Falling for a Pirate

Chapter 5

"Aren't we lucky to find the map of the treasure?" I bounced out into the cold with Eduardo behind me.

"Sure, they'll be thrilled."

Oh, don't I love the enthusiasm he always has.

"I bet Captain'd want to have a party to celebrate!" I offered again.

"We'll get back t' the ship in about an hour if we just keep goin' south." He looked at his compass before shoving it back into his pocket.

"I wanna go back to the ship soon." I saw him stiffen as he continued to walk. "What?"

"I thought you wanted to go home." He was gruff and angry and it made me wince at his every word.

Right, I'm sure I wanted to go home.
But right now I just wanted to see Captain, Fuzzy, and everyone else.

"Don't get involved with pirates any more," he said suddenly.

"What?" I stared at him in confusion.

"You're not like us."

Eduardo keeps walking in front of me, mute. I felt so close to him last night but now it feels like his back is miles away.

"Walk faster," he instructed and I sped up slightly.

After a while of walking, Eduardo stopped suddenly.

"What's the matter?" I asked.

"Quiet!" He snapped at me but seemed to be listening carefully. "Shit.. snowslide."

"What?!" I exclaimed in bewilderment.

I barely could see through the snow but I closed my eyes as it all came toppling down on me and all I could hear was the sound of someone calling my name.

I came into consciousness as I looked around and realized I was in the infirmary of the ship.

"You're awake." I looked to see Doc entering the room with an uneasy look on his face. "Russell saw you through the telescope when you got covered by the snowslide."

"Where's Eduardo?" I asked, not interested in how I got saved.

Doctor.. Why does he look down. Why doesn't he say anything? Where's Eduardo?

"He..tried to protect you from the impact." He shut his eyes tight and it made my skin crawl. "You have to understand that."

"No.." I stared at him, waiting for an answer. "Where is he?!"

"Master Eduardo!" I heard Fuzzy weep and swiveled my head to the side to see him lying motionless in a bed next to mine.

"It hit his body hard and he's been unconscious ever since." He explained. "If he doesn't gain consciousness..."

"You.." Fuzzy glared at me.

"I'm sorry." I shook my head, tears coming to my eyes. "Because of me.."

"Don't... blame yerself, its not yer fault." She suddenly calmed. "We're helpless against the power of nature."

"Fuzzy.." I mumbled, trying to hold all of my emotions in.

"Besides, he died trying to protect you. Those who protect 'em weaker than themselves with their lives, now that's a real man." She blushed greatly and I wanted to throw up.

How could she try to make something meaningful out of Eduardo's act that brings him on the verge of death?

"I've tried all kinds of medicine, but nothing seems to work." Doc frowned. "I'm just hoping for a miracle."