Four sisters and a Dumpling

Outside the expansive executive office, with its large windows showcasing both the bustling activity of the main workspace and a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline, employees were busy at their desks, walking efficiently with purposeful strides clutching folders, and animatedly discussing ideas in the middle of the room. Inside, seated behind an enormous teak desk, was Rionne, who had grown her business into a well-regarded success and earned herself a place as an icon in the industry.

As she finished up her conversation on the phone, her facial expression conveyed a mix of fierce determination and tiredness.

“Are you sure?” she said with a sigh. “Yeah, I might just do that! Thanks!”

Rionne sat still for a moment, contemplating her options. They had just finished a big launch of a new product, and she felt tired. She needed a boost of energy, and this time, a latte wouldn’t be enough!

Rionne sprung to her feet, sending her chair skidding backwards across the room. Her secretary jumped in surprise, nearly knocking over her cup of coffee.

“Everything ok Ms. De La Guardie?” She asked nervously. Rionne paused for a moment, running a hand through her hair before replying.

“Everything is fine Sarah; I’m just taking off early. Hold all calls for the day.” With that she grabbed her purse and made for the door, hurrying away from any further questions.

#

Rionne kept glancing at her phone, her fingers growing more and more restless as she opened the WhatsApp group chat for the umpteenth time. The message was still there:

“Meet me at the usual Starbucks in downtown Manhattan. Need a break from work.”

She heaved a sigh and took a sip of cool liquid from her glass, waiting anxiously for her sisters to come walking through the door. Rionne scanned the bustling coffee house, her light blue eyes lingering on the scattered wooden tables and mismatched chairs for a moment until her three-year younger sister Claudette called out her name.

She looked up to see her red-haired figure weaving between customers, bright brown eyes sparkling with anticipation. Angelica, five years the junior of Rionne, hung back near the door, throwing away her cigarette and sending wisps of smoky air around her short, spiked hair. The jingle of the entrance bell accompanied Claudette’s steps as she made a beeline straight towards Rionne.

“Sorry we’re late,” Claudette said, pulling Rionne into a hug, while Angelica gave her a quick one-armed squeeze. “You know how it is –” Claudette smirked, “– busy lives and all.”

“Speak for yourself,” Angelica retorted, rolling her deep blue eyes. “I had to wait for Miss Fashionably Late over here to pick an outfit.”

Claudette threw her head back and laughed, her red hair cascading down her back. She slowly lowered herself onto the chair, crossing one long leg over the other. “Hey, looking fabulous takes time,” she said with a wink.

“Where’s Julia?” Rionne asked, scanning the room for any sign of their youngest sister.

“Running late, as usual,” Angelica grumbled, checking her own phone for updates. “Says she’ll be here soon.”

Twenty minutes slowly ticked by as the three sisters chatted about work, life, and everything in between. Rionne found herself leaning forward, her exhaustion forgotten as she laughed at Angelica’s latest concert tale.

Just then, the door flew open, and Julia rushed in, the faint smell of smoke trailing her entrance. Her hair was slightly mussed, but she still held a hint of movie-star glamour.

“Sorry I’m late!” Julia gushed, hurrying over to the table. Her long blonde hair was tousled, framing her emerald-green eyes in a way that made it hard to stay mad at her. “I had some last-minute business to attend to.”

Angelica’s mouth twitched as her eyes darted between Julia and Claudette. Her voice was playful as she drawled, “Did you just say ‘business’ or ‘pleasure’?”

Julia’s face flushed bright red, and she opened her mouth to reply before Claudette jumped in with a sly smirk, “Both, probably.”

Julia rolled her eyes and feigned indignation with an exaggeratedly outraged voice, “Hey!” She winked at the two sisters, and the laughter from the three of them filled the room.

“Alright, enough with the teasing,” Rionne declared, grinning at their shared banter. “Now that we’re all here, there’s something important I wanted to talk about.”

The sisters leaned in closer, eager to hear what Rionne had to say. “Let me just grab another coffee first,” Rionne said, rising from her seat and making her way to the counter.

She ordered a Venti caramel macchiato, her go-to drink for those days when she felt like her energy was running on empty. Rionne sighed and tapped her foot impatiently as she stood at the counter, waiting for her order.

The fatigue from running her business was evident in her slumped posture and the shadows that seemed to darken her pale blue eyes, though they were framed by reading glasses that somehow only made them more intense. She ran a hand through her hair, trying to ignore the tension that knotted her neck and shoulders as she thought of all the work that awaited when she returned home.

