Unpredictable
Chapter 1: An Unexpected Dilemma
Luminous, warm early summer rays swept across the neat, spacious room on the third floor. The soft white curtains blew gently in the breeze from the open window. Inside the room there was a constant pattern of soft shades. Sitting in the center of the room was a small table with stacks upon stacks of papers that seemed to lay forgotten on the Cherry Oak wood. Nearby the table on the wall near the door leading out of the room, was a small yet homely fireplace. On top of the mantel lay two tickets neatly on top of one another, as if awaiting for something to happen.
In front of the fireplace a velvet blue, cushioned chair sat idly and beside it a small loveseat couch around the same color. A bathroom led off to the right of the fireplace. There was a large tub with a shower made from marble. There were droplets of water still on the surface of the marble to show recent usage. And near the bathroom up against the wall was a beautiful queen-sized bed with soft colored covers neatly laid across the bed.
Two suitcases lay upon the bed, one of them flowing with new clothes and the other only half full with necessities. There was movement inside the closet by the bed and soon a towel, lotion and several other items were shoved into the last suitcase to fill it up to the top.
"There, that should be enough for three weeks," Quatre smiled down at the now stuffed suitcases.
He was entirely happy Rashid had taken Duo and he out for a shopping trip the previous night. They had spent almost three in a half hours the whole time, finding just the right outfits, swimsuits, towels, sun block and even sunglasses. Quatre had never felt more relaxed knowing full well that over the semi-long vacation he would forget about work and the colonies and just think about having a good time. Duo said he would make sure of it.
Quatre closed both suitcases, finding it a little difficult to lock since both were so tightly packed. He then stood up and looked around, making sure he wasn't forgetting anything.
"I have money, my suitcases, I left Iria a note on where I'll be, I have my cell phone," Quatre ticked off on his fingers. "Oh no! The tickets!"
Quickly he looked frantically around underneath his suitcases and in his pockets but couldn't find them. He then spotted them on top of the fireplace mantel and, sighing with relief, he walked over and slipped them into his jean pockets. He decided to wear pants until they actually got settled in the hotel and went to the beach since plane rides could be uncomfortable.
Just then the phone sitting peacefully on the dresser next to the bed rang loudly. Quatre jumped and grabbed it.
"Hello?"
"Hey Quat! I'm ready to be picked up whenever!" Duo's cheerful voice rang from the other end.
Quatre smiled softly, "All right Duo, I'm all packed."
"Got the tickets?"
"Yes I do. Rashid should be here to pick me up any minute so we'll be there in about fifteen."
"Sounds good to me!" Duo chirped. "I can't wait, see you then. Oh, and Quatre?"
"Yes, Duo?" Quatre asked.
"Your suitcase better not contain any ounce of paper in it except money or I'll tear it up, understand?"
Duo's voice was sincere but Quatre could still hear the playful tone residing underneath. He chuckled lightly.
"I understand Duo, see you soon."
He hung up the phone and stood there thinking for a few minutes. Would he really be able to forget all about work? Would the colony officials call him while he was gone? Would they be looking for him? The thoughts swirled around in his head until the honking of a horn brought him back to the present. Quatre walked gracefully toward his open window and looked down to see a regular taxicab pull up and Rashid stood outside it waving up to him. Quatre waved back, smiling. Rashid had remembered that he didn't want any limousines to take them. He wanted everything to be informal so he could blend in with society.
Grabbing both the suitcases and making sure one last time he had everything, Quatre carried the luggage down the stairs and out the door where Rashid took them from him, despite Quatre's protests.
"Master Quatre, I agreed to be informal but I still have a duty," Rashid smiled.
Quatre glared at him on the outside, but Rashid knew he was just making a show to try and convince him to let him take care of himself. As soon as they sat back inside they were off to Colony L2 to pick up Duo. It didn't take long since the colonies were all joined in some way, and the fact that it was early morning helped because of the lack of traffic. As they approached the apartment where Duo lived, a bright, cheerful figure bolted out the door practically skipping. Quatre laughed at Rashid's raised eyebrows but decided not to tease his friend lest Duo try and get revenge during vacation.
