Endless Sea

Chapter 12: The Mansion

March 16th, 1857

Nimet poured coffee into Howard's cup as he sat across the table from her, watching carefully as she poured. Worried she could hurt herself somehow.

"I was thinking about eating dinner at Pete's again today," he spoke as he sipped at the Turkish coffee. "Would that be alright?"

"Again?" Nimet asked as she set the pot.

Howard smiled, "Well he invited me over and it would be rude not to go, anna."

Nimet smirked a bit, "I suppose you have to go then, Ezrah."

"I suppose," he giggled as he took another sip.

He bid Nimet farewell before leaving for Pete's, it was a gorgeous Sunday morning. The sun shone so brightly in the March sky. Howard and Peter had been together for a while, the awkward stage had passed by now for the young boys. Fifteen-year-old Howard arrived at his friend's home, knocking on the door. He expected Peter, but Ed answered instead. Ed was hardly home, he either was at their shop or sailing. Peter stood nearby, a bit far behind as he looked at Howard with anxiety. Howard gave a reassuring smile to Pete before looking back at Mr. Stoker.

"Hello, sir." Howard smiled.

"What are you doing here, Harold. I thought I told you we don't allow guests," Ed spat.

Howard appeared uncomfortable, "Well, sir. My name's Howard, actually. Also, I was coming to see Peter."

"Well, Harold that would be a guest."

"Howa--. Hm. I suppose but am I really a guest if I come over so often?" Howard asked.

Ed furrowed his eyebrows "Often?"

Peter shook his head, looking horrified over what Howard had said. Did Ed not know? Howard decided it would be best to change the topic quickly,

"Anyways Mr. Stoker-"

"What do you mean often?" Ed questioned Howard, looming over him,

Howard gulped. He was tall for his age, about six feet, but Ed was slightly taller. Howard felt threatened around the man, he always had a terrible feeling about Pete's dad.

"I come over sometimes to clean up while you're gone, I do it for free and it's just a nice thing for you to come home from work to sir! Was Pete's idea,' Howard lied.

Ed paused, looking as if he was thinking. "Hm." He muttered. "I suppose that is nice, fine. Come in."

Howard walked over to Pete, who gave him a concerned smile.

"I am off to the docks, don't go in my room," Ed spoke, his eyes had an evil to them as he looked at Peter and Howard. Then proceeded to leave, slamming the door behind him.

Peter looked out the window, waiting for his father to vanish around the corner. Then looked back to Howard. "Why did you lie!"

"if I told the truth you'd get in trouble!" Howard replied.

Pete pinched his nose in frustration, "If he knew you were lying I'd get in MORE trouble!" Peter said.

"it'll be okay, Pete." Howard sighed. "Come on, let's go to your room."

Peter and Howard walked down the hall to Peter's room, going in and sitting on his single bed. Pete looked over to Howard, "If he does find out, he'll be so mad."

"he won't." he shrugged. "I'll just have to clean and stuff during my visits, and he'll never know."

"Okay,"