Fantasy Vacation- Chapter 1



I sat on my bed looking out the window. The neighbors dog was in our yard again. It chased my other neighbors cat. It was a silly fight really. Not even a fight. They were playing in their own seperate ways. Their ways just clashed.

"Lana!", my mother hollered up to me. I sighed. Somebody always tried to disturb me. It was rather frustrating.

"What?!", I yelled, annoyance audible in my voice.

"You got a letter". I hopped off my bed and ran out of my room. My mom was standing at the top of the stairs. I took the letter from her hands and greedily tore it open. I loved getting mail.

"Whoose it from?".

"I don't know. Read it", my mother replied simply before disappearing into her room. I looked down at the letter. It was typed. Very formal I observed. I read the letter.

Dear Ms. Rose,

I am the editor of "Paradise" magazine. This letter is in referal to a recent contest the magazine hosted. Your friend Jessica Pen sent in an application for you. I am pleased to inform you that you have won. Congradulations! The prize includes a celebrity cruise. The cruise will last for seven days. Then you will be shipped to a Hawaiin island.

We have taken the liberty of reserving a popular hotel in Honolulu for seven more days. Also there will be a plane ticket back home.

As for any other expenses we will pay for, there will be none. I hope you enjoy your trip. A limo will be waiting at your home on Saturday July 29th. Be prompt! The limo will be waiting at exactly 10:00. Your plane will leave soon after. The cruise starts in Florida.

I wish you the best trip possible. I almost forgot, when you get back a free subscription to our magazine will be waiting for you. Now I know you must be thinking how much fun can I have alone? Bring two friends along. Again have fun! I'll be meeting with you before the cruise.

Sincerely, 
Linda McDone 
editor of PARADISE magazine

I dropped the letter on the ground. Then I started screaming. "OH MY GOD!!!! MOM!!! Guess what?!". My mom ran out of her room.

"What is it?".

"Read". I handed her the letter.

When she was done reading she asked, "Who are you gonna bring along?".

"Probably Jess and Erin. Unless you wanted to go?".

"No, hun, that's okay. I rather have you hanging with your friends. How much fun can you have with your mom hanging around?".

"Thanks ma!". I began thinking of the possibilities dreamily. This would be so much fun! "What is todays date?", I asked my mom.

"The 27th. Isn't that 'N SYNC HBO concert on tonight?".

"Yeah. Do you know what this means?".

"No, what?".

"They'll be here in two days! I gotta call the girls". I rushed into my room. I sat on my bed and quickly picked up my portable phone. I stood up and paced the floor as the phone rang.

"Hello?".

"Jess!!! I love you soo much!".

"Lana? What's up?".

"I won!! I won the contest. Come with me, please".

"Hell yeah! I wouldn't miss it for the world. When does the cruise start?".

"In two days. You need to be at my house before 10:00".

"Okay".

"I gotta call Erin. I want her to come to. This is gonna be a blast".

"Alright, I'll see you Saturday".

"Bye". I hung up the phone before dialing Erin's phone quickly.

"Hello?".

"Hey Erin, guess what?".

"You ran into Ryan Phillippe, had a cat fight with Reese Witherspoon, and had casual sex with him for hours?".

"No".

"Damn! A girl can wish the best for her friend, ya know?".

"Yep. Anyway...I won this mega contest to go on a cruise and stay in Hawaii. Wanna come?".

"Do I wanna come? Do I wanna come?! OF COURSE!!! Wow, I can't believe this. This is soo cool. Ooh, there'll be lots of hot guys, right?".

"Definitely. It's a celebrity cruise".

"Wow. Maybe we'll meet Ryan Phillippe afterall".

"Yeah, but I like Reese to much to fight for her man".

"I guess. So, when is this magical trip starting?".

"Ten o'clock Saturday".

"Saturday? No way. I gotta pack. Talk to ya later, girl".

"Alright. Later". I hung up the phone for the second time that afternoon.

Later that night I watched the televised concert. It was good. Jess, Erin, and I were big fans of 'N SYNC. Hell, we were big fans of most guys. I had known them since 7th grade. We now were all 22 years old, and seniors in college. We went to Umass.

As for my status, I am single. I am always single. My relationships last for about two weeks. I tend to get bothered by comitment. The guy always wants more, but I just don't. Erin's almost the same way. She just has no relationships period. Guys don't respect girls who sleep with them on the first date. I try to tell her that. Out of us all Jess is the one lucky in love. She's been dating the same guy for three years. His name is Matt. Matt's a nice guy. I'm happy for Jess.

