Friday, April 19th, The Year 2219

Brooke's POV

I have dreaded this day since I saw Kristi die on Tuesday. My sisters and I are meeting with Kristi's parents at a restaurant that is close to the cruise ship.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we will be docking at the port in Pondyria in 10 minutes. The ship will pull away from Pondyria approximately at 10:30 pm on Saturday evening. Please be on the ship by 10:00 pm. Thank you, and enjoy your day," the captain announced.

There will be nothing enjoyable about this port trip. After I talk with Kristi's parents, I'm coming back on the ship. I'm too upset to do anything.

The only time I have spoken to anyone is my sisters. And, that was to ask them to go with me to talk with Kristi's parents. I haven't said a word to Jason. He sent a text, but I have not responded. In fact, I haven't left my room. I don't feel like eating. I just can't get that image of seeing Kristi's skin out of my mind. It hurts like crazy.

My doorbell rang. I knew it was my sisters, so I didn't bother to peek and see who it was. Then, I wished I didn't answer it.

"Asher, what do you want?"

"I'll keep short. I talked to my mother. And in the conversation, she wanted to express her sympathies to you for the loss of Kristina."

"Well, thank you for the message."

"How...." Was all I let him say.

"I wish people would stop asking me how am I!! I'm freaking miserable! How would you feel watching your best friend die the way she did?! Just leave me alone!"

I slammed the door right in his face! A few minutes later, I heard another knock.

"What the heck do you want?!!!"

"Listen, Brooke, we know you are upset. We are too. Stop yelling at everybody," says Chanelle.

I flopped on the couch, defeated. "I'm sorry. I didn't get any rest really since Kristina died. When we see her parents today and they hear what I saw, hopefully, you will understand why my mood is the way it is. I snapped because I thought you were Asher again."

"Brooke, we need to be there for each other. We may not care for Asher but when he heard me say you were missing, I could tell he still cares for you. He defended you against Crystal. He always defends you against her. You don't have to be buddies with him. She already moved on from him because I saw her cuddling up with some guy while Chanelle and I were eating breakfast."

"I'm sorry. It's just that I don't feel comfortable on this ship. The doctor was nowhere to be found. And, not a single nurse was near. What kind of hospital or sickbay does that?"

"Miki is going to meet us at the dock."

"I'm ready, so let's go." As we exited out of my door, Jason was standing there waiting for us.

"I'm sorry about my behavior."

"It's okay, Brooke. I understand why. Where are you ladies off to?"

"We are going to meet Kristi's parents so I can tell them what happened. I could really use your support right now."

"Of course, I'll go with you." Jason grabbed my hand, then we walked away to meet Miki.

Asher's POV

I'm curious too as to how Kristina died. So, I followed them off the ship, and to wherever they are going.

Brooke's POV

As we descended off the ship, I saw Kristi's parents waiting for us. I tried to hold my tears for as long as I could. I gave both of them a hug.

We all then walked to one of the restaurants close to the ship and sat down for a meal. I didn't have an appetite at all.

"Mama Marcie, this is not easy to say but Kristina passed away. And, the way she died is hard to explain."

Kristi's mom and dad both shed tears. "I had a feeling when I saw the expressions on your faces. How did she die? I thought she only had food poisoning."

"We did too. Everyone took a turn sitting with her. But I believe it was something else like something was injected into her body. Kristina was about to tell me something. Then, her chest started sinking in like her body was being eaten from inside. She started violently coughing up blood while shaking. From head to toe, Kristi's skin then turned blue. Kristina then became all skin. Her skeletal frame was gone in an instant, and her monitor flat-lined." I just let the tears fall again.

"I'm Brooke's friend, Jason Maisel. I was there when it happened. And, no one was there to help Kristina. I'm really sorry about what happened. If I can assist you in any way, please let me know."

"Brooke, Miki, Chanelle, Simone, and Mr. Maisel, thank you so much for being there with Kristina. We would like to hold a memorial service for her. When does the ship leave port?" Papa Joe says.

"Tomorrow evening at 10:30 pm," answered Jason. "There are privacy rooms aboard the ship. I can reserve one asap."

"Okay. How about we meet together at noon?" Kristi's mom says.

"Jason and I will come to get you to board the ship. We'll come at 11:00 am."

"Okay. We will wait at the same spot as today. Is there a place available to have one of her pictures enlarged?" Papa Joe asked.

