The Nightmare at Sea

Chapter 2

I continue to run back to the market of the village and am greeted by a new series of sounds and smells. The aroma of freshly cooked bread wafting through the stalls, merchants selling clothes of fine silk and cashmere, the sound of children laughing as they weaved in and out of the stalls.
But I did not see Gus. I needed to see him... speak to him if I could. Because who knows when I'm going to see him again?
After an hour of countless asking I retire to my house and am greeted by my immensly angered mother, whom immediately sends me to my room; to which I am much obliged to go to. It would give me time to think about things. What had just happened these past couple of hours.
I am chastised heavily, lectured about how I should always tell her where I am going. She doesn't like the idea of me and Gus' little meet ups. And I was completely oblivous as to why until now.
I felt numb. To put it honestly. Everytime I start to ask myself questions about, or even think about Gus the only answer I find myself using religiously is 'I don't know'. I don't know at all. I needed to talk to Gus. No. I wanted to. But how could I if I was leaving tomorrow? I though to myself as I pack my 3 suitcases with my clothes and a few belongings. 
And then I close my eyes and dream of happily ever afters, adventures and things beyond anyones wildest imaginations.
****
I'm dressed in what I wore yesterday, only my hair is scraped into a perfect bun, not a strand out of place. My departures were kept short but sweet, with an embrace from my mother and siblings as well as a few kind words that laced the fact that she was glad to see me go, not openly admitting she would be free of my burden.
But I did not get to say good bye to Gus. He wasn't at the docks to bid me adieu which led me to think that maybe that kiss was a one off. Something he wanted to do when he still had the chance or something. Who knew what was going through his head? Certainly anyone but myself!
The ship pulls up, nothing out of the ordinary; just your standard WW2 Greek Georgios Averof cruiser. Seagulls began to chirp in unison, plaguing my ears with their squawking. It was doing my head in to say the utmost least. 
I stand up and am greeted by my father "Calista, my sweet. I am so happy that you & I are together on this fine occasion. The weather is perfect in the mainlands and at sea. Oh my child you are in for a treat!" he says before embracing me. His grey eyes shinning with excitement as he composes himself, musing his ebony curls before leading me aboard to which I see many other people. Men. Ugh. Instantly a feel a hollow pit in my stomach. There where about 9 of us, including myself and my father.
I walk up to the deck and look out at what was once my home and sigh, all too engrossed in the final glimpses of that tiny island I had spent the 15 years of my life on to the point of me not seeing the figure rushing onto the ship. I roll my eyes. Probably a late shipsmen. That would make 10 of us. And I was the only lady. Great. I mentally start to list of the many things that could go wrong before my father takes my hand and brings me to the port next to him, his men surrounding us. All but the one that had just came to which I wondered where he was. 
"This" my father says gesturing to me before continuing "Is my daughter, Calista. She will be staying with us for the duration of our voyage my comrades, so it is in my best interest to ensure she is comfortable in our company" he finishes before I finally look up and give a somewhat meek smile to the cabin crew, to which all but one nod at me nonchalantly. 
He looked around 18, soft brown eyes, jet black hair the colour of nightfall, an olive complexion which was probably due to his frequent travelling. Tall and slender in stature; but he also looked as strong as an ox. He must've noticed me looking in turn because he starts to stare. To which my eyes flit back to the deck, feeling somewhat embarassed at myself for staring at a stranger. My father must also notice me staring for he speaks up "Nico, would you be so kindest as to escourt my daughter to her room? Downstairs, 2nd cabin to the left" and surely enough the boy, whom I now know by the name of Nico walks towards us and nods before gesturing for me to follow him. Huh. I guess Mr Dark and Mysteious didn't talk that much.
"So..." I say as we walk. "How long have you been with my father for?" I ask him in attempt to strike up some form of conversation, it takes a few seconds for me to get my answer. "Since I was thirteen." short but curt. Huh. And I thought I was unsociable. "Your room is this one" he says to me and waits for me to open the door so he can leave. My hands reach for the door knob, fumbling slightly as I attempt to twist the jammed handle. "It's stuck" I claim before Nico rolls his eyes. "You need to put some welly into it" he says and places his hand over my own, causing me to flinch slightly and blush fiercley as he opens the door with a simple twist. He must notice this for as I turn around to thank him he is smirking to himself. "See you around Calista" he says with a cool demur before leaving. Talk about being shady...
The room in itself was nothing of such splendor, a bed, two chests of draws for belongings and a desk with stamps and envelops. Presumably for writing letters home to loved ones. I fold my dresses and garments into the draws and lay my things out on the desk, the family photo. Our family photo before father left to live life at sea and mother married some merchant. Next to it is another photo of me and Gus at 10, with his toy soilder in hand and me with my rag doll, my hair in two french braids.
I then hear a knock at the door. "Nico if that's yo-" I say in mid sentence, my mouth as ajar as my door at the sight of the person in front of me. 
"G-Gus?"