Voyage of Self Discovery Ch. 02

I was about to start recanting my life story when her words sank in. I just had to ask.

"What do you mean . . . on a ship like this?"

There was a pause, a silence finally interrupted by gentle laughter from the young woman at my side.

"Oh Bablee, you are so funny. Surely you know about Liberation Cruises. You know . . . Liberation by name, Liberation by nature and all that jazz. Even the bar upstairs is a direct reference to what they are all about."

"What?" I enquired quizzically. "You mean Swingers? I thought it was all about baseball."

There was another chuckle, not at me but more with me. I racked my brains wondering what was so funny about my reply. I didn't think Melodee was patronising me, but obviously there was something not quite right about my description of the bar.

"You really thought that, didn't you Bablee? You are such a surprise, you know. Swingers may be a reference to baseball, but in this case it has a totally different meaning. Didn't you notice how friendly everyone is? Friendly, open and transparent. This is a cruise for Swingers. You know, people who just love to have sex, and what's more people who are happy to share their love with others."

I was deep in thought, considering what Melodee had just said, and the connotations of what this really meant. Suddenly, my mind was once again filled with the images of my time upstairs, more importantly of my tanned lover and his wife in the throes of that wanton lustful fuck. I was broken out of my dream like state by Melodee's sweet voice.

"You didn't know, did you? If you don't mind Bablee, tell me how you came to be here."

For the next few minutes I did recant my life story, from conservative young wife, through motherhood and finally to the need to find employment. To me it was such a boring tale, but Melodee was almost transfixed, all ears as I told her about myself before finally turning the tables on my younger colleague.

It was my time to be engrossed, shocked and slightly appalled at the explanation which came back to me. Shocked and appalled? Maybe they were the expected external emotions but, deep inside, intrigued would have been a more apt description of how I was now feeling. It turned out that Melodee was on her second season with the company, but that wasn't what intrigued me. Instead I was pondering how I feel so comfortable in the company of a woman with Melodee's background. She was so different, so . . . so . . . so not conventional. I listened intently as Melodee continued her story.

"So, you see Bablee. Every job I've had has been about pleasing others, sometimes conversationally, other times visually and finally physically. It was rewarding. I loved the attention and the money wasn't too bad. The only problem though was you never quite knew what was around the corner. Then came Liberation Cruises. A bit like you, it was an advert in a paper which grabbed my attention. This time though I guess it was a different kind of paper as the advert was more along the lines of my background and very much around being the perfect hostess. It was an easy decision as I didn't really have any ties. It was a decision though which I never looked back on. I love it here. I love the job, the people and my fellow workers."

I had barely noticed how Melodee had sidled up to me as she told her story. It was only when an arm wrapped around my shoulder that I realised we were now sitting almost as one.

"What do you think Bablee. Are you enjoying yourself too?"

I pondered for a moment, not knowing quite what to say or even what Melodee was wanting me to say.

"I guess it's OK," was my rather nondescript reply.

"Just OK? Why's that?"

"I guess . . . well . . . ermm . . . it's just not quite what I expected." I just couldn't get the words out, at least not in the way that I wanted them to sound.

"Relax Bablee, we're all just friends here. You can tell me. I promise your secret will be my secret."

I felt Melodee's arm wrap further around my shoulders, holding me in tight and close. There was a sort of security, of protection, in the way she embraced me. I hadn't felt this way since before Javed's accident. She was a stranger, not even a like-minded stranger, but I suddenly felt the need to talk. I'd been dwelling on what happened that evening for so long that it was kind of eating away at me from inside. I needed to open up and Melodee had been the first person to take an interest in how I felt.

"Well . . . you see . . . "

I was struggling to articulate myself once more, and before long Melodee released me and stood up. My heart dropped. I'd done it now. Melodee had given up on me and soon she would be showing me back outside. I watched through saddened eyes but she did not head for the door. Instead it was the wardrobe which she headed to, returning moments later with a bottle and two glasses. Each was filled with about an inch of amber coloured liquid and then the bottle was placed on the side.

"Here, drink this," she said, handing me a glass.

"What is it?" I replied.

"I guess you could call it . . . Dutch Courage," came a light-hearted reply. "And, I think you need it."

