The absolute best way to get to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, is to fly into San Juan and then take a small plane directly to Tortola. Don’t let anyone tell you to fly to St. Thomas in the US Island, because then you will probably have to take the Ferry over to Tortola. Ugh Ugh Ugh.  The reason I hate going that way, is because I get seasick. Sometimes the water can be rough, and that means I have to travel by rail. (Meaning leaning over the rail, that is.)

I was lucky I went in October, as it was a tad early for hurricane season. I did research before I booked, so I could figure out the best places to visit and stay. The travel agent suggested the New Fort Burt Hotel. She said it was air conditioned. I don’t normally like air conditioning, but she said on the weekends, there were loads of parties at other nearby hotels. She had just been there a few months before. She admitted the only way to get sleep was to shut the windows and wear ear plugs.

I’m not big on parties, too many drunk guys bugging the women and only out for one thing. I wanted to work on my new game while I was there. 

When I went down to the terrace for breakfast the next day, I discovered one major thing the damned travel women forgot to tell me. No-seeums. You absolutely cannot see them, but they must be a set of flying teeth. And the itch. OMG. had to run back to the room to grab my mosquito repellant. The problem is it didn’t last long because I was in the hot sun and when I sweated, the repellant must have evaporated.

I gobbled my food and rushed back to my room to shower and ease the itching. 

I decided I needed beach time, so I grabbed my computer, a towel, sunglasses, a large hat, and walked down to the next hotel, which had a small but secluded beach.

Once there, I set myself under an umbrella. Neither my computer nor my face needed extra sun, but I could do with a tan on my pasty legs.

I sighed. Everything was perfect. The view was spectacular, and not overly hot, because the breeze from the trades kept everything a marvelous temperature. Soon, I had a large rum punch filled with fruit and a jaunty paper umbrella on a small table beside me, plus my favorite computer nestled on my lap. My new video game was going so well, that I knew when I got back, Nick would love it. I was feeling so happy, I decided I would commit to his team work thing, and keep my job. I couldn’t face working with any other boss.

All was right with the world. 

It was the end of the big tourist season, so there were few people around. I don’t know why, but I always seem to attract the dorks. A shadow crossed over my legs, and I was forced to look up. Sure enough some idiot stood there mumbling about a drink. I gave him a short no, but he persisted. I gave him my evil eye, and asked what was there about the word ‘No’, that he didn’t understand. I flicked my fingers at him indicate he should leave. Then I ignored him. He finally left.

I caught the time on the computer and couldn’t believe I’d been there for so long. Plus I think my legs were sunburned. I gathered my stuff, and headed back to Fort Burt.

In my room, I took another shower and slathered myself all over with Aloe Vera, which eased the burn on my legs. I had ordered lunch before I jumped into the shower, so I had just finished dressing when there was a knock at the door. Standing there was a nervous looking young waiter, pushing a room service cart. I stood aside to let him in, and he stuttered over a curried goat sandwich and some sort of fruit drink. He was practically trembling he was so uncomfortable. I nearly burst out laughing when I saw his name tag. Souris. What sort of family would lay the name of a rodent on a poor child, even if he did look rather mousy. Are some guys just born into cruel families?

I signed the cheque, gave him a big tip because I felt sorry for the poor kid, and he left.

The goat sandwich sat a bit heavily on my stomach. I needed exercise so I could get back to work on my computer, without feeling bloated. The large sandwich made me a little sleepy but I didn’t want to be tempted to have a nap. I took off my shorts and put on my jeans. I stuffed the room card in my pocket, and left the hotel to walk up the hills behind the hotel. It was rather rough going, and I probably should have put on better shoes than flip-flops.

I walked for while, and did a double take when I looked at the sky. There was a storm coming, complete with nasty black clouds. I sure didn’t need to get caught in a downpour, so I was about to turn back when the first rain drops hit me. I scanned the area for shelter and was so relieved when I saw some ruins close by. The first room I entered had no roof, but I caught sight of a door and rushed toward it just as the sky let loose and almost buried me with a deluge of rain and hail.

I grabbed the handle of the door and someone pushed me. What the?

Everything went black.