While Zoro was doing some training and the others were doing their own thing, I decided to stand on the deck and have a nice quiet time to myself. I took in the salty sea air as the wind sprayed it in my face. There was nothing but blue sky and water surrounding us. In the distance I spotted a small dot, was it an island or a ship? When we got closer, I could tell it was definitely an island, though it wasn't any other island, it was the island I grew up on, the island where my mother was. Filled with excitement, I ran all over the going merry to find Luffy.
"Luffy, there's an island I spotted an island!" I screeched with joy when I found him and Marissa enjoying alone time in the dining room. I grabbed his wrist and dragged him to the very same spot I was standing.
"That's where I grew up! Do you mind if we stop by? I want to say hello to my mom," I requested with pleading eyes. It felt like ages since the last time I saw my mom. Suddenly, everyone came on deck to find out what was the commotion. Zoro came out last with a grumpy expression on his face, as if he was tired from training.
"Sure we can! I'd love to meet your mom," Luffy answered with excitement. I turned to Zoro to give him a smile but he gave me his ungrateful glare, I quickly turned away and turned back to my island. Luffy ordered Chopper to steer the ship towards the island's direction. Closer and closer it came, as if I could reach out and grab it. When we reached the docks, I quickly jumped off our ship and landed swiftly. I had a huge smile on my face as I observed the village that I haven't seen in years. It seemed to be busy, people rushing to stands buying fresh fish and produce they could get their hands on. I waited impatiently for the others. I turned on my heel and gave them a huge welcome.
"Here's my hometown, guys" I shouted with my hand raised in the air. Everyone was filled with wonder and excitement except for Zoro, who seemed to not care about any of this. A wonderful idea popped into my head and I walked towards Luffy.
"Mind if we stop by my house?" I whispered in his ear. He answered with that big goofy smile. On the way, I pointed out all the hot spots I would hang out when I was little and the best restaurants. People that I didn't see since I left said hi to me and as I passed, complimenting on how much I've grown. We were finally reaching the outskirts of the village. I remembered the little dirt path that lead to the house up to green hill. Too excited, I ran up the hill, not caring if the others were following my lead. When I reached the top, I found my house, that little cottage I grew up in. It looked the same except for a few green vines that wrapped around the cemented walls. The windows had brown, wooden shutters that looked brand new. The roof was made of shackles like the rest of the village's buildings were. I approached the welcoming house with caution. I looked back to see everyone looking at me like I was weird. I stepped onto the porch and knocked lightly on the door. I was expecting my mom but instead a little girl with shoulder length black hair was standing in her place. She was an exact replica of when I was younger. Was this the little baby who was in mom's arm before I left?
"Mommy, a strange girl is at our door!" she shouted.
"Luna, that's not a nice thing to say," My mom called from inside the house. My heart stopped at the sound of her voice, her voice that I haven't heard in years. Her voice sounded a little scratchy from old age but all the same since the last time I heard it. When she came to the door, there was a moment of silence between us. Besides a few wrinkles around her eyes and mouth, she looked like me but a little older. She was wearing a tan shirt and grey pants underneath an apron that was covered with flour; her black hair was pulled back into a ponytail. She opened the door wide and embraced me with open arms; I could feel tears staining my shirt.
"Jade, is that really you? Oh you look wonderful!" she cried through her sobs. I tried to pat her on her back but it felt a little awkward, especially in front of my friends.
"Mom, I'm here now. It's okay," I assured. With that, she let go and started to sniff. The young girl was still hiding behind her. I placed my hands on my knees and gave her a welcoming smile.
"Well, who is this little girl? Mom, was this that little baby you held in your arms when I left?" I asked. The two of us giggled.
"Yes, this is your little sister, Luna. She is nine years old," As mom explained, Sanji charged through everyone and picked her up.
"Oh, she is the cutest little thing I have ever seen. Jade, she looks just like you! Can I have her?" Sanji pleaded as he hugged her as tight as he could. Instead of screaming, Luna giggled and wrapped her little arms around Sanji's neck. Afraid, I grabbed her and placed her on my hip.
"Uh no, mom, this is Sanji, Luffy, Marissa, Chopper, Usopp and Zoro. I've been traveling with these pirates for the past couple of months. Luffy, who is our captain, and Marissa rescued me from being humiliated by this perverted guy when I was traveling by myself. I know what you told me about pirates but trust me, we're the good kind!" I explained.
"I didn't know there were such things as good pirates. Wait, Zoro? As in Roronoa Zoro?" My mom and Zoro's eyes met for an instant.
"Yea," was the first word he spoke since we got here.
"How's Lily? How come you're not with her anymore?" Mom asked disappointed.
"She wanted to go separate ways," He had a sad look on his face. I had no idea where this conversation was going. Mom had a big smile on her face as if she had big news.
"You know what? She came back; she's out training this very moment. You can say hi to her when she gets back," I had this fake smile on my face; I thought she was happy to see me but they are only excited about Lily. I thought she would want to know about how I was doing. Trying to change the subject, I wrapped my arm around mom's neck and whispered in her ear.
"Zoro and I are dating,"
"You and Zoro are dating?" she shouted with joy. Everyone chuckled except for Zoro and I.
