The Beginning..... Cruising

[BeachBum25]

The Beginning..... Cruising (closed for JE)

Michael Farley was happy the school year was over. He wanted to do something to celebrate the end of a tough year, and he looked around for last minute vacation deals. What he found was surprising to him. He found an inexpensive cruise of the Caribbean. He checked it out and decided to book it. He got an inside cabin, because he really didn't plan on spending much time there. After booking his cruise he had to get from New Jersey to New Orleans for the cruise. He found a flight out of Newsrk and booked it too. The flight was double the cost of the cruise, but he wasn't concerned.

He packed his bag. It wasn't a lot that he was taking. A couple pairs of pants and shirts for nightlife, and the rest was shorts, t-shirts, and bathing suits. The flight to New Orleans was uneventful. The scene at the pier was interesting. Once he was on board, he checked out his cabin and then, when it came time he went for the muster drill.

When they had finished the muster drill, Michael went up to the top deck by the pool and sat down at the bar. He ordered a margarita and looked around at some of the people he was going to be spending the next seven days with. It was going to be interesting, and it was going to take his mind off of a stressful year. He was ready for some fun.

 

[temptationsx]

Farrah had been counting down the days until she would be free from the confines of her tedious day job and on a cruise to the caribbean with a few of her closest friends. She promised herself she would make this a trip of a lifetime, as she had been nearly drowning in stress due to work for far too long.

She had her bags packed for days prior to departing, and a short yet eventful road trip from her small hometown in the Florida panhandle to New Orleans had kicked off an unforgettable week.

The close-knit group of girls stuck together for the introductory period following the boarding of the ship; a quick bite to eat, settling into their cabins, some ridiculous yet ever so entertaining muster drill, and they had finally found their way to the poolside bar. Farrah was sporting a pair of cut off jean shorts and a hot pink bathing suit top that accentuated her deeply bronzed tan, strong cocktail in hand, which she knew would be one of many this trip. The conversation with her group of girls had quieted down as she carried her gaze from their circular table to the gentlemen that lined the bar. Her eyes caught on a particular male who seemed to have been studying her own face, and she couldn't help but flash him a subtle smirk before sipping at her drink once more.

 

[JustEl]

Leaning on the rail of the cruise ship, Teagan Walsh’s long red hair whipped in the wind. Being one of the most trying months of May in her life, she gave a sigh of relief as the ship made it’s way to the mouth of the muddy Mississippi River. Soon they would be in open waters and she was ready to put it all behind her and just relax.

“Excuse me, Ms Walsh?” a ship steward questioned as he walked up to Teagan.

“Yes. I’m Ms Walsh.” Teagan replied in a puzzled voice.

“Ms Welsh, I’m sorry to say but there’s a problem with your cabin. A water leak has occurred and we’ve had to move you to another cabin. Your new cabin is on the seventh deck. Just report to customer services to receive your new ship card. Your things will be delivered to your cabin shortly. Sorry for the inconvenience.” said the steward.

“Thank you” Teagan said with a smile before he turned and walked away.

How could that be an inconvenience, she thought. Her cabin had just been upgraded to one with a balcony view. With a giggle and a headshake, she walked towards the poolside bar. As she neared a stool at the end of the bar became free, she quickened her pace knowing it would be taken just as fast as it was noticed.

Taking her set, Teagan looked over the tropical drink list scribbled in chalk on the blackboard, knowing better, she simply ordered a vodka and cranberry juice. Glass in hand she turned around to look over the crowd that was growing by the minute to find her friend, Kennedy. Having no luck seeing Kennedy, she stood. Just then the ship rocked, making Teagan bump into the man sitting next to her.

“I’m sorry, I guess I don’t have my sea legs yet,” Teagan said politely. “Hopefully they’ll find me soon” she laughed.

 

[BeachBum25]

Michael enjoyed the view from his seat at the bar. He had a feeling this was going to be a great week. He was already forgetting about the lousy year he had left behind and looking forward to a week of sun and fun in the Caribbean.

He watched as a redhead walked past him and took a seat at the bar. His eyes moved over her; taking in all of her luscious body. Yep, some lucky guy was traveling with her. He focused his gaze back out toward the pool. The scenery was fantastic.

