ALANA POV
After bidding farewell to the departing duo, I ventured out onto the terrace that offered a breathtaking view of the vast ocean. The ship had already set sail towards the Hoyos island, a remote landmass that was home to a handful of indigenous tribes. Amidst the hustle and bustle of modernity, they manage to uphold their cultural traditions with unwavering dedication. And while the cultural offerings are undoubtedly alluring, the sandy beaches of Hoyos are simply irresistible. One of my most cherished activities is exploring the ocean depths through the art of snorkeling.
As I look around, I can't help but notice that nearly everyone is accompanied by their significant other. Meanwhile, I find myself standing here solo, without a companion to share in the experience. With a heavy heart, I find myself repeatedly drawn back to the memories of days gone by, each sigh a testament to the weight of my emotions. As I navigate through my first heartbreak, I find myself at a loss for how to proceed. Once more, my phone emitted a buzzing sound, signaling the arrival of new messages. With a cursory glance, I observed that it belonged to its father.
As I typed out my reply, I crafted a message to reassure them of my well-being and express the depth of my longing for their presence.
Once again, Connor has reached out to me. It's quite amusing how he is around HER, yet he shamelessly continues to send me messages. The persistence of old habits is a formidable force.
"Ms. Dorothy, may I offer you anything?"
As I lifted my gaze, I was met with the sight of Abraham extending a warm welcome to me. It was evident that he was plagued with remorse for inquiring about my fictitious spouse, "Benjamin." One of my planned pranks for Connor involved a bit of role-playing, as we assumed the personas of Benjamin and Dorothy, reminiscent of the beloved sitcom couple on television.
"Join me," I gesture towards the recliner seat with a welcoming pat. Having opted for the deluxe package, we were fortunate enough to have been assigned a butler and attendant who graciously attended to our daily needs. Henceforth, Abraham has been designated to provide me with personal assistance. As he settled onto the cushion, I couldn't help but notice its gentle give beneath his weight. It is a truth that cannot be denied - Abraham possesses a youthful appearance.
"How old are you Abe? May I call you Abe? "
A smile spread across my face.
"SURE! i am.19 years old, and I have recently entered into the next stage of my life."
He rubbed the nape of his neck, a gesture that followed his disclosure of his age.
"Have you recently completed your high school education?"
I inquired of him. I was intrigued to observe him in his element, outside the confines of academia.
"Yes, Ms. Dorothy," he replied with deference.
"Call me 'la'," i said with a casual air.
"Please, call me Dorothy. No need for formalities."
Before giving a nod, he poured wine into my glass.
"Are you considering pursuing college? "
"Yes i do, Although it was necessary for me to earn some money to cover my expenses before entering school".
Jake and I were fortunate to have a mutual respect between us. My father's earnings were sufficient not only to provide for our needs, but also to indulge us with anything we desired. From the moment of our births, we were both blessed with the privilege of a silver spoon.
The sheer magnitude of that is truly awe-inspiring! I chuckled at the thought, admiring someone who refuses to let obstacles hinder their destiny.
"I sincerely hope that you earn as much money as you require." i smiled.
Here I sit, consumed by misery over a man who no longer held any value in my life. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to witness his genuine character prior to our nuptials. The mere thought of him proceeding with the wedding is unfathomable.
With a smile that conveyed his deep appreciation, he responded to me, "Dorothy, your kindness is truly touching."
Our conversation was all-encompassing, only coming to a pause when he excused himself to the kitchen to retrieve my meal. The ambiance on the balcony presents a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of the bustling bar indoors. As the sky darkened, a handful of the cruise staff took it upon themselves to light torches, casting a warm glow across the deck. The scent of lemongrass wafted through the air, serving not only as a pleasant aroma but also as a natural deterrent for pesky mosquitoes. There's nothing quite like the invigorating sensation of basking in the ambiance of a tropical paradise.
Once the ship docks at Hoyos, I plan to send another message to my father, informing him of our imminent loss of service.
With every bite I savored from the delectable dinner, I was transported to a state of pure bliss. My love for indulging in culinary delights was fully satiated. The delectable flavors of the cuisine leave me yearning to possess the culinary prowess of the chef.
"How is your dinner?"
With a graceful stride, Abe approached me, holding the pitcher of refreshing lemon water. He deftly poured the liquid into my glass, the gentle tinkling of the ice cubes providing a soothing background melody.
"The flavor is truly exquisite!, Kindly inform the chef." I requested.
"I'm delighted that you're enjoying it," he shared, revealing the source of the recipe, which transported me to a state of blissful unawareness.
The exclamation of disbelief was palpable. My astonishment was palpable.
"Indeed, that is precisely why I am diligently saving up to attend culinary school. Typically, I serve as a kitchen assistant, but due to unforeseen circumstances such as the absence of the designated helper, I was tasked with stepping in to fill the role." He explained.
