Captivation

14: Beg

Beg (verb): To ask for charity

“So tell me,” I ask Bradley a week later, Henry hasn’t told me where we are going to next. “Where are we travelling to?” I ask him, raising my eyebrows.

“If I tell you, I’m afraid you might chicken out.” Bradley looks at me, his eyes are laughing at me and his smirk is mocking.

“I do not chicken out of things.” I roll my eyes. “Besides where would I chicken off to?” I ask.

“Maybe you’d jump ship.” Bradley shrugs, picking up a fish the net which they were caught in and scaling it.

I bristle immediately. I study his face to see if he has any meaning in his ‘jump ship’ phrase. I don’t think Henry would have told anyone that I tried to off myself.

Besides, I am a little better now. I am not as haunted by Kitty’s eyes, my name on the wanted paper, and even Andrew’s betrayal. I know I shouldn’t be hurt by Andrew, we no longer knew each other, and I had hurt him pretty badly, but it bothered me, it cut deep.

“I won’t,” I say after a pause. “Now tell me.”

“I was told that if you get too forceful to send you to Henry.” Bradley says easily.

I groan. “Henry!” I scream.

“Yes?” I hear him respond from somewhere to the left of me. I spin in that direction and spy him at the wheel of the ship.

I move quickly to the left side of the ship and up the stairs until I’m close enough that I don’t have to shout anymore. “Where?” I ask impatiently.

“Trenton.” He relents.

I tilt my head to the side. My family and I used to spend our summers in Trenton. It was so beautiful there.

“Why?” I ask him, doubting Henry is there to enjoy the scenery. He used to go there in the summers, I remember, but I’m sure he doesn’t know that I know why he used to.

“To see someone very important.” He evades.

“Who?” I become panicked. I hope it’s not the same reason that he used to visit Trenton in the summers. I remember Avaline having to be gone out and hidden, and Cora stuck with my father in his work shop. The only person who ever saw Henry was my mother.

“I don’t want to worry you Madelyn.” Is all he says.

“No,” I shake my head, “Really, you have to tell me who.”

Henry looks at me. “Why?”

“Because I have to go too, and the whole crew knows except me!” I tell him, acting like my impatience is due to being treated unfairly.

“Ah, but the whole crew has already met this someone.” Henry says.

“Just tell me. I’ll find out eventually…” I hate that I’m practically begging.

“Beg.” Henry says.

“What?” I ask him incredulously.

“Beg.” Henry raises a brow and looks over at me.

I shift my position uncomfortably, almost deciding that I don’t need to know. We stare at each other, challenging either on to give in.

I cave first. Curiosity getting the better of me. “Please!” I clasp my hands together. “Please please please tell me, I beg of you.” I almost make myself sick.

“On your knees.” Henry says.

“What? No.” I give him a look.

“I am under no obligation to tell you.”