The Cruise 1 - The Fateful Encounter

Ella had worked nonstop for years after she moved to Florence. She couldn’t even blame her hard work on the company she worked for, since it was her own fault not taking a break and overloading herself, as long as her mind didn’t wander off to what she had left behind. 

A client from Madrid had called early that morning blasting at her in anger. The software she had developed for them glitched, and they couldn't keep up with their customers. The problem wasn’t the software, but their outdated machinery. Calming them down and convincing them to upgrade some of their equipment for better functioning were exhausting. While talking to them, Ella felt the first signs of a headache to sum up to her already tired state of mind. Cursing under her breath and massaging her temples, she hung up the phone with a loud sigh, and to top it off, Ella would have to pay them a visit to set everything up.

The week spent in Madrid was far from easy, among fixing the software, acquiring the new equipments, making them work in accord, and training personnel, She had to put up with some staff outbursts, like they were spoiled brats, testing her patience to the limit. Ella had it. She was about to give them a piece of her mind, and get in trouble with her own boss, when she decided to swallow her anger, smile and finish her job with contempt.

Once done, she called Valentina, her secretary, back in the office, asking to exchange her return plane ticket for a cruise boarding pass. Maybe four or five days on board of a ship was just what she needed to recharge her energy.

The Idea of returning by ship came to her suddenly, and it was a nice alternative of a very short vacation. Ella didn’t have the right packing for it, but nothing that a trip to the ship’s stores wouldn’t fix it. The excitement to get to her cabin, settle in, and go for a swim took her in a frenzy. The cabin was comfortable and spacious, and so far she enjoyed her self awarded vacation. Just a perfect way of ending summer. Bright blue skies, sunshine and a delicious sea breeze.

Fumbling in one of her bags, she pulled out her new black triangle bikini and inspected it. Ella flushed looking at them. Ok, she wasn’t a prude, but the thing seemed a tine little piece of cloth. Frowning at it again, she put it on and went to the mirror. A taller than average woman, with long toned legs acquired with much effort in her morning runs, stared back at her. The bikini settled perfectly on her curves and snuggled nicely on her full breasts. Turning around a few times and inspecting the image reflected in the mirror, she regretted not getting a one piece, and it didn’t matter how many times people told her she was a beautiful woman, she knew she wasn't the skinny type, and never got over her scars.

Ella loved her skin, but now she didn’t look at herself with the same wonder as before, her scars were more visible against her golden tanned skin tone. The little faded lines... Mostly small and thin, barely noticeable, and some others bigger and wider, marrying some parts of her body. The car accident a few years back took even that from her, usually the golden glow of her skin was perfect to make her bright green eyes pop, framed by thick full lashes and arched brows that would rise up in defiance, the moment she got annoyed.

“Well Ella, get over your fears and stop being a chickenshit! Look, what a gorgeous weather you’re missing outside,” she told her reflection, working her long black hair into a braid. From another bag she grabbed a floppy brim sun hat, a cover up, and winking at herself she left the cabin.

The afternoon spent by the pool did wonders to lift her spirit. By the evening, she enjoyed a mouth watering dinner and made a note to herself to go back there next day. The night was beautiful, dark and full of sparkling stars framing the sky, and it was impossible not to register that moment with people mingling around all joyfully talking. She took her camera out and shot some photos capturing the different people there and the happy faces, maybe in the future she'd used them for work. Sitting in one of the chaise on the deck and grabbing a book, she lost herself in the story.

Next day, Ella woke up late and since she had missed breakfast, she took her time in the shower and lazily got herself ready for lunch. Tying her hair up in a high ponytail, and wearing her bikini beneath a pair shorts and a tank top, she snatched her bag and headed for the door. 

“Oh… For Christ’s sake!” She turned the knob and nothing. “How do I get out of here?” 

Pressing hard at the intercom, Ella called out, “Hello, is there anyone there. My door is jammed! I need some help, please,” She waited, tapping her foot on the floor, but silence was the only noise coming from the outside.

Ella punched at the door of her cabin for some time again, and tried the intercom once more, before frustration take over, and she decided to take matters to her own hands. She gave herself some room, shook her arms and legs trying to relax, inhaled and went against the door as hard as she could. She just had time to acknowledge a loud scream, before she rolled out of her room and landed in an unladylike position on the corridor.

“Ouch! What the hell!!!”