The sun felt so warm it warmed my skin the second I stepped out of the air conditioned car.
"I feel better already!" Alice called out from the driver's side as she slammed the door and spread her arms out taking in the Florida sun. I grinned at her as her big floppy hat nearly blew off her head from the Florida breeze.
"I'll feel better once the cocktails start to flow" I call back as I grabbed my carry on from the back seat of the rental car.
Our vacation had started out a disaster. I was beginning to think that the only memories we would have of our trip would be filled with delays and crappy airplanes and lost reservations and overbooked hotels. But now spending one horrible night in a scary motel seemed worth it. Today the sun was high and ocean breeze blew through my hair and I was finally beginning to feel the freedom of our vacation.
"Shouldn't Jacob be here by now?" Alice says as she heaves her oversized suitcases from the trunk.
"We are a bit early."
I rush over to help her lift out the biggest one. My much smaller suitcases had to be stored in the back seats because hers took up the whole trunk.
"Alright you stay here with the luggage I'll go return the car" she says as she hops back in the car and speeds off. The rental car had not been part of our plan but we had been unable to get a taxi last night. So now here we were waiting for Jacob to pick us up to take us over the dock. He had flown in a few days before us since his job gave him more days off and he wanted to catch a few surfing days with a friend that moved here not too long ago.
I sat on the curb leaning back on my hands enjoying the warmth from the sun. The sun felt so amazing when it was accompanied by a soft breeze instead of dry wind. I stood as a big faded light blue van pulled up in front of me. The car barely stopped before the passenger door flung open and Jacob jumped out coming at me arms wide open. I grinned as he pulled me into his arms and off the ground in a little spin. I could feel my face heat even though I missed him.
"I didn't realize how much I missed you until I saw you just now." He said into my hair. My blush deepened as it spread down my neck.
"I missed you too "I laughed nervously as his friend jumps out of the driver's seat and came over. He was tall and tan with long sun bleached hair.
"Bella this is Jarrod" Jacob said as he let me go and slid his arm around my waist.
"it's about time I met the infamous Bella. I can finally put a face to all the stories I've heard." He says grinning at me. I smile back but just as I'm about to reply Alice arrives.
"Hi I'm Alice." She practically sings. "I don't mean to be brash but if we don't get going we will never make it to the Caribbean."
"If the little lady says lets go the lets go." Jarrod replies picking up her largest suitcase as if it didn't way a thing. The guys had everything in the van by the time Alice and I managed to pull ourselves into the back seat.
We arrived at the dock in a matter of minutes. Alice talked my ear off the whole way. But it was hard to focus on what she was saying while we drove past sand so white I could just picture myself sprawled out on it. And water so beautiful it made me want to jump right out of the car. I had never imagined Florida so beautiful.
The Cruise ship made me feel so small and it was probably the smallest one here. It looked so grand and white and terrifying. I couldn't wait to get on but at the same time my nerves were beginning to kick in. I knew nothing would happen but I also couldn't shake my nerves. Alice clearly didn't have the same problem she was jumping around ordering the guys around and chatting about the cruise with other vacationers heading the same way as us. She was even more hyper then ever before. There was officially no stopping her. Jacob appeared more focused on making sure our luggage all went through I doubted he even got the chance to look at the ship now that Jarrod dropped us off and left, he was trying to keep track of all the luggage Alice brought on his own.
By the time get got to our room I was exhausted and I was sure Jacob felt the same. We had managed to get two joint rooms Alice in one Jacob and me in the other. The rooms were small but they had everything we could possibly need even a little round window and window seat. I sprawled out on the big fluffy bed as soon as I made it in. I was tired from the little sleep I managed to get the night before and just watching Alice hop around exhausted me. Jacob followed my lead after making sure Alice made it to her room alright. He pulled me against him the second he got on the bed and his body curled around mine nicely and suddenly all I wanted to do was take a nap. I felt so at home in his arms and so tired I could almost forget my excitement. Alice however did not forget hers .She burst through our joining door in a new outfit and the same big hat that only made you realize how small she really was.
