The Islands (42 page)

‘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.

As they were leaving, Mrs Goodwin drew Catherine aside. ‘Some happy news, my dear. It has been confirmed that Bradley will be returning in two weeks.'

Mollie was puzzled at Catherine's momentary pause and the brief look of dismay before her friend gathered herself and gave a bright smile.

‘That's wonderful news. Thanks for letting me know, Mrs Goodwin.'

Normally Mollie would have probed Catherine about Bradley's homecoming but Catherine didn't seem to want to talk about it. Maybe there was trouble in paradise, she concluded.

‘So what did you think?' Catherine edged the car away from the Goodwins' spotless garden and out into the traffic.

‘My God! Worse than I thought. Where have those women
been
all their lives? Y'know not once did any of them ask me a single question about me. They don't go anywhere, do anything . . . I mean like you do. I mentioned you had such interesting friends here – thinking of Kiann'e, Lester, Eleanor – and they thought I meant
them!
Quite flattered they were. I think I've boosted your image quite a bit,' she finished.

‘You certainly did. They thought you were such fun, so cute, just darling, what a lovely gal . . .' mimicked Catherine.

‘Oh dear, we sound very catty,' laughed Mollie. ‘I'm sure they're all nice girls on their own, back at home. They're just all out of the same navy cookie cutter. Is that Mrs Goody-win, do you suppose? Cripes, I hope your next commanding officer's wife is a bit more liberal.'

Again Catherine felt that flicker, the pang, at the knowledge she would eventually be moving on from Hawaii. More of the same elsewhere, she supposed. ‘I have a terrible feeling that there will be a lot more Mrs Goodwins in my life,' said Catherine. ‘I just hope I can maintain the distance like I can here. Anyway, we're not leaving for some time. Who knows, Mrs G might move on, the Commander might retire and we'll get some groovy, interesting woman in her place.'

‘I wouldn't count on it,' said Mollie. ‘I'm glad we're heading over to Aunty Lani's. I think that's going to be more my cup of tea. Mug of poi. Whatever.'

Catherine laughed. Mollie always cheered her up. ‘Pass on the poi. It's like wallpaper paste.'

As Catherine knew she would be, Mollie was a great hit with Kiann'e's family. There was much laughter, dancing, singing and eating. Eleanor dropped by and seemed a lot more relaxed.

Catherine took her aside. ‘How did your meeting go? You look a bit more cheerful.'

‘Well, you can't help feeling better when you're with this lot,' said Eleanor. ‘Though I do feel a bit awkward after talking to my business partner. He is simply not sensitive to Hawaiian concerns over these rocks.'

‘They're just rocks?'

‘That's what he calls them. I've been speaking to Abel John and he says all the workmen will walk off the site if the stones are disturbed. Very kapu. There is even the chance that bones will turn up, meaning it was a burial place. No-one wants to disturb ancestral spirits. If they're disturbed they'll bring some dreadful retribution down on us. But try explaining that to a mainland investor.' She sighed.

‘I suppose you're stuck either way, aren't you? Pleasing the locals, or getting your new wing. Doesn't seem that you can have both.'

‘To tell you the truth, Catherine, I liked the Palm Grove the way it's always been. I don't think we should try to compete with the big hotels and resorts. I think we should remain unique,' said Eleanor candidly.

‘There are lots of people who like the magic and the Hawaiian style of the Palm Grove. Those new places are all the same,' said Catherine, trying to sound optimistic. Just the same, she remembered Bradley's criticism that Eleanor's place was a rather run-down old-fashioned style of hotel.

‘I hope you're right. And I wish my partner could see that. Beatrice will get involved soon enough and he will get to hear the other side of the issue,' said Eleanor, looking rather heartened at the prospect. ‘You enjoy Mollie's company, bring her over to Kauai next time she visits.'

‘Yes, I will. She's planning on bringing her fiancé back, too.'

‘And give Bradley my best when he returns.'

‘Thanks, Eleanor.'

Catherine watched her friend being swept into Lani's enfolding embrace as they said goodbye. Eleanor put on her straw hat with fresh hibiscus around its crown and excused herself. How strong and determined she is, thought Catherine, but she certainly has a big problem.

