The Belladonna

Chapter 12

"The brave can be terrified." -Bella

Isabella's POV:

Two days later, we are sailing off in the ocean, just drifting as of now. We have made a few plans to go to Britain sometime soon, hoping that Harry could talk to his brother again. I was just leaning against the rails, the wind feeling a bit chillier against my neck than it usually does, but that's just because of my lack of hair.

It's insanely weird not having it long anymore, and I have nothing to play with whenever I'm bored. It's just something that I'll have to get used to; but in a way I'm glad that it's gone. I feel like I actually grew up whenever I cut it off. I can't keep being that scared little girl who needs protection all the time. I won't be that anymore.

My eyes looked out at the ocean, my eyebrows furrowing as I caught something coming towards us. It was a smaller boat, but it didn't look like it was going to attack. There was a white flag blowing on the mast and I knew then it must either be a messenger ship or just a sea merchant. Hopefully.

"Harry!" I call out, getting his attention as he walks over here, a smile on his face. "Yes, m'dear?" he asks and I giggle at his choice of words but point out at the boat coming up. "We've got company." I say and he nods. "Don't get prepared for a fight or anything, just looks like the normal messengers." he says and I grin, giving him a nod.

He informs the crew about the incoming boat and they stand down, happy that we weren't being attacked again and frankly so was I. Whenever the boat got close enough we lowered down a ladder, the person beginning to climb up after it was down.

My eyes widened whenever I saw a female come over the railing, a big smile on her face as her long red hair billowed around her. Her clothing was a bit more on the scandalous side; she wore shorts that were about three inches shorter than my skirt, and a half top that just barely covered her breasts. Her boots came all the way up to her knees and she had a pirate hat on top of her head, trying to contain her thick hair.

As soon as Harry sees her his eyes widen, a smile coming to his face. "Shayla Jones. I never thought I'd see you again." he says and I raise an eyebrow before seeing her turn to him, a smirk on her face as she puts her hands on her hips.

"Harry Styles. Same as always, it seems. Except I will say, you've gotten a lot handsomer from the last time we met up." she says and I feel a twinge of jealousy rise up in me. He's never mentioned this girl before.

"Oi." she says, looking from Harry to Louis and the other three beside him, a grin on her face before she whistled. "Harry, you've gotten a new crew. Where were these fine looking lads last time I was around, huh? All you had were those grubby old men." she complains and Harry laughs.

"It's been quite a while, Shayla. You've missed a lot." he teases and she rolls her eyes. "Yeah, I can tell that much idiot. You've always been the obvious one though." she remarks and I try not to smile at the comment, despite my curiosity towards her. Harry just gives her a small glare but I can see him fighting a smile as well.

"You really haven't changed Shayla." He comments and she grins. "Why would I? It's quite fun being able to sass everyone relentlessly without them being able to do a thing about it." She cackles with a wink and I can't help but smile this time. "Well..." Harry muses, a twinkle in his eyes before she scoffs.

"Don't even Styles. I can kick your ass anytime I want to." She says haughtily and I laugh, the shock I felt over her statement not enough to keep me from laughing. Shayla turns to me, a grin coming to her face. "Harry? You never kept a girl before." she says and he opens his mouth to say something but he doesn't get the chance.

Shayla walks over to me and gives me a small wink before talking. "Oh honey, is this big man keeping you captive? What a caveman, I thought he had better manners than this, seeing as he was raised in a castle." She taunts with a smile and I laugh before nodding my head. "I just can't seem to get away." I joke and Harry looks at both of us shocked.