Chapter 2: Pirates do exist.

After finishing my breakfast, I ran upstairs to my room to find something comfortable to change into. Then I realized that I might meet some new people, which meant that I had to make myself look pretty! First impressions are important. I mean, I know that it's ridiculous to hope for anything really, but just in case, right?

Before stepping out the door, I checked myself one last time. Looking casual and comfortable, but not sloppy. Definitely ready for an adventure. Even if that meant just going to the island across the bridge.

As I got closer to the dock, I realized that the pirate ship was much bigger than I thought. I guess my version of a pirate ship was closer to a dinghy. I don't exactly think about pirate ships everyday… I mean, I didn't even know that they still existed!

I decided to take a closer look, hoping that I wasn't being rude or invasive. It seemed still and the absence of bustling noises surprised me. Maybe not all pirate ships are full of drunk pirates accompanied by talking parrots.

The ship was organized in a strange matter, but it seemed clean and well cared for. I should show this to Mom, I wonder what she will think of this since this isn't anything close to what she said.

Well, so much for making myself look pretty. Not even a single person was on the ship. I guess I'll go say hi to my one and only friend, Lily, before heading home for dinner.

"Did you hear about the pirate ship that landed in the morning?"

"Duh. I already checked it out – there's nothing. Not even a drunk pirate!"

"My parents said that there's a family from the ship. I think we're going to see them at the town meeting later in the evening."

"Oh another family! How exciting. They probably have a talking toddler instead of a talking parrot."

"I honestly love your sarcasm, Violet. Gets me every time."

"I'm just tired of living in this small town doing the same things everyday. Why can't there be another teenager? Not even a boy. Just anyone, really."

"Geez, thanks for letting me know that I'm not important."

"Lily, you know that's not what I meant. I just want something different, that's all."

"Well familiarity is comforting! I personally like the small town vibe, it's nice to know everyone."

"Gosh Lily, you sound just like my Mom."

"What can I say, I'm just small town girl -"

"Okay that's enough of Lily for today. I'm heading home for dinner – see you at the town meeting?"

"Of course, where else would I go in this small, small town?"

"Ha-ha. Later!"

I ran home for dinner, realizing that I might be late. Shoot. I promised that I won't be late – Mom might not let me go to the town meeting if I'm late…

As I reached the front door, I realized that I didn't have my key with me. Double shoot. Should I sneak around to the back door? No, the back door's closer to the kitchen… but if I ring the doorbell, Mom will immediately look at the clock!

"Violet? Guess you're late as well, hey?"

"Dad! Are you coming from the community centre?"

"I sure am. Too scared to open the door? It won't be as bad if we walk in together."

"I guess so. Have you been working on your project all day long?"

"Actually, I was helping Mayor Hudson set up for the town meeting. I did work on the project later on when we were finished – I'm proud to say that it's close to finishing!"

"Set up? For the pirate meeting? I didn't know that Mayor Hudson was welcoming of them."

"Well it is definitely a surprise but I do believe that they are here to stay for a while, so I'm assuming that he wants them to feel welcomed."

"That makes sense. We should go in before Mom yells at us – I can already hear her getting mad..."