The Cruise Companion - Tasha

The Cruise Companion - Tasha - Part I

Tasha needs a cruise companion

By Aoife

A/N - This chapter is specifically dedicated to my friend and editor

NICOLE2023

. I didn't allow her to see it in advance as she has in my previous stories. She inspired me to add this chapter to the series.

This chapter is broken into two parts; the second will follow

very

soon. This series features a Sapphic theme throughout and continues with our protagonist, Dr. Julie Anders. The series was initially posted in the Lesbian Sex category, though this chapter has a

BDSM

focus

and does remain with a purely strong Sapphic theme.

If this style or subject matter isn't to your taste, I completely understand and appreciate you taking the time to stop by.

All characters, names, and events in this storyline are purely fictional. Any resemblance to real life is purely coincidental and unintentional.

~~~

The tiff between Maddie and Dawn, as well as Dawn's supposed need for a man's cock and what Maddie was able to provide seemed too much for them to overcome. They split amicably weeks after our cruise and went on dating others. Sabrina and I didn't interfere, we understood and were supportive, not all long distance relationships are successful.

And speaking of support, I came clean in a thirty minute video call with Sabrina telling her everything regarding Emma. She shared with me her recent fling with Becky, a younger woman trying to find her way. I giggled when Sabrina shared that Becky didn't truly enjoy the flood of her nectar when she came on her young face.

I quickly replied, "Sabrina, feel free to flood my face whenever you want." We both laughed.

We still love each other and will not commit to another woman but this distance thing is starting to get the best of both of us. We are trying but it's the life we have chosen. I swear I try and so does Sabrina.

Six Months Later - Wednesday afternoon

Last week, Emma, my dearest Cub, sent me a lovely thank you card and note. She's happily settled into a new townhouse and enjoying her new life in Maryland. As always, she teases me, saying if I ever found myself wandering the streets of Washington, D.C. or Crofton, MD I had better give her a call. And yes, I still have her number saved.

After the relaxing sabbatical and a surprisingly enjoyable trip with Emma, I completed my research and presented it to the committee; that was two months ago. It was very well received, and just a few hours ago, I got some exciting news. The committee invited me to present my findings to the NIH and NCI Cancer and Chemotherapy Commission on Standards and Practices at the spring conference.

If all goes well, the university might be considered for an NIH and NCI grant to explore new chemotherapy options. The prospect of that happening feels both humbling and thrilling.

After leaving the Chancellor's office with my co-chair, Dr. Michael Regnard, I turned my phone back on. I had received a text from my daughter, Madison. As you might recall, Maddie is a Physician Assistant in an emergency room in Philadelphia, and we both live in Abington.

'Mom, can Claire and I stop by after dinner? We need to chat.'

I replied,

'Of course! I'll make some tea. We can sit outside and enjoy the cool fall weather.'

Maddie and Claire started dating a few months ago. Their relationship has blossomed. They've recently talked about moving in together. Claire has yet to give up her City Center apartment which is just down the street from my office. Though I couldn't be happier for them it seems rather quick that they are talking about moving in together.

Maddie's been busy with long shifts, and Claire's schedule is just as hectic, so I'm always grateful for time with them.

On my way home from campus, I fought through the traffic, but it wasn't more than a thirty-minute drive. I called Sabrina and let her know that Maddie was coming over tonight and needed to postpone our call. She wasn't thrilled but I promised I would make it up to her, just like I had when I flew out to see her a few weeks ago.

I didn't propose nor did she but as she walked me to the airport terminal, just before checking my bag, she whispered in my ear that one day she would propose. I needed to be ready to say yes. I have a distinct feeling the tiff between Maddie and Dawn had something to do with our relationship set back and Sabrina withdrawing again.

I will wait for her, I swear I will but I will

not

live a celibate life which we both agreed to understand about the others needs. However, I will wait for Sabrina as long as needed.

When I turned onto Summit Avenue and parked in the garage, I sat for a moment, reflecting. Professionally, I was on cloud nine, but personally, I realized I'd been in a bit of a rut. I was too focused on work and slightly depressed about Sabrina and our long-distance, yes agreed upon, relationship. I smiled to myself, hoping that as I passed my middle to late fifties and as a single mom of a soon to be thirty year-old, I still had some fun left ahead.

I exited my car, closed the garage door and headed up to my room, slipping into a pair of blue flannel lounge pants. I ditched my bra, I pulled on my old Penn long-sleeved shirt.

