One Year Later

I turned down Shpongle's Behind closed eyelids and stood back. I took a good hard look at my latest landscape piece. I had to say my technique really improved over the past few months. My hand was more stable and my sense of color was fucking rad. I turned to Morph and waited for his critique. He was floated over and inspected every square inch of the paint covered paper. He picked up one of my discarded brushes and smudged a spot of charcoal gray. Something that took such little effort, had a made a profound difference in the portrait. The shadows became more realistic and I felt like I could jump right in and be back on Treasure Planet.

"Morph, go check to see if that batch of varnish is ready?" I requested. Morph flew off out of my room and into the kitchen.

I read something about varnish on the Internet a few months ago. Normally it was used to polish and protect wood but it had other uses and I made my own recipe for it. One part amber varnish, three parts linseed oil or walnut oil, and cook over slow heat. I glazed my entire painting everyday after work. It made it more stable and dried much quicker than just oil alone. This discovery changed my life! Just the oil alone made the color slide down and the canvas bleed. Glazing the painting with the varnish blended the colors beautifully and gave it a shine as lustrous as glass. I got the idea from the varnish made from amber resin that lutemakers used in seventeenth century Venice.

Morph returned and the varnish was ready. I went into the kitchen and picked up a rag cloth. Carefully, without burning myself, I brought the pot into my room. The varnish had the consistency of melted caramel. After I finished applying the varnish, I sat on my bed and let the painting dry. It was my last one. My last painting of my Treasure Planet Collection. Usually, I never painted from memory but I needed to preserve it somehow and I thought it looked right on point. The plants, the landscape, B.E.N.'S house, Flint's ship. I duplicated them all in paintings. I had a lot of clients who wanted to buy the whole collection. Most of them were friends of Doppler's in the science field. Something about it being a way to see Treasure Planet themselves. I haven't decided who to sell my paintings to yet.

I even had a new little assistant. Jim couldn't take Morph with him to the academy so he stayed with me. It turns out that Morph was a little artist himself. I now had that person to help me finish all my paintings.

The treasure I brought back was really helpful. I gave half to my parents and the rest I kept for my self. Most of it went into savings for my future gallery but I cashed in a big ruby and bought some much needed art supplies and a few things to make Morph more comfortable in my house. You'd be surprised how far you could stretch a shiny rock.

I flopped onto my bed. We had been working for 6 straight hours. I officially couldn't feel my eyes anymore. As soon as Morph's body hit his pillow, he fell asleep. I was about to join him, when I felt the cold chain against my skin. My eyes drifted down and there was my angel wing earring converted into a pendent. It's twin was with my boyfriend Jim. I clutched the silver and held it close.

I really missed Jim. I was starting to regret not going with him to the Interstellar Academy. We exchanged letters and called each other all the time but I still wanted to see him. I missed all of him. I missed his nice personality, his intelligent, sensitive blue eyes, his silky hair, his strong build, his steady, sexy, romantic voice. I couldn't believe that a person like Jim would actually love me. I cupped my flushed cheeks. I really just needed to see him. It was getting painful to be so far away from him and I even felt like crying every time I thought of him. (I had officially become a crybaby) At least he was having a good time at school. School for me was...less than desirable. I was bombarded with the kids who used to ignore me and their questions daily. Ugh! I wish Doppler never said anything about the voyage. Now I was known as one of the people who discovered Treasure Planet and I hated it. I missed being the weird girl who did good in art class. Everyone asked me if there were dude's with eye patches and peg-legs. Did I sword fight? Did I drink a lot of rum? Dumb stuff like that. Everyone was surprised to hear that Jim and I were going out. I couldn't blame them. We never really talked in school, but they had to take my word for it because Jim was at a different school now. My friend, Bianca, was thrilled for me. Others...not so much. Turns out I wasn't the only girl attracted to Jim's cool badboy persona. He was more popular than I thought. I would just be walking down the hallway, minding my own business, and I would get hateful glares from bitches I didn't even know! To combat this, I just bragged in my head that o was the one getting his kisses, not them. It felt good.