Duo chatted endlessly about the fancy restaurants and the hotel they'd be staying at. Quatre was just smiling the whole time, glad he had a friend who knew more about the world than he did. All Quatre knew was business, for the most part. Sure he had hobbies, especially music. He loved playing his violin, and occasionally drawing light sketches when he felt like it. Besides that and wanting to escape his imprisonment called obligation, he knew nothing about the riches and wonders of the world.
Finally, the cab arrived at the shuttle that would take them to the earth. It was a more expensive flight because it took them directly to the Cayman Islands, but they hadn't had to pay anything. Duo's friend, still a mysterious stranger to Quatre, had gotten them fairly good seats near the middle-back. Duo was still excited and it showed as he strode toward their seats and helped Quatre get his luggage up top. They sat down in their own two-seat place, smiling at each other to no end.
"So, what did I tell you, is this exciting or what?" Duo chirped, looking out the window even though the plane wasn't in motion.
Quatre nodded, "Yeah, this is the first time I've been on a plane without having to wear a suit."
Duo turned and winked at him, "It'll happen more often if you really like this."
"Duo," Quatre sighed, sitting back in his chair. "I really don't need you to keep doing risky things like this."
"I know, that's why I talked to Rashid. I told him he should pay for the trips for you once in a while and he said if you want me to come along I will."
A soft smile spread across Quatre's features, "Of course, Duo. It's not a vacation without you."
"Aw, I would cry but I'm too happy."
Quatre chuckled just as the announcement came on that they were about to depart. The plane ride was about three hours from the colony to Earth from the space shuttle departure, which wasn't that long for that kind of a trip. In previous years it was around seven or so hours but the Winner Foundation, mainly Quatre's father, had cut the time down by creating a shuttle inside a "tube portal" made from plastic that put them in a vacuum space so it would take less time.
The shuttle sped up faster and faster until Quatre was clutching Duo's hand. He hated the moment right before they were off the ground. Duo patted his shoulder but was smiling from ear to ear. Once they were settled in the air Quatre let out his breath.
"You okay Quat?" Duo smiled.
Quatre looked up and sent him a glare, which only resulted in making Duo laugh out loud.
"Come on Quat, stop being a nervous wreck. This vacation is supposed to ease your stress not create more. Now, I wonder when they bring the food," Duo sat up in his seat, while buckled down, searching for a flight attendant.
"I don't think they serve until after forty-five minutes of flying," Quatre said.
"What? Someone could starve waiting that long!" Duo snapped, sitting down in a huff with crossed arms.
Quatre laughed, "Only you Duo."
The two of them sat back relaxed, relishing the fact that they would be having loads of fun in just a few hours. Of course they'd have to check into the hotel first, but that was just as exciting.
During the plane ride, Duo got lots of free food, along with the food they bought before arriving at the shuttle departure. Quatre ate a bit now and then but he didn't want to waste his appetite on junk food. What he really wanted was to try one of the fancy restaurants in the hotel. Duo however didn't seem to mind eating every five minutes no matter what food it was. Quatre looked out the window now and then and occasionally looked around them as well. It was the third time he looked that he noticed the same flight attendant had been with a man in the front for some time now. Quatre leaned up in his seat as far as the seatbelt would let him and noticed that she was taking his tickets and looking through them.
"Uh...Duo?"
Duo finished the doughnut he was eating and gulped down his water before turning to him.
"What is it? Do you not feel good?"
Quatre shook his head, "Not that, I just...maybe I'm being paranoid but that flight attendant up front seems to be checking everyone's tickets."
Curiously, Duo unbuckled his seatbelt and peered around the seat in front of Quatre to see what he was talking about.
