Stepping out of her bedroom, Anna looked stunningly beautiful. Her stylish black skirt was tight around her hips and pleated from the thighs, reaching below the knee. A form-fitting black hat complemented her blonde hair. She was a young woman in full bloom, thoroughly feminine and delightful to behold.
Still, there was some uneasiness in both Anna and Nikolas's movements. They didn't know why, but they looked into each other's eyes and decided to leave right away. As the radio vocalist warbled, "Is my baby out for no good?" Nikolas winked at Anna, and they both burst out laughing, glad to be in each other's company.
***
The slightly foggy night and the coolness of the sea air were invigorating. The couple took advantage of the evening, enjoying a walk on the damp deck. Under the full moon attempting to penetrate through the misty fog, Nikolas quickly pulled Anna behind a lifeboat and stole a kiss. They laughed and chased each other like little children. Happy and carefree, they played a game of hide-and-seek in the hazy moonlight.
It seemed as if they were trying to postpone reality, to deny responsibility and the commitment they were about to undertake. However, they felt that their love was sure, solid, and strong enough to withstand any obstacles they might face. They felt whole together, like they had found the other half of their souls and had fused into one. Nothing could separate them. All that night in Nikolas's cabin, they held hands and embraced, as they got to know one another.
They ordered room service to bring them bone fillet steak and French Bordeaux wine to accompany the delicious fare. The mellow glowing candlelight made their eyes sparkle and Anna and Nikolas were filled with contentment as the two made love. It was the first time that Anna had ever been with a man and the sensation was like nothing she had ever felt before. In spite of the slight initial pain, it felt natural, a perfect expression of their love for each other, as though Nikolas was a part of her and she was a part of him and they had been making love like this for years and would go on making love and being in love forever.
Later, they made plans to marry and how they would have three children. The first one, a boy, would be named Alexander. Their second child would be named Stavros, "after my daddy," Anna giggled. Then she paused, "Heaven forbid the third is a girl. Melpomeni?
No, fate could not possibly be that cruel," said Anna as she took a deep breath. Nikolas caressed her face tenderly. Anna kissed him.