3

The ferry ride was filled with every tensity, and awkwardness filling the air which surrounded the forms of Cameron and I.

Since we left the resort, he hadn’t uttered a word to me. Even while helping me into the boat, he refused meeting my gaze.

That gaze which pled for him to understand where I was coming from, but he had only slipped into the seat next to my figure, face dull, eyes peering on at the waters ahead.

The voice of Makai broke out around, with the profile of the man soon coming into view.

He was a dwarf, with a knack for stories. That ever bubbly spirit, which was sure to pull those around him, was out to be detected.

He had offered a shell of coconut drink to me the moment I climbed aboard, but unfortunately, I had no thirst for anything at the moment.

All I sought was to have Cameron say something to me. Anything.

“I implore you all to settle in well, and please, have your seatbelts fast and ready”

His utterance had earned chuckles around, with eyes shifting through the figures before him.

“Get ready people for the greatest ride of all!” He called out, soon pulling a horn from behind him, blowing into it at once, and right then did the cheers begin.

I turned to Cameron, hoping to find an hint of glee in his gaze, but believe me, he remained crestfallen just like an hour back in the resort room when our little argument had ensued.

“A tale tells of local pirates coming over from time to time, out on this side of the sea”

The voice of Makai, broke out, earning the chuckles from the number of sight-seers, who seemed to be enjoying their time, meanwhile here I was, sat lone with an aching heart, yearning to know if the man I loved was alright.

“That can’t be true!” A little girl squealed, the sound of her chuckles pouring out, but her utterance was returned with a light squeeze from the lady beside her.

“Oh, believe me. It is!” Followed Makai. “They go around hunting for little ones to get aboard their ships” He pinched her cheeks, earning a low laugh from her.

The silence soon fell, with everyone relaxed back, only listening to the words of Makai, while he familiarized us with the waters.

From time to time, you would hear squeals being emitted from the people around, and then, the calm would return.

My gaze only remained on the ripples the ferry brought to the waters, mind lost in thoughts, and not until a voice from behind me had spoken, was I jolted back to reality.

“What a beautiful ring you’ve got on your finger, Miss”

I spun around to the eyes of an old lady beaming at me, with lips pulling a smile that brought creases to the corners of her lips.

“Thank you” My voice was low, face struggling to return that smile.

Even if I did, it would only be a dishonest one, as every part of me itched with worries.

“It was given to me by my fiancé” My words were low, eyes sneaking a glance at Cameron who still appeared uninterested at whatever was going on behind him.

“I’m guessing it’s the young man beside you” The voice of the lady followed, with eyes staring on at Cameron.

Whenever she smiled, you would see a wrinkle pull at her eyes, but believe me, it was every delight beholding that.

“Yes” I affirmed, giving a nod.

“I am Martha” She had pulled out a hand for shake, eyes beaming on. “And this is my husband, Marcellus” She pointed to the figure next to her.

A man with grey hair filling every bit of his head, and a beard that trailed all the way to his neck.

That smile of his, pulled a set of crooked teeth for the eyes to behold, not to forget the splotches that lined his tongue.

“We’ve been married for sixty years now” Martha let out with a smile gracing her lips.

“Oh, she is my joy” The voice of Marcellus broke out husky, words wavering.

His shaky hands had pulled her slowly, and I watched their heads fall onto each other’s.

“Our grandkids booked this trip for us” Martha let out softly.

“Can you believe we have twenty two of them?”

The shock could be found in my gaze at her utterance, with eyes shifting between the two figures before me.

“Our marriage was filled with ten blessings. All strong beautiful kids” She called out.

“It gladdens me coming to behold a young couple who seem to be so happy”

I couldn’t tell if her words were a means of mocking us, but I knew so well, Cameron and I were far from being happy at the moment.

“Believe me marriage is a journey that wouldn’t go as expected, but all that matters is the love you both hold for each other”

“The moment that love is lost, the marriage is over”

My gaze remained fixed on that figure sat beside me, watching the silence that was emitted from his form, while his gaze remained fixed ahead.

Perhaps, I had left him hurt.

“And I believe this period of engagement is a time to court each other better” The voice of Martha went on.

“Be there for him, dear. Men will always nag, believe me. And they sure never get satisfied, but it would take an understanding woman to go through with him”

“Men don’t nag” Marcellus pitched in. “In fact, we do the opposite of that”

“Oh not you, darling” Martha uttered. “You make up perfection” She uttered, while caressing his face.

And I was left to behold the couple’s show of affection, watching as they snuggled up to each other, the sound of their low laughters breaking out.

And only at that movement beside me, did I turn to find those grey eyes having a glance at me, but he had looked away in a moment.

“I’m sorry, Cameron” My words were low, breaths soft, but he barely turned to me, his only interest remained fixed ahead.

It sure would be a long ride.