Nan's Jewel

Nan's Jewel~ Chapter 52 <3 Zillah

AN: I promised things would get heated..... :>

Chapter 52- Zillah

The sight of land was beautiful and welcoming after the past few months. Rebeka was sleeping in my arms, and Edward was still asleep in his bed. Most of the crew was working quietly, except for Johnny who stood silently next to me. The sun was just beginning to dawn on a new day for most, but for me, a new life.

"Zillah, are you okay?"Johnny asked, looking to me with concerned eyes.

"I'm fine."I answered, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

"I wish you and Edward good luck."Johnny said, patting my hand.

Over the months Johnny and I had grown to be good friends, and I could understand why Edward and he were such good friends. I appreciated Johnny's friendly concern, and enjoyed devotions with him, and discussing our religion. I looked up to Johnny as a grandfatherly figure. I had never known mine, but Johnny eagerly filled in. He was nearing his sixties, but didn't want to leave his place on Edward's ship. He was a wonderful man, and a great friend.

"Thank you Johnny."I replied.

"Zillah, please understand something."Johnny said, turning to face me.

"What would that be?"I asked.

"I worry about you and Edward."Johnny admitted.

"Why Johnny? Aaron will leave us alone now."I asked.

"Aye, that he will, but what he did is still there. How do you know that any of the charges won't come up again?"Johnny asked.

"We don't know, but we pray to God that they won't. There's really not much else we can do."I replied.

"I'm very sorry for this Zillah."Johnny said.

"It's alright. None of this is your fault, nor could you have done anything to change it."I consoled.

"Aye and good luck with yer family."Johnny said, indicating my flat stomach.

I laughed, "I will Johnny, and take care."I said, patting his back as I carried Rebeka back down to the room.

Edward was awake and held me with his good arm after I put Rebeka to bed. We sat together as the sun rose, until Johnny called that a large group was waiting on the docks.

"Looks like Aaron already arrived."Edward murmured, pushing my hair out of my face.

I stood and donned a new gown and brushed my hair before helping Edward into a new shirt and pants. Woken by the noise Rebeka cried and I carried her up onto the deck where Edward and the crew were gathered at the railing closest to the dock. There were indeed many people looking earnestly up at Edward, as if waiting for a story. The crew parted as I made my way to Edward's side, and stood by my husband as he described the story the entire village of Vienna was waiting for.