Wolf under an oak tree.

Iris Hendrix

I have traveled around the globe, but the only place that I find solace is in Akaroa, New Zealand. A small town, that is rich in French lineage and harmonious people, that will make you want to stay there forever. But, the main reason that I go to Akaroa is to visit my best friend and my dearest brother, who is residing there with their daughter, Beatrice, my niece. And, how I yearn every day for a life like hers, but I know daydreaming is a foolish act, that can only make my heart hurt more because after three failed attempts at finding love, I have lost all hope of finding the love of my life, but I am not going to cry over it because in these three months, that I am going to spend here in Akaroa, I will make sure that this is the best trip in my entire life.

“In 900m, your destination will be on the right.” the automated voice on my phone said, and so I pushed away all the negative thoughts to the back of my mind and concentrated on the road ahead, which was filled with historical buildings and street vendors trying to sell their produce.

“Ada is calling.” the automated voice said again, so I reached for my phone and answered the call while keeping one eye on the road.

“Good morning Ada, what made you call me at this time?” I asked her, and I heard a few shuffling in the background before I heard the melodious voice of my best friend.

“I just called to ask you, when are you coming to visit this poor soul? I mean, it's been more than a year since you last came here, and when I called mom, she said that you are in Egypt trying to dig out another mummy.” Ada replied with an irritated tone.

“I am so sorry, Ada, but I promise, that I will come to New Zealand to celebrate the new year with you guys.” I consoled her, and I made a mental note to call my mum and thank her for keeping my visit a secret.

“You better be here, or else I will come to Egypt and dump you into my suitcase and bring you back here myself.” Ada threatened, and I let out a nervous chuckle while I heard a deep laugh in the background.

“You better be here, Iris.” I heard Cole warn.

“Oh, when did you start missing your little sister so much?” I asserted, and I heard a throaty laugh again.

“I don't miss you, but at the same time, I can't bear my wife’s rants either. So you better come here. And stay safe, alright? Make sure you don't end up inside a tomb.” Cole said, and I nodded my head even though I know that he will not be able to see me.

“Alright guys, I will talk to you later since I have a lot of mummies to dig,” I said.

“Okay Iris, take care, and don't forget about my warning,” Ada said.

“I will, goodbye and tell that Auntie Iris said, “I love you.” to Beatrice.” and then the line went dead. Once the last of the shops were out of my vision, I was surrounded by a vast expanse of trees with houses every few meters away, giving a sense of tranquility. And if one day, I get married, I would like to start a family here, because of all the architectural buildings taking you back to the past. And I know that there are many other places in the world like that, but I don't know why, but I have a strange connection to this place, whenever I come here I feel like an invisible thread snaps back together, but even till this date I still haven't figured out what that strange feeling is.

I was completely distracted in my own world that I did not notice a black SUV making a turn, and by the time I pressed the brake pedal, I was too late.

Well, looks like today isn't my lucky day.

I quickly got out of my car and rushed to the front to see that I have caused a huge dent on the driver-side door of the SUV, and not even my year's salary is going to help me cover up this mess. “What the hell, woman? Do you have a death wish or what?” the driver of the SUV asked me, and if I would have met him in some other circumstance, I would have swooned over his beauty. Standing at an approximate six foot two inches, with bright blue eyes, and a handsome face, no woman will be able to resist him, but I know that looks can be deceiving.

“Hi, nice to meet you too. My name is Iris Hendrix, and what was your name again?” I asked trying my best to distract him with my sweet voice.

Great job, Iris, just play it cool so that this guy doesn't charge you.

“Did you knock your head? You caused a huge dent in my car, and now you are trying to play dumb? Do you know how much I loved this car?” for every question that he asked me, he took a huge step towards me, and within no time he was standing in front of me, and at this moment, I can hear my elevated heartbeat, and my hands started to sweat.

Well Iris, looks like you have pretty much dug your grave.

“I...uh...I am very sorry, but I will pay for the expense?” I stammered and what made me want to collapse, is the color of his eyes, it was no longer blue now, but completely black.

Well, I am going color blind, or was his eyes black from the beginning?

“I am sorry, I didn't mean to do it,” I whispered, and unknowingly a tear slipped from my eyes which made him back off.

“Shit!” was the only word that came out of his mouth, and for the next couple of minutes, none of us spoke.

“Look, I know this car must be dear to you, and I am extremely sorry for what happened. I will pay for the repair.” I said, and I can see his muscles tense before he turned around and shook his head.

“It's alright. I will take care of the car, and I am sorry for acting that way with you.” He apologized, and I can see that he genuinely meant it.

“Apology accepted,” I said with a smile on my face, even though I am still shaken from the inside.

“Thank you. So how about I buy you a drink, and let's start afresh?”

“That sounds great, but I am sorry, I will pass,” I replied. Even though he sounded remorseful, I don't want to start a friendship with a guy who has anger issues and most importantly whose eye color changes. Because now his eyes have changed back to the vibrant blue that I saw.

“Oh, and by the way, I am Walter,” he said, and I nodded my head with a smile.

“Okay, guess you are still afraid of me, and I understand. Anyway, let's meet up later.”

“Sure,” I replied with a smile and hoped that I won't see him again. And then he extended his hand for a handshake, and after debating, I placed my hand on his. The moment our skin came in contact, I felt the familiar bolt of electricity zap through my body, my mind became completely blank for a few seconds, before I saw Walter standing in front of a restaurant with a woman. It looked like they were arguing before he got slapped, and she walked away. As soon the vision came, it ended, and I abruptly took my hand away from his.

“What just happened?” Walter asked me with confusion written in his eyes, and I know he must be thinking what a freak I am, my eyes unknowingly brimmed with tears, and before he could speak again, I quickly ran away from him and got into my car before speeding away from there.

Calm down Iris, you are special. You are not a freak like people tell. Your parents love you for who you are, your brother loves you, Ada loves you. No one else matters.

I kept chanting those lines, but I know, that it is not going to work.