Chapter 44- Plotting

Ebony lay unmoving for a long time that morning. She had run out of tears and so she just stared at the ceiling. She was alone; in her thoughts and emotions. At least she thought Slade couldn't possibly feel what she was feeling wherever he had run off to after she dumped him last night.

She felt alone like she had as a child when her parents and sisters left her alone with an incompetent nanny. Only this was worse.

Her heart had never felt so sad and empty. Not even when she had been forced to dump Jay before he had the chance to cheat on her with Amber.

No, this? This was ten times worse. This was a black hole in her chest; real heartbreak.

Thunder's angry cries prompted her to finally get out of bed. He hated his cot. Usually Slade would've gotten him by now and brought him to the bed or just sat around holding him.

"You're spoiled you know that?" she asked picking up her son and bringing him into the bathroom with her. She had to make sure her emotions weren't wearing on her before she graced the rest of Fleur Isle with her presence. No one could know she was hurting.

Thunder's only response though was to rest his head on her shoulder and wrap his little arms around her neck.

She smiled to herself, "You're a schmoozer just like your…"

She stopped. She had to stop thinking about Slade. She had to be strong like always. If Trudy could raise a child by herself there was hope for Ebony.

No one would want to kidnap Thunder for ridiculous worship to an idolized dead boy.

When she thought her heartache was hidden underneath a layer of make-up, Ebony emerged from her hotel room, head held high with Thunder on her hip.

"Here she comes, shh" there was a chorus of hushed whispers as she entered the Fleur Café.

She glared at Ruby who had been doing all the talking, "New sure does travel fast."

Slade had probably run right to his dear ex-girlfriend and cried on her shoulder.

No one said anything in reply. They just began chatting among themselves and shoving food in their mouths.

Ebony rolled her eyes, seating Thunder in a makeshift high chair before she got them both some food.

Halfway through their breakfast, Cloe joined their table, "He's hurting you know?"

She looked across at her, "Aren't you supposed to be on Jay's team?"

Cloe rolled her eyes, "I have a mind of my own. Even the blind Liv can see you and Slade have a strong bond."

"Look, if you came over here to…"

But the young woman wouldn't allow her to finish, "I didn't. I just thought you should know Slade's really miserable. I really came to make sure you're coming to my wedding."

Ebony was taken aback, "I was unaware I was invited."

"You may have never officially joined the Mallrats, and maybe you used to scare me a little…" she paused, "okay a lot, you scared me a lot and maybe I've hated you in the past, but you're a part of this family we've forged and I'd be highly offended if you didn't attend the wedding."

"Fine, but be warned I'm wearing red and black."

Cloe laughed, "Wear whatever color you'd like, just make sure you look gorgeous!"

"Okay…" Ebony looked at her funny as Cloe floated away from her table.

'That was an odd conversation,' she thought to herself. It was very suspicious.

And when she got back to her room there was a red and black dress hanging on her door with a note attached, 'I think this is your size—Cloe'.

"Thunder, something's fishy about this all."

Thunder blew spit bubbles.

"Clearly you agree," she laughed. Only tomorrow would tell if they were right.

~0~

"She's worse than ever," Niko came up from below deck on his boat. He had been constantly checking on Lani and she was surely progressively worse each time. She was dying and only he cared.

Cope shrugged, "We don't need her."

Skipper, who had a bad feeling about all of this suddenly, silently listened as Cope gave the lowdown about the attack on Fleur Isle.

"They won't be expecting us I assume?" Cope asked.

Skipper shook his head, "They know we'll be back, just not when."

"Then a night attack is perfect. We're dealing with ex-Technos and homemakers, so I believe we have the upper hand."

"I don't care about any of that, we just need Tai-San," Skipper said.

Cope flared his nostrils, "Well I want my revenge!"

"And you'll get it. Just don't forget what's important here. Revenge won't be as sweet if you're dying of the virus."

"Don't worry; we'll all get what we want in the end."

Niko hoped for everyone's sake that was true. He could feel the virus spreading in him and soon everyone else would be infected, if they weren't already.

~0~

Darryl wasn't sure why Rayne wanted to eat breakfast away from the café this morning, but he was grateful. He wasn't comfortable being in the same vicinity with Mega. The beach was much more comforting.

He was riddled with confusion, anger, and fear. Mega was alive and here on Fleur Isle. Darryl didn't feel anything toward him and that made him angry which led to his confusion. But that was supposed to be a good thing, him not feeling anything towards the man. So why was he so wrapped up in the situation?

"You've hardly said two words to me in thirty minutes and your breakfast has gone to the flies. What's wrong?" Rayne's voice ate through his thoughts.

Darryl sighed avoiding looking at her. Instead he focused on the angry waves lapping at the shore.

He'd feared this day. What was he to tell her? He didn't think he liked men and he loved Rayne. So what was that old attraction to Mega? And how did he explain it to her when he was unsure of the answer himself?

No it was best to avoid the conversation in all. Mega or Josh, whoever he was, no longer mattered to Darryl. It was Rayne who brought light into his life. She was funny, smart, and beautiful. He didn't want to lose her.

"It's nothing, I'm sorry," he lied.

"Are you sure? Lex told me it might be because the guy who tried to delete you is here."

"Yeah, maybe I'm a little on edge because of that, but I'm over it."

"Darryl…" she began, but he cut her short.

"It's fine Rayne, I'm fine!" he snapped.

She looked away surprised and perhaps even a little sad. He had never snapped at her before.

He grumbled, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…It's just…so much has happened in such a short period of time. We've got this Lani character threatening us and the island is in utter chaos…"

"Whatever it's fine…I understand," Rayne found his eyes again, "Let's just take our mind off the chaos and focus on something else."

"Sounds good."

"So tomorrow…"

He playfully smirked at her, "Wait, what's tomorrow?"

"Darryl!" she exclaimed.

He laughed, "Babe, relax. How could I possibly forget the double wedding of perfection?"

Rayne shook her head at him. That is why she loved him. He was maybe a bit of a dork, but he was funny and cute. She loved him.

"Actually it's more than a double wedding now…"

When his face twisted up in confusion it was her turn to laugh, "Oh relax. I won't force you to marry me just yet," she patted his hand.

Darryl was relieved, but said nothing. He just listened as she rambled on about the new details of the wedding. He couldn't wait until it was over.