I took a sip at the contents of the glass and immediately coughed as the liquid hit the back of my throat, an intensity warming my mouth.

"Don't tell me you've never had whisky before."

"No, I don't . . . "

Now I was feeling like a real prude. It seemed that there was so much in life that I hadn't done or at least didn't do. I took another sip, again surprised at the way my mouth was on fire with the warm liquid.

"Go on, down the hatch," called out Melodee.

I took the glass and raised it to my lips, pausing for a moment as I savoured the smell. Then, in a single gulp, I swallowed the contents. Holding my mouth closed firmly, I waited for the hit of warmth from inside.

"So Bablee, you were saying," continued Melodee as she returned back to my side, her arm once again around my shoulders.

"Well . . . you see, I took the job to support my family. They said it was just to look after children and I've done that for many years. The money was really good when compared to jobs back home, especially for somebody like me who doesn't really have any skills to talk about. And yes, the job is about working with children. And yes, I do like the job. But . . . "

There was a nervous pause.

"But what?" came the questioned reply, her arm closing down on my shoulders once more.

"But . . . something happened. Something I wasn't expecting and, what's more, something I now feel so guilty about."

"Tell me Bablee. Let me understand and let me help."

I glanced across at Melodee and noticed that sweet smile once more as she looked me in the eyes.

"Go on Bablee," she whispered.

"Well, I had taken to relaxing upstairs at the end of the day. I just enjoyed sitting there looking out at the stars and dreaming. There wasn't anything in particular I dreamt about, it was more about the peace and tranquillity. I would watch people come and go, amazed at how happy everyone seemed when here I was alone and away from my darling husband. One night though this all changed. I was once more in my dream world up on the top deck, watching the world go by when a door opened on a the unimaginable. I shouldn't have . . ."

"Shouldn't have what?"

"Shouldn't have been there, have watched, have enjoyed watching. She was beautiful Melodee and I guess I just became engrossed in her passion, sharing her carnal desires as she was ravaged up against a window. That was when it happened. I was simply sitting there, but without realising I was fuelling my own fantasy to the tone of their lustful love making. And then I was no longer alone. He joined me . . . her husband . . . and then . . . he placed his hand on my knee."

"Like this?" came a whispered question as Melodee placed her free hand on my knee.

I turned and looked at her. She was no longer smiling. Instead her lips had a sensuality about them, and her eyes delved deep into mine.

"Yes," I replied.

My heart was pounding once more and I wasn't so sure that it was just nerves.

"And, did he run his hand up your leg like this?" continued Melodee.

"Yes," I replied, a shiver in my voice.

"And then what," continued Melodee, her eyes now boring deep into mine.

"He reached my panties and placed his hand on me. Then he rubbed me, all the way until it happened."

"What happened?"

"You know, that thing that happens down there. That warmth, that pleasure, that feeling of ecstasy."

"Ah, so you came. Was there anything else? And, did you enjoy it?"

"No, there was nothing else. I am a married woman and that's the problem. It shouldn't have happened. I shouldn't have let it happen and, most of all, I shouldn't have enjoyed it. How am I going to explain this to Javed?"

There was a silence, only punctuated by the sound of my deep breathing as I waited for a response. When the response finally came it was through action rather than words. Her eyes still boring down into mine, Melodee leaned herself forward and at the same time pulled me into her with her arm around my shoulder. It seemed to take an eternity before our lips finally met, a tiny shiver flowing through them with the gentle contact. She pulled away again, looking back into my eyes.

"I think you just answered that question for yourself Bablee. You know what we say . . . what isn't known doesn't hurt, so keep it your little secret. After all, you didn't really do anything, did you? Now I guess we've got a choice. We can stay here a while longer or we can get up to that party. Your choice . . . Bablee."

I looked deep into Melodee's eyes, beneath the cold blueness of her irises, and deep into her soul. I could swear her lips pouted back at me but maybe it was my imagination. This time it was my lips which nudged into hers, a momentary coming together before I whispered into her ear.

"Can we stay here a little longer Melodee? I would like that. How about another drop of that Dutch Courage?"

