Just the Two of Us, My Darling (Forever)

The sun was shining brightly as Azzurra and Tommaso hustled along the pier. Their excitement was boiling over. It was the first time they had been alone, really alone, since their wedding: the first day of their honeymoon.

At the end of the pier, the SS Dreamboat awaited them. A five-day cruise around exotic islands, away from everything. It was their time.

“She is beautiful, amore mio (my love),” said Azzurra. “Thank you for organising this; it will be so much fun. Ti amo, ti amo, ti amo (I love you),” she repeated, giving Tommaso a passionate kiss.

“Come on, let’s go; I want to see our cabin,” replied Tommaso.

They were greeted at the end of the gangplank by the first officer, Jerry.

“Welcome aboard, you are?"

"Mr and Mrs Macrini, Azzurra and Tommaso Macrini,” Tommaso replied, cutting Jerry off.

“Ah, our honeymoon couple, congratulations,” “We have a surprise for you.”

Azzurra's face lit up like a lighthouse. She loved surprises and wondered what it could be: a box of chocolates, a bottle of champagne.

“We have upgraded you to a premier suite on the Sunset floor. Marie will show you to your suite.”

“Oh, grazie, grazie,” said Azzurra, bubbling over with joy.

They grabbed each other's hands and diligently followed Marie to their suite.

Once they were in their suite, they did what all honeymoon couples do—especially Italians—they made love. Sensual love, like the type that says I am yours for a lifetime.

They had met eighteen months ago, and it was love at first sight. Eight months later, Tommaso proposed to Azzurra. They were both relieved that the big Italian wedding was over. The rest is history. They had five days to totally immerse themselves in each other. Tommaso was certainly going to make the most of it.

They lay in each other's arms, looking out of the porthole, which was more like a lounge room window.

The sun was setting over the dock as the boat steamed away to places unknown. No words were needed, no words were spoken. A gentle stroking of Azzurra’s naked shoulder said it all.

Azzurra got up with a start, showing her gorgeous body. “Let’s get ready for dinner; I'm so excited.”

Tommaso did not move. He was transfixed by the beauty of his wife. Her gorgeous blue eyes, her tender smile, and her body, oh! her body. He could see that Azzurra was serious, so he got up.

At dinner, they were told that the boat would be steaming to a group of deserted islands in the middle of the Pacific. Totally uninhabited and there for a whole day. All the boat's amenities would be available, and all the water sports would be free to use.

For the more decadent option, you could hire a dinghy and find yourself on a deserted island. “We will pack a sumptuous dinner and wine for you if you desire," Jerry said with pride.

Tommaso's mind went wild. What a wonderful opportunity. A moment to remember forever, making love to Azzurra on a desert island. Swimming naked in the beautiful azure-blue waters of the Pacific.

He would do it. It would be a surprise for Azzurra. He would tell her about it when they woke up the next day.

As they sat down for dinner, Tommaso excused himself. “I just have to check something with Jerry. It will only be a minute, amore mio.”

“Don’t be long, I will miss you,” was the reply, accompanied by a big smile.

In the morning, Tommaso told Azzurra about their pending adventure. She was over the moon. As she packed her things for the day, she picked out her best bikini.

“You won’t be needing that,” joked Tommaso.

“I still have to get there and back,” replied Azzurra with a cheeky grin and biting her bottom lip.

Armed with a map and a lunch of seafood, champagne, wine, and water, they took off. Tomasso had already picked out which island he wanted to go to. On the far side of the island was a small cove, perfect for privacy.

Twenty minutes later, they pulled the dinghy up onto the beach. Tommaso spread the beach towels on the pure white sand. “Come over here, amore mio, I want to make love to you on this beautiful sandy beach."

It was divine; they rolled around like a couple of snakes, partaking in each other's bodies. As they lay in each other's arms, they looked at the beautiful sparkling water.

"Let's go for a swim,” suggested Tomasso. Naked, they both got up and ran into the water. It was crystal clear. Azzurra looked so lovely, he thought to himself, floating around in the blue water.

He took a deep breath and dove toward the bottom. That is when he saw it. It took his breath away.

He floundered as he tried to get to Azzurra. He was too late. One bite and the three-foot shark had taken a huge chunk out of Azzurra's leg. Blood filled the water.

When he got to her, she was already in shock. He struggled towards the shore, holding his love tightly in his arms. On the beach, he tied one of the beach towels around her leg like a tourniquet. Holding back tears, he desperately tried to get her back into the dinghy. Even if he did, the boat was twenty minutes away.

It was futile; the bottom of the boat was red with blood despite the tourniquet. He held her closely in his arms and whispered that she would always be his one and only amore. He kissed her on her forehead. It was cold. Her beautiful lips were blue.

The shark circled the dinghy, almost saying, “This is my beach, my island!”

Till next time,

Calvin

Submitted as an entry for “The Unhappy Ending” challenge: