AFFLICTION- LRH

I Hated Boats.

Maeve's POV:

My tired eyes open abruptly to the sound.

One after the other, after another, soft knocks pounded against the wooden door.

Stirring in the sheets, I look at the side table beside Luke, noticing the time.

Who the fuck is knocking on our door at five thirty in the morning?

Throwing the sheets off me, the coolness of the room caused me to immediately grow goosebumps across my bare legs, my shorts not doing enough Justice to keep my body warm as I shuffle to the door, careful not to wake Luke.

Opening the door, my eyes widen at the sight of my father, who wore an unusually large grin, "Dad, what are you doing?"

I would be a liar if I said I wasn't silently priding myself for the idea of Luke and I sharing the bed last night in this moment.

"Have you done any exploring since you've been here?"

"I-" I shrivel my face, confused by his random question. Stepping out of the room, I shut the door behind me lightly, crossing my arms in front of my chest, "did you just seriously ask me that as if it isn't five in the morning?"

"It's five?" Dad looks down at his watch on his wrist, his eyes widening, "oh, I thought it was earlier than that."

I scoff at his words, "well no, dad. I am in hiding, so I haven't really gotten around to go explore yet."

"Great!" He claps his hands together, "get up and around, everyone else too. I rented a boat for all of us to go out this morning, we are going to see the ten thousand islands!"

"What?" I gawk, "Dad, no."

His smile drops, "why not?"

"Two reasons," I throw my fingers up, "one, it's five in the morning, and two, not after that stunt you pulled last night at dinner."

I was still upset over the matter, but him acting like everything was just peachy keen really ticked me off.

"Pumpkin, please," he sighs, "I really just- I don't know. I want to make it up to everyone. After all, you and I are alive because of them....because of him. I'm sorry, okay?"

"You can't just rent a boat and plan this entire day and think you're just forgiven." I scold.

His head shakes, "No, no no that's not what I think. But come on, Maeve. You have to understand where your old man is coming from. I just found out my only daughter was alive this entire time, for gods sake."

"Yeah but-"

"I am not saying what I did last night was okay," he interrupts, shrugging a bit, "but come on Mae, cut me a little slack here. I'm trying to make it up to everyone and get the chance to see my daughter."

I stay staring at him a moment. He seems well aware what he did was not excusable, however, he had a point.

He thought I was gone for good, and his most trusted members had me all along.

Fuck it, I guess he's right after all.

"Okay, fine." I agree, his eyes shining brightly by my words, "I'll go see who wants to go."

"Great!" He grins, "but I guess I should have told you, I rented the boat for eight people, so."

"Dammit, dad." I groan, mustering up a small smile so he knew I was playing, "I'm so tired."

"Be ready in thirty!" He smirks, turning around and heading back down the stairs.

Muttering to myself about how tired and stupid this was, I make my way back into the bedroom, surprised by the sudden light turned on by Luke's side.