Destiny's Child
Part 4
There were only two days left to Christmas and Yoshi's father returned. He wanted to meet the young man that had invited his whole family for Christmas lunch. Yoshi told Martin, who thought a cocktail party would be great on Christmas Eve. Captain Samuels arranged for extra staff for the holiday and Martin became very excited, planning for the days after Christmas as well.
Richard Fallon was very interested in this young rich boy that his son was so taken with. The family arrived onboard, en mass to be met by their host.
"Martin, I would like you to meet my father Richard, my mother Suki, my sister Annabel, Ian you know and my aunt Anne."
Martin shook hands with everybody but saved the last handshakes for Annabel and Richard.
"I am very pleased to meet you Sir," and to Annabel, "Yoshi told me he had a beautiful sister, but he understated it. I'm very pleased to meet you Annabel."
Brownie points by the score. Richard had a father's pride in his pretty daughter so Martin was already accepted.
Captain Samuels took the guests then and did all the general introductions while Martin took charge of Yoshi and Annabel.
Oriental females, or in this case, part oriental appear to be able to see relationships much quicker than their European counterparts and Annabel was no exception.
"My brother is very lucky to have found such a handsome friend Martin. I hope you will not hurt him."
Martin was surprised at that comment.
"Of course I won't. I hope we are going to be friends for a long time. I am very devious when I want something," grinning as he said it, "I am already working on ways that I can see Yoshi every time he is out of school. You'll champion me with your parents won't you?"
"You like him that much?"
"More than you'll ever know."
Yoshi was listening to this and looked at Martin with so much love Annabel knew without any doubt.
"If you love Yoshi as much as he loves you I will."
Martin blushed, looked at Yoshi and then back to Annabel.
"More, I'm sure, much more.
He and Yoshi laughed to cover their embarrassment.
"It's no good Martin, my sister misses nothing."
"Well, now she knows, you make sure she supports my efforts."
The party continued all round these three who remained in deep conversation for ages until Richard intervened.
"You look as though you are a very lucky young man Martin."
"Not really Sir, my early independence is only because I have lost my parents, and until I am 21 I have to put up with an unpleasant guardian and a load of bean counters stopping me spending my money."
Richard realised that wealth wasn't a natural passport to happiness for this young man.
"Well, from what I have seen, and my son's enthusiasm for his new friend, I imagine you have the beginnings of a new family here."
Martin was overcome with this early acceptance. He teared up as he said thank you and almost ran from the salon to his suite, closely followed by Yoshi.
Richard saw the tears and realised then how young Martin really was, against how old he tried to be.
Yoshi had Martin in a serious cuddle as soon as they were in his suite.
"I'm sorry Yoshi, your father was just so nice and it was so unexpected."
"For me too. Dad must like you very much already to say that. Are you really going to try to be with me all my holidays?"
"Oh yes, if you will let me. I love you so much already, I don't want to be away from you ever."
Holiday romance? I don't think so. These two young men had it bad.
The party was deemed a complete success, after which the flight crew and ship's crew not on duty all piled ashore for dinner in one of the many restaurants in Falmouth and English Harbours.
Martin and Yoshi were invited but thought they would be an embarrassment because of their age and lack of drinking alcohol at this stage of their lives.
"Martin, thank you for a wonderful party. My family would be delighted if you would dine with us."
"Thank you Sir, I would like that very much."
Dinner problem solved.
The important thing for Richard was to see how Martin handled himself with regard to alcohol. He knew that young men, particularly rich young men with no supervising adults were easily led into drinking. He was delighted. Martin had one glass of wine with dinner the same as he allowed his own son.
"Are you sure you wouldn't like some more wine Martin?"
"Quite sure Sir, one glass is more than enough for me. I would like some more mineral water though."
That reply could not have been more welcome.
"So young man, what time are we expected for lunch tomorrow?"
"1300 would be very good Sir, we will probably have champagne and sit down for lunch about 1330."
"Mmm, champagne sounds good."
"Yes Sir. I won't be going ashore afterwards so I will probably have two glasses tomorrow. I do rather like Bubbly, much more thrilling than 7Up."
Martin laughed and the remainder of the table joined in.
"I think we should drop the Sir, Martin, I am quite happy for you to call me Richard and my wife Suki."
"Thank you Sir, that's very kind of you. I'll try, but my grandfather was very strict about how I addressed my elders, I might find that a little difficult."
