At seven in the morning, Joel's alarm went off. He blinked awake and groaned. My body is on fire. Every muscle he had, and didn't know he had, was screaming at him. He knew it was from all the exercise. There was no other way to say that it wasn't. He didn't even want to think of what Nichole went through when she had to do it. Shaking his head to remove the grogginess, he sat up and stretched himself out thoroughly. Letting his head settle back down to focus, he got up to shower, shave, and collect what he needed to start the day. Looking over his phone screen when he collected it, he nodded that he got no calls. His wallet was next to be picked up, and he wolfed down a banana from the bowl of fruit on the table. He grabbed the two coins on the table and stuck them back in the waterproof pouch. They were wrapped back up in the seaweed to keep them from clinking together. It was time to hit the airport.
"Okay, honey, I'm coming to get ya," he muttered. Heading out of the hotel, he nodded to the manager. "My wife is coming in today. She insisted. So, you may be seeing her later with me."
"Of course," Stephan nodded. "I trust your stay is satisfactory?"
"Yes. Thank you very much," he nodded back. "Oh, I need to hit up a fish market. For some salmon and mackerel. As fresh as I can get it. Is there a good place?"
"Yes, there is! There is a seafood market right by the port. Everything is always fresh. Our staff buys the fish directly from there, actually. The fishermen set up their catch there each morning."
"Thank you!" Joel nodded again and left for the cab. On the way to the airport, he called up the credit card company to let them know of the purchases he was making. He had a feeling that they likely thought his card was stolen. It was a good thing that he did call them. They were getting ready to shut down the card in case there was fraud. Talking to the representative, he informed them that he may be making another purchase on fish and various books. When he explained the camping trip, the representative laughed and understood completely. Sighing, as he was glad to have cleared that up, he paid the fare and went to the waiting area of the airport lobby for his wife.
"Joel!" she said happily. He winced at the light pink floral tourist top and shorts she was in. She was even wearing sandals, sunglasses, and a white visor! "I had to look the part! Did it work?"
"With disturbing precision," he grinned and grunted at the poke to his side.
"Don't you start!" she giggled. He sighed and put an arm around her before kissing her with a quick peck on the lips. "It's good to see you."
"Same," he smiled. "I need to go to a fish market to pick up a few things. Then it's a book store. Then we need to hit up the docks for the boat. No time for the hotel. Your suitcase is coming with us. Um...you only brought one, right?"
"I brought two," she smiled. "and more underwear and socks for you, if you need it."
"That's my girl," he said with a light smile. "Oh, I should get Nikki a pack of razors and a toothbrush kit. She mentioned it before."
"Did she?" his wife frowned.
"Oh, wait. I got her a traveling kit. It comes with a toothbrush set already. Just the razors, then. Maybe some deodorant, though. Might need shaving cream, too."
"Is she moving out here?"
"In a sense, she is. I'll tell you more on the boat, okay?"
"You had better tell me everything!" she insisted.
"Of course, my dear," he mused. He went to the luggage bay area and grabbed the two suitcases on the circling platform. Wheeling them to the next cab, they were taken to the fish market.
"What kind are you looking for?" she asked, as she brought her suitcases with her.
"Very large salmon. And decent mackerel."
"For who?"
"Nikki and her husband. That's who," he grinned.
"Nikki never liked fish!" she blinked. "Well...not that I know of!"
"She does now," he chuckled. He found the right vendor and purchased five of the large, red fish. Getting a cooler for them with ice, he tracked down where the mackerel was being sold. Ten of the largest fish the guy had were bought next. Ashley was in shock at how much money he was spending. It was very unlike him.
"Who are you, and where is my husband?!" she scowled.
"Sorry, hun. It's all for Nikki and our son-in-law's family. Oh. You'll like this," he grinned, as they got to the cab and set the luggage and fish in the trunk. "A good bookstore, please."
"I'll like what?" she asked, as the cab moved.
"Nikki might be pregnant."
"WHAT?! I'll have grand-babies?!" she gasped.
"We're not really sure yet. We have to see how the next month pans out. The way she's acting proves that it's possible, but it's too early to tell. Okay? It was only one day that went by when she started to have the symptoms. Just remain calm."
"What kind of books are you getting?"
"A few children's books. I figured it would be good for her to be prepared."
"I still can't believe it! My baby is having babies!" she said with disbelief.
"Yes, Ashley. I know..." he sighed once again.
"And, to think that it was only yesterday that I was helping her potty train..."
"Oh, good! The bookstore! Thank you!" Joel said quickly, and he tipped the cab driver a bit more for driving fast. "Come on, dear! Help me pick a good book."
"Would you like me to wait, my friend?" the driver asked. "I don't mind."
