Fantasy Vacation- Chapter 3 I stepped out of the shower and changed into my clothes. I walked into the bedroom. Joey was sitting on his bed watching tv. He was still in his boxers. I smiled, then sat next to him. "Hi", I said. "Hey". "The showers free". "I kind of figured that". "Yeah, well...ok". "So...what are you doing later?". "I dunno". "You wanna do something with me?". "I'd love to. What do you have in mind?". "Didn't Jess say the boat was docking on land today?". "Yes, she did". "I think we should go check out the island". "What island?". "I don't know the name, but I'm sure it's beautiful". "Shouldn't we be afraid of getting lost?". "Naw. I have an excellent sense of direction". "Is it gonna be just us?". "I'm sure other people will go on the island too". "No, I mean we aren't bringing anyone along. Right?". "Right. Just you and me, and a tropical island". "That sounds fabulous". "Do you know when the boat lands?". "I'd have to ask Jess. She's really good about things like this. I swear the girl knows everything". "Maybe that's why her and Lance seemed to get along so well". "Is Lance like that too?". "That's why we call him Scoop". "I should go back to my room now. But I'll ask Jess, then call you. Okay?". "Okay. Do you wanna meet before the boat lands?". "Yeah. We'll make solid plans after I talk to Jess". "Alright". I leaned over him and kissed him sweetly. "Bye", I said softly as I got up and left the room. I heard Joey's soft reply as I exited. "Bye", he called. Later that morning I called Joey's room. I had already talked to Jess and decided on my plans with Joey. "Hello?", Joey asked answering the phone. "Hey, it's me. Lana". "Hey. Did you talk to Jess?". "Uh huh. The boat is landing at 12:30pm. I figure we should meet at noon. Then the boat departs at 5:30, so we need to be off the island by then. Do you have a watch?". "Yeah. I got it covered. I'll borrow Justin's. He always has a watch handy. He has to always know what time it is. He's a strange guy". I giggled. "It's good to hear you speak so nicely about your friends", I said with a hint of sarcasm. "What time is it now?". "11:30". "I gotta get ready. Do you wanna meet at the bar? I mean we seem to meet there a lot anyway". I laughed. "Okay, I'll see you in half an hour". "Bye, Lana". "Bye, Joey", I said with a grin. Just hearing his voice made me smile. I know that I'm falling in love with him. It's just happening so fast. It's sort of like a rollar coaster. It seems like we're hitting the peak way too quickly. Soon the ride will be slowing down and it will be over. I don't want that. Not with Joey at least. I went into the bathroom to change. I pulled on my neon pink string bikini and a pair of beige shorts. I turned in front of the mirror. This outfit was sure to knock his socks off. I looked down at my belly. My silver belly button ring glistened in the sun that shown from the window. I giggled. I loved that little ring. It was so many things at once. Cute, sexy, daring, mysterious, playful, beautiful, and the list goes on. I left the bathroom and sat on my bed. It was a nice bed. Even though I had never slept in it. The closest to sleeping on it was when Joey and I had been making out. I smiled at the memory. I pulled my bag on the bed and searched for my beach towel. I set it on my bed when I found it. Then I pulled on my sandals. I looked at the clock. I still had a long time to wait...it seemed. Darn! I turned on the tv. News...soap opera...talk show...strange porno...Barney! I could watch Barney. I liked to pick at the show. The children were way to old. They also acted with extreme fake happiness. I wonder how many of those boys have slept with Barney? Erin bounded in the room. "Hey girl", I greeted. "Where have you been lately?". "Well, last night I went off with JC. We spent the night together and the morning. JC is a nice guy to talk to. Then I went to meet up with Ben. He had to go, though. As soon as Matt showed up. Those two are almost glued at the heels I tell ya...". "You mean Matt Damon?". "Yeah. Why? You want me to introduce ya?". She smiled wickedly. "No. Just a little star struck". "Okay. So, anyway... when the boat lands JC and I are gonna check out the island" "Yeah? Cool. Me and Joey are gonna visit the island too. Hey, Er...are you gonna choose which guy you like best?". "You mean between Ben and JC?". "Yeah". "Why?". "Well...Joey and I are getting really serious...". "You mean you've been fucking?", she interupted. "No. We haven't slept together" Without being inebriated that is. "I meant serious...like commitment". "This means what to me?". "JC and Joey obviously spend a lot of time together...if you hurt JC this could be bad on our relationship". "Lana, what the hell