One Wish

10

Jasmine stepped closer to the side of the boat and saw the speedboat approaching. Then she picked up the emergency lamp and waved.

Over here! She shouted.

Three men were on board a speedboat that was much larger than the one Jasmine used. She instructed the driver of the newly arrived speedboat to go back to the port and get fuel. She ordered the two to fix the overturned speedboat.

The wait to fetch fuel was not that long. And after refueling her boat Jasmine got on the steering wheel of the boat while the big speedboat pulled the damaged one.

Why do I have to come with you? Elijah asked Jasmine. Can I go straight to the port?

Jasmine turned to her. You said back there that you were starving. I'll feed you first. At least that's what I can repay for the damage to your boat.

She should have refused. That's the right thing to do. She did not know the woman. And especially she has other men with her.

Jasmine saw her hesitation. And she was glad that she wasn't so trusting after all.

We're going closer than if I invite you to eat in port. Besides, I doubt if there's a decent place to eat at the port... And I'm not a bad person, though I'll understand if you refuse my invitation. Jasmine added the last word.

Elijah looked out over the dark ocean. She did not know why she believed this stranger was not a bad person. I don't know of a restaurant that is in the middle of the sea. Why do we seem to be heading out to sea?

Do you see the shining light? Jasmine pointed to the cruising yacht that was only three hundred meters away from them.

That big ship?!

It's a sailboat... yes, a ship if you wish. But it's not that big, Jasmine corrected.

A ship is a ship, small or otherwise! she said. Is there a restaurant there?

Nothing. But there is food.

And that ship is yours?

Jasmine hated the excitement in her voice, as she pointed to the sailboat.

To my friend.

Oh my! Your friend must be very very rich! She exclaimed. And Elijah's eyesight was on the yacht so she didn't notice the sharpness of Jasmine's eyes.

This is George, he owns this yacht, Jasmine immediately introduced when they boarded the yacht before the man could speak.

Elijah smiled at the man and held out her hand. Hello, George. George was momentarily confused by the way Jasmine introduced himself. He immediately reaches for Elijah's hand.

It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am, George said gallantly, and instead of shaking hands he brought Elijah's hand to his mouth and kissed it.

Elijah smiled. Such old-world grace. I'm thrilled.

Jasmine's forehead furrowed slightly at what George did. When George was ready to speak, Jasmine immediately pulled him into the corner while Elijah looked around the whole ship.

Tell the cook to prepare us food, she said in a clipped voice.

Yes, boss. George was about to turn around but before he could take a step Jasmine whispered again. She doesn't know who I am. Play along. George was surprised but didn't say anything and walked towards the kitchen.

So this is what a big ship looks like! Elijah said excitedly.

It's only a sailboat and not that--

It is big, Elijah insisted while looking at Jasmine.