One Wish

12

On the deck, Elijah meets Kiwi.

Come on, Kiwi, Papa is so worried! Elijah quickly climbed to the side of the yacht, and using the ladder rope hanging from the side of the yacht she descended to her boat. Kiwi climbed on deck and jumped into the water and swam towards the boat.

From there Elijah reached for the pet. I was carried away, Kiwi, I didn't notice the time. She said to the dog. Papa must have gone home on the ferry and probably worried.

From the railing of the lower deck, Jasmine spoke. Next time, make sure your boat has fuel before you sail.

Elijah turned and looked up. If I had gas, you wouldn't have hit my boat. By any chance, you're alone in the middle of the sea. She said lightly.

She was right again. Thank you. And look for another job.

Do you want me to replace the captain of your boss? She joked.

I'm offering you more than just a job. An adventure of a lifetime! How that came out of Jasmine's mouth, she didn't even know. And although shocked at what was said, she could not undo that. Besides, she doesn't want to withdraw.

Elijah remained staring, waiting for what she would say next.

Come sail with me, Hope. It was an impulse she knew she would regret later on. But she would surely regret it now if she didn't see her again. Earlier, when Elijah suddenly stood up and ran up to the deck to leave there seemed to be something suddenly missing.

All rational reasons were secondary, she wanted to see her again! And she didn't even know why. Just that this intriguing, if young siren, liked rich men or women... something she hated most.

Elijah couldn't speak for a moment. Just standing there and staring at the stranger just appeared in the sea, silhouetted against the light from inside the yacht. She could be a devil or an angel.

Come and wander through the world with me, Hope. Her voice went low and husky. And Elijah was tempted. Just like the devil when he tempted Eve in the garden of Eden.

I don't think I-

You're not married, are you?

Me? Married ?! Elijah shook her head in comfort. That's one thing I avoided like a plague. You?

She could not understand why she needed to feel relief at her answer. At the same time, she was wary. In her tone, it seems that marriage is a contagious disease that should be avoided.

After a moment of contemplation, she looked up at Jasmine again. How long? Her voice was tentative and just above a whisper, but it was dominated by the caress of the waves on her boat.

A week. And I'll take you to the ends of the earth.

Her eyes widened. A week! And she thought it was only all day. She suddenly felt regret. She bowed to Kiwi, stroking her head. She wanted to say yes! But she knew her father would not let him unless he left without saying goodbye. And that's what she can't do.

Suddenly Jasmine's last words came to mind. I'll take you to the ends of the earth... Where did she hear that?

Take a chaperone with you, Jasmine said with a look of hesitation on her face.

Elijah was shocked. She saw Jasmine's face reflected in the dim light.

I don't mean the dog... She teased. Anyone or two of your friends.

An adventure of a lifetime! Suddenly wanderlust consumed her. Suddenly she wanted to be free.

For once in her life, she wanted to be daring... to do the things she didn't dare do. Elijah could hear seductive whispers, telling her to abandon all caution and ride with her on the winds of forever.

And just as Eve was tempted, Elijah raised her face to the gorgeous devil above her. No hanky punky? she said, excitement running through her veins.

No hanky-panky. She could be wise or foolish and she could be the devil or an angel... slowly, she smiled. Jasmine inhaled softly. Moonlight became her.

I'll be here tomorrow... She started the motor. She waved at Jasmine as her boat pulled away. Despite the noise of the motor, she could still hear her scream.

I'll wait until midnight tomorrow, siren!

The sky was clear, and the surface of the sea was a liquid silver shimmering with light.

Elijah waved to her. She waved back. She thought she would never come and Elijah's consent last night was just a meaningless word. She couldn't contain the little excitement that ran through her. She didn't want to think of the stranger putting her hands in the pockets of her pants and making a silly wish.

But the more he tried not to think of Elijah, the more she thought of her. She couldn't remember the last time she was affected by a woman so strongly.

---

Jasmine circled the part of the yacht where Elijah's boat would dock.

Hi. Elijah looked up at her and gave a smile that shamed the sun.

Jasmine smiled back. She reached out to Aunt Mihara first.

I think I'm going to die, Eli! Aunt Mihara complained of her dizziness. What are we going to do here on the ship?

How are you? said Jasmine and held out her hand to Aunt Mihara. I'm Jasmine.

You devil, are you the mastermind of this?! the old woman said and didn't even pay attention to Jasmine's outstretched hand.

Jasmine frowned when she looked at Elijah who was still in the boat. Her full attention is focused on the vessel. Jasmine frowned at the wonderment on her face as she gazed at the ship.

Seasick? She asked Elijah in a slightly loud voice to get her attention.

Elijah then took her eyes off the yacht and nodded. I'm really worried about Aunt Mihara but she's the only one my father will allow me to take with me," she said and started to climb the rope ladder.

Jasmine reached out to her and supported her in the ascent. She then led Aunt Mihara to sit on the lounging chair.

Here you go. First, I'll get George some medicine for the dizziness. It's more effective than the one you're holding.

No! The old woman strongly refused. What if you give me sleeping pills and you harm my niece?

Elijah bit her lip. Expecting to see the irritation on Jasmine's face. But she was surprised to see her try to hide a smile. So you brought a one-man army, she whispered to her. And quickly added, You're late, siren...

It's not yet midnight.

What is she whispering to you, Elijah?!

Elijah's eyes rolled. Auntie, we're just talking.