Newbie's Skill

Sixteen

I groaned groggily, looking around. I was back in my bed. I prayed that it was all just a bad dream. I felt Ace's arms around me protectively. By his body language, I knew it was all real. I just wanted none of it to be real.

"Acey," I mumbled. He groaned, opening his tired, bloodshot eyes. He kissed my forehead gently.

"It's okay, Buddy. No one blames you for any of this. This is all just an obstacle we have to overcome to reach our goal. You're safe with us." He held me tighter in his arms, and I took him for his word.

"You two just rest. We'll deal with everything else," Marco whispered above us, running his hand through Ace's hair before mine.

"But I have to talk to Pops...he deserves an apology," I mumbled. Ace's tired eyes watched me like a hawk. Pops needed to know. If this got out of hand again...no one could help. Next time, I knew I would do it with more success than last night. I had to warn him beforehand. He had to know! "I promise I'll behave. I won't go to anyone. I'll go straight to Pops. I promise!" My eyes started to water again. I was so sick of crying. I was nothing but a crybaby, and we all knew it.

"Marco. We'll let him see Pops," Thatch said. Marco sighed, nodding slightly.

"I've got to work," Ace sighed heavily. "I'll be back later tonight."

"Okay," I whispered. He pressed our foreheads together gently. Then, he got up from the bed, and he left the cabins. "He's mad at me," I told myself.

"We all are to some extent. We almost lost our little brother last night."

"Lay off, Marco," Jozu spoke. Izo narrowed his eyes.

"The kid knows. He doesn't need to be reminded. He's upset as it is. Leave him recover," Izo argued. I swallowed thickly. I stood up shakily. I was in so much pain. Physically and mentally. I felt like I wanted to just throw up. I left the men to their bickering, much to their displeasure, and I walked to Pops' bedroom. I took a shaky breath, looking around. I knocked on the door nervously.

"Yes?" I gulped. Was I ready to face him, yet? A woman opened the door. Well, I had to be now.

"It's Ashlo, Captain," she announced. She looked me up and down with distrusting eyes. "Shall I send him away?" One look at Pops made me think about running away from the scene. His eyes softened drastically as he gazed at me, almost like he knew what I was here for.

"No. I won't turn away my sons. Come in, my boy. Leave us, Doctor."

"But, Captain," she said through her teeth.

"I can manage a youngster. I handled Ace and survived. I can handle another one. Go."

"Of...course...Captain," she said reluctantly. She bowed her head. As she walked past me, she paused. "Don't think the rest of us are so forgiving for what you put our father through last night." With a side glare, she slammed the door shut behind her.