The two days didn't seem to go by fast enough. I couldn't wait for Saturday.

Finally Saturday came. Jess came at 8:30. She was definitely early. Erin didn't come until 9:58. Obviously she wasn't as early. The girl didn't know the meaning of an alarm clock. Hence the constant lateness. Atleast she wasn't late today. Thank goodness for that. We would've had to leave her behind.

The limo pulled up exactly on time. We piled our luggage into the trunk and hopped into the car through the door the driver opened.

"Would you look at this limo?", Erin said shocked.

"Cool, huh?".

"Mos def". We laughed at Jess' comment.

"I still can't believe people talk like that. Especially at Lauren's school", I said.

"What's that girl been up to?", Jess asked me.

"Last I heard nothing. Oh except her and Brett broke up".

"That's to bad", Erin mumbled. I really don't think she liked Brett, though. Lauren was another one of my close buddies. I had a lot.

"I think we should watch tv?", Jess said with a smile.

"Why?", I asked.

"Then I can tell everybody that I watched tv in a limo".

"Hmm. Why don't we have a drink?", Erin suggested.

"What if we get drunk?".

"Oh come on, Jess. Just a little one. Whadda ya say?".

"Okay, just a little one".

"Are you with us Lana?".

"I guess. What's in here?". Erin looked through the cabinet.

"There are some wine coolers".

"Hook me up", Jess said finally warming up to the idea. Erin passed one to both of us and took one for herself. Out of all of us Erin liked alcohol the best. None of us were really big on it. Although Erin always seemed to jump for the oppertunity.

We drank our wine coolers and watched tv the whole trip to the airport. After a while Erin pressed the button to lower the glass between the driver and us. She started hitting on him. Probably not one of her better ideas, but I wouldn't stop her. We'd had this conversation before. I wasn't allowed to butt in her love life. It went that way with all of us. Everyone of my friends too. It was an unspoken understanding. Except between Erin and I. We actually had a heated arguement one time.

Finally we arrived at the airport. When all the pre stuff before boarding the plane was done we got on. Jess and I fought over who got the window seat. We did rock, paper, scissors. She won. Then Erin and I fought over who got the middle seat. Nobody wanted to get their elbows wacked everytime the drink cart went by. I won. I told her that she wouldn't be on this trip if it wasn't for me. So she gave me the seat.

"Lana, look at that guy", Erin said pointing.

"What guy?".

"Three seats over, one row up".

"I can't see him".

"Damn. He was really hot. I think he was your type".

"Really. Tall, blonde, and blue eyed?".

"Hell yeah. Oh baby". I laughed. Erin was one of my stranger friends. But we all loved her. I nudged Jess.

"Did you see that guy?". She was sleeping. I shook my head then turned back to the magazine I was reading. I was reading this interesting article about a girl who got raped by her internet pal.

"Lana?", Erin whispered.

"What?".

"Walk me to the bathroom".

"Why? Your a big girl go by yourself".

"No. Come on. I want you to see the guy".

"The bathrooms behind us. We won't be able to see him anyway".

"The stewardist is in the front. We can pretend we don't know where the pottie is. We ask the chick, and check out the guy". I liked the way her mind worked. If she was this worked up over the guy, he must of been something.

"Okay". Erin got up and walked to the lady. I followed behind her closely.

"Hi", Erin said in a sickly sweet voice. "Can you tell us the way to the bathroom?".

"It's just back there. You can't miss it".

"Thanks". We both smiled and turned around. As we passed the guy I looked over briefly. Erin was right. Da-yum! We went over to the bathroom.

"Oh my gosh", I said as we stood by the door. "Yum".

"I know, really".

"Do you have to go?".

"No. Why?".

"That lady is staring".

"Alright I'll go in there. You can sit back down".

"Okay". Erin entered the bathroom and I returned to my seat. Jess had miraculously woken up.

"Hey, where'd you guys go?".

"We asked the stewardist where the pottie was".

"Why? It's just back there".

"I know. There was this extremely hot, tall, blonde haired, blue eyed guy. We went to check him out". Jess was smiling, and looking above my head. "What?", I asked. I'm very paranoid. I turned around. The guy we were checking out was standing right behind me.

