Maui Boys: 1, #1

By Crystal Steadman

Dakoda and her parents moved to Hawaii from Washington when something tragic happened to her twin sister during the summer at a college party. Dakoda was so upset with her parents for moving her to a new state where she knew nobody.

To make matters worse, the locals in Hawaii don't like outsiders and made her life a living hell when she first moved there. Three guys in particular really had it out for her. But she soon won them over when she come up with a plan to have them teach her how to surf in hopes they would back off her, then she ran into a bigger problem with a local girl who though Dakoda was taking her spot in the pro surf games and her three guys. Nobody crosses Harlan and gets away with it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crystal Steadman
• Release date: Jun 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223294689

Crystal Steadman

Crystal Steadman is an American Author. She started writing books at the age of 15, but she didn't publish her first book until she was well into her 30's. Crystal writes romance novels, but she is starting to dip her toes in other genres.

Book preview

Maui Boys   

        By: Crystal Steadman

Savage

Maui Boys

By: Crystal Steadman

Prologue

Summer

Chapter 1

The Move

Dakoda

Dakoda

Chapter 3

Dakoda

Chapter 4

Dakoda

Chapter 5

Dakoda

Chapter 6

Dakoda

Chapter 7

Korey

Chapter 8

Dakoda

Chapter 9

Dakoda

Chapter 10

Dakoda

Chapter 11

Dakoda

Chapter 12

Dakoda

Chapter 13

Gage

Chapter 14

Kasey

Chapter 15

Korey

Chapter 16

Dakoda

Chapter 17

Dakoda

Chapter 18

Dakoda

Chapter 19

Broadcasters

Chapter 20

Broadcast

Chapter 21

Korey

Chapter 22

Kasey

Chapter 23

Gage

Chapter 24

Dakoda

Chapter 25

Gage

Chapter 26

Korey

Chapter 27

Dakoda

Chapter 28

Dakoda

Chapter 29

Dakoda

Chapter 30

Gage

Chapter 31

Korey

Chapter 32

Kasey

Chapter 33

Dakoda

Chapter 34

Dakoda

Chapter 35

Dakoda

Chapter 36

Korey

Chapter 37

Dakoda

Chapter 38

Korey

Chapter 39

Gage

Chapter 40

Kasey

Epilogue

Other books by this Author

Secrets & Lies

The Unexpected Love

The unspoken truth

saving corky

Follow the Author

Note from Author

This book is a revised book of Savage. I felt that the title really didn’t fit the book. I also have done some major editing to improve the book.

Prologue

  Summer

Stella and I are at a college party, and it's pretty awesome. It's our first college party, and it's also Stella's first party ever.

    Are you enjoying yourself, sis? I ask her.

    Yes, I really am, Stella replies, smiling at me.

    Stella is usually the quiet, introverted type, while I'm more outgoing and loud. So, it's a bit surprising to see her with a beer in hand, dancing and having a good time with a random guy. But I'm glad she's letting loose tonight. We're going to be seniors soon, and we need to make a name for ourselves. Being too reserved will only make her an easy target for bullies.

    Jax, my incredibly attractive boyfriend, comes up behind me, swaying his hips to the music. Want to go upstairs? he asks after a moment of grinding against me.

    Um, yes, definitely, I say, playfully wiggling my behind against him. I'm going upstairs with Jax for a while. Do you think you'll be okay on your own? I ask Stella.

    She gives me a look that clearly says, Leave me alone, jerk.

    I raise my hands in surrender. Okay, have fun, I tell her with a wink.

    Stella just smiles at me. You too, sis, she says, waving her fingers at me.

    I laugh and grab Jax's hand, pulling him upstairs. When we find an empty room, I press Jax against the wall and passionately kiss him. Damn, baby, did you miss me? Jax asks, grinning.

    Um, yes, I purr.

    Well, if I get this kind of treatment when I'm away, I might have to leave more often during the summers, he teases.

      You think so? I reply, smirking. Yes, ma’am, Jax says, running his hands up and down my bare legs, slowly inching them higher under my dress as I grind against him. After a moment, Jax growls and forcefully kisses me.

    Baby, if you keep this up, I'll finish before we even start, he warns.

    Oh no, you won't, I say impatiently. We haven't had sex in months, and I need you... now! I drop to my knees in front of him, taking his shaft in my hand. I lick him from base to tip, swirling my tongue around his head before taking him deep into my mouth. Jax moans, gripping my hair tightly and guiding my movements. I hum because I know it drives him wild. He lets out a long groan and then pulls me off his cock.

