Chapter 7
Just as Riley was finishing the last touches on my face, we heard a knock and Josh's voice asking if we were ready yet. "Yes Uncle Josh, you can come in," Riley spoke out as she put down the eyeliner. "Riley, Lucas is waiting for you in your cabin and Smackle, Farkle is waiting by the library," Josh said as he walked through the door. "And Maya…" Josh didn't finish his sentence because as he looked at me he stopped dead in his tracks and couldn't seem to form words. "What? Is there something wrong?" I ask franticly searching myself to see what was wrong with me. I found the full-length mirror to have a good look and was shocked to see who was standing in front of the mirror. Josh came up behind me and rested his hands on my shoulders, I didn't shy away from him for once, and to be honest it actually felt really nice. It felt like I was safe for once in my life. "You look beautiful," Josh whispered as he stared at my eyes through the mirror. I gave him a quick smile. "Well…we going to find the others, see you two at dinner," Smackle said as she dragged a smirking Riley out the door. I had completely forgotten that they were still in the room.
"I spoke to Felix about that ladder," Josh told me as we neared the dinning hall. Felix is the main Bodyguard in charge on the ship. "And what did he think?" I asked as we came to a stop just in front of the door. "He didn't even know there was a ladder there; let alone anyone who could of put it there," Josh said as he turned to face me. "So what is he going to do about it?" I asked. "He said he would check with the engineer and the plans again, and possible get it removed as soon as they can," Josh told me. "Okay," I said. I wasn't happy with that plan, as the process could take forever, but at least it was a plan. And there was also the point where Mr. Mathews said I couldn't trust anyone, so I was a little skeptical about it. "You ready?" Josh asked me moving his head in the direction of the dinning hall. I realized that I was so lost in thought that I hadn't spoken for at least a minute. "Yes, but first…" I said while reaching up to fix Josh's tie that had come undone and crocked. "There you go, all fixed," I said smiling at him. "Thanks," he said smiling back at me. "Maya?" He said grabbing my wrist as I made my way towards the door. "Yes?" I responded, as I really couldn't go anywhere. "You really do look beautiful," Josh told me with a sheepish smile. "Thanks," I told him with a smile. And with that we walked through the door to the dining hall.
For a moment I thought we were in the wrong place. Instead of seeing a room with people in it, I saw a room that was completely empty. I started to have a panic attack; the first thing my mind jumped to was that everyone had been kidnapped and taken hostage by pirates. That had happened to a boy in Alpha team back at headquarters, I think his name was Connor.
But all doubt left my mind when I realized that we had just arrived before everyone. I glanced at Josh who seemed to have had the same thoughts as me. "Well, should we just take a seat? Or go look for everyone?" I asked. I was a little concerned of the whereabouts of everyone. Even though the ship was classified as a "safe zone", I still didn't let my guard down. It did worry me that no one had shown up yet even though it was 19h10. So in theory Josh and I were late, which means something had of gone wrong. "Um, I think lets wait two more minutes and see if anyone shows up. If they don't then we go all ninja and look for them," Josh says trying to lighten up the mood a bit.
We didn't even have to wait the full two minutes. By one minute and thirty seconds (and yes, I was counting) everyone had arrived. After sighing a sigh of relief when I saw Riley, Lucas, Farckle and Smackle enter the room, I joined them with a smile and engaged in their conversation. Josh had done the same with Missy and Charlie and soon the dinning hall was filled with noise. Not just from the talking but an orchestra had started to play.
"So, Maya?" Farckle asked me. "Yes?" I said turning to look at him. "How are your Mom and Gran doing? I know your Gran had a relapse recently," Farckle asked me. This seemed to have gotten everyone's attention. I looked to Josh for help; I really didn't like talking about my family around anyone. It was just too hard. Sure after Shawn came into our lives it has been a bit easier, and sure I do have the funds to support them and ease the troubles. But I can never protect them from the one thing that matters the most.
In truth, my Mom did go through a tough stage after my Biological Father left us. And she had acquired liver Cancer during her drinking stage. We went to multiple doctors all around the world and all of them said there was nothing they could do. Chemotherapy wouldn't be helpful and it could even make it worse. Mom got really sick, she still is, but she has managed to stay strong and healthy. And Shawn seemed to have made a big difference. She isn't having as many stomach pains as what she used to get.
And Gran is just getting old, her eyes aren't as what they used to be and nor are her ears. Last I checked they were thinking of giving her a wheel chair to help with the Arthritis. She also has Epileptic fits that have become more frequent. And I'm pretty sure, no matter what she says, the grim reaper is catching up to her.