"May I ask what your last name is?" Jason then asked.

"It is Hanity," Mama Marcie replied.

"Mr. & Mrs. Hanity, don't worry about anything. I will take care of everything. I'll take you to a place that can do that. I know this island like the back of my hand."

"Thank you, Mr. Maisel."

We then ordered food for lunch. While eating our lunch, we spent the majority of the time reminiscing about Kristi. Jason really is sweet to pay for Kristi's memorial service. I gave him a kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you, Jason, for doing this for Kristi." I smiled, just a little bit.

"You're welcome, Brooke. I'll call to reserve the room. Excuse me for a moment." Jason stepped away from the table.

"What are you ladies doing for the rest of today?" Kristi's mom asked.

"I have been trying to rest, but I can't. Whatever we can do to help with the service, I will do. I'm not sure if you remember Asher, but he, along, with his mom offered their condolences."

"We do remember him. Thank you. Is he on the ship too?"

"Yes, ma'am he is."

"I hope it won't make anyone uncomfortable, but we would love to see him at the service tomorrow."

"I will ask him when we head back to the ship."

Asher's POV

That is a horrible way to die. No wonder Brooke was like she was when we saw her. And, no doctor or nurse was around? Something is definitely not right on that ship.

I have to find out what is going on. Jason just clenched his hand into a fist when Kristi's mom mentioned that I attend the service. Darn, right I will. I have actually conducted business with her father. Of course, I will support him.

Being free from Crystal feels great. I can go anywhere I want without her asking 50 questions. I'm not much of a shopper, but I am today.

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I made it back to the ship before dinner. Once I put what I bought in my room, I made it to dinner.

I saw the sucker Crystal is shacking with. He looked my way. I just smiled and waved. He will find out about her really quick.

After dinner, I just went for a stroll around the ship. The moon is shining brightly tonight.

While I stood by one of the windows, I heard someone calling my name.

"Asher, can I talk to you for a minute?" I turned around and saw Brooke.

"Sure. I was just admiring the view of the moon."

"It is an amazing view. But, after what happened, I want to get off this ship. This ship is very unnerving. How can there not be a nurse always on duty? And, the doctor wasn't even around when she died? I still can't understand that. Somebody needs to answer for that."

"I don't blame you at all for wanting to get off. That is very strange. Will you let me help find out? I have conducted business with Kristi's dad several times. It's the least I can do to show my support. I promise to stay out of your way."

"What I wanted to talk about was if you would make it to Kristi's service tomorrow? Both of her parents were hoping you would make it. It is at noon tomorrow in one of the privacy rooms Jason rented."

"Of course, I'll be there."

I was surprised by what happened next. Brooke hugged me and squeezed me tightly. "Thank you, Asher. It means a lot to me and Kristi's parents to have your support. And, I want to apologize for screaming at you this morning. It's just that I don't want people to ask me how I feel. Kristi and Miki are the best friends I ever had. l feel like my heart was yanked out, then tossed on a grill."

"It's okay, Brooke. I understand. What happened to Kristi is not normal. Just know if you need someone to talk to, I'll be there. I understand that we are, not friendly anymore, but I want to be there for you." I hope she says yes. Please say yes. And, shoot I just realized what I said. I don't think she caught on to it yet.

"Is it true that you broke your engagement to Crystal? I can't stand her and don't want to be anywhere near her."

"It is absolutely true. The very next day, she was seen with another man. I should have done that a long time ago. She is possessive, ignorant, and a leech that sucked any happiness I had. I'm happy to be free." Brooke still hasn't broken free from this hug that could last forever for all I care.

"Then, maybe we can work on being friends again. I'm tired of her calling me out of my name. I made a mistake and owned up to it. Now, look at her. I certainly am not going to stoop to her level."

"Are you and Jason, um, dating?"

"I don't think I would call it dating. I just want to take things slow. I don't really know much about him to even think about dating him. I know basic things about him, and that's it. Don't get me wrong, Jason is a sweet guy. I just don't want a relationship right now. I'm taking my time and doing what I want."

So, I do still have a chance to get back with Brooke. I never should have let her go in the first place. I looked down at her and saw a beautiful necklace she has on.

"That's a beautiful locket that you are wearing."

"Thank you. We all bought one and put a picture we took together with Kristi inside it. It's a picture we took while on the cruise ship."