“Here’s your macchiato, ma’am,” the barista announced, handing Rionne her coffee with a smile.

“Thanks,” Rionne replied, taking a sip and instantly feeling the warmth spread through her body, invigorating her ever so slightly. She returned to the table, her sisters watching her with concern.

“Alright, I’ll get straight to the point,” Rionne began, taking another sip of her macchiato. “I love you all, and our little get-togethers are always a blast, but I desperately need a holiday.”

“Tell us something we don’t know,” Angelica quipped, rolling her eyes playfully.

“Seriously,” Claudette chimed in, her concern evident. “You’ve been working yourself to the bone, Rionne. We’ve all noticed.”

“True,” Julia nodded in agreement, her green eyes sparkling with mischief. “But if you’re looking for a vacation, I might have an idea.”

“Go on,” Rionne encouraged, curiosity piqued. She could see the excitement brimming in Julia’s eyes, her youngest sister always had a penchant for planning their adventures. “Picture this,” Julia began, leaning forward conspiratorially. “A seven-day cruise on my flagship vessel, the ‘Majestic Seas.’ We’ll depart from Miami and sail to the Caribbean, stopping at exotic islands along the way.”

“Julia, that sounds incredible!” Rionne exclaimed, a smile breaking through her exhaustion. The idea of sunbathing on the deck, exploring new places, and spending quality time with her sisters sounded like just the escape she needed.

“Count me in,” Claudette agreed, her eyes glinting with anticipation. “It’s been ages since our last holiday together.”

“Sounds perfect,” Angelica added, grinning widely. “But maybe we should leave our workaholic sister behind? Just to be safe?”

“Very funny,” Rionne shot back, her smile widening despite herself. She couldn’t deny the appeal of Julia’s proposal, and she knew deep down that she needed this break more than anything.

“Wait a minute,” Angelica interjected, her smile fading into a hesitant expression. She tucked a blond strand of hair behind her ear, revealing the various tattoos adorning her pale skin. “I mean, it sounds amazing, but I don’t know if I can just drop everything and go on vacation right now.”

“Angel, what are you talking about?” Rionne asked, her piercing light blue eyes narrowing with concern as she sipped her caramel macchiato. She knew how important Angelica’s music career was to her, but she also knew that everyone needed a break, including her Rockstar sister.

“I’ve got gigs booked, interviews, rehearsals...” Angelica trailed off, worry etched across her face. “My fans are counting on me, and I don’t want to disappoint them by suddenly taking a week off.”

“First of all,” Claudette chimed in, her dark brown eyes reflecting empathy as she leaned forward, resting her hand reassuringly on Angelica’s arm. “You’re not disappointing anyone, Angie. We all need a break sometimes. And besides, your fans will understand.”

“Exactly,” Julia added, her green eyes sparkling with determination. “In fact, they might even appreciate you more when you come back from the cruise, refreshed and full of new inspiration for your music.”

“Think about it, Angelica,” Rionne urged, her voice softening with understanding. “When was the last time you had a proper vacation? A chance to truly relax and recharge?”

Angelica hesitated, her deep blue eyes darting between her sisters. She knew they were right; she couldn’t remember the last time she’d taken a break without feeling guilty about it. It was true that she needed some downtime, but the idea of leaving her fans hanging still gnawed at her conscience.

“Look,” Claudette said, squeezing Angelica’s arm gently. “You don’t have to decide right now. Just think about it, okay?”

“Fine,” Angelica sighed, giving her sisters a small, reluctant smile. “I’ll think about it.”

“Good,” Rionne replied, her own smile returning as she clinked her coffee cup against Angelica’s in a mock toast. “To sisterly vacations and much-needed breaks.”

“Cheers to that,” Claudette added, laughing melodiously before taking a sip of her beverage.

Angelica stared into her coffee, the steam swirling around her face as if it were revealing the storm of thoughts brewing in her mind. The swirls seemed to dance before her eyes, mimicking the way Rionne and Claudette continued to encourage her to join them on the cruise. Their voices, filled with warmth and understanding, became a soothing balm that began to chip away at her resistance.

“Listen,” Rionne said, her piercing light blue eyes locking onto Angelica’s, “we all need a break sometimes. You deserve this vacation just as much as any of us.”