"Maybe there's a stowaway or something. You wait here, I'll be back in a sec," Duo said, before crawling over him and casually walking near the front.
Quatre watched as Duo approached the guy nearby the man the flight attendant was speaking to.
"Hiya," Duo smiled, pretending to strike up conversation as he secretly listened.
The guy just smiled slightly and went back to reading, not caring what he was doing there. Duo perked his ears up and listened as he slowly stepped closer.
"Is something wrong with my tickets?" the man asked.
"No sir, it's just a standard check for special flights like this," the flight attendant replied.
She glanced through his tickets, nodding slightly then moved onto the person behind him. Duo quickly slipped behind her back and approached the man she had been with moments before.
"Excuse me sir, I was just wondering. What was she doing?" Duo asked, feigning innocence.
The man blinked up at him, adjusting his glasses, "Well, truthfully I'm not sure. She said she wanted to check my tickets. I'm guessing she's making sure nothing looks suspicious."
"Like what?" Duo asked, trying to be quick before anyone noticed he was out of his seat.
"Um...I don't know. Names, seat number, prices...."
Prices! Oh man, this can't be good!
"Uh, thank you very much," Duo said, smiling reluctantly.
He then rushed over back to where Quatre was sitting. Quatre in the meantime had seen the exchange between the man and Duo and wondered what was going on. Duo approached him very quickly and before he could open his mouth, Duo grabbed his arm, unbuckled his seatbelt and pulled him out of the seat dragging him to the back of the shuttle. Quatre voiced some protest but Duo silenced him with a look. It was then Quatre realized where Duo was taking them.
The bathroom? Why do I have a feeling something has gone wrong?
Once they got inside the bathroom Duo closed the door shut.
"Duo, what's going on?" Quatre asked urgently.
"Shhh!" Duo placed a finger on his lips. "Just lower your voice, okay?"
"Fine, but will you tell me what's going on," Quatre insisted quietly.
Duo sighed and leaned back against the sink. Even though they had a very expensive flight with better food and whatnot, the bathrooms were a bit small to have two people in them at the same time. They were just barely three feet apart from one another.
"The flight attendants were checking the tickets," Duo whispered, folding his arms casually.
Quatre moved hair out of his face and looked at his friend in question.
"But our tickets are paid for, we're fine Duo."
"Yeah, paid for," Duo said. "However, they're going to ask for our IDs and see that it wasn't either of us who paid for it."
Quatre tilted his head, wondering what Duo was getting at.
"Well...," Quatre paused, "we could say it's a gift from a friend."
"Yeah, then they'll look up the name of the guy who paid for the ticket and they'll find out he didn't pay for it either. He just got contacts so we could get it for free," Duo explained, running his hands through his hair as if distressed.
"What would happen then?" Quatre asked softly.
"Well the guy that helped us get free tickets would get in trouble for getting them for free and giving them to us. See, my friend gets perks from his part time job of helping the shuttle ports whenever they need his help. But on the contract it says that these expensive and wildly wanted perks are just for him. If they find out he's been giving them away he could get fired. And not only would that make me feel guilty for making him take the risk, but we wouldn't get a free vacation ever again.
"Who knows, they may even try tracking us down and canceling our tickets so we'd have to go back. Man, this is a mess!" Duo groaned.
Quatre bit his lip trying to think of a way out of their situation. They couldn't hide there the whole time, someone would need the bathroom or a flight attendant would—
KNOCK! KNOCK!
Quatre froze as he heard Duo take a deep intake of breath. The two stood there speechless as if waiting for the door to come barging toward them. A moment later a couple more knocks were heard followed by a feminine voice.
"Excuse me, is anyone in here?" the voice sounded muffled.
Quatre turned to Duo looking worried. Duo put a finger to his lips telling him to be quiet as he approached the door. Duo hesitated and then cleared his throat.
"I'm a little busy ma'am, could you wait a second?" Duo questioned in a much deeper voice, making him sound like an older gentleman.
"I'm sorry sir, we're just doing a standard check. If you would show a flight attendant your tickets once you're done that'd be greatly appreciated."
"All right, give me a few minutes," Duo said again in the deep voice.
The sound of the woman's footsteps soon faded away and Quatre was able to let out the breath he was holding.
"What are we going to do now? She'll be back if we don't come out. If she gets suspicious she'll probably make us come out or force the door open. Then she'll have caught us," Quatre alleged.
"Yeah, and she'll be wondering what we're doing in here together," Duo joked.
Quatre sent him a glare and proving it more by crossing his arms. Duo held up his hands in a gesture of innocence.
"Don't worry Quat, I've got an idea. You wait here. I'll be back before you can say 'bad dilemma.'"
Duo slipped out of the bathroom before Quatre could get him. Duo carefully closed the door, sneaking quietly from the bathroom and down the isles. He quickly began processing a plan and noticed the flight attendants had started from the front of the shuttle, and there were only two of them checking on different sides. They were around the middle so he had time to spare. Duo quickly looked around and spotted something very alluring. A chubby man was concentrating on his sandwich. He was in a two-seater but there seemed to be no one sitting beside him, only his opened bag with which Duo could just barely see the color of his ticket sticking out.
If I can do this in record time, it should work.
Duo crept closer waiting for the right moment, hoping he wouldn't have to lie to the man. To his relief, the man dropped his napkin and reached down to pick it up. Duo wasted no time in sticking his hand in the suitcase while no one was paying attention and grabbing it out quickly. He ran back to the bathroom, opened the door and shut it.
Quatre stared at him expectantly.
"Duo, what happened?"
Duo held up the ticket, still panting for breath. Quatre's eyes widened.
"You....you didn't steal that did you?"
"No, I borrowed it, just until we pass the test," Duo said triumphantly.
Quatre rolled his eyes, "Duo if we get into bigger trouble..."
Before Duo could reply to the threat they heard knocks again.
"Sir, we really need to check your ticket, if you just could— "
Duo cut her off by opening it a crack and thrusting the ticket out for her to see. The lady took it from him. Quatre held his breath once again, hoping it passed.
"All looks clear, sir. However, wasn't there another person sitting by you, do you know where they went? We must check everyone's."
"Um...yeah, he just went to the very front to ask a flight attendant for assistance, but I have his ticket. Oh man! I just sat on the toilet and it's in my back pocket," Duo said, crossing his fingers.
"That's all right sir, if your friend came with you I'm sure his ticket would pass too. Sorry to bother you," the woman replied, handing the ticket back to him through the crack.
"No problem, thanks," Duo said.
After the woman walked away Duo jumped excitedly and pulled Quatre in for an embrace.
"That was great Duo, but um....don't you think that person will need their ticket?" Quatre asked, pointing to what Duo was holding.
"Oh yeah..."
The two slipped out just in time to see another flight attendant questioning the chubby man.
"But it was in here I swear!" the man said, searching frantically.
Duo swiftly bent down by them and approached them.
"Um, sir, I think you dropped this," he said, holding out the ticket.
The man sighed, "Oh thank you, it must've fallen out."
Duo grinned, "No problem."
Quickly, they returned to their seats.
"See, that wasn't that bad, huh Quat?"
Quatre glared at him, "When we get to the hotel Duo, you're buying the first meal!"
~Two hours later~
The movement of people crowded around them as they fought to be the first ones out. Duo had grabbed the suitcases and pulled Quatre through the people bumping with someone left and right until they were finally free of the confinement of the shuttle. Quatre sighed with relief, leaning against the wall near the large, beautiful fountain of glass dolphins spraying water out gracefully. Quatre stared up at the glistening statue knowing he had seen it before.
That picture! It was the picture that my sister drew and hung up in her room.