    You're going to make me cum if you keep that up, he says, panting.

      I just giggle. Jax takes out a condom from his pocket, tearing it open with his teeth. Once he's ready, he lifts me up, and I wrap my legs around his waist. He carries us to the bed in the room and lays me down, thrusting himself inside me.

    Oh god, Jax, that feels amazing, I moan.

    I won't last long, he says. I want you to come with me, baby girl... We both climax, clean ourselves up, and head back down to the party.

    I look around for Stella, but she's nowhere to be found. I assume she's gone home with a friend. However, when I see her friends dancing with their boyfriends, I can't help but wonder if Stella and the guy she was dancing with went upstairs.

    You go, Stella, I think to myself, turning to find Jax again.

    I freeze in my tracks at the sound of a scream. It's not just any scream, it's my sister Stella's scream. I would recognize it anywhere. I look up and see her struggling to open a window.

    What the hell is happening? Jax exclaims, and we both sprint towards her. I have no idea what's going on, but I know Stella is in danger. As I reach the stairs leading to the back door, a window is forcefully thrown open, and Stella is thrown out.

    No! I repeat to myself, desperately hoping it wasn't my sister. It couldn't be her. It must be some sick joke, a terrible prank. But as I approach, I see Stella lying on the ground, surrounded by her own blood.

    Fuck! I hear someone curse. Call 911, I instructed someone standing nearby.

    I have no idea where Jax went, but I can only hope he managed to apprehend the person responsible for harming my sister. I hear Stella gasping for air and crying out in pain.

    Thank goodness she's still alive. The ambulance arrives quickly, and as we follow it, I call my parents to inform them about Stella and urge them to meet us at the hospital. We all gather in the waiting room, praying for her recovery.

    Eventually, the doctor emerges from the back and finds us in the waiting room. He delivers the devastating news that Stella is in a coma and the chances of her waking up are slim. My parents turn to me, seeking answers about what happened at the party, but I'm at a loss. How do I even begin that conversation with them?

    Well, Mom and Dad, while my sister was... I can't even bring myself to say it. I have no idea what happened to her. Did someone drug her or, God forbid, assault her?

      As my parents go to see Stella, I approach Jax and inquire if he found anyone in the room with Stella. He informs me that he didn't. Does Jordan have security cameras? I ask Jax.

    Jax is unsure but promises to find out for me. However, he needs to leave now before his parents worry about him missing curfew.

    Okay, I say, offering him my cheek for a kiss. Once Jax is gone, I return to where my parents are sitting, keeping vigil by Stella's side.

                                🏄‍♀️🏄‍♂️

      It has been a few days since Stella's accident, but there has been no improvement. My parents are exhausted, so I insist they get some rest while I promise to update them if anything changes. However, they refuse to leave my sister's side. I step outside to call my boyfriend and see if he has any updates on who might have been in the bedroom with Stella, but unfortunately, Jax hasn't found any leads yet.

    As I make my way back to the room, I suddenly hear the sound of machines alarming in my sister's room. Panic sets in, and I rush to her door, witnessing the doctors and nurses frantically working on her. Inside my head, I scream, No! You can't leave me. Without my twin, I feel like nobody. She is the anchor in my chaotic life, the Mary-Kate to my Ashley. I can't imagine a world without my best friend, the one person I can always rely on. Stella, please stay with me, I silently pray as the medical team continues their efforts. The emotions overwhelm me, and I collapse to the floor, sobbing for my sister. Just when they think they have revived her, her heart stops again, and I find myself unable to breathe.

    Time seems to stand still as I watch the medical team desperately try to bring Stella back. Every second feels like an eternity, and I can't bear the thought of losing her. The room is filled with a sense of urgency and despair, and I can't help but feel helpless.

      As I collapse to the floor, my body shaking with sobs, I feel a hand on my shoulder. I look up to see a nurse, her eyes filled with compassion. She gently guides me to a nearby chair and sits beside me, offering a comforting presence in this moment of darkness.

    Stay strong, she whispers softly, her voice filled with empathy. We're doing everything we can for your sister. Sometimes, it takes time for the body to respond. Don't lose hope.

