Ever since I was a young girl I would go on fishing trips with my dad. He would show me the basics of fishing. He would teach me how to make a good knot, how to hook my own bait, how to hold a fishing rod properly, and he educated me on sea life. Eventually, over time, we made it a weekly tradition to go fishing.

On my 10th birthday was the first time I went with him to fish deepsea. I instantly fell in love. I loved the people on board, I loved the crew working, and I loved the view of the breathtaking ocean.

When I was 15 I came out to my dad while on a fishing trip. He said he loved me and nothing has changed. He said my mother would be proud of me for finding courage on coming out to him. I cried tears of joy and sadness at the memory of my mother. She had passed away giving birth to me. But I always felt she was near when I had her necklace around my neck.

When I was 18 my dad had introduced me to this new captain who was in need of a crew. His name was Xavier Dolls. He preferred to be called Captain X over Captain Dolls. We hit it off instantly and he told me I should stop by for an interview later on in the week. So I did.

That's where I am today. I am part of the crew of the boat Black Badge with Captain X.

I work on the deck alongside my partner Doc Holiday but we call him Doc. In the kitchen ready to make some killer food is our chef Jeremy. And of course our Captain X leading us.

To say I love my job would be an understatement. This is the best job I could ever hope for. It's all thanks to my dad of course. If it wasn't for him to introduce me to Dolls when I was 18 I'd probably be wasting my time in college.

At 20 years old I ended up moving out of my family home and ended up roommates with my crew. We got along both outside and during work. We located in a house less than a mile from the ocean.

Now at 21 I am still with my crew leading tourists and locals on boat trips to go fishing.

Today we have a fishing trip scheduled to leave at 10am to 3pm. A half day trip.

Which meant we will have to get up at 5am and leave by 6am, which was in 5 minutes.

I laid in bed savoring the last 5 mintues I had til I had to get up. I began to think about my dad and his 46th birthday coming up. I had to think of a plan for him, he has always supported me and now that I am financially stabled I can afford to take him somewhere nice for once.

ring ring ring*

My alarm interrupted my thoughts as I turned around to shut off the alarm. I got up to take a quick shower and get dressed for the day ahead.

Once I finished I went to the kitchen to find Xavier already cooking some breakfast.

"Morning Captain" I said grabbing my mug and pouring myself some coffee. He just nodded with a small smile on his lips as he continued making eggs. I began helping him with some bacon as we cooked in silent.

"Morning guys!" Jeremy said with a wave as he went to pour himself some orange juice. "I'll go wake up Doc before he makes us late, behind schedule."

We heard a knock on, what we assume to be docs door, and whispering before we heard something slam. Which, expectantly, is docs pillow. Jermey came to the kitchen with two thumbs up as he began serving us food on plates.

After breakfast we walked our way to our boat not bothering to deal with a car and parking since we live less than a mile away from the boat.

We walked our way to the boat in silence soaking up the sound of the waves crashing against eachother. After a 7 minute walk we arrived at the docks.

"Morning crew" Shorty greeted us. He works at the sign in and is in charge of scheduling each boat with visitors for whale watching or fishing.

Dolls spoke up first "Morning Shorty, can we get that list of passengers for today?" Shorty nodded signaling to wait a minute as he went back to get the list.

"Here we go, we have a few reservation and some walk-ins no doubt." Shorty smiled as he came back looking up from the list handing it to Xavier.

"Now you wouldn't happen to have any liquid courage back there would you?" Doc asked tipping his cowboy hat ha always wears.

"Not while on the clock Doc." Dolls said as he walked out of the shop. Doc just gave a smirk and tapped his hat again following behind. Jermey waved and ran off behind doc. I just nodded once and left with a smile.

"Holiday go get bait, Haught wash the deck, Jermey get your food prepped. Get some vegan and vegetarian options too."

We all said aye aye captain with a salute in a teasing way since we know it causes dolls to roll his eyes. I went to get the hose and deck brush and started to get to work.

By the time we had almost everything prepped it was near 9 o clock. I had taken off my jacket and put it in the staff lounge. Now just wearing my dark green tank top and some old pants with my baseball cap I was ready to start this journey.

"Haught go greet the guests have them sign in and instruct them to come on board. Doc you be ready to assist them to help. And Jermey get ready for a load of orders, have that grill heated." Dolls instructed as he handed me the clipboard shorty gave us earlier.

I grabbed the clip board got a pen and headed off to where we had a line of people waiting. It wasn't too many people so we were gonna have alot of room today on board, considering the boat isnt too small in the first place.

I greeted this mother, father and son instructing them to sign their name and asking for the fishing licenses. I handed them a pen and waited for them to sign.

I looked up closer at those who will be with us today. It was a few regulars which is always nice. Except for Champ Hardy. He had a bad reputation for always hitting on tourists and drinking a little too much while on these trips.

I was interrupted when they handed me the clipboard back. I informed them to head to the boat and doc will assist them. The next person was Randy Needly. He was a regular coming on every week. He smiled and said "I know the routine" as he dug in his pocket for his license and signed his name. This went on for a while.

I looked back up and saw Champ talking to this girl. I couldn't see too much of her however I can tell just from knowing champ, he was flirting. He moved a little to the left and that's when my heart stopped.

There she was, this random girl I never met before, if I had met her I certainly would of remembered. She was trying to avoid eye contact from Champ gazing anywhere but him. Her eyes eventually made contact with mine. She had greenish blue eyes. Never like any color I've seen before. She blushed and looked down smiling.

I couldn't look away she was so beautiful. She was wearing a flowery crop top with black shorts and sun glasses on her head.

Champ didnt take any hints and was still trying to flirt and no doubt flexing."Champ, you're next come on." I said loudly getting his attention.

He looked behind him and looked annoyed. He rolled his eyes and signed the clip board and practically threw it to me. He walked down to the boat but not without winking at the mysterious girl first.

I looked back to the girl and she walked up to me and smiled. I was having what Jeremy likes to say 'Gay Panic'

I shook the nerves away as best as I can and smiled saying "Hi there I'm Nicole Haught."