(no subject)
"Aloha, this is the Rallita res'ence," a small voice answered the line. It sounded so far away, but Lani grinned. On a week day there was no doubt that the younger grandchildren were at the house while their parents were at work.
"Phillipe?"
"What?"
She laughed. "Honey, it's Aunt Lani."
"Aunt Lani! You called me!"
"How are you? I love the way you're answering the phone like a grown up."
"Gran teached me!"
"She taught you? That's wonderful. Who else is home?"
"Jus' me, and Gran, and Hope."
"Let me speak with Gran."
"Okay."
Lani waited patiently until her mother came on the line. "My Lani!" Her mother's voice broke through quickly.
"Mama!"
"How are you, Tita? Everything is okay? Kala is okay?"
"Everything is fine, Mama. I miss you."
"We miss you, too."
"I can't talk long, but I wanted to tell you that I'll be home for Christmas."
"You will?" Her mother gasped. "Oh that is wonderful! Everyone will be so excited! Will you bring your sister? Tell her work isn't that important to miss Christmas."
"She can't Ma."
Ana sighed. "No, no I guess not. This is good news. I will tell everyone."
"I'm sure you will," Lani laughed. "I'll call you when I get home from work?"
"Okay. We'll talk then. I love you."
"Love you, too."
Lani hung up with a smile. She was going home. Home home home home home.