"Hello", he said. "Were you talking about me?". His gaze never left mine. Talk about getting lost in someones eyes. "Are you okay?", he asked after a moment. I composed myself.

"Yeah...just fine", I blurted. I'm such a moron.

"Were you checking me out?". He looked so innocent, but his mischievious smile told me different.

"Possibly". I wasn't good at flirting. If only Erin were here to give me pointers. She was good.

"My name's Alex".

"Lana", I said willing my hand to shake his.

"That's a beautiful name". I smiled and blushed a deep crimson. He already has the control of this situation. That's probably not a good thing.

"Alex is..uh...a nice name". Jess elbowed me. 

"Say something intelligent", she urged in a whisper.

"On average people eat about eight spiders in their lifetime". Definitely the wrong thing to say. I pinched myself. Maybe it was a dream. No such luck. The guy looked at me funny.

"Nice meeting you", he said before finding his seat. I heard him whispering with his friends.

"What happened?", someone asked.

"She's wierd", Alex said. That was a wonderful first impression. One of my best. I like sarcasm.

Erin sat next to me again. "I saw the guy. How'd it go?", she asked excitedly.

"She did everything possible wrong. She totally ruined it", Jess said.

"I didn't completely ruin it", I defended.

"Lana, I don't know what else could have possibly gone wrong".

"I'm going to sleep", I said angrily closing my eyes. I eventually fell asleep.

Sometime later I was awoken. Somebody was shaking me.

"Hey girl", Erin said as I opened my eyes and looked at her. "We're in Florida". I stretched. Soon we exited the plane with our carry-on bags.

After finding our luggage, we found a man with a sign that said "LANA ROSE PARTY". We walked over to the man.

"Lana Rose?", he asked us hopefully.

"That's me", I replied with a smile.

"Right this way, ladies". We followed the man. He led us outside to an awaiting limo. "I'm Carl. I'll be driving you to the ship", he said pleasantly while opening the door. We all got in.

Basically we did the same thing as last time. Although Erin wasn't looking too good. Slowly but surely she was getting drunk. I know she had atleast two drinks on the plane, but she could've had more while I was asleep. That was by my count four. She was drinking another wine cooler and hitting on Carl. I don't think we can take that girl anywhere.

"Guys, look. It's the boat!", Jess said with a squeal. I looked out the window and saw it. The only word that came to mind was magnificent. Carl parked the limo. We got out and Carl helped us with our bags.

We walked onto the boat. "Guys, it's Montel Jordan. Mmm", Jess said.

"Look theres Matt", I said with a giggle.

"Huh? Where?". Jess looked around.

"I'm kidding. Just remember, Matt's at home awaiting your arrival. Don't get too friendly with the locals".

Carl led us to our room. Then he set the bags he was carrying down. "Linda McDone is in room number 365. She told me to tell y'all to meet her there before the boat takes off".

"Thanks Carl", I said with a smile. The three of us then went in search of room 365.

"Lana, it's Ethan Hawke", Erin whispered. She had always had a thing for him.

"Don't get distracted. I think we're almost there". We reached the room. "Here we go", I said before knocking on the door. I woman in her late thirties answered the door. She had medium length blonde hair, and brown eyes. She was wearing a blue buisness suit.

"Good afternoon, ladies. My name is Linda McDone. I'm the editor of "Paradise" magazine".

"We know. It's nice to meet you", I said plastering on a smile.

"Lana Rose I presume".

"Your presumption is correct".

"That's good to know. Your not the first girl I've asked today. Somebody got the wrong room and came to mine. I thought she was you".

"Well, I'm glad it's all settled now".

"Likewise. So, how do you girls like the boat?".

"It's beautiful. I'm so glad I signed Lana up", Jess said with a smile.

"You must be Jessica", Linda said to Jess.

"Indeed I am".

"And you are?".

"My names Erin. I'm another of Lana's friends. I love the boat personally. Especially since Ethan Hawke is aboard".

"Childhood crush?".

"Oh yeah. He's a hottie".

"Couldn't agree more". I was happy that Linda was down to Earth. This was certainly turning into a wonderful trip. Even though Erin was a little tipsy.

"I mean would you look at the ass on that man".

"Erin, you're embarassing me", I said as I poked her side.

"It's alright with me", Linda said grining. "I was a girl once, too, ya know".

"Yep".

