VINDICTIVE

Episode 4

“Those things aren't important, you know that. The only ones that need to be there are you and me. You've been a bit, spoiled princess.” Maybe he's right...

Giving in with another sigh, I rested my head on his shoulder. “It's just not what I've been picturing is all.” With his fingers running through my hair, he rested his head on mine. “I know.”

Rain began to pour relentlessly outside. Thumping on the roof and smacking into the windows. We drove along the coast, headed for the cruise ship docks downtown.

The sight of people passing by, huddled against the wind made me feel all the more cozy in the car. ”You think they'll ever forgive us?” I asked quietly. My question only met with silence. “Liam?” Glancing up, he was staring out the window. Lost in his own thoughts. Rolling my eyes, I fiddled with my ring. and mumbled.

“I hope they do...”

“They do what?” He asked, finally back in the present. “You think they'll ever forgive us?” I repeated.

Without so much as a thought, he shook his head. “No. Are you crazy? No. After today I don't really think there's going to be a happy family dinner anytime soon...if ever” He laughed.

“Kinda like Romeo and Juliet.” I mumbled, wrapping, and unwrapping my hair around a finger. He laughed. ”Guess we are, aren't we?” Unbuckling my seatbelt, I turned. Laying flat over his lap, closing my eyes.

“Two households, both alike in dignity. In fair Verona where we lay our scene. From- Ow!” Liam flicked my forehead.

“Good thing we don't have to kill ourselves huh?”

“No, apparently we just book nautical themed cruises without asking and elope... Without asking.” I huffed.

Liam grabbed me, as the car came to a sudden halt. Nearly throwing me to the floor. Clicking his tongue. “This is why we wear seatbelts, princesses. Just what would I do if anything happened to you?” He smiled.

“We've arrived, sir.” Came a husky voice from beyond the divider. “Thanks.” Liam called. Helping me from the car. Stepping out into the rain he fuddled with an umbrella while I gazed up at the ship. “It's beautiful.” At last, he got it open, holding it above us both.

“Isn't it? It's the most high-end Halloween masquerade cruise available. We’re going to have a blast. Much more than anyone else aboard, I'm sure.”

Placing a kiss on my forehead he grabbed the bags from the trunk.

The entire boat was glowing like a beacon against the rain. A dazzling rainbow of lights lit up the night. The thumping of music barely drowned out by the rain.

Halloween wasn't exactly the theme I pictured for my wedding but if nothing else it might be fun. Hearing him struggle behind me, I offered to help him with the bags.

The second their wheels touched the ground, the car drove off.

As if in a hurry, splashing me in rainwater. His tires screeched as he turned a corner.

“Ok, bye then. Nice with you.” I grumbled, wiping myself off.

Liam's hands joined me in wiping my now wet pants.

“Sorry about that sweetheart. I have no idea what's with him today.” It's not like things could derail much more anyway, may as well go with it. “Forget it, let's just check-in.”

At the entrance stood a tall thin man, dressed in a shiny suit of black and orange.

His hair slicked back. The corners of his mouth were decorated with fake stitches, looking like his mouth was cut into a smile and sewn back up.

“Welcome to the “Oceans Prophecy” Halloween Masquerade cruise. Boarding passes?”

His face just beaming with that well-rehearsed pride and enthusiasm. A real ‘employee of the month’ kind of guy.

After rifling in his pockets a moment, Liam handed the man our tickets.

Upon seeing his name, he began to lose his composure.

“Oh my, Liam Vonrough! What an honor it is to have you aboard sir.”

Glancing at my ticket, he straightened his tie nervously.

“And Julie Millbank. Wow. Very pleased to meet you both. This is, ok. S-so you are uh...” His hands began to shake, now too nervous to even look us in the eye.

His trembling hands dropped the tickets, Liam only scoffed in annoyance.

This kind of attention is very normal for us both. At the mention of our names, other passengers around us began to murmur and whisper.

Some are already mentioning this morning.

Wanting to help the poor guy I bent down for the tickets.“Here, I got it” Offering a friendly smile as I handed him the tickets. Glancing quickly at his name tag.

“It's very nice to meet you too, James.”

At the sound of his name, his eyes met mine, we both stood. “How do you know my name?” Motioning to his name tag, I had to swallow a giggle as his face constantly flushed.

But soon others gathered behind us in a line and James finally snapped back, taking a shallow breath.

“Y-your both are in our finest suite.”

“And the room is as I requested?” Liam asked coldly, taking my hand possessively.

“Yes sir, everything is as you asked and if you need anything else please don't hesitate to ask myself or any of the other staff. Enjoy your stay aboard “Oceans Prophecy”.

I looked up at Liam with disgust. I've seen him be a little rude to workers before, most of the time it was warranted to some point but there was just no reason to be cold to that boy.

Feeling bad, I smiled again “Thank you.” Walking with him as Liam led me away. Awkwardly he called out. “N-no thank you.”

The entrance opened to a giant glittering ballroom, decorated with orange and black leaves, silver skulls, golden pumpkins, and elegant black branches covered in cotton cobwebs. All around the ship, the staff were in costume. Dressed as various monsters and witches. Making me realize, “Oh hey, we didn't bring any costumes”

“Oh, I wouldn't be so sure.”