I shot back to my feet more awake than I've ever been in my life.

Did I hear that correctly? I stared agape at the boys standing off above.

Jasper moved his hands to his temples, staggering back as though he took a physical blow.

It was painful to watch.

Jasper began to shake his head. He didn't believe Raven. Raven stood still, coolly, unphased, almost savoring Jasper's suffering.

I didn't even flinch as Jasper turned and ran down the stairs right past me.

He didn't see me; he couldn't see me. I couldn't see him either. I didn't want to ever see him again, for I would never know how to face him when I did.

I clawed and tugged at my hat until I resolved to pulling it off. I took a deep breath as my braid swished across my back.

So the cat was out of the bag…

My breathing grew irregular.

"Calypso!" A distant voice called with a foreign emotion. "So we're getting married?"

I half turned seeing yet not really seeing a young pirate smiling down from the upper deck.

His smile quickly faded.

"Cal." He frowned.

Something tickled my cheeks. I lifted a hand to wipe it away. It was warm and wet.

I was crying.

"Wh-" Why? I wanted to ask, but I couldn't. I couldn't even look at the boy I was so disappointed.

"Cal, I'm sorry. It was selfish of me-" He began to jog down the steps toward me.

I turned and ran.

Down the steps.

Around the stairs.

I didn't know what to think, what to do. I didn't know anything but one thing: I needed some air and there was no better place for fresh air than the crow's nest. So I climbed. I needed time to myself.

"Don't bother me! I'm taking the watch shift!" I spat as not bothering to look at him.

I yanked myself up with new strength. Each square between me and the boat regaining a pinch more of myself.

Finally, I reached the sky.

I took one breath before my eyes shifted to the basket and gave myself a mental facepalm.

"Jasper?" It was too late to turn back.

He stood like painting. The breeze fluttered his copper strands. A blazing sunset illuminated the boys toned back, while shading his expression. You could have called the sight beautiful at another time, in another situation.

Jasper turned with a jump. A surprised look on his face that quickly sunk into disappointment.

"Is it true you are a girl?"

I simultaneous gust fueled my hopes that I'd misheard, but the look on his face said otherwise.

I couldn't speak so I nodded, followed by a small sniffle.

His disappointment turned aggressive as his frown tightened.

"You lied to me." He hissed. "You were lying to me all this time!" He shouted, turning to face me head on. The sun's flames glowed in his usually kind, earthy eyes. I hadn't noticed before how much my pal had changed since becoming a pirate. His hair was slightly longer, shaggier. His once pale skin was now a shade darker than mine. He even held himself with more pride.

His presence made me shrink. His anger weighed on my conscious. I was slowly caving in on myself.

"You were toying with my emotions! I thought you were my friend! I thought we understood each other! I thought you were a guy!"

"I'm sorry!" I meant to scream, but it came out a measly squeak.

Words weren't helping so I knew what I had to do.

I leapt from the ropes onto the crow nest edge and rolled in. Taking a deep breath, I marched up to the boy and extended my arms; offering a truce, offering a hug.

"I'm sorry," I repeated with an audible croak.

He looked at me; my expression, my arms, my feet; then brushed past me.

I stood there stunned. My arms dropped to my sides. I didn't bother to turn; I could hear the rope ladder tighten and swing. He left, taking the sun with him, leaving me cold, tired, and alone.

Once the swing quieted, I collapsed in tears.

I had never felt so broken in my life. I felt my posture crumble along with my relationship with Jasper. I tucked my chin into my bandaged chest and pelted my beanie at the ground. A wail gurgled from my throat as my lip quivered. A mirror wasn't necessary to know I was making an ugly face.

I sat there for what felt like an eternity in a dream state. What was real? What were fantasies? I wasn't sure I knew anymore. Was Raven always such a jerk? Why was Fay upset? Did Jasper really fancy me, even if just for a couple seconds? Did he really find out I was a girl? Did he hate me know?

Well, I knew the answer to one of those. It was that recent fact that tore at my hair and salted my cheeks.

The pirates were probably all at dinner right then. They were probably all in their normal spots at the table, laughing at one of the carpenter's many stories or listening to Gryphon's adventures- no, Gryphon, Howler, and the navigator were probably huddled again chatting about the treasure. Jasper was probably among, chuckling in the humble way he does.

Don't think about him! I pinched myself on the wrist. The pain did little to push him out. Instead, I focused my mind on another interesting topic.

The treasure- Yesterday they said we were close. What was it again? A week? Two weeks? Trying to think back, I found my mind wander into a nonsensical dream world. Then my sleep-state was rudely shattered.

BOOM!

*Author's Note*

Boom went the dynamite- jk that would be random... You'll see tomorrow...