    Her words provide a glimmer of solace amidst the chaos. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my trembling body. I wipe away my tears and look back into the room, where the medical team continues their relentless efforts.

    Minutes turn into hours, and the room is filled with a tense silence. The beeping of the machines is the only sound, echoing through the room like a haunting melody. I hold my breath, praying for a miracle.

    And then, finally, a faint flicker of hope emerges. The doctors manage to stabilize Stella's condition, and her heart begins to beat steadily once again. Relief washes over me, and tears of gratitude stream down my face. She's still here, fighting.

    The nurse squeezes my hand, offering a reassuring smile. She's a fighter, she says. Keep believing in her.

    I nod, my heart filled with renewed determination. I won't give up on my sister. I'll be there for her every step of the way, just as she has always been there for me. Together, we'll overcome this hurdle, and I'll cherish every moment we have together.

    As the medical team continues to monitor Stella's progress, I sit by her side, holding her hand tightly. I whisper words of love and encouragement, hoping that she can hear me, that my presence can provide her with strength.

    In this moment, I realize the true depth of our bond. Stella is not just my sister; she's my best friend, my confidante, and my rock. And I'll do whatever it takes to ensure that she stays by my side, for as long as possible.

Chapter 1

The Move

    Dakoda

  I'm struggling to understand why we have to move. I mean, seriously... we live in the beautiful state of Washington in the Pacific Northwest, and now they want us to move to Hawaii? It's so humid there, I'll probably die. Or at least melt. And let's not forget that school has already started there.

      Jax walks up to me, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me in for a hug. You never know, babe; this might be good for your tan. Besides, Hawaii isn't really that far from Washington.

      Don't joke, Jax.

      Look, all I'm saying is that you've been dealing with a lot of crap since that party. This move might be good for you. It sucks that I won't be able to see you whenever I want, but we still have FaceTime and holidays.

        I know, it's just a big change, and they didn't even ask me if I was okay with it. I'm sure I could have stayed at one of my friend's houses until the end of the school year.

        You shouldn't give them a hard time, Dakota. They've been through a lot, Jax scolds me, making me feel guilty.

      Yeah, and so have I. Why do I feel like you're pushing me out the door?

      Because you're overthinking it, as always, Jax says, kissing me on the forehead.

      Aw, screw that. I'm not some naive little girl. I know something is going on.

      Dakota, are you ready to go? My mom yells from downstairs.

      Yeah, Mom, I'm coming, I yell back.

      Are we okay? I ask Jax

      Yes, baby, we're good, he says, as he pulls me into his embrace.

      Jax helps me carry the stuff I can take on the plane down to the car my dad rented for us to get to the airport. It's ridiculous that we can't even drive to Hawaii; we have to ship our stuff and wait for it to be delivered. Once we get our stuff into the rental car, we say goodbye to our friends and family. I'm trying my best to hold it together, but seeing tears in my friends' and boyfriend's eyes for me makes it even harder.

      It's going to be okay, baby girl, my mom says, for what feels like the hundredth time.

      Really? Because you're forcing me to move somewhere I don't want to go, in the middle of the school year, where I know nobody... all for what? I vent my frustrations.

      You know why, Dakota, and those people who have tormented you since... My mom can't bring herself to say the words or talk about it, so I give up and put my earbuds in, drowning out the world with music as we head to the airport. We board the airplane without any issues, and off we go to my new hell. Yes, I'm being a petty bitch right now, and I really don't care. I'm tired of never being asked what I want or need. I mean, come on, it's my senior year of high school, and what's so damn special about Hawaii anyway, right?

      Stop worrying so much, princess. You're going to love it in Hawaii. I promise, my dad speaks up for the first time all day. Besides, you loved it in the summers when you and your sister would visit your grandparents.

      I just walk to my assigned seat and sit down, putting my earbuds back in, tuning everyone and everything out for this eight-hour and fifty-minute ride.

        Finally, we arrive in Hawaii, and man, it's beautiful, although I would never admit that to my parents. A car is waiting for us as we walk out of the terminal, ready to take us to our new home that my parents bought before we moved. My dad, being a successful lawyer, was offered the opportunity to run their office in Hawaii, and he took it.

        We reach our new house, and holy shit... I think I might be in love. This place is enormous. It has five bedrooms and six bathrooms. Yep, you heard me, six bathrooms, one for each bedroom and a guest bathroom.

