IXWHEN MARY LEFT, THE spell was broken. Everyone was milling around, confused.
The captain went over to a call box and got on the intercom - first to his bridge crew, and then to everyone on board. "Ready everyone? Five—Four—Three—Two—One! HAPPY NEW YEAR!"
The crowd roared, the couples kissed and "Auld Lang Synge" blared over the ship's speakers.
Everyone broke out in grins, especially as the waiters brought even more free bubbly for everyone.
Eventually, they all went back inside and the band started up again. That shorter girl was in front, singing her heart out, while her boyfriend was watching from a nearby table, grinning from ear to ear.
Mary and Jude came back out with the Master-at-arms and Port Captain.
The MAA handed me the notebook. "I think you'll need this for your story
