Dark Island Book 1 (Complete)

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

My eyes blinked slowly, as the light streaming in from the small window of the compartment finally penetrates my surprisingly deep slumber. Stretching, yawn, snuggling down deeper into the pillows and blankets I am cuddled in. I hear a noise and elevate my head to find Ronny walking into the room, he smiles brightly my way.” oh good! You’re awake! I was just about to come wake you up, it’s time for breakfast. We are having eggs and bacon. Are you hungry?”
My belly takes that moment to rumble again, so apparently, I am. It’s obvious my sandwich the night before didn’t last long. I smile back at him, sitting upwards.
“Seems so” clearing my throat, still thick with sleep.
“Where’s Harold? Will he be joining us?”
“No, he is already fast asleep. He ate something just before I started with breakfast. I guess tonight will be my turn.”
“Yes, but I could also take the night shift, it doesn’t bother me at all.”
“No, its fine Jack, at some point it will be my turn so rather take tonight.”
“Jack about last night, how are you feeling are you alright, I mean the nightmares does it come to pass a lot.” Ronny’s smile shifted his always-prominent face looked more anxious.
Moving bit by bit out of bed, I lifted a hand to calm him.” No, I’m good. It was just a silly dream actually nothing to worry about. As you can see, I’m fine.” I smile ruefully.
Ronny bobs his head. “Ah, okay, well I’m glad you are feeling better now.” He smiles, and then reaches for my hand, helping me up.” C’mon sleepy pants. Go freshen up then well go eat
“Yes sir.” I grin, and then do as I’m told. My stomach does a little victory dance at the thought of a good breakfast, after finishing I follow Ronny out the compartment.

Ronny and I make our way towards the deck at the back of the vessel. On arrival, I saw that there was a folded table and some chairs already stacked up.
“This is where we will have our breakfasts from now on. I hope you don’t mind but I love to enjoy a meal outside in the morning fresh air.”
“Its fine by me Ronny, jeez, looks as though you cooked up a storm again, buffet style, yum.”
Accepting a plate Ronny hands to me, we scooted forward, and begin pilling food on our plates. My mouth already watering at all the smells. Bacon! I love bacon. I thought to myself. I try not to be greedy, but everything looks so good, I can’t help but to go a little overboard. Pouring a cocktail tomato in my mouth, I ask, “So where is the coffee? You can’t enjoy a good breakfast without the proper beverage?”
“Oh, it’s in the flask over there.” Ronny nodded towards the edge of the table.
Ronny plops down in the chair next to me, popping a tomato in his mouth to.
“Oh Jack; did Harold mention anything to you about last night?”
“No, nothing why? Is something wrong Ronny?”
“He told me that he saw a strange bluish light last night. I know it sounds bizarre but he was going on and on about it for a while.”
“A light? Maybe he was dreaming or something, could have been another vessel, or could have been the lack of sleep you know he hasn’t slept in two days this is his first time since we left the docks. I asked in disbelieve
“Yeah could be. But why would he be…ugh I don’t know… maybe your right Jack, you know just illusions or something.”
“But he what Ronny? Why would he be...? What?”
“He looked sort so worried, scared in fact. I could see it in his eyes and as we all know Harold by know, he is not somebody who gets easily scared. Therefore, it must have been something.
My annoyance ramped up a notch.” Ronny, I do not know okay! I really don’t.”
I stopped eating for moment. Turning my attention to the ocean next to us.
“Hey Jack, you’re a bit jumpy, what’s wrong man? You know I’m on your side. Talk to me is something is bothering you.
“I know Ronny, and I’m sorry for lashing out just now. It’s just my son, this past time I didn’t get to spend much time with him and my wife. What if all of this is just a waste of time?”
“Jack, do you hear yourself? This trip will be worth it, you will see. It’s going to be just like those days, those days were the three of us sailing alone with only our fishing gear reeling in the big ones.” Ronny smiled broadly, prompting me to smile back.
“Yeah, how could I forget, those were fun times. We were always constantly competing against each other, and I was the one who usually walked away the champion.” I ended with a half-cocky tone in my voice.
I take a sip of my coffee, nodding before glancing at my plate with an inward sigh. Jack, your eyes are definitely bigger than your stomach. A rueful smile crosses my lips. I always seem to be ravenous, until I actually start eating.
“Alright Jack, what do you say about a friendly competition, you and me. The one who pulls out the biggest fish gets a complementary beer.”
“What, did you actually bring your fishing gear along? And beer?” I asked astonished, staring at Ronny, as he hurried of to get the rods.
A beer would be nice right about now. I said to myself
I grabbed my napkin, cleaned my face, and headed to Ronny. I snatched my phone from my pocket. “Damn, no signal.”
“Here you go Jack; you can use this one it’s a bit dusty but it will do the trick. “
“Earth to Jack...”
“Are you okay man, you dose off a little.”
“Uh, yeah just my damn phone, I can’t get a signal. Does your phone have any?”
“Let me check, nope nothing.”
“Damn, I just wanted to make one phone call, just one.”
“Don’t fret about it, your family are fine. We are miles away from shore; I do not believe that we will be getting any out here. But in the meantime, let’s begin our little competition, shall we?” Ronny’s face light up.

***

“You are right Ronny.”
“About what?”
“This, I mean us, fishing just like old times. We must definitely do this more often even if it’s just once a month. I miss this.”
“I agree… oh man, I think I got something!” Ronny jumped up yanking his rod into the air.
“I think it’s a big one. C’mon you, no need to fight back, I’m going to reel you in one way or another.” 
“You see this Jack; this is how you catch a big one.” Said Ronny half self-satisfied
“Yeah, I can definitely see it Jack it looks like you’re going to win.” I countered mockingly.
“Ronny, I don’t think your line compartment handle the tension. I think it’s about to…”
The line snapped just before Ronny could swing it onboard causing him to fall backwards on his behind.  His expression changed from cocky to disbelieve. I started bursting with laughter.
“I suppose this is what you must do to catch the big one, right? I guess that makes me the winner one complementary beer coming up.”
“Ugh just forget it. This is bullshit, my line snapped! It doesn’t count Jack!”
“It does, I win fair and square. You couldn’t handle it and he got the better of you.”
“You know what Jack, I’m done!” Ronny mutters before giving me an unreadable look before heading to the cabin. He doesn’t seem particularly thrilled about the outcome of the competition. My annoyance started ramping up again. It is coupled with confusion and my ever-ready stubborn streak that is instinctively aroused.
“So, what know? You are just going to give up. It was just a little bit of fun man. What’s with that?”
“Never mind, okay, if you’re looking for me my compartment reading.”
I closed my mouth, leaving him be for the moment. I lift my chin, sitting straighter, miffed. Whatever. I turned my attention back to the calm and serene Ocean.