"If I'm more than ten minutes, call me," he replied and gave his cell number. The driver nodded and put up a sign that he was on break. Five highly detailed books were purchased now. He remembered what Nichole said about a dictionary, and he bought a children's dictionary and a normal dictionary. He did muse at the idea of an encyclopedia set, but that would wait. There was a small general store right next to the bookstore, and he got the razors and body spray for his daughter here. Then he thought and got some environmentally friendly soap, shampoo, and conditioner. He wasn't sure what she had. They had just reached the ten minute mark when the cab driver looked over and waved. "Thanks! It's a real hassle taking luggage and purchases around."
"No problem, my friend! Where next?" he asked.
"The eastern docks. Where the shipyard is."
"Okay!" he nodded and the cab moved. Joel was busy nodding to everything his wife was saying without paying too much attention. She was mainly thinking of baby names. Joel simply whistled softly to himself, as he checked the time. We'll be cutting it close. Really close. When they got there, Bobby was waiting for them rather eagerly. He was dressed in a white sports shirt, black pants, and black shoes. He even had on a small Captain's hat of black and white design to show that he would be driving the boat.
"Sorry I was late. I had to pick up my wife from the airport," Joel chuckled, as he paid the cab driver. "She insisted to be out here, and I had to change the ticket last night after we talked. The other kids will be here tomorrow night. Ashley, this is Bobby Sterling. This is the man who may be selling us the boat for Nikki and her husband."
"Hello!" she said happily and shook his hand.
"Morning to you, and hello! And don't worry about being a little bit late. It's all right. I figured something came up. Anyways, the boat's ready! We'll still need to put the finishing touches on her, but I figured we'd give her a go. What's in the cooler?" Bobby asked, as he helped wheel up Ashley's luggage to the blue and white boat. She was a good eleven meters long and meticulously painted.
"Fish. Salmon and mackerel. You'll find out why," he chuckled. He explored the ship and found out the name was Little Star. "Cute name!"
"Well, she was supposed to be a star when she came out of the factory. She may as well be, if the upgrades pull through! We have a full galley, bedroom, bathroom, and small living area. There's a full osmosis water filtration in her, too, so there's no need to worry about salt water. It can convert the sea water into drinking water. What's left over just gets pumped out to sea, but the filters will need to be maintained, if the water starts to taste a touch off. Usually once a year to six months depending on the use. Most boats have the sewage to automatically flow out into the ocean. However, to keep Little Star environmentally friendly, she has a rather decent sewage tank. The tank may need to be cleaned out, if it's used a lot. Same time frame as the water filters. Of course, it all depends on usage. Lots of room for parties up on the deck, too. Shall we take her for a spin?" Bobby chuckled.
"Why not? I'll tell you where to go, and who we need to meet that will guide us," Joel nodded. "Go on and explore the ship, honey. It's all good."
"You are buying this ship for Nichole?!" she gasped.
"Not me. Her husband. We're meeting him now. I need to talk to Bobby about some business."
"Okay! We're going to own a boat!" she said in a giddy way, as she went up to the deck.
"Does she know?" Bobby frowned.
"No. I really don't want her to know until we get there. Or at least until we get close enough. I'd record her reaction, but she'll get me back, somehow. Thanks for showing up and waiting for me. I was afraid you'd see me as a quack," he grinned. "I know I would have. I still can't believe anything."
"It's fine. You have the proof. Oh, you didn't show her that, either, did you?"
"Nope. I will when we get there. Oh! There's our guide! Let me let it know it's me," Joel said, as he spotted the dolphin in the water. He was surprised that he recognized it. Getting out two large mackerel, he went to the deck and gave a sharp whistle. The dolphin heard the tone and rose up to chitter at him. "I told you I'd bring you something! Here!"
The dolphin actually sounded like it was laughing with joy, as it snapped up the fish. Ashley was amazed at how the dolphin was reacting to him.
"Is it trained?!" she gasped with delight.
"No. But, it will lead us to Nikki," he smiled. He pointed to the direction of the island, and the dolphin squeaked with confirmation. Bobby was clearly surprised by all of this. When Joel got back to the control room, he said, "Follow the dorsal fin. It will lead us to where we need to go."
"How far out is it?" Bobby frowned.
"About a hundred miles."
"Are you serious?! I don't know if I have enough power for that! If you told me in advance..."
"Sorry," he winced. Then he noticed that Bobby was laughing. "Did you just yank my chain?!"
"I had to!" he grinned wickedly. "This boat propels itself with mostly wind and water. Doesn't need a lot of gasoline or fuel. And, I do have some spare cans of it down below, if we do get stuck. Most of the engine is electric to keep it environmentally friendly. When there's no wind, the propeller can be used for smooth sailing, and it's low power so it doesn't need a lot to work with. There's also enough wind in the sails, too, so I don't need to even use the gas tank. We're fine."
"I think we're going to work just fine together," Joel sighed, as he laughed.
"Hmm. Where did our guide go?" Bobby frowned. Then the dolphin leapt out of the water in a form of play. More of its pod showed up to guide the boat with chitters of excitement.
"That's a big pod," he mused. "I didn't bring that much fish. I really just wanted to feed the one guy, since it was that one taking me back and forth."
