Destiny Island (editing)

Chapter 2

They arrived at the docks bright and early since Amber stayed true to herself and lied to Jade about their departure time so that they wouldn't be late. That wasn't so hard to do because Jade rarely confirmed things such as departure times, even though Amber had warned her to do that many times in the past.

"Wow, the ship is huge!" Amber exclaimed with eyes full of wonder.

"You've seen these types of ships before," Jade said calmly, but her wandering eyes betrayed similar feelings of awe.

"Yes, but I've never seen them in person," Amber said, moving from side to side to get a better look, and their home for the following weeks. "It's intimidating!"

As expected, Amber had to take the anti-nausea pills, while Jade didn't need them since she never got seasick, a trait Amber couldn't help but envy. Even though she was self-conscious, she stayed upbeat as they boarded, the crisp air and anticipation of the trip filling her with excitement.

When they reached the lower decks where their cabins were, they couldn't help but be impressed. They had chosen those particular cabins because the brochure said they were perfect for those who wanted to get a closer look at the ocean, and they delivered. The view was just the perfect height, and waking up to the endless, soothing blue was a dream come true.

"Wow, the view is breathtaking," Amber said, her mouth wide open as she looked at the azure serenity glistening in the sun, offering what they both needed — an escape from the pressures of everyday life.

"It really is magical," Jade felt compelled to admit, because it went far above her expectations or anything that she had seen before.

They also loved the fact that their cabins were across from each other, which was very convenient if they wanted to hang out or simply didn't feel comfortable surrounded by strangers.

They spent their trip mostly on the deck, enjoying the sun, yet rain meant the bar's lively atmosphere, or a quiet room, since their sleep was limited, and the bar closed its doors at two in the morning.

They mostly had sunny and warm weather, so they enjoyed the magnificent, undisturbed view from the deck. Amber had never seen such an amazing sight — it left her speechless, which was quite a new feeling for her. Everywhere she looked, she could see the water glistening in the sun. It was so serene and fascinating that she couldn't stop her mind from racing, picturing all the adventures they could have. The vastness and beauty of the ocean continuously thrilled her.

Amber couldn't decide if it was the vastness of the sea or the mysteries that it held that captured her attention. All she knew was that she had never been that jittery, that excited before.

One day, Amber witnessed the dolphins' playful dance, a sight she had yearned to see. During one of their usual walks on the deck, she suddenly saw a group of dolphins to her utter surprise and joy.

"Jade! Jade! Aren't they just marvelous? I wish I could join them and swim around the ocean having fun!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her delight. "Wouldn't it be a perfect memory to hold on to in old age?"

"Yes, they are astonishing, but don't be crazy. You can't just jump in the water while the ship is moving, unless you want to stay stranded in the middle of the ocean or killed by the ship's propellers," Jade replied sensibly, shivering at the very idea.

"I know, I know. Still, I hope I get the chance to swim with them later! This vacation was an amazing idea!" Amber kept on grinning as she answered.

As she said that, a seagull flew past her, and she became absorbed in its playful flight so much that she barely heard Jade's answer.