We finally broke free from the hug. She let a few tears slip while opening the locket to show me the picture. I used the back of my thumb to wipe them away. Her skin is still silky smooth. They were all wearing a bikini. It reminded me of the ones Brooke would wear when we dated. She is still sexy.

"Well, I better be going. I haven't gotten any sleep lately, so I need to try. Thank you again, Asher. And, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Brooke. I'll see you tomorrow."

Prepare for a battle, Jason. I want Brooke back.

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Saturday, April 20th, The Year 2219

Brooke's POV

My parents wanted to attend the service, so Jason says we have access to stream it live.

While on my way to the meet Jason, I saw him and Asher in what looks like a heated argument.

"Are you two really going to do this today? I don't know what's going on between you, but end it for today, please?"

"You're right, Brooke. I'm sorry," both Jason and Asher say simultaneously.

"Jason, we have to go get Kristi's parents from the dock. Asher, can you check on the room, please?"

"Follow me." Jason and I walked to the plank where we exit the ship. We saw Kristi's parents, so he waved them to come up. We all then followed Jason to the private room.

My sisters, Miki, Kyler, and Asher were in the room along with someone else that wasn't familiar.

Chanelle says, "Brooke, this is the captain of the ship, Captain Adam Baker. He came to offer his condolences."

He gave off a creepy vibe. I shook his hand. The entire handshake he stared in my face, making me feel uncomfortable. I politely removed my hand from the shake.

"Thank you for coming." I walked over to my sisters quickly.

"I don't like that captain. He seems creepy."

"He sure does. I wanted to pluck his eyes out for staring so long. And, what's up with the tension between Asher and Jason?" Simone asked.

"When I saw them, they were arguing about something. Now is not the time. And, I don't really care what it's about."

"Let's begin the memorial service for Kristina Robin Hanity," Papa Joe says.

Everyone took a turn talking about Kristi. Even Jason and Asher too. There were a few chuckles and plenty of shed tears. Papa Joe let me go last because I was too upset to go first.

"Believe or not, I was a really shy kid, especially in elementary school. Kristi introduced herself to me and even shared a cupcake she brought to school with her lunch. That day we formed a bond that was broken this week with her passing. I don't know what I am going to do without her."

"We went to the same schools through college. We went on plenty of double dates, uh, even went to parties we were told not to attend, etc. I was her wing-woman. And, she was mine. That's how I actually met Asher. We did so much together. Now it is going to be hard. Like I told Asher last night, I feel like my heart was ripped out, seasoned, and placed on a grill. In conclusion, thank you all for being here. And, we know Kristi would not want us sitting around with sad faces. Let's celebrate the wonderful life she made for herself."

"Brooke's right. Listen, everyone, we appreciate the support you have given Marcie and I. Kristi had an amazing group of friends. We love you all very much. That will conclude the service. Now, let's head to the private room next door for something to eat."

While everybody made their way next door, I took a walk to the exact spot where I saw Asher last night. I can't eat at a time like this. I saw a lounge chair and grabbed it. Then, I sat and watched the beautiful, brightly lit sky.

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Brooke! Brooke!"

I felt myself being shaken. "I'm up. I'm up." It was Simone.

"Kristi's parents wanted to wait for you, but they had to leave. They will call you later. The ship is about to pull away from the port." 10 minutes later, the captain came over the loud speaker.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our next stop will be the beautiful city of Ralmainia. Sit back and relax as we cruise through the Galaxy to our final destination."

"I was asleep that long?!"

"You sure was. But you needed it. We made a plate of food for you and put it in the fridge in your room."

Sure enough, as soon as we started walking back to my room, we felt the ship pull away. Just as we were approaching our rooms, we saw Miki, who was sitting on the ground clutching her stomach, in front of my door.

Simone and I ran over to her. "Miki, what's wrong?"

When she looked up, I had flashbacks of Kristi in that darn sickbay. Miki was pale and had the same blue and red spots all over her.

"Brooke, I don't think I am going to make it. You need to be careful around........."

"No!!!!!!" This can't happen again! Her chest started sinking in like her body was being eaten from inside. She started violently coughing up blood while shaking. Now, her skin was blue, from head to toe.

"Miki, who should I be careful around?"

She was about to say a name but in an instant, she was now all skin.

"Simone, I want to get off this ship!!!!! Help me get off this death cruise!!!!"

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