Lia felt her legs weaken under her with her steps. Eduardo had changed their course due to a storm, making them go around it instead of through it, but it didn't stop the waves from getting rougher. For the Sirius it was only a settle change but for her it made her stomach churn. She had been helping Thomas hang the sheets when the feeling hit. The red head had brought her to see the Doc and was told to relax and take it easy. As she took her last step down the stairs she couldn't stop herself from feeling guilty. She had been so excited to talking with Thomas too.
Then she felt her stomach flip and her hand shot to her mouth. Then again, maybe the chit chat could wait.
She opened Nathan's door and stumbled in. As soon as she was next to the bed her legs gave out. She had been hoping that laying down would help when in reality it did nothing.
Above deck Nathan was busy doing what he had been assigned to do when he noticed that something was missing. More like someone.
" She's got a bad case of seasickness." Christopher explained as he walked up. " I told her to lay down. Poor kid, just when she thought she had gotten her sea legs."
" It's good Eduardo was able to steer us around the storm then." He answered as he eyed the black clouds off in the distance.
" You should check up on her. She seems more comfortable with you anyways."
He was going to argue when he realized it would be a waste of his breath. More comfortable? Yea right. She just assumed that because she had known him for a few more hours than the rest that it would be easier for her.
She peered up as the door opened. Nathan stepped in silently, closing the door behind him. She parted her lips but quickly shut them in fear she'd get sick if she were to say anything.
" Doc said you got sea sick."
" Yea, I guess I wasn't use to the sea as much as I had thought." She tried to be light hearted about it but her disappointment in herself was clear. " I know I should be out there helping."
" You'd just get in the way." He stepped forward and held out his hand. " We've all been in your position. So it's just best to get some fresh air when you think you can walk well."
" What is this?" She asked as she slowly sat up and took whatever was that was in his hand.
" Ginger. It helps calm the stomach."
She brought it up to her nose and scrunched her face in disgust. Nathan had to admit, it was an amusing look.
" Is it like Erea berries?"
" Erea berries?"
She drew her knees to her chest and nibbled at the ginger. Then she rapidly shook her head as the taste settled.
" I don't know if I ginger before I moved to the island but I'm glad it didn't follow me."
" You can eat it or suffer through the sickness."
That was the last thing she wanted to do. So she held her breath and ate the entire piece he had given her. She would definitely have to show him the foods of her home. The next person who got sea sickness would thank her.
" We will dock tomorrow. So try to rest as much as you can, and try not to worry too much about helping."
" Is that affection I hear?" She teased. Nathan growled and the corner of his lips turned down.
" Don't get use to it. Just what are you grinning about?"
She gave a shrug. " Just thinking about what Thomas told me."
" If you're not going to tell me what he said then don't bring it up!"
And with that he left. Lia laughed to herself. She was actually able to laugh without feeling sick to her stomach. So after a while of resting she decided to push herself. When she made her way to the deck she glanced up at the crow's nest. He did say to get fresh air. Plus it'll be like being in the trees back on her home island. She checked to make sure no one was focused on her then began her climb. To other the height may have terrified them. The would have had a fear of falling into the water even. But she had been a good swimmer, always going out to adventure the reefs. She had no worries. This, this was her home.
" What in the world is that girl doing!" Eduardo cried. Nathan turned his head up to the crow's nest. There she stood. Her eyes were closed with her shoulders relaxed as she leaned on the rim.
Morgan let out a laugh. " She's a unique thing isn't she? I love it!"
In her mind she imagined herself somewhere. Somewhere different from home. It was thick with rain forests, the animals lively and beaches bright. It made her soul happy. She opened her eyes after hearing Morgan call out to her. She peered down at the men and gave a wave. Nathan gave a small shake of his head. Why did he have to get stuck with such a handful? But somehow he just couldn't get angry over it.
" Why do I have to go with her?" Nathan sighed as he stood with his arms crossed.
" Because she can't go around town with no shoes on."
" Not to mention she'd get snatched up in a heart beat." Christopher added. " She's too exotic for her own good. You've got to protect her."
Lia felt herself blush at the comment. Exotic? Was she really exotic?
She looked up and was able to truly get a good look of the pier. Her heart pounded with excitement. There was so many people, all of different ethnicities and cultures. There were trinkets to begging to be bought, foreign food for her to try and lovely music to dance to.
" You're lucky. I wanted to escort her myself." Eduardo smirked.
" Same! I wanted to show Miss Lia everything her heart desired."
She darted past them to the end of the pier where the wood changed to cobble stone. She let her toe touch the stone only to pull it back from pain. How unfair it was. It was all so close yet so far, the only thing stopping her was her not wanting to burn her feet.
" Oh wow! This is all amazing." She gasped. It was as if she were a child just given the biggest treat they could afford. Her eyes were lit up with excitement and her blood raced to get her moving.
" Aye, I agree with you." Morgan nodded. " Well I guess we all get to escort her!"
" But captain what about getting the information?" Russell asked.
" We can do that tomorrow. Now how about we let Lia have all the attention today? No one would dare to mess with her with all of us being with her."
Nathan rolled his eyes. What happened to it being his job?
" Oh I can't wait to see Miss Lia's face when she gets to see everything!" Thomas cheered as he ran to catch up with her. The rest of the men walked onto to streets with Thomas going on where they should take her first. Nathan stopped mid step, noticing her voice was missing. When he looked back he saw her starring down at her feet. Then it clicked.
Out of the corner of his eye Eduardo saw Nathan turn back. He quickly hit Russell on the shoulder, then motioned back to Nathan. Then the others followed suit.
" Can you walk?" Nathan asked as he walked up to her. She gave a shake of her head.
" It's too hot. Even hotter than sand." She frowned. Nathan bit the inside of his lip then decided on it. He face his back to her and lowered down.
" What are you-"
" Get on."
" I can't do that Nathan." She insisted.
" How much longer are you going to keep me waiting?"
Lia hesitated then hooked her arms around his neck. His arms wrapped around her bare legs and he stood. Lia let out a playful scream which was followed by laughter.
" No one has done this for me since I was a kid." She giggled as she held on tighter to him. Some of the men gave him a shocked look, others gave him a grin. He didn't have time to sit here and have them gawk at him.
" Lets get going."
It was only three simple words but they listened to them. Meanwhile Lia pulled herself closer to him and looked every where excitedly. It was amazing to remember how the simple things make the biggest difference on people.
