To Love Thy Enemy (An Arranged Marriage Series Book One)

Part Thirty Three

We got a call from my mother telling us that there was a dinner tonight at the house and to be there at seven. Frankie and I arrived early, which might I say surprised my mother. Marie, the housekeeper, led us to the den where my father was reading the newspaper at.

“Hi dad, how are you?”

“Oh I am fine sweetie. I am glad you could make it.”

“Well mom made it sound like it was mandatory to be here.”

“Yes, she would do that,” he said laughing.

We sat down and started talking about school, the wedding, and the upcoming holidays.

“Oh by the way, your mother and I have something for you.”

“Oh okay.”

“Think of it as an early Christmas present.”

We just nodded our heads. I was wondering what it was. I was kind of excited but trying not to show it.

“Well for your winter break, you both are going on a cruise.”

My jaw dropped. A cruise. Were they serious?

“You’re kidding right?”

My father shook his head.

"You will be leaving in a couple weeks, just so you know."

Later that night as we were driving home, I brought up the cruise.

“Can you believe that we are going on a cruise for new years? I have never been on a cruise before.”

“I haven’t either. This is going to be fun. Everyone will be jealous when they hear about it.”

I just nodded in agreement. My thoughts were on the cruise right now and maybe I research cruises.

*3 weeks later*

I was packing a suitcase and trying to clean the house up when my mother called.

“Hey mom, what’s up?”

“Hi sweetie, I was just checking to see if you were coming over here or if we were going to pick you up on the way to the dock.”

“Well it may just be easier for you to swing by and get us. What time should we be ready?”

“Well the ship leaves the dock at nine so be ready by 8:15.”

“Okay mom, see you then.”

I hung up the phone and started packing again. Frankie walked into the room and laid his suitcase on the floor.

“We have to be ready by 8:15. My parents will pick us up on the way.”

He just nodded. It was getting late, so I decided to head to bed.

*the next morning*

Frankie and I were up by about 7:30 or so. We did our daily morning ritual and finished packing. Once we saw the clock turn 8:15, we grabbed our suitcases and headed downstairs to the parking lot.

“Good morning, how are you feeling?” my mother asked.

“I am just a little nervous. I have never been on a cruise before.”

“Oh well honey you will have a wonderful time. Cruises are so much fun.”

My father nodded in agreement as we pulled up to the dock. I looked out the window and was amazed at how big the ship was. My father parked and went to unload out suitcases. He led us to this little check in stand where we would get our tickets and room number.

*15 minutes later*

We were on the ship with our tickets and room number in hand.

“What room are we again?” I asked as we passed another set of doors.

“We are room 636.”

“All right here we are room 636. Shall we go in?”

Frankie nodded. We entered the room and saw that it was nothing extraordinary. We picked what side of the bed we wanted and got settled in.

“Do you want to explore the ship now or later?”

“I think now would be better. I have something in mind for later,” Frankie said with a grin.

“Only you would be thinking of that right now.”

“You know it babe, you know it.”

He grabbed my hand and off we went to explore this huge ship.