Runaway With a Pirate

Chapter 17

Waking up Willow laid in her bed confused. She didn't recall ever making her way towards the bed after she left the kitchen. Slowly Willow sits up in her bed. She was utterly confused as to how and why she was in her bed. Not wanting to think too much on the matter she gets out of bed. Looking at her arm Willow thinks of a way she could hide the bruise. Her choice of clothing was limited to what she had when she was brought onto the boat to having three other outfits. All with nothing to help hide the bruise.

"Looks like I'm just going to have to tell them I got it from one of the prisoners if they ask, " Willow said to herself sadly.

Getting changed into some cleaner clothes Willow makes her way to the broom closet to get the broom. She started her morning chores with little to no questions about the bruise on her arm. Feeling a little better that no one had bothered to pay attention to her arm Willow continues about her chores.

All morning Willow had kept her distance from the others. But she knew that they could tell that something was up. It wasn't just the whispers but the way they would eye her. The looks she was getting were of confusion, curiosity, and some suspension. They didn't know what was making her keep her distance, and she hoped to God that she wouldn't have to say anything.

"Hey, Lizzy, you got a second?" Treasure asked walking up behind Willow making her jump.

Startled Willow answered, " uh sure what's up."

"Oh, nothing but I'm a bit curious about how you got that bruise, " Treasure said pointing at the somewhat hidden bruise.

"Oh, this, I got it from one of the prisoners, " Willow said with a shrug of her shoulders.

"How about we go to my room, " Treasure said waving a hand to tell Willow to follow.

Hesitating Willow weighed her options. She either went with Treasure and continued with the lie, or she stayed put and draw the attention of the others and have to deal with the others. Not wanting the others to get involved Willow reluctantly follows after the calico girl. She took mental notes of everything as she followed Treasure. She realized that she didn't know where everyone slept. Yes, she has been living on the boat for a while and knows where all the bedrooms are but there were more people than bedrooms.

Stopping in front of one of the bedroom doors Willow took note that it was the third door from her room. Entering the room she saw two beds each had different colored bedding. In between the beds was a small dresser. Treasure sat on one of the two beds and patted the spot next to her inviting Willow to sit down. Making herself comfortable on the bed Willow waiting for the other girl to start talking.

"How did you get that bruise?" Treasure asked.

"I already told you," Willow said," I got too close to one of the prisoners and they got ahold of my arm."

"I know that is a whole lot of bullshit," Treasure said grabbing hold of Willow's hands," now who did you get that bruise."

"It's from one of the prisoners," Willow insisted.

"I want the truth, Lizzy," Treasure demanded.

"Why do you care about this so much," Willow said trying to change the subject.

"Let's just go with I know you're lying," Treasure said.

"Sure, but only if you tell me why you want to know," Willow said.

"Fine," Treasure let out," I grew up around men that exploited me, and because of that I have issues with men."

"But you seem fine around the men on this boat," Willow said confused.

"I'm fine talking with them, yes," Treasure said," but I don't let them touch me."

Willow thought about what Treasure said. She was right about everyone not getting close to touching her. But then thinking about it a little harder Willow thought she had seen Chase always holding back when her temper got out of hand, or when she needed some comfort.

Deciding to voice her question Willow asks," what about Chase, you let him get close enough to touch you?"

"Chase is a different case," Treasure said," He got me out of a bad situation and worked to help me readjust to life."

"Okay, but why do you two work for the barbarian?" Willow asked.

"Well, Chase and I were in a really bad situation and the captain saved our lives," Treasure said," and he taught us how to survive."

"That was nice of him... I guess," Willow said.

"I mean yeah it was, but he told us that he would have let us die if he hadn't seen potential in us," Treasure said," now back to you, how did you get that bruise?"

"Look I don't want to talk about it," Willow said, standing she was making her way towards the door.

"It was from the captain wasn't it," Treasure softly spoke.

Willow froze. She wasn't expecting Treasure to figure it out. Turning to look at Treasure, Willow saw that the calico girl was very pissed. Opening her mouth before Treasure could say or do anything Willow said," look before you do anything remember that he's your captain and he can kill you."

"I don't give a fuck if he's my captain," Treasure said," he has no right to be that aggressive to you."

"W-what?" Willow stuttered.

She was surprised to hear someone say that it was not okay for a person to be mean to her. Not just that, but the fact Treasure said that even if she knows little to no information on Willow, was just shocking.

"You know nothing about me," Willow said," why would you want to help me?"

"Because I see you as a crewmate, not a prisoner," Treasure said.

"Really?" Willow asked very surprisedly.

"Well yeah, if you were a prisoner we'd have sold you by now," Treasure said," and besides we leave you alone to roam."

"The only reason I'm still here is because back home I didn't have a lot of freedom," Willow said.

Treasure looked at Willow. She could see that Willow was unhappy, but she didn't know why. The only thing she knew to do was be there for the girl. Placing a comforting hand on her shoulder Treasure sat with Willow until she was ready to leave the room.