Reflection 2:Better Together

•11•

I sat in DJ's room staring blankly at the screen in front of me. A database of death records lay in front of me, my parents names in big letters staring at me, "You still there?"

I had forgotten that I even kept Dinah on the line as we searched my mother's birth name, Iolana, and my father's, Paulie.

"Yeah, I'm here," I acknowledged, "I found them, D. My parents."

"You sound surprised," she stated, "how does it feel?"

"They're just names on some web page. It doesn't seem real to me, it's like I know them, but I don't know them, you know? They're strangers to me."

"I understand, you were young when they died. It was more than ten years ago," she paused, "You still want to see the graves, right?"

"It says they're buried in the John Shuler Graveyard, a few blocks away from Auntie Milika's house."

"And so? Are you going to go?"

"I don't know if I'm ready, yet. It's terrifying to look at where you came from. Especially now, I feel like it won't be everything I'd hope it would be..."

"Why do you want to?" She inquired, her voice reflecting the seriousness of the situation. I adored the times when Dinah and I were able to have these deep conversations, when she showed the amazing amount of wisdom that she was able to gather in her 20 years of life. As her cousin I was proud of the woman who she'd become so far.

But this? This was the essential question. Why now? Why go back to the beginning?

"If I'm ever gonna write this book called life, I have to finish the chapters I never could close off. It's the only way I can move forward."

"Then you should take the chance. If there's a chance that you will learn from this and move forward, then I fully support you."

"Dinah?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"Reminding me what ohana actually means. No one gets left behind, or forgotten, and you've never done that to me."

"I never will, stupid," she laughed, "you just need to work on the leaving part. No more, alright? Don't think Laurenza could handle it again."

"Oh please, you know you were a sobbing mess when I left." I quipped knowingly.

"You ain't never lied, little one," she said, I could hear the smile on her face as I groaned at the nickname, "I'm gonna go help Seth with his homework, okay? I'll text you."

"Alright, I'll see you soon China Yane."

She hung up and I switched tabs back to Google. I found myself searching rehab centers in Los Angeles, where Camila was inevitably going to stay once everything blew over. I knew the end of the band was growing closer and closer, and there was the big issue of 'What Now?' What was I going to do next? Would I return to my own music? Was it worth it?

I clicked on a link to a place named Sunny Shores Rehabilitation Center, snorting at the picture of women in hospital gowns doing arts and crafts. This was definitely the place for Camila, least she'd be able to make macaroni necklaces while being treated.

"Mila!" I called, waiting for her to come in. She'd went to watch t.v., and now she was cleaning the mess she'd made. I heard her light footsteps approach the room then felt her presence next to me, "Yeah? That's for me?"

I nodded, "If you like it, then yes. I want this to be as comfortable for you as it can be."

"I don't see why not. Are there any more choices?" She takes the mouse from my hand and clicks around a few times, printing out the page full of blurbs, "I'll look them over." She promises.

"Have you talked with Lauren?"

I shake my head, the mention of her name bringing me back to reality.

"Are you planning on it?"

"When the time is right, I'll call... I mean, why does she never reach out first? Even when we're not arguing."

"Because she's not used to having love," Camila explains, "Know how many times she's been hurt?"

"She doesn't open up."

"She's scared."

"And I'm not?"

She shrugged, "Tell her that. Stop being stubborn."

"It's one of my main character traits," I drawled.

"More like flaws." Camila rolled her eyes, "Communication saves relations, honey."

"Alright, Kendrick Lamar, get it together, it's not the time yet."

"Okay. Keep believing that."

----

A few hours later, my lawyer called, "Paige?"

"Hello, Chris, what's up?"

"I just received some very interesting information from a not-so anonymous contributor," I heard the shuffling of paper, "what I have here is more than enough to put L.A. Reid away for a very, very long time?" I felt my heart rate quicken.

"How long?"

"Well, if you get your girls to co-operate finally, and testify in court? Life without parole, and without bail depending on their testimonies. I need you to talk to them."

"I don't think them testifying will be a problem right now, but we do need like, immediate protection. How soon can you have those papers served?"

"Little girl?"

"Yes?" I secretly hated the nickname that my entire team called me, but right now I was more worried about the tinge in his voice than what he called me.

"The police are on their way to L.A.'s house right now to arrest him for the murder of Austin Mahone. A full sweep of his home, offices, and databases will be done, as well as security sweeps. The trial will take place in five days."

"We'll be there... Just gotta get us all back together."