Quatre stepped closer, admiring it and looking around the airport for other signs. He knew that many of his sisters had moved to the earth temporarily to study. One of his sisters was majoring in engineering or architecture, he wasn't sure which one, and had wanted to help rebuild the airports for safer flights. Naturally, because of the disaster that had happened on the earth several years ago when many cities were attacked with nuclear weapons, they needed many things rebuilt so the colonies offered to loan them a very fair amount of money. Quatre remembered just a little while back, before he found out about his mother's will, that his sister Amirah had told him she was going to the earth to help design a new airport.
It must've been her idea to have the dolphins be the center piece to this new airport.
Quatre smiled up at it as he pictured the look of joy on his sister's face. A few minutes later he realized that Duo was practically jumping up and down in front of his face.
"Quat, hello? Anybody there?" Duo waved his arms frantically.
Quatre blinked and shook his head, "Sorry Duo. I was just looking at the statue. It's Amirah's design."
Duo turned and stared up at the dolphins, "Your sister?"
Quatre nodded.
"Well, your sisters are really all over the place, aren't they?" Duo smiled. "You ready to check out our hotel?"
"Am I ever!" Quatre said, his eyes lighting up.
Duo grabbed his bag as did Quatre and they began walking out of the airport. They had only brought two suitcases each in which they could carry on the plane so they didn't have to go find luggage that probably would've gotten misplaced anyway. As they walked out to get a cab Duo took out the map to the destination of the hotel.
"Oh yeah, Rashid said to call him and let him know we arrived safely," Duo said, tucking the map inside his pockets. "Wow! It sure is hot here, huh?"
The hot, but soothing wind washed over them. Quatre sighed contently.
"I like it."
"Yeah, me too. Oh look! There's a cab, come on Quat!" Duo ran toward the cab with Quatre on his heels.
They stuffed their suitcases in the trunk and Duo gave the cab driver the map, but he waved it off saying he knew exactly where their hotel was. The cab driver adjusted his mirrors so he could see in back of him and look at the two sitting excitedly in back.
"So, you kids from around here?" the middle-aged man asked.
"Nope," Duo answered, leaning back in his seat.
"Ah, then you're lucky. That's the best vacation spot, Treasure Island Resort. Best place to stay around here," the cab driver said.
"It's part of the Cayman Island resort isn't it?" Quatre asked, hoping it was right. Their tickets said the Cayman Islands after all.
"Oh sure it is. That's just the hotel name: Treasure Island Resort. It's part of the whole Grand Cayman resort. I believe it's got seven miles of beaches, beautiful crystal clear oceans and even three pools just outside the hotel. But I myself prefer the beach," he chuckled. "So what's the special occasion?"
"Birthday present," Duo smiled toward Quatre.
"I see. I wish my friends were that generous. Ah, we're here," he announced. "The beautiful Cayman Islands special resort."
Quatre immediately stepped outside the cab to get a better look. What he saw almost made him stumble backward. The hotel was extremely large and spacious, more than 300 room suites residing in it. Right in front of them in the open standing in front of the hotel were many palm trees and other plant-life to add to the beautiful scenery.
Duo thanked the cab driver, handing him money and rushed toward the glorious hotel. Quatre followed still dazed as they entered inside. The floors were made from marble. Even the lobby had comfy couches and chairs. Off to their right, just a distance away from the front desk was a restaurant that even had tables outside on the patio overlooking the gorgeous ocean gleaming from below. Quatre held the urge to go to the window and drool over it. Duo was practically skipping after he signed them in and got the key to the suite they were sharing. There was a man in a suit that was dressed in white. His name tag had on it Treasure Island Resort showing he worked there.
"Your room number please?" he asked politely.
"237," Duo answered quickly.
The man nodded, "I will take your bags for you. They will be brought to your room immediately."
"Thanks!" Duo chirped, handing him a tip before dragging Quatre toward the large elevator.
