Project Mischief

[Leilani Wolfe]

She wasn’t sure whose idea it was to travel to Hawaii for annual family vacation with the Reeves but she wasn’t going to complain. Leilani loved visiting place where her dad is from and having the Reeves joining them, just changes everything. Okay not everything. It will be the same and she was here for it. Creating memories with her best friend, showing him around and while they may not be alone she didn’t mind having her siblings around. While her parents and Cade’s parents were doing their own thing, her older brother was taking care of Calypso who was three years younger than Leilani. Calypso is like little sister to her and her siblings and she’s completely opposite than her brother who’s is also Leilani’s best friend. Her mom and Cade’s mom are best friends and both of them did everything together and made sure that the kids got along with each other. Who could blame them. While her dad and Cade’s mom can’t stand each other, calling names to each other, insults to be correct, Leilani doesn’t know what their history is. And to be frank, she doesn’t want to know.

Saturday afternoon, no clouds in sight, beautiful sunny day and temperatures are in the eighties. Her dad was screaming and throwing things at her to cover up when she was wearing two piece clothes. Her mom didn’t seem to mind but her dad was being extra. As usual. Wearing ditsy floral Ruffle Trim Knot Back Cami Top and layered ruffle hem skirt she walked the streets of downtown Honolulu with Cade and Kai. With nothing on the agenda aside from enjoying time with two guys, away from parents. She stopped in her tracks when she saw ice cream shop across the street. Her mouth was already drooling and on hot summer day, something cold, sugary is perfect. ”Anyone hungry for ice cream?” She didn’t wait for guys answer as she made a bee line for ice cream shop across the street. With a huge grin on her face, she entered the store and started talking confectioner named Noa.

[Cade Reeves]

Distracted by the sights on the opposite side of the street, Cade was zoning out slightly when Leilani spoke. With the sound of gentle waves rolling across the blue ocean not so distant from the road lined with parked cars, it brought his attention back to where his feet were taking him even if she left no time for an answer. They had been walking along a row of quaint stores, free to explore while their parents took a day away from dealing with them and he stopped, looking at the shop Leilani didn’t hesitate to enter; a little bell ringing as the door opened and closed. For a moment, he stood there taking in the surrealism of being in Hawaii, wondering how every summer their families would travel together yet never came here until now. It was Uncle Raf’s hometown and clearly somewhere extremely familiar to the Wolfe kids but it was better late than never; he could cross it off his travelogue now. And there he realised how jealous his sister was going to be that they went to an ice cream store without her and resolved to buy a trinket for her if he saw something suitable.

Tourists were everywhere, walking around them to avoid photo bombing or being asked to take the pictures had been awkward but it seemed to be a thing Lani and Kai didn’t get approached for, just him. Glancing at Kai, he entered the shop, fingers still pushing the door ajar behind him, watching Lani talk to a tanned, taller and older boy over the counter. A few steps inside, he took his time to look into the lit glass display of ice cream buckets with their flavour signs, reading for any unique ones that stood out, pausing next to her. Ultimately he wasn’t hungry but everything was worth a try and he picked up two laminated menus and handed one to Kai, mentally choosing a table. From what she said, it sounded like they were going to stay here awhile and he half expected Kai to eat as wolves did. He wasn’t going to admit the airconditioning was a relief to the heat of being outside all day too and he did want to sit down, people watch; it had taken him some adjusting to dressing for the climate. He was beginning to think it was what lead to Uncle Raf’s habit of being shirtless in most situations but the way he had been this year, fussing over Lani’s clothes had been strange and extreme enough Cade noticed the large man had been very covered by example. And his mom had been more aware of making sure he was more presentable than any of the Summer holidays before too; something about starting a new chapter at school and making the most of it. He wasn’t convinced but he was taking it as positive encouragement; his sister had a lot of fun making revamping him her new project anyway.

Briefly cutting in during a break in her conversation, he expected Leilani knew what she wanted and would join them in a minute, not really wanting to interrupt. She seemed to be talking to a friend or at least an acquaintance she hadn't seen in awhile. ”Lani, we’ll be over there.” He tilted his head in the direction of an empty booth while capturing the attention of a busy waitress who smiled in return, indicating she was heading over after she placed the items of an order down at an occupied table. Making his way over to the empty seat, he slid in by the window and studied a bit of the menu, unable to fully focus even though he seemed to be staring at it.

[Kai Wolfe]

The place hadn't changed much since the last time they had visited.The streets were filled with different faces, most who were here for a brief moment in time return to their mundane reality in only a few days. The only thing he was more grateful for this visit was summer instead of Christmas. The last time they visited, the shop windows were decorated with artificial winter scenery to make the vacationers feel more in the holiday spirit so they would spend more cash. This time of year everything felt more authentic, more like a place his father talked about when he had been younger. The sea of brightly coloured Hawaii shirts always made him chuckle to himself,making it easy to spot the locals from the tourists like a twisted game of Where's Waldo?

Carrying a small bag black across his shoulder that held his camera gear which he kept tucked away to seem more like he belonged to this town to his more muted colored cut off shirt and board shorts, he was surprised his parents let him and Leilani explore shops with Cade in toe. He was usually used to Makoa going along with them making choices on where to go and which stores to visit but now they were older more freedoms were given and he enjoyed this freedom. The only rule was for him to look after his sister. The jingling of bells to the ice cream shop snapped his focus back to Cade and Leilani and he followed them into the shop.

The moment he stepped in the scent of the frozen creamy treats made his stomach rumble more than an engine coming to life. It was as if Lani was reading his mind, they were twins after all no matter how often he tried to hide it now away as he was older because of his height. He eyes his sister as he talks to the young man behind the counter. He was about to say something to her when Cade passed him a menu and Kai nodded thanks before walking over to the booth his friend motioned to sit down at. "How much do you want to bet that she is going to try to flirt with him for free samples?" Brushing his fringe away from his face, he pulled his bag off his shoulder and placed it down beside him in the booth before glancing at the menu and half watching his sister. It was like ever since her boobs started to grow so did her confidence. "Little does she know samples are always free." He sat the menu down on the table after getting an idea of what he wanted, which was pretty much a bit of everything. A waffle bowl with seven different flavors creating a new combination would be enough he didn't need to look like a pig even though he could probably eat a kitchen sink full just himself.He was glad his genetics kept him thin, he didn't have to worry about what he ate just like his mother. If he has been only human he probably eats more sparingly and works out with his father more often. "You know what you want Cade?"

[Leilani Wolfe]

She was already screaming for ice cream and maybe something cold to help with warm sun. Plus having her moms genes was a blessing, burning everything she eats There was no way she’d be a gym rat for rest of her life like her father. Hearing Cade tell her that they will be at the booth, she gave him thumbs up to acknowledge what he had said. Looking at all the tub filled with creamy, sugary goodness, her mouth watered and slightly drooled. Taking napkin from the dispenser, she lightly dapped corners of her mouth and threw it in the trash then continued to look at ice creams and the menus. Kona Lava Java and Luau Delight both sounds good but she could only have one. Coconut and Passion Fruit Sorbet or Kona Coffee ice cream with dark chocolate sorbet.

While asking Noa which one is his favorite item in the shop, she heard what twin brother said how she was going to flirt on getting free sample. How stupid did her brother think she was. If he wasn’t her twin, she would have bullied him. Makoa and Kai are complete opposite. While Makoa is a gym rat, prankster, loving older brother, and Mr. Popular; Kai is more reserved and annoying. She loved him. Sometimes. Noa responded that he loves all the items on the menu but never could go wrong with vanilla bean ice cream. If Leilani wanted, she could have stayed there and talked to Noa however she was on holiday and exploring city with him and Kai was an adventure of it’s own. ”It’s not flirting dipshit. It’s called being social and friendly. You should try that sometime.” Leilani sat next to her brother and smacked him behind his head. ”I’m getting Kona Lava Java in cup.”

Leilani took her phone out, took a quick video of the ice cream shop and sent it to the adults. Despite adults trusting them, Leilani doesn’t want her mom to worry about where they are. And with her dad being extra by keeping a close eye on her and Cade, she wanted to do something to rile him up. ”I heard there’s mermaid cave around here. I was thinking that we could go there after?” She briefly heard her dad say something about mermaid cave that morning and when the man speaks, half the time she doesn’t listen and all she hear is blah blah blah. She does love her old man but he can be handful. She called the waitress over so they could order.

[Cade Reeves]

About to say no, he was a little overwhelmed by the number of flavours the store offered. He stopped slouching over the menu with the intensity of doing a pop quiz and chuckled quietly, an electric grin dashing across his face to answer Kai. He almost became devious. ”If anything, she’s just flirting... but she doesn't realise that's what it is.” Watching his friend put away his camera as Leilani walked over, he shook his head slowly at their sibling rivalry; it was so natural yet so different to what he had with Calypso. Of all people, Kai would know Leilani rarely had to intentionally do anything to gain magical privilege; ice cream samples included. It was another level when she had her heart set on doing something and her mind on making it happen exactly the way she wanted; there was a reason she had a posse and neither of them did.
Pursing his lips, he lay the menu flat and leaned back into the seat, the back of his head resting against the cushioning. Drumming his fingers, he made a decision as he looked down his nose before eyeing the waitress as she went about the tables. ”I’m getting White chocolate and Macadamia with sea salt.” Satisfied, he smiled demurely, waiting to see if Kai wanted to order already too. When Leilani scooted into the seat and smacked her brother, he looked away mentally confirming what he wanted and amused that she still doesn't ever think she's flirty. Sure she was being nice, but he was nice and nobody ever reacted the way all the people she was nice to did or was he in denial too. ”The coffee one looks good.” He remarked about her choice, implying he was going to steal spoonful from her, ruin the perfect photo op it would be for her social media. They ate from full cartons at home anyway, fiends about ice cream since their mothers were obsessed.

