Ketchikan or Bust (Tom's Adventures in Alaska)

by Matthew Green

  “No, what would make you think that?” Tom asks, half offended.

  “Oh, don’t be so serious, I’m only joking. I’d know right away if you even look at another girl, I’m sure the grapevine would explode with the news,” Swan says. “So you thought you had a chance with me when you wrote the note?”

  Tom shrugs his shoulders. “Can I see the letter?”

  Swan hands it to him. When he opens it she grabs the ten dollar bill from between the folds and stuffs it in her back pocket.

  “I get the ten and you get the note, how’s that?” Swan says.

  Tom shrugs again and begins to read the letter;

  ----------------

  Dear Tom…

  I was quite pleased to find your recent letter waiting for me when Mrs. Kirk and I arrived home here in Texas week before last.

  Enclosed is $10. for letting me know you found one of four bottles I tossed overboard from the ship President Wilson enroute Japan to Kodiak.

  I am also returning my Bottle Note, with my compliments to your girlfriend. I used pencil as I was afraid moisture might get into the paper and mess up ink from pen or felt tip.

  Would like you to know that we enjoyed visiting Kodiak. Our ship stopped both going and coming home from Southeast Asia so we had plenty of time to do it leisure fashion.

  Thanks for your letter.

  Yours truly,

  James Kirk

  ----------------

  Tom reads the letter a second time. He can’t believe that he’s gotten a reply. Everyone had said that it was a joke! Tom smiles, folds it and the original note up and slips them back into the envelope. He leans over and kisses Swan on the cheek.

  “Thanks Honey, your envelope made this possible,” Tom says. “I was hoping for a reply but I really didn’t expect one. I’ll tell you what, you can keep the ten dollars if I can keep the note.”

  “Deal,” Swan says. “I might want the note if I’d found it but you’re the one who found it so you need to keep it.”

  Tom folds the envelope and tucks it into his inside jacket pocket.

  “Let’s finish getting everything ready so we don’t miss the ferry in the morning,” Swan says.

  Chapter Ten

  “I hate this stupid ferry! I’ve been on it a few times a year for as long as I remember. I feel trapped every time I’m on this piece of crap!” Swan exclaims. “It’s the one thing I hate about living on an island!”

  “We haven’t even left the dock,” Tom replies. “You should try being trapped on a fishing boat for a few weeks. I think this is going to be a pretty good trip because I have you for company. My trip over to Kodiak was pretty tough. The weather was rough and we got stuck in one port for a long time. I didn’t have a cabin or a sleeping bag so all I did was pace the decks. I didn’t know anyone and most people were sleeping so it was pretty boring. To top it off, I was broke and hungry. On this trip I’ve got cash in my pocket, I can get a stateroom if we want one and I can eat whatever I want without counting pennies. Let’s walk around for a while and figure out what time everything closes. I want to make sure that I’ve got a full stomach before the cafeteria closes.”

  They walk to the rail and watch the ferry pull away from the dock. Tom admires the rooster tail kicked up by the propellers. They’re departing late in the morning because the ship was delayed getting to Kodiak. Tom figures that Swan’s grumpy because they got up so early and that they had to wait for the ferry. Tom’s happy to see the ferry leave because it means that he and Swan are actually on vacation. They carried their sleeping bags up from the vehicle deck so that they can sleep through part of the trip. At least it’s not peak tourist season so there are few people trying to hoard the good places on deck. Tom slips his arm around Swan’s waist and they stand at the rail while the Tustumena leaves the protection of the inner islands that surround the city of Kodiak and enters the open ocean. The wind whips up spray from the waves and carries it to their faces. Tom blinks salt from his eyes and looks down at Swan. He’s not sure if she’s crying or if the water on her face is from the spray.

  Swan’s eyes meet Tom’s and he realizes that she really is crying. He gently wipes away her tears and holds her close. She squeezes him hard without breaking eye contact. He kisses her gently.

  “You’re right Tom! This is going to be a good trip. Just standing here with you watching the ferry pull away was magical. I can’t believe I’ve never looked at the beauty all around us. I’ve always seen the ferry to the mainland as an inconvenience rather than what it is- amazing. I was crying because you’ve made me realize how special everything is. You’ve changed my life; just being with you is so wonderful I can’t describe it. These are tears of joy, Tom, joy like I’ve never felt before.”

  They stand at the rail until their faces are dripping from the spray and they’re shivering in the cold wind. Swan tugs at Tom to get him moving and they walk into the shelter of the solarium.

  “All of this makes me wish I had a camera,” Swan says. “Do you have one?”

  “If I did, I’d be taking pictures of you, to heck with the scenery. We’ll have to pick one up when we get to the mainland,” Tom says.

  “Let’s go get something to eat,” Swan says as she gets up. “I can’t sit here any longer, I’m cold and hungry.”

  Tom and Swan walk hand in hand down the passageway toward the cafeteria. Tom stops and inquires if there’s a stateroom available.

  “You’re in luck son; we’ve had a few cancelations this trip. Usually there’s a waiting list in case one should come available but you’re the first one here. Do you want one?”