“Besides,” Claudette chimed in, her dark brown eyes shining with excitement, “we’ll be together. It’ll be like our old sisterly adventures, but on a grander scale.” She grinned widely, revealing her dimples.

Angelica couldn’t help but smile back, feeling the weight of her sisters’ love and support. Deep down, she knew they were right. With a sigh of surrender, she finally relented. “Alright, you win. I’m in.”

“Really?” Rionne asked, a hint of surprise and relief in her voice.

“Really,” Angelica confirmed, rolling her eyes playfully. “Now let’s talk about what we’re going to do on this cruise, so I can start getting excited about it.”

“First things first,” Julia declared, pulling out her phone to show them pictures of the ship. “We absolutely have to spend time sunbathing on the deck. We’ll get the perfect tan while sipping on margaritas.”

“Sounds perfect,” Rionne agreed, leaning in to see the photos better. “And we should definitely catch some live shows. There must be a band playing... like jazz or something?”

“Ooh, I love jazz!” Claudette exclaimed, clapping her hands together. “And don’t forget the fine dining options. I can already taste the lobster and champagne.”

“Slow down, Claudette,” Angelica teased. “We don’t want to gain ten pounds before we even step off the ship.”

“Ha! You could use ten pounds on your skinny ass!” Julia said with a grin.

“My ass is just fine...” Angelica said as she took a sip of her coffee.

“I agree, your ass is great,” Rionne commented as she leaned over to look at Angelica’s butt. “It’s your breasts that could use some extra weight!”

“Oh, shut your cookie hole!” Angelica said, enjoying the banter and feeling her heart grow lighter with each shared laugh.

“Wait, what about the bars?” Julia asked, her eyes widening. “Oh! And there is this Karaoke bar too! We could all go and sing our hearts out.”

“Count me in,” Rionne chuckled. “But only if you promise not to make fun of my terrible singing voice.”

Angelica clapped her hands together, her raspy voice filled with amusement. “Deal,” she said as a sly smile grew across her face. “As long as I get to choose what I’ll be singing, it’ll be a blast.”

As they continued to discuss their plans for the cruise, the playful warmth of their conversation enveloped Angelica like a comforting blanket. It wasn’t just about the activities they’d enjoy or the delicious food they’d consume; it was about the bond they shared as sisters, the unspoken understanding and support that would carry them through whatever life threw at them. And perhaps, Angelica thought, that was worth more than any concert or cheering crowd.

#

As the days counted down to their cruise, the sisters’ WhatsApp group chat buzzed with a whirlwind of messages. Their excitement was palpable, and each sister contributed her own unique brand of humour and wit.

“Guys, I’m packing my suitcase and it’s already overflowing,” Claudette lamented, sending a photo of clothes piled high on her bed. “How am I supposed to fit all these outfits in?”

“Easy,” Angelica quipped, “just leave half of them at home and wear each outfit twice. No one will notice.”

“Angelica,” Julia chimed in, “I know you’re used to wearing leather pants for three days straight, but some of us like to keep things fresh.” She added a winking emoji for good measure.

“Ouch, burn,” Rionne commented, chuckling to herself as she scrolled through the conversation. Her fingers paused over the screen as she contemplated her next message. “Speaking of fresh... do we need to bring any... protection? You know, just in case.”

“What, like sunscreen?” Julia messaged Julia’s reply is a photo of a tube of sunscreen with a troll face super-imposed on the label.

“Rionne! Are you planning on having a wild time on this cruise?” Claudette teased; her delight evident in the string of laughing emojis that followed.

“Hey, better safe than sorry,” Rionne defended herself, feeling a slight blush creep up her cheeks. “But seriously, should we pack condoms or something?”

“Or what about a dildo?” Angelica suggested, her raspy tone practically audible in her text. “I mean, if we’re going to be away from our usual sources of entertainment”

“Whatever floats your boat,” Julia replied, unfazed by the bold suggestion. “Just remember, there’s a lot more to this cruise than romance and hook-ups.”

“Of course!” Claudette agreed. “Like sunbathing on the deck, attending live shows, and trying out the ship’s restaurants and bars. We’ve got plenty to keep us occupied.”

“Exactly,” Rionne typed, feeling a sense of relief. She knew her sisters would understand her concerns, as they always did. “Alright then, ladies. Let’s finish packing and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.”

With that, the sisters dove into their preparations, each filling their suitcases with an array of swimsuits, sunscreen, and formal wear for the captain’s dinner. As they zipped up their luggage and double-checked their lists, anticipation thrummed through them like a live wire.

