Siren and Triton (Book 2)

Chapter nine Plans

   Lyra sat huddled in between a few crates. Her face was buried in her folded arms. Her soft sobs were barely audible as she rocked back and forth.

   Patrick approached her with caution. He wasn't sure how she would react to him after all that had just transpired. He knelt down beside her. "Lyra?" His voice shook.

   She looked up at him and glared. "I hate you!" Tears streamed down her face.

   "I guess I definitely deserve that." He rubbed the back of his neck as looked at her feet. He thought about the first time he met Calli. "We should get you some clothes. Calli brought a whole trunk full." He laughed a little. He would have to thank Langford when he got home. Home. When did he start thinking of Narcadia as home? Was it because he hoped things would work out with his aunt? He shook his head to clear his thoughts.

   "What's a trunk?"

   He looked up to see Lyra staring at him in confusion. "It's a big box you put things in when you travel." He stood up and extended his hand out to her. "Here, let me just show you." He smiled at her. Then took her hand in his. He pulled her up and led her down the stairs to Calli's room.

   When they arrived at Calli's door, Patrick knocked loudly. "Calli? Can we come in?"

   The door creaked open to reveal Calli standing there with a shy grin on her face. "Come in." She stepped aside and led them to her bed. She bit her lip as she studied Lyra's expression. "I'm actually really glad that you're here. Having another girl on board will be so much better." She cupped her hand around her mouth and whispered, "Some of these guys are really weird."

   Lyra nervously laughed as she looked around the room.

   "Calli, do you think you could help her with something to wear?"

   "Of course, Puc. There are way too many for me." Calliope opened the trunk and started pulling out colorful clothes. Dresses for every season. She turned around and grinned widely. "Which one is your favorite?"

   Lyra inched forward.

   Patrick headed towards the door. "I need to go see the captain." When neither one of the girls responded,  he shook his head and sighed. "Looks like I've been replaced. See you girls later then."

   He saw Calli briefly glance up just before the door shut. "Okay."

   Patrick strode forward. Now that he was alone, guilt and sorrow started to creep into his thoughts. Not now. I still have things to do. He swallowed the pain down And fixed his expression.

   "Patrick! Just the person I was looking for." James headed over to him.

   "Oh, hey James. What did you need?"

   "Well, the captain wanted to speak with you."

   "I see. Actually, I was heading there now."

   "Good. Good. I'll go with you."

   "Oh, you don't have to."

   "I want to. You see, I kinda wanted to talk to you."

   "About what?"

   He glanced around. Then lowered his voice. "It's about your sister."

   Patrick froze. "What about Lyra?"

   James rubbed his chin. "It's just that the crew was wondering if she was... you know..."

   "A danger?" He finished. "I honestly don't know. She seems fine, but I know absolutely nothing about her; other than the fact that she was lied to her whole life and that she was raised by Calypso." Patrick studied his hands. "She knows nothing of the world." He frowned. "Besides me, this is her first time seeing men. She must be terrified. I'm just grateful that Calli is here. I'm hoping that she can help Lyra make a smooth transition into our world."