December 20, 2012

 - “Just drive towards LAX, please”, Ilana told the driver after he had put her luggage in the trunk.  She still had no idea where she was going, but she figured she’d have to get there somehow.  The thought occurred to her that she could call her company’s travel department.  It was still very early in the morning, but someone was always there to make sure the company executive’s and marketing reps had a contact person in case something went wrong prior to or after their trip.  Ilana turned her phone on, as it had been off to avoid any unwanted calls. 

 - “No missed calls from my cousin or home yet, phew!”  Ilana then dialed the number for her travel department.

- "Travel, how may I help you?” answered a woman’s voice.

Ilana thought she recognized the voice, “ia?  It’s Ilana Contreras.”

 - “Yes, Miss Ilana, how can I help you?”

 - “I'm in need of an extended trip, somewhere other than California; a deserted island on the other side of the world would be nice. (Ilana tried to lighten her tone).  I don’t need a return ticket.  Would that be possible?  I need this information ASAP...please.  ia...," Ilana's heart raced at the thought of what she was asking.  "Would you be able to help me, without asking too many questions?  I’m headed towards LAX at the moment;" she took a deep breath.  "Forgive me...as you can tell, this is urgent."

Working for a large corporation one sees things and hears many different comments and points of view.  ia had heard rumors that her company’s heiress, was just slightly unhinged, but had never really had the privilege of seeing that side of her.  Ilana has always had a cool & composed professionalism to her.  Not exactly arrogant or unkind, yet you could never say she was truly friendly or outgoing; never showing emotion either in her speech or facial expression.  This time, the cold almost 4^th dimensional mask had come off and ia sensed she was actually seeing the woman behind the mask for the first time.  She smiled reassuringly and answered the young woman on the other line. 

 - “Let me check and I’ll call you back.  How far are you from the airport?

 - “We’re still about 30 minutes.”

 - “Give me 15 and I’ll call you back.”

Ilana leaned her head back and tried to ignore the headache and cold that was beginning to cover her.

Ilana’s driver was only a few exits from the airport when her phone rang.  It was ia.

 - “Miss Ilana, I think I have just the thing for you.  Perfect for some much-needed R&R; you are in luck.  It’s not necessarily a deserted Island, but how does a moving Island sound to you?”

 - “ia, you never fail to amaze me.  You're a travel genius; your knowledge and negotiating skills make a huge difference."

 - "Thank you, Miss Ilana; I'm only doing what I'm supposed to.  If I don't, the company will fire me and make the reps arrange their own travel needs." 

Ilana half smiled, thinking that would be a disaster.  Not quite understanding ia's metaphor:  "But, what do you mean by a moving island?"

 - "There’s a world cruise leaving today, the duration is over 100 days, and you disembark in Fort Lauderdale on your return.  Does that suit your needs?”

 - “Sequestered on a ship for four months?  I think that sounds heavenly.  Even better I won’t be returning to California.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!”  If she was prone to tears, she would most likely start crying at any minute, but she wasn't.

 - “I’ll begin your boarding paperwork, you have your passport, I assume?  You can begin boarding at 8 AM and it sets sail at 10 AM.  It might be too late to register you online; I will meet you at the boarding docks at 8 AM to give you your boarding docs.”  

 - “You’re a lifesaver, ia!  Make sure to put it on my personal account.  This is not a company sponsored expense.”  Ilana had a separate account for work related expenses versus everyday expenses.  It was easier to turn in receipts, that way.  Antonio knew this fact, but she was certain Juan Carlos, didn't.  She had never discussed her work with him.

 - “I’m one step ahead of you.  You’re already booked & I’m filling out all your paperwork.  I’ll see you in 1 hour.”

Ilana felt a small burden had lifted when she hung up the phone.  She sighed with relief, “At least I have the first step”.   They had already reached LAX and the driver parked to wait for any further instructions from his client.  “My apologies, can we go to the port of Los Angeles, instead?“  Ilana's mind began to wander again.  "I suppose Money can’t buy my happiness, but it can buy me a new life where maybe I can get some peace, if not happiness.”

Always having had her wealth, Ilana never gave it much thought.  She'd been raised modestly and didn't live extravagantly, even now.  Her clothing and habits were simple and modest, she rarely went out, never entertained, and made purchases based on need, not the latest trend or fashion.  Her Papi’s favorite motto was ‘just because you have it, doesn’t mean you have to flaunt it’.  He built his company from the ground up and was extremely successful due to his hard work and dedication.  This trip, and offering the cab driver a flat $300 for his services was the most extravagant thing she had done in a very long time.