#

As the four sisters stood by the curb, watching their luggage being loaded into a separate car, it was hard for an outsider to believe they were siblings. Each of them had their unique personalities and styles that made them stand out from one another.

Rionne, the oldest, had a stern face and intense light blue eyes that seemed to focus like an eagle. Her lean body was trimmed by thousands of mornings runs and workouts at the gym in her firm, giving her a commanding presence.

Claudette was ever the fashionista and a big influence in the fashion industry, known as the Red Dragon. She had a keen eye for style and could turn even the most mundane outfit into a fashion statement.

Angelica stood tall, with her dress and tattoos, shouting out ‘Rockstar,’ and her posture screaming ‘Look at me!’ With her raspy voice and rebellious attitude, she embodied the spirit of rock and roll.

Julia was the “girl next door,” with her blonde hair in big curls and her turquoise eyes. She exuded a sweet and innocent vibe that contrasted with her sisters’ more edgy personalities.

Despite their differences, the sisters shared an unbreakable bond that had been forged through years of shared experiences and memories. They were each other’s confidants, cheerleaders, and support system. Whenever life got tough, they knew they could count on each other to be there, no matter what.

As they watched their luggage being loaded into the car, a sense of excitement and anticipation filled the air. They were about to embark on a seven-day cruise on Julia’s flagship vessel, the ‘Majestic Seas,’ departing from Miami and sailing to the Caribbean. It was a chance for them to escape their busy lives and spend quality time together, catching up and creating new memories.

And as they climbed into the limousine, dressed in their finest attire and adorned with sparkling jewellery, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of freedom and adventure. They were ready to embrace every moment of the cruise, to try new things, meet new people, and most importantly, to strengthen their bond as sisters.

“Can you believe we’re actually doing this?” Claudette asked, her eyes shining with happiness.

“Believe it or not,” Angelica said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips, “I’m really looking forward to it.”

“Me too,” Julia added, her green eyes sparkling. “It’s going to be unforgettable.”

“Absolutely,” Rionne agreed, her heart swelling with love and gratitude for the incredible bond she shared with her sisters. For once, she allowed herself to let go of her usual serious demeanour, embracing the joy of the moment.

As the limo pulled away from the curb, the four women exchanged glances, knowing that this cruise held not only the promise of relaxation and fun but also the chance to strengthen their unbreakable connection– laughter, love, and sisterhood, intertwined in perfect harmony.

#

As they stood on the pier, with their luggage being unloaded from the van behind them, Julia’s heart raced as they gazed upon the grand ship before them. The ship had three large outdoor pools and provided entertainment for more than 4500 people. Its white hull rose fourteen decks high, gleaming in the brilliant sunlight. Julia gasped in wonderment as every window glittered and smoke billowed from two shining smokestacks.

“She’s a beauty, isn’t she?” she exclaimed. Angelica glanced over at Claudette’s suitcase, which was nearly bursting with clothes for every occasion.

“Are you sure the ship will fit all of those clothes, Claudette?” Angelica teased, throwing away her cigarette stump and ignoring any response.

“Oh, shut up!” Claudette smiled. The four sisters stepped onto the cruise liner, and their eyes widened in awe. They made their way to their suites, which were uniquely designed—no two alike.

As they explored, other passengers bustled around them, carrying their luggage down the hallways or simply admiring the grand scale of the vessel.

“So, what next?” Rionne asked her sisters. Julia’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she suggested,

“Let’s go to the pool! This ship has a swim-up bar.”

“Sounds like a plan to me,” Angelica agreed, already imagining herself sipping on a fruity cocktail while soaking up the sun.

They changed into bikinis in their suites and put on the complementary bathrobes, except for Angelica, who was happy wearing a bikini. As they made their way to the pool deck, the sisters felt a sense of freedom and adventure. They had left their worries behind and were ready to embrace every moment of the cruise.

Upon arriving at the pool, they took off their bathrobes and headed straight for the swim-up bar. The bartender greeted them with a friendly smile and asked what they would like to drink.

“I’ll have a piña colada,” Claudette said, grinning from ear to ear.

“Vodka Red bull,” Angelica added, winking at the bartender.

“I’ll have a margarita,” Julia said, as she adjusted her sunglasses.

Rionne hesitated for a moment before saying, “I’ll just have water for now.”

The sisters clinked their glasses together in a toast to sisterhood and new adventures. They spent the rest of the day lounging by the pool, sipping on tropical drinks, and chatting with other passengers.

