The Trip

By Gregory Guess

A newly wed couple experience a terrifying vacation as terrorist take over the cruise ship that they have boarded on route to the Caribbean. The parents live their worst nightmare as their eight year old daughter and a youth counselor are forced to jump overboard in the middle of the night in order to save the young girl from the terrorist.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gregory Guess
• Release date: Mar 8, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452303499

Gregory Guess

Greg Guess is a veteran entertainer/ musician who has traveled to 75 or more countries and has entertained for millions. He created his first work of fiction while working on a cruise ship and has turned out four more since then. He has been writing music and lyrics for many years but has learned that his real love is storytelling. He continues to write from his home near Memphis, TN. and plans to continue writing. He says his life as an entertainer and his humble beginnings on the wrong side of the tracks in a moonshining community has help create many of his characters and stories.

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copyright 2009-Greg Guess-Smashwords Edition

The Trip

Chapter One

The sun was shining in Miami, with the temperature in the high eighties, and large cumulus clouds filled the sky like puffs of smoke expelled from the pipe of a mystical giant.

After a day that had moved as slowly as those giant clouds, Dale was at last on his way home from work to get everything together for the much-anticipated cruise. Dale and Anna Augustine had planned this weekend trip for weeks. They had talked about it every night in bed before sleeping and the momentum was building to such a climax that they both secretly hoped it would be even half as good as they were imagining. It was the honeymoon that they had skipped when they married only eight months prior.

Anna’s eight-year-old daughter Leona, from her previous marriage, had still been in school when they wed and Dale had been settling in with the company that he had recently joined after moving to Miami in order to pursue their relationship. Dale hadn’t wanted to take time off from work until he was a little more established in his position. As sales manager for a retail department store nestled in the bustling streets of down town Miami, he had increased sales by some thirty percent and had his staff organized, energized and working together like a well-oiled machine.

Dale had noticed early on that many of the stores customers were crewmembers from the cruise ships that docked there daily. He had made it a point to talk to the crewmembers from all parts of the world to determine what items interested them the most. Dale figured out quickly that space was limited on the ships and that the crewmembers would also have to get whatever they bought home on an airplane after finishing their contract. He targeted them with smaller items mostly electronic and especially things that would make a nine- month contract pass a little faster. He negotiated with his vendors for good deals on compact DVD players, I-Pods, play stations and other smaller items and enticed the crewmembers with special pricing called Crew discounts. It had worked just as he thought that it would and sales soared after the word got around that the manager at the store was very crew friendly.

His boss at the store was more than pleased with his new manager and had as much as insisted that he take a long weekend to celebrate his new family and his recent marriage. Mr. Montrose had even given him a modest but much appreciated bonus to help cover the cost of their trip.

One of the good things about living in Florida was that it afforded great opportunity for a weekend cruise. Dale, Anna, and eight- year- old Leona had never been on a cruise or, for that matter, anywhere on a real vacation together.

Anna had been married to a drug-addict that had never held a job for more that two months at a time and had she not worked at a local floral shop, food might not have been on the table. At times she had worked two and three part time jobs just to make ends meet.

Anna’s ex-husband of nine years had cooked up a scheme for making money fast, but the only problem was that he and some of his entrepreneurial-minded friends were manufacturing crystal methamphetamines and after a sale to an undercover DEA Agent Anna’s husband earned himself an extended stay in a federal penitentiary. Anna filed for divorce soon there after and had no problem getting it, or full custody of then six-year-old Leona. After her husband’s arrest, conviction and sentencing, she had come to realize during his continued requests for her to sneak illegal narcotics into the prison for him, claiming that it was to bargain for his safety, that he would never change.

After the divorce, Anna and Leona’s life began to level out and started to feel more normal that it ever had. Anna had been totally honest with her ex-husband and did not leave him with the impression that maybe some day there would be another chance for them, although, she did promise him that she would always bring Leona to see him and that he would always be her father and that she would never do anything to discourage that relationship between them. She told him that she wanted a divorce and that she didn’t have plans at this time, but when the time was right she would be moving on with her life personally. At first he seemed to resent her and had asked for her to wait for him until he was out of prison, however, when he realized that it was not going to happen, he finally accepted the fact and gave her his blessings saying that she did deserve better than he had ever given her.