        Okay, princess, go ahead and pick your bedroom, my dad says, coming up behind me. I smile genuinely for the first time since I found out about the move.

          I walk through the house, exploring the three bedrooms downstairs and the two upstairs. I head upstairs and open the first door to a lovely room with a daybed, nightstands, and white lamps. The bay window has a cozy reading nook filled with pillows, and bookshelves line the sides. On the other side of the room, there's a desk with a Mac computer already set up. I think my dad knew I would appreciate having a space for my hobbies and interests. This room feels cozy and inviting, and I can already imagine spending hours here, lost in my books and writing.

        I move on to the next room, which is painted in a calming shade of blue. The walls are adorned with surf-themed artwork, and there's a surfboard propped up against one corner. The bed is covered in a vibrant, tropical print, and the room is filled with natural light. This room feels like a beach getaway, and I can picture myself waking up to the sound of waves crashing and spending my days exploring the beautiful beaches of Hawaii.

      As I enter the last room, I'm greeted by a burst of color. The walls are painted a bright coral shade, and the room is filled with vibrant decorations and artwork. There's a vanity table with a mirror surrounded by fairy lights, and a cozy seating area with colorful cushions. This room feels energetic and lively, and I can imagine it being the perfect space for hanging out with friends and expressing my creativity.

      After carefully considering each room, I finally made my decision. I chose the room with the cozy reading nook. It feels like the perfect sanctuary for me, a place where I can escape from the world and indulge in my love for books and writing. I can already envision myself spending countless hours curled up in the reading nook, surrounded by my favorite novels.

      Do you like it? Mom asks, surprising me as she wraps her arms around my waist from behind.

      It's amazing, Mom. I absolutely love it, I reply, wiping away unexpected tears.

    That makes me so happy, sweetheart. Your dad and I know this move has been tough for you, especially during your senior year with all your friends. But trust me, this new place will be a fresh start for all of us.

      I know, Mom. I was just being a dramatic teenage girl.

      Mom throws her head back and laughs genuinely, a sound I haven't heard in a long time.

      You, my beautiful darling girl, have always had a flair for the dramatic. I've always told your father we should have put you in drama classes.

      Very funny, Mom. She kisses my cheek before heading downstairs. As she walks away, she turns back and calls my name.

      Hey Dakoda.

      Yes, ma'am? I respond, turning to face her.

      Why don't you take a walk on the beach and get a feel for our new home?

      That actually sounds like a good idea, Mom. Thanks for suggesting it.

      You're welcome, baby girl. I take her advice and slip on my flip-flops, so I can feel the sand between my toes. I grab my earbuds from the table downstairs and yell down the hall to let my parents know I'll be back soon.

      With a few hours of daylight left, I can walk along the beach and still see our house. As I make my way down, I spot some surfers and decide to head towards them to get a better view. I used to love surfing when we visited my grandparents here, but it's been years since I've been back.

    Lost in my thoughts, I approach the crowd watching the surfers.

    Oh my god, they're incredibly attractive, like a movie star hot straight off the cover of GQ. No wonder everyone is gathered here. You know that commercial where the surfer emerges from the water, droplets cascading down his abs? Well, that's happening right now, and he's definitely showing off his ripped body in all the right places. And his face isn't too bad to look at either. Actually, everything about him is stunning, along with his two friends walking beside him.

      Each of them has unique features. The first guy has dirty blond hair, a captivating smile, and muscular arms. The next guy has dark brown hair, a tan complexion, and a more mature, stocky build. The last one has black hair and a youthful, beautiful face, clearly the youngest. As I mindlessly stare at these three strangers, a girl shoulder checks me.

    What the hell are you looking at, haole? she snaps.

      Not you, I responded.

      You better get your eyes back in your head before I knock them back in there for you, bitch, she threatens.

        Me? I can't believe she's talking to me like that. Just because I'm new here doesn't mean I'll let people bully me. Wrong bitch, I retort and turn to walk away.

      Oh, so you think you're somebody, huh? she sneers.

      Walk away, Dakota. Walk away, I repeat in my head. But before I know it, she pushes me, causing me to stumble and trip over my own feet. As I quickly regain my balance, ready to fight back, a large hand grabs my wrist.

    What the fuck?! I yell.

      No, you don't! You don't get to come to our island and start fights, a deep voice says.

      Seriously, were you watching a different scene? She's the one who started it all, I argue.

