A VOYAGE TO REMEMBER
Chapter Fourteen
Harold pulled away from the
embrace to look at his watch. It was nearly half past seven. He would have to
be on duty at eight. He sighed and frowned slightly. Isolde kissed his cheek
comfortingly. She looped her arm in his.
"I'll walk you to your
room," he mumbled, upset that he would have to leave her, even if it was
only until tomorrow.
Isolde was about to accept, but
the thought of a run-in with Shamus entered her mind. She began to shake her
head. Harold stopped walking and looked at her curiously.
"Harold," she began in
one of her brightest voices, "you have to be on duty. I don't want you in
trouble because of me."
"But--" Harold began,
not wanting to leave her so soon.
"No buts," she said
with a bell-like laugh. "When do you want to see me tomorrow?"
"How about half past eight
tomorrow night?" he asked after a moment's thought. "At the
stern."
"So late?" she inquired
with a frown.
"I'm sorry," he began,
apology lacing his voice. "I have a bit of a tight schedule."
"All right," she said
cheerily. She got on her tiptoes for a quick kiss.
Harold grabbed her around the
waist and pulled her closer. After a few minutes, Isolde reluctantly untangled
herself from the embrace. She smiled at him.
Unsure if this was too bold, she
whispered just loud enough for him to hear her say, "I love you."
Harold's heart leapt for joy. It
was the first time she had ever said that to him. He grinned, unable to hide
his happiness.
He picked her up in an embrace,
whispering back to her as he buried his face in her hair. "I love you."
Isolde pulled away once again.
She stepped back before he could kiss her again. He frowned. She simply waved
good-bye to him, skipping off happily. He laughed as he saw her hop across the
deck. He made his way to his quarters, a skip in his own step as well.
Meanwhile, Isolde was on the
elevator, going down to F-Deck. She scooted off quickly. The loud party from
the dining area echoed down the halls. Deciding to skip it for the night, she
made her way to her quarters. She grabbed her heavy flannel nightgown and
headed towards the bathroom.
After nearly a half hour of
readying herself, she finally headed back to her bed. Thoughts of Harold
constantly ran through her mind. Where would they live? What would her parents
think? Was this happening too fast? She slowed down her questioning, calming
herself with the idea that it would all happen in good time.
She lay down on the top bunk, no
one else in the room. Clutching the pillow, she looked up at the white ceiling.
Just as she was about the fall asleep, the door opened, slamming against the
paneled walls. She looked down to see a furiously angry Shamus.