Culture Shock

Chapter Two

I didn't know we were gonna sail. I've never seen a fleet this large my entire life and the motion made me wanna puke.

I hid in my cabin, nervous of what will happen next. The crews are as weird as their masters. All in Chinese costume. Most of the men wore swords around their hips and a chest shield, while women are in loose clothes with long sleeves. Silk shoes were present, too, but never seen a Lotus.

Most of the women wore decorated chopstick on their hair. Well, it wasn't really a chopstick because chopsticks are being used as eating utensil, right? Those were hairpins clung on their braided hair, symbol of a girl turning into an adult.

Is my mom from a secret island of China? That would be cool.

I've been locking myself for three hours now and I don't have any plan to show off. A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.

How the heck did he unlock the door?

He was wearing a t-shirt and a jersey shorts with a tray on his hands. "Clare, you got to eat." There were a mug of milk, loaf and spreads.

I shook my head no and laid down the bed once more. If I eat now, my eyeballs will float for sure. "Later, perhaps," I mumbled. I wanted to sleep but I could not. My lids won't fall.

How do you think Philipp would live? I am certain, he's on a celebration of my absence. That old man.

I heard the sound of the tray clanked on the table. Seriously, I'm nauseous as f. Not used to riding monstrous ocean buses.

Somebody, for the hundredth time, knocked on my cabin's door. Neon walked towards it and opened. "My lady, Mr. Castro," said a demure voice, "Forgive me, but Prince Johann have ordered me to apprise the fleet's arrival. The island is getting more visible from here."

We're getting near. This is it. I inhaled and held. Let's get this show on the road, bitches.

"Alright. We'll be there in a minute," I heard him reply.

I got up and pulled my bag under the bed. Neon closed the door and said, "Clare?"

"Yes?" I unzipped it and dug for clothes.

"Me being in your room ain't a good idea," he stated, anxious.

I scowled. "Why?"

He scratched his head and made face. "They are kind of umm... Imposing strict rules on men entering women's room. I need to leave."

Before he could depart, I reached for his hand. "No, it's fine. I mean, there's nothing wrong with being with you in a room," I told him while I search for my brown shirt and short shorts.

Where did it go? I'm pretty sure I brought it with me. The moment a brown cloth appeared, I forcibly pulled it out. There! I immediately took my shirt off.

"Whoa. W-what do you think you're d-doing?"

"Changing?" I arched a brow. He let out a long loud breath.

"What's with telling me you're gonna do so?" He left. I scowled. As far as I can remember, I've changed clothes in front of him before. He won't demoralize, I am confident.

Upon changing, I ran and looked for him outside. He was standing ahead the railing, watching the water at it smashes the fleet's underneath.

I silently moved beside him. "I'm sorry, man," I murmured.

"Clare," he paused, "It's just that... You. Should. Not. Trust. Me. The. Most."

My heart stopped. I should not trust him? But he's my brother. He's the only family that I have.