Dale and Anna had met on line and chatted for a few months before meeting for coffee and had fallen in love almost instantly. Dale had been in a couple of relationships but had never made the commitment to marriage, waiting patiently for the right one. He persevered and had truly found her and was now the happiest that he had ever been in his life. They made a nice looking couple even if physically contrastingly so. Dale was about five feet nine inches tall, a small framed man although well proportioned. His hair was getting a little thin on top and with the Tony Blair ears he looked a little on the geeky side, but was still an attractive man.

Anna stood almost six feet tall with a trim athletic shape; her most outstanding facial feature was a prominent nose that was slightly hooked, punctuating her Middle Eastern features.

By anyone’s standards she would be considered a beauty; she had been born of a Syrian mother and a Lebanese father but raised in America. Her thick black curly mane striking the middle of her back bounced when she walked and she reeked of femininity, the combination of these attributes made her seem smaller and more petite than her six-foot frame.

In Dale’s eyes she was the most beautiful women that he had ever seen. Anna was equally enthralled with her new mate, and having a decent, honest, hard working man in hers and Leona’s life was a blessing that she gave thanks for daily.

Little Leona was the spitting image of her mother and would no doubt grow into beautiful womanhood.

Many of the details concerning their vacation had been taken care of by Anna’s friend, Anita Edwards, who worked at the same floral shop where Anna was employed. Anita booked some cruises as a sideline to her regular job as a floral designer. She had waved any fee for herself, and had gotten them the deal as cheaply as she possibly could. Anita was so happy for Anna after seeing her struggle with her first marriage and thought that it was the least that she could do for the newlyweds. In fact, everyone that came in contact with this newly created family adored them.

Dale loved surprising Anna and the first big surprise that he had planned was now ringing the doorbell as Anna rushed around gathering a few last minute items to help keep Leona occupied while in their stateroom on the ship. He had splurged a little without telling Anna, and contracted a limousine service to drive them to the Port of Miami instead of driving their car and paying storage for it to sit there. Dale purposely called out from another room for Anna to get the door, reasonably sure that it would be the limousine driver letting them know that he was there.

Anna opened the door and was elated to see the limo sitting in their driveway and a driver in a black tuxedo standing before her.

Dale came in the room in time to see the expression on his wife’s face and explained that he thought that this would be better than driving.

Anna beamed as she watched Leona’s bewildered expression and as Leona asked timidly, Whose big black car is that mommy?

Dale scooped her up into his arms and said, Today this is our car princess. Leona was a little shy with her new father but already adored him. She smiled and gazed sheepishly at the long black car.

Anna just said, Oh honey, you shouldn’t have,…her eyes tearing as she hugged the man that she had come to love so well.

Hey, how often will we get to have a real vacation? I want this to be the best that we ever have.

The driver gathered their bags and in a matter of minutes they were headed to the Port of Miami.

The next surprise came as soon as they were seated in the limo. The champagne was already there chilling in the affixed ice filled chrome bucket, accompanied by a bottle of sparkling water for Leona. Anna’s joy was obvious as she shifted her glance from her husband to her daughter, absorbing every ounce of their pleasure as they marveled at the interior of the limousine. Her husband was such a sensitive man, and for him to think of little Leona and make sure that there was something special there for her as well reinforced what she already knew in her heart. For once in her life she had truly made the right decision about a husband and father for her daughter. Dale was any woman’s dream and Anna was glad that she had found him before someone else had.

He proceeded to pour for each of them in long stemmed glasses, champagne for them and sparkling water for Leona. He laughed as Leona held her glass with two hands in order to touch glasses with her parents while Dale made a practiced toast to their wonderful journey.

