The Lost Land Of Aquyas

The Perks of Owning a Nokia

Brooklyn lies in the bottom bunk of cabin 42. She feels it's safer there, as opposed to the top bed, considering the constant tossing and turning that takes place on a nightly basis. Carefully placed in each of the rooms, there lies a circular window, just the right height and positioning. She loved the feeling of being surrounded by the ocean. It was just a blink away, here in her chamber, and she could gaze out at the waves in an instant. The moon seems to hover over its mirror image. The ripples, painting a luminous picture on the water. The surface, it's canvas.

An earphone sits loosely, protruding from a wire, plugged into a classic Nokia. It's not much of a phone, more like a brick per say, but it's something. Music plays softly into her ears. A mournful melody. Her spirits lower, along with her energy. Breifly glancing at the time, Brooklyn becomes aware of her fatigue.

1:43 pm

The light of her phone bounces onto her skin, she had toned down the intensity of the brightness, but her eyes remained in a constant squint.

I miss you so much Brook, don't get into any trouble. I'll be waiting right here for you when you get back.

The words linger on the screen, a not so friendly reminder of the emptiness she already felt, at just two days away from Cyrus. She had been staring blankly at that simple little message for atleast three minutes, trying to think up a reply, but losing track along the way and wondering, what would she be doing right now, had she still been in his company? She wondered how long she would be absent from the love of her life, and, as unbeleivable as it may sound, Brooklyn was starting to question wether what she was about to encounter, had been a logical decision. Doubt had seeped into her once fearless mindset.

But then there was Ali. And that first night in the lobby.

It was none other than Ali, who would be joining her and the explorers crew, on a boat to the Bermuda triangle, and yet no where in particular. The pair had no control over the exitement in which they had felt at the bar.

His eyes had lit up like a candle on christmas eve.

Her stomach had been filled with a fluttering sensation.

"No way!", Ali had exclaimed. Brooklyn had managed a minute nod of her head before breaking into a grin.

A dimple formed on his cheek, just one. Adorable. He continued, what was usually a mellow voice had broken a little with exitement "I don't think you'll beleive this, but uhh, that's exactly where im heading. I thought i might sound like a bit of a freak if i told you. Oh man, are you hitching with MEAD?"

He had awaited her answer so longingly. It seemed utterly surreal. Brooklyn was beyond perfection, it was unworldly, he couldn't fault her charm.

She thought of cabin 104. On the floor above her. Just a quick trip up the stairwell. But Ali would be asleep, surely? He was wonderful company, had a somewhat warm presence. Of course she couldn't tell Cyrus about the boy, he would freak. Go into a frenzy. Probably pack his bags and head out right there into the Atlantic if he knew his girlfriend was in fellowship of possible competition. And for who knows how long?

I promise i won't. Love you xo.

Tired, that was all she could muster before locking the screen, flinging her phone atop the bedside table and turning over on her pillow. One earbud slips carelessly onto the linoleum with the other. She falls asleep within minutes. The ferry gently bobbing, swaying, silent.

The message remains unsent on the table. The battery slowly drains as music plays, unaware. That's sort of where things start to get complicated.

~~~

Cyrus lifts a large hand to his teeth and nibbles on a fingernail. His pupils dilated, he stares at the blank inbox. This is weird. It had been almost two hours and no reply.

"Shit"

He pats his pillow to get comfortable. Two robust arms tuck underneath his neck. He would wait all night if that's what it took. He must know of her safety, nothing would happen to her, not in this lifetime.