I came downstairs and prepared a fresh kettle of water. I opened the cupboard and pulled down my teabloom and three cups and saucers. I turned to the pantry and looked at my options. I chose the lemon drop. I felt it would be a nice citrusy tea for our conversation.

Maddie sent a text saying they were just a few minutes away, there was a bit of a traffic snarl. I started to prepare my dinner. It was just a salad kind of evening but I wanted some fruit and cheese and crackers for our chat. I peeled a few oranges and prepared a kiwi as well. I love the combination of a very soft brier and some whipped cream cheese with thin crackers. I put things on a platter and set them in the fridge for later.

Fifteen minutes later, I heard the doorbell ring and just seconds later I heard them walking in, down the hallway and into my kitchen. I turned the flame on under the kettle and scooped the tea leaves into the bloom and set it up. I turned to hug my daughter and her girlfriend.

We sat in the kitchen a few minutes waiting for the water to boil. Once it boiled, I poured it into the bloom. I carried it over and placed it on the kitchen table. I walked over into the living room and rejoined the girls. They had stepped into the living room and sat on the antique looking Chesterfield Drop-Arm settee I have along the short wall. I sat in my recliner close to them.

"So, what's the good gossip about today Maddie?" I relaxed and smiled.

"Jules." Claire spoke. "This is a bit strange but I wanted to see if you had any plans for the second week of November."

She was right, that is a strange question. "Nothing that I am aware of. It depends on the week. Why what's up?" I looked at Maddie. She shook her head and discretely pointed at Claire.

I looked at Claire. "Okay spill the beans while the tea finishes steeping."

"Jules, I have a friend, let's call her Tasha. She and her friend were going on a cruise with us coming up in November. It sails out of Miami, the Symphony of the Seas. The umm cruise is, umm, a rather different one. You see..."

Maddie piped in. "Mom, she is just being coy. I will say it this way, this cruise is a different one and will have a different clientele on it."

She blushed slightly, "You see Claire will be my pet for this cruise."

My eyes widened and I asked. "Pet?" I am confused." I teased. I really wasn't confused. I just wanted to play along and see where I came into this plan of theirs.

Maddie continued, "Here is the deal. We are sailing on Symphony for an "Adult Only" like an adult activity and clothing optional type of cruise."

My eyes opened wide again. Maddie had paused and I chimed in. "I wasn't aware you girls were involved in the Bliss Cruise scene. And before you ask, I am well aware of what a Bliss scene usually entails, I am not

that

naive."

I paused and stood. "The tea is ready; will you join me in the kitchen? We can continue in the kitchen."

I walked into the kitchen, pulled the snacks from the refrigerator and handed the platter to Maddie. I then poured each of us a cup of tea. I removed the bloom so not to have any last bitter irritation of the leaves drop into the pot. I placed the bloom in the sink and then returned to my chair. I watched as Claire pulled Maddie's chair and assisted her in sitting.

"And how long has this behavior been going on?" I asked, thinking it is cute and kinky. "I am not judging, I am just wondering."

"You may sit and fix my tea." Maddie spoke. "She, my pet, has admitted to me that while at the firm as a new junior partner, the stress is high. She feels she wants zero decision making authority when at home or with me. Therefore we are currently engaged in a six month test of her absolute submission under my guidance." She paused, accepting her tea from Claire.

"You see the cruise is part of the six months trial; we will see where things lead from there." She finished and sipped her tea.

"Hmm, that sounds playful and fun." I looked at Claire, "Six months is a long time dear." I smiled, "Now tell me about this cruise and your friend... Tasha was it? And how I can be of assistance?"

"Jules, it isn't fun all the time. My... umm... Miss, has me on a tight leash of allowances at times." Claire spoke up.

I looked over at Maddie. She shrugged her shoulders then looked at Claire, "Well dearest, you did draw up and sign our agreement. You were flawed in your writing when you failed to limit a number of things in the agreement, including the number of spankings per day based on your behavior as well as failing to limit my authority over you."

Maddie glanced at me with a knowing smile and gave a quick wink. "Alright, now tell my mother about Tasha and everything she's been through lately."

I turned my attention to Claire as she began speaking; her tone was measured but heavy with emotion. "Tasha has recently faced some of life's most formidable challenges. Honestly, you could say she's been hit with three of the five most stressful events a person can experience."

I tilted my head, curiosity piqued. "Three out of five, what are we talking about here?"

Without hesitation, Claire replied, "The death of her mother, a relationship breakup, and unemployment." Her voice carried the weight of each word. As she continued, her tone was soft.

