II. Faraway Seas

Two days passed quickly, and Ivory finished packing her toiletries into a separate bag. Her flight was at 6:30 a.m., which meant she needed to be at the airport by 5 a.m. She and Lily had a private jet courtesy of Blue, so they had all the space and privacy they could need.

Usually, someone would knock on Ivory's bedroom door, but not this time. She heard the door open, and someone walked inside. She figured it was Blue but was shocked to see Hawks.

"Oh, hi, Hawks," Ivory said. "You startled me. You always knock."

"Sorry, but I need to set the record straight about what happened a few days ago," Hawks scratched the back of his head.

Ivory was unsure of what he meant.

"I mean the kissing," Hawks sighed. "Look, I do like you, Ivory, but I can't be with you."

"If you feel that way, why did you kiss me?" Ivory felt her heart pound.

Ivory felt attacked. She always thought she and Hawks were on good terms.

"There are a lot of rules, and one is not to date a member -- unless Blue approves."

"So, you don't feel Blue will give us permission?"

Hawks shook his head. "I know it doesn't feel this way to you, but Blue has favorites, and you're one of them. If anything, he will disapprove because I'm not one of his most trusted. Red, Harley, and Spike are workers he likes more than others."

Ivory was shocked to hear what Hawks told her. If anything, Hawks' reason seemed dumb. She didn't understand why Blue would care so much, but that was when she realized that no one in the base seemed to be involved romantically.

"I get it," Ivory said, "It doesn't seem like anyone in the base is dating."

"Blue has a strict rule about it. Please don't tell anyone, not even Lily. I don't want word to spread because Blue will not be happy with us."

"Don't worry, I understand. What if we kept it a secret?"

"There are no secrets, Ivory. You know that." Hawks sighed. "I wish things could be different, but I don't want to die over some dumb rule."

Ivory nodded, and she understood Hawks' reason.

"We can still be friends," Hawks smiled. "I couldn't control myself at that moment. We can't do that again. We were lucky that time; sometimes, Blue and Harley check the bedrooms before everyone else is up to make sure no one is dating."

"I see your point. Thanks for looking out for me," Ivory gave a small smile, but inside, she was upset.

If courtship was banned, why didn't I know about it? Ivory wondered.

"I wanted to say goodbye before you left. Blue has Lucky and me going on a mission, and I'll be gone all day," Hawks grabbed Ivory's arms and pulled her into a gentle hug.

"I'll miss you," Ivory wrapped her arms around Hawks' body.

The two young lovers hugged each other for a few minutes and then went their separate ways. Ivory was saddened but knew another guy would come along. Ivory didn't know when, but she felt a different man would be better for her. Ivory noted that the girls affiliated didn't have boyfriends, so Hawks' explanation made sense.

Ivory figured Blue dictated everything and felt that having a boyfriend wasn't worth it unless Blue arranged something for her. The young woman wondered if Lily and Harley attended business dinners with Blue. Harley was a well-respected worker, so Harley must get specific privileges. Harley might have done certain favors for Blue, but Ivory felt that if those tasks were sexual, Ivory being a favorite wouldn't fit.

Ivory decided not to think about it as trying to figure out Blue wouldn't get her anywhere. Instead, she grabbed her suitcase, carry-on bag, and purse and met Lily in the garage. Ivory's nerves were all over the place. Ivory had never flown before, so she had no idea what would happen at the airport.

Lily told Ivory that Lily would drive them to the airport because the chauffeurs had other tasks and were suddenly busy. Ivory thought that was suspicious but didn't question anything.

As Ivory placed her bags into the trunks, Blue entered the garage.

"Before you two head off, there is no charge to leave the car at the airport. If the staff says otherwise, have them call me. I'll take care of them."

Lily nodded, and as the two got into her car, they said bye to Blue and headed off. Luckily, the airport was only twenty minutes away, and since no one was on the road, the ride was a breeze. The two girls checked in, went through security, and ate breakfast. Ivory felt better having Lily with her.

After the two girls finished their breakfast sandwiches and coffee, they went to the restroom and sat at Gate 8 to Mykonos. As the two sat, Ivory felt that she needed to tell Lily what happened between her and Hawks, but she feared the aftermath of her decision.

Ivory couldn't keep the secret as it ate her alive, so she told Lily about the whole problem. Lily was two years older, so she felt that Lily would give her an explanation.

"That's stupid," Lily scoffed. "That isn't even a rule."

"What?" Ivory gasped. "It isn't? Goodness, I worked myself up over nothing. That's why I was nervous to tell you!"

Lily rolled her eyes. "Stay away from Hawks. Harley told me that Hawks hadn't been himself. I didn't consider him a player, but he might be one."

"What do you suppose Hawks' problem is?"

"I couldn't tell you, but Blue has been suspicious of him. That's what Harley told me. Whatever Hawks' issue is, I think perhaps he doesn't want to involve you. If you two date and he fucks up, eyes will go to you. Either that, or he's a player."

"Well, what do you think of him? You're friends, right?"

Lily shrugged. "We are, but not by common definition. If you show loyalty, you are a friend. If you betray the gang, you're an enemy; history doesn't matter in a gang."

Suddenly, their gate number got called.

The two girls squealed and boarded their private jet, seeing a few seats, a kitchen, a small couch, and tons of walking space. As they got comfortable, the pilot introduced himself and the flight attendants. Ivory thought that the staff seemed friendly and professional. She figured they worked for Blue.

After the pilot spoke about emergencies and whatnot, the plane took off. Ivory was sure the plane would crash, but the turbulence stopped; she saw they were high in the air. The pilot said they were 10,000 feet up into the air.

Lily tapped Ivory's arm. "Do you want me to ask Harley about Hawks?"

"No, I think we should respect Hawks' wishes. It's okay if he doesn't want to date me."

"It doesn't make sense why he would make out with you if he doesn't want a relationship with you. That reason was bullshit; however, I won't take anything further."

Lily decided to watch a crime show as Ivory stared out the window, excited for her first-ever trip. Ivory decided that Hawks' vague and lame excuse would not cloud her mind and ruin her vacation. Ivory would enjoy herself and not let another so-called friend ruin her life. Ivory was happy that Lily was her friend and could be honest with her.

Ivory felt tired and closed her eyes. Ivory knew that before her eyes, she would be in Mykonos. She dreamed about the pretty, clear water and the beautiful architecture. Then, Ivory fell asleep without a worry in sight.