Julia and her husband decided to take a small vacation on a cruise from California to Hawaii and fly back, just because it had been so long since they had been on one. The kids were out of the house and they wanted to make the most out of their free time. The cruise though would take longer if they didn't fly back and being on others in the past they understood that staying in a cabin can get a bit boring, no matter how luxurious it was. Julia's husband James was pretty successful in life so there was never any want in her lifestyle. She wasn't a snob or snooty wife, she lived with her feet on the ground and at first glance you maybe would not realize she lived in the hills with a house that was featured in a couple magazines. She lived a rather routine lifestyle, marrying her husband right out of college, soon the kids followed and that was her life and she was happy.
Not needing any real career or long term job she stayed at home mostly and was able to make use of her free time, so she was somewhat active but not obsessed. She had a typical housewife look to her standing 5'8", 130lbs, white skin, blonde shoulder length hair and blue eyes, and at 40 years of age her curvy body (34E- 24-38) was a bit softer and her face showed some character in her smile lines and eyes. She only wore a little makeup and was the total opposite of her friends who looked and acted the part or rich housewives looking to relive their youth or be on a reality program.
The big day came for the cruise and the two of them boarded the cruise ship and began to make their way to the cabin. James told her he had a surprise for her, but he didn't tell her. They made their way to the top level of the ship and he lead a way though a doorway that you needed a special key to enter, like these cabins were sectioned off. Again going down to the end room he slid the key in and opened it. To her surprise it was one of the few Luxury Cabins with plenty of space, a large balcony, and bed and more amenities. It was like being in their living room.
After unpacking and setting in they made their way out to the pool deck with other guests to see off the ship as it pulled away. Not being one to show off she just wore the clothes she came in on, blue jeans, white hooded sweater with a t-shirt underneath and some sandals. Other women, especially the younger ones, got into the mood of the atmosphere and wore their bikinis and other party like clothing. This didn't bother Julia though, she was confident enough. They stood at the railing for a half hour and watched the pier as it slowly began to fade away.
It was mid afternoon and they decided to have a few drinks at the pool area bar before heading in for dinner. There were a lot of young people there and a few older ones hanging around drinking and getting the cruise of to an early start. About an hour later they headed in for dinner, finished, walked about the ship, and then headed in to call it a night in the luxurious cabin.
The following day was kind of routine for anyone who has been on a cruise before, they got up had breakfast, a nap, watched the ships TV for a bit, and walked around. Back at the cabin, laying out on the balcony, Julia was feeling a little confined and suggested that they head out to the pool area, to which James agreed, but reluctantly. He put on his swim trunk and a t-shirt, since he's a little self conscious about his body. She pulled out a black one piece bathing suit and a wrap around her waist. One the way out she grabbed her sunglasses, hat and a bag with her belongings.
The pool deck had just a normal crowd of people just relaxing and taking in the time. Julia found a few deck chairs and claimed them for themselves. They sat and talked about what they want to do when they get to Hawaii, and some things they need to take care of when they get back home. A few minutes after wards a young Filipino waiter came by wearing white shorts and a blue polo shirt with the companies name across the back.
"Would anyone care for something from the bar?" He asked.
"Yea, I'll have a beer." James said.
"Margarita please." Julia smiled.
"Very good choices, I'll be right back." The waiter said
James leaned over to Julia.
"Have you ever noticed in all the cruises we've been on that there are a lot of minorities, especially Filipinos?" James asked.
"Yea, but I guess it's a good job that's easy for them to get, I don't know." Julia replied.
A few hours passed and the waiter had served them a few more drinks before it was lunch time. James and Julia went to a buffet bar just to the side of the pool and waited in line. Julia made herself a salad, sandwich and some chips. James has always had a craving for shrimp, and luck him he saw a large bowl of it. They sat down and ate their lunch. James had three servings of the shrimp, till he could eat no more. They had some more drinks and went off to their cabin to rest before doing some late night activities like going to the casino, and watching a show.
Later that night they woke up and headed out enjoying the casino first where James is also a fiend for. Julia just stood by his side and watched. Again another day she didn't dress like the other women who wanted to be seen and cause a stir of conversations. She noticed James looking on occasion, but paid no mind to it. While gambling James started to complain to Julia about feeling a bit sick, but nothing that was too bad. Maybe it was the alcohol, or the motion of the ship, but neither gave it a second though and figured whatever it is will pass.
They went to go see a comedy show and were waiting in line. James started sweating.
"Whoa, I got light headed." James said.
"Are you ok?" Julia asked.
"Maybe we should do this another time." He said.
They left the line and were walking down the hallway to their cabin, when James bolted for the men's room. Julia waited outside for James to come back. A couple minutes later James exited the restroom looking pale.
"We should go to the Ships Hospital to see if they can give you something." She said.
They made their way to the hospital and saw a rather large gathering of people all looking the same. A nurse passed by and asked what the matter was. James told his symptoms, and the nurse said that this seems to be going around and escorted them to an examination room. A Doctor took a look at James and took some readings.
"Did you by chance have the shrimp?" the Doctor asked James.
"Yea, I did. About three plates full." James replied.
"Well, you're not the only one that has this. It seems like everyone who had the shrimp has come down with a rare illness, and it requires total observation and treatment. Now it's not fatal, but for your wellbeing you will need to stay quarantined with the others till we get to Hawaii or till you show signs of getting better. The Captain already knows about this and has set up a wing of spare cabins for everyone." The Doctor said.
"You mean I got to stay in another room?" James asked.
"I'm afraid so" The Doctor said. "I'm also afraid that for your wellbeing that you will have to stay in your cabin, ma'am. We can't allow this to spread."
Julia and James were shocked and after discussing it James insisted that she enjoy the Cabin and the rest of the cruise as much as possible, even if he can't be there. Reluctantly they said their goodbyes and went to separate sides of the ship. Her to the luxury cabin, and he to the quarantined ones.
Julia arrived at her cabin and went out to the patio listening to the wave's crash and tried to enjoy the warm weather night trying to make good of a bad situation. The night progressed as watched some ships TV, and fell asleep with it on.
The next morning she went down to the hospital and saw her husband while under supervision of some nurses. Everyone wore masks and prior to leaving had to sanitize their hands with alcohol. She went and had some breakfast and went to her room. When she entered she saw the towel all folded like animal and that the maid had cleaned up the cabin. On the bed was a blue folder with the Companies logo on it. She sat on the bed and opened it up. It was a letter from the Captain expressing his regrets to the passengers who are ill and to please accept some of the complimentary vouchers for some ship activities. There was one for comps at the casino, free spa treatment, admission to the pay shows and coupons for future cruises. She took it in stride and didn't blame anyone for what happened, but just figured that these things happen.
That day drug on as she was all alone walking around the boat eating, drinking, and staying in a large cabin. Julia was lying on her lounge chair on the patio and was going though the vouchers figuring that she may as well take advantage of it. The spa certificate caught her eye and figured she'd ask what's included. She picked up the phone on the desk and dialed for the spas front office. A heavily accented Asian woman answered.
"Good afternoon, Spa house." She said.
"Um, hi, yes I have this voucher for some spa services and was wondering what I can use it for?" Julia asked.
"Well you can use it for pedi, mani, mud treatment, massage, hot rock. " The operator said.
"Can you tell me about the massage?" Julia asked.
"Yes, you can come down for massage or we can do in room service." The operator replied.
"Um can I do the in room service?" She asked.
"Ok for how many?" asked the operator over some loud talking women in the background.
"One." Julia said.
