L.
Trapped In A Bubble Made Of Air
Chapter 21
Ominous was the correct word I used, yup I used it correctly because the way Johnny spoke it then stared at me till I stood up and then led me through a series of empty hallways up some secret, hidden stairs then into a very big room filled with people I've only seen but never spoke to was indeed ominous.
"Is that England?" I asked softly, terrified to hear Johnny's answer. I was up in the bridge with Johnny, the three senior officers and the staff caption; everyone else, all of the sailors, navigation officers and basically anyone who didn't have 'senior' or 'caption' in their title were kicked out of the bridge. Why I was here I don't know but I wasn't about to start complaining. There we all stood staring at a bit of land that's England. Honestly it isn't what I expected, there is an awful lot of green and rocks to be London, or what I am told London was like. London was a city right? Isn't that where we would be docking?
"No…can't be." I heard someone mutter then rush over to look at the old maps Johnny had lying on a large table.
"That isn't England." Johnny finally answered and sighed what I can only interpret as relief. "But that, my Dear, is our first look at the United Kingdom." He beamed and placed a warm hand on my shoulder. "We did it men!" His voice rose in volume. "This is the United Kingdom!" He announced proudly before turning around to look at the maps.
"Huurrayy!" The men around me celebrated, they too must have had their fears and worries about crossing the Atlantic Ocean and I don't blame them one bit. The ocean just emanates power, and when your crossing it in, for all intense and purpose, in a little ship you just can't help but be very aware of that fact.
"But where…what country is that Sir?" A young man dressed in a dark blue jacket with golden trimming asked. He must be new being so young, then again Caption Johnny looks old but he really is young so maybe this officer is really old and just looks young.
"That I believe is Ireland." Johnny answered absently, running his large, calloused forefinger over some invisible lines on the map. Well maybe their only invisible to me, he seemed to be doing some calculations in his head.
"Will we be docking?"
Captain Johnny turned to face the men surrounding him. "No. We will not be docking in Ireland." He stared each and every man in the eye but his gaze lingered on me and it looked as though he were musing on something before he spoke again. "We will find England and make our first dock there and hope she shall welcome us with open arms."
Open arms?
Hope?
"Johnny…Caption, what if they don't welcome us?" I asked, and by the looks on everyone's face they too were wondering the same thing.
His face hardened and he turned to face Ireland. "They will welcome us. With open arms."
Trapped In A Bubble Made Of Air Trapped In A Bubble Made Of Air
If it's one thing Johnny is it's persistent.
Alright and he's optimistic as well.
He's persistent and optimistic, two traits that are good to have in a leader.
Since land was sighted word got around quick on the ship, everyone from the crew, wait staff and passengers knew about it in about fifteen minutes flat. Now that may not seem fast but when Johnny gave the order that no one say a thing out of the bridge, well in that perspective fifteen minutes is awful quick.
"I thought I said we keep this between ourselves." He grumbled as he stared down at the bustling going on below deck. We were both leaning over a railing staring down at the open promenade deck that gave the perfect view of Ireland…if you leaned out closer to the ship casing and risked catching Captain Johnny's attention that is.
Which a lot of people seemed okay with just to catch a glimpse of land that we won't be docking at.
"Well honestly Johnny you can't tell me you aren't a bit excited as well." I eyed him then looked down just in time to see Haymitch escort Effie up to the railing. Well isn't that curious.
Johnny didn't say anything, he just stood there tense looking out which was strange. Actually his entire behavior towards me since my last conversation about him thinking about how things affect me has been off. I wonder what's going on in his head?
"Soon we'll be in…we'll be docking." He spoke softly.
"Yeah, that's a good thing. Isn't it?"
He hummed then changed the subject. "I didn't realize how my degrading of your…fiancé must have affected you."
"Yes, it made me acutely uncomfortable."
"I imagine it must have." He stood up and towered over me. "I still want to marry you."
That made me take a step back but he followed me and once again I was trapped in his presence; it was like time slowed and nothing else existed but him and me, I could only focus on his shy, dimply smile and bright green eyes. "You can be the Captain's Wife Katniss, and you can plan whatever wedding you want to your heart's content. Money isn't a problem. I was wrong to rush this; we can have it in London if you like; I heard London has the most amazing architecture Katniss. You could plan our wedding and get married right beneath one. Or I can do it if you like? I can plan the whole thing. And I can buy you a house-or build one. We can live near the sea, or in a meadow where the kids can run around and play. You'd never have to worry about a thing." His voice was so soft and smooth, like silk it was so comforting. I could listen to him mumbled nothing and be in sweet bliss; he could weave such beautiful fantasies with words alone. "No more running, planning or worrying. I can take care of everything. Just say yes."
I'm not going to lie I was tempted to say yes.
Very tempted to say yes.
Here was a handsome, successful Captain asking me to marry him. He could provide for me, with him there wasn't even a doubt in my mind that I would be taken care of; he would provide a house, money, and children and there would be no hardships. Johnny would work all day and I can stay home with our children. We can make new friends; I can learn to cook amazing meals so around the holidays we can have a huge feast on the table because Johnny can provide all of that. No more starving and scavenging, no more living in fear. Johnny can make all of that disappear.
And to a woman who's lived through the Hunger Games, War, and a Pandemic that sounded pretty damn good.
"What do you say?" He whispered and I felt the rough calloused of his fingers run down the side of my face from my temples to my cheek. "Katniss?"
My tongue felt glued to the top of my mouth, like I was just eating peanut butter and I couldn't take my eyes off of his. It felt like I was drowning in the best way possible, my heart was racing, I'm positive my face is red, I couldn't talk but it felt as though I was wrapped and secure in his care and nothing bad could ever happen.
"Captain? I think it's time to rein in the passengers don't you think?" Shamed I ripped my gaze away from Johnny's praying that it wasn't Gale that spoke. To my luck it was the same young man from the bridge, luck-or maybe it was embarrassment-kept his eyes adverted as he spoke. "They're getting a bit…bold and I-we fear someone might fall overboard Sir."
I took a step back from Johnny and willed the blood out of my face, hoping that this young man didn't see much of anything. Or hear anything either. But judging from how red his sun browned face was I think he overheard quite a bit of our rather intimate conversation.
Johnny scowled but nodded as he tugged on the lapels of his jacket. "Yes yes, let's go." He pointed to the stairs and motioned for him to go first. "Katniss, think about it. Please. We me you'll have no worries." He spoke before he left, but there was something in his voice, something that made me want to please him and say yes.
Trapped In A Bubble Made Of Air Trapped In A Bubble Made Of Air
I spent the remainder of the day listing all of the reasons I love Peeta, because there was nothing more important for me to do. Really, there wasn't anything more important than this because very soon-maybe in two days or less-we'd be docking in London and I had to know where my heart stood. This trip with the Captain showed me a side of Peeta I didn't know existed, a vulnerable side that I thought was long gone and I didn't know if I could spend the rest of my life reassuring my husband of my love. I knew Peeta was insecure about me and who I would choose to marry, him or Gale but I chose Peeta through the Hunger Games, The War and the Pandemic! I'd think that would be enough to prove my love and loyalty.
But apparently it wasn't because as soon as Captain Johnny jumped into the picture he…he walked away from me. Well more like he shoved me completely away and left me to my own devices whatever they may be. And he pretty much assumed they would be the Captain.
What would happen if in London-God's please forbid-someone with a little more money showed a little interest in me? There we'd be on land where he could literally run away from me. Would he do that? Would he just abandon me because he thinks I'm just a-just out for security?
Peeta has given up on me in the past; can I trust him to not give up on me in the future?
And what about kids? What if we have kids would he abandon them too?
All these thoughts of 'what if's' raged around my head and all I could see is Peeta's angry face as he accused me of wanting to be with Johnny as I drifted off to a fitful sleep.
Trapped In A Bubble Made Of Air Trapped In A Bubble Made Of Air
"Morning Honey." Peeta's warm voice was the first thing I heard as I opened my eyes. "How'd you sleep?" He leaned over to kiss me good morning.
"Mhm." I sighed as he pulled away and I stretched and looked around. We were in a sunlit room in a large bed; one wall was an entire window that gave view to a beautiful beach with the waves crashing up against the shore.
"I baked fresh bread this morning. Would you like one?" I looked over to see Peeta holding a dish piled high with steaming sliced bread with pieces of cheese melting.
"I'd love one."
Just as I was about to take a slice he pulled back the dish with a grin. "The kids are here!" He beamed and moved to the side to reveal a little boy and girl about five years old.
"Hi Mommy!" They sang and held up their arms for me to pick them up, which I immediately tried to do. "I love you." They chimed together and hugged me, I hugged them back.
"Katniss The Duke of whatever-that-stupid-place is, is here to see you." I looked up to see Peeta fully dressed in a suit and tie glaring down at me.
"What?" Slowly I stood up and realized I was now wearing a ball gown, it was a beautiful deep violet with lace running along the top.
Peeta sneered. "Are you going to the ball with him? Or me?"
"You of course." I immediately answered.
"Are you sure? He has a horse and carriage and footman." He steadied his gaze on me. "I only have a horse."
"You of course, Peeta. I'll always choose you."
Trapped In A Bubble Made Of Air Trapped In A Bubble Made Of Air
L.
All constructive and unconstructive criticism welcome.