The Huntington family held a private party on their newest cruise ship. Business people from the highest and finest families in the country impeccably dressed from the finest clothing and shining jewelries.
"A toast for the Napoleon." Joseph Huntington said, raising his flute of Champagne. I was then followed by the rest with practiced smiles. Joseph Huntington, the new CEO of Huntington Ships, scanned the room. Looking for nothing in particular. He knew the crowd well. Some avid passengers, some business partners, and some famous people who wanted to rule the world one ship at a time.
He gave a speech, mingled with a few people, and laughed at someone's not so funny joke before he decided to catch some air. It's almost midnight and some guests are retreating to their own cabin. He leans on the railings, looking up at the starry sky with a glass of wine in hand. The weather was good. The air is nice. He felt pretty good despite the past stressful week.
"Would you mind if I joined you?" He doesn't need to look to recognize the voice of his mother.
"I actually do." He playfully said. His mother frowned but stayed anyway. "Isn't it beautiful, mom?" He said, draping an arm around her mother's shoulder.
"The sky? Indeed it's beautiful." She agreed looking up. They stayed there admiring the glimmering light above until her mother once again spoke. "It was a long time ago since your father died and you have to carry everything on your shoulders, Joseph. Now that everything seems fine and stable, I think it's time for you to pursue your own happiness, don't you think?"
Joseph smiled at his mother's words. "I am happy with what I'm doing, mom." He answered as he hugged her tighter. "You don't have to worry about me."
"I know. You're right. And I'm so proud of you. But you've been working for so long, and so hard, I'm just worried, Joseph." His mother looked at him. "Doesn't the thought of marriage and family appeal to you?"
Joseph smiled. Of course they're on this topic again. His mother brings it up in every chance she gets that he already has his practiced answer. "Of course it appeals to me, but what can I do, mom? I haven't found her yet."
"You should take this opportunity right now. Young and beautiful women are gathered here wanting your attention, but you gave them none of it." Joseph felt like he's a debutante about to come out to the world. "You should think about that, I don't want you to grow older than thirty five without a wife for yourself. I want my grandkids to be born as soon as possible." The last part came out with stubborn conviction that made him suppress a smile. He knew his mother meant well, but there's no way he'll go back in there and parade himself just so his mother can get her grandbabies.
"I'll think about it more, mom." After several more demands her mother finally gets tired and bids him goodnight.
He couldn't help but laugh when she's gone. Sure, it was crazy, but at the same time he's hoping the same thing for himself. His mother is right, he's not getting any younger. He also wanted to settle down, but not one of his past girlfriends made him want it enough.
He stayed there longer and when he was about to turn, a light caught his attention. Wondering what it is that shines from the sea; he made his way to see it nearer. Something is floating not that far from the ship. The light of the moon made it possible for him to see that thing, but when he finally realized what it was, his eyes widened in shock and fear.
He immediately called for his crew to get a boat. It was a body. It took him a few seconds to move. His heart was in his throat. When they get nearer, his sight of it becomes clearer. They immediately retrieved the body. His shock didn't subside seeing that it's a woman; a naked woman that's barely covered with her pearl necklaces, and her silver hair. Without a second thought, he immediately carried her to the deck and took off her coat to cover her. Her pale skin contrasted his brown one. Her cold frame pressed against him and for a moment he thought her dead.
"No pulse…" His heart stopped. It couldn't be. He blinked the shock in him and without thinking he dipped his head down to hers in a mouth to mouth resuscitation. After pumping her chest and blowing her air, her head jerked up. Coughing excessively, water spitting out her mouth.
His breathing is rugged due to the cold air, his hair dripping salt water and his heart couldn't beat on it's normal pace, but he doesn't care. All he could think is the enticing woman he found floating on the sea and how he badly wanted her to breathe. Her eyes slowly opened and the air was sucked around him. Her gaze landed on him. A pair of blue, so mesmerizing that made him wonder if it were real. Her presence glowed and he felt himself drowning to the depth of her eyes mirroring the color of the beautiful ocean.
"Hi."