"What are you doing! We finally make it here and you're laying down? Are you insane let's go look around at least?"
"Alice you go explore make some friends for an hour or two and then we will go find you." Jacob says before nuzzling into my back more. I could barely register the door slamming shut behind me before my eyes drifted shut.
I awoke about an hour later refreshed and exited once again. I wiggled my way out of Jacobs's arms without waking him. (He was a heavy sleeper) and got into the little shower in our bathroom. When I got out I threw on a bikini and a pair of shorts. I wanted to be one of those girls that were comfortable walking around without a shirt, but when I looked in the mirror I realized who I was kidding so I threw on a flowy tank top on top. After applying some chap stick I snuck out of the room with my room key in my back pocket and some cash. The ship was beautiful and all inclusive. Except for drinks. But money wasn't allowed on the ship so it was my understanding that there were machines that let you put money into your room key. The hallways were small but slightly confusing. I got a bit lost and the halls were empty and I was just beginning to get a bit frustrated when I found a big glass door that looked like it led outside.
The moment I opened the door I was hit with two things a strong cool breeze that blew my wet hair back, and the sound of a very familiar twinkling laughter. I had arrived at the enormous pool which was already filled with tons of people milling about. There were hot tubs on decks, shirtless men, girls in tiny bikinis sun bathing, and a very long bar. A bar that Alice had of course already found. She was sitting on the counter with a tall blended drink in her hand giggling at what the two guys surrounding her were saying. She was wearing a cute light green romper with little flowers that showed off her thin figure perfectly.
"Bella" she grinned at me when I made my way to her. "Guys this is my best friend and roommate Bella." She sang to them. "Bella these are my new friends Kyle and Liam there from California." She said smiling impressively at me.
"Nice to meet you." One of the blondes said shaking my hand and gliding his eyes down my body.
"Let's get you a drink." The other said already leaning over the bar to call over the waiter.
"I'll have whatever she's having" I laughed nervously as the one I presumed to be Kyle stepped aside and allowed me to have his stool.
"So Bella you're from Seattle as well? Are you from there originally?" Presumed Liam asked as he handed me a fruity blended cocktail. My name sounded surprisingly sweet on his lips.
"No I just moved there for school about two years ago, it's how I met Alice we were assigned the same dorm." I replied allowing myself to relax.
We manage to fall into easy conversation the guys turn out to be quite interesting and even funny. They have us at the bar talking and laughing and it becomes so comfortable that I lose track of time and the amount of drinks we have had. The sun has started to set by the time I notice Jacob watching us from across the pool in a pair of swim trunks. I immediately straighten and just as I'm about to stand up the bell rings announcing dinner.
"Well ladies we better head off we promised our friends to meet them for dinner but hopefully we will run into each other again" Kyle says grinning at me.
"Goodbye Alice" Liam says kissing her hand.
"See you later Bella." Kyle says softly leaning in for what might have been a kiss on the cheek but I quickly turn my head replying "have a nice dinner." Or something to that affect
"God Bella they are SO cute." Alice's gushes excitedly as she hops down off the bar.
"They are. "I reply before finishing off the last of my drink. "I caught Jacob watching us, do you think he will be mad?"
"He shouldn't be it was just a little flirting. "She says looking around for him, but he was already lost in the crowd.
"You know how he is." I sigh pushing my hair back with both hands. "He's so jealous and over protective."
"I told you not to bring him along" Alice sang as she finished off her drink as well. I ignored her but as I turned around to leave I nearly bump straight into Jacob.
"You girls ready to head back to the room and change?" he says evenly but I could tell he was at least a little upset.
We both follow him towards the door without saying anything. As we are walking I try to keep my head down but my eye catches on a guy in one of the big comfy chairs lined up around the rail of the ship. He was fully dressed in black as if there hadn't been a hot sun beating down all day. His nose was buried deep in a book. He seemed as though he didn't even want to be here. I lose focus on him as Jacob holds the door open for me and gives me a look that lets me know he really is mad. Dammit. The last thing I need.