"Now, let's get down to buisness. I'm gonna be on this cruise. But I won't be in Hawaii. If you need me I'll be in here most of the time. If I'm not in here I'm either living it up or in a meeting. Is there any questions?".

"Just one", I said.

"Shoot".

"When is the ship taking off?".

"Three minutes. I recommend that you guys go to the top deck. It's always fun to wave goodbye, even if you got no one to say good bye to. It'll also give you a chance to see who else is on the cruise".

"Okay. Thank you, Linda. I guess we'll see you later", I said before leaving the room. "Let's go say goodbye", I said with a laugh. We then went to the top level and waved to imaginary friends.

"Megan I'll miss you", Erin called.

"Don't forget Vegas", Jess yelled.

"Water my plants, Elvis", I finished our chorus of shouts.

Later that night I was in the casino. I saw Erin at the bar. She was talking to some extremely hot guy. I could only see his back. He had brown hair. Even though I could only see his back I knew he was extremely hot. Just a feeling. Jess walked over to me.

"Having fun?", she asked.

"Yeah. Erin sure looks like she is".

"When isn't that girl having fun? Remember when she used to be shy?". I laughed.

"It's been a really long time".

"Lana, I'm gonna go back to the room. I think I have jet lag. Besides it's not good for me to see so many hot guys. It's terribly tempting".

"I know. Good night".

"Night", Jess said as she exited the room. 

I was in a strange mood. I felt like getting drunk and waking up in a strangers bed. So, I went to the bar.

"Whiskey sour", I said to the bartender. After a moment he handed me the drink.

When I was on my 5th drink a man approached me. He was good looking. Probably famous too. I knew his face. But I was out of it so I couldn't place where I knew him from.

The next morning I woke up on silk sheets. It was obviously a better room then ours. I lifted the blanket a tad. I was naked. My plan had worked. I'm such an idiot. What the hell kind of plan was that? I looked to my side. There was a man there. He had sexy shoulders. His hair was brown. A dark brown color with red tips. I touched his hair. Then ran my fingers through it. I finally got enough courage to touch his shoulders. MMmm.

He stirred. I didn't want to wake him. Not without exploring him first. This was a one night stand and I wanted to atleast remember what the guy looked like. I lifted the blanket. Nice butt. I still couldn't see his face...or other parts (hehehe). How could I without waking him up? 

I decided to go for a more direct approach. I wrapped my arm around his waist and reached down. Woah! This was a helluva man! He stirred again. I knew he was going to wake up. So I closed my eyes and tried to act innocent. I knew he was uncomfortable. My hand wasn't in the most comfortable place for him.

After a while he picked up my hand. I felt him turn around. Then I felt a draft. He was lifting the blanket! Pervert! Wait a minute...copycat!! I squinted my eyes. I hoped I could see who he was. He smelled good.

"Are you awake?", he asked. I recognized the voice. This was kind of creepy. What if I actually knew him? Naw, he was just famous. That's why I knew his voice. I got up my courage and opened my eyes. A pair of chocolate brown eyes looked back.

"I am now". I stared at him. Relization dawned on me. I had just slept with Joey Fatone from 'N SYNC. Atleast it wasn't Ryan Phillippe. Then I'd be scared of Erin.

"Hi. Joey", he said with a half smile.

"Hello. Lana", I replied saying my name.

"Good name".

"My parents thought so". Joey chuckled.

"What brings you on this boat?".

"Contest".

"Not the 'N SYNC one, right?", Joey asked looking panicked.

"No, why?".

"If the press found out that I slept with the teenybopper who won the contest...it'd be bad".

"I see".

"Not in a talkative mood?".

"Are you the kind of guy who picks up drunk girls?".

"No, I was drunk myself. You're not my type. I like blondes. Although your black hair is quite pretty".

"I know. I love my hair. You're not my type either".

"Really? What is then?".

"Blondes".

"Ironic".

"Indeed". 

"So...uh... what now?".

"I thought you would know. I don't get like this often. Last night was a rare occasion".

"Everybodies different. Everytime is different. You tell me".

"I'd like to go back to my friends now. Before they get too worried".

"I understand how you could be missed", he said sarcastically.

"Hey, I take offense to that".

"I would too". I was stunned. Then I got up. I had the sheet wrapped around myself. "No need to cover yourself. It's not like I haven't seen you naked before".

"I don't care. I don't want your greasy eyes on me". I picked up my clothes and went to the bathroom. I then quickly changed.

