to the ends of the earth

nine

The morning sun shone through the window, casting a warm glow across my cabin. I knew it was early, but I also knew I wouldn’t be able to get back to sleep.

Now that I was awake, the events of the previous night lingered in my mind. It was like a bittersweet melody, a mixture of emotions; weightless, yet heavy.

As I slipped out of bed, I found myself torn between that same mixture of emotions.

After getting ready, I decided to start the day by taking a breather on the promenade deck. The sight of Port Said filled my eyes, and I realized we must’ve docked there overnight.

From where I was standing, the town was bustling with people. It looked lively, it looked so unlike where I came from. I felt an excitement at the thought of exploring it.

When I returned to my cabin, Nelson was already waiting for me by the door in one of his elegant suits – the beige color of it fit him very well. A smile appeared on his face when he noticed me.

“Good morning,” I smiled back at him, motioning at his outfit. “That color suits you.”

“Good morning to you too.” He let out a chuckle, as we both made our way to the grand staircase. “You know, you should save those compliments for your lady.”

I shot him a glare.

He held his hands up in defense. “I apologize. Thank you, for your kind words.”

“That’s better.”

I followed Nelson into the dining room, excited to have a moment alone with him and talk about maybe going into town. However, he decided to approach the table where Colin and Julie were already seated, and all I wanted to do was turn around and run off.

“Would you mind if we joined you for breakfast?” he asked ever so politely.

“Not at all,” Colin smiled, motioning with his hand. “Have a seat.”

I took a quick glance at Julie, whose bruises I could still see flashing before my eyes, but were now covered by her dress and collar. She looked sad, though I could see her pushing herself to put on an act.

I greeted both Colin and Julie, taking a seat across from them as Nelson went off to get the both of us something for breakfast.

“Did you have a good night of sleep?” was all I could come up with.

“Absolutely. Slept like a log,” Colin responded, before lightly shoving Julie’s shoulder. “Whenever I am awake, this one is always twisting and turning.”

Julie who’d been looking down at the cup of coffee in her hands, looked up with a forced smile, before taking a sip. Our eyes met, and it felt as if as if a wave of energy hit my stomach. It felt stronger than it had before.

Right then, Nelson came back with a plate of fruit and two cups of tea. He handed me a cup and then sat down next to me, letting out a relaxing sigh. “I can’t wait to go into town today.”

So, he had been thinking about it. I needed to go with him, even if it was just to get Julie something to soothe her bruises. “You know I’m joining you, right?”

“Of course, I do,” he said, flashing me a wink, before suddenly turning his gaze towards Julie. “Julie, would you like to join us?”

I immediately looked over at Colin, who’s façade broke for a quick second. He wanted nothing more than to put a chain around her; hold her hostage, so she could never leave his side. After that second, he returned to his forged personality.

“You can go, my darling.” He then flashed us both a smile. “I have some things to take care of, anyway. Be back for dinner, okay?”

On one hand, I felt an excitement, being able to spend the day with both Nelson and Julie, exploring this town. Maybe I even could get Julie checked on by a doctor. On the other, I felt uneasy, fearing this would worsen Julie’s situation.