"Tasha's mother passed away recently after a long battle with illness. They were incredibly close. It was just the two of them; reflective of you and my Miss. They were living together in the same house for years; the loss shattered her. And as if the grief wasn't enough, Tasha took on the daunting task of clearing out the home. She spent months sorting through her mother's belongings, trying to empty the house of anything that would bring back painful memories." She paused and I could hear her voice cracking.

"It was every photo, every piece of furniture... It was like erasing a life while her heart was still breaking." Claire paused again for a moment, gathering her thoughts before moving on.

"All of that took such a toll on her. Tasha had used up every bit of her medical leave, vacation time, and personal days to care for her mom during those final months. When she finally returned to work, things weren't the same. The manager of her IT department, well, let's just say they didn't get along before, and it only got worse. Suddenly, nothing she did was good enough. Her work was 'substandard,' according to him, no matter how hard she tried."

I could sense the tension rising in Claire's voice as she continued. "It wasn't fair. Tasha took her concerns to HR. Sadly, things can be well mannish in a manly world and domain of the mostly male profession. Of course her manager had seniority, and in the end, she and the HR representative agreed that it was best to leave quietly rather than risk a messy firing. They called it an 'amicable separation,' but it didn't feel that way to her. She hasn't filed for unemployment yet, though. For now, she's been doing some freelance consulting as an IT developer to make ends meet."

I raised an eyebrow. "So, she's worried about finding steady work again?"

Claire nodded. "Yes, especially when it comes to reference checks. Her old manager might not outright sabotage her, but Tasha knows his opinion could be the deciding factor for future employers."

Claire took a breath before diving into the third part of the story. "And then, as if all of that wasn't enough, there's Jennifer, her ex-girlfriend. While Tasha was at home, dedicating herself to her mother's care, Jennifer was out with someone else. Can you believe that? Three or four days before Tasha's mother, Doris, passed away, Jennifer had the audacity to tell her it was over. Just like that. No compassion, no respect for what Tasha was going through. She didn't even wait for Doris to pass before flaunting her new fling. It was cold. Heartless, really."

As Claire finished, I sipped my tea, letting the weight of everything Claire shared settle over us. Tasha's story was undeniably tragic, but I couldn't ignore the question that had been brewing in my mind. Finally, I broke the silence.

"And this... involves me how?" My gaze shifted to Maddie, who suddenly seemed uneasy, shifting slightly in her chair under my scrutiny.

"Well Mom, Tasha needs a cabin mate, someone to go with her." Maddie looked at me as Claire lowered her head.

"Jules, she can not go as a single, you know the rules of a Bliss cruise."

"And what the hell am I supposed to do on this cruise with Tasha in my room." I paused, "I know the Bliss Cruise rules, no singles, no odd numbers of guests in rooms, and everyone must have a partner." Then I stressed, "A

willing

partner!"

I abruptly stood, playing my part, inside I was giddy, my mind going crazy with thoughts. I paced the kitchen, walking in a circle.

Suddenly, I thought of Sabrina and the fun we

could

have on a Bliss cruise, if she would ever consider one. I decided to flip the script. I wanted to see their commitment level to this. "Maddie, you know I love Sabrina, but this poor girl. What are you two going to do?"

"Claire, you better ask or your paddle will find your bare ass again." Maddie spoke.

"Could Mama Bear be interested in an alternative lifestyle cruise with a very interesting and submissive girl?" Claire asked her voice lowering as she spoke.

I opened my eyes wide, I paused and decided to dig deeper. "So she is in the lifestyle? What aren't you sharing with me?" I asked.

The two looked in between each other. I looked at Claire. "You young lady, you best tell all right now or I guarantee, your ass will be reddened by the hand of this old woman out of irrigation and not of sexual pleasure."

I pushed the envelope as I looked at Maddie, she smiled. "And yours as well young lady." I winked as did Maddie.

"Yes, speak to Miss Julie and tell her everything, pet." Maddie was harsh in her tone.

Claire swallowed then lowered her head and she mumbled. "Yes she is a submissive and lives the lifestyle. Her ex was her Miss, she is now without a Miss to lead, guide, and love her."

I scoffed. "And what makes you think I would be interested in this type of role and engagement with her?"

This time it was Maddie who spoke. "She is impressionable, broken and needs guidance Mom." She looked at me with sorrowful eyes, "even compassion Mom."

"Julie, she needs someone to come on the cruise with her. You aren't allowed on the cruise as a single. We aren't allowed three to a room either, it isn't really allowed, at least." Please assist my friend." Claire lowered her eyes, almost begging. "These cruises are non-refundable!"

I huffed as I sat back down with my tea. "I will consider it." I was smiling inside as my mind started racing. "Now let's enjoy the snacks I have prepared before they perish.