When I came out he was sitting up in bed. I walked to the door.

"What no good bye kiss?".

"No, I think I'll pass", I said before exiting his room. I watched the floor as I walked. If I was going to sleep with someone why did it hafta be that man? I bumped into someone. I toppled over on the ground.

"Are you okay?", a male voice asked. I saw a hand outstretched to me. I looked up. Will Smith? I took his hand and he pulled me up.

"Thank you. I'm fine". I walked to the elevator and pressed the button for my floor.

"Where have you been?", Jess asked as I entered our room.

"One night stand".

"What?".

"Long story".

"Tell me anyway".

"You wouldn't believe me".

"Try me".

"Okay...", I told her the story.

"Interesting".

"I knew you wouldn't believe me".

"I believe you. Do you know where Erin is?".

"I have no idea".

"I hope she had a good time last night", Jess said sarcastically.

"She's probably just sleeping late. It could've been a long night", I said with a grin. "I'm gonna take a shower. Then I'm going sun bathing. Wanna come?".

"Okay. I already showered so go ahead. I'll change in here and we can go when you're ready".

"Alrighty". I walked into the bathroom, striped my clothes, and turned on the water. After finding the right temp I hopped in.

About half an hour later I was out of the bathroom.

"Is that a new suite?", I asked Jess.

"Yeah. Matt picked it out for this trip. He wanted to make sure I wasn't dressed to showy. He says that I'm his girl and it's gonna stay that way". She smiled.

"Mines new too", I said. "I bought it last weekend. Before I knew about the trip". Suddenly Erin stumbled into the room.

"Hey guys", she mumbled as she dropped onto a bed.

"Where were you last night?", Jess asked. She was like the mother of this group.

"Guess".

"Sex", I guessed or rather assumed.

"Duh".

"With who?", Jess and I asked in unison. Then we giggled.

"Ben Affleck".

"No way". I was shocked. Was that the guy she was talking to at the bar?

"Yes way".

"Cool", Jess said. "We're going to go lay in the sun. Wanna come?".

"Nope. I need sleep". I giggled.

"Told ya she had a long night". Jess and I walked out of the room. We went to the elevator and got on the top deck.

"How come theres a pool on this boat?", Jess asked me.

"Probably because you can't swim in the ocean on a moving boat".

"I see". I layed my towel down on a chair then sat on it.

"If I'm gonna be sitting out here I should put on some suntan lotion".

"Me too". I took the bottle out of my beach bag and squirted some in my hands. Then Jess took the bottle and did the same. I put the stuff everywhere visible on my body except my back.

"Jess, can you do my back?".

"Yeah, I'll be done in a minute".

"I can do it for you", a male voice said from behind me. I turned around.

"You! Why don't you leave me alone?".

"This is the first time I've seen you since this morning. Do you want help or not?", Joey asked.

"Fine". I handed him the bottle. Soon I could feel his hands on my back. He was slowly massaging my back with the lotion. Teasing me. I liked the feeling. But I would never admit that to him. I kept my mouth closed. I felt like I was going to make some noise. A noise of pleasure, but that would be a weakness. He was trying to get me that way.

When he was done he sat down on the corner of my chair.

"Lana, do my back", Jess ordered. I took the lotion from Joey and rubbed it on her back. When I was finished I said.

"I wanna lay down. Please move". Joey didn't move.

"You can put your feet on my lap".

"Why are you here?".

"I like you". I sighed.

"Don't you have anything better to do?".

"Naw. The guys are asleep. If I can't bug them I might as well bug you".

"Well, thank you. I guess. You've bugged me enough, please leave".

"I won't be any trouble".

"Fine. Give me my sun glasses. They're in my bag". He pulled them out and handed them to me. I put them on then layed my legs on Joey's lap. "What brings you on this trip?", I asked Joey. 

"Why do you wanna know?".

"I told you why I was here. Come on".

"JC's birthday is August 8th. This was a b-day present".

"That's nice. Whoose ides was it?".

"Mine".

"So, you're the creative type?".

"Sometimes".

"Not in a talkative mood?", I asked mimicking what he had said earlier. I smiled. Joey returned the gesture.

"I'm just answering your questions".

"Ah, got ya. Are you enjoying the cruise?".

"So far. You?".

"Yeah". I smiled. His meaning was more then it appeared.

"Do you know what time it is?".