When we finally arrive at our room he slams the door shut behind me but I don't say anything and neither does he. I could tell he is waiting for me to look at him but I avoid his gaze and focus on pulling out a dress for the first formal dinner of the cruise. There was supposed to be two one on the first night and one the day before we arrive back in Miami. Alice had of course, surprised me with both of the dresses one a deep purple that reached my knees and another simpler dark blue that flowed to my ankles.
"You are unbelievable." He finally says exasperated as I slip the blue dress over my head.
"Jacob..." I start as I finally turn around to look at him. But I don't finish because I don't even know what to say to him.
"I can't even trust you alone for a couple hours because you find the first pair of douchebags to flirt with!"
"God Jacob don't start! Why are you like this? I have never given you a reason not to trust me!" I yell back.
"Not to trust you? Are you kidding me? Those guys were all over you and you let them! Is that what you call trustworthy behavior from someone in a committed relationship?"
"No! It's what I call talking to a couple of guys! So because I'm going out with you I can't talk to any other guys on this planet? You are so over dramatic Jacob that it's really becoming a pain in the ass." I yell as I push past him into the bathroom. "I am sick of you acting like I am some cheating whore just because I'm chatting with another guy!" I am running a brush roughly threw my hair and I'm sure ill regret it later but at the moment I'm so upset I couldn't care less.
"You were FLIRTING" he says stepping in front of the bathroom door.
"So what if I was! It's INNOCENT!" I say slamming my brush down onto the counter.
"Those guys were just trying to get into your pants!"
"It doesn't matter! It's not like I would let them! Is that the kind of girl you think I am? The kind that will sleep with the first guy that buys her a drink? It wouldn't matter if I was single it still wouldn't have led to anything more than a couple drinks and a conversation!"
"Why can't you just respect that I don't want you flirting with other guys?" he says finally lowering his voice. He now sounded more frustrated then upset.
"Why can't you just respect that me I can't live my life talking to one guy for the rest of my life? "I reply lowering my voice as well. He sighs and leans his forehead on the door frame.
"look." I say stepping towards him and grabbing his hand. "I am a commitment kind of girl. When I say I'm committed I mean it. I'm never going to cheat on you. I love you. You know that. But if this is going to work then you need to understand that sometimes I will talk with other guys and sometimes that might come off as flirting but that's all it will ever be. I'm yours but just because I'm yours doesn't mean I can't still live my life."
He doesn't answer. Instead he pulls me into his arms. I know our fights not really over because he hasn't agreed to let me be but for now I think we have both agreed we don't want to fight while we are on vacation. He leaves the bathroom to go change and not another word is said between us. I manage to apply a tiny bit of make up; just enough to add a little color to my plain face. I also pull my hair up in a loose up do and throw on the earrings Alice gave me to go with the dress they were simple but they dangled all the way to my shoulders. They went nicely with the blue dress. The dress was simple and made of light flowy royal blue material. It tied around my neck and exposed quite a bit of my back but was perfect for the night. It was simple but just enough elegance. Jacob changed into a pair of jeans and a white button up shirt and told me he would wait in the dining room while I went to get Alice who still hadn't emerged from the room. I slipped into her room just moments after he left and grabbed the strappy sandals she helped me pick to go with both the dresses on my way out.
"Hey Alice are you almost ready?" I called out to her bathroom as I sat on her bed to strap on the sandals.
"Almost." She said poking her head out of the bathroom a she put on her earrings. "Is everything alright? He sounded upset."
"You heard?" I sighed slipping on the next sandal
"Just muffled yelling." I sigh feeling like I just want to crawl under the covers" if it makes you feel any better I couldn't understand what you were saying."
"Oh wonderful"
"Is he still mad?"
"I don't know." I shrug. "I guess he's decided to let it go for now. " I say following her into the bathroom where the counter is covered in makeup and product." I can't even really be mad at him for it. I know it's my fault. I don't know what's wrong with me. I never even had the urge to flirt before I met him, but lately it's like I can't help myself. I hardly even notice I'm doing it until he catches me."
