The last night had been long and arduous, not to mention tedious. After they had cast the nets all that was left to do was wait until it was time to reel in what we had caught. Aaron asked the Captain why they were doing this at night rather than during the day and he explained that the fish weren’t here during the day because predators lurked in the waters during the day.
One boy had tried to engage in conversation with him during the time that they had spent together on board the ship. But Aaron wasn’t interested in making friends. He knew that the more people knew your face you be more liable to get caught. Up until a few moments ago he had nothing against the boy but now he didn’t like the boy because, although he didn’t want to admit it he was jealous of the boy.
She had smiled and waved at him. They knew each other and it was obvious they were close. But how close he did not know and it made his blood boil. Even though he knew that what he wanted could never be a reality, if he couldn’t have her no one could. But he couldn’t let his emotions get the better of him and he had to remain focused no matter what the cost.
He felt something stir him, she was looking at him, and his heart went wild. Even though he knew that it shouldn’t. Although it had been mere hours since he had seen her last, it had felt like days. Her copper hair was tied up in a pony tail and her deep blue eyes were staring right into his. However, he knew what she was even if she didn’t and that should disgust him, perhaps even discourage him, but that was not the case. His heart was heavy though. His mission was to take her to the Pit and never think of her again, like he had done with the others. His heart became heavier when she looked away and avoided his gaze completely.
If his father valued anything it would be discretion. His customers paid handsomely to watch Them fight criminals. It was one of the main sports watched by many in his home country of Stonehaven. Those in power knew that many would disapprove so it was his job, the job of a Catcher, to find them and take them without anyone noticing. It was his father’s job to make sure that no neighbouring countries found out about the Pit.
“Right lads lets help them unload.” The captain said as we docked with the help of heavy handed man stationed on the pier. Grunts of approval came from the tired men onboard the boat.
“Morning Jeanie!” the overly friendly boy said as he walked along the gang plank.
“Morning Rayyan.” She replied in an equally friendly tone and that made him angrier. So that was his name, Aaron would remember that.
“Need some help?” he asked
“You’re a star!” she cried and gave him a small hug and giggled. They worked side by side for most of the morning. He unloaded from the boat and she and an old man carried the catch to some old wooden stalls had been set up. Aaron could tell though, as he was helping the men unload the catch, she was trying not to look at him, she was avoiding him.
Aaron felt like that was a challenge, so he was going to do whatever he could to make her acknowledge him. It would make it easier to take her away.
“She did what?” Rayyan cried as we were working.
“Her usual Ani thing. Flour from head to toe and egg in her hair. Nothing out of the ordinary.” I said dead pan. We looked at each other and burst into giggles.
“Oi, I pay you to work not joke around.” We looked behind us and saw that Reg and Jim were standing there, arms folded across their chests, looking like two parents scolding their kids.
“Sorry Reg. Sorry Jim.” we mumbled in unison.
“Honestly... every time.” Jim looks over at Rayyan, “I’m not gonna be around forever you know?”
