I sat on the floor debating whether or not I should go back into the gallery to get my crutches, a few minutes passed like this as I counted the pros and cons on my hands when knocking on my door sent all thoughts into the black abyss located in my mind and my heart rate went through the roof. Using the doorknob to pull myself up off the floor I took a deep breath as I opened the door and peered into the hallway. Josh stood there with all his handsomeness holding my crutches in his hands,
"Hey sleeping beauty, you left these in the hallway." He said smiling and handing me the crutches. My heart flipped and I blushed slightly, smiling back at him.
"Thanks Josh." I said taking the crutches and leaning them against the wall beside the door.
"Don't mention it. I've got to go back out on deck, get off your leg so you can get your ass back out on deck with me before the season ends." He said tauntingly causing my blush to deepen as he walked away smiling at me. I closed the door and tried to calm my breathing as I banged my head against the wood. When I finally calmed down enough to move, I turned around and walked over to my bed pushing my clothes off onto the floor I climbed onto the bed. Closing my eyes I willed myself to sleep.
- Six hours later-
"Wake up sleeping beauty." I groaned and pulled my blanket up over my face trying to ignore the voice beside me that was now chuckling at my inability to wake up. "I've got your dinner here Aurelia, you should eat." At the mention of food I opened one eye and pulled the blanket down so I could see who was in my room. Mike stood there with a plate of food I could only assume was for me. Groaning I sat up and took my plate of food from Mike who smiled at me. "How are you feeling?" He asked sitting down on the end of my bed.
I smiled weakly, "I feel exhausted. Its like everything is catching up with me. And then more stuff keeps happening so I don't know what to do." I groaned and looked at my plate as I started stuffing my face so I wouldn't tell Mike anymore than I should all though I wanted to just blurt out every thing that's been bothering me.
"That can happen when you aren't busy enough to distract your mind. Why don't you go help John in the wheelhouse?" He said watching me stuff my face with wide eyes. I choked on a piece of sausage and attempted to regain my composure, a blush spreading across my face.
"I don't think that is a good idea. Besides my leg is already starting to feel better. I should be back on deck in a day or two." I said lying through my teeth. Mike chuckled and eyed me suspiciously, I gulped and averted my eyes over to the picture of Dominic and Dimitri.
"You know it doesn't help to pretend nothing is going on." He said looking at me more seriously, I sighed and leaned back against the wall.
"I know Mike. Its just ... Things are complicated." I closed my eyes to avoid crying. Mike put a reassuring hand on my knee.
"Most things are complicated. It doesn't help to run from them." I nodded and handed Mike my empty plate, He stood up and headed out of the room. "Don't worry I won't tell anyone." He said winking at me. I blushed and hid my face in my pillow.
Maybe Mike was right. I mean, Johnathan told me if I needed anything to just ask. But... "Gah!" I let out an exasperated groan and ran my fingers through my hair. Throwing my covers off of me I swung my kegs off the side of the bed and decided to go up to the wheelhouse. Grabbing my crutches I limped into the gallery, thankful that the guys had gone out on deck. Stopping at the foot of the stairs, I leaned my crutches against the wall and hobbled my way up the stairs. Johnathan was driving the time bandit and looking very bored.
"Hey you." I called out smiling, Johnathan jumped and turned around to look around at me.
"Hey sleeping beauty. What are you doing up here?" He asked smiling. I rolls my eyes and limped over to him.
"Geez, even you are calling me that." I leaned against his chair relieving the pressure of my leg, Johnathan chuckled. "Need any help?" I asked looking at his papers that were sitting out. I could feel his eyes on me but I didn't return the gaze I just ran my fingers over the paper as I read the numbers to myself.
"I guess. But shouldn't you be resting?" He asked leaning back in his chair, I rolled my eyes and stood straight, crossing my arms across my chest.
"If I rest anymore I'm going to jump off the deck into the ruthless Bering sea." I replied matter-of-factly; Johnathan frowned.
"Sit down. You can write the numbers for me." I smiled relieved that he didn't press the situation further, pulling up a chair I sat down beside him.
We sat there for hours; I watched the sun set as we continued on into the night, our conversation consisting of small talk. It was awkward but it was better than me being all by myself. When we weren't engaged with small talk my mind was still working over the idea of telling Johnathan about everything that was going on.
The ringing of the boat phone startled me causing me to jump and curse, which made john chuckle to himself. Earning him a slap on the arm. He answered the phone and then handed it to me, his mouth pulled into a frown as his eyebrows furrowed. I frowned and held the phone to my ear.
"Hello?"
"Miss. Aurelia? This is Lieutenant Matthews."
"What happened?" I choked out trying to refrain from having a panic attack.
"There's been an accident. Somebody set fire to your grandmothers house. Your brother was inside."
The pencil I was holding in my hand snapped, "he's alright, but he has suffered some minor burns. He's been transported to the hospital. Do you have any idea who would have wanted to harm your brother?" I ground my teeth and tried to respond as calmly as possible.
"No. I don't." I lied my heart beat steadily as the anger rose inside me, I stood up and ran a hand through my hair. I felt sick.
"Okay. Well if you think of anything give me a call."
"Okay. I will." I handed the phone to Johnathan, "Take me to dutch harbor. Now." I growled turning on my heel and walking out. Welcoming the pain shooting up my leg, I went to my room and started cramming my clothes into my bag, tears starting to stream down my cheeks. All the anger and frustration come out at once and in a blind rage I started throwing stuff around the room, oblivious to the fact that Johnathan had told the guys to start tying everything off and called Andy in to drive. Johnathan stood in the doorway watching me, his eyes distant as he starred. The anger that fueled my rage ran out and I collapsed on the floor panic shaking my body. I felt arms wrap around my shoulders and I broke down. Johnathan held me as I cried, shushing me and trying to get me to breath evenly.
After a few minutes I calmed down and just sat there in John's arms.
"Do you want to tell me what happened?" He asked, I sat up and looked him in the eyes.
"They- they burnt down my house... With with my brother inside... He's in the hospital... Its all my fault..." I mumbled out burying my face in my hands.
"Who did?" Johnathan asked. my breath hitched and I sighed. Taking a deep breath I told him everything.
Johnathan sat there for a minute, then he frowned. "Why didn't you tell me you were in trouble?!" He asked glarring at me. His glare didn't strike up any emotion in me, I just glared back. "Because, enough people have suffered for me." Johnathan rolled his eyes and pulled me into a hug. My eyes grew wide with surprise because that wasn't the reaction I was expecting.
"You do realize that the moment you set foot on this boat you involved us." I blushed against his chest then squinted my eyes.
"What do you mean 'us'?" I mumbled into his shirt. He pulled back and looked me seriously in the eyes.
"Do you really think that the whole crew would let anyone touch you?" My blushed deepened and I smiled.
"No." I sighed and rubbed my eyes, Johnathan pushed a strand of hair out of my face his fingers caressing my cheek.
"It'll be fine. We will all take care of it." He said reassuringly, and for the first time in a long time I felt that things were going to be okay. Standing up I pulled Johnathan up and onto the bed with me; curling up beside him I relaxed and fell into a deep sleep as I felt his lips touch mine gently.