughts and explain. I will call Ms. Palermo right now to let her know.”
Martin whipped out his phone and quickly put it up to his ear after finding Ms. Palermo’s number.
“Martian, that isn’t good enough. How do you have wings? How do … ” began Cyrus.
“Ms. Palermo? I am doing well how about you? Forgive my bluntness, but I will cut right to the chase. It is time. I have to leave right now and will be back soon, but I need you to explain everything to Cyrus and … yes, I mean everything. Ms. Palermo, I don’t have time. I’m leaving as soon as I grab my things.” Martin paused as Ms. Palermo rambled furiously in a muffled fury of words.
“Can you at least give me something?” whispered Cyrus.
Martin put his hand up softly. His focus was on the phone call. After what seemed like 10 minutes, the muffled rant ceased.
“Ms. Palermo. I will assist where I can. I need you to remove the prosthetic skin. I’ve hid as long as I could but now is time. I trust in you and am forever grateful for everything you have done. I now ask that you do this for me. Do you understand?”
More muffled rants began, but this time Martin cut her of.
“Explain and remove the prosthetic skin. Understand?” said Martin seriously.
Cyrus could make out a muffled yes from Ms. Palermo.
“Thank you. I’ll be at the house in seven minutes. You may ask questions while I pack,” said Martin as he hung up.
“Martian, I want you to tell me whatever this is. Ms. Palermo always takes the scenic route,” pleaded Cyrus desperately.
“This time you might enjoy the scenic route. You’ll get more information about the day we found you and what we did to conceal you. Now, I really have to go.”
He wrapped his arms and wings around Cyrus in what Cyrus could only describe as a ‘double hug.’
“I love you, and when I have the words and composure, I will explain things. For now, be patient with Ms. P,” Martin added with a sad smile.
“I love you too … I mean … wings! How could I have missed that all these years?” asked Cyrus as Martin let go and began walking towards the door.
Martin paused, turned around and with a warm smile said, “I am not the only one with wings in our household.” With that, he was gone.
Fit hit the shan.