After the obligatory long lines and document processing in the port’s terminal, they were finally headed to their room. The next surprise would soon unfold. Unbeknownst to Anna, Anita Edwards and Dale had conspired and had decided that the mini suite would be perfect for their trip since it had a separate bedroom for Dale and Anna, with a nice little desk area at which Leona would enjoy playing. The look on Anna and Leona’s faces was priceless and when Anna walked straight to the sliding glass doors leading to the balcony and slid them open to step outside, Dale knew that he had made another good decision. Once again all that Anna could manage was, Ohh honey you shouldn’t have,

Dale reminded her that she could thank Anita for this treat since she hadn’t taken a commission on this booking and had made it affordable for them. Anna was beaming…the limo, the champagne, the sparkling water, and now this, a suite on the tenth deck with a marvelous view and so much room…she just didn’t have words to describe how she felt at this moment.

Both Anna and Dale were overwhelmed by the size of the ship. The Nautical Queen was a relatively new ship and weighed in at about ninety thousand tons. They had both seen the ships from a distance more than a few times, living there in Florida, but had never been on board one until now. After a nice lunch on the back deck of the ship over looking the Miami port area, the Augustines toured the pool deck and marveled at the Jacuzzis, the children’s pool, and the adult pool, Anna remarked that it was truly amazing that something this large would actually float.

Next was the mandatory boat drill to teach everyone what should be done and where they should go in the unlikely event of an emergency. Why did they have to say it that way Anna wondered? In the unlikely event of an emergency, it was almost too reassuring. Anna was not feeling the least bit apprehensive but the comment made her shudder briefly as visions of the Titanic raced through her mind as they most assuredly had anyone that had ever stepped on a ship for the first time. Not unlike going swimming at the beach for the first time after seeing the movie Jaws. If even for only a brief moment you had to think about the gory scenes when the shark attacked as those two infamous musical notes played in your head.

After the emergency boat drill ended they were finally free and officially on vacation as the Cruise Director in his nasal British twang had announced over the ships P.A. system. There would be shows in the theatre, music everywhere, food galore, and the theme for this cruise line was, Do what you want, when you want, it’s your vacation.

There was even a special group called The Youth Staff dedicated to entertaining the children if you so chose, so that the adults could have some quality time to themselves. Anna felt a little uneasy about leaving Leona and would have to take a serious look at what was offered before turning her daughter over to anyone, especially to someone that she knew nothing about. She would consider it because she did want Dale and her to have some quality time alone in that wonderful suite. After all, it was somewhat of a honeymoon.

One of the most wonderful things about Dale was his selflessness and if Leona spent every waking moment with them he would be perfectly all right with that. He had no children of his own and worshipped the very ground that the little girl walked upon.

Chapter Two

Dale and Anna accompanied Leona to the Youth Staff area, and found themselves totally impressed with the whole operation. There were young people mostly in their early twenties all wearing name badges to which the kids could relate, silly made up names, but perfect for the children.

A tall good-looking boy with a nametag that read Bear came and knelt down to introduce himself to Leona. Anna was really surprised at how well she took to him, and in minutes he had her sitting at a small table playing a board game with him.

The manager of the group whose nametag read Sweet Pea had an enthuastic discussion with the couple covering the rules and regulations and informing them of the hours that they would be available for the children. In some instances they would actually just baby sit, if that was what the parents wanted, so that they could go dancing or possibly to a romantic dinner without their kids.

Dale took Anna aside to speak privately. What do you think honey? Are you comfortable with any of this? Hey, if you aren’t, Leona can just stay with us the whole time…

Yes, yes I am. I actually feel more comfortable than I thought that I ever would…but do you?

Dale was so pleased with the idea that Anna trusted him to help make the decision… Well why don’t we take it a little at a time, you know, leave her for a while then we can come and check on her when we want, that way we can see how she likes it as well?

Anna smiled and embraced Dale and said, You are such a marvelous father and I love you so much.