"Abe," I exclaimed, my taste buds dancing with delight, "this is an absolute masterpiece." My knife glided effortlessly through the tender steak, revealing a perfect pink center surrounded by a delectable brown crust. The temperature was spot on, not too rare and not too well-done. I simply can't stop savoring each and every bite.
"Anticipate the indulgence of my renowned molten lava chocolate cake."
"Are you kidding? Oh my goodness, that is absolutely my favorite!"
Indulging him was not my intention, but it must be said that chocolate lava cake holds an unrivaled place in my heart. As he promised to return with dessert, the patrons eagerly awaited his arrival. Meanwhile, the sultry bar singer took to the stage, captivating the audience with her melodic voice and commanding presence. The crowd was swept up in a frenzy of excitement, cheering and applauding her every note. From a distance, she catches my eye - a stunning figure, even with the heavy veil of makeup obscuring her natural features.
As the familiar melody of Paloma Faith's renowned ballad "Only Love Can Hurt Like This" fills the air, I find myself humming along in perfect harmony. The irony of the song and how it relates to my current circumstances. As I cast my gaze towards the entrance, I behold Abe sauntering in, a tray in hand. His countenance is ablaze with a palpable sense of elation as our eyes meet in mutual recognition.
My enthusiasm is palpable, rendering me oblivious to my surroundings. My mind fixates solely on the delectable cake before me, eagerly anticipating the moment I can savor each and every bite.
With a flourish, a single molten lava chocolate is presented to the most stunning of ladies. Abe's presence brought a palpable shift in the atmosphere, as if the weight of the room had been lifted.
With a polite bow, I extended my hand towards him and uttered, "Gimme, gimme." Without any hesitation, I indulged in the delectable cake. As my fork pierced the center of the cake, a molten stream of chocolate erupted forth like a volcanic eruption. As I scooped up a delicate morsel, the world around me seemed to come to a standstill. The taste of the morsel lingered on my tongue, saturating my senses with its rich flavor.
"Lord have mercy!" I exclaimed
Never before have I tasted a lava cake as exquisite as this one. My oral cavity was so crammed that I was unable to articulate any semblance of language. With closed eyes and a soothing melody as my guide, I shall embark on the journey of healing.
As I indulged in the delectable cake before me, the unmistakable hum of an amplifier emanated from the captain's quarters.
"Good evening, esteemed guest, both ladies and gentlemen",
Captain Renata's voice boomed over the intercom, announcing their arrival into the international waters of Hoyos. The impending heavy showers tonight were not to be taken lightly, but the crew was well-prepared to handle any situation that may arise. Passengers could rest assured that the ship's exceptional staff would be on hand to attend to their every need. He extend his sincerest gratitude for selecting Victor Liner as the preferred cruise provider.
The melody persisted, accompanied by a renewed buzz of conversation, as waitstaff deftly navigated the room, bearing fresh platters of delectable fare and libations to offer the assembled company. I am still savoring every bite of the delectable cake that Abe kindly brought for me. His natural talents are truly remarkable.
"Abe," I exclaimed,
"You are a true genius! "
With every delectable bite of the cake, words of admiration effortlessly escaped my lips. Despite the intended two servings, I found myself still yearning for an additional portion of the dish.
My objective is to persuade him to divulge the recipe, granting me the ability to have Aunty Mei's delectable baked goods at my disposal whenever the craving strikes.
I delicately dab my lips with a soft napkin, then pour another generous serving of wine into my glass. With a refined gesture, I savor the rich liquid, allowing it to cleanse my palate of the lingering taste of decadent chocolate. The bitterness of the wine seems to have intensified following the consumption of a sweet delicacy.
With my spirits lifted, I eagerly joined the throngs of people on the dance floor, moving to the rhythm with unbridled joy in the bustling bar.
As the rain began to drizzle on the terrace, we guests were urged to seek shelter indoors for safety reasons. The crowded bar, complete with a live band, set the perfect mood for the evening. The inaugural evening in this place appears to be a propitious start.
I had the pleasure of meeting several individuals, including Steve and Kevin. These newlyweds were basking in the joy of their honeymoon. Our introduction was a natural one, and we found ourselves holding hands and swaying to the rhythm of the live band.
As I watched the pair continue to take shot after shot, I couldn't help but feel my own energy waning. I discreetly excuse myself to the lavatory, having indulged in a few too many libations. As I splashed my face with the tap water, the low growl of the storm reverberated through the metal walls. As the intensity of the storm increased, I made the decision to retire for the night and retreated back to my suite.
After bidding farewell to the newlyweds, I informed Abe that his services were no longer required for the day. With a sense of contentment, I retired to my chamber, eager to indulge in a restful slumber on my plush king-size bed.