Eyes on Iris

13. Bella's Sermon

IRIS



“Whoa!” Morgan screeched excitedly as she watched Thunder gallop energetically around the ring after his training exercises.

Iris found it entertaining to see her daughter this way. Sometimes, it puzzled her that a little girl like Morgan was more enthusiastic about watching the horses rather than playing with dolls like children her age. But deep inside, she knew that it was because of her influence and the environment she was in.

On the other hand, Iris was grateful that the little one was not asking her endless questions about how and why she ended up being a horse trainer.

She, too, was unsure of what to say.

Like mother, like daughter – rash and rugged.

She winced, recalling Hunter’s words.

Aware of her personal interest, Iris was unable to find the words to refute the man’s comment at that time. She was, indeed, not the girliest girl in town and Hunter knew her well enough to say those things.

However, Iris was certain about one thing: she loved what she was doing.

“He’s a really good horse!” Morgan exclaimed again, clapping her little hands happily, eyes not leaving Thunder.

Breaking into a contented grin, Iris wiped away the beads of sweat that formed on her forehead as she pulled the little girl away from the ring and led her back to their humble bungalow.

It was almost three in the afternoon. The sun was bright up in the sky, but the merciless chilly breeze continued to blow.

“A little longer, Mommy. Please!” Morgan begged.

It was winter and it would be a joke for a four-year-old to stay outdoors for a long period.

Snow was a rare thing in Walford but the drop in the temperature caused a lot of the townsfolk to get sick. She was confident with her daughter’s health, but she could not risk it.

After all, a child will always be susceptible to diseases, regardless of their high resistance.

“Come on, Morgan. Listen to me. You will end up catching a cold if you stay out here. It’s too cold. We need to get inside. The workers will bring Thunder back to the stables. Besides, don’t you want to help prepare for New Year’s?” Iris urged. She lowered her body so that their eyes locked as she arranged the plaid scarf around Morgan’s neck.

Biting her lips, Morgan buried half of her little face in her scarf when a gust of wind blew. She stole one last glance at Thunder before nodding, then piped, “Okay!”

Taking a 360-degree turn in her interest, Morgan skipped past her and made a beeline to their house. Unable to contain her amusement, Iris rose to her feet while chuckling, watching the retreating figure of her daughter.

She was content with what she had now.

Her life may not be perfect. But Morgan made every day fun and interesting.

It seemed like it was only yesterday when she was still pregnant. She hoped to have a son but after learning that her baby was a girl, she found herself tearing up with glee. She thought that a girl would be a lot more fun to raise. It was only until she held the ultrasound report in her hand that she realized this.

At that time, she thought her marriage was colorful. So, when her ex-husband and her ex-in-laws expressed their dissatisfaction about her pregnancy, Iris felt bitter.

In the middle of her pregnancy, Iris started to believe that she lacked what it takes to be a good wife for being unable to fulfill what was expected of her. Her ex-husband has treated her differently since then. Things spiraled like a storm and her marriage was now history.

Now that she thought about it, she felt that life is an irony.

Shaking her head, Iris took a deep breath. She hated thinking about the past. So, she was riddled with how she ended up thinking about those ugly things again.

Two years have passed. I must forget all those shitty experiences. It’s better to start the coming year with a light heart and a new purpose. Right. Forget about the past, Iris. You have a bright and lovely future ahead of you!

Grinning, she marched back to the bungalow with a renewed conviction, refusing to be defeated by her demons.

“Yuhoo!” Bella’s muffled voice resounded, snapping her back from her unpleasant thoughts.

From afar, Iris watched her best friend popping her head from the window of the familiar ancient yellow pickup truck. Frowning, she took up her pace, wondering why Bella had come.

Wasn’t she supposed to celebrate the holiday with her family?

Bella jumped out of the vehicle after pulling over to an empty spot in the garage. She was bundled in a black ensemble ㅡ puffer jacket, bonnet, thick scarf, leather gloves, and boots. In Iris’ eyes, she looked like a lady from a fashion magazine, sporting a trend for winter clothes.

Indeed, her best friend had the capital!

With Bella’s long slender legs and lovely curves, she was eye candy. Unfortunately, the woman seemed to have lost interest in dating and making use of her charms – burying herself with work and playing with Morgan.

“Yuhoo!” Iris called back, waving a hand.

