Jim Paris Live (james L. Paris)

My best friend, Michelle, and I decided to celebrate our thirty-year friendship. I have known her since I was five years old, and so we thought, “How about going on a cruise together?” We decided to take a Royal Caribbean cruise to the Mexican Riviera in February 2006. Just think -- seven days of fun and sun, relaxing with umbrella drinks in our hands. I couldn’t wait…But little did I know of the dangers that awaited me...  The trip started out great – Ports of call, dinners, shows, drinks in the lounges, meeting other passengers and dancing. We were having so much fun, but everything in my life changed on February 21, 2006…  Michelle and I were in the Viking Crown Lounge, when we were approached by a crewmember, whose badge indicated that he was a “security guard.” He demanded to see our IDs and asked whether we were old enough to be drinking in the bar. He asked for our cabin number.  As the night continued, Michelle and I talked and danced with other passengers. When I decided to go up and request a son