"I think they know," Bobby smirked. Ashley was heard screaming her joy at the sight of the dolphin pod. "At least she's having a blast."
"I just need an ice cold beer," Joel grunted.
"Way ahead of you," the older man grinned and popped open a cabinet. Inside was an ice bucket with several cans of Budweiser in view. "I'd take one, but I'm driving."
"Duly noted," he nodded and grabbed a red and white can. Popping the top and taking swig, he gave a small belch with a sigh. "Much better!"
"I'd have brought my wife, but she thinks I'm more married to the business than her. If it wasn't for the business, she'd have to style her own hair," Bobby laughed.
"I know the feeling," Joel nodded. "Only it's my other two daughters that have that attitude. Even my sons. I lucked out with Nichole. She's nothing like them. Doesn't even look like them. She wanted out of the house the moment she graduated. It surprised me...and upset me, too."
"I thought every parent would want the kids out."
"Nikki was different. Is different. She had my mindset. Still does. When she knows what she wants, she aims for it. I was a bit surprised at her sudden marriage. I think she shocked herself, too. But...she's in love. I think that, as long as I know that she's safe, and that I can see her, I'll be fine with it. I sort of think of her as a real extension of me. You know? It's just one of those things that I know she would never lie to me. She never did. There was no reason for it."
"If only I had a kid like that!" he sighed. "What's that?!"
"Hmm?" Joel asked. Looking off the side of the port was a merman swimming alongside the ship. It was Grynkar, and he was clearly making himself known. "That, my good sir, is a merman. Likely one of Nikki's new family members. Probably just making sure we're legit, since it's their dolphins swarming the boat. I'd better wave to him, so he knows we're not a threat."
"I..." Bobby found himself speechless. Joel clapped him on the back and moved up to the deck. Ashley was still distracted by the dolphins, and the scout was on the opposite side of the yacht to keep from being seen. Joel moved to where Grynkar was, and he waved with a nod. The scout gave a small smile, a slight wave to show all was well, and dove back down under the water. Joel chuckled softly to himself. Then he thought. Did the ship have cameras? Swearing a bit, he moved back down into the yacht. He was still holding his beer and took another swig of it.
"Bobby, does this boat have cameras? That can record things?" he asked.
"Not yet. We were going to have them installed for security after the sale was done. This boat was locked up in the showroom for a while. It's her maiden voyage. Why? Oh! Right. Incognito. Maybe we can just have the cameras hidden to record inside this cabin? In case there was a break-in? It would help, if something does happen," Bobby suggested.
"That might work. The last thing I need is someone grabbing the tape and finding a bunch of sea people on it," Joel nodded, as he milked his beer. After thirty minutes of silent appreciation of the dolphin pod and the calm ocean view, he heard his wife moving above them.
"Honey! You said you would tell me about Nikki's man! I think it's time," Ashley said. She walked down the stairs to approach them. "A beer? Ugh! At least you're not driving the boat!"
"It's why I'm having one! Sit down, dear. Ah, you remember what Nikki always loved as a kid? What she would always draw and fantasize about?" he asked. Bobby paid closer attention to the dolphins that guided him now to appear nonexistent.
"Oh! She always had thoughts of...what was it? Fish people?" she thought.
"Mermaids. Right?" he smiled.
"Yes! That's it!" she giggled. "She was such a dreamer! Why?"
"She found one. And it's a boy. She married a merman," he said lightly.
"Oh, you're joking!" she laughed. "He's a successful pearl diver like you told me! I heard they can dive to very deep depths, too. I can see why she would think that!"
"I'm not joking. I saw him, myself. They're real. And, it was him and his family that found these for us," he said, as he finally took out the two coins to show her. "His name is Kilnak. He's very smart, and he protected her when she was attacked while scuba diving. The dolphins are leading us to Nikki, because they work with his family. I know. It sounds...out of the blue. But, it was that first dolphin you saw that has been taking me to see Nikki back and forth."
"I...I don't believe you!" she said with shock.
"Too bad that one along the boat dove under the water," he winced. "It's fine. You'll believe me when you see Nikki. How far out are we?"
"Fifty miles out. Should be halfway there, if it's a hundred miles. We're making good time. I'm surprised, really! But, that's what we're at," Bobby smiled. "Fair wind, clear sea, no obstructions..."
"Good," Joel nodded. "I'll be on the deck."
"Just wait a minute!" Ashley scowled, as she followed him. It was why he left. He wanted Bobby to be as undisturbed as possible. "You have to be joking!"
"If I was joking, you would know how I would act. Why else would I be buying camping gear? Or even this boat?" Joel asked lightly. "Why do you think I didn't say anything about what her husband looked like? Or send you pictures?"
"There's no such thing! Mermaids aren't real!" she insisted.
"You'll see," he grinned and put an arm around her, as they watched the protective dolphin pod swim with them. "Oh, yes, my dear. You will see."