So much has happened since we all came back. Captain Amelia and Delbert got married, which didn't really surprise anyone. A few weeks ago, I became an auntie. Amelia gave birth to a litter of three little cat girls: Evangeline, Valentina, Josephine and their only puppy son, Delbert Jr. The baby boy was so sweet and innocent. His sisters, although young, were rather cunning. Amelia and Delbert definitely had their hands full and I was smart enough to turn down any babysitting requests.

The Benbow Inn had been rebuilt with treasure Jim brought back. All of the finishing touches were done and Mrs. Hawkins was reopening it tomorrow. My family of course was invited to the party and I had to look fabulous. You know it's serious when I say fabulous. Jim promised he would be home for the opening of the Inn and I planned to look impossibly and effortlessly stunning. I wanted to blow his mind!

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

Please, five more minutes.

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

I growled into my pillow and made my stupid alarm clock shut up with the back of my hand. I was about to go back to sleep when I remembered why I set the alarm for so early. I sat up and stretched.

Jeez...Who invented 5 AM?

I dragged myself to the bathroom and washed my hair with this special cleansing shampoo and conditioner. It made my dark curls soft and loose. I dried my hair and combed it until it was completely tangle and knot free. I took a deep breathe and picked up the hairdryer. I swallowed hard. I had never done this before. I turned it up and attempted to straighten my hair.

It took me 6 hours and I woke up Morph and my parents several times with my screams of pain. I burnt my ears at least 8 times. My scalp was red and sore but my curls were now bone straight, glossy and gorgeous. I parted it on the left side and ran some biosilk through it. I looked at the finale. Fudge. My hair was way too long. I looked like the modern Pocahontas. I picked up the scissors and sliced away until my hair was about five inches past my shoulders. I looked damn good.

I checked the clock. It was almost noon. Mrs. Hawkins' party didn't start until 4. Damn, I could have slept some more. I pulled out the awesome dress that I found in my favorite vintage shop. It was pretty citrus colored chiffon spaghetti strap dress with a twist and ruched bust. The skirt was tiered ruffled and knee length in the front and mid calf in the back. God, I loved it. 3 I set it out along with my shoes and all the accessories I planned on wearing. My excitement always controlled me. I would get ready super early for anything and than have a lot of time left.

A quick nap couldn't hurt

I went back to bed. My parents were already up but Morph was still sleeping. I slide next to him and snuggled the little pink blob. After a little while my mind went blank and I forced myself to sleep. I could not have bags under my eyes!

"Orianna!"

"Hmmm?" I groaned, half asleep.

"Start getting ready!" My mom called.

The party started in two hours. Perfect.

"Thanks mom!" I called back. I jumped into the shower and scrubbed until there was no physical possibility body odor. When I was finished, I put on my dress and applied my make up. I went with a nude look . The usual mascara and eye line with pale brown eye shadow, a touch of blush, and a little bit of dark red lipstick. I slipped on my flesh colored strappy heels, my rhinestone black and white swirl ring, and my angel wing necklace. It didn't go along with my outfit but I never took it off. The final touch was the Vera Wang perfume.

Bam! I was ready and just in time. My family was just walking out the door. It was when we were in the ship that the nervousness started to take over. My palms became sweaty. What if Jim was already there?

Ahh! I forgot to prepare myself mentally! Morph cuddled up to my side and calmed me down a little. We arrived too soon and I distracted myself by really looking at the new Benbow Inn. This was the first time I saw it fully completed. It was beautiful. The Inn was a lot bigger than before and it looked so cozy and high class. Everyone was already there. To my relief/disappointment, Jim wasn't there. The party was small. Just friends, family, and loyal guests of the Inn. Mrs. Hawkins came over to us. She had her hair tied up and curled and she was wearing a pretty blue long skirted dress.

"Welcome," said Mrs. Hawkins. "Hello, Jackie, Santo, Orianna,"

My mom hugged Mrs. Hawkins.

"Oh, Sarah, the place looks wonderful," said my mom.

"Thank you," Mrs. Hawkins smiled.

Morph and I slipped away from my parents and Mrs. Hawkins and made my way towards Doctor Doppler.

"Hey, Doc" I grinned.

"Hello, Orianna. It's been a while," the Doc said. He was fiddling with his camera.

"Yeah, sorry. I've become a slave to art," I giggled. "Where are the babies?"

