A/N: Sorry about the delay in updates everyone! Between the break from school, my class load, and a bad case of writer's block, I haven't been able to update. This is not the last chapter, but there are only one or two more depending on how I break it up. Thanks to all those who have reviewed, you are wonderful and deserve a pat on the back! Enjoy more of Vacation!
The next morning Calleigh awoke early and began making preparations for their journey. By midday, the boat was ready to be launched. Calleigh went back into the cave to get Ryan. He was still laying on the leaf mattress and his face was flushed with fever.
"Sweetheart," Calleigh said, bending down and brushing a few stray strands of hair off his forehead, "The boat's ready. Do you think you can get up?"
He nodded, and with Calleigh's help was able to stand. They staggered out to where the boat was waiting and through a difficult process, were finally able to get Ryan situated in the bottom of the boat. She pushed off, and climbed into the small craft along-side Ryan. She steered the boat away from the beach and they headed out into open water.
Calleigh was forever grateful that the boat she had found had sails because she knew she would never have been able to row all the way back to the United States. The first day in the boat was long and exhausting; Calleigh only slept for minutes at a time to prevent them from drifting too far off course.
By the second day, Ryan's fever had risen, and he was becoming somewhat delusional. Calleigh gave him the last of the aspirin and prayed that they would find land soon. Calleigh took up the watch that night with an uneasiness that she couldn't explain; something was about to go wrong.
Sometime during the night she was awakened by a splash of water on her face. She opened her eyes to find that chaos had once again destroyed her world. A fierce storm with rain and lightening was pouring down on her and the waves crashed against the boat, as if trying to tear it in two. She sprang into action, pulling down the sail and trying to bail out the water that was leaking into the boat. After several minutes of trying to steer the boat and keeping the water from coming in, she realized that all her efforts were in vain; they may have survived the hurricane, but this storm on the ocean was going to bring their end.
"Ryan," she cried kneeling next to him, "What should I do? What can I do?"
Ryan looked up at her and saw the fear in her eyes. He pulled her down to him and held her close. "I'll always be right here, Cal," Ryan promised, "No matter what happens, we'll always be together. We will be alright."
She sobbed into his shoulder and with the last of his strength he held her tightly to him.
The boat was tossed and thrown in all directions, and Calleigh knew it was only a matter of time before it capsized. A few moments later a wave crashed into the small craft, breaking it in two, throwing its occupants into the cold rough water.
Calleigh resurfaced a moment later, and looked around frantically for any sign of Ryan. The waves pounded down on her, pushing her under the water and obscuring her view. She saw Ryan's pant leg through the murky water, right before she blacked out.
"That's the last thing I remember," Calleigh said, turning to look at Horatio.
"Wow," Horatio said after a moment, "I've never heard a story quite like that one before. Leave it to you two, though," he finished with a smile.
"I'm just glad to be back in civilization again," Calleigh said.
They talked quietly for a few minutes, catching up on minor events that had happened in Horatio's life since he last spoke to her. A low groan brought their attention back to the prone form in the bed next to them.
"Oooo," Ryan groaned, bringing a hand to his head, "What happened?"
"Ryan!" Calleigh said, taking his hand in hers.
"Cal?" he said, more lucid than he had been than the last time they had spoken.
"How are you feeling?" she asked him.
"Like I've been hit by a hurricane," he said with a wry smile.
Just then the nurse came into the room. "Ah, Mr. Wolfe, you're awake, good," she said coming over to the side of the bed to check his vitals.
When she was finished, Horatio stood and said, "I think I'll leave you two alone for a few minutes. I need to take care of a few things and I think Ryan needs to hear the whole story. I'll be back in a few minutes. Call me if you need me."
"Thanks Horatio," Calleigh said, smiling at him.
"Thanks H," Ryan said watching his boss and friend walk out of the room.
A/N: Please, please, please review! It helps me get past my writer's block SO much faster! ;)