Julia's POV ***Might be a tad bit long... Sorry but a lot goes into the chapter and Im actually making an effort to write now ;) Making the story, and writing, better! I promiseeee***
It wasn't until the last of the sun's rays vanished beyond the horizen that I finally stirred from my position on the wooden floor. I have sat here for almost an hour, completely stunned and confused to what just happened. I almost didn't believe that it was even real if it weren't for my lips still buzzing from where his touched mine.
Blinking, I slowly rise onto my feet, shaking my right foot awake. My heart still is pounding against my chest, ready to burst. I run my fingers through my tangled hair, suddenly embaressed at it's state. New emotions is bubbling inside my stomach and I don't know what emotions they are! Like brand new butterflies growing inside, their wings still delicately soft and fragile not full grown just yet. Still unsure how to fly, still unsure how to feel.
He had left so quickly. Without another word. Nothing! Leaving me looking like a fool, hand still raised to stike but never meeting it's mark. He paused ever so slightly at the door, and at that moment my heart had lept into my throat but only too fall when he slammed the door behind him.
Mindlessly, I make my way back to my chambers. My head swirling with an overload of questions and suddenly I doubt the kiss. I sit on the worn down bed, the mattress squeaking sharply from my weight and lower my head into my hands. The kiss... oh my, how shocked I was... shocked how I felt. But what are his motives? I groan inwardly and fall back onto the bed wondering if it was a trick!
What did it mean? Does a cruel man even have emotions like that, I wonder. My head starts to pound painfully, afraid of what this means. Afraid of his feelings towards me... afraid if this is a trick...Suddenly, my body feels exhausted and I curl up under the thin covers of Nate's bed, small tears falling from my eyes. All my thoughts, my questions, causes me to fall into a deep sleep but in my dreams, I dreamt of Nate... Dreaming his intentions are true....
~
When I awoke the next day, I realize it must be late morning or early afternoon! Goodness, I thought to myself, when have I ever slept this much before? Despite all that sleep, I still feel heavyness under my eyes and not at all rested!
I slowly raise myself out of bed and notice a few new things on Nate's dresser. When I come closer, I force myself to look in the mirror, horrified at what I see. The bags around my eyes are so purple that I'm afraid they will never go away! A layer of grime and dirt is visable against my fair skin, I wince in disgust.
Looking down the new items turn out to be a beautiful silver hairbrush, perfume, a plate of breakfast that now has gone cold, and off to the right a dress! Things that I never thought to be luxery until today! I squeal with excitement to finally change into clean clothes!
I must thank Howell for this, a wonderful man he is! He even left a bucket of luke warm water and a clean cloth for me to wash up! Such a gentle, caring man... Tears forming at the edge of my eyes as I start to brush away the stubborn tangles in my hair.
~
After an hour of tending to myself, I finally finish and my hair is neatly tied back in a loose bun with a white ribbon. I left a few curls to hang around my now clean face. I take the cloth and finish washing the rest of my body before stepping into the shockingly light dress.
The dress is a tad bit long for me but then again, I usually wear some kind of heel with my dresses, not the plain white slippers provided. The fabric of the dress is some kind of light cotton, dyed a pale pink with silver patterns on the skirt. Sleeves of the dress end just above my elbow with a deep swoop neck making it even more light and airy. On the back of the dress is a row of bottons among my lower back that then dips in a low V towards the center of my back.
I sigh looking into the mirror at my reflection, finally feeling like a proper woman again! I notice as I walk, there is a slight split down the middle allowing movement to come much easier. I wonder if this was Charlie's dress but it looks like it was never worn before.
There is a knock on my door and I open it slowly, afraid of which horrid crew member stands on the other side. "Yes?" I whisper but Howell's green eyes greet me warmly. "Oh Howell!" I throw my arms around him and give him a tight squeeze but then step back surprised at my actions.
"Feeling better Julia?" He chuckles. "My, you look fresh and clean this morning. Glad you were able to finally clean up!" He remarks.
I grin. "Oh yes, thank you! You're too kind! I wish you woke me earlier so the water was still hot but nonetheless I feel much, much better."
Howell clears his throat, "Oh no Julia, I didn't-"
I intrupt him. "Oh you're too modest. But thank you, really!"
"Julia.. I must insist..." Howell continues before being intruptted again by a loud commotion above deck, voices of shouting men echos among the hallways. He turns to look at me again, "Nevermind lass.. Lets get you above deck."
"No, what were you going to say? And have we finally arrived?" Hope spreads through my chest, ready for some soild ground! I have never missed grass so much before, and Fiona Piers isn't too far away... But the journey felt long...