He felt someone bump into him and he looked up and over to see the redhead gathering herself and saying something about sea legs. He laughed a little. "If your sea legs don't find you soon you will need to keep your man closer to you to hold onto to make sure you do not fall into the laps of anymore strangers.

Michael took the opportunity to get a much closer look at the wonderful body on the redhead. She looked even better up close. "Of course, drinking before your sea legs find you is not a great way to catch your balance. Why don't you have a seat and enjoy your drink before heading off."

 

[JustEl]

"Well Ken did say meet here. And as usual nowhere to be found." Teagan said with a laugh, "You're probably right, I should sit back down."

Teagan's couldn't help her eyes roaming over him as she sat down again. He was very good looking and with just that little bit of wit showing made him worth getting to know. So Ken was right there really are interesting guys on cruises, she thought to herself. Looking back up into his eyes his expression had changed she noticed. Maybe she was wrong, maybe she wasn't his type....

Taking another sip of her drink, Teagan spotted Ken and waved to her. Giving the "ok, I see you, girl," Ken continued dancing with a group of guys that gathered around her.

"There's Ken!" Teagan said pointing to the dance floor in front of the pool, "As you can see she won't be much use to me finding my sea legs." Teagan seemed to yell over the music at the guy sitting next to her.

 

[BeachBum25]

Michael listened to the redhead as she talked about her friend. It was then that he realized that she was talking about a female friend. He found it hard to believe that she was traveling with a friend and not with a guy. He looked out and saw her friend surrounded by several men....all of whom were trying to maneuver themselves into position to be the one to hook-up with her tonight.

Michael thought for a second about the redhead being out there dancing by the pool. He was pretty sure that she would attract a large crowd of men looking to grab her attention. He smiled at the thought of her out there dancing. He was certain it would be a spectacular sight.

"Yea, it might be hard for her to help you with anything right now. She seems a little preoccupied. The only help you would get from her is her cast offs, and I think you are deserving of much better than that. You don't need anyone's cast offs. You will have plenty of guys that are more than willing to help you find your sea legs."

He smiled at her, and turned to the bartender and ordered himself a shot of tequila and he ordered another drink for the redhead. "My name is Michael. This is my first cruise. So, I would like to toast my first cruise with a beautiful woman...and you most definitely qualify."

 

[JustEl]

Michael was right about Kennedy; she was always the party girl drawing in a crowd around her, where Teagan on the other hand preferred an audience of one.

Teagan sipped her drink as Michael flattered her with his complement trying her best not to show the redness that had surely grown on her cheeks. Looking over the guys surrounding Ken, Teagan knew not one of them had a chance with her, she wanted the total package not just anyone to fill some of her time on the cruise.

“I’m surprised she hasn’t came over here and dragged me off to the dance floor by now to tell you the truth.” Teagan said between the last sips of her drink.

“Usually I’m her wing girl. You know the one that keeps the other’s feet on the ground before they fly off on a whim.” Teagan said with a giggle as she sat down the empty glass.

Picking up the fresh drink Michael had bought her, “ Thank you for the drink, Michael. I’m Teagan by the way and if I keep drinking these, you may be the one who keeps me from flying away!” she said jokingly over the announcements of the fun-time director.

“Oh goodie! They have Bingo every night! Just what every single girl wants to do with her nights on a cruise!!!” Teagan laughed. “I think not!!”

Crossing her legs to the other side, Teagan held her glass up, “Yes, a toast is in order. To Sea legs and Bingo Night, perhaps?” Teagan laughed. “To putting my crappy school year behind me, and my teacher’s persona in the closet for the summer, maybe? Oh, I know………. To uncharted waters, beautiful skies, new beginnings and new friends…..”

 

[BeachBum25]

Michael had a feeling that this was going to be a great trip. After all, look at the beautiful woman sitting next to him and the cruise had barely begun. He listened to her talk about being her friend's winggirl and he thought about that for a moment. His eyes went to her friend and back to the redhead. The redhead wins any day.