is the matter with you lately? Haven't we discussed this before? You stay away from my relationships and I'll stay away from yours. Did you wake up on the innocent side of the bed this morning? I mean you won't even swear. I used the word fucked. You used the words slept together...Is that Barney?". She looked at the tv. "Are you okay? Seriously, Lana ... you're worrying me. You've completely tranformed yourself". "Ya know what, Erin? Maybe I have changed. But you haven't. Do you know how sad and pathetic you are? I want to be a better person. I need to be a better person. I can't believe this person I've been living as. It's ridiculous. Joey has been a major influence on this new change. I don't even want to image the kind of person I would undoubtedly become if it weren't for him. I want to be commited to him, and I want you to feel this new good. I want you to feel the way I feel. It's a feeling I would wish on everybody". "What is soo wrong with my life?". "You have never once been in a relationship". "I chose to not be in relationships". "You have two great guys after you. But you're stringing them both along only to inevitably break their hearts. Don't you even notice the damage you create?". "You keep refering to me as if I am the devil. Is that what you think Lana? Am I the devil? Am I some evil spawn placed on this Earth to strangle humanity out of everyone I touch base with? Is that what you think?!". "I'm done fighting with you". "Oh, you're done. Well, I'm not. I just want to know one thing". "And that is?". "Why have you been friends with me so long if I've disgusted you so?". "Erin...that's not it...". "Save it. Okay? I'm gonna call Lauren". "Why?". "I'm leaving the ship. I need to cool off. There's no use waisting a good ticket, huh? She can fly out here and take my spot". Erin left the room. I rubbed my temples. I had a terrible headache forming. The fight between me and Erin had been building up lately. I have voiced to her more then once about her drinking. It seemed to continue to increase lately. Mine too. I really think she's a bad influence sometimes. But she's my friend. It's one of those unexplainable friendships. The kind where people always wonder how the friends get along. My problem was I was walking down the same path as Erin. I can't be like her. That life scares me. I looked at the clock. It was 11:55. I decided to head to the bar. When I got there Joey was already there talking to the bartender. "Hey there", I said with a smile. "Hi, Lana. How have you been? I mean in the last couple of hours". "I got into a fight with Erin", I said sadly. The fight upset me more then I thought it would. "What happened?". Concern flowed in the sound of his voice. "I said some things I've been thinking. It just wasn't good. She's gonna get off the ship. I guess she wants my friend Lauren to take her place". "That's sad. Bet JC will be depressed". "I'm sure he will. Although I think it's for the best". "Why's that?". "I shouldn't tell you". "Why not?". "You're friends with JC". "I can keep a secret". "Erin has been seeing a guy". "Yeah, JC". "Besides JC". "Who?". "An actor...on this ship. Ben Affleck". "She's been seeing Ben Affleck?". "Uh huh". "This is terrible. JC will be heartbroken. Erin gave him such a new outlook". "He's only known her for a day". "True". "By the end of the cruise she will already be forgotten". "Maybe...". "Joey...there are tons of fabulously good looking chicas on this ship. If he can't see that...he's blind. Plain and simple". "I guess. Let's change the subject. You are looking ... good enough to eat. Should I say delectable?". "Are you hungry?". He laughed. "You could say that". He chuckled. I slugged him in the shoulder. "You like this old thing?", I said pointing to the bikini. "Old is right. Did you get that when you were five? It barely covers anything". "That's the point, silly". "I thought we decided...to...you know...wait a while". "We can wait. Even though I thought what better place then a tropical island. Anyway...a peak never hurt. It's just a little sneak preview". "A sneak preview that every other guy here can witness". "Are you jealous?". "No, I'm not. I just... uh...I want to keep you to myself". "Same thing". "Is not". "Okay, how is it not?". "I'm not jealous of the guys views. I can get those myself. I'm just worried you'll run off with one of those guys who drool all over you". "Why would I do that?". "Lana, I know I'm not the most attractive guy here... infact I wonder to myself why so many girls choose to fall all over me...and I'm not the most famous guy here either... I could understand how you would want somebody better". I smiled at Joey's little insecurities. It showed that even THE Joey Fatone could