"With Amelia," said Doppler. "You know...the babysitting job is still available," he hinted with a bit of a desperate grin.

My eyes narrowed and I simply walked away. There, a little far off, was B.E.N. I called to him.

"Hey, Ori!" B.E.N. yelled to me. I still despised that name but only B.E.N. was allowed to call me that.

"Hey, B.E.N.," I gave the robot a tight hug. "How have you been?"

"I've been great! Working for Sarah is amazing! Did you know that I just discovered that I have a talent for baking!" B.E.N. said happily. "How's the art thingy?"

"Pretty good. Mrs. Hawkins has one of my pieces hanging in the dining room," I said proudly.

"Oh, I wanna see your paintings!" B.E.N. proclaimed. The thought of the loud robot in my room gave me the chills. And he was more clumsy as me!

"May-Maybe later," I said.

The crowd suddenly became quiet. Mrs. Hawkins stood in front of her Inn. The cutting of the ribbon was about to start. The Doc got into position with the camera. Mrs. Hawkins started speaking but I couldn't concentrate on what she was saying. I just kept my eyes peeled for Jim...who still wasn't here! All this waiting around was making me anxious. I didn't want him to surprise me. I wanted to look cool and regal. I was pretty sure I looked like a nervous wreck.

Without me noticing, Morph flew off my shoulder. He turned into a pair of scissors and cut the red ribbon. The camera flash went off and everybody applauded. Now the real party would begin. We had dinner, but I was too nervous to eat. No Jim. We were all in the main dining room, waiting for B.E.N. to come out with the cake. I looked at the piece Mrs. Hawkins hung. It was one of my first paintings. I tried out this new technique. All the little dots of color blended together from a distance to form a sunset sky.

Oh God!

Who cares?!

I just want to see Jim! I sobbed in my brain.

B.E.N. burst out of the kitchen balancing several plates of chocolate cake. He handed them out with lightening speed. I refused my piece. My stomach was already in knots. Everyone else was having a great time, but my head was spinning. The door suddenly burst open and there stood the same two police men from a year ago! Ahh! Why were they back? Everyone looked as surprised as me.

The robo cops stepped aside to reveal...Jim! My heart jumped up into my neck. He looked so disturbingly good in his crisp white uniform. His hair was different. It was shorter and starting to grow evenly but he cut off his cute little ponytail! Morph flew from my side and turned himself into a badge of honor, who promptly hung himself on Jim's jacket. I suddenly couldn't feel my legs. I wasn't prepared for this. I could just imagine it. I would saunter up to Jim and BAM! I'd trip and spill my drink all over his nice clean uniform. My home for the rest of my life would be under a rock!

I hid behind one of the support beams. I snuck a peak at Jim. He was talking with his mother. Before I knew it, Mrs. Dunwiddie the one woman band began to play. Everyone lined up. Jim and his mother gracefully danced down the line. Next were the spicy moves of Delbert and Amelia. Everyone began to clap to the beat. I giggled when B.E.N. did the robot. Jim was standing next to his mom, looking out the window. His smile was so happy. I wondered if he saw me yet?

Now's my chance!

I started to walk over to him. Maybe I could ask him to dance. I was about halfway there and in the middle of the dance floor when my knees buckled. I almost tripped over my shoes and fell over. I ran back to the corner. Hopefully no one saw that. I need some courage before I speak to my hot boyfriend who I was dying to push on the floor and ravage. I spotted the courage I needed: the bar. I walked right up to the bartender.

"Vodka martini, please," I said.

The bugman bartender gave me a questionable look.

"You look a little young," the bartender said.

I reached into my clutch and pulled out my new handy dandy fake I.D. (I liked to dancing in clubs) and handed it bugman. He cross examined it.

"This looks like it was taken yesterday," bugman gave me the eye.

I kept my cool.

"Well, it wasn't. It was taken today,"

The bugman laughed and began to prepare my drink. He handed me my beautiful drink with extra olives. I took a little sip and it deliciously burned on the way down. A few more sips of the liquid courage and I was ready. I didn't feel nervous at all. Too bad that right during my moment of bravery, Jim was surrounded. No room for me. I took a sip. And who was that blonde stick-figure that clearly had no soul who was putting her acrylic nails on my boyfriend? I took another big sip and looked around. Everyone was either busy dancing or eating or talking.