"Well Teagan, I am really happy to meet you. It is a pleasure to get to know the attractive woman right from the beginning. That way, if you need help when being attacked by the throngs of men you know that you have someone who will help you out. The one thing I can't help you with, however, is bingo. I am not going to be able to rescue you from that. You are on your own there."

He laughed a little and then downed his tequila. He asked the bartender for another. He figured he would start fast and then coast through the night. "So, a fellow educator. You are recovering from a tough year, too. I think we should drink to putting a shitty year behind us." He clinked his glass on hers and downed another tequila shot.

Yep, he was going to forget the crappy year he had. Michael reached for Teagan's hand. "Come on Teagan. You can't let your friend have all of the fun. Would you care to dance with me. At least have a little fun before bingo begins."

 

[JustEl]

Popping off the bar stool, “Oh stop it with the Bingo!” Teagan laughed and gave Michael a playful slap on his arm.

Taking his hand, “A teacher, too? Seems we all had a tough year. Sure, let’s dance and get this cruise started on the right course.”

Walking to the dance floor, Teagan noticed how tall Michael was. She was a sucker for tall men; perhaps it was because she herself was on the taller side. She could see from his build and dress he cared about his looks. A runner maybe, she thought to herself as she studied his form closely. His light brown hair held its place as the gust of warm salty air swept across the ship. That in its self made her smile, seeing as hers was looking more like a tangled mess of dry reddish seaweed.

Making it to the dance floor they squeezed into a small open spot. The music an up beat mix of “Let’s get this party started songs” bounced across the teakwood floor. With each step, their bodies bushed against each other’s.

Looking up at Michael, “You’re a great dancer!” Teagan yelled over the thumping beat of the music and dancer’s chatter.

 

[BeachBum25]

Michael took Teagan's hand and they moved toward the dance floor. This was going to be fun. The music was pounding, the sun was shining, the ship was rocking and the company was attractive. At the moment he could not imagine a better situation.

They squeezed into the crowd and they began dancing to the music. It was a wild scene, especially the one around Teagan's friend. His eyes were focused on Teagan though. She certainly knew how to move her body, and the longer they danced, the closer they moved together.

As they continued to dance to the loud, thumping music, he placed a hand on her hip. He did not mean anything by it. He was just trying to maintain a little distance between them, because he did not want her to think he was trying anything inappropriate...... At least not yet.

Michael thanked her for the compliment. "You certainly know how to move that body. I might have to start ignoring off some of these guys that are checking you out if we are going to continue to dance together. "

 

[JustEl]

It wasn’t until Michael said that, that Teagan remembered what she was wearing. Kennedy had thrown a bright multi-colored top and orange string tie bikini bottom that morning at Teagan, saying she had bought it for her to wear the day of the cruise and wasn’t going to let her board the ship unless she wore it. Teagan couldn’t complain, though, it fit and looked great on her and the little cream colored crocheted dress cover-up hid just enough to keep them guessing.

“Don’t worry, I carry a big ruler to keep them straight!” Teagan said laughing at the bad teacher’s poke that came out of her.

As the next nonstop song began to play, Teagan felt someone bump into her, “Hey girl, you’re having fun I see.” Kennedy said, “…..and who’s this?” Kennedy eyes locking on Michael as she hung an arm over Teagan’s shoulder.

“Michael…… Kennedy. Kennedy……. Michael.” Teagan introduced.

“I’m heading over there to have a drink, ya’ll want to come?” Kennedy pointed to the large in-pool table stuffed with hot sweaty guys.

“I think we’ll pass for now, if that’s alright with you, Michael.” Teagan said looking at Michael, hoping he would agree with her.

 

[BeachBum25]

Michael enjoyed dancing with Teagan. He smiled and said hello to her Kennedy as he kept moving to the music with Teagan. "I have had enough to drink already thanks. I think I will hold off for a little while. Maybe we will catch up later." Somehow Michael doubted that would happen since Kennedy had such a long line of men following her to the bar.

He smiled at Teagan as they continued to dance. "She certainly is the life of the party. If anyone is looking for a party this week all they will have to do is look for Kennedy and they will certainly find it," he yelled above the music. There was a little more room on the dance floor now that Kennedy and her entourage had moved over to the bar; however, Michael did not take advantage of it. He was perfectly happy dancing close to Teagan.

