Defenceless

34. You Just Did What?

There are always two types of people who did not sleep through the night: the one that cannot possibly handle their soul, and the one who keeps going as if nothing has happened; the last one probably has more caffeine than water in their body.

A fresh breeze from the Pacific Ocean welcomed our group to the restaurant terrace. We have Helga, whom had 5 hours of sleep and was determined to add some more once the cruise had sailed; we have Jack who was running with no sleep and had just started to experience the effects of the alcohol from last night; we also have Tommy, fresh as a lettuce after eight rounds of drinks and finally we have Fabrizio, who urgently needed to learn how to say no.

This particular time, Helga had been the only one who cared enough to change into at least a pair of jeans and a top, the other three didn't even return to their rooms. Upon arriving at the table, Tommy opened up his laptop and asked the waiter for the wifi password, earning moans from the rest of the group.

"Tommy it's the New Year" Jack scolded

"Ah well mate, I wanna see how my tradings are doing before we sail. The NASDAQ just closed and I am determined to win the competition"

"Please don't tell me you're competing on who has the most money"

"Relax, it's fake. I'll have a breakfast roll and a latte please"

The lovely Italian had already fallen asleep at the table with his head well hidden in his arms, protecting him from the sunlight. His best friend pulled up his chair and patted his shoulder so he could look at the menu.

"Brizio wake up"

"I'm having scrambled eggs with hash brown and orange juice please" Helga was the next one to order; it was their last day in Australia, before sunset they would be on their way to Kota Kinabalu. The Titanic II would finally resume its journey around the world, providing all guests the experience of being in the real Titanic along with the best comforts and the highest technology. The young ones just wished that tech included good phone service and wifi.

"Brizio... I'll have just a black coffee, thank you"

"Huh? Yeah... waffles"

"And bring him an ibuprofen with a glass of water, thank you"

The waiter nodded with a smile and promised he'll be right back with the drinks and the pill. They reminded him of his youngster days, not many of us have the chance to welcome the New Year with our best friends on a trip.

"Maybe we shouldn't have done that last round this morning" Jack said, judging by the hangover of the youngest of the group.

"Maybe we shouldn't have done any of them" The mentioned one complained.

"I can't believe we're finally going to Japan!"

"We'll be in Malaysia first Helga, and then we get to go to Japan"

As the talking continued, Jack allowed himself to get lost contemplating the water. What a year it had been. He took a moment to close his eyes and breath, taking in the sound of the ocean, the birds, the trees, the cutlery... At sea, everything moved faster, but slower.

The sudden change of working when he wanted to and how he wanted to, to going to class almost everyday and turn in assignments, and then going to the kid's club all afternoon... it had been exhausting. But everything about traveling and seeing new places was worth it. And meeting these people, was definitely worth it; they made Jack's days count, he wished he could live in this moment forever.

"Jaaack... is there something you wanna share with us?"

Helga did enjoy gossip... well, don't we all?