“Yes. And here comes the cruise director with a microphone. Not a good sign,” Merissa said remembering the antics they’d taken part in on other occasions.
“Good afternoon ladies and gents, boys and girls. Hope you are enjoying your time in the sun. But I think you all look a little too cozy and in need of exercise.”
“Been there, done that,” said Chad as he settled back into his lounger.
“We have a competition or two for you all and are looking for eager participants.”
Chad groaned and Merissa sat up and swung her legs over to the side. She poked at his belly and watched as he tensed and the muscles sprung to life.
“Hear that? It’s a competition!” Merissa said.
“I heard. Haven’t you had enough for one day?”
“Never enough.”
“Who is this woman set loose to torment me?” asked Chad.
“The name is Merissa James. Pleased to meet and beat you at any challenge you’re daring enough to join me in.”
The game was announced and Chad groaned. “Hula-hoops?”
“Yep, it appears so. Round, golden rings meant to twist off all that fatty cream you ate at breakfast.”
“Have you done this before?”
“I’ll never tell.” Merissa stood to her feet. “Are you in? Think of all those lazy females in chairs you’d be depriving of seeing those tight abs in action.”
“If you put it that way,” he stood and held her gaze, “how can a man refuse the ladies.”
It was fun, a combination of beginners – the category Chad fell into – and a more experienced group filed to the front to strut their stuff. He almost deserted his post but when the director told them to stay for the diving competition, he pulled his fallen hoop one last time to his waist and tried again.
Large, golden hoops were thrown into the water, one at a time, and each diver had his chance to sail through the middle and come up the other side. Chad was good at this. He hit the target every time, whereas Merissa missed twice.
“Ready for some nutrition? Let’s order a loaded pizza from the snack shack and put back on all those pounds we just burned off,” said Chad.
Merissa laughed. “I love pizza far more than I should.”
They toweled off and hooked arms together. “What ingredients do you want on it?” Chad asked.
“Since we’re going for bust – lots of cheese, meat, mushrooms, peppers, olives…”
“The deluxe model. Yeah, you’re my kind of cheat-eat.”
“Cheat-eat?” Merissa asked.
“You know the girls who peck away at salad with no dressing on it, or never finish their plate of food. And heaven forbid the mention of dessert. I get one anyway and when I offer to share they take a bird-portion on their fork and swoon until I can’t eat another bite watching the whole charade. Spoils it for a man trying to wine and dine a gal.”
“Interesting – a bird’s-eye account from a man’s perspective. I’ll remember that,” said Merissa.
“Can’t see that being a problem with you. I’ve seen you eat healthy then divulge in all things irresistible.”
“I suppose you have. But this is a cruise and food is an endless supply.”
They went to an early show and hooked up with Amy and Skip. It was a comedian who combined his performance with skilled acrobatics and delighted the crowd with crazy antics. The act involved all thing round, and tonight, gold.
Eight o’clock saw them back in the formal dining room where Merissa enjoyed a medium-rare steak. She seldom ate the rich, red meat, not because she didn’t enjoy it, but more because she’d never mastered the art of cooking it to juicy perfection. Restaurant meals were never her first choice. She ate out frequently for business, on rare occasions with family, and only recently at the pub where the gang hung out. There it was wings, always wings.
Chad and Merissa chose a quiet venue for evening relaxation and sipped a soda while listening to a cello and piano duet. Merissa never drew back her hand when Chad reached for it. And later, at her stateroom door, they kissed again. When their lips parted, Merissa leaned heavily against the closed door to regain her balance. She watched him move next door to his stateroom. The timbre of Chad’s tone when he said, “goodnight, Merissa,” encircled a whole ball of emotional wax within her. The wick directed to her heart and fired up. There was no turning back now.
Island Fun
The next day, Amy and Merissa dressed in layers – a two-piece bathing suit covered with shorts and a shirt. The only identification required today was their sea pass, which helped the administration keep track of those leaving the ship and boarding again before they set sail at five o’clock this afternoon. The girls zippered the card safely inside their handbags and grabbed beach towels from the cupboard.
They were meeting Chad and Skip for a quick bite at the buffet, and then they were off to spend the day at Imperial Cruise Lines Private Island. The guests aboard would share an entire island to themselves. A day of fun in the sun.
Everywhere they walked onboard exhibited massive sun displays, and even nature itself reached out to help the ships efforts to proclaim the greater light God had put in the sky to govern the day. Merissa attempted to focus on the six days of creation – the symbolism behind the six geese a lying – while she eagerly anticipated the huge playground awaiting them onshore. The group occupied themselves with a game while riding the tender toward the island.
“The sky, the seas, and soon we’ll be standing on solid ground. Three very important wonders of creation,” Amy said and rose a hand to stop her imaginary fans from rushing her. “Please, no need for applause. I read my bible, you know.” She cast a comical expression toward Merissa as she voiced that statement.
“Thanks for the clarification. Sometimes I wonder if spiritual food goes straight through your system and out the other end,” said Merissa.
“I know I don’t always show it, but I believe it, and I’m growing just by watching you.” Amy patted her friend’s knee. “Even while draped in dark grief, your light never went out.”
