The Pirate's Love

Chapter 1

It was the most exciting day of her life.
Claire Samuels, a charming young woman of 23 was going to be off on her first voyage today. 

Her parents had died when she was young, and her step aunt became her guardian. The port town of Mackham bustled that day, a rainy november morning. She was looking forward to meet Harrison too.

Harrison Le Cliff was her lover since college. Their marriage was fixed for the next month, they were the town's most perfect and ideal couple. "Harry will be waiting for you, Claire!" "Just a minute Jess, I'm almost out" She replied excitedly as she got dressed in her finest.

Harry's father owned a beautiful ship but their family was spoiled, unlike Claire whose parents had taught her the value of money.

She kissed her pendant, "I'm getting on a ship today mom!" She grinned at the blue crystal. Her late mother had given the pendant to her on her death bed, she had cherished it ever since. 

She ran downstairs quickly and met her best friend Jessy in the hall. She bid farewell to her step aunt and her maid. She was relieved to leave that house because her aunt was an absolute terror. Her aunt always talked to her in a harsh and rude way. At such times, she would bury her face in Harry's chest and cry for hours. 

The carriage was waiting for the two English girls outside. They got on gracefully and within half an hour, they reached the grand ship. 

Jess had been Claire's best friend since her parents died. They loved each other better than sisters and had been inseparable from day one. She had been on a ship before but never one such a grand one. 

Harry had told Claire that there were going to be many men and women on the ship, servants, chefs, guests, relatives, friends and a lot more.

"Ah, Claire my dear!" Harry's mother kissed her cheek. "Good morning Miss Cliff" She smiled in her usual charming way. "You look splendid my dear" Claire blushed. She greeted Harry's father too and in the far corner of the ship, she met Harry who was busy analyzing a map. 

She closed his eyes from behind and he suddenly realized it was her. "Claire!" He exclaimed and turned to hug her. He brought her hand to his lips. "Good morning dear" She smiled at him and he grinned back. They walked hand in hand while Harry showed her the ship. 

By afternoon, the ship was already roaring past the waves and Harry hugged Claire from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder. He was a slightly stout man and Claire always felt that his face resembled Napoleon Bonaparte. Harry was nearly seven years older than her and because of that her aunt was pretty against them marrying, but when she learned that Harry came from a rich family, she agreed immediately.

He kissed her shoulder as they stared at the sparkling sea, "We are getting married next month" He mumbled, "Yes... I am very excited" She replied, her golden hair dancing in the air. "But Claire, do you really want to marry this soon?" That question left her thunderstruck.

"Of course Harry... I love you more than anyone... I want to spend my life with you" She said with a hint of fear. She wondered why he had asked this suddenly. 

"Yes Claire, of course but do you think we are hurrying it?" "We'll be alright" Claire replied and leaned back on his chest, he nodded with a 'hmm'

Her marriage was one of her greatest dreams, and since she had fixed her mind about it, there was no turning back now. She had been stubborn always but she was proud about it. 

Storm clouds loomed the sky in the evening. 

Harry's father began worrying and consulted the other men on the ship, there were thick clouds ahead and they couldn't move further. They thought of anchoring in the middle of the ocean because of the rocks and icebergs ahead of them but Harry's father was worried about pirates.

"Pirates? Nonsense!" Claire laughed at Harry who had come to the cabins to inform her about the storm. The ladies were seated in the main cabin gossiping, "Exactly, there's no such thing as pirates brother" Helen rolled her eyes at Harry. He sighed and left them as they kept ridiculing him.

The women talked further about the everyday things till they heard a gunfire and an explosion. They were all startled and howled in fear, "What was that?! Oh lord!" Miss Cliff cried as she jumped up from the bed, "The ship stopped... There are noises outside" Jess whispered as she tried peeping out the door.

It flung open suddenly and hit Jessy's head, "Jess!" Claire cried as she knelt down beneath her friend who groaned in pain. Everyone looked up at the heartless fool standing near the door in bewilderment.

"Surrender yourselves and get over to the deck if you don't want to be shot!" 

The women were startled by the unfamiliar hoarse sound. Claire gulped as she stared at the tanned man.

He had dark blue eyes like the ocean, a pistol in one hand and long dark hair. His face was hidden by a dirty cloth and a black hat rested on his head. His clothes were shabby, wet and dirty. 

"Now!" He roared and the other women began weeping.