  Tom looks at Swan. She nods.

  “Yeah, we’ll take one,” Tom says.

  “You sure are a lucky man, I have one that’s away from the engines and it’s one of our best rooms. Will that be cash or credit card?”

  “Cash,” Tom says as he pulls out his wallet. He pays for the room and takes the key. Swan beams at Tom and takes her sleeping bag from him as they walk to the cafeteria. Tom’s relieved that Swan’s mood is improving. They eat slowly, picking at their food as they discuss their hopes for the trip in front of them. There’s no need to rush anything on the ferry so they figure they might as well enjoy each other’s company before they retire to the stateroom. It’s after their last cup of coffee is long cold that they make their way to the stateroom. Swan jumps into the bunk and invites Tom to join her. He tosses the sleeping bags onto the top bunk and slips in beside her.

  “I’ve never had a stateroom; I’ve always slept on a chair or in a sleeping bag rolled out on one of the inside decks. I remember one time that the only space to lay out a sleeping bag was on the deck outside. The spray off the ocean soaked the sleeping bags and dad and I woke up freezing, it was awful. This is so really nice compared to what I’m used to. I feel like stripping naked and dancing around the room just because I can.” Swan smiles at Tom.

  “Why don’t we catch some sleep? It seems like we haven’t gotten much these last few days,” Tom suggests.

  He pulls the covers over them and they fall asleep in each other’s arms. Tom wakes up startled by the blaring of the ships horn. He sits upright and looks around, not sure where he is.

  “Don’t worry Tom. It’s probably foggy or they’re warning a fishing boat that’s in their way.” Swan reassures Tom.

  Tom lies back down and she puts her head on his chest. “This old tub was made in 1964- the same year as the earthquake that wrecked Kodiak. It’s hard to believe it’s lasted this long with the shit kicking it gets out in the Aleutian Chain. You can hear the age of the ship if you listen close to the creaks and groans.” Swan says. “There’s a brass plaque around here somewhere that says the year and I think it’s also on the brass bell on the bow. I’ve spent so much time on here that I think I know every inch!”

  Tom listens to Swan as she continues to tell him about the ship and the area they are in. He’s fascinated at the wealth of facts she remembers. It makes him feel l
ike the tourist that he is and he’s happy to have such a beautiful tour guide.

  “They’re expanding the Alaska Marine Highway system all of the time. I remember it used to be a real hassle to go to some of the villages in the pan handle but now you can catch a ferry almost anywhere as long as you have enough money.”

  “Let’s get up and wander around for a while. We’ll be able to lie in bed all day when we’re old! Let’s enjoy the rest of the day,” Tom suggests. “If we spent too much time in bed we won’t be able to sleep tonight. Wait, scratch that, not sleeping tonight might be a good thing!”

  “Wow, I’m surprised! I was just thinking that it was about time for you to jump my bones again!” Swan says laughing. “I might have been hoping you would! I thought that was why you got this room.” She straddles him and runs her hands up his chest. “If you really want to waste the privacy I guess I have no choice but wait.”

  “It’s a tempting offer but I’m pretty sore. I need to move around a bit to get rid of the aches I got putting in that clutch for Vic. When I was under that stupid truck, there was a rock sticking into the middle of my back and I can’t seem to shake it off.” Tom adds, “But if you really need a fuck fix, I’ll oblige.”

  Swan laughs as she rolls out of the bunk. “Come on old man! Let’s go work out those kinks. I wouldn’t want you to suggest that I’m the reason that I can’t have sex later!”

  She takes his arm and helps him to his feet. She leads him out of the stateroom to the companionway. Tom doesn’t resist even though he knows that she’s pandering to him. As they walk down the companionway to the deck. Tom’s surprised at how dark it is. They stop at the rail to look out over the ocean. Tom looks up to see if he can see any stars. The sky is shimmering. He points up and nudges Swan. Her gaze turns to the heavens. Her eyes sparkle when she realizes that the shimmering is from the Northern Lights. The auroras light up the sky in streaks of yellow, green and purple. They stand and watch the lights shoot from horizon to horizon. The lights crackle as they pull apart and burst like fireworks. Tom looks into Swan’s eyes and can see the Northern Lights shimmer in them.

  “This is a good sign, Tom. Our trip is starting out with magic and it’s only going to get better from here!” Swan says; her face beams. “I’m so glad you dragged me out here on deck.”

  Chapter Eleven

  “It’s too late to hit the road tonight. If the ferry had been on time we could have made some miles but I don’t want to ride through the night and be tired all day tomorrow. Why don’t we camp on the beach right here in Homer and head out in the morning?” Tom suggests.

  “I’m game for anything!” Swan replies. “Let’s find a secluded spot, set the tent up and get some takeout if it’s not too late. We can have a picnic and I promise I’ll try to wait until after we eat to give you a show. If you start a campfire and play your cards right, you might just get lucky right here on the beach!”

  Tom smirks at Swan. “Who says I’m going to let you out of the tent after we set it up?”

  “You can’t control me Tom, especially when I’m hungry, and it doesn’t matter whether I’m hungry for food or hungry for love,” Swan says boldly.

