Dark Waters

Date...?

We start to walk along the deck in sync to the deep rumble of the ocean. The moon is also shining bright in the sky and there's only a few people out. there are fairy lights all over and lanterns placed around the deck giving it a soft calming glow.

"So tell me about yourself, I feel like we've been so busy arguing we haven't even gotten to know each other"

Alexander stops near the railing and looks out into the dark ivory black water, the colour of his hair I realize. Suddenly I despise the water a little less.

"I don't know, there's not much I could tell you. I'm not really an interesting person. let's see, I'm 22 years old, orphan, singer, and very good at arguing, in case you didn't notice. Oh and I'm terrified of water "

"Yet here you are. Alone. On a cruise of all places. You must be one of the bravest people I have ever met. "

"Pshh, you're just saying that."

"Tina, if there's one thing you should know about me is that I do not say things just for the sake of saying them. I choose my words with meaning. But you on the other hand, you're always so guarded. Never showing how u really feel. Tell me, what do you think about but are too afraid to say?"

I stare at him blankly. I can feel my heart beating fast but I can't seem to figure out why. What am I too afraid to say? Well there's a lot of things. I'm afraid to say that I don't like being alone all the time. I'm afraid to say that sometimes I want someone to take care of me. I'm afraid to say that once, just once, I want to be important to someone.
But I didn't say any of that.

"I'm not secretive, you are. Tell me Mr. Alexander Belrose, what do you do for a living?"

"I believe I have answered this question before. I breathe. But since you're asking again I'll tell you. I'm a businessman. I specialize in financial endeavours. You can think of me as Robinhood. I take from the rich and give to the poor"

"Ah I see. And do you have your merry men with you on this righteous journey Robinhood?" I giggle at him.

He looks at me for a moment and then starts laughing.
He starts laughing
And I shit you not.. it makes my entire day.

We talk for what seems like hours after that. He was so easy to talk to, I felt myself not filtering my words or having double meaning and not really saying what I wanted to like how I talked with other people. I would miss this, I thought.

Suddenly Alexander takes my hand and starts leading me to the other side of the deck. I see a table decorated with beautiful candles, flowers, and amazing food.
"Damn, I wonder who that's for! Lucky them!"
"Yes I agree. Must be for someone special"

With stunning realization, I found that it was for me.

He lead me to the table and pulled out a chair for me.

"Alexander! When did you even arrange this?!"
"I have contacts on this ship Tina. It didn't take that long. I just wanted to make you happy before you leave. And also apologize for not exactly being very... pleasant sometimes" He gave me a small smile, dimple popping out.

"Hey, It's not like I'm leaving ships. We can still meet right?"

A weird expression flitted across Alexander's face but he didn't say anything. He simply nodded.

I decided to let it go but made a mental note to ask him about it later.

We enjoyed an amazing dinner and I noticed we were the only ones left on the deck. Suddenly Alexander got up and offered his hand.

"Care to dance?"

"Right now?"

"I mean, now would be good Tina"

I got up nervously and put my hand in his. I didn't know how to dance. Shit.
Suddenly I heard violin music playing and turned around to see two musicians playing, they both tipped their hats at me with big grins on their faces

"Alexander! Seriously when did you arrange all this? I'm so confused!" I looked at him, eyes wide with happiness

"Shhhh, just listen to the music"

I decided to listen to him and we swayed to the music, his hands on my hips, mine on his shoulders, it seemed like the night was going to be young forever and maybe it was.

I started humming to the song and looked up at Alexander just as he looked away quickly. I saw a slight blush creep up his neck right up to his ears. I smiled at that and started singing. He looked at me, eyes widened as he heard my voice and deep down I knew I would get that reaction. I continued singing quietly and I felt his hands tighten around my waist slightly.

"Tina... your voice...it's, something else."

"Thank you" I looked up at him and felt my knees go weak and my heart pump 2x faster. He was so beautiful. I closed my eyes and rested my head against his chest still swaying... this  couldn't have been better.

And as I thought about this night, I realized, that with the ocean as witness, two somewhat strangers, danced hand in hand, under the moonlight.