~~~

Three nights later I hung up from chatting with Sabrina. She thought it was a wonderful idea for me to assist a friend of Maddie's. Yet I could hear something else in her voice. I replayed the conversation in my mind.

"Sabrina what's on your mind." I had asked.

"Jules, I can't do this much longer without you. It has been months since we spent the weekend together." She paused for a second.

I interrupted her. "What are you saying Sabrina?" I asked cautiously as my voice broke.

"I really miss you Jules, and I am slightly jealous of you going on this trip with a younger woman but I understand. I just miss you... so much more than I thought I would."

"And I really miss you as well Sabrina; I really do!" I paused almost saying it, then I threw caution to the wind.

"Move here! Move to Philadelphia, come live with me. Hell bring Dawn, we will find her and you both amazing jobs and then we can be together!"

I paused and listened, she exhaled heavily, I could hear her clearly. "You mean that don't you? Jules, you really mean that."

"Yes! Move here, move in with me, you know I have plenty of room. Dawn can have the basement apartment until she gets on her feet or forever for all I care. Sabrina don't think about it, just do it. Move here with me, let's start a life together."

I meant every word of it. I really did. My heart was pounding. I wanted her in my life every day. Then I heard some of the most amazing words I had heard in a long time.

"OK Let me think about it and talk with Dawn. I can not move without her. You know that!"

I started tearing up. "I do know that Sabrina, I do and trust me, I get it I would never live away from Maddie. I know it is a lot to ask but you will thrive and so will Dawn here in our city."

We chatted for a few more minutes and ended the call, each of us supporting the other and sharing our love. I went to bed that night dreaming of what life could be with Sabrina in my life everyday.

~~~

That next morning I was sitting in my office preparing for a mid-morning lecture. I grabbed my phone and sent Maddie a text.

'I want to meet her.'

I hit send and then started typing again.

'I want to meet her this weekend at the house, and have dinner on Saturday night for all four of us. 6:00!'

Saturday morning I was sitting on the back deck listening to Mother Nature as she spoke. The trees swayed, the leaves rustled and the wind was like a soft chorus. My coffee was amazing as always but my thoughts were interrupted when I received a text from Maddie. That all too familiar

'knock knock

' sound from my phone.

I looked at it and smiled.

'How should we dress?'

I giggled and replied

'In clothing, I am not ready for anything yet. I want to meet her, nothing more, nothing less. I am getting Ralph's for diner'

'Ralph's? Are you kidding me? Who is she to deserve Ralph's? Geez Mom!'

She responded.

I just laughed. Ralph's is an Italian restaurant. It opened in 1900 and has been a staple in Philadelphia since. It is one of the smallest but best places to eat in the city. It's one of those places where pictures of people hang on the walls from when they ate there, Presidents, actors, singers, and just real everyday people which makes it the best ever.

I pulled into the driveway just before six o'clock. Once inside, I removed the food from the containers and slid it into my warm oven. I set the table, arranging four settings with care. Two bottles of Chianti had been decanted and stood ready. Just as I heard the soft click of the electronic lock on the front door, my phone chimed with an alert from the Ring app. I turned, smoothing my dress, and walked toward the hallway.