“Yuhoo!” Morgan, who seemed to have a radar on her Auntie Bella, slipped a head out of the front door, beaming.

“Aren’t you looking too hot in this cold weather?” Iris commented, giving Bella a once-over.

“Do I really?” Bella asked, giggling before doing a little twirl, her cheeks red from the dry and cold air.

“Indeed, you are. But, woman, it’s a waste to flaunt it here. Morgan and I cannot appreciate it as much as the men lining up at your doorstep.”

“Oh, shut up Iris! I’m cold. Let’s go!”

At once, they went inside the protection of the house, slipping out of their winter gear and enjoying the warmth and cozy feeling of home. The flames in the fireplace crackled, adding a snuggly vibe to the place along with the hanging Christmas decorations.

“Why is it getting colder each passing year!” Bella purred as she rubbed her arms.

“Well, nobody told you to drive around in that old truck.”

Bella winced. Though coming from a wealthy family, she led a simple and ordinary life. She was not fond of showing off the things she could afford. However, to Iris, it was a stupid thing to drive a vehicle without proper heating in the middle of winter.

“Oh, come on! I already told you about this. I love that truck. My gramps gave it to me. I’ve been riding that since I was eight.”

Rolling her eyes, Iris settled on the couch, eyeing Morgan who was quietly doodling on her drawing book in the corner.

“Please, I did not say anything about abandoning it. I am merely pointing out that you should think about your welfare when driving. Imagine it breaking down in this cold weather. You’ll be a block of ice even before you can ask for help!”

Bella coughed and looked away, avoiding her best friend’s stares, and acquiesced. She knew she was just being overly stubborn. But she was already there, there’s no point stretching the discussion.

In a moment of silence, they gaped at the lovely fire until Morgan spoke, “Are you celebrating New Year’s with us, Auntie Bella?”

“Yes, honey. I’ll be staying over this week.”

Piqued with interest, Iris folded her arms on her chest and eyed the woman.

“Aren’t you scared of your brother dragging you back to your place? What about your family tradition of staying put on special occasions?”

Bella’s smile faltered as she harrumphed, looking annoyed.

“Screw tradition! Mom and Dad went on a vacation to Tsukoki without even telling us! Francis was clueless about it either. They had already packed their bags when they dropped the bomb last night.”

“And you didn’t tag along?”

“Hello? Are you even listening? Do you really have the heart to –“

“Mommy, they left Auntie Bella behind. Maybe they don’t want her. Let’s just keep her.”

Iris and Bella exchanged glances. The latter crumpled her face, and faked a sob, before running to scoop Morgan in her arms.

“My goddaughter is the best! Please, keep poor Auntie Bella company, okay?”

Morgan giggled and nodded profusely.

“You and your charade!”

Bella stroked the little girl’s cheeks and put her down. Then, they headed to the kitchen to start the preparations. There were only three of them, so, they did not have to make that much. However, having a few dishes of Morgan’s favorite was a custom.

“So, tell me, honey. Have you thought about your New Year’s resolution?” Bella inquired, pulling out the ingredients from the cupboard one after another.

“Resolution?” Morgan asked confusingly, tilting her head as if it would help her understand.

“It’s a plan of action to make yourself better, darling,” Iris sputtered, explaining abruptly.

“Oh! Yes, I do. Starting tomorrow, I will write in my diary daily. Mrs Callaghan said it is nice practice to have one. She also said it will be fun to read it when I get older!”

Iris arched a brow. Mrs Callaghan was Morgan’s teacher in daycare. She did not think that four-year-olds would have the tenacity to keep a daily log. However, she, too, thought it would be a good habit.

“That’s great! I hope you persevere in the promise you made to yourself, darling.”

Morgan beamed. “I will!”

As they busied themselves in the kitchen, Morgan would help out by throwing away the unneeded stuff from time to time as she munched on the unused cheese. The atmosphere was harmonious as the little girl stayed attentive to the side without disturbing the adults with their chores.

“How was Hunter?” Bella suddenly asked.

Iris was taken aback. She was carefully arranging the lasagna in a crystal container and was completely immersed in it.

She shrugged. “I don’t know. But I do hope he’s okay.”

“You didn’t call him?”

Iris paused, feeling a little suspicious.