 

[JustEl]

Teagan was glad he agreed with her. It was nice just spending time with him. Michael seemed to be the kind of guy she would really like to get to know better. Kennedy would never miss them anyway. As a slower song came on, Teagan took the time to catch her breath as she moved and swayed to the beat, her feet not really leaving their place.

“Care to find a table of our own?” Teagan asked, “I could use a drink myself.”

 

[BeachBum25]

The slower song gave him an excuse to move even closer to Teagan as they danced. He took her hand and spun her around and then pulled her back close to him. He smiled at her. "You move really well on the dance floor Teagan." Then he nodded to her when she asked if he wanted to find a table. "Sure, I would enjoy that."

Michael held onto her hand as he followed Teagan as she walked to a table. He pulled a chair out for her and then slid it in when she sat down. He asked her what she wanted to drink and then went to the bar to get it. After ordering the drinks, he carried them back to the table and sat them down. Michael sat across from Teagan and said to her, "you are a great dancer and even better company. Thank you for a great start to the cruise."

He took a long drink of his margarita as he sat there and looked at her. "So, your school year was bad too, huh? This past year was the worst one I had in my entire career. I decided I needed to get away and I picked this cruise at the last minute. I think I hit the jackpot."

 

[JustEl]

“No thank you. If it weren’t for you, I’d be roped into doing that!” Teagan laughed pointing towards the pool where Kennedy was now dancing on top of the table.

“I prefer your company hands down. Plus you’re a great dancer. What more could a girl want?” Teagan said as she picked up the glass of ice-cold water.

“Yes, it was the most trying year. You know the story, short staffed, too many kids, not enough funding. My workload tripled this year. I didn’t have the time to do half the things that needed doing.” she said while finishing off the small glass of water.

Placing the glass on the table and taking the vodka and cranberry Teagan smiled at Michael. She couldn’t think of a better way to start the cruise off. It was nice not to be the center attraction with Kennedy. Why on earth would she want to spend her vacation like that? She had that back home.

“A last minute cruise, huh? We planned this, months ago. We were to be a group of 12, but the other girls for one reason or another couldn’t come and moved theirs to the end of summer. Kennedy and I are the only ones that said, screw it, we’re going. Our families weren’t too happy with it though. Two girls traveling abroad by themselves. You know how parents are, always their little girl.” Teagan laughed. “ I think they would be relived if they knew I’m with a great guy like you.”

The ship’s announcements blared over the intercom, “Early dinning is now open. Evening Entertainment show starts in 30 minutes and again at 9:00pm. Be sure to see it. Bingo, Bingo, Bingo, tonight’s jackpot $1000.00 in the Roman Room. Need a laugh, then head over to The Comedy Club, hour-long shows starting at 7:00pm with the adult show at 11:00pm. Don’t forget to get your groove on at The Hollywood club, opens at 11:30pm. All planned activities can be found in the ship’s daily itinerary placed in your stateroom. Have a great evening!”


“Where did the time go? I can’t believe they’ve already started early dinning. Good thing mine is open, I would hate it rush off so I could get my Bingo on!” Teagan laughed playfully slapping Michael’s leg as she leaned closer to him.

 

[BeachBum25]

Michael enjoyed sitting at the table talking with Teagan. It was incredible how relaxed she was sitting there with him; sharing the problems with the schol year and how her friends had backed out on her and Kennedy. "Yea, well I just wanted to get away and I didn't care if anybody was with me or not. It was just a dump everything and run deal."

He looked at her hand as she smacked his leg. "Well, I am a cruise virgin, so I don't know anything about seating a for dinner or anything like that. I am just winging everything. I figure that I won't starve to death on this cruise."

He sat back and relaxed a little more. He had not shared with Teagan that he was a school principal. He was reluctant to do that at first, but he thought he probably she be open and honest with her. Not that he thought this was going to end up in a relationship, but he believed in always being honest.

"This was a tough year at school for me too. The teaching staff in my school is older and they always resist new ideas. They fought me tooth and nail on everything I tried to implement this year. So, getting as far away from New Jersey as possible was a high priority."

