Tia settled herself against the rails of the top deck, leaning against it to get the best view in the world. 

This was better than going to any prep school or spending weeks in a house that wasn't a home. But what she wouldn't give to be back in Louisiana, back in her home where she knew the land and she knew the people. 

But she wasn't going to be home for a while, thanks to her father. Her mother would never have put up with this, her grandmother would have cursed him to hell and back were she here to do so. 

But this was the best alternative. And perhaps they would end up in the country of her heritage. 

Tia thrummed her fingers on the bar of the ship, watching the others as they swam in the pool or walked to and from the ship. But they were ruining her view of the ocean and so she turned to move to the other side where she could watch the water and the sunset when she noticed she was no longer alone.