Bachelor’s Paradise

Cliff, a handsome, 36-year-old bachelor who never left the basement of his parents. All his college buddies graduated, were successful, and married. Whereas, for Cliff making the college weekends parties, was more successful than graduating.

Cliff’s friend would joke in a honest way about Cliff’s Bachelor Paradise, the basement of his parents house. However, with the constant nagging and jokes, Cliff had no reason to achieve more. The career of a bartender didn’t seem to be long-term. As late nights, over consumption in alcohol, party life, didn’t work well with Cliff’s sleep schedule. This life was Bachelor’s Paradise, no boss, no rules, Cliff was content. Even though, his parents disagreed they tried to encourage responsible adult behavior.

Cliff's former co-worker who was a travel consultant, advised a new luxury ship needed help. But she didn’t know much details. Cliff was excited but wasn’t sure if his parents would approve iof him leaving to a cruise ship position. Of course his parents were excited to encourage Cliff to live, be free, and explore the world.

Cliff was anxious, excited, and anticipating when he got to the cruise ship. He was looking forward to starting his new job, but he was also nervous about being his own person for the first time. He was accustomed to living with his parents, where he had overindulged in alcohol and failed to perform to his full potential. To be more career-focused, a nice suit and dress shoes were needed for the new job.

He wanted to ensure that he made the most of the opportunity to work on a tropical island. Cliff began working on his job preparation. He liked his job well, but it was hard for him to stay clean and focus on what he needed to do. His boss seemed to reprimand him every day for being late or over drinking on the clock.. Cliff then met Grace, a young girl who lived alone on the island after her family was killed in an unfortunate accident, one night while walking around the island. Grace was younger than Cliff and never worked because her family was extremely wealthy and had a still-unresolved crime ongoing through the courts. Grace had a problem that she was too ashamed to reveal, despite their age differences. Grace suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the severity of her condition was preventing her from functioning normally in everyday life. Grace had taken a lot of medication to get over the trauma she had experienced in the past. Attempting to adapt in the face of Cliff's determination to assist her perspective. Cliff's connection to Grace was instantaneous due to the numerous ways in which she reminded him of himself: They required one another's help as they struggled to live independently for the first time. They shared stories about their respective lives and families, and they quickly became good friends. By holding Cliff accountable for his own actions and encouraging him not to turn to alcohol when things got tough, Grace assisted Cliff in developing responsible behavior. Cliff struggled at first, but over time, he learned to control himself while working shifts at the cruise ship bar and how to live without drinking every night. Cliff decided that it was time for him to call his parents. After Al the relationship with Grace was blooming. Cliff was surprised when he told them about Grace because he knew he was serious about her.

Cliff's actions towards the risky business life made his parents appear unsettling. Cliff's friends immediately planned a weekend trip to Paradise Island to see Cliff and Grace when they heard the news. It is shocking what was about to be revealed. Grace was cleaning the house the day they arrived when a loud pound threatened her silence. Grace's radiant smile and flawless curves stunned a large group of Cliff's friends and family as she opened the door.

Friends couldn't believe Cliff had met such a beautiful woman in a moment that seemed unreal. Grace had everything that other people only wanted. However, one thing she lacked was family and friends. Grace became emotionally unstable after everyone introduced themselves. Cliff received a lot of love and support, which was overbearing for Grace. Grace had a luxurious life; work was far from her thoughts as her family was lost to time, leaving her as the only survivor.

Cliff and Grace clearly shared a very special bond, as everyone could see. A unlikely couple had endured hardships together as a result of life's events. Cliff took on the role of an adult who is capable of making wise decisions on his own and is now an independent adult, something that seemed impossible before meeting Grace. Friends and family of Cliff couldn’t wait for the two to marry. Of course the jokes were more suitable now that Cliff’s parents regained the basement after 36 years. Paradise Island seemed to be the answer to Cliff’s new found independence. Even though his bachelor’s life was more stable in every aspect since meeting Grace. Grace had days of struggle trying to balance her trauma with mental health issues. The medication on occasion would disrupt the stability if taken improperly. Grace was an amazing woman, but lacked the control of routine to take her medication properly. Often Grace had fallen asleep or unstable mood or behavior outburst.

Cliff’s visitors were out touring the island for the day.

He took time to capture the beauty of the Island. He watched the waves hit the Island, as the rush with a sweet light breeze covered his face. He noticed a women sitting on the rocks with her feet in the water. Cliff felt a sense of loneliness as he watch her from a distance. Deciding to approach her, Cliff walked along the islands sand leading to the woman. It was like she was mesmerized. “Excuse me, are you okay”? Cliff spoke firmly. The woman acted as Cliff wasn’t even in her presence. Nudging her to make sure she was okay, the woman began to laugh out loudly.

Are you okay?, Cliff asked once again. Continuously laughing, the woman, “I am so sorry”, I had just smoked a joint, now I am enjoying the islands beauty. Cliff seemed impressed, by her freestyle character. He gestured if he could sit next to her. I’m Jade, I’m really enjoying the day. Laughing between the slow motion that followed. I’m Cliff, I work on the ship over there, I thought I would enjoy the sunshine today while I can. The conversation took off with much laughter, and playful gestures.

