The State Files

YO-HO!

The waves pattered against the ship like an angry mob.

Of course, Massachusetts had his experience with angry mobs. He also had experience in sailing, or in this case, boating.

He couldn't call it "sailing", for it wasn't a sailboat. It was a simple fishing ship, an extremely bright blue one. With an anchor and a lifeboat strapped onto the port side of the hull. Right next to that was a big white title that read "The Codfish".

The day was as sunny as a day could get in Boston. Slight clouds dimmed the sunlight occasionally before shining brightly once more.

He tapped his foot on the dock as he leaned against one of the posts, various ropes wrapping around it to anchor other boats in the area. He puffed a bit of remaining smoke out of his mouth, letting the rare sunbeams shine against his pale and tattooed arms. With his other hand, he fidgeted with a small intricate stick.

The wood creaked softly underneath him as a figure approached him silently. "Hello."

"Hm?" Henry looked up. A 17-year-old girl stood before him. Her long brown hair was braided down her back, hair swooping in front of her purple calm eyes.

"Ah, Betty, you're finally here," Henry said impatiently.

She tilted her head at the nickname. "I said no to Betty."

"Well, im not saying your full name that's for shuah."

She sighed and looked at the boat. "Why did you even ask me out here? You know I don't like listening to your ramblings."

"What? You don't like my commentary?"

"Well...When im fishing I don't like hearing about how sea rocks connect to the political state of the economy, followed by a sea of curses."

"Psh, you just don't understand." He waves her off and grins. "Let's get out on the wata now."

She nodded and walked down the dock to step into the extremely blue boat, breathing as she fanned herself. "It's wicked hot out here."

Henry shrugged, also sweating through his shirt. "You telling me. Im sweating my friggin' ass off."

The Bay State unwrapped the rope, hopped onto the boat, and sat in the driver's seat. He started the engine and expertly backed out of the dock with a few splashes and roars.

Before they could back up fully, a much bigger fishing boat zoomed past them, cutting them off and making the boat squirm on the newly created waves.

Henry growled, "That sonouva-! Hey, watch it you f*ckin chowderhead!"

Maine's eyes widened as she tracked the ass who had just water-cut them off. "What a dink..." She mumbled.

Henry scoffed, trying not to let an ass ruin his day with his little sister. "...It's okay. Im fine."

Bernadette observed her big brother and he grumbled and continued to back up, speeding off away from the dock and to the sea line.

"So...you think we'll catch some bugs?" She asked, trying to change the topic.

"Hm? Uh, yeah, shuah."

She hummed in response. The boat got quiet, except for the roar of the engine.

"...Nice day out, eh?"

"Yep."

Okay. Sure, Bernadette wasn't the finest kind at talking...she much preferred to be alone in the forest, or off the coast on her own. But this was kinda getting ridiculous. They were talking normally earlier, weren't they?