Well since I seem to be on a “roll” here (pun intended), I’m starting right back in with my next story. Big thanks to tfrmer for this idea.
VIRTUAL REALITY
By Kid A
Part 1
A blistering stream of Arctic air blasted across the deck of the S.S. Imperial, and Hoyt Derringer stood with his arm wrapped firmly around his wife’s shoulder, drawing her closer for warmth in the beautiful yet frigid conditions. Derringer, a successful oil executive from Houston Texas had been planning the 6 month Russian cruise for years, and he marveled at the surroundings while experiencing a moment of personal satisfaction at his remarkable career.
His wife Deborah hugged up against him in return. “Brrrr!!!”, she exclaimed as her vapor from her utterance turned ghostly then crystalline in the sub-zero temperatures. “You’re right, it’s amazing. But six months of this? With no contact to the outside world?”
Hoyt gave her a loving glance and chuckled. “Well we’re going to spend the majority of the time inside that beautiful ship. And that fantastic suite of ours,” he replied, giving her a knowing wink.
Deborah shot him a knowing glance and then a playful jab in the shoulder. “Mmmhmmm. I think I have just the outfit. Maybe I’ll dress up like a polar bear.” Hoyt kissed her lips, then laughed again as he took in the view.
“But what about Amber?”, she said with a note of concern entering her voice. “Six months alone at our house, with no one to help her and left to her devices??”.
Hoyt’s gaze turned steely as he sighed. “Will do her good to be responsible for her own well-being for a bit. From a look at all the D’s on her report card, they sure aren’t promoting that trait up in Dallas.”
Seeing her face shade to somber he stopped himself. “Look - the butler is there to watch out for her. Granted she doesn’t have any cash (he had cut off her accounts and credit cards to teach her a little lesson), but there will be food on the table 3 times a day and air conditioning coming out of the vents.”
“Besides,” he spat, “she will finally have a chance to find out what’s its like to get a job and be responsible for her own condition.” Done with his speech, he drew her close again and eyed the frozen horizon. She’d be ok, he thought. But if not, little Miss priss would have no one to blame but herself.