      Hey, what's going on here, bro? the guy with the incredible abs asks the one who grabbed me.

    Just this haole trying to start shit with Harlan, the guy, whom I now know as Barley, explains to Abs.

    Well, Barley, from what I saw, Harlan was the one starting shit with her as she was trying to walk away. So how about you let her go and let her continue on her merry way? Okay, buddy? Abs suggests.

      Yeah, sure. Just watch who you mess with from now on, Barley warns me.

    Sure thing, asshole, I reply, turning around and walking back to where I came from. As I walk away, I hear someone burst out laughing.

    Bro, she got your ass.

      I simply smile to myself and make my way back home.

                                                🏄‍♀️🏄‍♂️

      The following day is Sunday, so I decide to go purchase a surfboard and find a peaceful spot to surf. My dad bought me a car before we left Washington, and our belongings arrived shortly after we did. Now I can drive without running into anyone I saw yesterday. All I want for today is tranquility and an absence of drama. I want to make the most of today before school starts tomorrow. I find the perfect spot and park my car in a lot right in front of the beach. I get out to remove my surfboard from the top of my car and change into my bikini. Then, I make my way down to the beach. I paddle out and sit on my board, patiently waiting for the perfect wave.

      After a couple of minutes, a massive wave approaches, and I ride it successfully without falling off my board. I feel proud of myself for the accomplishment. Following that enormous wave, only small ones come, so I decide to sit them out and enjoy the view of the water. Suddenly, I hear someone yell, Watch out! and before I know it, someone crashes into me. Annoyed, I hear him complain as he collides with me. Humph! I respond as he runs into me. Dammit, you can't just sit in the water when people are surfing, he scolds me.

      First off, jerk, I was surfing in this area first, and everyone knows that when someone is surfing, you don't invade their space. Secondly, I was the only one here for a while, so how was I supposed to know someone started surfing after me? I retort.

      Well, first off, this is our island, haole, and nobody is allowed to surf on it. Secondly, you must not know who I am because it doesn't matter if you were here first or not. If I want to surf, I will surf, and you will get out of my way, he arrogantly responds.

      Oh, shit, sorry, God, is that you? Let me apologize, I sarcastically reply, flipping him the bird and swimming towards the shoreline.

        Fuck, brah! She's hot as hell, a guy I hadn't noticed says from beside me. When I look over, I realize it's the guys from yesterday, the attractive ones who stood up for me when the other guy and girl were causing trouble.

      Yeah, but she has a mouth on her, one of them comments.

      Come here, baby, let me show you what you can do with that mouth of yours, the tall, brown-haired one says, grabbing me from behind.

      Without thinking, I turn around and punch him in the throat, then quickly swim out of the water and run to my car before they can catch up to me. Regardless of their attractiveness, I refuse to let them treat me like an object.

      As I'm strapping my board onto the rack and opening my car door, the blonde one, abs, reaches me and forcefully turns me around to face them. He pins me between the car and his body. Now, I think you owe my friend here an apology, don't you? he demands.

      The fuck I do? He should have kept his hands to himself, I reply defiantly.

      Oh, sweetheart, the sooner you realize we can do whatever we please around here, the better off your life will be, the blonde one tells me.

      Oh, honey, the faster you realize I don't play by anyone's rules, the better off you will be, I spit back at him.

      Is that right? he says, working his hands up my thighs before I can slap them away.

      Don't do that, he warns me with a look in his eyes that I can't quite decipher.

      Or what? I challenge.

      He smirks and grabs the back of my hair, pulling my head back painfully and starts licking his way up my neck. My whole body shivers.

      Damn girly hormones. He smirks at me. You like that, huh? he whispers.

    In your dreams, asshole.

    No, baby, I don't dream about girls like you.

      What the fuck does that mean? Girls like me?

      Fuck, bruh, this is making me hard as hell, the baby-faced one says, and sure enough, I look over and notice a bulge in his wetsuit.

      I need to get out of here somehow. This is going to hurt, I whisper to the beautiful man holding me.

        Huh? he asks, confused.

      Then, I knee him right in the groin. When he drops away from me, clutching his crotch in pain, I quickly step into my car and drive away.

      I'm shaking the entire way home. That was so intense. When I arrive home and walk through the door, my mom asks me how my day went I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down before responding to my mom. It was... eventful, I say, my voice slightly shaky.

      Are you ready for school yet? Mom asks as I'm walking to my bedroom to get a shower.

