They arrived at the port and saw a double-decker cruise floating in the water. From the outside, the cruise looked pretty decent. There was no sight of a party. "Are you sure this is the right place?" Will say looking around the half-empty port. "Maybe the girlfriend sent you to die, you know take out the competition and stuff". "How would she know I like Hugo?" Rachel said while staring at the white and gold cruise. Just then a guy got out from the second floor and waved at them. "HEY, RACHEL? CMON UP THE CRUISE IS ABOUT TO SET OFF" "well I guess her intentions were nice" will said and walked forward, towards the ramp and then on the cruise. The cold air reminded Rachel of Nate, and she felt the hurt, but as they entered the grand living room, Rachel forgot all about her ex.
The living room was adult-like. That was the only word Rachel could describe. It was not like those parties with lights, alcohol, and people vomiting everywhere; while others make out on a couch. Nope, this was sophisticated. The guys were wearing tuxes and girls, expensive dresses. "Thankgod we wore dresses and not shorts" whispered into Rachel's ear, and Rachel thanked God. A waiter approached them with a tray of cocktails. Rachel and Will looked at each other and then picked one each. "So much for a party" Will sipped while looking around. "Hey Rachel, glad you could make it." Zadie walked towards them, the sweats were gone, and Rachel saw how beautiful the girl was. Her sky blue hair was pinned up, with two curls falling on from the side. She was wearing a one-armed silver gown, which flowed gracefully around her and touched the floor. When Zadie came a little nearer, Rachel saw she was wearing diamonds. She suddenly felt underdressed. "Uh, yeah", Will elbow her lightly, "Zadie this is my friend and roommate Willow" "hi," Willow said, reaching her hand out to her. Zadie stared at will for a little longer, then looked away after realizing what she was doing.
"Cmon, this is the adult section, I'll show you where the real party is'' Zadie winked and walked towards a closed door. Rachel will follow suit. Zadie opened the door and the smell of alcohol filled her nose. She quickly noticed Hugo, who was sitting with a bunch of other guys playing cards. Her eyes stuck to him like glue. "So I will be over there" will say pointing towards the chocolate fountain. Rachel didn't take notice, she was staring at the perfect guy right now, and he was wearing a dark green tux. She thought while looking down at her dress. When she looked up she found him staring at her too, and he smiled and beckoned her. Rachel hesitated before going there, Zadie was talking to Harvey on the other seat, and she sat beside Finley who was busy on his phone. "Hey," Hugo said, putting down the cards and picking up a half bottle of scotch. "Hi," Rachel said. "This is not what I was expecting" she continued. "What a birthday party?" he chuckled. "Yeah, who is it anyway?" she asked. He sipped before responding and Rachel stared at his throat as he gulped down the drink. There were three faint lines, like scars. She wondered how he had gotten them. ``Zadie's father," he said, putting down the glass. "Her father? Why did she invite me then?" she asked. It was just stupid if it was a family thing. "Because I asked her to," he said, smiling. She hadn't realized how close he had gotten to her. His knee touched her knee, and she blushed. "Oh, well um thank you". She said. Her palms were sweating.
"Do you want to take a walk on the deck?" he whispered to her. Rachel nodded. Her mouth was now dry, and she worried that she might squeak if he moved a little more closely. Hugo got up and took her hand, it was so warm. Rachel met Zadie's eye, and she smiled a little, the other girl just stared at her. The air was cold and fresh, Rachel took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Near her, Hugo laughed and mimicked her. "It does feel fresh huh," he said. They were standing by the railing, the water looked nothing but a dark sheet. " You look pretty tonight, I don't think Zadie mentioned the dress code," Hugo said, standing close to her. "No, I just assumed it would be a typical college party, and um thank you," she smiled at him.
"I need to tell you something", Hugo said. His brown hair was slicked back, and he suddenly looked a bit older. He wasn't looking at her. Yes, here it comes, he likes me back. 'Say it'. Rachel thought excitedly. "Finley thinks you are pretty, and he will probably ask you out tonight. It's just a heads up". Disappointment. Total and utter disappointment. That's what she felt. "Oh," Rachel said, here she thought he liked her. He has a girlfriend Rachel, the voice told her. 'a very pretty and a very rich girlfriend'. Sensing the sadness in her voice Hugo looked at her. "Do you not like him back?" he asked. Of course, she didn't, she met the guy, and he didn't even smile back when she greeted him. "Well, I mean-" this was all she could say when a loud splash came from beside her and several people screamed.
Hugo yelled in the room, "WHAT HAPPENED?". He was about to walk inside when Harvey ran towards them on the deck and answered. "Zadie's grandpa fell, he was drunk as fuck, I think he slipped, the crew is helping, but I don't think they will-" Hugo cut him short by taking his coat and shoes off and jumping in the water. All Rachel could do was scream his name, while Harvey just stared at the place where Hugo jumped off the cruise.