Iris, Hana, and their families gathered around the large table where they had met earlier for the luau meal. There were many adults present, but Tutu was clearly in charge.
“The wedding is in three days,” she said. “That means we only have two days to finish everything.”
Worried looks spread across the table.
“If we work together, everything will get done. Here’s the plan…”
Tutu began by barking orders to Iris’s and Hana’s dads. “Men, you need to rent the guest chairs and set them up on the beach.”
Then she glanced at Iris’s and Hana’s moms. “You’re in charge of decorating the tables, chairs, and grounds.”
Next, she focused on Malia and Jay.
“You two meet with the judge, DJ, and jeweler to finalize everything.”
Then she took a deep breath. “I will cook the food. And if you all know what’s good for you, you’ll stay far away from my kitchen!”
Tutu had a special way of being funny even when she seemed angry. Everyone chuckled – except Iris. She was disappointed that she, Hana, and Leilani weren’t given jobs. Iris turned to Hana, but her friend wasn’t at the table. Instead, Hana was turning cartwheels on the grass.
Mrs. Lee noticed too. “Hana!” she said. “Get back over here.”
Hana stopped turning. “Why? Tutu didn’t give me a job.”
Tutu chimed back in. “You, Leilani, and Iris are in charge of making the leis. Tomorrow, I will take you to pick flowers in the local gardens.”
Iris’s heart skipped a beat. She couldn’t wait for tomorrow morning. She glanced at Hana, who rolled her eyes.
“Excuse me,” interrupted Iris’s mom. “I’m concerned. We have a lot to do in two days.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll get it all done,” Tutu assured everyone. “And if we run into problems, the Menehune will help us.”
Hana quickly perked up at the sound of this funny word.
“Many who who?” echoed Iris.
“It’s pronounced Meh-neh-hoo-neh,” corrected Tutu. “They’re happy little island creatures, kind of like leprechauns or elves. They help people finish big jobs. In fact, they built the entire Hawaiian Islands.”
“Mother!” Hana’s mom interrupted. “That’s a legend.”
Hana jumped in. “Menehune live in big trees. They only come out at night when everyone is asleep. No one has ever seen one.”
“Do you really think they’ll help us?” asked Iris.
“Of course!” exclaimed Tutu. “This wedding is as important as all the Hawaiian Islands combined!”
“Mother!” Hana’s mom shook her head with a slight smile.
Iris turned to Hana, who was now grinning widely.
“This is going to be fun!” Hana said.
Yes, it is! Iris thought.