Sea Bound Soul

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 7

SAILING

My eyes open slowly as I hear the sound of the creaking ship. I shift my elbow over a bit from the ropes and my hammock tightens, stretching. Naturally, Jack took the captain's quarters, acting like it was his room all along... There is more to the story about the Black Pearl than I know.

I insisted on sleeping in the hold. Will tried to make a trial for me to sleep in the captain's quarters but I didn't mind being down here. And that's what I told them.

I look over at William who is asleep. Tired I am still. And I do not think it's dawn just yet.

He is tucked in by one blanket, choosing to leave the rest with me, making me feel bad because of it.

He looks peaceful, his big eyes shut and his chest moving up and down slowly, in a deep slumber. I find myself falling back asleep to that sight, and the sound of dripping water from the deck.

Voices and footsteps awaken me. Light leaks in very subtly throughout the hold, though I have to search for it to find it. But I hear the talking of Will and Jack above me. I throw the blankets off me and fling myself to the floor... Well I was trying to step on the floor but I fall from the swinging bed, and catch myself with a grunt.

I feel foolish but luckily no one saw me.

I get up quickly and dust myself off, grabbing my vest and hat and slipping them on. I step into my boots and run to the stairs where the beams of white light shine on the dust in the air.

I hop up the steps and clutch onto the metal hatch. I push up on it to lift it and look at the seas all around us as my eyes adjust to the sudden light.

But I step onto the deck and let the wind blow my hair that escapes from my hat onto my shoulders. I breathe the salty air that makes my nostrils sing. The sea is where I belong.

I walk to the edge and rest my arms on the railing, staring into the horizon... just ocean as far as the eye can see, infinite waters that stretch on for miles.

If I were a small child, I would suspect we headed into nothingness, that beyond the sea is just more sea.

I hear the faint voices of my crew and I look to the captain's deck where they stand, in an intense conversation about something.

I look back towards the water to not pry.

I look down at my fingers... remembering what I had left just last night. I hope my father is alright. I hope the port isn't sacked... I hope James is okay.

My heart falls when I think of him, left hanging by the woman he wants to marry, maybe not even alive as she disappears into the seas with a pirate; a pirate that had just threatened both of them, the day before.

I fiddle with the wood on the railing and didn't even notice that footsteps approach me.

"Breakfast?" A charming voice asks sounding like a flowing river.

I twitch a smile and look to the apple held in front of me. I take it in my hands and toss it around on thought.

He leans on the edge like I do, looking out over the waters' edge. He clears his throat as I observe the fruit awkwardly.