Together they walked back over to the manager and told her their thoughts on the matter and she agreed that it was a good way to start and told them that they could come at anytime and that they would always know where Leona was. She reassured them by saying that if Leona should become uncomfortable or start missing them too much that someone would seek them out as well that the last thing that any of them wanted was an unpleasant situation for any child or parent. She explained that all of the young workers were getting degrees related to working with children and this was merely a part time break from college to get more hands on experience, and, to get to travel a little as well.

Anna glanced at Leona and from the look in her daughter’s eyes she was sure this was going to be Leona’s first crush.

The young manager, Sweet Pea whose given name of Deborah Darling almost sounded fictitious enough that she didn’t need to use Sweet Pea, suggested that they walk around a bit or grab some coffee and come back in a while so they could give Leona a little time to adjust, then they could decide what they wanted to do about the rest of the evening.

Dale and Anna agreed that it sounded like a good plan. Anna walked over to Leona and asked if she was ok staying there with Bear for a little while and a huge smile accompanied by an overly exaggerated nod convinced Anna that she was fine with it. As she turned to walk away Anna reminded Leona, Sweetheart remember if you should need me, Bear will bring you where we are anytime that you want. Anna noticed that two seconds after she had said that, Leona had focused her total attention back on Bear and continued with the board game that she was playing with him.

Dale smiled and said, I think Bear has her total attention, you ok honey?

Yes, I feel good about these kids, they really seem to enjoy working with children, and so far I feel very comfortable with it. Shall we talk a stroll now my dear?

Looking at his watch Dale said, There is a Welcome aboard show in about ten minutes you want to check that out?

Yes, let’s.

As Dale and Anna found a seat they marveled at the nicely appointed theatre. It had a large stage with curtains and elevated seats so that everyone had an exquisite view and even a balcony section. Dale guessed that it would hold over a thousand people at one time.

Waiters and waitresses passed up and down the aisles offering beverages, and Dale suggested a Bahama Mamma the drink of the day. Even though they were not big drinkers they thought it would be appropriate since their destination was the Bahamas and what the heck, they were on vacation. They sipped their fruity cocktails, and as the show started, the lights lowered and the fog appeared on the stage as though they were being transformed into a magical world. It was almost like being In Las Vegas or Atlantic City Dale thought. The orchestra had begun to play and as they wound down their upbeat number a voice from somewhere gave an enthusiastic introduction to the Cruise Director who the announcer proclaimed was from Wales.

The Cruise Director was enthusiastic, he reminded Dale of the old time medicine men selling his wares and tonics. He gestured with his hands as if he were directing an orchestra raising his voice loudly then dropping it to a whisper for effect. He talked a little too long but Dale guessed that he was probably doing the best that he knew how. He was a rather young chap and was truly happy to be standing before this full theatre of people.

Anna was surprised when the Cruise Director said that there were some fifty different nationalities working on board and as many different nations represented in the audience.

Everyone politely applauded his somewhat silly jokes and shenanigans but appeared happy when it was time for the song and dance troupe to take the stage. They were all-young as well, and could have been fresh out of college, or opting out of college for the life on stage.

Not the most polished act that Dale had ever seen perform, but what they lacked in skill they made up for with an abundance of energy and pearly white teeth. After a short routine the Cruise Director returned, and announced another act and then another and another, all doing one number each. Finally, the Head Lining act was on stage, a not so funny comedian that truly needed to be thankful that there was cruise ship work for him. On land, in the real world of entertainment, the Daddy Warbucks look alike would most likely be holding down a day job while he attempted his jokes at night. In any case it was a good enough show and the crowd responded in kind with the Cruise Director hamming it up one more time and reminding everyone about Bingo and a few other activities that were forthcoming.

The show had lasted about forty-five minutes so Dale and Anna decided it would be a good time to check on Leona. Although Bear had switched activities and was now bowling with Leona on a WI Nintendo game, she appeared as enthralled by her personal entertainer as she had been when they left.

