“Seth, I need to talk to you. It is about you still being cabin boy at the age of 18.” It was Captain Alexander. He was a tall man and had intense eyes.
Just like Jane’s. But I tried not to think about her. I left her crying on the dock 3 years ago. She had threatened to kill me if I ever went back, too.
“You should be a sailor not a cabin boy. I am going to get a new one, but I will let you pick him and train him. Would you like that?” He liked me and had taught me everything I know about ships and sailing.
“Yes sir, it would be an honor.”
“Where would like to look first?”
The image of Jane in her shorts and cut off shirt came to my mind. She would make a wonderful cabin boy. I pushed the thought away but I started to think of all the other boys in my home town.
“Take me home, Captain. I will find you the best cabin boy there is.” And I meant it.
It was 6 am and I had 30 min. until everyone at the school woke up. If I wasn’t gone by then they will send me an insane insilem. And I knew exactly where I was going.
I put on the top half of a dress, some bloomers and a long cloak and ran to the stables. It was still dark when I got to Jack, my horse. He was tall and elegant. His coat was reddish brown and I loved it.
I saddled him and rode to town but I took the long way so that nobody would notice me until I reached town.
My swords were strapped to my back and my bow and arrows were in a bag with a white cotton shirt, a pair of britches, sash, and a corset. In a small bag I had tied to my waist was some money, food and a small knife.
The streets were crowded by the time I got there. I hopped off and tied Jack with some other horses. I ran into woods, because I still had to “become a boy”.
There was a stream in the woods a little ways. I stopped there and braided my hair into two braids. I pulled out the small knife and cut just above the braids. My hair was still a little long so I pulled it back into a ponytail.
I pulled the corset out and cut it in half. I put of the top half. I made it as tight as I could. It hurt a lot, like I was being squeezed to death. I sat there for a little while to get used to it then I got back to work.
I put on the shirt and pants. They were big on me but I was prepared. I grabbed the sash in my bag and tied it over my shirt and pants. It would help keep my pants up and keep my shirt down.
I looked in the calm water of the stream. I looked completely different. Someone would have to pay close attention to notice I was a girl, let alone that I was Jane Smith, the crazy girl that likes to disappear.
I got rid of all evidence that I had been there and made my way back to Jack. Just as I got in to town someone grabbed my shoulder.
“Boy, have you seen Jane Smith?” I only herd, Jane Smith. I turned around and drew both of my swords.
“Don’t call me that!” I was already angry but the moment I saw who had spoke I became murderous.
It was the person that ruined my life, Seth Black. He was tall and his silky black hair was ragged and at his chin. He was tan and muscular too, but I still hated him.
He studied me and my change in emotion and then he recognized me.
“Jane! I …” But I cut him off.
“My name is James! Not Jane. Do I look like a girl to you?!” He must have notice that wasn’t anger about what was said, but who said it, because he take a step back started to measure just how long I would be able to control my-self.
“OK, James, I am looking for a cabin boy for a merchant I work for. Would you be interested?” I was look for a way out of this place and I have all ways wanted to sail. I lowered my swords.
“Who is the captain, Derrick or Charles?” They were the usual merchants that stopped here.
“Alexander. Still plan on staying?” My eyes widened Alexander was the best captain ever!
“Let me get my horse!” I would do anything to sail with Captain Alexander, even if I would have to be with Seth.
“Meet me at the dock this afternoon. Go home and get anything need from your house.” It would be the long 3 hours of my life.
No comments:
Post a Comment