      Yeah, pretty much, I tell her, although the truth is I'm not ready at all. Going to school without Stella feels so wrong. It was always our thing to do together.

      I start the shower and let the water rain down on me, trying to wash away the memories of those guys' hands on my body. It felt so good, but it's confusing. They're strangers, so why do I feel this weird pull towards them?

      Fuck, Dakota? Get that shit out of your head! I scold myself, pushing those thoughts aside. I quickly finish my shower, wrap a towel around myself, and blow-dry my hair. Then I change into my comfy pajamas and slide under the covers, reaching for my phone to call Jax.

        He answers on the third ring, sounding sleepy. Hello, he says.

      Oh, shit, babe, I'm sorry I forgot about the time difference. I'll call you back tomorrow at a better time, I apologize.

      No, I'm awake now, he says, his voice still groggy.

      Oh, um, okay, I say, feeling a sudden awkwardness between us. Something feels off, but I can't quite figure out what it is.

      How are you, Dakota? he asks.

      I'm okay. Still hating it here. I tried to go surfing today, and some guys were total assholes to me, I tell him, frustration evident in my voice.

    You tried to surf? You know how the natives are about their land, he says, sounding concerned.

    Whoa, thanks for the vote of confidence, asshole, I think to myself. Yes, I surfed, and yeah, I know how they can be, I reply, a hint of annoyance in my voice.

      Look, you obviously aren't in a good mood because I woke you up. I'll let you get some rest, I say abruptly, hanging up before Jax can say anything else.

        I lie down in bed and think about Stella, how much she loved it here when we used to visit our grandparents. Then the tears start flowing. I cry for her, for me, for my parents, for Jax. I cry until there are no more tears left, and exhaustion takes over, lulling me to sleep.

        I wake up the next morning, realizing I've spent the entire night thinking about my sister. It's going to be a long day at school without her. I miss her so much, her presence, her advice. We would have talked about those mean boys and laughed about it all night. But deep down, I know what we would have really talked about - how damn fine those boys were.

        As I groggily open my eyes, the reality of my sister's absence hits me like a wave crashing against the shore. It's the first day of school without her, and I can already feel the weight of her absence hanging heavily in the air. The thought of facing the day without her by my side fills me with a mix of sadness and longing.

      Today, as I prepare for school, I can't help but think about the incident with those mean boys yesterday. If my sister were here, we would have dissected every detail, analyzing their actions and finding solace in each other's understanding. We would have laughed off their immaturity, finding strength in our shared experiences.

      But amidst the laughter, I know that our conversation would have taken a different turn. We would have playfully teased each other about how attractive those boys were, secretly acknowledging their undeniable charm. It was our way of lightening the mood, finding humor in the complexities of teenage life.

Chapter 2

  First day of school

    Dakoda

I dream of the three boys by the ocean, their beauty surpassing my memory. The blonde boy with shoulder-length hair, dark blue eyes, and a cocky smile that exudes confidence. A smile that suggests he can easily seduce any girl.

    Oh my god, his hands are enormous. The other two boys are equally stunning, both with dark hair. One is darker than the rest, with stubble on his chin that I could play with for days. The other, slightly smaller in build, possesses a face like an angel.

      They approach me with a certain look in their eyes and matching mischievous grins. I instinctively back away until I stumble into a hole.

      I wake up to their laughter and pointing, mocking me, telling me I don't belong here and should go back to wherever I came from.

      When I check the time on the clock, frustration overwhelms me, and I slam my fist into the covers. I drag myself out of bed and prepare to face my first day at a new school.

      Once dressed and having breakfast, I head out the door and climb into my car. I take a deep breath and drive to the school.

      Upon arriving, I easily locate the front office. The school is surprisingly small. I step out of the car and enter the school with more confidence than I truly possess.

      Good morning, sweetheart, a kind, gray-haired woman greets me, her glasses slightly too big for her face.

      Good morning. My name is Dakoda Savage.

      Oh, yes, the new transfer this year. Let's get you all set up for your classes today. Your parents have already filled out the paperwork, so all we need to do is get you your schedule. The good news is, you've arrived early enough to sign up for some of the sports we offer here at Maui High. Alternatively, we have a wonderful drama club.

      I simply smile at her, knowing that sports and drama aren't my cup of tea, recalling what my mom said about Drama Saturday.

      "Um, I'm not sure