Rude Awakening

I didn't know when I fell asleep, but I woke up comfortable—for once. I could feel the boat rock slowly beneath me. We must have gotten out to the open sea by now! The lights were off in the cabin, and I was covered with a thin blanket. I tugged on it and brought it up to my chin. It smelled like Shia. The telltale sign of his cologne and just...him was inevitable and a giveaway. I lay like that for a time before I noticed faint voices overhead. I crept out of my bed silently and went to the stairs. My original plan was to go up and join them, but when I hit the stairs, I stayed and listened.

"...Yeah, I dunno. Why it's me and Jen—, not me and someone else..." I heard Shia say.

"Well, from what you're saying, it looks like a plot to get her killed. Maybe this Director likes to play games?" Wes asked.

"I dunno. I like Jen, though; she's a character, that one."

"Really? How long have you guys been stranded together again?"

"I dunno, a week? It is too hard to tell." Shia mused.

"So, have you slept with her yet?" Wes asked.

I frowned in disgust. Did he just ask that, or was it my imagination?

"Nah, man. I barely even know her!" Shia laughed.

"I'm just asking. I would have by now," Wes said. They shared a laugh at that. I felt disgusted and scared all at the same time. I can't believe he asked that! Of all things, I think sex was the least of our worries. Nice going, Wes! I thought to myself.

"Anyways...what are you supposed to do once we get to our destination?" Shia asked.

"I dunno..."

"Well, why are you with us if this boat is so easy to control?"

"I assume I'll be needed otherwise?"

"Maybe. Well, I'm gonna turn it in. I'm exhausted. I haven't gotten some real sleep in forever. Do you mind watching the boat for a while?" Shia asked; I heard him stand.

"Yeah, no problem. Then it'll be your turn in the morning. Where are you gonna sleep?"

"I'll find a place," and I heard Shia walking to the side of the boat I was on. Startled, I shuffled back into the cabin, went to bed, and turned my head to the wall. Shia came in and shut the door to the stairs behind him. The only place for him to sleep would be right beside the bed, in the narrow space between the wall and cabinets. I heard him rummage around for what I assumed to be blankets and pillows. I felt the air blow on me that was displaced by him plopping the pillows down. I stayed stock still, waiting...and waiting. Finally, he laid down.

"I know you're awake," Shia said.

My heart skipped a beat.

"Jen?"

"Yeah?" I answered back, turning over to look down at him.

"I'm sorry...about what Wes said," Shia told me, looking up at me in the dark.

"What? What did he say?" I asked. Playing stupid would save face. Besides, I was interested if he would tell me.

"You didn't hear what we said?" Shia asked, sounding relieved.

"Just bits and pieces..." I didn't want to lie to him. "I've been in and out of it since you went upstairs."

"Oh. Then, never mind."

"Shia, what did he say?" I asked him in an innocent tone. I hated playing him like this, but I wanted to know if I could trust him.

"He just made a stupid comment...a rude, stupid comment. I don't want to bother making you upset. It was dumb, and I'm sure he didn't mean it," Shia said.

"Ok." I wanted to let him off of the hook. I didn't want an all-out conversation about how rude Wes was. I wanted some normal conversation, but I found there was nothing to talk about.

"Goodnight, Shia," I said sleepily.

"Goodnight."