Here it is the second Little Bit Tale
Please take note that all characters, places and events are works of fiction created by the author.
The luxury starliner Wesson was in the Delta system at the fourth planet so its elite passengers could venture to the planet. Jayden Barnes, who had joined the crew after his mother passed away, has been working on the Wesson for the last four years. He sat in the back of the shuttle and waited till the last passenger, going on shore leave were off. Before he and any other crew member from the cruise ship got off. He didn’t go down planet side often, because he couldn’t always afford to do so. Most times he just stayed in his cabin and rested up. Still other times he just had to get off the ship, if just for a few hours. There was just something about this particular cruise that had him on edge; he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. The guest also seemed more demanding than usual. He wandered about open market booths; it felt good to be away from the constant vibration of the ship and to feel natural sun light. Looking at what was for sale to the tourist, most wasn’t worth what was being asked for it. It’s not that it wasn’t good quality, it was just the prices were all high. To find good quality items at lower prices you had to move out from the space docks, most tourists didn’t for fear of missing the returning shuttles. Jayden didn’t because he just didn’t have the funds, and after all it wasn’t like he was going to buy anything.
Hallam had come down to the planet last evening wanting to get away from the ship, the cruise had been a mistake and he wasn’t enjoying it the way he had hoped. The only bright spot for him had been one of the servers he simply knew as Jayden. He saw how a lot of his fellow passengers treated the serving staff; of course some of the staff weren’t that nice themselves. Jayden, however was nice he was always helpful and smiled, even when being yelled at for something beyond his control. The same Jayden he was now watching looking at robes, he had been watching him ever since he’d entered the marketplace. There was just something about him which made Hallam want to be around him. He walked over to the silken robes Jayden had been looking at and had even tried on pale blue one before putting it down having looked at the price. Hallam wasn’t sure why but he bought it and had the clerk hand it to him.
“It is a gift, from the gentleman,” the clerk said gesturing towards Hallam. Jayden thought he looked familiar and realized he was a passenger, a guest he had served onboard the Wesson. He was one of those passengers whose surname was hidden to hide who they were. He was also one of the nicer ones and he liked him, but still the rules he thought as he started towards him.
Hallam knew just exactly what Jayden would say and said before he could say a word, “You’re off duty and were not on the ship, so I say ship rules don’t apply here, besides all sales are final and the robe would never fit me.”
Jayden found Hallam’s smile very hard to resist, “Well than thank you.” Was all he could say because he was at a loss for words beyond this. He fought hard not to stare at the very attractive man. He knew he needed to say or do something and not just stand there.
“Good, now will you join me in a small bite to eat? It’s just lunch and I hate eating alone.” Hallam asked steering Jayden away from the booth and down the lane towards one of the marketplaces small café. He didn’t really give Jayden a chance to answer, because he was sure Jayden would have turned him down. They were seated at a table for two before Jayden had a chance to object. Hallam ordered for them and then thought to ask if Jayden would of preferred to order for himself.
“Yes normally, but then I’m usually by myself,” Jayden said with a bit of a smile. He knew he should not be here with Hallam, being that he was one of the cruise passengers. If they were seen he would be in trouble, but today he just didn’t seem to care. While they waited for their food to arrive Hallam told Jayden how he’d bought a second hand run-a-bout and was planning on leaving the cruise. “Oh I wished you wouldn’t.” the words were out of his mouth before he could stop them.
“I don’t blame you, it’s just I’ve lost interest in the cruise that’s all.” Hallam said as plates were set in front of both of them. They started eating in the silent’s being broken first by Jayden.
“I’ll miss seeing you; there are so very few things to look forward to onboard ship.” Jayden said. “But I understand why you want to leave. When I started four years ago I thought it would be more interesting, more exciting.
“Then perhaps, you should leave; find a new position something you really enjoy.” Hallam said. Of course he hadn’t a clue as to how easy or difficult this would be.
“That’s easy for you to say, you never…” Jayden said with a bit more hostel heat then he intended. He quickly curbed his mouth and looked down at his plate for several moments, “Sorry I didn’t mean_”
“Your right I don’t know, and I’m sorry,” Hallam said cutting Jayden off. He was afraid he had ruined any chance of spending any more time with Jayden, and the rest of the meal past in silence. Jayden had wanted to pay for his own meal, but Hallam said no it had been his idea and he did order for both. As they walked back out into the afternoon sun Jayden said he should think about going back to the ship. Hallam wasn’t ready to let him go so soon. “Come with me.” He said the words were out of his mouth before he knew it. Jayden just stared at him with wide eyes. “I can’t promise you much other than a bit of an adventure.”
“I, I can’t,” Jayden said as he began to breathe hard and fast. “Everything I own is on that ship. I can’t just up and leave… can I?”
“I’ll wait for you to go and collect your things,” Hallam said. This was really not how he expected Jayden to react and was glad Jayden seem open to the idea of coming with him.
*******
Jayden stood and looked about the room he’d called home for the last four years. He said to himself that this was mad, how could he just toss it all away to follow… someone he barely knew, but here he was all packed ready to just take the biggest leap of his life. He had everything to lose and still he felt this was the right move as he gathered up his bags and walked out of the room without looking back. He slipped unseen onto a shuttle off loading debris from the ship and made his way to where Hallam said to meet. There was a moment’s panic that he wouldn’t be there, but as he rounded the corner he saw Hallam standing there with a big smile and walked into his arms and a big hug.
THE END
J
