Emmalien's Constellation

Chapter One

"I don't want you to go!" Maryann protested, fighting tears. "It feels like you only just returned from the sea yesterday!"

"I don't want to go either. But the job pays well." Edmond Conway tried to reassure his wife. "This was a lucky break, really. Being the only ship in the harbor when they needed transport. It was as if I was meant to take this job."

"That's not luck." She didn't hide her disappointment at all, "that's a curse as far as I am concerned."

"Please, Maryann." Edmond lowered his voice to sound more soothing. "I do this to give you the best life that I can. A life you're worthy of."

"I don't care about money." She snapped, "I care about you!"

"I'll be fi-." He was cut off.

"I have nightmares every time you're away!" She told him. "Did you know that? I wake up in terror most nights. Afraid you have fallen into the sea. Afraid you've gotten lost and that you'll never return to me!" He didn't respond. Only stared at her with a frown. She went on, "You don't know how many days and nights I stand by the harbor just waiting to see your sails come over the horizon."

"I rush back to you." He said, "Emmalien's Constellation cuts through the waves like warm butter. I'll return to you again, just as I always do."

He could see his wife was truly upset. He hated to upset her. He had only ever wanted to make her smile. He went on when she hadn't said anything. "I do it for you." He came to rest his callused hand on her swollen stomach, "I do it for both of you." She was seven months along now. Which only added to her stress of her being alone.

She rested her hands over his, "I understand. But we need you. I need you. I don't want you to miss the birth."

"I will try my very best to make it back in time." He wrapped his arms around her now and gave her auburn hair a gentle kiss atop her head. "I have to be back in time to name her."

"Her?" She smiled, "You think it is another girl?"

He felt a small smile tug at his lips. He wanted a healthy child, but he couldn't help but hope for another daughter. The pain of losing Emmalien two years ago still broke his heart. She had only been five. A sickness took her while he was away at sea. He still never forgave himself for not being there when she needed him most. For not being there to hold her as she faded.

While she was gentle and kindhearted, he knew his wife still held onto this fact, too. Ever since they lost their precious baby girl, she hated for him to go out to sea. Before, she seemed more understanding. She knew the life she signed up for when she married a ship captain. Although, that understanding seemed to fade more and more with each passing day.

Perhaps losing their daughter showed her just how frail and fleeting life could be. She had already lost so much. To lose him would mean to lose everything she valued in life. And now, to lose him would mean losing the father of their newest addition.

"I think it is either a girl or a boy," He guessed playfully. But he could see it in her eyes. She longed for a daughter just the same. It would never replace Emmalien. Nothing could. But it would feel like their family was complete to an extent again. To have little feet running around the house again.

"You're something." She joked. But her smile faded as she lingered on a thought within herself. Finally, she made it known, "I still don't understand why you can't just take me with you."

"You know I can't." He reminded her yet again.

She mocked his voice now, "Bad luck to bring a woman aboard."

"It is." He raised his eyebrows. "Every sailor knows it. There's a reason it's been set in stone, you know."

"Silly superstition." She rolled her eyes.