Chapter 3

It was a long night for everyone. Being in such cRamped quarters in the middle of a storm caused everyone to be restless and sleepless. Ebony finally awoke early that morning. She felt light headed and nauseous. She didn't know she could hurt in so many places at once. She barely even noticed that she was now wearing a black knit top and flannel pants with holes in them. Odds and ends that May was able to find aboard the ship so Ebony would not have to sleep in her wet clothes. She didn't even remember Salene and May changing her. Her head felt too heavy to even lift. She shifted and turned over. She was met with a head full of blond hair in her face. Her brain was sluggish and took a few moments before she realized whom the hair belonged to. Alarms rang through her head as she realized it was Ruby. She bolted up and immediately regretted it. But Ebony was a tough girl and could manage a lil pain she thought. So she headed above deck. She was almost to the top of the stairs and could see the sunlight when her legs gave out beneath her.

Ebony was soon pulled up from under the arms by another pair of strong arms.

"Up you go" she heard a male voice say.

Oh god, it's too early for Lex

"I think I better take you back down before you hurt yourself"

Her head hurt too much to even think of a smart comeback.

"No don't," she said with a hint of pleading in her voice. "I need some fresh air." She stated once she was a bit more composed. Lexes silently lead her to the deck.

"You can let me go now, I'm a big girl"

"Alright big girl, go fall off the boat again" Lex said and released her from his grip.

Ebony walked across the deck with obvious effort to keep from falling. She finally reached her favorite spot against the railing. She loved it here where she could feel the mist hit her face as the waves crashed against the boat. A particularly large wave hit as the boat rocked violently for a moment and sent Ebony to here knees. But she was only there for moment before arms she recognized as Lex's brought her to her feet once again. "Had enough fresh air?" he asked.

"No"

Lex didn't reply and secured his grip around her waist. Ebony realized he was not going to drag her back down and was resolved to relaxing against his chest.

I need the warmth. They both continued to watch the waves and didn't even notice the Seagulls soaring above them.