"We have no other choice." Amber insisted. "We've been drifting down the coast for over two days. We have no gas for the boat and we are running out of supplies. We need to go to shore."
"I agree our best bet is on land and not on this boat." Jay agreed.
It has been a week since the mallrats where forced from the comfort of the city to the uncertain sea. The wear and tear of life at sea and living in such close quarters was beginning to wear on everyone. Slade and Ebony kept to themselves often staying only on the rear of the boat. May and Salene spent most of the day looking after the younger kids. They had their hands full keeping Lottie, Sammy, and Gel in line while trying to watch after Ruby who was still recovering from her accident. Trudy spent a lot of time with Ram and Jack. Ellie preoccupied herself with keeping the boat as clean as possible, a task that was seemingly pointless. Amidst the chaos Jay and Amber managed to steal a moment of two away form everyone.
They where now standing in the small control room of the boat trying to decide what their next move should be. Lex was actually in agreement with Amber about leaving the boat.
"What about Ruby we cant leave her behind?" Slade asked as he leaned against the door frame with Ebony right next to him.
"She is strong enough to make it. As long as we have plenty of water and go at a reasonable pace." May answered.
"What about the children?" Trudy asked.
"We have no choice but to take them with us." Amber shrugged.
"Look, it's our only option. We either go ashore or sit here and die." Lex said ever so poetically.
"I agree." Slade offered.
Everyone else unwillingly agreed. It was their best option. "Great I say we all try to get a good night of rest and head out in the morning." Jay said.
"Alright everybody go get some sleep we have a long day ahead of us." Amber smiled as the tribe went to their sleeping quarters. There was only two private room on the boat and one was reserved for Ruby and the kids. Salene, May, Jack and Ellie took their places on the floor in the dining area. Ebony and Slade stayed in the control room with Ram and Lex. Sammy, Lottie and Gel quietly took their places in the room with a sleeping Ruby. Trader and Darrel slept in the front of the boat where Trader could keep an eye out on the coming landscape. Jay, Amber and Trudy filed into the second bedroom with their children in toe. Trudy curled up on the floor with Brady and soon drifted off to sleep. Amber slept with her back to the wall. Jay laid in front of her with Baby Bray snuggled in between. Jay instinctively wrapped his arms acroos Amber and Baby Bray before falling asleep as well.
When morning came the boat stirred to life. Silently everyone prepared for their journey. "Gel you are not taking all of this crap with you!" Lex warned.
"I cant leave with out it. I nee all of my hair supplies and clean cloths." Gel fought.
"We don't have enough room on the raft. As it is we need to make two trips!" Lex was beginning to get irritated.
"Gel you cant take all f this stuff. Theres simply no room." Salene said gently.
"But…" Before Gel could protest any further Lex picked up Gel three bags and threw them over board.
"Lex!" Gel cried. Lex picked Gel up and slid her in to the raft with Slade, Ebony, Lottie, Sammy, May and Salene. Ignoring Gel cries Slad pushed away form the boat and began paddling towards to shore. When he reached land and unloaded the supplies he paddled back to the boat. He Jay and Lex quickly loaded to boat again. Jay helped Trudy into the boat he gently handed Brady to her. Next went Amber, Bray, Ruby, Jack and Ellie. Jay jumped into the raft fallowed by Lex. Together the boys rowed the over flowing boat to the shore. Once they reached the shore the raft was quickly unloaded and they set out. Everyone, except Amber, Trudy and Ruby had to carry a back pack full of supplies. Trudy and Amber carried their young children on their hips while Ruby slowly fallowed with the assistance of Lex.
The shore was beautiful. The sand was clean and untouched. The sun was covered by high clouds. A slight breeze offered temporary relief for the travelers. The dense trees supplied shade. After about an hour of walking along the beach they came across a small trail that lead through the trees. They allowed Ruby to rest for a while bore fallowing it. They walked for hours through the dark trees, stopping several time for Ruby and the kids. After a while Jay took Bray from Amber and swung him over his shoulders. Bray giggled and smiled at Jay. Jack noticing Trudy struggling took Brady from her and walked piggy back style with her while Trudy carried his back pack.
Gel complained the whole time and even Sammy grew annoyed at her. Rustling form behind a bush seemed to be the only thing that kept her quiet. Their progress was slow so when they came to a small stream they decided it was best to let Ruby rest some more so they set up camp. They had a single tent which Trudy and Ruby where voted into sleeping in with Brady and Bray, they was all too grateful for the opportunity. Amber and Salene began boiling water to replenish their water supply. Jay and Lex scouted the surrounding area and searched for food. About an hour later Jay and Lex returned with a few fish they fished out of the stream. May and Ellie cooked the fish and served it to the starving travelers. The strain of the day's travels took it toll and soon everyone drifted to sleep. Slade slept with his head propped against a tree with Ebony curled up close by. Ellie and Jack snuggled close to the fire with Ram and Lex sleeping further back on opposite sides of the camp. Jay slept on his side with his back to a large tree and Amber loving snuggled into his arms.