Another glass came and went, warmth on my tongue and now warmth inside as the whisky weaved its magic. I was amazed how, in just a couple of small glasses, I had lost my nervousness and become quite relaxed and at ease. My heart was still pumping fast but I knew it wasn't through nerves anymore. I guess I needed the Dutch Courage before we went upstairs. I guess there was one more thing I needed though.

"Melodee?" I asked. "Can you help me?"

"Of course Bablee," came the reply as my blonde colleague knelt down on the bed at the side of me. "All you have to do is say what you want?"

There was a naughty twinkle in her eye as she replied with an almost rhetorical question. Melodee knew what I wanted and I got the impression she had been waiting all evening just for me to ask.

"You know, help me become a little more confident in myself. Help me . . . enjoy my time here at sea. Can you do that for me Melodee?"

The answer came in the form or another kiss, Melodee's lips up against mine, her hands on my cheeks as she held me in close. That moment seemed to be eternal, time standing still in such a gentle embrace. She pulled away and whispered in my ear.

"How about you slip out of those clothes and then help me out of mine."

All of a sudden I was scared. I had done what I shouldn't have and released my true desires. Maybe it was Dutch Courage talking or maybe it was from the heart, but right now I didn't know quite what to do. Was she being serious about helping me or was I setting myself up for a fall? I found myself biting my lip in nervous anticipation and with it the memories of that first night with Javed filled my mind. I always thought there could only be one first time, but I so hoped tonight would become my second. A tug at the bottom of my top broke me out of my dream.

"I guessed you might need a hand," came Melodee's sweet voice as she smiled back at me.

I lifted my hands up and slowly felt the fabric of my top rise up and over my head. I was instantly nervous as my rather practical white bra was on display, expecting a mocked reply which never came. I needn't have worried though as in an instant my breasts were released from the cups and the bra fell down to the floor. Involuntarily I reached up with my hands as if to replace the cups which were there seconds before. I didn't get far though as a firm grasp on my wrists stopped me in my tracks.

"You have beautiful breasts Bablee, don't cover them up," came a whispered reply and another smile.

Melodee released me from her grasp. I wanted to cover up, it was the normal thing to do, but instead I lowered my hands onto my lap. I was still a touch self-conscious, looking down at my ample but slightly sagging breasts and reflecting back on Melodee's perfectly firm melons that were on display earlier. I tensed as Melodee's hands replaced my own, reaching up towards my naked flesh. Gently, oh so gently, she cupped a breast in each hand, squeezing the soft flesh as if testing the ripeness of a summer peach. It didn't take much but I soon found my nipples hardening within her grasp, the nubs becoming sensitive as they rubbed against her palms. I closed my eyes, and just enjoyed the feeling of that continued massage.

It was a warm sensation on my left breast which caused me to open my eyes again. I glanced down at Melodee's head, her mouth positioned where her hand had been just moments before. It was a strange feeling, very pleasurable and definitely exciting, yet at the same time totally strange. The last person to suckle my breast was a young toddler many years before. Then, it had been an uncomfortable chore. Now though it was such a sensual experience as Melodee lapped at my hardened nub with her tongue, before running the tip around the puffy edges. I closed my eyes once more, relaxing into this gentle stroking. Moments later I couldn't help but gasp out loud. Those soft sensitive lips had clamped down on my breast, sucking as much of the tender flesh inside as they could before pulling away, my hard nub being stretched out before finally plopping into the coolness of the evening air.

And so it continued, one breast followed by the other, the nipples being teased by that tongue then tormented by those lips. My gasps were becoming more frequent and louder as I succumbed to her attention. Down below there was the slightest warmth starting to build in my loins. Surprising myself, I sighed when Melodee finally pulled away and stood up at the side of the bed.

"How about this?" she whispered, tugging at the hem of my skirt.

This time I didn't need any help. I stood up and without hesitation removed my short skirt, standing there in just a pair of white cotton panties, as un-sexy as the bra had been earlier. Looking at Melodee's red lace lingerie and my pair of safe panties I suddenly felt embarrassed. They just had to go. A hand on each side of the waistband I eased them down over my hips before letting them fall to the floor. Here I stood, stark naked in front of another woman. Yes Melodee was a colleague, but she was still practically a stranger.