Once they got inside Duo was practically drooling over the numbers.
"Quat, they've got more than seven floors! Look at this!"
Quatre smiled, "Well Duo, what'd you expect for a grand resort?"
"Ah man, this is too good!"
The elevator door opened and they stepped out, racing toward their room door. Duo fumbled with the key before giving up and throwing it at Quatre. Carefully, he slipped the key inside and opened the door.
"Wow, would you look at that! We've got a patio!" Duo shouted running toward the sliding door leading from the bedroom to the patio.
Quatre in the meantime was enjoying just looking around the room. It seemed simple enough with a TV, nice-sized refrigerator, small kitchen and a king-sized bed, but at the same time it was....exotic. The floor was soft beneath his feet and as beige as sand. The kitchen was clean and shining, the sun reflecting off the marble counters. It was probably barely five feet wide but still had everything one could ask for. Quatre went up and sat on the bed almost yelping as he sunk right in.
"A water bed?" Quatre blinked, feeling the mattress move beneath him, molding him into it.
"Quatre! You have to come see this!" Duo exclaimed.
Reluctantly, Quatre got off the bed and walked onto the patio to see what his friend was leaning over the railing a little too far to stare at.
"Duo, be careful....," Quatre trailed off as his eyes widened at the sight below them.
From their room the ocean was in full view, and even from there the water sparkled like crystals. It was miles long, just like the beach. Palm trees lined the beach and people were out there tanning and having a great time splashing among the waves. Also, by the beach from the five floor they could see the three pools spread out amongst the area of the hotel. They too had gorgeous plant life surrounding the sides of it.
"Is this heaven or what?" Duo smiled, his knees feeling like they were about to melt.
Quatre could only nod, his mouth feeling dry from shock.
"I heard they also have beach supplies for rent at the front desk, like tubes, goggles, surfboards, you name it!" Duo said, standing back up. "So...you wanna go down?"
Quatre nodded enthusiastically.
"Are you kidding, the whole time on the shuttle I was trying to imagine what it would look like. My daydream never even came close to this," Quatre smiled.
Duo clapped his hands together, "Well, what are we waiting for? The beach is calling us, and some cocktails!"
"Hey Duo, what's that down there," Quatre pointed out, squinting to try and get a better look.
"Where?" Duo asked, leaning back over.
"Those tall, chair like things," Quatre said, finding no other way to describe the objects.
Duo paused for a moment before whistling.
"Well what do you know, they've even got lifeguards."
"Lifeguards?" Quatre asked. "Why are they up on those things?"
"It's to they can see across the ocean. I'm guessing people are only allowed to go so deep. It looks like they're allowed to go pretty deep though. Those chairs must be high. Either that or they have really good lifeguards," Duo suggested.
"I wonder why they need lifeguards," Quatre voiced.
Duo shrugged, "Don't know, but actually that makes me feel better, you know? I mean, we're knew to this area. There might be sharks or something."
"Sharks?!" Quatre exclaimed.
Duo smiled and put an arm around his shoulders, "Don't worry Quat, it's a resort, I doubt they'd let us swim with sharks. Now, come on! Let's get changed into our new suits and go swimming!"
Duo bounded off to get his swimsuit from the suitcases that Quatre didn't even notice were there. Quatre took a deep breath of the fresh air and smiled.
Now our vacation begins.
TO BE CONTINUED...
*** hey! I hope this was interesting enough. I hope to get the next chapter out in a couple weeks! Oh, if you want to see what resort I'm talking to, there's a website I used for the information:
To Reviewers:
Meiyo: Hey Thanks! I'll update asap!! ^-^
Mariana1: *grins* How'd you guess? ^-~ It might not be immediately away though, but eventually they'll meet! Thanks!
KazenoYama: *smiles* Yeah, Quatre needed a vacation and Duo was the perfect friend to give it to him, huh? Thanks!! ^-^ I'll update this asap!