A charming young couple was savoring the freshly caught shellfish at one of the most high-priced restaurants in Paris. Ordinarily, two fourteen-year-old wouldn't even be permitted to dine here unaccompanied.

However, seeing one of them was the son of Paris's most distinguished fashion designer? Adrian had a bit of leeway with these things. His adorable green eyes gazed longingly into the stunning blue eyes of his girlfriend, Marinette. "How is the crab?" he asked to which she grinned, "I've truthfully never had seafood before. So, it's quite delicious. I don't care for the seaweed wraps, though."

Adrian chuckled, "Those are an acquired taste," he confessed. His lady friend wore an unforgettable gown of midnight blue that she'd designed herself. So it wasn't a surprise she'd an internship within his father's business enterprise. Despite only being in middle school? Marinette had the passion and the drive to achieve her dreams of being the next big name in fashion.

"How are your folks doing?" inquired Marinette, to which her flaxen-haired angel replied.

"Father overworked with the business. My mother keeps advising him to take a short holiday. Finally, she discreetly informed me she's scheduling vacation for both our families."

"Hmm, well, I'll enjoy wherever we end up going. Did she give you an indication of what type of vacation she has in mind?" the girl questioned excitedly.

"I believe she said she desires to go on a Norwegian Cruise. She's constantly desired to witness the untouched magnificence in Norway," answered her boyfriend with equal excitement.

"Well, considering our recent social studies lesson we had covering that territory? I can only imagine it looks more captivating in real life then photographs in our textbooks," Marinette recalled last week's assignment.

"I'm confident it does. I'd love to get away and be an ordinary youth having some leisure time. But, life as a teen model isn't always glamorous," he admitted, thinking how challenging it was to attend public school.

"Do my parents have to help pay their way on vacation? The bakeshop is a modest enterprise. Nevertheless, we should contribute to the holiday in some way," Marinette insisted.

Adrian pondered his answer before replying. "I'm positive our mothers have discussed it over coffee. So tell me? How are you handling your brand-new apprenticeship?"

"It's a dream come true. I'm ecstatic your father learned to be slightly flexible, having a middle school student working for him. However, I understand that he typically isn't able to be flexible."

"Trust me, that's my mother's influence on him. My mother is the voice of reason in their marriage. Dad can be so high-strung. However, Mom can frequently get him to loosen up a little."

"Well, is your bodyguard coming on vacation? I don't see how even your mother would persuade your father not to have him join us."

"You've got a good point. Dad never lets me go anywhere without Mr. Gorille keeping an eye on me. Well, he also deserves a holiday."

"I suppose you're right. After all, he's done for you? I think giving him a chance to have some leisure time is the least is your father can do."

"Hmm, you're right. Now regarding the internship?"

"I'm doing quite well right now. I've primarily been acting as a gopher for now. I am going to various departments and doing menial assignments. Yet I'm learning more then one could imagine. So far, so good."

"I'm thrilled to hear it. I wonder what they'll surprise us with for dessert. I've no clue myself what dessert is."

"Well, I'm sure it will be wonderful, whatever it is."

After finishing dessert, Mr. Gorille came to take the young couple home. Three weeks later, both families and Mr. Gorille enjoyed themselves on a Norwegian Cruise. All in all? An excellent experience for one and all.


My twin Kaliann in her story "Fatal Flaws," said Gorilla's actual name was "Gerald Gorille."


Create Your Own Sunshine

If you want happiness, choose it. Please don't wait for anyone to bestow it upon you. Live your life like you mean it damn it.

This is all there is. Appreciate the nuance of who you are. Find wonder in your surroundings.

Notice the rainbows after the rain. When the rain gets you down? Create your sunshine because you're the only one who can.