"Pipe down mom; you don't need to shout it to the whole world," Mom offered all of us to come in and gave us a grand tour. When we got to my room, I refused to let anyone in. When the others left, I grabbed Zoro's hand.
"I only wanted you to see me room," I gave him an embarrassing smile and opened my door. The room was if it had recently been cleaned. Mom must've been keeping tidy in case I decided to come back. My room was the most boring place in existence. Everything was brown except for my bed covers which were a faded white. A lone window was on the wall sharing with my bed that looked out to the small dirt path we were just on. A small desk underneath the window was cleaned as if never used. A small dresser stood opposite wall of the desk. I lead Zoro to the middle of my room. Zoro observed the room as if to give it an inspection.
"Not, bad," He chuckled. I rolled my eyes and punched his arm.
"It's not much, but I wish it was a little livelier, it's kind of depressing," I was hoping he would agree with me and thought of nothing else.
"Okay, I got to ask, what was with your attitude a while ago? You acted as if you didn't care about any of this, just like you are kind of doing right now. I thought you would be interested in where the love of your life grew up?" I asked with my hands on my hips and leaning on one leg. Zoro placed one hand behind his head, trying to think of what to say.
"I'm so sorry; I am just tired from training. I promise I won't act like that for the next couple of days. You saw how I train, it can be tiresome," He grabbed my hands and placed them on his chest, not letting go. We looked into each other's eyes, not wanting this to end. He gave me an assuring kiss and began to wrestle me. There was a sudden knock on my door and I ran to it as fast as I could so that no one could look in my room. Luffy and my mother were standing in the doorway.
"Your mom and I were talking and we thought if it was alright that we stay for a couple of days. It would be nice to catch a break from the ocean and everything," Luffy asked.
"Why do you need my permission? Of course we should stay! I would love that!" I said with a big smile.
"Sanji offered to help cook dinner tonight," Mom had a smile on her face too.
"We should probably get our clothes from the ship if we are going to stay for a few days," I suggested. After the little conversation, Marissa and I walked back to the ship and gathered what everybody ordered. We gathered them in enormous bags and then strode back to the house. When we got back, everyone was gathered at the larger diner table. I had no idea that it was almost time for dinner; I was probably too engaged with packing. There was an empty seat next to Zoro for me and one next to Luffy for Marissa. Luna was in her room playing with Chopper until dinner was ready. A lovely smell of chicken teriyaki filled the room. My mom and Sanji's cooking was the best. While waiting for the food to appear on the table, Luffy cheered impatiently. The only thing you could hear was his voice over the sound of the food sizzling on the pan. Suddenly, the door opened and my older sister, Lily strode in. Her dark brown hair was also pulled back into a ponytail. Her bangs were drenched in sweat that she instantly wiped from her face as she stepped onto the kitchen floor. She was a wearing a plain t-shirt and shorts. She was wearing her training boots that were covered with dirt. In her hand was a wooden sword that was cut up from all the beating it went through. I turned to Zoro had a shocked look on his face. Lily turned to our direction and ran to Zoro with opened arms.
"Zoro? Is that really you? It's been ages! How has it been?" she asked as the two hugged each other tightly.
"It's been great, been traveling with pirates for the past couple of months," Zoro explained as they finally let go.
"Zoro, the pirate hunter traveling with pirates, that's so not like you," She chuckled.
"We rescued Zoro from being killed from the marines," I said cheerfully. Lily finally turned to me and the two of us shrieked.
"That's crazy; you're traveling with Zoro now? Zoro you're quite the ladies' man," Lily teased.
"Actually, the two of us are dating," I said with a smile on my face. Lily broke up the hug as if she was shocked.
"Really? That's great!" I could tell by the tone in her voice that she was not happy for me. She put on a fake smile and turned to everyone at the table.
"Who are your friends?" she asked, trying to hide her disappointment. Everyone introduced themselves to her. After that, dinner was finally ready. My mom called for Luna and she ran to Sanji's side immediately. Luffy shoved all the food into his mouth, talking with his mouth full as chunks of chicken flew across the table. Throughout the meal, all of us told my family about our adventures. I made sure we didn't miss a single one, even if it wasn't a pleasant memory. Lily didn't seem interested in anything we had to say which was a little bothersome, knowing that I haven't seen her in years. Near the end of the meal, Zoro offered me to sit on his lap and we shared a plate. We stared into each other's eyes, not caring if anyone else was watching. I did notice Lily looking over every once in a while, as if she wished it was her on Zoro's lap instead of me. After we all finished eating, we decided to sit and talk at the table. I decided to ask Lily some questions.
"So Lily, when did you get back?" I tried to sound interested.
"A year ago actually, I decided that I've done enough training and wanted to come home and help mom with things around the house," I nodded my head as if to say "interesting," Sanji and my mom started to do the dishes. After that, not realizing it was time for bed, mom showed everyone where they would sleep, except for Zoro. He held my hand as we went to my room. I got changed into my pajamas as Zoro waited outside the door. When it was time to get under the covers, I allowed Zoro to lay down first and I rested on his comfortable chest. Tired from all the excitement, I kissed Zoro goodnight and my eyes fell to a close and dreamed a peaceful dream. Not knowing what was about to come for the next few days.