Chapter 16
SAPPHIRE PRINCESS
The girls had spent most of the morning swimming. It was now around noon, and they were having lunch.
CLAIRE: When we get there, we have to see some of the glaciers.
CIARA: For sure. Wouldn't miss those.
CLAIRE: And, of course, we should walk around the city.
CIARA: Hey, it's the capitol. Of course we should walk around.
Claire checked her phone, but there was no signal. This was not unusual, there had been no signal since they had set sail, except for the few hours that they had been in Ketchikan.
CIARA: That pool is so nice!
CLAIRE: And it's heated, which is great since we're out in Alaska.
CIARA: And if that's what the pool's like, I wonder what the hot tub will be like.
CLAIRE: We should find out tonight when we get back.
CIARA: For sure.
Eventually, they finished eating, and were walking around one of the decks.
CIARA: So, how come you woke up so early this morning?
Claire shrugged.
CLAIRE: I don't know. I guess I was excited, since we're going to the capitol city of Alaska this afternoon.
CIARA: Makes sense. Is that all it was.
CLAIRE: Yeah.
Claire didn't sound half as convincing as she'd hoped.
CIARA: You sure?
CLAIRE: Well, I guess there was something else.
CIARA: What was it?
CLAIRE: You're gonna think it's really stupid.
CIARA: No, I won't. Try me.
The two stopped walking.
CLAIRE: You will, though. Even I think it's stupid, and I'm the one that's feeling it.
CIARA: Hey.
Ciara took Claire's hand.
CIARA: Whatever it is, I promise, I won't think it's stupid.
CLAIRE: Okay, here it goes. I miss my parents.
CIARA: You're homesick.
CLAIRE: A little. I know, it sounds weird, seeing as I used to travel around the world. But...I don't know.
CIARA: This is the first big trip you've taken without either of your parents, isn't it?
Claire nodded. Ciara put her arms around her.
CIARA: It's mine, too, Bear.
CLAIRE: I mean, I'm having a great time, and this ship is awesome! It's just kinda hard not being able to get in touch with them.
CIARA: I know. I feel the same way, too.
Ciara tucked a stray lock of Claire's hair behind her ear.
CIARA: Hey, when we get to Juneau, call them.
CLAIRE: But, we're gonna spend the afternoon looking around.
CIARA: Claire, we're gonna be in Juneau from 2 until 9. We'll have plenty of time to look around. Call your parents.
CLAIRE: Okay. Thanks, Ci.
Claire and Ciara hugged.
CIARA: No problem, Bear.
The two made their way back to their cabin. They were looking at all of the decorations on the walls. Suddenly, Ciara bumped into a boy.
CIARA: Whoa!
BOY: Ah!
The boy was about the same age as Ciara.
CLAIRE: You okay, Ci?
CIARA: I'm fine.
BOY: I'm sorry about that, miss. I wasn't watching where I was going.
CIARA: No, it's my fault, too. I wasn't really watching, either.
Ciara and the boy stared at each other for a moment.
BOY: You look really familiar. Have we met?
CIARA: I don't know. You look familiar, too. Where're you from?
BOY: Portland, Oregon. You?
CIARA: This town in the midwest, Salem.
BOY: Salem? No way! When I was a kid, I lived in Salem for a few years!
CIARA: Really?
BOY: Yeah. How long have you lived there?
CIARA: My whole life.
BOY: That must be where I...wait. Wait a minute. Smile for a second.
Ciara gave a small smile.
BOY: Ciara? Ciara Brady?
CIARA: Yeah. Who are you?
BOY: You don't remember me?
Ciara shook her head.
CIARA: Nope, sorry.
BOY: Ciara, it's me. It's Chase.