Brenda Barrett had been only 20 years old, a unsophisticated small town girl with a rich fantasy life when she and Lois Cerullo splurged on a singles cruise through the Panama Canal and into the Caribbean. The two had gone to high school together, then found work as part time assistants at a small record company in PC. One day during lunch, they got to talking about their dream vacations and discover that a luxury cruise was their shared fantasy. The next step inevitable, after one year of saving and planning, their big day had finally arrived.

  Flying out of Port Charles International Airport, they landed in Acapulco where they and other passengers heading for the cruise ship "Immortal", were met by small buses for the trip from the airport to one of the most beautfiful harbors in the world. The view from the bus tumbling down the jungleside took Brenda's breath away, She could hardly believe she was in Mexico, talk about a dream come true!!. On an impulse she turned to Lois.

  "I'm going to make the best of this vacation, she vowed. It's a once -in- a- lifetime thing, and nothing's going to hold me back. I'm going to see everything and try everything. I'm going to have enough fun and adventure to last me a lifetime".

Their glances met, Brenda's hazel brown eyes asking a question and Lois blue eyes offering confirmation.

"Nothing ventured, nothing gained, "Lois agreed, her voice trembling with excitement.

    "Exactly. Gosh Lois, I feel so alive, so free, like I'm a different person you know? This can't be possibly be happening to a little country girl from Port Charles."

 "Then don't be Brenda Barrett," Lois advised with a laugh.

"Uh oh, I know that look in your eyes".

"Well instead of being plain ole Brenda Barrett, why not Guinevere? "NO, that's too King Artur-ish." They both laughed and then Lois snapped her fingers. "By George, I think I've got it, Veronica, Veronica Monroe sexy,exotic woman of mystery. Live up to the name and this really will be a vacation of a lifetime".

  "Well Veronica is my middle name and it does sounds sophisticated, Brenda said, getting into the spirit of things. "Veronica Monroe." Brenda tried it out. Could she do it? Could she live up to such a name?"

    

Once through customs and up the gangplank onto the deck of the cruise ship, ever friendly Lois made a point of addressing Brenda as "Veronica" and introducing her that way to other passengers. They'd found their room on the Sweetheart deck, tiny but with all the necessary amenities including a window overlooking the ocean. Rushing up to the main deck, they joined the throngs of passengers waving at the poor unfortunates being left below.

 But as their departure time neared , Brenda found herself feeling more and more overwhelmed by the crowds around her. Seeing Lois in rapt conversation with an athletic looking man, she decided she needed some peace and quiet . Brenda began to stroll along the deck overlooking the bay, here the crowds was much thinner . She found a nice spot near the lifeboats and leaned against the glossy wooden rail. She closed her eyes with a sigh, trying to convince herself that she was really here on day one of a ten day adventure she could barely imagine.

    "First cruise, I take it?"

At the softly spoken voice, Brenda eyes flew open and she saw that a man had magically appeared beside her. A blond adonis, with the nicest smile she had ever seen. He wore white shorts and a pale blue shirt that brought out his beautiful eyes. His arms braced against the deck railing, revealing a stunning masculinity. But it was his aura of confidence that really attracted her. Certainly this wouldn't be his first cruise. She started to admit it, but something stopped her.

    "Would Veronica Monroe admit to such a thing? Brenda returned his smile." What makes you think that?", she countered.

  "He shrugged both shoulders."I didn't really". But it seemed a better ice breaker than a penny for you thoughts." He straightened away from the rails. "I'm Jasper Jacks, but just call me Jax", he said, his gaze catching and holding hers. I have high hopes of seeing a lot of you on this cruise."

      "Jasper huh,Hmm, I can see why you'd prefer Jax" she smiled .

Slowly Brenda extended her hand. She was finding herself completely incapable of resisting the intimacy of his gaze . I'm.... Veronica Monroe", she said softly. "I'm here with a friend of mine".

    "His strong hands closed over her small ones. She could have sworn her body tinkled from his touch. "I have every expectation of being that, at least". He squeezed her hand lightly before releasing her to turn back to the fabulous view spread out before them. "I hope you don't mind if I join you".

    "For a moment, she just stared at him, then abruptly turned around facing the rail herself, "No, not at all," she said in the most negligent tone she could summon. But her heart was pounding and she swallowed hard. Why would a handsome man like this one look twice at Brenda Barrett?

    Perhaps a luxury cruise did generate it's magic. Perhaps for a girl with the spirit to create a whole new identity for herself...anything was possible.

      Including love, a broken heart and a baby in that order.

The cruise had changed her life alright. For a while she had dared to hope. But had now managed to come to terms with her past and find joy in her baby who had completely re-directed her future. She had never expected to hear that name again: Veronica Monroe.

      Or so she had thought........