Anna thought to herself, where do these young people get the energy to keep up this pace? The kids ranged from as young as five years old on up to sixteen and it appeared that each of them were having a grand time.

Anna walked to Leona, and she immediately started begging, Mommy please can I stay a little longer? Bear grinned from ear to ear realizing that it was mission accomplished for him. Well of course honey if you like, but you need to take it a little easy on Bear we don’t want to wear him down the first day.

Please Mrs. Augustine, feel free to leave her as long as she wants; we are having a great time, right Leona?

Leona’s jumped up and down with enthusiasm, with her grin stretching the length of her pretty face. Anna could not remember seeing her any happier, she was truly enchanted by the Bear. Well ok sweetheart, if Bear thinks that he can keep up with you for a while longer.

Bear informed Dale and Anna that they had special plans for the kids at dinnertime and that they would all go to a section in the buffet area set aside for the young ones where the food matched their eating habits. He said, If that is ok with you all, of course.

Leona jumped up and down and asked Bear if she could have pizza and French fries while her long braided hair bounced from side to side like the pendulum of a grandfather clock.

Of course you can if that’s what you like.

Anna smiled and shook her head from side to side with delight remembering her anxiousness earlier about leaving Leona, realizing that she had none of those feelings at the moment.

After hugs and kisses Dale and Anna were on their own again. They walked arm in arm as they strolled around the huge vessel looking out at the ocean for as far as the eye could see. Occasionally, they would see another cruise ship with its tall smoke stacks billowing out a black trail behind it contrasting with the puffy cumulus clouds. There were a few cargo ships that seemed to be veering off in different directions heading to who knew where in the world.

Well is it what you thought it would be sweetie? Anna wrapped her arm around Dale’s waist and looked him directly in the eyes, which was a little lower than her own eye level, and said,

This is the best vacation of my adult life without a doubt and I just don’t know if anything will ever top it.

That was exactly what Dale had wanted to hear and it sent a chill through him causing goose bumps on his arms. To have the two women that he loved the most in this world as happy as he had ever seen them, well, it just didn’t get any better than that now did it?

Three Chapter

Dale and Anna had decided to dine at the buffet this first evening and if things worked out as planned tomorrow, they would all three have dinner together in one of the specialty restaurants after their day in Nassau. There was a French restaurant, an Italian, and of course the main dining room that was very nice as well, so they would think about that and decide later.

Tomorrow they would arrive in Nassau, their main destination for the three-day cruise. The following day would be a small private island that the cruise company owned and maintained exclusively for their guests. Dale thought that that day would be a fun in the sun day with a little snorkeling, some hiking, maybe some volleyball since Anna liked to play that. All around, there seemed to be something for everyone. He hoped to squeeze in a couple of hours in a hammock with a fiction novel that he had brought along by one of his favorite authors, John Grisham. Now that would be a great way to wind down a cruise. Dale loved to read and had aspirations of maybe trying his own hand at writing a novel someday.

The buffet was loaded with food. There was several entrees to chose from, with side dishes too numerous to mention. And oh, the desserts, pies, cakes and ice cream, you name it, it was here. While on a trip back to the buffet Anna couldn’t help but notice the olive skinned man standing beside her obviously of Middle Eastern descent. He was tall, as a matter of fact extremely tall, towering over Anna’s six feet frame. Anna tried to make polite conversation, commenting on the food but in return all she received was a palpable unfriendly glare. Anna thought to herself, how rude, no wonder most Americans were leery of people from the Middle East with an attitude like that.

Anna, with her prominent Middle Eastern features had felt that coldness at times and it had hurt her feelings, even though she had grown up in the United States and felt no allegiance to any other countries. Of course she was proud of her ancestry but knew surprisingly little about it. Her grandparents had immigrated to the United States when her father was young, he had met her mother who had a similar history, a Syrian second-generation immigrant and they had married, both being of the Christian faith, and had raised Anna in the only country that she knew. Still it was hard sometimes, especially after nine-eleven when most Americans harbored some distrust of Middle Eastern