Love Boat (Tom, Ben, Zac and Joel story)

Boarding the ship

*Zac*
"Oh wow, that is what I call a big boat". I say breathing in the warm salty air, looking at the giant cruise liner we are currently boarding. This is going to be our home the next almost 4 months, sailing from LA and around the world.

"Ship Zac, it's called a ship, not a boat". Tom says, shaking his head. "But yeah, it is even bigger than I imagined".

Joel chuckles. "Well, I don't really care what it is called, as long as it has alcohol, good food, a pool and some fine babes to look at".

"You all do know that cruises is mostly for rich families and old people right ?" Ben says, as he walks inside as the last one.

I roll my eyes. "Not any longer Ben, they are getting very hip. And well, I personally don't think there is anything wrong with some rich heiress travelling with her family. Don't be so picky".

"I am not picky, I just happen to have taste. And I am not looking to get involved with anyone". Ben say shaking his head. He has just recently come out of a long relationship.

Tom pads him on the shoulder. "Well, who are talking about getting involved ? It is allowed to have some fun once in a while and you my friend needs to dip your toes in the babe pool again".

"Come on let's go find our rooms first, then we can go take a look at the ship and the babes". I say, turning to walk towards the arrival desk. But I am stopped short, slamming into someone who is busy looking at her phone.

"Look where you are going you big oaf, you are not the only one here". She is very pretty with wavy auburn hair and dark eyes. And she is wearing a black pencil skirt, a white silk blouse and glasses, making her look a bit like a hot secretary.

I send her my best smile, picking up the phone she dropped. "Sorry there darling. I didn't see you. But you wasn't exactly looking where you were going either".

"Don't darling me and then try to make it my fault". She snaps the phone from my hand. "I know your type". And then she stomps of looking angry.

Tom looks at me with raised eyebrows. "Wow, making friends already Zac. Got to be like the first person ever not liking you".

"Oh she did definitely not like me. To bad with the bitch attitude, she was kind of hot". I say grinning. Well, I am not going to let that get me down, this is a holiday after all.

*Mariana*
I park the cleaning wagon outside the last cabin. I need to be done with my housekeeping duties fast, as the guests has started boarding.

"Oh, have you seen we have celebrities on board ? The very hot, handsome and single kind". My co-worker Nancy says getting heart shaped eyes.

I nod slowly. Of course I know. I always knows these kinds of things. I live for this. "Of course I know sweetie. And there is even four to pick from. And younger than the usual options".

"I would never dare to even think of coming onto a man like that. Oh no, they wouldn't look at someone like me. But imagine being with someone rich and handsome, staying in one of these suites instead of making the beds ?" She say, shaking her head.

I look at her and smile. "Well, no they probably wouldn't look at you. But me on the other hand. Well I can get any single man that I want and I am going to prove it".

"I wish I had your confidence". She says with a sigh. Making me shrug and smile. I grab some towels and enters the suit. Going through the possibilities in my head, who do I want to put my money on ?

I come from a poor family and I intend to go places, but as a hispanic woman it isn't easy. Connections and money would help a lot. Not to talk about the right man on your arm. I am not spending my life being a nobody.

Getting the last couple of rooms ready I am thinking about the next couple of months and what it will bring. Maybe if I am lucky and play my cards right, a new life waits me upon arrival back here.

*Holly*
"Is this it ? Is this supposed to be Your best suite ?" Dmitrie looks around, asking the man who showed us to the suite in a harsh tone. I think it is absolutely beautiful.

The poor man nods and looks halfway panicked and I places my hand on Dmitrie's arm. "It is fine. I like it very much my dear".

"Well, I guess it has to suffice then". Dmitrie says waving of the man. His assistant Ivan walks the man out. At the door he slip a 100 dollar bill into his hand, making him bow deeply, thanking him several times.

I walk out on the private deck, looking out over the water. I like feeling the warm sea breeze on my face. I would have loved taking this trip if it wasn't with Dmitrie. But unfortunately I am stuck with him, being his trophy and play-thing, because my father can't stop gambling.

Looking down I feel this pull, an urge to jump, it would be so easy and I would be free. I wonder how it would feel, falling through the air, hitting the water. Would I die on impact or would I drown ? Sometimes I almost feel it would be worth the pain just to get away.

"Nice enough view from here, I just wish we didn't have to look at all those poor people on the lover decks and their nasty kids". Dmitrie says as he steps out beside me.

I don't answer him. I don't agree and he is rarely interested in what I have to say anyway. So I stick to admiring the view. Looking longingly at the families being happy and excited. Wishing it was me. I'd happily give up all the money and stuff to just be happy.

"Come inside sweetie.. I want to celebrate the start of our vacation". He say, smiling in a way that makes me want to throw up. I hate him touching me.

"But I wanted to watch as the ship leaves port". I try, but he just shakes his head and I walk inside. "At least send Ivan outside, I don't want him oogling me".

He nods and wave Ivan of, which makes him look rather disappointed but at least he leaves. I do not need an audience for my degradation.