* * *
“It worked! Ian got it. I’m going to be night manager.” A very excited Denise told Sofia while they were sitting outside enjoying the beautiful landscape of Fiordland. That was the first sign of genuine thrill she had shown in weeks.
Sofia tried to smile and yawn at the same time and the only thing she achieved was a grimace. “That’s great. I’m really happy for you.”
“What’s wrong with you?”
“I’m sorry. I’m just exhausted. I have my job and my boyfriend onboard. Between my duties and show him everything and keep him entertained, it’s taking the beat out of me. And we still have five days until Auckland.”
“Too much going on, isn’t it?”
“Yes. It’s very hard to do so much and have time to sleep. What about you?”
“The sleeping pills help. Everything else I just try to ignore. I’ll deal with it in five days. Countdown…” Denise exemplified by excluding the fingers in her hand into her palm one by one.
Kieran arrived with styrofoam cups full of hot coffee before the girls could finish their conversation.
From the back of the ship on deck 7 they admired the immense waterfall dropping from the cliffs right by the ship. The landscape around it was completely green and there was a soft mist in the air. It was cold and everyone had to wear heavy jackets. Camera flashes everywhere resembled blinking stars in broad day light.
“Wow!” Kieran said amazed. “I’m so glad I came on this trip. This place is unreal.”
The deck staff extended the davits and a speed boat was launched with a team of photographers onboard.
“I want copies of those pictures they’re going to take.” Kieran mentioned to no one in particular.
“I’ll get a CD from the photographers.” Sofia comforted him and as they hugged, Denise took some pictures of the couple.
Denise’s pager started vibrating and she returned from the phone a few minutes later looking happy. “Aaron and Ian are going to join us. Hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.” Sofia replied. “We can take some group photos. It would be nice to be photographed with a nice landscape rather than a table full of bottles in the crew bar.” She observed with a grin.
As soon as Sofia said that, Aaron and Ian showed up around the corner and Denise hugged Ian.
“My new best friend.” She said joyfully.
“Yes, you can say that.” He replied. “Did you know they offered me a promotion if I come back here next contract?”
“That’s great. Congratulations.”
“How come you’re awake? Shouldn’t you be recovering from the night shift?” Sofia asked Ian.
He took a camera out of his jacket’s pocket. “And miss this?” He pointed at the scenario as they sailed right past a waterfall.
“I thought you’d seen it before.”
“I have. But it’s something I don’t mind seeing again and again. Plus I like the light today. It’s the kind that makes great pictures.”
After a forced fishing afternoon in Dunedin with Albert because Sofia had to work, Kieran was included on a ship’s group in the afternoon they docked in Christchurch.
The usual crowd gathered in the shuttle bus to town and even Ian made an effort to stay awake after an entire night working. The bus dropped everyone off in one of the main streets only a few steps away from the square.
“Is this place just like England or what?” Kieran noticed.
“Yes. I think the English people who lived here did it on purpose. They missed home, so they re-created it. The older buildings are totally English style. Look at the church.” Aaron pointed at the cathedral.
In the middle of the square, several vendors had tents with art crafts for sale. Scarves, necklaces, bags and candy got people’s attention. Everywhere, tourists enjoyed themselves.
“Now, that’s what I call an interesting vision.” Sofia said out loud and everyone turned around to see what she was talking about.
“Is that dude driving a toilet?” Diego asked, staring at the strange character.
“Yes, see, that must be New Zealand’s new technology. It has an engine and everything.”
A group of people gathered in a circle surrounding the strange vehicle. It was a metal toilet with an engine attached to the back and there was a guy driving it with a joystick.
Aaron and Denise took pictures. “This is what happens when people have free time and a bit of imagination.” He observed with amusement.
The square was like a meeting point in Christchurch with the cathedral, a statue that resembled a gigantic vase of flowers and some traditional buildings. One of them hosted a Starbucks and when Denise suggested a frappuccino everyone approved. The building was gorgeous with its dark red color, arch shaped windows with and a tower and clock in the middle. They relaxed and enjoyed the drinks, observing the movement in the square as the vendors continued their business, some guides talked to their tour groups and various street artists performed for the audience.
When they left Starbucks there was a juggler throwing things high up and telling funny jokes about a former American president that the entire world hated, including many Americans. People gathered around him enjoying the show and when he finished many threw coins into his hat.
Christchurch is a city of contrasts. The old and the new mixed in perfect harmony. There are nice streets and beautiful green gardens, new state of the art offices are side by side with the traditional shops, the birds co-exist with the people and right next to a modern fountain there is an imitation of a Maori carving statue to remind everyone of the country’s heritage.
A couple sailed down the river in a Christchurch version of a gondola. The gondolier wearing his panama hat stirred the boat through the river Avon surrounded by lush green bushes and trees.
The group boarded a traditional tram and had a truly enjoyable time on the one hour trip around town. The comments from the driver were informative and entertaining, and since there were several stops and the ticket was valid to hop on and off, they get off in different locations and got a better idea of the city.