It just felt right though and I relaxed as Melodee took a step forward and wrapped her arms around me, hands sensually stroking down my back and across my ass cheeks. I felt one hand come around the front and repeat the pleasure as it gently moved up my thighs. I shivered as those fingers ran through the bush covering my mound and then onwards over my stomach. We kissed again as she continued her stroking, gentle sensual stroking without any inclination to delve deeper.

I didn't need asking but soon found myself reaching up and prying the back of Melodee's bra open. The large cups came loose at the front and a hidden smile emerged inside. Reaching down I ran my fingers around the waistband of her red knickers, delving a hand inside before returning to the waistband. I pulled slightly and they eased down over her sumptuous hips, not quite far enough to drop to the floor but definitely enough to reveal her shaven mound. I couldn't help but run a finger over the smoothness of her skin. Finally Melodee pulled away, her bra falling to the floor as she finished off removing her knickers. She jumped on the bed and beckoned to me to follow her.

My heart pounded, harder than ever, as I stared at the bare beauty laid there in front of me. My eyes followed the curves of her body, taking in, more like admiring, every contour as they went. A pause as my gaze passed over her firm plump breasts and another as I scanned her bare mound, the line of her pussy lips disappearing enticingly into darkness between her legs. Melodee was everything I wasn't; young, beautiful, sexy, desirable were words which immediately sprung to mind. I looked at her smile, the pout almost a nudge to get on with it, and questioned once more how right this was. A hand round my wrist, pulling me down towards the bed was enough to dispel any doubts I had.

I landed, almost fell, onto my side next to my naked colleague. Without any time to react I found myself embraced within Melodee's long arms, the two of us now lying on our sides facing each other. Any chill in the air soon disappeared as the warmth of our bodies emanated between us. Deep inside I smiled to myself. The feel of this naked embrace, or maybe the taboo of being with another woman, was fantastic. A long leg wrapped around over mine, the ankle hooking in behind my knee and holding me closer. I glanced up at Melodee and smiled. I had no idea why I was so attracted to another woman but my heart, pumping away ten to the dozen, belied my usually conservative self. There was nothing to be hesitant about this time. I wanted it and I wanted her. I just wasn't sure what it was.

"What now?" I whispered, almost as an encouragement for Melodee to take the lead.

"You've never been with another woman before, have you Bablee?"

I shook my head and waited for what was to come. Instead of the expected twenty questions I was greeted by Melodee's lips up against mine, a sweet kiss as she pulled me in close. I closed my eyes, relaxing into the sensual warmth of that lingering kiss, never wanting it to end. I barely noticed when a firmness probed at my lips, easing them apart and dipping inside. It was only when that bolt of electricity hit, as our two tongues met, that I opened my eyes once more and looked straight at my lover. No words could describe the intensity of our tongues meeting, coiling round each other like rampant serpents as we kissed more passionately than ever.

A hand wandered down my back and clutched at my buttocks, kneading one cheek and then the other, at the same time pulling my lower body into hers. I felt her leg unlatch itself from behind my knee and disappear out of the way. My breathing was already a little strained from the intensity of the kiss, so when that hand gave up on kneading my soft buttock and wandered around the front, there was nothing I could do, nothing I could say. I gasped as her fingers slid through my hairy bush and eased themselves over the apex of my mound. Not a sound could be heard though, my gasp being absorbed by our lustful kiss.

It was almost slow motion as those slender fingers probed ever so slightly deeper between my legs. I found myself compelled to open up, allowing her whatever access she wanted. And then, to my dismay, she stopped. I opened my eyes and looked up at Melodee, who was now leaning up on one elbow looking down at me.

"Why did you stop?" I asked.

"I guess I needed to be sure this was what you wanted before we got carried away. I've always had a fondness for women as well as men, and I liked you the minute we met back on shore. But I need to know if you feel the same or if it is just the whisky taking over."

I was a little taken aback, thinking I had already made myself clear on what I wanted, what I desired, what I needed. Maybe words were not enough. Maybe actions were better. Yes, a picture paints a thousand words is what they say, and maybe an action would have the same effect. My mind set, I rolled over onto my back at the side of my wannabe lover. Grabbing hold of her free hand I pulled it gently towards me, over my breasts, down across my torso until it was hovering over my hairy mound. I looked up at Melodee once more, staring deep into her eyes.