"No. Jess?". She looked at her watch.

"11:30".

"Thanks", Joey said to Jess and I.

"No problem. Do you need to be somewhere?", I asked.

"In a little while. I gotta wake up the guys".

"Oh. So...uh...do you have any pets?".

"No".

"Me either".

"Do you wanna take a walk with me?". I looked at Jess. She nodded.

"Okay". I took my legs off of Joey and sat up. Joey stood up and I followed his example. "Watch my stuff", I whispered to Jess.

"Yup".

Joey reached his hand out to me. I took it.

"Are you seeing anyone?", Joey asked me.

"No. You?".

"Nope. Do you start relationships often?".

"Naw. I really can't commit well. My longest relationship was a month. I was in 9th grade. Most of my relationships last for two weeks".

"That's sad".

"Tell me about it. Atleast I'm not like my friend Erin".

"Why what's she like?".

"Well...she practically hits on anything with a penis and two legs. Plus she's never had a real boyfriend".

"Never?".

"Never".

"What about your friend Jess?".

"She has Matt. He's a great guy. They've been dating for three years. She's always been the relationship type. She likes to committ. I guess we all have different love lives. What about you?".

"I shy away from commitment most of the time. Especially since my group started. People think I'm a player".

"Are you?".

"I guess it depends on your definition".

"Guy who sleeps around a lot. No matter what. Like if he has a girlfriend. It just means to be played. Ya know he sleeps with ya then dumps ya kinda deal".

"Do you think I am?".

"Well, if my definition is correct...I guess not. I mean it seems like you're practically stalking me. So, you haven't ditched me yet".

"Stalking? I just came and said hi and put on some lotion".

"I know. I was just kidding".

"Oh. Do you do that a lot?".

"With my friends".

"Am I your friend?".

"Do you wanna be?".

"I guess...unless you wanted to be something more".

"Are you asking me that?".

"Yeah".

"Do you wanna be something more?".

"You're avoiding my question".

"No I'm not. I just don't wanna sound like a moron. I wanna know your opinion first".

"Will this change your opinion?".

"No".

"Then yes. I would like to be something more".

"Even though I'm afraid of committment?".

"Maybe I could help you face your fear".

"You think you're that wonderful, huh?", I asked with a smile.

"I think the question is, do you wanna be something more?".

"Yes. What now?".

"I don't know. hmmm...maybe you and I could eat dinner together tonight".

"I don't know if my friends would like me going off like that".

"I could always come and eat with you guys".

"Wouldn't you wanna eat with your friends?".

"I spend way too much time with those guys as it is".

"Okay then. You can meet me at my room at about 5:30. Alright?".

"What's your room number?".

"275".

"The second deck?".

"Yeah".

"Okay. I gotta go wake up the guys. I'll see you later".

"Bye". Joey let go of my hand, smiled, and walked back to his room. I went back to Jess and my towel.

"Have fun?", she asked with a giggle.

"What do you think?".

"Naw, you had absolutely no fun".

"Yep, that's the way it goes".

"What'd you guys talk about?".

"Stuff".

"What kind of stuff?".

"Nice stuff".

"What kind of nice stuff?".

"The kind I'm not telling you about?".

"Fine then".

"Oh, um...can Joey come eat with us tonight?".

"We'll hafta ask Erin".

"Really? Cuz I already invited him". I smiled.

"It's good to know you run things by me first", Jess said sarcastically.

"I wanna spend time with him".

"That's sweet".

"I'm a sweetie".

"Not as sweet as me", Erin said as she sat on my chair.

"Loser".

"Hey! Be nice to me I just woke up".

"Good for you", Jess said. "I gotta get out of the sun. I've been sitting here for like an hour. I wanna play a game or something".

"We can go to the arcade", I suggested.

"Cool", Erin and Jess said in unison.

"You don't think they'll care if we go in our bathing suites?", Jess asked.

"I don't care if they care", Erin said. "I just changed into this damn thing and I'm not changing!", Erin continued stubbornly.

We walked down to the lower deck that had the arcade. There wasn't a lot of people in there. Most of the people there were about twelve. I didn't care. I wanted to play video games.

Jess and I started playing a shooting game. We had to kill aliens. Jess died quickly. Then Erin played. She died after about five minutes, but I was still going strong. Soon I had another partner. It was Joey.

"What are you doing here?", I asked him.