“You know one thing that worries me?” Aaron queried.
“Tell us.”
“This area is very prone to earthquakes. I’m always a bit scared that one day this could get destroyed.”
“I hope not. It is such a wonderful town.” Diego replied. “But I guess there is always that possibility, so let’s have a fantastic day here.”
“That’s the thing with good experiences. You never know when they are going to be over.” Denise murmured.
Sofia finally bought some All Black souvenirs for Ailish and the afternoon tour ended up in an Irish Pub where they were served great food and Kieran enjoyed himself even more because the decoration reminded him of home. The waiter was told that there was an Irish man there and he called the owner who was originally from Cork. He joined them for a chat. In the end they all got a free pint of Guinness as a courtesy from the friendly host.
“If all days were like this, I wouldn’t mind working on a ship.” Kieran commented.
“Some days are like this. Most aren’t. I would say 90% of the time it’s tough to be crew, although at least doctors have days off, we common mortals don’t.” Diego replied.
“I’ll just stick to being a passenger once in a while. I like this cruising thing.”
Diego, Denise, Aaron and Ian had to go back to the ship but Kieran and Sofia stayed for a little longer, enjoying the city and doing some shopping.
“So, what are you guys planning for tonight?” Sofia asked Kieran when they were sharing an ice cream by the river.
“According to Albert, we’re having dinner in the steak house, and then he wants to have a poker tournament in his cabin.”
“What happened to the pole dancing?” She joked.
“I think he couldn’t find anyone willing to do it. I heard him poking a dancer but she asked him for two thousand dollars and he changed his mind.”
<
br /> Sofia laughed trying to imagine it. “Smart dancer. I would have asked for ten thousand.”
“Would you really do it for ten thousand dollars?” He frowned.
“For you I would do it for free.” She teased.
“I’ll remember that.”
Sofia was relieved with the idea of going to bed early. She was in desperate need of proper rest. With Kieran busy she had a chance to take some time for herself and sleep. Her entire body was accusing the lack of rest. She hadn’t been that exhausted since her first week onboard.
It was after three o’clock in the morning when Kieran came in. Sofia was deep asleep and only woke up because he didn’t turn on the lights and went against a dresser.
“Hey, what’s up?” She asked sleepy.
“Sorry. Little accident. I didn’t want to wake you.” Kieran dropped his clothes on the floor, brushed his teeth quickly and joined her in bed.
“How was the night?”
“Great. I won the poker game.”
Sofia was awake now. “What did you win?”
“I won a day off for you next port.”
“Seriously? You won a day off for me playing poker?”
“Yes. And I also won Diego’s fake Breitling watch and Aaron’s sun glasses.”
“Wow. Make sure you return those treasures before you go home.” She mocked him. “How did you convince Albert to bet a day off for me?”
“The other things he had were expensive. Giving you a day off was cheaper.”
“Nice.” She answered closing her eyes again, too drowsy to be sure if that conversation was real.
Sofia had strange dreams throughout the night, with people jumping out of cliffs, a table full of items that were too alive to be considered food and the guy driving the toilet also came up at one point. Dreams were a strange world.
24
Only two days before the end of the cruise everything was as normal as the word could be applied onboard a ship.
In the wardroom, where a small group of people from different departments enjoyed a few drinks before dinner, Eli, the deputy cruise director who was normally the happiest person onboard and a real party animal, didn’t look too pleased. Sofia heard when she mentioned the reason for her frustration.
“Tomorrow night is the International Crew Show and I’m missing two acts. One girl from the shops resigned and went home yesterday and my best singer is sick. Where am I going to find someone to fill in so short notice?” She sounded very frustrated.
“What exactly is that show about?” Kieran asked with Sofia sitting on his lap wondering the same. She had been very distracted from the entertainment list lately.
“Every cruise we do a show for the passengers performed by crew members with various jobs. None of them is a professional entertainer. Just people who are good at something; singing, dancing, telling jokes, whatever…” She explained. “It’s very popular. Passengers love it.”
Sofia listened and then she had an idea. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.” She told Kieran and left him in the company of Andrea, Diego and Ian.
She paged Denise but her friend didn’t reply. The reception confirmed she had already left the office and there was no answer when she knocked on her cabin door. Sofia took the elevator to deck 15 and as soon as she opened the door to the wedding chapel there she was, wavy blond hair falling down her shoulders and the small hands dancing on the keys producing a beautiful sound.
“I knew I would find you here.”
Denise stopped playing and lifted her head slowly. “I needed to be alone, to think…”
“I know my dear. I actually just wanted to ask you something and then I’ll leave you with the piano.” Sofia said and closed the door behind her.
“What’s up?”
“Eli is in the wardroom complaining that she’s missing people to perform in the International Crew Show tomorrow night. I thought maybe you would like to play for the passengers and help the cruise staff. They’ve been so nice to us.”
“But you promised you wouldn’t tell anyone…” Denise whined.
“I didn’t. That’s why I came to see you.” Sofia explained patiently, knowing that her friend’s judgment was badly affected by her wrecked nervous system.
