Dark Destiny

Chapter Seven - Reunion in Indonesia

Jimbaran Bay rests in the south central tip of the island of Bali, located in the very heart of Indonesia. It is nestled in an ancient village, known for its exquisite seafood and beautiful views of the sea. Located on the southern tip of Bali, this small, resort community has steadily grown in popularity among tourists, who enjoy the sandy beaches and the crystal blue waters. This area of Bali is known for its swimming, but not surfing, which takes place further up the island.

It is in Jimbaran Bay, at a plush resort, that Jeremiah Courage and his compatriots have re-united. Seated in an outside dining area, Jeremiah Courage and Althea sit in their bamboo chairs, overlooking the beautiful bay. They are seated across from each other at a small, round table. Each of them has a drink in front of them. Althea's martini has a cherry in it, and a straw curving along the side of the glass. Jeremiah has a bottle of water, most of which has been used to fill his almost empty glass. Althea looks over at Jeremiah, then at the purple skies in the distance, as the sun slowly sets in the horizon, casting shadows of orange and violet and mixing those to the pastel colors that already illuminate the sky. It is a breathtaking sight, and she is reminded of just why this is such a tourist resort.

"This is a beautiful place, Jeremiah," she offers, glancing back over to him, then back at the lovely sky. "I'm glad you brought me here. Believe it or not, this is actually my first trip to Indonesia."

Jeremiah smiles, nodding. "I wish I could say that our coming here was just for pleasure," Jeremiah responds. He also rests in his bamboo chair, looking out into the sky, which rises just above the clear water.

"Just for pleasure?" Althea replies, as if drawing special significance to the absurdity of the thought. She turns her body to face him and casts an alluring expression at Jeremiah, who looks on with interest. "Few things are more important."

"Maybe so, Althea," Jeremiah responds thoughtfully, taking her expression, and the smile that has followed it, in the vein in which it was delivered. "But some things do come first, whether we like it or not."

"Would you two knock it off?" Ace's sarcastic tone breaks through the night. Alexander and Althea look back behind them at a semi-circular mini-bar, where they see Ace, Isaac, and Sammy—all holding mixed drinks in their hands, as they look over at the couple before them. "You're starting to sound like an old married couple! It's enough to make me lose my appetite."

"Old?" Althea asks with mock irritation. "Be careful what you say, Ace. Besides, just because you prefer to be a lifelong bachelor doesn't mean that Jeremiah looks at things the same way." For his part, Alexander looks over at Althea, shaking his head, although he prefers to refrain from giving a verbal response, hoping that the topic will shift to something he finds somewhat more comfortable. Isaac merely shakes his head, allowing a slight smile to cross his face, and takes another drink. He knows when to stay out of such discussions.

Joshua walks into the dining area, where the others are conversing. Beside him is a beautiful Indonesian woman, dressed in a green floral bikini top, with a sarong wrapped around her thin waist, dropping to her nicely tanned mid-thigh. Gently slapping her derriere, he directs her to have a seat at a two-seat table. She looks back over at him with her dark eyes, smiling, as she takes a seat at the table, even as he walks over to the mini-bar, motioning for the bar tender to pour two drinks.

"Good of you to join us," Ace remarks, shaking his head as he looks over at Joshua. "Here he goes again," Ace silently considers, his eyes fixing briefly on Joshua's date for the evening. Then, looking back at the lovely young woman who is waiting for him back at the table, he has to admit to himself that he really can't blame him.