be shy. He was so cute. I just wanted to pinch his cheeks. I leaned over and kissed him. He looked shocked. "We're in public?". "Mmhmm". "Most girls freak out. If there are reporters here...they could photograph this... I mean are you ready to be linked with me... cuz I don't want to worry you...", Joey stumbled with his words. He was speaking rather fast. I kissed him again before he could continue speaking. "I'm not afraid. Don't worry about me. I don't care if a million teenyboppers send me death threats. I rather be linked to you then any other guy in the world". Joey smiled brightly. "That was one of the sweetest things I've ever heard". I smiled. "You need to be complimented more if that touched you". "Did you mean it?". "I couldn't lie about something like that. Joey, don't you realize how special you are?". He looked puzzled. "I'll take that as a no. Not only are you a gifted singer and famous hearthrobe...you have such a good soul. I see that everytime I'm with you. I can see that and I've only been around you for three days. You've changed my life immensely. I want to be romantic. I want to be in love. I want to feel loved. You inspired these feelings within me. You're the most amazing person I've ever come across". "You are going to make me cry". I laughed. "I didn't mean to get all sentimental on you. I just wanted to put you in your place. Or at least the place you should be in". He smiled. "You are wonderful on the self esteem". "I can't help it if I'm a sweetheart". "No, I suppose you can't". Joey and I talked until the boat came ashore. Then we got off the boat and took in our fantasy settings. Wow... It was extremely beautiful. I smiled and pulled on Joey's hand. He looked at me. "Come on, Joey. If we don't go now I'm gonna pee my pants in anticipation". Joey laughed heartily. "Crap head", I mumbled before dragging Joey on the beach. " I want to run. Are you up for it?", I questioned. "Sure". I took off running and Joey followed me. It felt like we were playing follow the leader. I lead Joey into an area full of lush green things. We kept running until I stopped at this gorgeous waterfall. Joey and I stood there for a moment watching the water. It was truely a mesmerizing sight. "Wanna go swimming?", I asked coyly. "Isn't it a little earlier?". "Joey, it's 12:30". "So, we have until 5:30. Let's explore a little more". "We can go skinny dipping". Joey contemplaited that for a moment. "Damn. Girl, you make more sexual advances then I do". I giggled. "Is that a yes?". "Do you want it to be?". "Would I be asking if I didn't want it to be?". "Is it just me or do we always have these conversations?". "What conversations?". "Ones where we continuously ask questions and nobody wants to make the decision". "Fine then. From now on I'll make all of the decisions". "That's sound dangerous". "Are you scared of little ole me?". I pouted. "You're more dangerous then you know". "How so?". "We can discuss that later". "Fine. I'm letting it go for now. Just remember I make all the decisions. So...I say we go swimming". "I don't remember agreeing to going swimming with you. Or to let you make all the decisions for that matter". "Too bad. I already made the decision to let me make all the decisions". "Okay". Joey pulled off his sandals and his shirt. I gazed at his chest. "You are not very tan at all". "I don't spend enough time in the sun". "No worries. You certainly will today". "And why's that?". "Because there is no way in hell that I'm leaving this island until 5:30". Joey took off the watch he borrowed from Justin. "If you wear that in the water you'll sink to the bottom". I pointed to his large Superman necklace. "It's for good luck". "What do you need luck with?". "Preventing myself from getting naughty with you". I giggled. "Am I really that hard to resist?". "Definitely". I smiled. "Let's get swimming". I took off my shorts and sandals and ran into the water. "Woohoo!", I yelled. The water soaked me instantaneously. I dunked my head in the water. When I came up I saw Joey sitting on the beach. "Joey!", I yelled. "I get to make all the decisions, remember? So, get your Italian ass in this water right now!". Joey got up and walked into the water. A smile was present on his lips. "What now?". "I splash you". I then threw a handful of water at Joey. He threw one back. Then I got some more water to throw at Joey. He did the same thing. Soon we were both running in the water splashing it at the other person. After our water fight we decided to lay on the sand and talk. "How did that happen?", Joey asked with interest. I was telling him a story. "No one knows. They think it was the kid". "That's creepy". "Tell me about it". "So...how did your first time happen?".