 

[JustEl]

“So they didn’t like the cute young guy’s ideas. Such a shame, I’m sure you have some exciting ideas that might be fun to implement into my curriculum.” Teagan said with a subtle tone of flirtation as she smiled at him.

“ Don’t you just hate having to group teach by grade? Everyone on the same page, doing the same thing, day after day. How boring. That’s why I teach in Special Ed. We fly by the seats of our pants most of the time. So what grade do you teach?” Teagan paused for a moment thinking about what Michael had just said. “Wait, you’re not a teacher, are you? A principal?"


Teagan watched as Michael smugly grinned and nodded his head, "How funny, you could be my boss!” laughing, kicking his leg with her sandal, "You're something else!"


As Teagan sipped on the last of her drink, the vodka must have been starting to take it’s affect. Teagan’s mind flashed what it could be like for Michael to call her into his principal’s office for a one on one conference. And the conference didn’t involve work related matters.


Teagan waved her hand in front of her face, “Boy, the sun sure is getting hot this evening. Care to take a stroll around the deck and check things out? I think I’ve found my sea legs.” she said with a laugh, “This is my first cruise as well. Lot’s to explore, don’t you think?”

 

[BeachBum25]

"Yes, you got me. I am a principal. I work in a large high school,so, we get the kids at 14 or 14 and have them up through 18, sometimes 19. It is fun sometimes, but there are times where it is not so fun." Then he realized she made the good looking comment and wondered if she was flirting with him. "Nah, they don't want to take anyone's advice. They are just doing their time..... for the most part. I do, however, have some great teachers on my staff."

When she kicked his leg with her sandal, there was no doubt there was a little flirting going on. He had to admit to himself though that he didn't mind it at all. He smiled at her. For a little while it seemed like she was lost in her thoughts. He wondered just what they were.

When she asked him if he wanted to go exploring, he agreed to go with her. "Yes, I am sure there are plenty of things to check out, and I love to explore and experience new things." His smile got bigger as he stood up and extended his hand to her.

 

[JustEl]

“ I like to have forgot, I have to go get my new ship card. We should stop off by there first. I haven’t even been to my cabin yet.” Teagan said as she grabbed her beach bag and Michael’s hand with her other, “Deck 3 is were the steward told me to go. This way I think was the main elevator.”

Michael and Teagan waved their way through the lounging mass of tanning bodies to the inside elevators. The glass doors of the elevator open as soon as the down button was pushed.

“Going down!” Teagan giggled as the elevator started to move.

Teagan took a step closer to Michael as they made room for the group of people loading into the elevator on Deck 7. He smelled so good she thought to herself. When the doors opened on Deck 6, Michael placed his hand upon her waist pulling her closer to him as the kid’s shuffled about between the adults. Teagan liked his grip on her as they lowered floors, and when the doors opened on Deck 4 and space was more available, he kept his hand in place.

Smiling up at Michael, Teagan thought she could get used to this. It had been some time since she had really enjoyed the company of a man. For the past year it had pretty much been just Kennedy and her out on the town, that is, when she would pull herself away from the workload she brought home every night. Other than that it was quite nights at home with her dog, Max.

Deck 3, Lobby, the elevator said as it came to its stop. Michael removed his hand and offered Teagan a lady’s first exit. Taking her hand once more they walked to the service counter where Teagan quickly received her new card. Walking back to the elevators, a display stand caught Teagan’s eye.

“Look at all the excursions they have! Swimming with the dolphins, snorkeling, tours of some ruins that will be at our stops, private chief brunch on the beach, dune buggy rides………….……… ” Teagan’s voice trailed with excitement as she read over the pamphlets.

“I haven’t booked any yet. Have you? Teagan asked, still riffling through the pamphlets. “Kennedy and I are just kind of winging it. But from the looks of things back at the pool, I may be winging it by myself.”

 

[BeachBum25]

Teagan certainly was a flirt. He laughed when they got on the elevator and she said "going down." He thought to himself that he would love to be going down on her. Then again, it would be okay for her to be going down on him too.

After she got her card and was checking out the excursions, Michael was looking at them too. Being new to this he wasn't sure how it all worked, but he knew that he wanted to try something in every port. "They also have a tequila tasting event on one of the days we are at sea. That might be interesting."

