Perfectly Imperfect || C. Diggory

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲-𝐓𝐰𝐨 || 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐮𝐧

I climbed out of the yellow and black taxi cab that drove Cedric, Steve, Jenn, Olivia, and I to the marina. Cedric took my hands, pulling my body close to his, and pressed a quick kiss to my lips, before we strode off towards the day cruise we had planned.

I inhaled a deep breath, smelling the air and taking in the feeling. It felt like a dream to be here with my boyfriend and best friends alone. Cedric and I, hand in hand, friends by our sides, we headed down the sidewalk to the marina.

The streets in Mexico were happy and alive, as were the people. Bright buildings, surf shops, and restaurants bordered around the city, lining a colourful pattern against the water. The buskers and performers scattered along the roads added another component of exhilaration.

The blazing sun seeped into my skin, kissing it with a perfect heat. Not a cloud in the sky, not a wave in the sparkling ocean, the day was bound to be perfect. Sounds of people talking, and gathering around the Caribbean Cruise boat, tickled my insides with an exciting feeling.

My sandals clicked against the concrete path down to the dock. I adjusted my tote bag on my shoulder, and pushed my sunglasses up onto the top of my head, acting as a headband. The skirt of my light dress blew softly in the refreshing breeze.

Cedric, Steve, Jenn, Olivia and I headed down the wooden dock to the large boat we'd be boarding. It looked exactly like the picture on the brochure; a pirate ship, one might call it. Gigantic and wooden, three white sails, obviously fake cannons on the sides, and a steering wheel, right and starboard of the ship.

It looked almost magical. The man at the entrance to the boat was dressed as a pirate, adding to the feverish feeling. I pulled out some money to pay for the tickets up front, but there was so many people I was worried that there wouldn't be any room left.

Luckily, when we reached the greeter, or welcoming pirate, I should say, there was just enough space for the five of us.

We boarded the ship and I glanced around the area. The main mast, at the center of the deck, was covered in ropes, chains, rigging, and cables that fell from the crow's nest at the top. Up the left and right staircases was the quarter deck, which had microphones and equipment hooked up to a sound system, and a couple of crew members (who were also dressed like pirates) getting prepared for the performance that would be held in the evening.

There were six wooden benches, three on each side of the deck, where people were gathering and talking among themselves. Others were leaning on the walls of the ship, admiring the blue ocean and beautiful scenery around it.

"Y/n, this place looks so cool." Steve said to me with a grin. Clearly, he liked the pirate theme.

"Look, that door leads to the crew's quarters. Do you guys wanna check it out? I think that's where we're going to have our meals." I said to the group.

"Oh, I'd love to look around down there! Lead the way, captain." Jenn exclaimed, saluting. I chuckled, and walked towards the door between the steps to the quarter deck. Before I could open it myself, it extended towards me, giving me a startle.

Out stepped a boy with chocolate coloured hair, hanging in front of his face. He brushed the fringe away from his forehead, and I noticed his bright green eyes.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't see you there." His deep, American voice explained. He held the door open and moved out of the way, making room for us to climb down. He eyed the lot of us, and his mouth twitched when he made eye contact with Olivia.

"It's alright." I smiled, stepping onto the steep staircase that led to the lower level. I turned around briefly, and watched as the boy said something quietly to Olivia. She blushed, and looked at me.