“Amy, you’ll never know how relieved I am to hear that. Some days I felt certain my light had burned out.”
“Naw – you’re too deep into it for that. It’s part of who you are.”
Skip stood and pointed to the sky. “Look at that flock of birds. God created that too, right?”
“Right!” They all cheered him on.
“I’ll be! Will you look at that?” A short distance off, a school of whales dipping and diving were putting on a delightful show.”
Many passengers changed their focus in the direction that Chad pointed. Caught up in the creation-game, he stood and conducted the cramped choir in the ditty they were all becoming familiar with on this cruise. “On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, six geese-a-laying…” When the song ran its course, Chad did not give up. “Listen, everyone, here’s my homemade version,” he said, his arms flailing to quiet the giddy bunch and regain their attention. “On the sixth day of Christmas God gave to me –huge whales swimming in the sea.
Chad then pointed to a stranger and said, “Your turn” and the man stood to his feet and created his story. Before long, they had sung all creation in praise to the God who fashioned it, and Chad collapsed on the seat next to Merissa.
She leaned in and whispered, “That was quite the performance. Did the ship pay you to do that?”
Chad pounded on His heart. “Nope. All packed in here, primed and ready to burst out.” He laughed and wrapped an arm around Merissa pulling her closer. “Do you like that part of me, Miss James?”
“Very much, Mr. Livingston.”
The white sand was blazing hot on bare feet and Merissa had to walk with her flip-flops whenever she left her chair. They swam and played in the turquoise waters until the salt water parched their throats. It was impossible not to swallow some of it while dodging two playful men in the waves. The crew from the ship brought food ashore, and Chad and Mer
issa devoured the salads and barbeque hamburgers provided at the outside shelters. Skip and Amy had, once again, disappeared from view, but today their absentees did not put off Merissa. She was enjoying Chad’s company. Afterward, they opted to don fins, mask, and face tubes to explore the underwater viewing, where vivid colors of living organisms exploded in beauty against the ocean floor. The miracle of it all overwhelmed her.
After fifteen minutes on their loungers, Chad grew restless. “Are you too tired for a horse ride?” Merissa looked dubious, and he encouraged her. “I can teach you if you haven’t done it before. You should give horseback riding on the beach a chance.”
“Ah, yes, your parent’s favorite pastime. I remember.”
“I’m ashamed to say it’s been a long time since I was home. And I do miss the horses,” said Chad. “But don’t feel pressured. Pretty sure I can persuade Skip to come along.”
“If you could find him. The vanishing duo slipped away two hours ago.” Merissa stood to her feet and reached for his hand. “Let’s go, John Wayne.”
That joy ride just about did Merissa in. She loved the way the wind caught her hair and flung it out behind her. She loved the sucking sound of the horse’s hooves as feet sunk into the wet sand if she got too far into the water. She loved the sea salt that latched onto her face. But mostly she loved riding next to Chad – all professional in his posture, but his face revealed homesickness that opened his heart wide for her to observe.
At four o’clock they boarded the tender and sped back to the ship. The day exhausted the passengers, so the trip was quiet and relaxing. Aboard they marveled at how quickly the lesser light – moon and stars – had replaced the sun displays of this morning. The crew put such a wonderful effort into making this Christmas cruise in July unforgettable.
Chad and Merissa parted at the doors to their staterooms and she shot eagerly inside to wash the sand and salt from her body. A very long shower followed, and she fumbled through the process of readying herself for the evening festivities. The bed looked so inviting. Finally, she succumbed and was fast asleep in two minutes.
Merissa startled when she heard the Captain’s voice over the loudspeaker in the hallways. The last of the passengers had boarded, and they were set to sail. She glanced around the room to see if Amy had left any signs she’d been here. Merissa chuckled. How would you know? Her side of the room was always cluttered, so why would now be any different. She went to the washroom and splashed water on her face. After touching up her make-up she heard the entrance door open, and an exasperated sigh as Amy flopped on her bed. The wild one had returned. Merissa peeked around the corner.
“Well, hello, stranger. Did you have a good day?”
Amy groaned and rolled on her side. “The best! I think I’m in love.”
“With the Caribbean or Skip?’ Merissa asked.
“Skip, you ninny. I’ve never met anyone like him. He just feels so right.” Amy’s voice took on a dreamy tone as she moved into a sitting position.
Merissa joined her on the bed. She attempted to speak reason into the relationship. “It’s been less than a week. Love is a strong word.”
“I know. Didn’t say we were running off to get married. Just said I was falling in love. And we both know I’ve never said that before with any of the men I’ve hung out with.”
“I think it’s the magic of the cruise. Keep a guard on your heart and just see where the romance goes,” said Merissa.
“Magic! So now you believe in magic?”
“Well, it was the North Pole that sent us on this wild adventure. The trip has given me closure – so it might as well bring love your way.”
“What about you and Chad? Any sparks there?”
“A few, but I’m cautious. I can’t imagine saying goodbye to my deceased fiancé and then replace him all in the same week.”
“Why not? Is there a rule against falling in love? Kyle’s been dead over a year now,” said Amy.