"Um, they doing fine," I said trying to keep it short but also trying not to meet anyone's eyes. "Maya? I need to speak to you about that thing," Josh said coming to my rescue as I saw Farckle about to press the matter. We moved to a corner of the dinning hall that had a good view of everything. "Thanks," I said to Josh with a very grateful smile. "No problem," he replied with a curt smile.
At that moment the President and his wife walked into the dining hall followed by other people that I didn't know where even alive, let alone on the ship. "Who are they?" I asked Josh in a silent voice in hope that no one heard me. "I have no idea," Josh replied to my question.
Soon my question was answered as the President went and introduced the new guests to everyone. They went around the room, and seemed to be coming to us last. Which was fine by me, because that way I could make up a threat analysis.
There were three guests, two men and one woman. One man was short but very muscular; I would not win in hand combat with him. The other man was scrawny, but seemed to be able to hold his own, he was extremely tall and lanky and kind of reminded me of Riley. He would be easy to erase from a potential threat.
The woman, to me, was the biggest threat. She had long brown hair and a perfect body; I mean her legs went on forever. She had that perfect tan and piercing blue eyes, she had well defined muscles and teeth that were pearl white.
She reminded me of a Siren, you know those ones in Greek Mythology, the one that would draw sailors towards them with their beautiful features and soothing voices, only to have them kill themselves on the rocks or drown. She would be a huge threat to the male principles; her beauty would draw them. And as for the female principles: well they would become very self-conscious, because I mean I suddenly did.
Once they had made their way around the room, the group of five finally made their way towards Josh and myself. Josh, who also seemed to of made his own threat analysis, positioned himself in the best possible way to take on the big guy if it ever came to that.
By the time the group made it to us, Josh and I were ready to take these three strangers down if it ever came to that.
Thankfully it never came to that. As it turned out the three guests where actually from a small unchartered island somewhere in the Indian Ocean, the beautiful lady was actually the princess of this island and the tall scrawny male was her brother, which made him the prince, and the muscular man was there body guard. As the President introduced us I could see the princess eyeing Josh. She seemed to have suddenly grown in height as she put her shoulders back and made herself look taller, somehow. She also started playing with her long beautiful hair and blinking her eyes at him. If I didn't know any better I would say that she was flirting with him. I don't know why but it made something in the pit of my stomach feel awful.
We spoke to the party of three for quite sometime. And by that I mean, I spoke to Mr. Buff and Sir Scrawny, while Josh and Princess Gorgeous were talking and flirting away. They were standing a little bit away from the three of us and every now and then I would glance over and see some things that I really wish I didn't see. I don't know why it bothered me so much; I mean I don't have feelings for Josh so it shouldn't matter. After I think it must have been an hour or so of talking and laughing with the two gentle men, the President announced that dinner was ready. Josh came and stood behind me and lead me to the table by my shoulders, it was a sweet gesture and it made me feel, well it made me feel wanted, for once in my life.
Once we got to the table, Josh pulled out my chair for me and acted like such a classic guy that it made my heart skip a beat. After pushing my chair in, with me on it, he took a seat next to me and gave me a smile when he saw that I was looking at him. We held each other's gaze for a while until I felt someone nudge me in my ribs. Once I tore my gaze from Joshes I realized that Riley was sitting next to me, and Lucas on her other side. She gave me a knowing smile and then turned back to look at the President. As I glanced around the table at everyone I caught a glimpse of hatred from the Princess. I mean I could feel the daggers even when I wasn't even looking at her. It made me feel really insecure.
After what felt like a lifetime the main course final came, it was amazing. I don't know who made the food but I really want to marry them! Because O.M.G.; that was incredible. With the main course we all got a glass of Red Wine and although we were in the presence of the President of the United States we all had one glass. Lucas said that his dad always encourages at least on glass of red wine a day as he heard that it's really healthy for you, when I had questioned this. After everyone had finished their main course, the plates were cleared and dessert was placed in front of everyone.
You know that saying your eyes are bigger than your stomach? Well I can guarantee that was me in that moment. I have no idea what you would even call this BEAUTIFUL dessert, but it was delicious. I ended up eating mine in five minutes and even stole some of Joshes, much to his delight.
Soon after dessert the talking started up again. Everyone seemed to be in such a talkative mood, but to be honest something felt wrong, not with the situation but with me. The last thing I remember was Josh putting his hand on my knee and whispering in my ear if I was okay.