Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
I realized I might have to wait a while before he missed me, so I made myself as comfort-
able as I could and watched as the bow lifted and fell gently as she sailed along through the
purple, blue water. With interest, I noticed the flying fish that shot out of the sea and, with
the aid of their beautiful wings, flew for great distances before being swallowed up again
by a wave. I pondered over the evolution of their wings and marveled at how long it must
have taken for these fish to develop them.
I was lost in thought when suddenly I heard my name being called. I kept quiet and smiled
to myself. The calling suddenly became shrill, with an edge of panic, and soon both the girl
and the lad were shrieking in genuine fear at the idea that their skipper might have fallen
overboard. Finally, I couldn't bear it anymore and clambered over the side, appearing be-
fore them in the morning light, grinning broadly at the success of my joke. This time my
friends were angry and upset at me, and I could not blame them. It had been a bad scare
and probably a silly thing to have done, but I managed at last to get a good laugh out of
them, and the tension broke.
Paula looked at me later when we were alone, shaking her head with a little smile on her
lips, “You are crazy, you know that? I was so afraid that you had fallen over the side!”
“Would you have missed me?” I winked back at her. Her dimpled chin looked so cute this
morning.
“Puh!” she said, with a toss of her head. “I was just worried about sailing this boat without
you, that's all.”
I saw her sneak a sideways glance at me, and I reached out to her shoulder. I had to let
her know how crazy I was about her. She had on a thin, black sweater with a huge collar
that cuddled up to her Mediterranean neck. She was obviously not wearing anything un-
derneath. Her long, black hair hung in unfettered coils, and her generous, pink lips were
slightly parted. She looked like a goddess, and I drew in my breath. I touched her shapely
shoulder, saying softly, “I would never endanger you or Herman.”
She remained stationary, and I left my hand where it was. She turned and looked out to
sea, sighing softly under her breath. I tried reading into that sigh. I felt that I had better re-
move my hand. When I did, she looked back at me with a slight look of surprise. Silently,
she picked up my hand and drew it to her mouth. She kissed it softly, and I could feel the
warmth of her lips. “Don't ever give me such a scare again,” she whispered.
I tingled all over - my heart was pounding - I suddenly felt very weak at the knees. I saw
Herman looking at us from his bunk. He looked pained, almost cheated. He sulkily looked
away. Well, it had to happen sooner or later chum, I thought. I was over the moon, but I had
to be sure.
