I followed behind Tommy slowly as I wrung my hair out onto the ground below—watching as the droplets beaded up on the sand like pebbles on a rocky road. It seemed almost poetic—demented as that sounds because I couldn't help but feel like one of those droplets right now—a bead of water that evaporates in the sun. This moment was a fleeting one and I knew it.
"Can you tell us where the ship the Helena is docked?" Tommy asked a passing woman quickly as she just shook her head and frowned.
"I think it left port an hour ago. You two vacationers? Married maybe?" The woman asked brightly as we both shook our heads vehemently. Yeah, you could say we were in a relationship—of the work related kind, but it wasn't anything close to the fairytale dream this woman seemed to be envisioning. No, Hank Williams Jr. would have a blast with the two of us. Yeah…anyway, I glanced over at the bungalows behind the lady and sighed.
"We're stranded?" I asked Tommy uncertainly as he shrugged. Obviously we were if the damn ship was gone. I looked around slowly until I noticed a souvenir shop on the corner. I tapped Tommy on the shoulder before pointing over at it.
"You think they might know anything?" I asked him in a low tone as he followed the direction of my finger with his gaze while quickly thanking the woman we had been talking to before making his way over to that location. I just followed. Why not? It wasn't like either one of us could walk away from each other now. I smiled as a pretty Vahine girl looked up from the desk as we walked into the small building.
"Hi." I called out as I glanced uncertainly at Tommy. "Do you know anything about the ship the Helena?" I asked her quickly as she looked between the two of us curiously.
"Actually, there were some people searching for some missing passengers from that boat. After searching all day, the ship had to depart for the next island because of the other passengers, but I think they still have a notice out here. Why don't I help you get a message to the ship letting your group know you're okay? That's why we have radios here, and then we can get you guys on the next boat to the next island on that itinerary. I hope. If not, we can get you on a ship with a similar itinerary so that it will eventually meet up with the Helena. We can talk costs later." The girl said slowly as I just sighed in relief. That sounded great to me.
"Thank you." I replied slowly as I looked up at Tom. He just looked into my face uncertainly. I knew what he was thinking. How the hell did we get ourselves into these messes? Jesus! The girl leaned over to talk into her radio rapidly before smiling at us suddenly.
"Don't worry. You'd be surprised how many people will wander away from their ports. It happens all the time. We found a ship—The Poseidon—that can accommodate you. It comes in and leaves in the morning, but we can put you up in a bungalow for tonight over the lagoon." She stated sunnily as Tommy and I just nodded simultaneously. What else were we supposed to do?
"The lady who owns the rentals is in the house four doors down." The girl replied as we thanked her again before buying a few shirts and stuff and heading in that general direction. I was already tired.
Roaring melodies on the eve of trepidation
I walk toward my fate with high expectation
I sang suddenly as Tommy glanced over at me. Strange how inspiration can hit at odd times.