"Were we though?" he asked when he could speak.

"What do you mean?"

"Were we ever really an item? Or was it just a couple of dates?"

Chelsea stopped for a second and really thought this through. Yes, she did like him, but it had only been a week. She looked at him, "you're right we have to make a mature decision." He nodded. But inside he was dying. This was his first ever non-girlfriend.

He put out his hand in agreement. He hated being mature. "Well then, it was nice being your friend." She tried to smile as she shook his hand, "Same from this end."

They faced forward again. Cody and Bailey had fallen asleep. Zack wasn't sure that they heard their conversation, but he would probably tell Cody later, so it wasn't a big deal. He stole looks at Chelsea who had her head tipped toward the ceiling. "Well this sucks," he grinned, lightening the mood. She laughed. An awkward silence followed.

"I wonder what happened between them," she pointed at his brother and Bailey. They were in a compromising place. Bailey had her head on Cody's shoulder, and he had his head on hers. They both looked relaxed and comfortable.

Zack was happy for his brother. He had never been this happy until they boarded the ship. "Better to save it for later," he said, taking out his phone and snapping a picture. He whispered, "Blackmail!"

"Hey, I never asked you. How did you get that scar?" Zack bit his lip and slowed the breathing that just rapidly increased. He zipped up his sweater all the way so that the collar hid his neck. He fiddled with his hands. "I…uh…I…uh… It's kind of personal…" Chelsea put a hand on his shoulder and he flinched. She took her hand back and didn't press him any further.

The next day, the deck was cleared and the students got to go back to their cabins and change. Unfortunately Ms. Tuttweiler had caught Bailey in her 'wet state'. Turns out London accidentally slipped that she didn't have a roommate and everything was worked out. Bailey wasn't leaving, but Chelsea was.

Zack had gone to Cody for another one of their talks.

"Man, I can't believe she's leaving! She's the only girl who hasn't been scared of me. Not including your new girlfriend."

"Bailey's not my girlfriend, just an understanding friend. And you shouldn't blame Chelsea. She told you that she was a passenger before, right?"

"Yeah… but… ah, never mind."

"You know, I think this has been a good experience so far… excluding all the teenage drama."

Zack nodded. "When I saw you with Bailey, you didn't look like you were having nightmares."

"It was the first satisfying sleep I've had in years."

"If she helps you with that, I think you should go after her."

"You really think so?"

"I know so."

It was time for Chelsea to go and she was saying her goodbyes to everybody.

"Bye Cody, it was nice meeting you!" She gave Cody a hug and wave.

It was Bailey's turn. "Bailey, you've been a good friend. I mean, I always thought you were a guy, but now that that's over, you're pretty cool."

"And, Zack," she looked up at him, blinking away fresh tears. "You were a really good friend. I'm glad those rumours weren't true. And here's a tip: If a girl doesn't like you because of your appearance, don't date her. It's not worth it." She gave him a quick hug, and didn't look back.