Page 15 of Escape To Paradise
“Fresh breakup? I’m sorry. Is that why you’re here?” She looked so innocent. They both do.
“Yes and no. It’s a fresh breakup. But it’s not really why I’m here. Not technically. Maybe when I’m ready to talk about it, I will.”
“Well, take your time. It’s normal to be calm during your first few weeks. We can’t wait to be your new besties.”
“Besties?” I asked.
“We didn’t get along at first, Zofia and I,” Kathleen interjected.
“But now, we’re besties,” Zofia said rather proudly. She placed her arm around Kathleen, and they both smiled like little kids.
“Okay, then.”
I knew the girls meant well. But I guess I had matured because of my life experiences. I just didn’t have a rose-colored view of the world anymore.
After our quick break, Kathleen showed me the previous chef’s prepared menu. I could see from the chef’s notes that she was very organized. She had already pre-planned several meals that my only job was to execute.
We had dinner around six, and the setup was similar. We prayed together, then ate. After that, the girls and I went to the office/game room, where we played a few board games. Around 7 p.m., the ship started moving, and suddenly, I felt queasy.
“Are you okay?” Zofia asked with a concerned look on her face.
“Does the boat sway this much?”
“You’ll get used to it. You may get seasick for a couple of days,” Kathleen answered.
We were playing Monopoly at this point.
“A few days?” I asked.
Zofia rolled the dice and moved her token on the gameboard.
“Each one is different; it took me around three days. Kathleen took five days to a week to get used to it. But you will get seasick. If it gets worse, just let me know, and I can give you something for motion sickness.”
“Okay.”
We played the game until almost midnight. When it was time for bedtime, I changed into pajamas. I felt nauseous, but the sleepiness won over. I slept under a warm blanket. The room was rocking back and forth, and I could hear the hum of the engine.
***
I woke up when the sound of the engine slowed down. Even while sleeping, I could feel the room rocking back and forth. The girls were still asleep, so I slowly tiptoed out of the room. I looked at my watch to see it was almost six in the morning. It was still dark out. Even if the engine had stopped, I could still feel the floor rocking back and forth. I went out to the deck and saw the captain standing and looking at the horizon. The sun was rising in the east, and the sun’s rays were pouring out. It was a marvelous sight.
I was still in my pajamas, but I didn’t mind. The view was breathtaking. I walked towards Captain Yousef, and he turned with a look of surprise on his face.
“Good morning. I didn’t know you were an early riser,” he greeted me.
“Yeah, I sort of am. I like to work. It’s hard for me to sleep in.”
Slowly but surely, the sun emerged, as if the ocean was birthing it. The sky changed color from dark violet to orange violet. Then, a more intense orange color emerged after the sky turned blue. The sun was at first a semi-circle, and within minutes, turned into a full circle as it rose from the horizon. It was the most beautiful sunrise I’ve ever seen.
“I never get used to the sunrise. It’s beautiful each time.” Captain Yousef was still looking out.
“I don’t even remember the last time I saw the sunrise. But you’re right, this is indeed wonderful.” I just gazed in amazement at the nature show.
I looked to the West, and we were approaching the busy port of the island of St. Lucia. There were several boats docked. I suddenly felt excited. I was officially starting my first day of work, and I couldn’t wait.
***
We docked at the port, and twelve guests boarded the Sea Eagle. Most of our guests were couples. There was one family of four—the mom, dad, and their two teenage kids. They were mostly British citizens with some Aussies and Kiwis. The family of four was American.
