'Tis the Season: A Collection of Mimi's Christmas Books by Mimi Barbour

waiting. Now she sat behind Kale as he flew them over the islands while he pointed out different attractions to an excited boy full of questions.
    “Is that Diamond Head, Kale?” Mano’s voice came through loud and clear in the earphones.
    “Yes. See where the tourists are climbing the trails.” Kale pointed to the mountainside in the distance. “It’s a long trip, but the view is breathtaking.”
    “The people look so little.” Mano said.
    “Because we’re far above them. It’s just an illusion. Have you ever flown in a plane before?”
    “No but I wanted to.”
    “Then you’re a brave kid. I know grown men who are nervous to be in a helicopter. You seem to like it.”
    “One day, I will buy my own,” Mano asserted. Leilani smiled at the absolute surety in the boy’s voice. She had no doubt he would.
    Soon they had landed on a helipad in a wide area by the back of a large hanger. Kale took a few moments to lock down the aircraft and then led them to a side garage where a modern golf cart waited. Within a few minutes, they approached one of the most stunning homes Leilani had ever seen. Many terraces surrounded the sleek lines of the building, and brilliant flowering plants in pinks, corals, reds and purples wove between lush greenery adorned the gleaming white walls.
    The ocean, seen in the distance, embraced the villa making the setting rather mystical in its beauty. Leilani fell instantly in love.
    “I like your house.” Mano words were simple, but effective.
    “Me, too,” was all she said. There were no words that wouldn’t seem overly effusive and well…ingratiating.
    “Me, too,” echoed Kale with a grin. He pulled up to the back door and they piled out and followed him into a large kitchen where he introduced them to his housekeeper.
    Kale put his arm around the shoulders of a middle-aged lady whose expression of happiness from the moment she saw him made Leilani take to her instantly. “Leilani, Mano this lady looks after my house…and me. She’s a wonder, and her name is Mia. She’ll be here all day, so if you need anything, she’ll help you.
    Mia, these are my friends and they’ll be spending the day with me here. While I work, they’ll be at the beach. If you don’t mind, can you make up a lunch basket for later and I’ll take it to them?”
    Mia smiled at Mano and shook hands with Leilani. “How nice to meet you? Yes, go and enjoy the beach, I’ll make a nice picnic meal for you but in the meantime, I have a few snacks you might want to take along for now.” She bustled around the room, and gathered up enough food for twice as many people. Then she passed the fancy woven sack to Mano who stood tall as he put it over his shoulder. “Boys need food to grow big and strong, like Kale.”
    Kale grinned and beckoned. “I’ll take you on a bit of a tour and then show you the trail to the beach.”

Chapter Thirteen
    As Kale took them from room to room, Mano was very talkative, asking question about all kinds of things that surprised Leilani. For a small boy, he had a lot of knowledge and seemed interested in many things. For instance, in the games room, he’d asked about video games Leilani had never heard of. Thankfully, Kale knew and could answer him intelligently.
    Guess she’d have to study about the toys and other important items necessary for today’s youth. She’d be coming across as a real dunce if she didn’t do something, and soon.
    Later, sitting on the large beach mat that Kale had set up before leaving them, she looked over at the small boy who sat with his back turned toward her. “Mano, did you want to play in the water? I can go with you if you like.”
    “Babies play.” He made it sound as if she’d insulted him.
    “I meant, we could swim. Do you know how?”
    Instantly, she understood that she’d gone too far. He stood up, glared at her, and then ran to the water. On the way he’d stripped off his t-shirt and shoes and once close to the waves, he arced