Black Rose

5.

DAY 10:

"Um...can we just go over one more time why we agreed to go hiking?" Tula questioned from the back seat of the car. "Why couldn't we invite him to dinner?"

"He invited us to go hiking," I answered annoyed. "I didn't want to be rude and decline the invitation."

Tula snorted, and out the rearview mirror I saw her roll her eyes. "Yeah, that's why you agreed to go," She said sarcastically.

"It's almost three. Where did he want to meet us?" Rayne asked.

I dug through my pocket and pulled out my phone, opening the text that Keahi sent me earlier today.

"He said to meet them by the Crater Rim Trail." I peered out the window. "I think that's a visitor's center up there. We can get a park map and some directions."

"Alright. Well, let's go."

We made our way into the visitor's center, escaping the rays of the hot sun. Rayne headed straight to the counter, while Tula and I lingered around the building, eyeing souvenirs and brochures. When Rayne called us over to her, she had the park map unfolded and followed a path on the brochure with her long index finger. "Here's Crater Rim Trail." She pointed, tapping the place on the map twice. "It's not far from here. The lady at the counter said to make sure we had plenty of food and water. Apparently, it's not an easy hike." Tula cut an icy glare at me, and all I could do was let a small moan escape.

* * *

"You made it!" Keahi enthused as he laid eyes on me. He gave a huge grin that spread across his face, making him appear very handsome.

I returned his smile, and motioned toward Tula and Rayne. "These are my friends. Rayne and Tula." They briefly introduced themselves. "This is Keahi. He's gonna show us a good time today. Right?"

"Right!" I love how enthusiastic he is. "You ladies go hiking a lot?" He asked.

"Absolutely not," Tula shot down. "So, how long is thing anyway?" Rayne nudged Tula hard in the side.

Her comment didn't seem to faze Keahi at all. "Here comes my uncle now." Keahi nodded at a heavy-weight man making his way toward us. He had a plain white tee on, with khaki pants and sandals. Is he really going hiking in sandals? "Everyone, this is my uncle Honi," He introduced.

"Aloha," Honi waved. Keahi looked much like his uncle, apart from the physique. Honi had long black hair though, tied back in a low bun. "You all ready?"

"We're very excited," Rayne replied, always so diplomatic.

"Well, let's get started," Honi gestured toward the trail.

"After you," Rayne insisted.

Honi was very nice, and knew a lot about the island. As we followed him along the trail, he informed us of island legends and histories. He was like our tour guide/story teller. If it hadn't been for him, I think the hike would have been a bit boring. Don't get me wrong. There were some really pretty sights, but they sort of paled in comparison to the bugs, the heat, and the persistent throbbing of my feet. I spent over a hundred dollars on these hiking boots, and my feet were still killing me. It took every amount of energy to not lag behind. I couldn't believe Honi's feet didn't hurt. He was wearing sandals, and yet he appeared to not be having the slightest bit of difficulty. Clearly, I was very out of shape.

"So...Honi...how much further?" Tula asked in between pants, fanning herself as if that would help. She was only fanning more hot air in her face.

"You're not tired already are you?" He looked over his shoulder with a smile, but continued onward, starting a story about some volcano deity.