After reserving a table for the dinner, they decided to go bar hopping, they stumbled upon a bar called Pirate Cove. Upon entering, they were immediately greeted by a cacophony of voices and music.

“Drinks?” Julia asked her sisters.

“Surprise us! Claudette said as they began searching for a table.

Julia made her way to an empty stool at the bar, feeling eyes on her from every corner of the room. Soon enough three young men were beside her, introducing themselves and making advances. She smiled politely, initially enjoying the attention. The alpha of the group - tall with broad shoulders and a shock of golden hair - strode over. He was clearly intoxicated, but his smile was charming.

“So how come a beautiful girl like yourself is on this cruise,” he said. Julia took in his appearance - light blue eyes, mischievous grin, and biceps straining against a tight t-shirt - but shook her head. He was too drunk to take any pleasure from it.

Julia nervously bit her lower lip and looked over at the group of her three sisters in the corner, before turning back to the bar. She tugged on a strand of her hair and sighed as she put some of her drink coupons on the counter, avoiding eye contact when she said,

“I’m here with my sisters, why don’t I get you a round and I’ll go back to them, ok?”

“Where are you going, gorgeous?” The blond guy stepped into her path, a wide smile on his face as he grabbed her wrist and tugged her back toward the bar. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he added, “We just want a chance to have a good time!”

Julia winced in pain as the grip around her wrist tightened. She glared at her assailant, her face contorted in anger and fear.

Suddenly, a voice broke through the tension: “What’s going on here?” Rionne asked, her tone friendly but commanding.

“Who the hell are you? Her mom?” the Alpha responded. Rionne marched up to the scene and gave Julia an encouraging nod.

“Come, let’s go,” she said, motioning for Julia to join her. But Julia was still trapped between them, unable to move.

“Hey, hey! What’s up, gorgeous?” one of the men said, putting his hands up in a calming gesture.

“Julia, come on!” Rionne said, gently trying to take Julia’s hand.

“Oh, hey! Excuse me, can you wait a minute?” the blond man said, hindering them from leaving.

Rionne’s muscles tensed as she stepped closer to Julia, intending to grab her arm and drag her away.

“Listen, you don’t know who she is, and you don’t want any trouble!” Rionne turned to Julia. “Let’s go,” she said quietly.

The blond man blocked Rionne’s path, his height dwarfing her.

“No... why don’t you go?” he said menacingly.

As Angelica sat by the table watching, while smoking a cigarette, she could feel the tension radiating from the group. Sighing, and exclaiming a silent “God dammit!” to herself she put the cigarette in the ashtray and stepped forward, her steel-toed boots clacking on the floor. Her raspy voice cut through the air, “What’s happening here?”

The blond-haired man straightened his posture and flashed Angelica a cheesy grin. “Oh hey! More MILFs in da house!” extending his arms in a welcoming pose. “This is going to be one hell of a party!” He exclaimed.

Angelica narrowed her eyes at him, then spat back, “Suck my dick, Goldilocks!” She turned to Julia. “You ok Jules?”

Julia nodded silently. One of the other guys snickered and pointed at Angelica. “I think this one is a tranny!” He teased.

Angelica’s face contorted with rage as the blond man grabbed her groin. She quickly brought her head forward and heard a sickening crunch as she connected with his nose. She then reached out and clamped her nails into the second man’s groin, drawing an agonized yelp from him. Her deep blue eyes blazed with anger as she declared in a fierce voice, “Why don’t you two monkeys get out of here or I’ll make you both wish you had no dicks to begin with!”

The two men stumbled backwards in fear at the sight of Angelica – this punk rocker with tattoos etched across her skin like barbed wire, clearly meant business, her eyes glaring with a crazy fury. But before they could reach the exit doors, three burly security guards that Julia had summoned blocked their escape route.

“Fucking retards!” Angelica stated, as she glared at the men disappearing out of the bar guided by the security.

“Are they going to the brig?” Rionne asked Julia.

“Let’s just say, they will have a free excursion waiting tomorrow!”

As the sun began to set, the sisters decided to head back to the restaurant, and they were all looking forward to a delicious meal and some quality time together.

Rionne linked her arm through her sisters’ and walked down the hallway, savouring the moment. The warm sun lit their faces, and a gentle breeze blew across them as they moved in perfect sync. She felt grateful for this special connection she shared with her siblings.