“I know. Just saying I’m more the cautious type. We shall see where romance takes the two of us – at our own pace.”
“Well, mine is not slow. I’m definitely falling in love and you can’t stop it,” Amy said.
“What makes you think I want to try? I like Skip – I think. Hard to know since you keep him all to yourself and far from us most of the time.”
Merissa stood and grabbed her purse. “I’m off to find Chad. It’s formal night and we thought it might be fun to get our pictures taken together. A keepsake. See you at the dining room later.”
“We should all get our pictures taken together,” Amy said when the door opened.
“Dress up and we’ll do the four of us later.” Merissa left the room.
On the way past next door she heard male voices. Chad was still in his room with Skip. He must have fallen asleep too. She leaned in ready to knock when her hand halted halfway and began to tremble. They were yelling.
“What do you mean you didn’t pay for the trip? Just fess up and stop beating around the bush,” said Chad.
“You wouldn’t believe me about the envelope, so I just let you think whatever you wanted. It got you here, didn’t it?” said Skip.
“You swear they have the same envelope in their room?” Chad asked.
“On my word as a friend. Saw it one time while waiting for Amy to doll-up in the bathroom,” said Skip.
“What were you doing snooping?”
“I wasn’t. It was sitting in plain sight.”
“So, you’re thinking the girls paid to bring us here?” Chad was angry. “You actually believe this foursome is all a setup and we are victims to some form of girl-play?”
“Victim is a strong word, man. If they want to pay for escorts for the week who am I to kick a gift horse in the face.”
Merissa heard a shuffle from inside the room and then Chad’s voice, muffled and dirtied with regret. “I knew this was too good to be true.”
She couldn’t think straight. It sounded like the men had received an envelope in the mail similar to the one she’d received. This was carrying the mystical theory too far. She’d not be manipulated into a relationship. Someone at the North Pole needed to learn to mind his or her own business. She turned and headed down the hallway to find a comfy chair in a far away unpopulated area and curl up.
The worse thing was Skip’s attitude. Was he playing Amy along? Did he really think we could have lured them here as our targets for whatever nonsense swirled inside his head? She hoped that she’d read that wrong. Amy was wearing her heart on her sleeve, and the fall to heartbreak was nothing she’d experienced before. Her friend was not as strong as she let on to the world.
Merissa straightened. Maybe now that she’d found her freedom she could take command of this misunderstanding before Amy ever found out. She should have pounded on their door and confronted them in the heat of the moment. But then she recalled Chad’s tone and knew he half-believed the bizarre story Skip had spoken. How could she ever face Chad again knowing what she did?
Confrontation
The boys never showed for dinner, the show or a night of music and dancing. I discouraged Amy from hunting them down, explaining away their absence as exhaustion from such a long day outdoors. Maybe they needed some guy time. She swallowed the lie, and the two of them did the rounds as singles. The portraits the photographer flashed were an excellent tribute to their proven friendship. Merissa planned on picking the best one to take home with her.
The next day, swans were swimming in exhibits all over the ship, either in the form of a picture or the real thing. Listed below were the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit – wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. That was a deep package to unwrap today considering the misunderstanding with the men. Would they continue to ignore the girls and break Amy’s heart? Merissa felt braver this morning and would not let that happen.
After she’d settled Amy in a lounger at the pool, doused with sunscreen and a book in her hand, Meris
sa stood to leave. The excuse she offered was a walk on the deck, knowing that activity would raise no red flags for the unsuspecting Amy. Merissa scoured each floor, from bow to stern, and when she arrived on the sixth floor and did not find Chad moping in the computer room, she headed for the staterooms. Surely they were not hiding out.
She was wrong. On the first knock the television shut off and after a loud second knock, Chad answered the door.
“Hello, Merissa.”
She glanced on the single bed and saw Skip. “Are you two planning on staying inside your room for the rest of the trip?”
“Feeling under the weather. Having some downtime,” Chad said. He never met her gaze. He was lying to her face and Merissa couldn’t hold back the bold response.
“Today symbolizes the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Maybe you should use some of your time in the Word instead of sulking.” Merissa did not allow Chad time for a comeback. Her sole purpose in coming was to save Amy from a broken heart. She leveled her gaze at Skip. “Could you tear yourself away and meet me in the lounge down the hall? I want to talk to you.” Merissa turned on her heels and marched away.
She settled into a chair and calmed her racing heart. Merissa prayed for wisdom on how to handle this confusion that was tearing them all apart. The North Pole provided no miracles, only sprinkles of magic dust that enticed and puzzled everyone concerned.
A few minutes later, Skip joined her. He sat down on the edge of his seat. “What can I do for you, Merissa?”
She planned to fish it out of him. He needn’t know that she’d been eavesdropping yesterday. “You can tell me why you’ve deserted my best friend and left her wondering what game you’re playing?”
“Amy, is she okay?”
“You tell me. She had a terrific time yesterday and you ignore her all evening and this morning. I’m running out of excuses to calm her.”
“Never meant to abandon her. It’s Chad. Got himself all mad, and I’m left babysitting him.”
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