More and more, Richard liked this young man. =========================================================================== Christmas Day was unbelievable. Martin had not met the purser because he was off island arranging all of the Christmas Fair. Very sneaky, he had it transported down from St. Martin, a duty free island ninety miles away, with European style shopping. Everything was transferred to the yacht direct becoming duty free ships stores.
"Mr. David must have relented a little Martin. He sanctioned this extra expense for Christmas, knowing that you would approve the accounts when they showed this."
Martin laughed hard enough to almost wet his pants.
"I ought to fly home immediately Captain, I'm sure he must have had a stroke."
More laughter, but what a wonderful surprise.
What Captain Samuels had not said was that there was a very special present from David and his family for Martin.
The salon had been decorated while Martin was ashore with Yoshi's family so he hadn't seen it fully until Christmas morning. Underneath the tree, and spread out all round it were presents for everyone who was going to be at lunch. Martin was almost speechless with surprise.
"I took the liberty of phoning Adrian in St. Martin, giving him details of all the guests. We didn't know what to do about you and Yoshi so I hope the present we have bought you both is acceptable."
"Oh gosh Captain. I have been so thoughtless, I haven't bought Yoshi anything."
"I guessed. I took the liberty of asking a representative of Abbot's to be here after breakfast with a selection of their goods."
Martin wanted to hug the Captain, he was being so nice and so thoughtful.
"I don't know what to say. I wish Uncle David was even half as nice as you."
The array of presents was stunning. Martin chose a very attractive dress watch and Captain Samuels nearly had a fit. It was identical to the one David had sent out for Martin, it was a very expensive gold with a beautifully carved crocodile skin strap, `tres elegante', as the French would say. What could he do though, it was patently obvious Martin wouldn't be dissuaded he had gone straight for it.
"If Sir, would like it engraved I have a small portable engraver with me."
That was it. `To Yoshi, much love, Martin.'
Deal done. After breakfast all of the staff gathered in the salon for one drink and to open their presents. Captain Samuels had told Martin they were all labelled from him so please don't show any surprise. Tears were fighting to get out and the captain sealed it by hugging his young employer. Martin ran for his suite again. How could he be so lucky to be surrounded by people that thought so much of him and one who loved him. When he had regained his composure he showered and changed into his smartest clothes to join the Captain again and welcome all his crew.
Martin had previously talked to the chef about Boxing Day.
"If you do all cold meats and salads Chef, we can go self service and staff will all be able to relax. We'll have it all in the main dining room and then staff and guests can be together."
Just another sign of what a thoroughly nice boy the new boss was.
The guests all arrived in their best clothes, but Anne had dressed both her children in traditional Japanese attire. Martin was totally stupefied by Yoshi's dress, he was wearing the ceremonial dress of a Samurai Warrior, replete with a Katana and the much shorter Wakizashi swords.
Yoshi approached Martin with a broad grin on his face and bowed low, before facing his host and leaning in to give him a traditional French greeting, kissing him on the cheek three times.
"I will protect you with my life my love," was whispered as he gripped the handle of his Katana, (the long Samurai killing sword).
Martin was totally overjoyed by his lovers dress and greeting. Taking Yoshi's hand he turned him to face everyone.
"Oh, look everyone, I have a Samurai to protect me today."
Both boys were laughing, and Martin couldn't remember ever being this happy.
Before being called for lunch, everyone was offered a glass of champagne while they opened presents.
When Yoshi opened his he looked at Martin and then took it straight to his father.
"Dad, what do I do with this? I can see that it is awfully expensive. Should I decline it gracefully?"
Richard took it and looked at it, noticing the engraving.
"I don't think you can Son, look at the back."
Yoshi did and blushed incredibly deep.
"Is there something I should know about you and Martin?"
Annabelle had seen the situation unfold.
"No Daddy, I'm sure Yoshi will tell you that he and Martin have become very close friends. It wouldn't be fair to quiz him any further."
Richard was quite surprised at this intervention.
"I suppose, young lady, that you are party to this relationship?"
"Yes Daddy, and I think it is marvellous."
Richard just threw up his hands.
"Well I suppose I had better just trust you to be careful and tell me anything you think I need to know."
He was sure he already knew, the watch just confirmed it.
"Yoshi, you will have to thank Martin profusely."
