Tales of a Hawaiian Getaway

Engima: A Mystery resolved

After waiting in the luggage area for several minutes for their baggage to be wheeled in on the conveyor belt, Ilene Carlson, her daughters and their two friends were relieved that they could now relax in the waiting area.

Becoming jet lagged for five and a half hours straight wasn't easy to cope, especially after experiencing several turbulences. Since they didn't want to use the airplane's lavatory either, the women each took turns going to the restroom in a hurry, since someone had to look after their belongings for security.
_ _ _ _

In Lucinda's mind, the mysterious man she met on the plane set her heart on fire. The stranger's eyes held an enigmatic gaze, leaving her to wonder what secrets he held.

Who exactly was Ian Aukai?

Her face turned pale. It appeared that Ian showed up for a certain reason, but she couldn't figure out how. Lucinda tried to figure out if he was just a figure of her imagination. But how could that be since Iris saw him too?

Staring at her friend oddly, Antonia gained interest in digging into Lucinda's juicy gossip.

"Luci, what's bothering you? You look like you've seen a ghost."

There was no reply as if the girl in deep thought was in a trance.

Lucinda's mind drifted back to that fateful day when Vince told her that he didn't want her anymore. What if she'd made a different choice? Would things have turned out differently? she wondered, her thoughts consumed by regret.

Yet, her conscience told her to move on. Her friends took her to Hawaii to get over him.

Lucinda jumped as she felt a tap on her shoulder. All this time, she didn't even realize that Antonia was sitting right next to her, waiting for a response.

This embarrassed her as she didn't want to share her inner thoughts. Underneath Lucinda's disapproving glare, she decided to keep quiet.

The two were indeed friends, but Lucinda found Iris to be her confidant. Antonia was more like a rumor mill built in one.

I've got to focus," she reminded herself, pushing aside any distractions.

Shaking her head sideways, Lucinda came back to reality.

"Hi Toni! Didn't realize you were there. Sorry, I wasn't paying attention. What were you asking me earlier?

Antonia smirked, she could take a hint if Luci was playing games with her. She knew something was bothering her friend, but if she did not want to share her thoughts, then so be it. She believed Lucinda was still mad at her as well for blabbing out her secrets.

"I just wanted ... I just wanted to know if you are okay. You looked pale for a second, do you want me to get you something to eat?"

Hoping that she didn't disappoint her friend, Lucinda patted Antonia's knee to assure that they were on good terms.

"No, I'm good. Thanks for your concern, Toni. I'm just tired. That's all."

Antonia nodded and left her friend as she was satisfied with that comment.

A curvy woman who had similar facial features to Mrs.Carlson tapped her back, and as soon as Ilene turned around, they both hugged each other as if the sisters hadn't seen each other for decades. Although the lady was rather plump on the side, she was still beautiful. As they hugged, both Iris and Heather ran to greet their Aunt Lelani.

"Auntie, I want you to meet my two good friends, Lucinda and Antonia!"

The dark-haired woman in glasses took out two colorful leis to greet the two girls to the foreign land. With a grin, she placed both of the garments around the girls' necks.

"Aloha! And welcome to my homeland of Hawaii!"

Both Lucinda and Antonia returned the greeting.

Although Iris couldn't hold it anymore as she blurted to her Aunt that they were invited to a luau this weekend.

"Iris! Couldn't you wait to tell that to your Aunt when we got to her home? Mrs Carlson quietly scolded her as they were walking on the autowalk contraptions.

"That's alright Ilene. I'm just surprised at how you heard about the weekend event. I'm the one sponsoring it. It will be held in the neighborhood park near where I live." Aunt Lelani responded.

Bewildered, both Lucinda and Iris looked at each other.

"A man by the name of Ian Aukai invited us. Do you happen to know him?" Iris asked her Aunt.

Lelani put her fore finger on her cheek as if she was deep in thought.

"Now, let me see Aukai, I believe I've heard that name before?
I'm afraid I don't know him. Maybe one of my friends back home knows him.

As the women drove off in their van, a statue of a Hawaiian male warrior stood in front of the Airport. With strong arms and a buff body, he held a mighty sword and shield. Underneath the statue was the inscription:

Ian Aukai, a legendary Hawaiin Warrior who fell for the goddess, Pele.

----

Once the two best friends were seated in the back of the vehicle, they made sure to tone their voices down.

"So, Lucinda, do you feel better now? Ian really liked you. Maybe we can meet him again."

"Iris, you gotta be kidding! Sure, Mr. Muscle Man has abs and cute dimples. But he isn't my type!

Iris chuckled. "So, you have noticed."

"That's not the point! Look at your boyfriend back home. Adrian has the same features, but I ask "is he nice to you?"

Lucinda knew that she must have offended her friend, but she needed to make a last minute connection to her point of view and that's what came out of her mouth.

"He's an older man! Besides Iris, don't you know the curse of Pele. He's Hawaiin and I am not. He should stay here."

"Hogwash! That's only a myth!"

Iris raised her voice causing the other women to turn around.

"Shh!" Lucida put her finger across her lips.

"We're sorry to make so much commotion"

Iris faced her friend in disgust.

"Luci, I'll never understand you. Here I'm trying to play matchmaker and you threw it all away. Well, there are many more "fish in the sea" you just need to catch the next one.

"I appreciate what you and Antonia did for me. But I'm not a flirt and please don't play matchmaker for me. If I want to date again, I'll do it myself." replied Lucinda.

- - - -

Back where the statue stood, a small stone below the eyebrow winked!