“S-sorry.” Denise stuttered. “I got the wrong idea.”
“I know what you are going through, it’s okay. What about the show? What do you think?” Sofia pushed in a casual manner.
“You know I’m not keen on playing in public. I haven’t done it in years. I’m not even sure I can do it anymore.”
“Look, this could be a great opportunity for you. If something goes wrong, the day after they go home and they won’t even remember your name, plus passengers are not expecting a professional so you can only be a good surprise. Either way, you will find out if you can still perform for a big audience. And I think Diego should have a chance to hear you play at least once before he goes home, don’t you agree?” Sofia suggested.
Denise thought about it for a while before she gave an answer. “I don’t know. I’ve been so nervous lately. What if I make a mistake?”
Sofia shook her head in disapproval. “Denise, you are a wonderful pianist. I’ve seen you play with your eyes closed. Show everyone your talent. They deserve it and so do you.”
Denise sighed. “You’re good. You should think about a career in politics.”
“Never in my life!” She replied grinning. “Does that mean you’ll do it?”
“Page Eli and tell her to meet us here; make sure she comes alone.”
The deputy cruise director arrived less than ten minutes later, wondering what the big mystery was. Sofia explained that Denise could play piano and she was willing to perform.
“You? Really?” Eli asked, dumbfounded.
Rather than answering, Denise simply played for her during a few minutes. Eli had to sit down because what she was listening to was just too much for her legs. When Denise finished her Bach’s Minuet, Eli applauded vividly. Sofia smiled from her chair.
“That’s unbelievable! All this time you were here and I didn’t know you could play? There must be something wrong with me. And why did you hide that from us?” She queried.
Denise replied with a bashful smile. “Because playing is the only thing I can do for myself onboard.”
“I see… And you’re okay to play tomorrow night? It would be awesome to have you in the show.”
Denise nodded. “I will but promise me you will keep it a secret until I get on stage. That’s my only condition.”
Eli smiled earnestly, interpreting her request has shyness. “Of course. I promise.”
“Deal.” Denise answered politely but without emotion.
Eli left and before she closed the door she turned around and thanked Denise one more time. Alone again, Denise and Sofia talked a little until Sofia remembered she had left Kieran in the wardroom.
“It’s okay. As long as he’s in the company you left him with, he should be fairly safe.”
“I know, but we should go anyway. I could use a drink and so could you.”
“Why not? I already had more alcohol this contract than I normally have in three years. A bit more won’t make any difference.”
When the girls entered the wardroom there were a lot more people than before and a lot more smoke as well. Sofia was not happy with that. She became very suspicious when she saw Kieran playing darts with Diego.
“I’m so glad he’s only here for one cruise. That shouldn’t be enough to get him addicted to that stupid game!”
Denise gave her a crooked smile. “I wouldn’t be so sure.”
During dinner Sofia casually proposed that all of them got together to see the crew show tomorrow night.
“Why?” Aaron asked.
“Because it will be fun and we have nothing better to do.”
“I want to see it too.” Kieran added, not aware of how much he was helping. “I’m only here for one cruise and I don’t want to mi
ss anything.”
“Why not? The show is not that late and we can have goodbye drinks afterward.” Diego suggested, happy to do something different.
Denise lowered her eyes to the table and abstained from commenting. She was secretly happy to have them there when she performed.
Sofia went for a walk with her friend on the promenade deck after dinner while the guys returned to the wardroom.
It was a chilly night and they both wrapped their arms around their bodies to keep warm. The sky above was totally clear, with yellow stars creating swirling shapes against the black.
“Beautiful.” Sofia said. “It never seizes to amaze me.”
“Magnificent.” Denise corrected between her teeth.
Sofia leaned against the railing with her back to the sea. “Are you sure you’re okay with tomorrow night? I don’t want you to do it just because I asked.”
“I’m sure. I can pull it out. It’s just a few minutes playing.” She replied with her heart racing just at the mere thought of it.
Sofia gave her a tight hug. “I want to tell you that I’m really proud of you, no matter how you play tomorrow night. You’re a fantastic person Denise.”
The purser supported her head on her friend’s shoulder briefly and sighed. She felt her entire body going numb and her mind drifting away and that was good. She enjoyed the idea of losing herself.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.” Sofia nodded.
“How does it feel to be loved?”
“It’s the best feeling ever. Knowing that for Kieran I’m the most important person in the world and that if he could pick anyone to be with I would be his choice without a shadow of a doubt makes me feel… complete. I was always fine and happy even when I was alone but there was some sort of emptiness. Now that void is gone.”
“Wow.” Denise murmured. “That must be pretty great. I wonder if I will ever feel like that too.”
Sofia turned around to the ocean and Denise leaned against a life raft right next to her. The doctor put her right arm around her friend’s shoulder and smiled.
“Sure you will. Think about all the bad experiences you had before as a sort of training. When you find real love, you’ll remember all of this and that will make you appreciate it a lot more.”
“I hope so.” Denise snorted.