”A mermaid cave?” He looked up from the menu at Leilani once more, just a flick of a glance as he repeated what she said. As far as being in Hawaii went, he was nothing more than a tourist and they were his guide. A quick search on his phone would have brought up the location but he left it at their discretion, somewhat excited about discovering a place as a surprise. Cade knew the words sounded like a question, and they were likely to generate an answer from her; one where she also knew he liked pretty things even in make believe, just another secret their childhood did not spare him from. ”Wasn’t your dad saying we shouldn’t go there today? Something about the tide coming in…” Not that anything Rafael said was going to stop her; he merely reminded her that if this was the plan, they were going to need some sort of excuse, even a back up excuse to top off the uncle’s interrogation. He was teasing her, partially patronizing that they were just waiting for her to rebel. For a second he wondered why Uncle Raf was mostly always quizzing him and not chasing after Lani or Kai; it was hard enough to have to avoid lying and lead the man circles with a recount of things they did or didn’t do, he just couldn’t throw out anything dishonest to get him off his back. Maybe that was the problem, he was the weak link; he was his mother’s son, a half angel and he needed a better tactic.
”I thought you also wanted to prank him?” That was in Kai’s ballpark, he let the man take the reins, knowing full well Leilani would be up to doing both things in one night. If he was going to be an accomplice no matter what, they may as well check everything off the revenge list she had for the grievances Rafael had been giving her this whole trip. It wasn't just to her, it was all of them; this year, things were particularly out of the ordinary and no one knew why.

[Kai Wolfe]

His eyes rolled slightly in Cade's direction, but stopped as Leilani slid across the light blue leather booth and told him what she was doing was not flirting, smacking him on the back of the head. He felt his dark hair ruffle out of place and blew the strands that had fallen in front of his eyes."Friendly if that's what you call it, next time you bring a new friend back to the house I'll try it." He smirked and slid the menu in front of him over to the corner of the table, Cade and his sister had already decided what they wanted and Kai had too. He put his hand up and waved towards the waitress to catch her attention for a second to let her know they were ready to order. "Everything looks good, but I'll restrain myself. I'll get some coconut and some chocolate. Mix them together like some Frankienstien flavor. Maybe they will name it after me."

He focused on what Lani had mentioned,The mermaid cave. It had been an attraction they had heard about but never had visited before. It was a little known local secret they tried to hide from the tourist. He knew if his sister had her mind set on going somewhere it would be nearly impossible to get out of it. "The tide only comes in and out twice a day, so it is easily avoidable if you keep track of time. Lani I know you really want to go so I'll agree to go on your adventure this one time" Kai didn't want to admit it but he thought the mermaid cave would actually be a fun place to visit, and he could get a few good photo opportunities there anyway. He pointed to Cade when he mentioned pranking Raf. "Yes, can't let the old man have all the fun on this trip. I was thinking of putting rubber snakes on his beer cooler, but if we could find a live one, then that would make my year."

The waitress came over to the table. Kai smiled at the young lady. Her long brown hair was pulled neatly back in a ponytail behind her back which contrasted the brightly colored floral shirt that he had assumed was just part of the shop uniform. His eyes fell to her name tag and he read the name Makani. "We would like one White chocolate and Macadamia with sea salt, one Kona Lava Java in a cup, and a Coconut passion fruit with a scoop of chocolate on top. Thanks." He watched the waitress scribble down thier order and quickly leave. The only thing that crossed his mind was how they would be getting to the mermaid Cave. "How far from here is this mermaid cave anyway Lani? Is it possible to get there and be back by dinner ?" It didn't matter to V or Raf I'd the teens were out all day but the only promise they had to make was being back at the house before dinner which was usually around seven or a bit after depending if Raf wrangled everyone together on time. At home some nights they didn't even eat together, between everyone's busy schedules but when they were in Hawaii it was the one thing Raf expected.  He looked over at Cade." I want to prank my  dad in front if everyone can't miss the opportunity." He also knew if they were late they might not be allows to explore the town again tomorrow.  Kai couldn't help but envision his dad freaking out so much he almost passes out. He had heard this had happened a few occasions in the past but never saw it himself, seeing a big man like his father fall to the ground over a rubber snake might just be priceless.

It didn't take long for Makani to return with their order and she sat the three cups on the table placing them more toward the center so each of them could easily grab their own. "Thank you Makani, and may I say you are probably the prettiest face I have seen on the big island." Kia could see the young woman bush but she smiled and quickly walked away to help other customers before even asking them if they needed anything else." See, I can be nice, probably made that girl's day." He reached out and grabbed his cup, and started mixing it all together with his spoon.