Chapter Twenty One, A leisurely cruise home,        

The following morning Maddy cruised homeward accompanied by another forty degree day. Kristy entered the wheelhouse.

Captain greeted her with a grin. “I haven’t seen much of you dear,”

Kristy smiled at her father. “It’s been hectic,”  

“It has at that, you’ve organised a great trip. I’m proud of you,”

“Nothin to it,” she shrugged and they both laughed.  

“Could you go and give your old dad a tune. Something a bit mellow,”

Kristy nodded, kissed his cheek and left.

When she arrived at the dining room, it was packed with weary, but satisfied passengers. With the heat stifling, everyone decided the best view was the coolest.

Kristy walked to the DJ’s keyboard and scanned for her favourite laidback song.

Before she pressed the button she glanced about the dining room.

Mitch stood at the viewing windows staring at the river ahead.

May-lee sat on a high stool at the bar sipping a tangy fizz from a straw as she gazed dreamily at Jordie.   

Norman and Julio were at a table sipping champagne with their two fine ladies, Lily and her mother Agnes. The setting couldn’t be more perfect.  

“Ladies and gentlemen,” she smiled, and then paused, “Or should I say friends. On behalf of the townsfolk, Captain, the staff, myself, and of course Maddy, I’d like to thank you for supporting our cruise. I do hope everyone enjoyed themselves, and came away having had a bit of fun... and a touch of Maddytude,” A light chuckle swept the dining room at that. “I’d like to sing you a relaxing song as we make our way home to Rivers Landing,” she pressed the button and her voice, like her aunties had a songbird touch to it.

Mitch hummed along to the tune as he watched the heatwaves dancing off the water ahead. May-lee squeezed Jordie’s hand and sent him a wink; he shivered, and knew that the tingling sensations would never end.

Julio escorted Agnes onto the dance floor for a slow waltz.

Norman, Lily and the passengers followed.  

As Kristy’s voice lowered, a flock of white Cockatoos that had been shadowing them, turned as one. With their wings opened, and underbellies exposed; they were an imprint in the sky, of soft quills, sinking into the distance, with the fading of the music. And then there was silence.

Except for the chugging of Maddy’s paddlewheels churning the water. As all onboard remembered the past week of excitement and laughter. But mostly of meeting extraordinary people one special Christmas and New Year, on Kristy’s Maddy Rockx cruise... with just a touch of attitude.