The tea itself tasted wonderful, better than Chelsea had ever tasted, actually, but, most importantly, it was warm. She hadn't really realized how much she had needed this, or cold she was from the rain until she took her first sip, and the warmth traveled through her in waves of heat and calm. This was why it was her favorite, it had never failed to brighten her spirits. Will had been right; he was an exceptionally good tea brewer. She was amazed he even knew how to brew his own tea- -it was yet another thing she had thought wrong about him.

He rejoined her at the table with his own cup, and asked her if it was to her liking. When she nodded, he looked relieved. "I made it the way I've always liked it made, with a generous helping of honey and some lemon; however, I was a little worried how you would like it. My father was never a fan of the taste."

"I've never had it made this way, but it's delicious."

His face brightened at her compliment. "My mother taught me how to make it perfectly. She used to make it for me quite often, either on stormy days like this or if I was feeling sickly." His smile was warm at the mention of his mother, something Chelsea was regrettably not quite used to. "I thank you for letting me make it. It isn't quite comparable to saving my life, but, still, I hope its comforting."

They each took another sip, and though the silence that permeated the air between them was no longer uncomfortable, Chelsea did wish there was something she could talk about with him to pass the time. They were trapped here for the time being, after all, and she did want to get along with him. But, she knew had never been much of a conversationalist, much to her mother's chagrin. She was often berated for saying the wrong thing in her mother's company. Each time she had tried to talk about almost anything with her mother, whether it be books she enjoyed or the things she wanted to do, she had been met with either her mother's searing laughter or her disapproval or, worse, her indifference. Would he do the same?

She looked down at what she could see of her reflection in the teacup. She wanted to try.

She spoke quietly, still not meeting his gaze. "Even with the thunder outside, today would be the perfect day to just curl up in bed and read."

"Oh, I agree! A tale of heroism would be perfect, or a thrilling mystery. Is that what you enjoy?"

"Actually, I- -"She stopped herself from saying she liked romance. "I like fantasy stories, but I can't say I've read many mysteries."

"Well you certainly aren't obligated to, but I have many authors whose work I could recommend. If you'd be interested, of course.

She met his eyes. Had they always been so startlingly blue? Like pale blue sapphires, it was as if they were dancing, waiting eagerly for her answer.

Would it really be so bad to believe, maybe for just a little while, that nothing bad is going to happen?

"I would love that, truly."

Once the rain had stalled, he stood from the kitchen table and retrieved his jacket, a bit dryer than before, but still far too wet to wear. He draped it on his arm and turned back to her. "I should be leaving," he said, "The rain is tolerable now, at least, and I don't want to take advantage of your hospitality."

She stood too, tucking her hair behind her ear. "If you'd like, you could take my umbrella with you?"

"Thank you, but I'm already wet- - a bit more rain should not be too harmful. I'll go to my uncle's house to wait the rest of the storm out, until the waters are calmer."

She nodded. "Be safe then, especially on the bridges. They get slick when it rains."

"I'll remember." He assured her. Pausing at the door, he laughed lightly.

"What is it?"

"It is nothing, I just..." Again, his eyes were dancing, and her heart threatened to do the same, though she couldn't understand why. "I'm very glad to have made a friend like you on these islands, Chelsea."

And then, he left.

She sat back down at the table. He called me his friend...Even though I'm just a dirty farmer?

For the first time since he was young, Will found himself unperturbed by the storms raging outside and causing such an uproar across the islands. In fact, reflecting on it later, he was amazed to recall that he had hardly even thought of the storm once he and Chelsea began conversing. It had all felt so natural to him, how words carried themselves between them- - he noted that even she seemed more relaxed now than she normally was when they spoke. He wondered if her tenseness before had been due to shyness, and now that they were getting to know one another they might be friends. It seemed like a reasonable conclusion, but then, at some parts in their conversation, it was as if she realized herself that she had let down a guard of some sorts around him, and in an instant she was guarded again, hardly meeting his eyes.

Could she dislike me?

He hated that thought, not knowing what he could have done to make her feel that way, but she was perfectly entitled to feel however she wanted to feel. Nevertheless, there was still that part of him that continued to want to try to grow closer to her.

He reached his uncle's mansion safely, and walked inside. Even though he dripped a bit on the floor, Regis saw him come in from the sitting room and wasted no time in running over to him. "Where have you been?" He demanded, though there was clear relief in his eyes. "Are you aware of how Sabrina and I have worried for you?"

"I was perfectly safe!" He held up his hands, then did a spin. "See? No harm is done. I was caught in the storm when it first began, but Chelsea brought me to her ranch. That's where I've been."

"Well! As long as you're safe. But you're also wet- -I've got some spare clothes upstairs, let's get you changed."

"Yes, that would be wonderful."

"Oh! And before I forget, some items from home arrived for you today; your father had them sent, along with a letter. Do you want to read it now?"

"No," he said quickly. Too quickly. Regis raised an eyebrow, and he tried to laugh to make things better. "Sorry, uncle. Not right now. I'd much rather dry off first. I'll read it tonight."

Hello again! Reading through past chapters, I noticed I made a couple small grammar errors here and there that I missed when doing my proofreading. I'm going to do my best to prevent those in the future! Thank you for the kind reviews- - I'm having a lot of fun writing this, and I hope I continue to bring you something good.