"Chris, Justin, and I came in here to play and I saw you. I thought what the heck. Come one. Let's play".

A half an hour later Joey and I were still playing. Neither one of us had died. Although I was pretty close to it.

"Watch out", Joey cautioned me.

"Damn! The guy bit me. I'm dead". I got up. "Somebody else can play".

"Somebody can play my spot too", Joey offered. "So...uh ...Lana...what are you going to do now?".

"I don't know. What do you want to do?". Joey smiled. I guess he felt included.

"Anything. As long as you're there". Now I smiled. Everytime I saw him...he kept getting nicer and more charming.

"Jess", I called to her.

"What?".

"When's the ship going stop on land?".

"Not until tomorrow".

"Darn. Thanks". I turned back to Joey. "We could always go swimming in the pool".

"That sounds great. What if we invited your friends and mine. I really would rather spend time alone...but this trip was for JC's birthday...I've been neglecting him".

"That's cool with me. Let me ask. I guess I'll meet you in an hour at the pool".

"Okay, great. Bye". Joey smiled sexily before walking off. I really liked that man.

"Hey guys". Jess and Erin looked at me. They were watching little kids play ping pong.

"Hmmm?", Erin asked.

"You wanna go swimming with 'N SYNC?".

Erin started laughing. "Did you need to ask that one? That gives me four guys to hit on. I discluded Joey. I'm in".

"Sure...they better be nice", Jess warned.

"It's not like I'm sending you into battle, Jess. Besides, you can hide behind Erin if need be. She's very good with men". Erin smiled toothily before laughing again.

"Girl, I'm not just good...I'm the masta!".

"Okay, masta we gotta meet the guys in an hour. Let's get back to the room". We left the arcade and began trudging back to the room.

Forty five minutes later I sat on my bed waiting for Erin. She was in the bathroom. It's not that she took a long time...Jess did. Erin had been in there for only five minutes. I kept shooting daggers at Jess with my eyes.

"Jesus, Lana! It isn't even time to go yet", Jess said defending herself.

"Still...". Erin came out of the bathroom.

"Well, I'm done. You guys are done. You wanna hit the pool early?", Erin asked. "We can be all wet and sexy".

"I don't want to be sexy", Jess mumbled.

"Why not?", Erin asked shocked.

"I'm thinking about Matt".

"Matt doesn't rule over you. You can look as good as you want. You aren't planning on jumping one of the dudes".

"I know that. I didn't need you pointing it out, Erin".

"Whatever".

"Stop fighting, y'all. You're making me nervous. I can't be nevous around Joey", I said pleadingly.

"Let's just go", Erin said walking to the door.

Five minutes later we were at the pool. We still had three minutes left. Erin jumped into the pool immediately. I decided to wait for Joey. Jess sat next to me.

"You're not scared that you're gonna cheat, right? Jess?".

"No, of course not".

"I mean you kind of run away from guys. Talking to other guys isn't cheating".

"I didn't think it was!".

"Don't yell at me". I heard a loud noise and looked up. Woah! Tidal wave? I saw two men pop up in the pool. I guess they both cannon balled at once. A shadow fell over me. I looked up.

"Hey there beautiful", I said with a smile. "I think two baboons escaped from the zoo. I hate when that happens".

"Baboons?". I pointed towards the pool. "Naw, that's just Chris and Justin".

"Are you sure they aren't baboons? That one has a ton of hair on it's head".

"I keep telling J the fro's gotta go. I knew one of these days people wouldn't recognize those two as humans anymore".

"Erin already made nice with the creatures", I said with a smirk.

"So that's the infamous Erin?".

"Infamous Erin?", Erin asked. "Have you been telling him about me? Lana, it better have been good. And you ...didn't you see me at the arcade?".

"I was distracted", Joey said gazing at me with a smile.

"Lana...worlds greatest distraction", she said before dunking under water.

"Hey!", I yelled defensively.

Joey put his hand on mine. "Wanna come swim with me?".

"Okay". We both got up. "I'm gonna jump in". I did so. When I came up I looked for Joey. He popped up next to me.

"Hi".

"Hi". I smiled. He smiled.

"Break it up!", Erin yelled at us.

"Shut your mouth!", I shot back.

"Guys, I wanna play Marco Polo", Chris whinned.