She doesn't say anything else. She doesn't need to. She and I both know what's wrong. I just am not as happy with Jake as I know I should be. He's perfect, and I have done everything to push him away and now I have turned him into this super jealous guy. All because a part of me wants more.
Alice changes the subject knowing I don't really feel like talking about this anymore. I watch her finish getting ready as we chat. Her shoulder length reddish brown hair is curled slightly at the ends making it look effortlessly perfect. Her face has just the right amount of makeup to make her look mysteriously sexy and her black strappy dress falls on her perfectly as though it were made for her. She looks amazing as always.
We stroll out of the room together with her back to her usual chatty self. As we make our way down the hall I realize I forgot my clutch. I hurry back to the room and grab it as I am shutting the door to my room I turn around and there he is. I Don't look at his face but I know he sees me, the man in black. I can feel his eyes on me. I turn away from him and hurry off. We manage to find the dining room just as dinner is about to begin. The room is grand, all gold and a soft white. The tables were all filled and the host led showed us to our table where Jake was already chatting with an older guy who appeared to be there with his two daughters. We sat down and Jake introduced us quickly before turning his attention back to their conversation. The food turned out to be very good and Alice and I enjoyed it. After words Jake headed off with the man to some game room or something and Alice and I changed into our bathing suits and spent a few hours in a hot tub making conversation with a couple of girls on spring vacation. We had a good time but I was unable to sink back into the comfortableness I was in earlier. I just couldn't stop thinking about Jake and I was beginning to realize it just wasn't going to work. When Alice and I made it back to the rooms it was nearly midnight and Jake still wasn't back. We both decided to get some rest since we were still tired from all the traveling we both showered quickly and changed into pajamas. By the time I finished Jake still wasn't back, so I went over to Alice's room and we put on a movie and both fell asleep half way through.
The next two days went by uneventfully as the boat grew closer and closer to the Caribbean. We all had breakfast together at the buffet in the dining room before Jake headed off with a couple of guys he met where they went to go play pool or something of that sort while Alice and I sun bathed out by the pool. There was a couple of activities going on but she and I decided to just relax with drinks by the pool. While Alice went out to the small nightclub at night I made an appointment for a late massage and facial. Overall we were having a good time. Even better than I thought we would after our little fight. Jacob didn't bring it up and I avoided situations that might stir it back up. He would come back to the room early enough and we even made love one night.
That night after he fell asleep I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep. It was only midnight but I threw on some shorts and a tank top and checked to see if Alice was back from the club but she wasn't. I couldn't stand being in the room anymore and I realized I was a bit hungry so I threw on a big hoodie and left the room to see if the bar by the pool was still serving snacks. When I got their the pool was mostly deserted except for a few couples on the hot tubs and some people hanging around the bar chatting casually as if it wasn't the middle of the night. I ordered a soda and a large order of nachos and went to go sit on one if the little tables near the railing of the ship. The night was cold but they had turned on fire heaters near the bar and the tables surrounding it. I waited for my food and once it came I ate peacefully enjoying the view of the dark blue sky filled with stars and then sound of the ocean around me. When I finished I walked around a little and before I knew it I was beginning to yawn again and I was beginning to feel cold. I made my way back to the door leading inside I pulled it open and rushed in and bumped straight into a body on the other side of the door.
"Oh god I'm sorry." I say bending over to pick up the book he had dropped. As I handed it back to him I finally made eye contact and was inches away from the most beautiful emerald green eyes I had ever seen.
"No problem I wasn't paying much attention either." His voice pulled my eyes away from his long enough to see just how handsome he was. It also let me see that this was the same guy I had seen on the deck reading and in the hall. He was gorgeous, and he hardly even looked at me before rushing past me to the outside.
I made it back to my room but I was unable to get him out of my mind even as I lay beside Jacob; whose arm draped across my stomach the second I laid down, I just couldn't forget the color of his eyes. The perfect shade of Green.
Hope you enjoyed it.
~with love Marilyn