“Just tell me if you have a crush on him. I’ll gladly be your wingman.”

Bella scowled. She had no interest in her best friend’s childhood friend. Moreover, she was astute enough to know that Hunter wouldn’t spare her a glance if not for Iris. Besides, he, too, was not her type.

How did this friend of hers end up with such a notion?

“Shut it. He’s not my type. Stop imagining things.”

“So, why’d you ask?”

Bella shrugged passively.

On the other hand, Iris recalled Hunter telling her that they should catch up. Calling the man had indeed crossed her mind. But she was unsure if she should. A lot of time has passed, and they weren’t as close as they were back in the day.

“I don’t know. I just thought you’d be thoughtful enough to check on him.”

“And say what?”

“I did not know you were such a cold friend. You should try to ask him to hang out. He had just come back to town and hadn’t been in contact with his old friends and acquaintances.”

“That… would be awkward, Isabella.”

“What? What’s so wrong about that? You said it yourself; you’ve been friends since you were kids! If there’s anyone who could easily and shamelessly check on him, that would be you!”

Iris sighed, feeling conflicted.

“A lot of things have changed.”

Bella rolled her eyes and frowned. The exasperated expression on her face told the former that she wasn’t kidding.

“Iris, listen to me. His father passed away. He was living elsewhere for three whole years. New Year is in a few hours. As his childhood friend, it’s normal for you to check how he’s coping. People tend to feel lonelier when there are celebrations like this. Plus, I heard that the Kingston residence isn’t as lively as it used to be during the holidays. The banquet isn’t happening this year. No matter how composed and strong a person is, one will certainly feel that void when he is alone.”

Iris gulped, silenced by her best friend’s tirade. These were all the things she already knew. But something was pulling her back and she could not pinpoint what it was.

“It was nice seeing him again. It really was.”

“And?”

“Technically speaking, we are just old friends. I don’t know him that much now and vice versa. Besides, he is still mourning. It would be rude to ask him how he is. It’s just common sense.”

Tamping her frustration, Bella slapped her forehead. With her free hand, she grabbed the ladle that was resting on a crystal bowl as she placed fillings for the lasagna.

“That is exactly why you should call him up and invite him to hang out. Sad people need someone they can talk to. Even though you two have grown apart over these years, at least you have a mutual ground – your childhood.”

Iris kept mum, giving Bella the chance to express her mind.

“You can talk about the memories you shared.”

“That would only remind him of his father,” Iris murmured.

Old Mr Kingston had a special place in her heart. Even she, herself, would feel sad whenever she recalled memories with her godfather. How much more of Hunter?

Bella shrugged.

“I don’t know about you, but I think dead people want to be remembered. It would be sad if the living just burry their memories of them, you know.”

Iris paused in silence, blinking a few times as she stared at her best friend speaking of something noteworthy for the first time in a long time. For a moment there, she thought she was talking to her old Aunt Olivia, who always liked to lecture her about life.

Ahh, Aunt Olivia. I should give her a call.

Aunt Olivia was her father’s second cousin. She was a distant relative who remained in contact with Iris after both her parents passed away. The old maid had given her support and encouragement when she was going through a divorce.

“I never talked about forgetting people. His dad had just died. Wouldn’t it be painful if Hunter were reminded of him? Don’t you think it would only make him miss his father more?”

Bella rolled her eyes.

“Missing dead people is normal. The thing is, we both know that he’s not okay. Nobody would be okay after the passing of their one and only relative. So, it’s your duty as his friend to be there for him; be a shoulder to cry on; a listening ear; a pillar of support!”

Iris bit her tongue. Bella was right at every angle. And deep inside, she, too, wanted to do all those things.

Solitude was great but when one is feeling lonely, it sucked.

As a friend, she had known Hunter to be inexpressive and quiet, but she also knew that company was the best way to comfort someone.

Right. I should let him know that he’s not alone.

“Gosh, I hate it when you’re right,” Iris hissed, shaking her head and letting a smile escape her lips.

“Duh. Go get the damned phone and invite him for dinner or something. It would be nice to have someone new around when the clock strikes twelve for New Year, you know.”

Bella wiggled her brows meaningfully.

“Don’t even think about it,” Iris warned, having guess what her best friend was trying to do.

“What?”

“Forget about whatever you’re planning. Not happening.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s impossible.”