Was it hot in here?

Fresh air would be wonderful right now. When I knew I wouldn't be missed, I slipped out the door. The air was wonderful. It made me realize that the air inside was hot and sticky. The sky looked so bright and defined. It was cloudy but there were still little pockets of stars. I could still hear all the music and noise from inside. I downed the rest of my martini and left the glass on the wooden railing. The alcohol then smacked me in the face. I was a little hammered. I couldn't be drunk! My parents would kill me. I needed a walk. On the first step of stairs on the deck, I nearly tripped. I took off my strappy sandals and placed them neatly out of the way. Barefooted, I skipped down the dirt road. My dress floated on the air and it was quite refreshing. The Benbow Inn became smaller and smaller. How strange.

I developed foggy tunnel vision and I wasn't quite sure where I was going. Time seemed to blur out. How long was I walking? How much fucking vodka did bugman put in my drink? Familiar scents of earth and greenery invaded my senses.

Mmmm...I missed this place.

I hadn't been to the lake in a while. After Jim left, Morph and I frequented the place really often. I would go there to be alone or just draw. A few months ago for some reason, I stopped going, never knowing why. Everything was the same though. Flippin awesome!

There it was. The lake. Exactly how I left it. Oh, it was so beautiful! The moon, stars, and clouds all reflected off the water just like I remembered. The cold waves kissed the tips of my feet. Electricity shot through me and ricocheted back and forth between my head and my toes. I held up my dress and went in further. The cold felling was so amazing. I had to be careful though. I think the waves were trying to take me under.

"You forgot your shoes, Cinderella," A familiar voice said behind me.

I spun around and even with my foggy eyesight I could see it was Jim, holding my heals.

"Jim!" I charged at him and through myself in his arms, nearly knocking him over. He came just for me. "I missed you," I whispered. More like slurred actually.

"I missed you too," Jim squeezed my waist. He held me at arm's length and took me in. "Are you drunk?"

"A little," I giggled.

"I saw you with one drink. How did you manage to get drunk?" I could tell that he wanted to laugh at me.

"I'm a size 0 and I didn't eat breakfast or dinner," I admitted.

"Damn," he swore with a smile.

"I was just nervous about seeing you all day," I said. "All week actually," I said to myself.

I looked out to the lake. Maybe it was the alcohol, but it looked even more beautiful than before. The stars and light blue clouds reflected off the water and it looked as though they were drifting. There was something knew this time. A dead tree was floating just on the shore. The waves were trying to drag the poor thing out onto the lake. It was weird but I admired the tree for it bravely holding onto it's place. It held on even though all these forces were trying to take it away. How silly.

I let go of Jim and climbed onto the dead tree and sat down. The tree under me rocked back and forth soothingly. It felt like I was floating. I dipped my toes into the water again. The cold didn't shock me this time. There was turbulence on the log and Jim sat next to me. He curled his arm around my waist. I kissed his cheek.

"So how was school?" I asked.

"Amazing," was the only word for Jim's experience at the Interstellar thingy. "How's the art thing?"

"Awesome," I grinned.

We weren't really feeling very verbal or at least Jim wasn't. I ranted on about all kinds of stupid crap. I told him all about what school was like without him and all the people who suddenly became fans of mine. And how everyone missed him. Jim listened to my ramblings with an amused look on his face. It was so nice. My loud hungry stomach ruined the peace.

"You hungry?" Jim asked.

"Kinda," I grinned.

"Let's go back to the Benbow," said Jim as he stood up.

"Nah uh," I whined

"Why?" he asked.

"I don't wanna go," I frowned. Jim hoisted me up and we carefully got off the dead tree.

"So your house?" Jim asked.

"Yup," I grinned. "I wanna show you some of my paintings and I have a surprise for you,"

"Alright, I'll go get my surfer," Jim left me alone for a few minutes. I heard the roar of an engine and the glow of the rocket. When Jim got close enough, I jumped on and grabbed Jim's waist. We sped off.

We were at my house in no time. My house was a completely dark and deserted. Perfect. We would have the place to ourselves. Instead of the milk and cookies I wanted, Jim made me drink water and eat bread. I think he was trying to sober me up. When Jim finished making me eat everything, I told him to my paintings were up in my room. We raced each other up the stairs to my room. He won of course but he did nearly trip over one of my discarded easels.

