18. Changes

Vanessa and Alex arrived at her room shortly. She told him to wait outside the door for her. She unlocked it and shut it quickly.

"Hey, we thought you got lost!" Larc looked at Vanessa as she frantically threw on her bathing suit. "Planning on swimming?" Larc lifted an eyebrow and went back to fumbling with her Elvis CD. "Yeah, with Alex." Vanessa looked to Larc for a reaction. "Whatever. Wait, you don't mean the Alex you've only liked since fifth grade are you?" Vanessa nodded. "Why does it matter? He's my friend that I coincidentally liked, and happens to be on this ship. Why are you worried?" Larc was nearly blown back.

"Well let me see, PATRICK WILSON! He's like the guy you're sorta with right at this moment. Even though you're a minor and he's not, you're still with him. You've been dreaming about meeting him since you first saw Phantom, which WAS my idea, by the way." Vanessa began to interrupt, but Larc continued, "Don't even TRY to deny it! You're saying that there's no problem with you seeing other men WHILE being 'with' Patrick Wilson!" Vanessa lifted an eyebrow and looked at her steamed friend. "Uhhhh, for one I can be with whoever and whenever. And for two, why are you getting so hot and bothered, Miss 'Hasn't-Had-A-Crush-On-Someone-Since-Kindergarten'! And three, YOU'RE the one complaining that I shouldn't be with someone who's like, not a minor like me. So you should just let me live MY life thank you very much!"

Vanessa stormed out to Alex. Larc was silent for a moment, staring at the door. Then she leaned against, left hand behind her head, turning on her Elvis CD. "I do not have a crush on Patrick Wilson!" she murmured crossly to herself.

"Alex, can we go swimming for a little while before I have to perform?" Vanessa looked into Alex's eyes as he held out his hand. "Sure."

Vanessa and Alex walked out on deck. Once they were close to the pool, Alex picked up Vanessa and threw her in. He jumped in after she had bobbed up. She flattened her hair and swam to him. She wrapped her leg around him as if he were holding her. He put his arms under her to support her. "Alexander Kovin! How dare you do that to a lady?" She playfully slapped his face. "Well Miss Vanessa, you're not quite a lady anymore now are you? You've turned into a fine young woman, what with dating movie stars and all." Vanessa looked awe stricken. "How'd you know?" Alex smiled, "Larc, she called my cell and told me while you changed."

"Huh? I was in the room the whole time! And how does she know your cell phone number?" Alex smiled and shook his head, "I don't know. Anyway, you aren't much of a young lady anymore. You're a woman whether you like it or not." Vanessa smiled as he swam with her across the pool. "Aren't you going to invite me to your performance tonight?" Alex looked into Vanessa's eyes. "Oh my gosh! I almost forgot! Dear, what time is it?" Alex looked at his watch, "5:30, why?" Vanessa let go and swam to the steps, "Because, my performance is in an hour!" She put on the shirt she'd taken off and ran to the stairs. "Vanessa! Wait!" Alex ran after her.

"Alex dear," Vanessa pulled out her key as she held his hand, "I must get ready. I'll see you there!" She kissed his wet cheek and walked in.