I smiled as she saw a chipped but ornate teacup inch its way into my peripheral vision. I set down my copy of Don Quixote to accept the cup from Mateo.

“Finally processed that bergamot we lifted the other day.” He explained

I inhaled the aroma of the earl grey gratefully. “Thank you, Mateo. I don’t suppose I could ask for this with cream and sugar?” I joked

Mateo turned up his nose. “You can have cream when we land. Though,” he touched his chin thoughtfully, “I could break into the sugar I’ve been saving. But only because you’re miss big shot quartermaster.

I grimaced “Please don’t treat me any differently.”

“I’m not,” Mateo smirked “that’s why I’m making fun of you.” He handed me a quartered lime on a saucer “¡Salud!”

I swatted at him as he walked off.

I began to think about how much had changed in the past night. Things were definitely different with Pearl around, constantly hanging off of me. Different in ways I wasn’t entirely prepared for.

That said, it was strange that it had been nearly a whole half-hour since I had seen Pearl- wait no there she was, barreling towards her as fast as she could on eight tentacles.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

“Abby!” she cried, running up to hug me.

I hugged back sheepishly.

Pearl pulled away to face me “The Captains said we’re going to reach land soon. Isn’t that exciting.”

Shore leave was a time to rest and recuperate in a real bed, maybe get a good meal that wouldn’t be available to you at sea or spend your hard earned coin on things you had been needing or wanting. It was a time everyone looked forward to.

That said, whenever we landed, I couldn’t help the anxiety itching at the back of my skull. Dangerous as it was at sea, it always felt safer than on land.

I nodded, despite what I knew were irrational worries.

There was no way he could find me now.

Pearl was practically bouncing off the walls in anticipation of shore leave, “It's been so long since I’ve been on land.” she said.

I was shocked she’d been at all.

Then Rose decided it was better to dash her hopes now rather than later

“Hold on now, ye can’t be comin with us, lass.”

“Why not?” Pearl asked heartbroken.

Rose tried to look for a gentle way to proceed and somewhat gave up “Look at you. If the people at port see you…there’s no telling how they’d react or what might happen to you.”

Eventually they were able to dock at a modest port that was friendly to pirates, at least to their small fleet. They would be safe from the law here.

Taking a deep breath and sticking close to Captain Rose, I made my way down the gangplank.