"What the hell!" Jim cursed.

"That's what you get for running into a dark room," I flipped on the light and stepped over him. I picked up the easel and set it aside. To Jim's credit, my room was messy.

"So where's the surprise?" Jim asked as he picked himself off.

"Close your eyes," I said and pushed him down on my bed. I scrambled to get secret tarp covered canvas in the corner. I set up right in front of Jim.

"Can I open my eyes?"

"Yup," I said. Jim furrowed his brows.

"It's blank," Jim said.

I whipped off the tarp to unveil my perfect portrait of the one and only John Silver. I worked on it for months and it was so deliciously perfect. His mechanical arm, his nose, the shadows, and his golden eyes were all glorious.

"Whoa! Orianna, you did this?" Jim said as he got off the bed and got closer to me.

"That's not all!" I beamed. I then showed all of my paintings of treasure planet. It was just for him and to keep the memories alive.

"These are amazing," Jim exclaimed.

"I know!" I bragged. (I was allowed to brag. I worked my ass off with these paintings)

I spent an hour showing Jim all of paintings and sketches. I had to smack him once or twice for his smart mouth. Just because I had so many doesn't mean I don't have a life! It was almost midnight and my parents still weren't home. I collapsed onto my bed, next to Jim.

"Tired?" he whispered.

"No," I whispered back.

My hand reached out and I ran my fingers through his now short hair. My hand kept traveling down to the back of his neck. The once shaved parts were starting to grow back and his pony tail was gone. I frowned.

"What?" Jim inquired.

"I miss your hair," I kept frowning.

"A rat tail isn't exactly allowed in that school," Jim chuckled. "And what did you do to your hair?"

"I straightened it," I said.

"It's pretty but not as beautiful as your natural hair," Jim combed his fingers through it.

"I wanted a change," I snuggled closer to him. I buried my face into his chest. I suddenly felt a lump in my throat. I really really missed him. We haven't seen each other in a year and yet here we are like nothing happened. I gripped his crisp white jacket and pulled him even closer to me.

"I really missed you," I mumbled. Jim pulled me up and made me face him. He gently kissed my forehead.

"Lonely without me?" Jim teased.

"Yes," I started to sob.

Jim's smirk fell when he saw my tears. He pressed his body to mine and held even tighter.

"I'm sorry," He kissed me deeply. "I really missed you too,"

For some reason, the tears kept coming. Jim pulled away from me and into his shirt and pulled out his chain. The silver wing gleamed beautifully.

"I see you still have yours," Jim believed.

I wiped my tears away and smiled.

"Yes," I said and showed him my chain. He pulled me closer and kissed me. We didn't talk after that. We just fell asleep in each others arms.

Such small things make me so happy. I thought back to all the times we had together. Some of them good, some of them bad, some of them REALLY bad. Like really bad. I busted two ribs on that trip! I would wake up late in the morning...like at 3 in the afternoon. Mom would scold me for sleeping so much. I would paint until Jim came into my room. We'd talk about space and school and stuff. We'd eat junk food and stay up till dawn. That was the routine for days. After he left, I wasn't as lonely as I thought I'd be. The small moments and memories were enough and I could go on.

Now Jim was back and it was like he never left. I held him even closer and I wouldn't let go. It's not always perfect or the way we want it to be be but...

"I'll always treasure this world that let me meet you...,"

Sweet Mother of Pie! It's done! Sequel? I'm not sure. I'm gunna miss Orianna and Jim though. I love them but I need to get back to my other story. It's been killing me! But watch, as soon as I start working on my other story, I'm gunna be itching to do a sequel to this thingy.

I got the fake I.d. Joke from vampire kisses. Giving credit where credit is due! Also it kinda bothered me that Orianna wasn't as artsy as before. So I put in a useless art scene. Enjoy it!

Shpongle. Great great music group. Most of my inspiration for my stories comes from ther music. I recommend you people listen to some of their stuff.

Disclaimer: I do not own Treasure Planet or Jim Hawkins.

Thank you for reading and please Review! Please...for the children or the world or pie.