Deep within the Dark Waters

Chapter 2

Without time to speak back. Ruth turns on her heels returning back into the house. Their mother following, gesturing for Cass and Alexander to come in side. Alexander arrives at Cass' side as she has not followed her mother's wishes. Cass' expression screams her embarrassment. " I heard." Alexander states referring to Ruth's words. " Come Cass." Alexander states taking ahold of her hand softly pulling her forward. Cass sighs in frustration as she lets Alexander slowly lead her inside. As they enter Cass' once familiar home the door shuts behind them as Alexander lets go of the door knob. Cass' eyes search the now decorated place she once called her home. Her chest becomes heavy as a sudden and unexpected wave of emotions hit her like a stone. Mostly of an unfamiliar feel of sadness. Her face falls momentarily. Alexander taking notice of the sudden shift he steps to face her. " What is it Cass?" He asks her calmly running his hand along her shoulders to her hands. Without replying she shakes away the feeling in her chest before smiling at him lightly. " I'm just tired." She replies as she nods reassuring to him. Alexander lifts an eyebrow in suspension. " If your sure." He says back cautiously. " I'm sure." She assures him once again as she returns his touch. She nods as another sign of fake reassurance to him as she continues after her now more distant mother. Alexander strays a bit behind as he eyes the pictures Cass had once painted. Reaching the living area Cass' mother comes to a halt. She turns embracing Cass once more." Cassandra how you've grown." She whispers as Cass smiles uncomfortably, still a bit unsure of her mothers sudden affection. Alexander enters the room, the sound of his boots stop as he stands behind them, his arms crossed as he waits for the moment to pass. Ruth stands on the opposite side of the large room. The room is wide and spacious, decorated with many more paintings and drawings this time not of Cass'. The larger and unused chairs are scattered throughout the room. Clearly the family room hasn't been used much, like the furniture in it. Ruth's face twisted in almost a glare as she looks at him. Nothing of what he remembered of her before, but that more than a while ago. Finally Cass pulls herself away from her mother, her eyes find Ruth. Instead of speaking to her Cass ignores the obvious tension in the room. " Where is Father?" Cass asks her mother. Her mothers smiles in response. " In his office." She answers simply. Cass smiles. " I'll get him then." Cass states as she turns on her heals walking briskly past Alexander and out of the room. Leaving him alone with the two women. " Have you been good to my daughter?" Cass' mothers asks. Alexander lifts an eyebrow at her question as Ruth scoffs clearly annoyed at the question. " Of course." Alexander responds dryly. Ruth's body hits the sofa in a rough sitting position, dust from the untouched chair flies into the air. Alexander smirks at the sight before speaking once again. " She only went overboard once, nothing to be concerned with." He says with a sarcasm voice.

Meanwhile Cass' hands slowly push open the door to her fathers dim and cold office. It seemed only yesterday she had done the same thing to ask if she could stay with the Siren. Now things were all to familiar and yet unknown for her. This was her home, she had grown up in. But she felt like a strangers walking around someone else's home. The door creaked open as she steps into the room her father spend a majority of his time in. There he was, slumped over in his chair. A letter in his hands as he read it, unknowing of her presence in his office. His face serious as he reread the letter, once and then once again. " Father?" She finally asks softly. Capturing his attention this time. His dark and old eyes look up to hers. " My Cassandra." He speaks softly and welcoming her as he stands. Holding out his arms open wide for her. She smiles in response before holding out her arms as well walking towards him. Embracing his daughter in long awaited hug. She smiles in relief, a part of her expecting him to be disappointed with her being away so long. Owen was just grateful to have his daughter back. " Did you bring the Captain with you?" Owen asks as they let go. She chuckles. " He's with Ruth and mother." She responds. Owen's eyes widen. " Now why would you leave him to the wolves like that?" He asks jokingly. " He's going to want me back with him soon." She says as a smirk falls on her face. " Let's go rescue him and then I want to hear how my daughter has been." Owen states as he puts his arm around her leading them both out of his office. The letter sitting on his desk, the pend words written in red.

" All that time being alone on a ship full of me-" Ruth is cut off by Cass and her father entering the room. Ruth pauses as Alexander stands in more of a defensive stance than when Cass left. Cass hearing Ruth's confusing statement and noticing Alexander's change in mood, she lets go of her father meeting Alexander's side. Ruth stands in silence as if she's a child been caught in a white lie. Cass' hand reaches Alexander's should as she turn her head to whispering. " What is happening?" She asks in a low tone. Alexander doesn't respond as he eyes her for a split second. " Enough of that." Cass' mothers speaks up before standing. " Owen aren't you going to greet the Captain?" She adds. Owen clears his throat. " Of course." Owen offers his hand to Alexander. Alexander takes his attention from Cass and shakes his hand firmly. " Sir." Alexander states as there hands let go. Cass lifts her eyebrows towards Ruth as if she's asking Ruth the same question she asked Alexander. Ruth narrows her eyes in response. " Well Ruth, are you going to let them meet the luck Lad?" Owen asks with a smirk.