It Takes Two (standard:romance, 2006 words)
Author: jaguarswildcats	Added: Nov 30 2000	Views/Reads: 3995/2466	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Madeline and Jon go on a cruise for their wedding. Madeline falls in love with Jon's best friend.

It Takes Two "Welcome to the Swan Princess II, where all your dreams
come true."   That was what the sign outside the huge cruise ship said. 
 Madeline Conard stood on the dock beside the ship and gazed in wonder. 
 I hope my dreams will come true, she thought.  That is the reason for 
coming on this trip. Suddenly, two muscular bronze arms encircled 
Madeline's waist.  The arms belonged to Madeline's fiancé, Jonathan 
Plas.  "Isn't it beautiful, Jon?" "Not as beautiful as you, Maddie." 
answered Jon, punctuating it with a kiss. Madeline cringed.  She hated 
it when he called her that.  He always called her that in high school.  
They had started dating in their sophomore year of high school.  Jon 
had been the new kid at school, and had had no friends.  The first time 
he discovered Madeline was in English class where they sat next to each 
other.  After a month of sitting next to Madeline and talking to her, 
Jon decided to ask her to Homecoming.  They had been inseparable since 
then. "Jon, sweetie, don't make a scene.  People are starting to 
stare," Madeline gasped, rosy cheeks and all. "Don't make a scene?  
We're going to be getting married in front of everyone on this ship, 
and you're worried about one little kiss," Jon said angrily. "Keep it 
down and get on the ship.  Besides, we're getting married in front of 
family and friends, not strangers," Madeline replied meekly. They 
walked to their suite in silence.  As they unpack, Jon chatted on as if 
the earlier situation hadn't happened.  "I can't wait for you to meet 
my half of the wedding party.  They'll be sure to add some life to the 
wedding." "Are you saying that my half is boring?" questioned Madeline 
accusingly. "Well, no.  It's just that women, especially you and your 
friends, don't party that much.  These guys really know how to party," 
Jon said innocently. "You know what?  I'll show you!  When we get off 
this ship, you will have married a party animal.  I plan on living this 
cruise to the fullest.  I want to start anew when we dock back in 
Florida.  I want you to know that I can party."  And with that, 
Madeline stormed out of the room and slammed the door. He just doesn't 
understand me, Madeline thought.  I'm not sure I really want to go 
through with this marriage.  She leaned against the railing and watched 
civilization disappear in the distance. Instantly Madeline felt 
something or someone coming up behind her.  "Madeline, I'm sorry I 
upset you.  This is supposed to be a special time for us, and I am 
acting like a jerk.  Please don't be mad at me," Jon expressed sweetly. 
"I'm not mad at you.  It's just that I don't understand you sometimes.  
You say things that really upset me, and then you assume that you can 
make it all better by making yourself look like the villain.  What is 
with you?" Madeline replied questioningly. Jon was stunned by 
Madeline's response.  He didn't know what to say.  "All I can say is 
that I can't wait for you to become my wife.  You mean the entire world 
to me.  I hope you know that."  Jon paused.  "I'll meet you in the 
dining area when you are ready.  My buddies will be waiting to meet 
you."  Jon walked off in a huff. Madeline looked out at the sea ahead 
of her.  She closed her eye and wished her mother were there with her.  
Mom, what should I do?  I am so confused.  Without another thought, 
Madeline started heading toward the dining room. As Madeline opened the 
door, she was greeted by laughter and buzzing of conversations.  She 
looked for Jon, but couldn't find him.  After a few minutes of looking, 
she gave up and headed toward the bar.  She sat down next to a very 
handsome man that looked to be her age.  "I'll just have a water," 
Madeline requested. "What is wrong with the lady this evening?" asked 
the stranger next to her. "I am on this cruise to get married and I'm 
not sure if I really want to."  Madeline confessed finding it easy to 
pour out her problems on this stranger. "Well, I don't know if this is 
a coincidence or not, but my best friend is getting married here.  I 
heard the bride was really something to look at." Mr. Handsome 
declared. "What is your friend's name?" Madeline questioned. Before Mr. 
Handsome could answer, Jon came staggering up to them.  "I see you have 
met my friend, honey." "What are you talking about?" asked Madeline. "I 
was about to tell you that my friend's name was Jon Plas, but I was 
interrupted by this big oaf.  How do you know Jon?" "Jon is my fiancé," 
replied Madeline. "I see.  Well, my name is Miguel Marshall and it is a 
pleasure meeting you, Madeline," Miguel answered sweetly. "Come join 
our group, you two, so I can introduce my woman to the rest of the 
crew."  Jon put his arm around Madeline and led her to the table. 
"Everyone, this is my beautiful bride-to-be.  Madeline, these are my 
friends." The only person Madeline looked at was Miguel.  There was 
something about him that struck Madeline as interesting.  She didn't 
know what, but she wanted to find out. After dinner, Madeline was 
anxious to explore the ship.  "Jon, I want to go explore the ship.  
Will you come with me?" "I want to stay with my friends and catch up on 
what I have missed over the years." "Fine.  I'll go by myself then."  


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