They arrived at the Port of Los Angeles right at 8 AM, due to the famous LA traffic.  After paying the driver and retrieving her luggage, she set off to find ia.

 - “Miss Ilana!” Virginia called.

 - “Hello, ia, I hope you weren’t waiting too long, there was traffic coming from the airport.”

 - "This is a print out of all your paperwork and itinerary. You have many perks that are included with the package I booked for you, make sure to read through the information I gave you.  I also brought you a hazelnut macchiato, it’s my favorite, I hope you don’t mind, I thought you might need it.

Ilana didn’t realize how tired she was until ia handed her the coffee.  “Thank you, ia, for helping me.”  She responded shyly, all cool professionalism was gone from her voice.

Ilana checked her luggage and proceeded up the ramp to board the MS Amsterdam.  Having never been on a cruise, she was looking forward to 128 days of peace and solitude; to grieve and not think about anyone or anything.  It was selfish, but she was old enough to take care of herself without her foster parents and cousin always telling her what to do.  Briefly reviewing the paperwork ia gave her, she knew anything she required could be delivered to her room and never have to leave it.  Once on board, she looked for signs that would tell her how to get to her suite.  ia had managed to book her an ocean view suite with a balcony that would give her some fresh air if she needed it.

 - “Hyung Jun, ships photographer, can I take your picture.”  She caught his notice immediately; young people normally didn’t take this type of cruise.

 - “Huh?"  The coffee had begun to make her jittery and was struggling to focus on the signs; she didn't even see the crew member approach her.  "Oh!  No, thank you.”  The morning's adrenaline rush had all but worn off.  The headache had not left but was magnified by the coffee.  Her head felt like it was being bashed in with a 2x4 and Exhaustion from lack of rest, being sick, escaping from the hospital and fear was pulling at her.  Focusing on the signs was hard enough; the crew members approach had startled her and she could hear her heart pounding in her ears. 

 - “Aw, come on?”  He pouted charmingly, that always works with the camera-shy guests.

 - “No...no thank you,"  answering a little breathless, she shook her head.  "Really. I would just...like to get to my suite.”  Ilana’s blinked a few times, it felt like the ship was moving or was it the crew member?

HyungJun wasn't a doctor, but something wasn't right.  “Miss, are you unwell?”  He didn't wait for a response (none came) and wrapped his arm around her waist, leading her to a nearby bench.  “Yah!  KyuJong, come over here, I need your help!”  HyunJun had shouted for the ship’s physician, who was busy giving a guest directions to their room.

Ilana finally reacted and lowered her head to her knees, trying to steady her head.  “I’m alright, really!  I just…was too excited to sleep last night and I skipped breakfast.” She half lied. 

KyuJong rushed over and crouched down in front of her and took her wrist, checking her pulse.  "KyuJong, ships physician;" he took her pale and trembling form, with concern as he reached for her wrist to check her pulse.  "HyunJun-ah, get her some juice and perhaps a candy bar (they were standing close to the gift shop)  “Miss, your pulse is rather fast, why don’t you come with me to the infirmary just to make sure nothing else is wrong”

 - “No!  Um, really, I’ll be fine!” Ilana willed her breathing to return to normal.  “If you can just point me in the direction of my suite, I’d greatly appreciate it.”  She wanted to get away from KyuJong’s scrutiny before she was carried off by force to the infirmary. 

In the meantime, HyungJun returned with an orange juice and a snickers bar.  "Miss, palli!  Drink this!"  His native tongue always snuck out when he was excited. 

 - “Thank you, Hyung Jun, you didn’t have to go out of your way, don’t you have pictures to take?”  Ilana was not trying to be rude, but she really was uncomfortable with the all the attention. 

 - “No, no, of course not, he responded, seeing to our guest's comfort is our first priority.  I couldn’t leave you in distress.”

After a few cautious sips of the juice and two bites of the candy bar, she really did begin to feel a little better, at least she told herself that.  "I’m feeling much better now...I shouldn't have skipped breakfast."  She tried to convince the young Doctor.  "I’ll just be going to my suite.”  She was everything but comfortable with the two male crew members.

 - “Miss, are you sure you won’t accompany me to the infirmary?”  Ilana nodded her head, she was sure.  “Miss, take your time in finishing the juice and candy and then I will check your pulse again.  If all is well, I’ll you to your suite..just in case.” 

