Nalani and Lena, accompanied by Zephyr, pulled into the parking lot at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The car came to a smooth stop, and as soon as Zephyr cut the engine, both Lena and Nalani eagerly stepped out, stretching their legs and taking in the bustling atmosphere of the airport.

Zephyr, ever the gentleman, went to the back of the car and opened the trunk to retrieve their luggage. The crisp air carried the mixed scents of jet fuel and the ocean, a uniquely Californian combination that filled their lungs as they prepared for departure.

Nalani quickly grabbed her suitcase from the trunk, her fingers wrapping around the handle with purpose. Beside her, Lena did the same, her movements swift and practiced.

Zephyr, holding Lena's purple bucket bag, hesitated for a moment before turning to Nalani. She extended her hand expectantly. "Hand it over," she demanded with a playful but firm tone.

Zephyr looked her in the eye, his expression a mixture of concern and affection. With a sigh, he finally relented and placed the bag in her outstretched hand. "Fine," he muttered.

Lena, sensing the need for a bit of privacy, interjected, "I'll go ahead and check us in." She grabbed Nalani's suitcase and gave her a reassuring nod. "I'll meet you inside."

"Thanks, Lena," Nalani replied, watching her friend head towards the terminal. She then turned to face her cousin, noting the worried lines etched on his face.

"Don't worry about me," she said, her voice soothing yet confident. "I'm not a kid anymore, you know. Besides, Lena is coming with me."

Zephyr shrugged, trying to mask his concern. "I know, I know. I'm not worried—just a bit sad that you're going so far away when we've just reconnected."

Nalani's heart softened at his words. She was about to respond when Zephyr added, "But I'll see you soon, Hermanita." He emphasized the last word, causing Nalani's cheeks to flush with embarrassment.

"Zeph," she groaned, her face turning a shade of red. She remembered the time she thought she had mispronounced "hermano" in an attempt to call him her older brother. Zephyr had teased her relentlessly.

"Don't worry," Zephyr said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "I didn't laugh at you because you said it wrong that time. I was just teasing you. And you didn't have to drag Nana into it. She gave me an earful the next day after you told her about it, you know."

He reached out and gently placed a hand on Nalani's head, ruffling her hair affectionately. "You've truly grown," he said, his voice filled with pride. He gave her head a light pat, as if to punctuate his point.

Nalani swatted his hand away, trying to maintain her composure. Zephyr chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You kind of remind me of a cat, you know," he teased, his laughter ringing through the parking lot.

"Speaking of that," Zephyr continued, his tone suddenly serious, "a surprise is waiting for you in Paris. Make sure to give me a call when you get it."

Nalani's curiosity was piqued, but before she could ask for more details, Zephyr guided her towards the terminal. He walked her inside, his arm protectively around her shoulders.

At the entrance, Nalani turned to face him one last time. She wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug, savoring the comforting familiarity of her cousin. "Thank you, Zeph. For being here"

Zephyr hugged her back tightly. "Take care, Nalani. And call me if you need anything. Seriously, anything."

They pulled apart, and Nalani gave him a reassuring smile. "I will. Goodbye, Zeph."

"See you soon, Nalani," Zephyr replied, his eyes lingering on her as she walked away. He watched until she disappeared into the bustling crowd, a mix of emotions swirling inside him.

Nalani, now reunited with Lena, felt a wave of anticipation wash over her. They were about to embark on a journey not just to Paris, but towards new beginnings and endless possibilities. She glanced back one last time, catching a final glimpse of Zephyr, and then stepped forward, ready to embrace whatever awaited her in the City of Light.

****

FYI

Ever wondered why Nalani was rarely talked about or gossiped by her fellow students or anyone despite her mother being Malina Lennox, a famed artist?

Nalani was a shadow in the world of art, never known by the media and never introduced as Malina Lennox's daughter. When Malina married a businessman, an art enthusiast who had met her while collecting art pieces around the world, their union was celebrated, but the existence of their daughter remained a well-guarded secret. The public knew of Malina's marriage, but not of Nalani. Even after all these years, she was not recognized as Nalani Lennox; to the world, she was simply Nalani Katz.

Nalani maintained this low profile deliberately. She avoided any mention of her lineage, refusing to let anyone find out that she was the daughter of the celebrated Malina Lennox. She despised the spotlight, a sentiment rooted in witnessing her mother's own struggles with fame and the intense scrutiny that came with it. Nalani saw how her mother had suffered, and she was determined to avoid the same fate.

However, those few who knew the truth could easily see the connection. Nalani's raw talent and passionate approach to art were unmistakable, a clear inheritance from her mother. Her work, though not widely known, bore the same emotional depth and technical brilliance that had made Malina Lennox a prodigy. Despite her efforts to stay out of the limelight, her art told a story of legacy and profound inspiration, a quiet tribute to her mother's enduring influence.