Jade offered Cliff a drink, “Oh no, I have to work”. Jade opened a another beer and as she quickly drank down a shot of whiskey. Cliff had already felt the tension in his throat. Knowing that sensation that follows the rush of a shot whiskey. Cliff took the late offer of joining one beer. Drinks continued and the waves in the water, seemed to push time out. Paradise Island had pushed time to sea, Cliff had forgotten about the work he scheduled for the evening. Politely he insisted he go. Jade offered him an invite for the next day for a dinner date, without hesitation Cliff agreed.

Later that evening Cliff’s boss was looking for him in wonder why he didn’t show up for work. Cliff had no answer other than, a whiskey filled breath and the words I don’t know. As Cliff had a million racing thoughts, he excused himself and went to his room. Grace had tried to find him and call him several times. Cliff just enjoyed his time with jade that nothing seemed to bring other thoughts to his mind. Once again Cliff felt as he was himself once again, freestyle and content.

His mother had called, Cliff had no words to explain his careless act he had done that day. Inside Cliff knew he was in love with Grace, a women who gave him independence and a life that made sense. He couldn’t imagine life without her. He was pretty sure she felt the same.

Laying in his room he could actually hear his thought and he could make decision freely. Cliff knew he was doing the right thing. A knock on the door, it was Cliff’s boss. He just got straight to the point. Cliff I see you have came along ways in your character and work ethic. It's been eleven months and we are getting ready to leave dock. I wanted to personally come and give you an offer, I would hope you accept. We are leaving for Thai land approximately 3 months we will set sea for 6 to 12 months. The weather will determine our time for return. The Captain will provide a schedule in the next couple of weeks. Cliff had no words or any response. I just hope your aboard when we are ready to set out, have a good night. We will talk more closer to departure time. Cliff’s boss closed the door, as Cliff continued to stare into the ceiling as the weed had slowly faded the content of the day.

Cliff spent time with Grace and Jade and his mother and friends kept in touch to know Cliff continued his responsibilities. Knowing the time was ending on Paradise Island Cliff had told both Grace and Jade of the departure. Grace knew she would follow Cliff no matter what was needed from her to be committed and supportive. As far as Jade, she was a women from New York who lived town to town as she just followed her days freely.

The day was approaching as Cliff prepared to depart, he was excited for the adventure and travel. For the first time, Cliff had a career as a traveling bartender. Who could ask for the opportunity he had and the life that followed? When the Captain had met with all the passengers and crew workers, the time to set sail was minutes away. Cliff made a call to his family and friends letting them know that service could be disrupted according to the Captains orders. For service that could be days, weeks or months of no contact. Cliff made the promise to send word or make contact at first chance. The captain began to speak out the departure instructions. Cliff wasn’t able to hear the conversation any longer, do the orders, so he shortened the call.

A feeling of mixed emotions began to fill Cliff’s body, not knowing what choice he just made. But here goes to Thai land and a year to sea. The days were about moving water and work. Cliff continued to work and do his part as what he agreed too.

It had been 8 long months of no communication home. Cliff was asleep when the bedroom door flew open, Cliff I can’t do this anymore, I must go home now. Those words weren’t an option as 8 months on water, was a long time to say, “sure you will be home first thing in the morning”. Was a good joke. Grace had longed for medication that she had prepared before departure. For 8 months Grace took the medication her way. She had no way to get medication. The ship was about to change quickly. No captain could get Grace home over night. Little did the passengers know a crazy woman, was about to unleash. An unexcpectly turn is about to destroy the ship in seconds. Grace began to throw tables, beat on doors, breaking glass in the event area, nothing was off limits. The captain radioed for help, but the response was delayed as the location was a few days from dry land. With all the chaos, Cliff could only smile as he reached in a black bag next to the bed. Reaching for pills that he began to take long before Grace ran out. Hearing the echoes of the broken tables, security trying to calm her down, Cliff closed his eyes and slowly fading to sleep.

Cliff had woken by the rough waters that rocked the ship repeatedly, as water thrushes against the side of the ship. Surprised by his phone ringing, Mom, Cliff what happened?

“We’re coming in land soon, Mom.” Cliff we will sort through the matter when you arrive. The door slung open, Grace has eyes of fire, and rage of a tiger. She had been experiencing the withdraws of lithium. Grace, had been on a warrior streak for hours. Her body exhausted finally, security came into take her to the medical room. Her body trembled as she spoke, I’m okay Cliff, I need you. Cliff silenced as they carried her out the door.

After 3 months of being off shore, finally arriving, Cliff opened the cabin door to the room. He stood, with a bottle in one hand and a cigarette in the other, a relief to see Paradise Island. But looking around nothing looked familiar, then a glance of that face. A memory that seemed like forever, Jade. Standing waiting for Cliff to arrive. A smile on his face, walking towards her, Jade? I’m confused: how did you? Well when did you? Cliff speechless, Cliff it was on the news what happened. Tossing Jade the black bag that contained all the Lithium pills, they laughed.

Let me make a quick call, Cliff said laughing. Mom, it’s me Cliff, I been thinking.. Is the basement still available, I’d love to come home.

Until our beautiful minds meet again, be safe out there. Many blessings and much love. Remember Everyday Minds Matter -Della 💞🦋