I finished varnishing the last part of the bow, stepped back and looked to inspect my houseboat. I was satisfied with the finish and I hadn't missed any bits.
I had bought it off an elderly gentleman earlier in the year, who had no use for it any longer and with a bit of loving care, I had restored it to an acceptable and living standard.
I had worked hard all spring, summer and autumn, weather permitting, and now, in time for Christmas, I was ready to move into it. I had found a stretch of land and water off Crystal Lake that I had also bought with the idea I had of living out there on my boat. There was a few wooden cabins dotted around the lake and my neighbours appeared friendly enough.
One sexy blonde had particularly caught my eye some mornings as she sipped tea or maybe it was coffee, from a mug, while on her log house balcony overlooking the lake. On occasions, I had seen her by chance and mirrored her actions by drinking a tea on the decking. I admired her from afar. If I was more artistic, I would capture the moment forever on canvas - she dressed in a man's blue shirt, looking over the misty lake with a mug in hand deep in thought. That air of mystery and stunning sexuality would no doubt ensure the sales of such a portrait. I would own two myself, one for the houseboat and one for my place in town.
I also owned a high rise apartment in town for business but this boat was now my special place, my home, my escape from the busy rat race. All it needed was a name.
Nothing immediately had sprung to mind but I had plenty of time and placed the plaque I would carve the name in to, on the kitchen counter. I brewed a tea and poured it into my "Mr Bump" mug.
I walked outside on to the deck to view the lake and wooden jetty that allowed access to my boat from the land. I could also see the blonde's cabin in the distance, far enough away to see her but not to infringe on her privacy at all.
I felt a little disappointed she was not also drinking a brew on her balcony at the same time. Maybe, I would see her tomorrow.
I had repaired the little jetty and had wood stained the walk boards and added a safety rail. I had painted it aqua and green in keeping with the forestry colours and lake. I had even erected a post box and painted it aqua as well.
My favourite colour was indeed aqua and it had remained the colour scheme in the boat. I had used aquas, greens, blues, purples and varnished wood. The main living room, however, was white with different shades of brown wood. It looked luxurious and classy, especially with a couple of white marble figurines I had bought in the village. I had managed to erect a Christmas tree and a few decorations around the boat which gave a Christmas and welcoming feel to the place.
Now that winter was here, the weather outside was cold. Some of the trees around the lake were bare of leaves with the exception of the abundant evergreens. The reflections of the trees and the different colour of the skies made for some spectacular stunning and beautiful views. It would be an artist's paradise here. It did make for stunning views.
The steam from my breath and tea swirled into the cold air and disappeared. It was Christmas in a couple of days and I was lucky to have got a good day to finish off the boat. I wore faded jeans, a superman T-shirt and a padded lumberjack shirt type jacket in blue and white check. I also wore tan coloured working men's boots.
I glanced over at the blonde's cabin again and hoped she would appear when suddenly a large bird flew in and landed on the railing to look at me and see what I was doing. It was a pelican I had affectionately named Percy. He was quite big and sturdy and easily reached as high as my waist.
Percy had befriended me while I had spent days lovingly working on my boat. I even bought crab meat for him and left it out. Percy liked it and had been a frequent visitor ever since. We had found a friendship of sorts in this strange cock-eyed world and sometimes, Percy would waddle and follow me around to keep me company. I even began to talk to him and the bird did seem to listen.
My tummy rumbled which reminded me it was time for dinner and I decided to eat at the local bar and grill. I had heard the food was quite good there. I packed up and switched the heating on to the timer. I was going to spend my first proper night in my new home. Tomorrow, I would go shopping and fetch all my groceries and items that made a home a home, including more crab and tuna for Percy.
I owned the red pick-up truck parked nearby and when done, I jumped into it and drove to the eatery not too far away leaving Percy to wander around and watch over my place.
I noticed the woman straight away sitting at the bar. She was drinking vodka and lime with ice and idly chatting to the bar man.
Sex appeal oozed from her. I mused whether she would look good in nothing but my handcuffs kneeling at my feet. I dismissed the thought. I was here to eat not feed my dominant tendencies.
I sat at a table and ordered a steak with the trimmings. The waitress seemed interested in getting to know me better but at the moment, I wanted to settle in. I therefore remained polite and smiled at her flirtations.
I finished my food, left a tip and took a walk to get a feel of this small town. I left my car parked at the Bar and Grill. That's when I saw it.
In the window of one of the shops I saw a stunning framed picture of a female pirate. There was a sailing ship in swirly fog in the background. She had dark wavy hair and was dressed in typical pirate regalia with an air of mystery.
She was a beauty and held a jewel handled sword and wore a black pirate hat but it was the feather in it that caught my eye, it was the most vivid colour of aqua.
I knew I had to buy the picture and hang it in the lounge of my houseboat.
Suddenly it was so obvious, I knew the name my home would take. What would be more fitting than - The Aqua Pirate, after this mystical, exciting woman in the portrait.
Luckily the shop was still open, although it was due to close in 5 minutes. I went inside. Shortly afterwards, I came out carrying my purchase under my arm, wrapped in brown paper and green and red Christmas ribbons.
I returned to my car to find a note on his windscreen – "I saw you eating in the Bar and Grill and thought I'd give you my phone number – I hope you don't mind, nor think I am too forward." It was followed by a mobile number and an initial S.
I smiled and thought for a moment before sending a text to the number.
"Not forward at all, but if you come to visit me, be prepared, for I will take it you are willing to be pleasured by a Master. M V."
I chuckled and wondered if she would be intrigued or offended. Then I hopped in my car and drove home to hang up my Aqua Pirate.
The next morning was Christmas Eve. I was up bright and early. Christmas songs played on my radio and Percy was already waiting for me on the deck. I opened a tin of tuna and emptied it on a tin plate for him. I switched the kettle on as I walked outside. I was naked except for some blue lounging pants that hung on my hips and the cool air from outside caused goose bumps on my skin.
I greeted the pelican and placed Percy's plate on the floor for him. The large bird watched me slyly before waddling over to the food.
I glanced over at the blonde's cabin but saw no movement. I then returned inside and made some tea. I sat drinking it at the breakfast counter making a mental list of the groceries and household items I needed.
My kitchen and lounge were open plan and "The Aqua Pirate" now hung on the wall over the fireplace. It had a length of tinsel sat on top of the frame. It caught my eye and I admired her again, pleased that I had treated myself to such a Christmas present. It suited my place.
I dressed for the cold weather and travelled into town in my red pick up to buy the items I needed. I took my time to get my bearings, grabbed a snack at lunch and made my way home.
There was a strange car parked outside The Aqua Pirate.