"Lana, that's Chris, Justin, Lance, and JC". Joey pointed to the guys scattered around the deck. Chris and Justin were in the pool playing in the deep end with Erin. They were pretty close to us. JC was floating in the shallow end and Lance was talking to Jess in the beach chair I was occupying previously.

"Guys, this is Lana". Joey said my name with a smile.

"Hello", they all shouted.

"Hey", I shouted back.

"Joey! Let's play Marco Polo", Chris begged.

Joey looked at me. "Do you wanna play?", he asked.

"No", I whispered.

"Me either", he whispered. "We'll pass Chris".

"But whose gonna play with me?".

"I dunno. Justin, JC, Lance, Erin, Jess. Find someone".

"Whose Jess?".

"The girl talking to Lance".

"Oh". Chris ran out of the water and straight to Jess. he hugged her. "Heelllloooo!".

"Chris is a weird guy. Excuse him", Joey joked. 

"I'll try".

Twenty minutes later Joey and I were diving to the bottom of the pool. We had some little diving wand things. So far I was doing better then he was. Lance and Jess were still talking. Although she was playing Marco Polo earlier. I wonder what they were talking about. Erin had found her way over to JC. She was obviously flirting. She kept touching him. Chris and Justin were still playing Marco Polo. I don't know why. I really don't like that game.

"I need a break", Joey said taking a deep breath. He pulled himself out of the water and sat on the edge of the pool. His legs dangled in the pool. I joined him after a moment. I took my hand and pushed his wet hair away from his face. We smiled at each other again for the millionth time that day. I stroked his cheek gently. Joey removed my hand and kissed it softly.

"I wonder what time it is", I said absently.

"Four o'clock", Jess hollered.

"Thanks". I thought about that for a second. "Why are you listening to my conversation?".

"I have nothing better to do".

"Go bother someone else".

"Fine then". She got off her chair and jumped in the pool. She purposely splashed us. Meanie!

"I think I'm going to go to my room for a while. You wanna come with?", I asked Joey. He smiled.

"I'd love to".

"Hey Erin!", I called across the pool.

"Would you excuse me for a second?", she aske JC. Then she swam over to us. "Make it quick. I was really getting somewhere with him".

"Joey and I are going to hang out in the room for a while".

"So you're telling me this so we won't disturb you?".

"No, so you don't wonder".

"Oh, okay. See ya. Wish me luck with JC. I think I'm really getting to him". Joey chuckled. "What?".

"JC is really uptight", Joey explained.

"I wouldn't have guessed by the way he's talking to me". Joey's mouth opened in shock. "Have fun", she said swimming back to JC. I giggled then closed Joey's mouth.

"Let's go". Joey and I walked hand in hand to the girls and mines room. I opened the door and we both stepped inside. "My room is nothing compared to yours".

"I like your room".

"Thanks". I sat down on my bed and Joey followed my example. "What do you wanna do?". Joey grinned wickedly. "Keep it decent".

"Let's just watch a movie".

"Alrighty". I turned on the tv, flipping through the channels. I came to the movie "See No Evil, Hear No Evil". "Let's watch this", I suggested.

"Okay", Joey agreed.

Ten minutes later I found myself staring at Joey. I liked him a lot more then I did this morning. I can't believe it's only been one day. Joey looked over at me and smiled.

"What are you thinking?", he asked.

"I'm thinking if it would be to forward to kiss you. I mean we had sex...but it was different then...ya know?". Joey solved the problem by leaning over and kissing me. I kissed back. I wrapped my arms around his neck and played with his hair. Eventually he pulled away.

"Was that forward?", he asked innocently. I smiled.

"The hell with going that slow", I said before kissing him again. I only planned to make out with him. I crawled on top of him. My legs were around his waist.

About twenty minutes later the door swung open. "Did I interrupt anything?", Jess asked sweetly.

I pulled away from Joey. "What time is it?"

"Five o'clock".

"Should we get ready for dinner?", I asked.

"We're gonna eat at five thirty. So probably", Joey said. He got up off of my bed. "I'll see you in half an hour". Joey kissed my hand before walking out of the room.

"Where's Erin?", I asked Jess.

"She said she would be at dinner. Then she ran off with JC. I really hope she doesn't pervert him". I giggled.

"That's a strange thought".

"Isn't it though?".

"Well, if he gets perverted by someone whose two years younger then he is I think...I think he gets persuaded easily".

"Maybe. I call the shower first". Then with that said Jess ran into the bathroom. The little snot. I giggled again.