Scarletie

Back Home (Chapter 21)

Chapter 21

~ Gregorry's P.O.V ~

Right when we reached our last destination, I ordered the captain again to hold his crew and not let them leave the ports. I made it clear for them from day one that if they dare step out the ship they would get a severe punishment. I cant have them crawling around the town while I am out looking for the redhead. They might over hear me ask people about her and find out.

Later on in the evening, I finished searching most of the village on horse. Luckily the island was small enough where everyone knew everyone; and no one had seen an outsider. So I estimated that I would stay for about two days and head back home just in time for Chad's wedding...

I wipe the sweat with a hankerchief and enter the ship with a mule holding baskets of bread and wine as I promised. The cook came and took the belongings from me. He called everyone and passed around the treats. I grabbed half a loaf and happily bit into it for I was craving for something other than salty meat and fish. I entered my room kicking off my shoes and plopped onto the hard bed. I groaned and stretched ready to go to sleep for the day was long and tomorrow would be longer. I silently fell asleep which felt like only 2 seconds passed I heard a knock on the door.

"Leave me be!" I yelled at the door. I went back and relaxed trying to catch up to my dream.

"Its important." A small voice said.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and stood up and I swung the door as I saw an oval face stare at me with big clear eyes. It was the boy. He cleared his throat and I waited for what he wanted to tell me.

"When are we leaving?" He asked.

I looked at him examining the way he stood. He kept playing with his hand; seemed as though he rather be anywhere else. It looked like he is becoming impatient; but with what? Was it that he couldn't take it any longer at sea? Isn't he a pirate? I pushed aside my concerns and opened the door a little more.

"Come in."

Its a good thing he's here. I really want to know who this is... Even though I had promised myself I wouldn't get close to the pirates, but this guy was different from the others, and my insides keep telling me that he is no good.

The guy hesitated before entering. I layed back on the bed and folded my hands behind my head. He looked around the room and kept some distance between us. "When are we leaving?" He said repeating himself.

I sigh, "Tomorrow.. Why?" I ask feeling like he is being suspicious with every passing minute. "Nothing....." He responded and hastily exited out of the room.

I frowned. I have to keep my eye on him...

__________________________

~ Scarletie's P.O.V ~

I draped my black robe over my face to disguise myself as an ordinary person from any gazing eyes. I slip out of the ship as I rush out into plain daylight. I know this is risky but I have to see Ma and Pa... Even though it was getting dark the town still seemed crowded.

I had to squeeze through them and try my best to stay in the shadows. When I finally reached to a small home tucked near the ocean, I knock on the door glancing around making sure none of the crewmen has followed me. Voices were heard and finally a lumpy old woman opened the door.

When she saw me her frown wiped off her face and it turned into a huge grin. "Scarletie." She tells me pinching my cheeks and hugging me. "Come in. Come in!" She says ushering me in. "Henry! Come here." She says grinning.

My heart fills up with warmth. My home, other than the island, is here. I was only with them for a month after they rescued me. They have become so dear to me, I will always be great full that they welcomed me into their home. In enters an older man, who have come to accustomed in calling Pa who was in his mid 50's like his wife, Ma.

"Oh Henry. She came back." She tells him as her brown eyes glow. I feel a smile spread across my face. He stays silent and gives me a smile as he sits down in his rocking chair.

Pa (Henry) has helped me learn how to survive. I was swimming to shore and was about to give up until he fished me in. Sneaking out to see them is absolutely worth all the consequences that I might get into later. They treated me with so much care and love as though I was their own child.

I was curiouse at everything they did. What they used, stuff called fishing poles and how their beds raised off the floor, even how they dressed. They showed me simple things which I observed it all in. Ma and Pa seemed trustworthy so I didn't hesitate to opening up and telling them about Chad. They told me to keep this to myself and let nobody know. They even encouraged me that I should go and find him.

I relaxed in the couch and took off my robe. Ma gasped loudly and covered her mouth. "What happened to your gorgeouse hair?" She says sitting by me and running her hands to my now short hair. It stopped at my shoulders and it had now has an unpleasant smell for the lack of bathing it has received in the last 2 months at sea.

I couldn't take it, I threw my arms around Ma and cried telling her about my hardships and what had happened when I was gone. I told her about how I cut my hair and how I got sick many times, and even about that captain. I told them about how close I was to get to the palace when suddenly the new captain took over the ship and brought it back here.

I told them everything while Pa was shaking his head in disbelief, mad at himself for letting me go alone. They explained to me that they thought that the ship was filled with good people and they didnt mean for that to happen to me, and I shook my head at them. "It wasn't your fault. I'm glad for all your help."

After our chat Ma tried to convince me in staying with them, but I told them, I couldn't because this time I would for sure find Chad.

Ma and Pa are truly amazing people. They were the ones that made me see that not all humans are dangerous like Mother had taught me. There are some good in the world, and others bad. There is truly great people

Ma and Pa are truly amazing people. They were the ones that made me see that not all humans are dangerous like Mother had taught me. There are some good in the world, and others bad. There is truly great people like Chad, Ma, and Pa...

Ma led me to the kitchen were she boiled hot water and poured it into a tub. Pa was busy milking the cow for milk, while Ma helped me scrub down my dirty nails and untangle my hair. She had added rose water to the bath which reminded me of how I used petals to give me a nice scent.

After the hot enjoyable bath she baked some warm biscuits that made my mouth water. It was the most yummiest thing I have tasted. It tasted better than the berries at home and tasted better than sweet red apples. Each bite I took melted into my mouth. Pa came in with a bucket and poured me a glass of fresh goat milk to drink. We shared some laughs and stories and it was time for me to go back to the ship.

"I am going to miss you." I tell them as my eyes sting.

Pa gave me a pat on the back. "Stay strong." He tells me.

"I will." I tell him smiling then looking down trying to hide any sadness that my face might betray from leaving them, again.

Ma gave me a biscuit wrapped in a napkin. "If only I can give you more." She tells me unhappily. I gave her a hug to assure her I would be fine.

"You have given me much more than this, Ma." I tell her, "You both did." I looked up at them and smiled.

She gave me a farewell kiss and I left. It all went by quickly and I wish I could have stayed more but I knew if anyone found out I would get punished. Just thinking about the Captain Gregory's deep angry eyes I have no doubt it would be a severe one...

The moon was full and the night was cool I quietly crept back into the ship not wanting anyone to know I was gone. I walked into the cordials wanting to crawl in my bed and sleep but a man leaned against the door and his hands were crossed.

Who is he? It might be my roomate. I got closer, which I shouldn't have done. He had a frown creased into his face. I stepped back it was him, Captain Greg!