Sighing, she did as she was asked.  The photographer had gone to the trouble of getting it, the least she could do is drink the juice and finish the candy.

 - 'May I?:  KyuJong warned her this time before grabbing her wrist; he seemed to have startled her the first time, having seen her flinch just slightly.  Her hands still trembled, but it seemed her pulse was going down, even though he was certain there was something else wrong.  Her condition should be the opposite if she had skipped a meal.  “It seems the sugar is helping and your pulse is starting to slow down.”  Regrettably, he'd have to let her go, but not alone.

 - “I appreciate your kindness; I really am better.  If you're willing to point me in the right direction, I can find my own way.” 

 - “Seeing you are in KyuJong’s hands now, I’ll be leaving first," HyungJun bowed (as was his custom).  “I’ll take your picture later”, he smiled charmingly and left.

 - “Sorry, I will not be deterred.  If you think you can stand without fainting, please allow me to see your boarding papers and I'll deliver you safely to your room.”  She handed him her papers and he extended his other hand towards her so that she could hold on to him as she stood.  She refused his hand and managed to stand on her own.

Very much embarrassed by now…“I’m really much better, see?  I was able to stand without your aid,” she was standing on sheer will power.  It's what has gotten her through every illness the last fourteen years.  "Please don't let me keep you from your duties?"

KyuJong looked down at her boarding paper and then gave her his most sincere smile.  “Miss Ilana...," he read her name, "is my current duty.  I see you’re on Deck 7, I don’t think Miss Ilana wants to risk climbing stairs in her current condition.  Let’s take the elevator.  Miss Ilana is fortunate to be in the Neptune suites and have early boarding privileges.  There will not be a crowd waiting.“  He had raised a mental eyebrow when he read her room number."  He began walking and she had no choice but to follow.  The Neptune Suites were the most luxurious rooms on board, with a matching price tag.  Who was this girl?  The mysteries kept growing.  KyuJong tried to engage her in conversation as they walked to her room, but she still seemed dazed.  To all his questions she only nodded yes or no, uhuh, or mhm.

  - "Will a friend or family member be traveling with you?"

 - "Have you been on an extended cruise before?"

 - "What port are you most interested in?"

 - "Have you ever traveled to any of the ports we will be visiting?"

 - "Myself & HyungJun were born and raised in South Korea, he tried changing tactics.  We didn’t know each other back then, but after graduating we both decided to work for a cruise ship so that we could see the world.  Where are you from?"

Ilana mentally sighed at all his chatter, her head still hurt and she had to focus on where she was going.  She couldn't concentrate on his questions and walk at the same time.  “Here....are we almost to the room, Dr. Kyu Jong?  I’m sorry I don’t know your last name?” JuanCarlos always went by his last name, she just assumed that's the way doctors were.

Wondering if the girl's quietness meant she was hiding something made him a little frustrated and more determined to find out.  "It’s Kim, but KyuJong is fine.  So you say ‘here’ as in Los Angeles?  He couldn’t finish his interrogation (their conversation was starting to sound that way); they had arrived at her suite.  "Ah, here we go, SA7054.  Miss Ilana, is there anything else I can do for you?”

 - “No.  Thank you for accompanying me, even though you didn’t have to.  I am quite fine now (even though she wasn’t).  Over the years she’d learn how to ignore the migraine pain and function somewhat normally.  Thankfully she managed not get asked any more questions about her health along the way.

 - “Miss Ilana shouldn't hesitate to call or come to the infirmary if she's unwell again."  He smiled, kindly.  "Enjoy your stay; I’m sure I will see you around the ship.”  With that, he bowed and left her to her thoughts.

Had this trip been for any other reason than an escape from tyranny, she would be very excited and looking forward to exploring the ship and the different ports they would be stopping at.  She was mentally and physically exhausted from the very long night and was still not feeling well.  She wasn't feverish but felt cold.  "It must be because I'm so tired," she thought.  Ilana looked around her suite.  It was beautiful; a King sized bed lay in the middle of the room with six different pillows and a lavish sky blue silk duvet; the floor to ceiling windows provided an excellent ocean view and the sitting room would be nice to relax after a day of site seeing (if she had planned to do any).  She had to laugh at herself: “Now I’m living like an heiress.”  At home, she never required anything more than a double bed.  It was similar to this room, only a little larger.  Without her permission, tears began to fall uncontrollably.  She was homesick already, tired, and a little frightened of an uncertain future.  She laid herself on the bed and sobbed herself to sleep.