Capsized By You

Chapter 3b

Marissa

Marissa woke to the sound of crashing waves, yelling, and a queasy stomach. She was afraid of this; seasickness and wobbly legs. Levi's side was cold, and he wasn't in the room. After stumbling into the bathroom, she removed the sizable ring Levi gave her and got ready.

She retraced her steps to the kitchen in hopes of finding some medicine for her stomach. Levi only kept toiletries in his bathroom cabinets. As she turned the corner, muffled voices became louder.

"Have you started the arrangements for the Showing Ceremony," Levi's father said.

Marissa cringed and stopped by the door.

"I'm not doing it. It's such an old tradition," Levi said.

"One that the council will want to see. No one heard a peep from your room all night. Is she being difficult, or are you waiting until we get home," Levi's father asked.

"What goes on in my bedroom is my business alone," Levi said, sipping from a mug.

"Until your firstborn son, it's not," Levi's father said, "The sooner you produce, the sooner you get what you want."

Marissa gained her strength and walked in, "Do you have anything for an upset stomach?"

Levi handed her some tablets, "How did you sleep?"

"Fine, thanks," she took the tablets with some water.

"Where's your ring," Levi's father asked.

Marissa glanced down at her empty finger, "Crap, I forgot it on the sink after I got out of the shower."

Levi received a look from his father as he got up from the table and left.

"Will we be landing soon? Where are we going," she asked.

"Not for another day or so. We're heading to Poseidon's Cove, my—our home," Levi said, placing a hand on her forehead, "You're looking green, but don't worry, you'll get your sea legs soon. Hungry?"

Her stomach recoiled at the idea; she shook her head. The ship rocked, and she gripped Levi's arms hard. He helped steady her and led her to a chair. Marissa rested her head on him. She had hoped to get some more reading done, but that would be difficult in this state.

"You should rest for a while," Levi said.

"I want to see more of the ship," Marissa said.

"You're free to roam around this floor only. The lower levels are for the crew, and the deck is too dangerous for you. There are books in my study, tv, and stereo in the bedroom; then you have access to cook," Levi said.

Marissa sighed more rules. She couldn't wait to get off the ship and step on solid ground again.

"That's quite restrictive."

"It's my job to make sure everyone is safe and focusing on their jobs," Levi said.

"So, I am supposed to be down here alone for weeks at a time," Marissa asked.

"Yes, depending on the voyage, then when we drop anchor and explore the city," Levi said.

That did sound fun, sightseeing in a new city every week, traveling, seeing the wonders of the world. However, she would prefer to fly instead.

"Guess I'll go rest for a while. Is there a phone I can use? There's no signal out here," Marissa said.

"No phone, just a radio. Who would you like to call?"

"My friends—"

"Lizzy? Right," Levi asked.

"And Caleb," she said.