  They ride out onto the beach and cruise along until they come to a clearing in the trees. They set up the tent in a clearing that has a stone fire ring close by. Tom fetches the sleeping bags zips them together before taking them into the tent.

  “Let’s go see if we can find something to eat before everything’s closed,” Swan says. “I think almost everything’s closed. I’d suggest going to the Salty Dawg Saloon but I’m not sure that I want to be accused of corrupting a minor! ”

  Tom stands in shock and stares at her for a minute. “I…..I…..What…..How old are you, Honey?”

  “I’m twenty one, I thought you knew that. I thought that you were too until you filled out the application for the GED. It startled me for a few minutes but I let our age difference go. I can’t see dumping you because of a couple of years between us.”

  “You’re twenty one?” Tom asks, “I thought you were eighteen.”

  Tom stands for a minute to absorb the news. Swan walks over to him and stands in front of him. She runs her fingers through his hair and wraps her arms around his neck. He looks into her eyes and sees the sparkle that first attracted him. Tom slides his hands from her waist to the center of her back and pulls her to him.

  Tom whispers in her ear, “I’m sorry for my shock Honey. I always thought that girls only like older men. I guess if you’ve known that I’m a lot younger and still want to be with me then there’s no way that I should have a problem with it.”

  “Those rules only work in high school!” Swan says as she pulls away. “I was shocked at first but as soon as I remembered that we’re both adults, I thought, it’s all good.” Swan kisses Tom tenderly. “If I’d have known your age on the first day we met, it might have been different but I’ve fallen in love with you, and there’s nothing that can turn me off of that! Except hunger.”

  “It’s settled then, let’s go to the Salty Dawg!” Tom says.

  “But you’re a minor!” Swan protests.

  “Honey, I’ve been going to bars since I was fourteen. My mom took me to my first one and it turned out to be a strip club also. She said that learning how to act responsibly was important. If I get carded, we’ll leave, but until then, let’s have a good time,” Tom says.

  As they ride away from their camp Swan squeezes Tom tight and whispers in his ear, “I love you Tom, even if you are just a baby.”

  They walk into the crowded bar and look around for a minute. It’s like a rustic old log cabin with a nautical theme. The saloon has a cave like feel from all of the dollar bills, t-shirts, panties and bra’s tacked thick on the ceiling and walls. Patrons are pulled up to the rough hewn bar, telling jokes and spreading lies. Scattered around the walls are tables made of thick slab timber crudely fastened together. People are drinking beer while sitting on logs stood on end and log benches. Others mill around, talking loud and laughing. In the corner of the bar they see a hand waving at them so they wade through the crowd in that direction.

  “Swan Honey, I thought that was you!” a grey haired woman shouts above the din. “Come sit with Granny!”

  Swan smiles at Tom and tugs him toward the woman. They slip onto the stumps at the table and slide around next to her.

  Tom looks her over and wonders who she is. She has long stringy grey hair and a face etched from years of sitting on a bar stool. Her gravelly voice booms over the noise of the bar. She sits hunched over in her chair, smoking a cigarette that dangles from her crooked fingers. If Tom didn’t know better, he’d swear he’d just met a witch, and yet she has playful sparkle in her eyes.

  “Well, introduce me to this strapping young man!” the woman says.

  “Granny, this is Tom,” Swan says.

  “So who the hell is he? I hope he’s just a friend because I’d like a chance at him! Or are you doing the right thing and riding him like the steed he is?” Granny barks with a laugh. “If you’re not, saddle him up and let me have a ride!”

  “Granny!” Swan says. She starts to blush. “That’s a bit personal don’t you think?”

  “Well, if you’re not getting on for a little gitty up, then get out of the way and let someone who needs it have a ride! Slide over here closer, boy, I want to check you out,” Granny says. “Come on boy, slide on over here, I won’t bite…..much!”

  Tom leans into Swan, “Is this your grandmother?”

  “No, but that’s the only name I know her by,” Swan says. “Don’t let her scare you, she’s always like this.”

  “No whispering! It’s rude,” Granny says. “If you’ve got something to say, say it so everyone can hear! There’s no secrets here!”

  “He just asked if you were my grandma. He says you’re beautiful and was wondering if I got my good looks from you,” Swan says.

  “I’ve told you you’ll go to hell for lying!” Granny ba
rks. “But I’ll take the complement anyway. I was quite a looker in my day! Get over here boy, I want to tell you your future!”

  Swan pushes Tom’s stump over next to Granny.

  “So what did you really say?” Granny asks.

  “I told Swan that if I wasn’t sleeping with her, I’d like to give you a roll in the hay!” Tom says with a grin.

  “Tell you what, you dump that little tramp! I’ll take you home and teach you a thing or two.” Granny laughs as she runs her hand through his hair. “I’ve got bad news for both of you! Boy, you’re going to be bald by the time you’re twenty one.”

  Swan looks at Granny in shock. “What?”

  “You heard me, he’s going to be bald by the time he’s twenty one,” Granny says again.

  “What’ll you have?” the waitress asks.