Temporary Relief

Chapter 1: Birthdays

I've always hated birthdays. They're just a reminder that I'm getting closer to adulthood. Now for this birthday, I hate it the most. I'm in adulthood now, I'm turning 18. At least I'll be on a cruise for this one and with my closest friends, so I guess it isn't that bad? My mom got me this trip and I told her as long as no adults come along. If I'm not going to be in bed watching 10 things I hate about you while hysterically crying and eating candy then the least she can do is leave me alone with my friends.

I leave tomorrow morning to go pick up Isabella and head to the ship and I haven't even started to pack. I know I need to but I don't know. Cruises are usually filled with horny people looking for a fling and I honestly am not interested in the slightest. Isabella has been telling me to cheer up about it and that she'll make sure we'll have fun. I hope she's right.

I finally get the energy and motivation to get up and pack my bag. We're going for a week-long cruise to Mexico, Jamaica, and the Bahamas so it's not like I can pack light. I struggle to find the right outfits and eventually give up and FaceTime Bella.

"What do you want?" Isabella answers.

"First off rude, second off wanna help me with my clothes?" I beg.

"Fine, show me what you got," she gives in.

I grab a big baggy shirt and leggings. "How about this?" I ask.

"Who wears baggy shirts and leggings ON A CRUISE?!" she yells.

I roll my eyes.

"Grab some short shorts and a tank top."
I walked to my closet and grabbed blue shorts and a purple crop top.

"Is this any better?" I asked her.

"Mmm sure." she tells me. "Okay, I'm sure you know my expectation by now, so I'm going to go get my beauty sleep."

"What does that even mean?" I ask her

"If I'm going to get any guys I'm going to need to not look puffy. Goodnighttttt." she says as she hangs up.

I roll my eyes and get the rest of my stuff together. By the time I finish it's around 11:30pm and I have to wake up at 6. I get into bed and wonder what will happen on this trip. Will something bad happen like every birthday? Or will it be fun? I slowly drift away to the thoughts, somewhat hopeful yet full of fear.

*******

Isabella and I listened to our summer playlist that we made as we drove to the port. The port is only like 1 hour from Orlando so it's not too bad.

We got to the port and checked in with security and after the long 4 hours we were finally able to board the ship.

"You know this cruise line is known for partying, right?" Isabella tells me as we try to find our room.

"What is your point?" I ask, finally reaching our room.

"What I mean," Isabella says, opening our door. "Is that we are going to be clubbing. A Lot."

"Do we have to?" I plead.

"Yes, Lilith. I'm determined for you to finally enjoy your birthday. You're going to find a guy this week and you will talk to him." she demands.

"They wouldn't even be interested in me anyways."

"Why wouldn't they be Lily? You're blonde, blue-eyed, you're attractive, and you have big ass boobs."

"Shut up!" I yell at her, throwing myself on the bed. "Fine, I'll go to the club with you."

"Aw you act like you had a choice," Bella laughs. "Now get in your swimsuit, we're going to the pool."