The Pirate's Map

Flashback

I was 5 years old, playing with the sailboat toy Pa had bought for me. "Look Mama, Its a sailboat!!" I exclaimed with a giggle, making whooshing sounds as I ran with it in the air.

A knock on the door, along with a voice. Pa's back! "Knock knock, I'm home! Where's my little Sea Star!?" his deep voice rang through the house, calling me by my nickname he gave me.

I ran to my mother, tugging on her dress "Mama, mama, pa's back!! He's here!!" I say excitedly

But those words seemed to strike a chord through her, her usual cheery expression going grim. "Stay here sweetheart, I'll be right back" she forced a smile on her lips. 

I didn't get it, was she mad with Pa? But why? I decided to eavesdrop, the curious child I was.

She opened the door with a neutral expression "Well. Look who's back" she said deadpanned.

"Marina, my love!" he didn't notice her annoyance as he came inside to embrace her, but she quickly sidestepped, leaving Pa as confused and worried as I was

"Leave this house Gideon, or I'll kick you out myself." she said in a dark voice which made me whimper in fear.

"M-my love? What gives?" he asked, saddened. His whole face dropped with despair

"I loved Gideon Blackwood, not Captain Gideon Blackwood. He is a 2 faced liar. You left me Gideon. Left us." she replied sharply. 

What does she mean? I thought to myself, straining my ears to hear more.

But Pa seemed to pick up on it, unlike me.

His voice darkened as well, threatening, warning, reminding. "Marina Blackwood, do not start this now. I do this for us. For the family. I do this because you deserve the comfort of riches-"

Both of them used full names. Very bad sign.

Mama cut him off. "I need nothing of your stolen money Gideon. You left me to take care of our little one, and came back just for awhile, before leaving. So, I'll give you two options. Me and our sea star, or your ship and crew."

Uh oh....

Pa stood frozen, not knowing what to do. His voice went saddened once again. "My love-"

Mama cut him off once again. "Choose. Your family, or your said job."

Pa looked taken aback, but his face went serious. "Fine, if you want me out so bad, then I will. Just let me say my last goodbye to my sea star, and I'll leave."

He wanted to say goodbye to me? Why's Pa leaving?

"Fine" Ma said sharply. "You get to stay today, and you can say your goodbyes." she took a deep breath and walked off. 

I slowly peeked in, as Pa's expression went soft. "Come here my sea star" he smiled as he knelt down, his arms out. 

I ran and hugged him. "Pa, why was Mama angry?" I asked innocently

He gave me a sad smile. "Papa's going again tomorrow sea star. Mama's just angry that I'm going again." 

"Do you have toooooo, why cant you staayyyy!" i whined, not wanting him to go.

"My little Astoria. I will miss you so much." He handed me a little gift. "Open this gift on your 21st birthday, not before, not after. It will have a light to guide you to me." he cups my little face n his large callused hand. "I'll miss you my sea star..."