Martin by this time had opened his present from David's family and was stood speechless looking at it as Yoshi approached. Showing it to his lover he said.
"I had no idea, I have only just opened this present. I would never have expected my uncle to have bought me something like this. A pair of socks would have been more his style."
Both boys laughed at this comment, knowing that David was very rich.
The purser and Sam, between them had done an astounding job buying presents that everyone thought appropriate. Martin was overcome by all the thanks, but was so happy that the tears were passed off as happy tears and his bonus was having Yoshi wipe them away, giving Richard more confirmation of the way his thinking was going.
Now he really did have a problem. His son was only fifteen, and although Martin was only one year older, he had considerable monetary assets that he could use to influence Yoshi. If the relationship was totally genuine on both sides he could handle it, but it would be devastating if Martin was just playing with his son's feelings.
Lunch was an amazing affair. The yacht's staff coupled with the temporary staff kept service at fine dining restaurant level to match the food. When everyone was replete and sat back finishing off drinks and coffee, Martin tapped his glass to get everyone's attention.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to have welcomed you on board Thermopylae for this Christmas Lunch. Please feel free to remain on board. The swimming pool is available and the staff have access to lots of swimwear if you wish to indulge. There will be snacks and drinks available for the remainder of the day. I would love you all to come back tomorrow as well for a much less formal day. The Purser has organised deck games and chef is producing a buffet lunch so that all the staff can be my guests tomorrow as well." Looking at the temporary staff Martin continued. "I would like you all to feel free to join in as I have spoilt your Christmas Day for you."
He sat down again as the applause from everyone shook the windows.
Captain Samuels stood up and thanked Martin for the wonderful presents and the invitation for the next day on behalf of the crew and temporary staff. Richard, as the elder of the family thanked Martin from his family and accepted the invitation for the next day.
Martin couldn't remember a better Christmas Day, even when his parents were alive. He and Yoshi were the first at the pool, bagging the best sun beds, and in Yoshi's case a well placed umbrella.
The remainder of the day was perfect but people retired early giving the staff a chance to clear everything ready for the next day. They knew they would serve breakfast lay out the dining room for the buffet lunch and then be free.
Martin was surprised to see Richard come aboard earlier than his family and ask to speak to Martin privately.
"I won't beat about the bush Martin. I have seen the engraving on the back of Yoshi's watch so I am aware of your relationship."
Martin went very pale.
"I have a very good opinion of you from what I have already seen and I welcome you to my family as a friend of my son. What you are though is more than a friend, and to be honest, that disappoints me. Regardless of the sexual side of this relationship, you are still a welcome friend, but I am worried about my son emotionally if you are just playing with his affection."
Martin gasped.
"Oh no Sir, I think I am so lucky to have found a friend like Yoshi. I have every intention of looking after that friendship. My money has never meant an awful lot to me up to now, but I want to use some of it now to be where Yoshi is when he is not at school. I promise that with your permission I will show Yoshi at every opportunity that I think the world of him."
"You realise then that love brings with it huge responsibility?"
Martin dropped his eyes. He had studiously avoided using that word in front of Richard, but now he could. He looked up, straight into Richard's piercing gaze.
"I have known for some time that I liked boys. Finding Yoshi is the best thing I could possibly have wished for. I already love him very much and I swear I will never hurt him."
Martin relaxed then as he saw Richard's eyes soften their look.
"If that is true, and I believe it is, I will keep you in the loop for our school holiday planning."
"Thank you Sir, I promise I won't let you down."
Richard stood up then, quickly followed by Martin. A hand shake looked in the offing, but Martin gasped as Richard took him in his arms for a hug and a very quiet.
"I would have preferred a daughter in law, but it looks like I might end up with two sons in law."
Oh dear. Emotions running so high the tears fell again and Richard had to remind himself that this young man was only one year older than his son, and had no parents to turn to.
"I am aware of your domestic situation Son. If you ever need an understanding adult friend, I would be honoured if you came to me."
"Really Sir?"
Martin saw Richard nod.
"Oh thank you."
"Now, I suppose I had better go and collect my family if we are going to join you for lunch again."
You have 11,000 words here, and a natural place to finish. I have, however, got enough ideas for this story to continue it for a lot longer. Whether I do or not depends on how much you have enjoyed it and don't want it to end.
Let me know and if there is enough interest I'll continue it.