When he mentioned about winging it by herself since Kennedy was keeping herself occupied, he thought about saying that he would be happy to wing it with her, but then he thought that would be too forward, too soon. "Yea, it looks like she dumped you real quick. Left you all to yourself. If you need anyone to go on any excursions with, let me know. I have nothing planned, and would be happy to accompany you on any that you are left alone for."

 

[JustEl]

“It’s not the first time and I’m sure it won’t be the last to be dumped by Kennedy. If I need a wing guy, you're my man!” Teagan laughed as she placed a few of the flyers in her beach bag.

“How bout I buy you a drink? I think the casino is on the 5th Deck and I read they have great window views in there. I owe you, you know,” Teagan said with a smile.

 

[BeachBum25]

"You do not have to buy me a drink Teagan. I don't keep track of the drinks I buy for beautiful women and expect to be repaid. I would, however, love to sit in the casino and have a drink with you." He placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her toward the elevator. "I would be happy to be your wing guy. Just let me know."

When the elevator door opened, the car was crowded, and Michael said, "come on, we can fit." He let Teagan go on first and then he stepped in after her. They barely fit, and Michael stood there with his back to the door facing Teagan. He looked around the car, "isn't this cozy. No better way to meet the people you will be on board with for the next week."

When the doors opened, Michael backed out and took Teagan's hand and they headed toward the casino. He let her take the lead since it appeared that she had done her homework and knew where everything was and what she wanted to do. He still had no plan, but things were working out just fine without a plan.

They found a place to sit, and Michael pulled the chair out for Teagan. He sat next to her instead of across from her this time. A cocktail waiter came over and took their drink order and said he would be right back. "So tell me, how is it that you and Kennedy are friends? Your personalities seem so different. Or, is it just that you are a slow starter to the wild party scene?" He smiled at her and laughed a little.

 

[JustEl]

“ Well, it’s probably the Yin and Yang thing. We balance each other out, I suppose. We just clicked from the get go back in high school. Same collage and now both work in the same town. In fact we live in the same building. If she was neater, we’d probably room together,” Teagan laughed.

“Me? Me a wild party girl,” Teagan took a quick sip of the drink that was placed in front of her, “You of all people have surely heard what they say about teachers.”

Teagan smiled back at Michael, then took another sip of her drink. Her mind raced over his question. Yes, she could be just as free spirited as Kennedy dancing on top of a tabletop. But did she really want him to know that up front? Or was that what he wanted and wished he had taken Kennedy up on her offer to sit with them? All she knew was change the subject and fast.

“Oh look, a table by the window opened up, Let’s move.” she said pointing to the window across from them.

 

[BeachBum25]

Michael wondered if he said something wrong. Teagan seemed real put off by his partying comment. He had just been joking, but it seemed like she took it seriously. He got up and followed her to their new table. Once again, he went to place his hand on the small of her back. He missed the spot this time though, and ended up with his hand brushing her ass.

"I am sorry Teagan. I did not mean that. I was aiming for your back, and needed up in the wrong spot. I did not mean to put my hand on your ass." Shit, maybe he should have just let it go and said nothing. Now it sounded like he didn't want to touch her ass. She might take that as an insult.

He sat down and finished his drink. He called the cocktail waiter over, and ordered two more drinks. What the hell, if your mouth is going to get you in trouble, maybe you should just keep it filled with alcohol to keep you quiet, he thought. He looked out the window at the expansive Gulf of Mexico. He liked Teagan, but the last couple of minutes had set him back, he was afraid.

 

[JustEl]

Teagan couldn’t help but giggle at his fumble, “Sure if you say so, Michael!” Teagan giggled again, “You should have just blamed it on sea legs! Here stand up and I’ll pat yours then we’ll be even.”

Teagan held her glass up, “A toast, to all the things that will be blamed on sea legs this cruise!”

The mood had changed once more and she was thankful. Teagan enjoyed his laugh. The more time she spent with Michael, the more she wanted to get to know him. As they sat and talked a band had set up and started playing more of a bluesy type of music.

“Care to dance?” she asked.