While sitting on the benches outside Heraklion International Airport, I kept an eye on the passing traffic, trying to identify the car that belonged to the travel agency. I put on my headphones. As the song "Evergreen" echoed through my world, I saw a large white vehicle. It parked by the curb. He looked around, then took out his phone and sent a message. While I was trying to figure out who this man was, a notification popped up on my phone. It was from the travel agency group. Georgios, the driver, had written, "I'm waiting at the exit of Heraklion Airport with a white vehicle." I looked at the message again, then shifted my gaze to the white car in front of me. This was definitely it. I took off my headphones and waved at Georgios with a cheerful smile.
"Georgios! I'm Derya."
He saw me, came over, and took the suitcases I was struggling to carry. He chatted with me while loading my bags into the vehicle. Meanwhile, the other passengers were starting to arrive one by one. First, I met Anastasia; she was a middle-aged, elegant woman with a smiling face. The second passenger was Brendan, a man dressed like a detective. To be honest, he was a bit strange, but we weren't surprised when we heard he was a retired detective. The third passenger, Alex, was someone around my age with slightly broad shoulders and a sweet personality. Then, a group of three girls joined us. Two of them were Turkish, Kiraz and Sude; their other friend, Emilia, was British. After a short chat with them, everyone headed toward the vehicle. I was so happy to see them; they seemed like-minded and friendly.
Throughout the journey, I watched the city through the window, caught between the rhythm of the wind and the mix of anxiety and excitement that comes from being in a foreign place. After a while, I saw a red open-top sports car. It was so cool. A man, who looked like a Greek statue, was driving with one hand while talking on the phone with the other. Ah, who would want to put such a car in danger by driving with one hand? Just then, we stopped at a red light. The man hung up and started looking around. I was staring, mesmerized by the beauty of the red car. The Greek man looked toward me and smiled. I was stunned did he think I was looking at him? Oh my God, I wasn't looking at him! Frustrated with myself, I quickly turned my gaze forward. What was I supposed to do? Would it be too ridiculous if I shouted, "I wasn't looking at you!"? Yes, it would be. I couldn't silence my thoughts while trying to stay calm. I caught a glimpse of him out of the corner of my eye. He was smirking at me. "Seriously! I hope this is a joke." the light turned green. He winked at me and sped away, his sports car tearing across the asphalt.
Yes, it was a total fiasco. I was still blushing with embarrassment and getting angry at myself. Anyway, the shame didn't last too long because my mother called. My guardian angel.
"Hello, Mom."
"What are you doing, my daughter?"
"Mom, I'm so glad you called, I needed you."
"Why? Did something happen?"
I told my mother everything. She laughed and told me not to worry about it, saying I just looked like a normal tourist. We ended our call shortly after. I knew my mother would tease me about this later, but I really needed her kind words at that moment.
(3 HOURS LATER…)
"Welcome to Elafonissi. Since it's evening, we'll be staying at our hotel tonight. We will continue our tour from where we left off tomorrow," he said, helping the passengers get out. I opened my eyes to the sound of his voice. One by one, the passengers were disembarking. Alex approached me. I squinted my eyes, trying to understand what was happening.
"Are you okay?"
"Oh... yes. Why is everyone outside?"
"Didn't you hear? We're at Elafonissi."
I sat up excitedly. Was I really at Elafonissi? I looked through the window. Yes, we had finally arrived. All the passengers were gathering their suitcases.
"Are we going to the hotel?"
"Yes..."
"No way!"
"What's wrong, Derya?"
I had waited three hours for this trip, and now I was just going to a hotel? No way. I go out of the vehicle. Alex followed me, looking worried about what I was doing. I approached Georgios.
"Hi, Derya."
"Can I ask a question?"
"Of course."
With a determined tone, I asked, "What time does Elafonissi beach close?"
"I'm not entirely sure, maybe in half an hour."
"Okay, thanks!"
I turned around and started running toward the beach. Georgios and Alex looked at each other in total confusion, unable to understand what was happening. As for me, I kept running with a heart full of hope and joy.
"HEY, Derya! Where are you going?"
I couldn't answer. My entire focus was on Elafonissi beach. Worried about me, Georgios told Alex he should follow me. So, Alex started running after me too. Elafonissi was right in front of me. The view was breathtaking. The darkness of the sky reflecting on the waves of the sea was magnificent. Out of breath, I approached the beach attendant and asked for permission to enter.
"I'm sorry, miss. It's late. We're closing the beach soon."
"Doesn't this beach close in half an hour?"
"Yes, but..."
"Please, could you let me in? I've travelled a long way and I've been waiting for three hours just to see this. It would mean so much to me."
After seeing my persistent gazes, the attendant gave up resisting.
"Very well, but you only have thirty minutes. Please, ensure that you leave the beach within half an hour.
"Thank you so much, I'm truly grateful!"
Finally, I made my way toward the shore. I took a deep breath. "HELL YES!" Just then, I heard Alex's voice; he had followed me the whole way. He was as breathless as I was. I turned around. He was begging the attendant to let him in. I walked over and told the man that Alex was my friend. The attendant had no choice but to let him through. Alex approached me, panting.
"What are you doing here, Derya? We should be at the hotel."
"I know, but look at the view. It looks beautiful."
He smiled. "You're so interesting, Derya." My lips curved into a faint smile. I started running toward the sand.
"Alex! Come on, hurry up, we only have half an hour!"
"OKAY, I'M COMING!"
I tossed my bag and my shoes aside. I kept running toward the water. As the waves hit my feet, I slowed down. I kept walking. Alex took off his shirt and started swimming in the deeper water. I looked at him and laughed.
"Aren't you cold?"
"No!"
We both started swimming in the deep water, I let myself drift with the current. After a while, I noticed someone approaching us from straight ahead on a jet ski. Who would be on a jet ski minutes before the beach closes? I wondered as it kept speeding up.
"Owww..."
Alex grabbed me by the waist and pulled me toward him. The jet ski stopped right in front of us. My eyes were dazzled. I looked at the guy on the jet ski. He was looking at us with broad shoulders, wet hair combed back, and a stupid smirk. I couldn't quite tell who he was at first. I squinted and looked closely. It was that punk from the red car!
"No way, you!?"