Charlie groaned. This was the fifth time she had been woken up by that oh so annoying bell! She had tried everything: a pillow over her head, sleeping at a different angle, removing and adding covers, and reading out of her book, but nothing was working! All she could hear was the thudding of boots and shouting of names and then when they were finally done moving around up there and she was drifting back to sleep, the bell would ring!

She glanced at the clock next to her, "4:30 AM," she whispered to herself rolling her eyes and slamming her head against her pillow.

"Alright men, the Captain's got it from here! Go to bed for a couple of hours!"

There was a loud cheer and quick scampering down the steps. After about 30 minutes, the noise ceased as if it had never been there. Charlie smiled. Finally no more noise! But she still couldn't sleep, not after being woken up that many times. Lazily, Charlie pulled herself out of bed and changed into a red skirt, white blouse, and grabbed a red shawl to help keep her warm.

She made her way out the door and down the hall. It was hard for her to keep her balance, but she could manage until she was up on deck and in the cool morning breeze. Finally, she reached the soggy almost moldy deck. She regretted not putting on shoes to protect her feet from the disgusting feeling and slivers.

Little did she know that Englehorn was just a few feet above her head, watching her from his quarters…

Englehorn gazed down on the fragile figure of Miss Stone. What is she doing down there? Can't she sleep? Maybes it's my fault…I wasn't a very good host, but since when have I cared about the well being of my passengers? Englehorn sighed and sat up in bed, slipping his large black boots.

Charlie glanced around her. No one was there, everyone was downstairs and she knew it. She just stood there, thinking of her past and the career she had left behind. She tried to keep the tears from escaping their cage of fear, but finally they came, hot coals burning her delicate cheeks and slowly, a song came to her mind. Without taking a second thought she let the words slip out of her mouth.

Oh come my brilliant star. Oh why do you seek me so?

My soul is weak, but you are strong.

Hold me now my lover dear.

I wonder what's happening to our bond.

I wish I knew the answer.

You try to help me, but I fall

Into a pit so deep, so dark…

So cold.

Englehorn now stood behind Charlie. Her voice was like a lark whistling it's love song in his ear and he yearned to hear her continue, but instead her breathing became irregular and tears poured down her delicate features. Englehorn had to admit, he was panicking! He wasn't good what so ever around emotional people a.k.a. girls.

In his confusion he just stood there. He was feeling extremely foolish, he didn't want to leave her, but what else was he to do! So, he walked over and stood next to her, smoking a cigarette. Hey…what else was he to do?

Charlie sniffed the air, What's that smell? She turned to see Englehorn standing on the rail next to her, just standing there smoking!

She turned away from him for 1, she was to embarrassed and 2, she was angered! There he was smoking away while she cried!

"What do you want Mr. Englehorn?" Charlie snapped at him.

Charlie was clearly insulted and Englehorn could tell by the sound in her voice.

"Miss…Stone, I didn't think you'd…err…want to be…um…alone," Englehorn turned slightly red, but wasn't embarrassed to show a little compassion.

Charlie shoved Englehorn from the rail so that they were facing eachother. Her face was still red in places where the tears had hit her face, making it look almost blotchy, but otherwise she was just mad.

"If you want to show 'sympathy' or 'compassion'…hold me," Charlie's anger subsided and she threw her arms around Englehorn's neck (it was hard because she had to stand on tiptoe).

Englehorn didn't know what to do…again! He felt Charlie's tears begin to soak into his shirt and, finally, he placed his hands on her waist and held her closer. He didn't mind holding her, she was warm and in need of love…but so was he.