He shakes his head, "Never mind that. But yes, we arrived."
"Arrived at Fiona Piers? Although the journey seemed a tad bit too long for that." I point out, nervously waiting for his answer.
He sighs heavily, and gives me a sad smile. "No, we aren't at Fiona Piers." He pauses before continuing, dread settling in my stomach. "We arrived at Tortuga to find what we be lookin' for. Nate requires your company."
With wide eyes, I stumble back. "No! I refuse to go to that disgusting place! Or anywhere with that..." I suddenly lose my words, biting back from almost saying handsome, "that... brute!" I spit out but it feels bitter on my tounge, as if the word doesn't suit him anymore.
Howell takes my hand. "Now, now I know how he can be. But I will come with you."
"You do not know?" I gape at him. "Has he told you what he's done?"
He gives me a questionable look before shaking his head. "Nevermind!" I say quickly, "Just come along... please." I add and Howell nods.
Howell leads me above deck, the sun shining directly over head confirming that I had slept until early afternoon. Unwillingly my eyes dart back and forth between the scrambling men looking for Nate until finally, I spot him. I scold myself as my heart seems to melt from his attire while my mind tries desperately to resist. Reminding me that he's cruel and kidnapped me and rude and handsome... NO!
Dressed in dark brown trowsers and boots ending just below the knee makes him look handsomly tall. His dark emerald green shirt complements his tanned skin and his golden eyes seem to be glowing with power. His deep and sultry voice carries out commands fiercly and smoothly. He stands near the wheel of the ship, giving subtle commands to his second mate.
Howell leads me forward, towards the front of the ship and I roll my eyes when some of the crew pause to whistle. I fight the urge to slap them, giving them a lesson on proper mannors but it will be of no use, they're far too gone in their disgusting mannor. I can feel the moment when Nate noticed me up above. His hard stare on my back as I walk alongside Howell who snaps at the men who still stares.
My hands start to nervously tremble which Howell mistakes for nerves going to Tortuga. I give Howell a smile smile, then with a quick glance above my shoulder I lock eyes with Nate. I gasp and whirl my head around, a deep red blush growing on my cheeks.
We reach the edge of the ship and for the first time I get a whif of the air. Its heavy with clouds of smoke with an underlying smell of rum. I shudder in disgust then gasp when I see three impossibly short men tying up the ship to port. Howell chuckles and tells me they're just little men, no bigger than children but fully grown!
With a thud, Nate's crew sets up the ramp, securing it into place. Then they whistle, giving me gestures to go down first. I roll my eyes again, turning my nose up to them. "Filthy beasts." I mutter quietly to myself.
Taking Howell's hand I step onto the ramp but he suddenly lets go, gasping I start to lose my footing. A split second later, another hand grasps my arm and I look up to thank the man. Nate. My heart freezes in my chest.
I snatch my arm back from him and break his gaze. I hear him mumble something but I look away and make it safely down onto the docks. I over hear Howell apologize but then quickly order the crew to stay onto the ship. They all protest and groan in rage which gave me some sliver of amusement.
"Oh my... ain't you a beauty." One of the three short men stands right under me. He's so short like a child but is certainly a man! He has a long thin beard, woven with multi-colored beads but no hair on top of his head. He's completely shirtless, covered from neck to waist with dark tattoos and only wears torn up pants. His large arms and impossibly defined chest is much too large for his size.
I shriek and step back, causing the little man to gawf at me, showing a gold tooth and missing three in the front. The rest of his teeth are horrid, almost completely yellow and rotton and I gasp in shock. "Bah, you French women! Fuckin' whores you bunch are." He waves me off and turns to walk away.
My mouth drops open, enraged at his words but the words stop in my throat when I look to see where the man is walking away to. The town is filthy and at least two buildings are on fire! A dark haze is permantly settled above the town, covering the buildings with another layer of dirt and ash. Loud music echos into the air, along with squeals of women and laughter from burly men.
A group of men are in a circle, cheering on a fight outside one of the many bars closest to the docks. Bunches of women with too much makeup, wearing colorful corsets, stand outside buildings with their breasts pushed up to their chin, luring in men for money.
People are littered on the roads like garbage, most asleep with half empty bottles in their hands and a few others, I'm certain they're dead! Terror strikes me at my core and I turn to run back to the ship. Instead I bump into Nate's hard chest and gasp loudly. He snatches my wrist, harshly pulling me between him and Howell. He lowers his face next to my ear and goosebumps race down my arm when his hot breath touches my skin.
"Whatever you do. Do NOT leave my side."
Okay. I'm splitting this into two chapters. I'll try to upload the next chapter today.