OCEAN WITHOUT DIRECTION

Chapter One

"It is so hard to leave—until you leave. And then it is the easiest goddamned thing in the world."

― John Green, Paper Towns

____________________________________________

"And you're sure you're going to be fine?" I laugh at my mothers scepticism, though I'm not surprised in the slightest that she's worried. I'll be on a cruise ship for the next month but I'm sure they'll have telephones on board supporting that matter.

"Yes mother, I'll be absolutely fine don't you worry about a thing. I'll be back before you know it" she chuckles lightly at my urging tone. Pulling my petite body into hers, all I can do is nestle into her embrace. The warmth of her body seeps through the dim grey coat she wears over-top her wrinkled clothing.

We stand still for a few seconds relishing the reassurance our caress holds. "Now" she begins to nudge me away and I gladly step away from her warmth. "You, Missy, need to get going otherwise you will miss the ship," I shake my head and smile slightly at her motherly 'get going' attitude.

"You never fail to rid me mother" I point out swapping the hefty suitcase from my opposite hand, all she does in response is wave me off with a mirthful grin. We share one more embrace before I walk down the docks toward the towering cruise ship.

As I board two men take my bags and I am escorted to the rooms-rooms 295- I am told is mine. As I enter the main hallway I gauge the long path with doors dotted closely together. The wood panelled walls add a more modern effect and bright lights are distributed evenly along the roof space.

Making my way towards my rooms which is right at the end of the hall, I slip my key in and push open the wooden doorway. Placing my suitcase that was left for me at the front of the door, on top of the soft mattress. I start to walk towards the small balcony every room has made for specially for their unit.

Sliding open the glass, my eyes widen in surprise as every person it seems on the ship is standing out on their landings waving at their families or lovers. Rushing forward my eyes scan the massive crowds until I can just spot my mother, her head already raised trying to spot me.

Waving my large golden coloured beach hat above my head, she finally spots me and waves mouthing incoherent words. All I do is continue waving, now with my palm and blowing as many kisses as possible before the vessel blares out a loud sound and starts to move away from the docks.

Mother is still trying to tell me something, I can see it in her facial expression it must be important. Yet I scrunch my brows in confusion not knowing what she's trying to tell me. Before we lose sight of the crowd she blows one last kiss and watches the boat I'm standing in, sail away for one long month.

Soon everyone retreats back into their rooms, until myself and a few others are standing outside enjoying the cool breeze and the soft sounds of the water below. My mind continues to wander back to mothers distressed signalling, it must have meant something she's not normally like that out in public.

Her eyes were glowing with this worrisome feature and her lips kept mouthing the same words over and over, something along the lines of "Zack" although I don't know anyone along the lines of that name. Maybe I'm just agitated for no reason, yes that's it, something I'll just have to ignore for the rest of the cruise.

A sudden knock on my door brings me back, racing over to the door I swing it open to see a finely dressed man in a tuxedo and a small trolley holding champagne and a rose. "For you Miss, sent from the captain" his voice is smooth like creamed caramel. My eyes widen in shock, the captain?

We stand in the doorway for minutes until I clear my throat and thank him. Walking away with a courteous smile, I watch helplessly as he vanishes through another door with a trolley. My eyes flick to the rose and the champagne bottle that disappears through a bucket of ice. All I can do is wheel the trolley into my room silently.

I sit down on my bed and watch the champagne like it's a crime to receive a gift. I can't help it anymore and leaning forwards I pour myself a tall glass of it, the sparkling bubbles cascading up the crystal. As I slowly sip the liquid, a note becomes visible from beside the bucket of ice, wrapped only in a baby pink ribbon. It's two page thick paper is noticeable and I cock my head to the side, what could he possibly have to say that he needs two pieces of writing paper?

Opening the letter I read.

Dear Miss. Harley.

Welcome aboard my ship, it is an absolute pleasure to have you. As you may know I had someone drop off a little gift to you, hoping you enjoy it before the ball tonight.

Because you are a member of this cruise tonight and for the next month, it would be my honour to escort you to the ballroom tonight. If you agree to come I will have someone send you an gown for you to wear. If not I understand.

Now on a more serious note, I was personally informed by your mother a few days prior to this cruise that you often got unwell. If this is true please make sure that if you are ill, you advise one of the on board maids in advance.

I am sorry if any of this is uncomfortable to yourself, but I am only making sure not only your safety, but others' safety is well cared for too.

If you have agreed to any of the above please let myself or any maids/servers know about this and they will prepare everything for you right away. They already know who you are and your situation.

Hoping to see you tonight, if you choose to come I will meet you at the top of the ship.

Many wishes,

Captain Warner

Carpe Diem cruise ship.

I frown lightly at the letter, Captain Warner? He sounds like an oddly understanding man. The letters are still in my hands and I've rid about half of the bottle of bubbly. Huffing out a confused sigh, I fall back on my bed-hair splayed out like a halo-and I blow it away from my eyes.

The sea water below the boat is just loud enough to hear up in my room. Closing my eyes I focus everything on the only comforting thing right now, swishing waters and anonymous chatter down the halls.

_________________________________________________

Was that good?

Vote/comment/share