Aunty Lani caught Catherine's eye. ‘Big things happening over there at the Palm Grove. Eleanor is caught in the middle. And wait till my sister gets involved. There's no way Beatrice'll let them build on top of a heiau. Could be an important place.'

‘Like what? Are they all different?' asked Catherine.

‘Of course. It could be a burial place of the ali'i, birthing stones for the chiefs, or the stones could have great healing mana.'

‘How soon before they find out? The delays must be costing a bit.'

‘Could be a story for your paper.'

‘I'll wait till Eleanor lets me know. I think she wants to keep it quiet,' said Catherine.

Catherine was surprised at how upset she felt when it came time to farewell Mollie. They hugged fondly.

‘Things are going to seem so dull when I get home,' said Mollie.

‘You're joking. With your great social calendar!'

‘Your life is a knockout – look where you're living for a start,' said Mollie. ‘And you have such interesting friends. Your Hawaiian friends are just lovely. They seem like family for you.'

‘It's true. But I miss Mum and Dad and
Heatherbrae
and Parker and my mates, especially you,' sighed Catherine.

‘I'm sorry I missed Bradley, but it's been good to spend time with you, just like the old days,' smiled Mollie. She hesitated. ‘Cath, is everything all right in your life? You know you can tell me anything . . . I just get a feeling . . . Bradley, those navy wives, your Hawaiian friends?'

Catherine quickly shook her head. ‘No, no, not at all.'

‘Well, it's your life, remember. Don't get locked into something and feel you have to stick with it 'cause it's the right thing to do. You're a long way from home, but home will always be there, no matter what.'

‘I know. It's just . . . I was brought up to do the right thing. You know how it is. I'm fine, really I am. Life's great on the Islands.'

‘Even if everything is hunky dory here in the Islands, things might change when you're someplace else. Bugger doing the right thing, look after number one I say,' said Mollie firmly.

‘Oh, Mollie. C'mon. Bring Jason over when Bradley is here, we'll have fun.'

Mollie dug her friend in the ribs. ‘We don't need those blokes around to have fun! Come back home for a visit before you get posted to Okinawa or the Philippines or some place! Take care.'

‘You too, Mol.'

And she was gone through customs, a colourful figure gripping a straw basket, a large shopping bag and a sealed canister of leis.

The apartment seemed even more empty and depressing without Mollie. Kiann'e had gone to Kauai for a couple of days to visit her mother, so Catherine rang Lester and suggested that she bring him round some supper and they have a drink on his lanai, eat and watch some TV.

‘Haven't you anything better to do, girl?' he asked. ‘But I won't say no to that offer.'

The next morning was clear, the water sparkling, and in the first hours of the day everything looked just washed from a light shower of rain during the night. After her swim Catherine decided to go to PJ's and collect her board and have a surf. He'd told her to help herself while he was away and that if there wasn't anyone in the house, just to push the garage doors open.

As she approached the house she saw the workroom doors were open and an unfamiliar, beaten-up car painted in wild colours was parked in front. Music was playing. Catherine wandered through the open back door into the kitchen. A girl was sitting at the table eating a bowl of cereal. She glanced up at Catherine.

‘Hi.'

‘Hi,' said Catherine. ‘I just came to borrow a board I've been using.'

‘Go for it.' The girl continued to eat.

Catherine turned away and was heading out the door when she heard her name. She spun around to see a smiling, freshly showered PJ standing in the kitchen. ‘You're back.' She looked at the girl. ‘I'm sorry to barge in . . . I was going to take the board out . . .' Catherine felt a little pang of jealousy. Even though there was no reason that PJ shouldn't have a girlfriend, deep down she realised that she didn't want to share him.

‘Great. I'd come with you, but I just got back from the beach and showered. Have to go downtown for some supplies.'

‘I understand. I'll see you later, I guess.' She hurried out the front and stood on the lawn taking deep breaths.

PJ came up behind her. ‘What's the rush? Is your pal still here?'

Catherine shook her head. ‘Why didn't you tell me you were back? I just feel a bit strange walking in on you with that girl.'

PJ started to laugh. ‘That's Damien's new girlfriend. He met her in Maui. We've only been back a day and I didn't want to spoil your time with your friend – you said how special she was to you.'

‘So were you just going to hang out here and not let me know you were back?' asked Catherine.