Disclaimer: I don't own anything ok? K!

When Evalyn Henley grows tired of being ordered around like one of her servants, she decides she is in need of her own life, independence and adventure. And where does she go looking for it? On the open seas, of course.

AN: Sorry this is a rather short chapter...

Chapter 4

Ever since Eva was a girl, living in a town with many sailors and captains of ships, she had known women were bad luck on ships. Of course, being the strong doubter that she was, never believed it. Until, that is, she boarded the S.S. Venture...and then she found out the truth.

Women on board a ship didn't bring bad luck...bad luck was brought to them. That was why fisherman and sailors were men. Women didn't have the heart or strength to deal with all of the nonsense and over all horrible luck they were dealt with.

For two nights, Eva hadn't slept. She could barely eat due to a sudden sea sickness that sent her sprinting toward the rails every hour. Her legs wobbled with every wave they crashed into, and her knees were bruised beyond recognition from falling to the hard deck. Currently, the teenager was sitting on the edge of her bed, holding a small silver bucket in her lap.

Her face was sickly and pale, and she looked terribly thin from lack of food. The more friendly men of the S.S. Venture checked on her when the shifts changed, making sure she wasn't passed out or dead. Eva sighed, thinking at least with either of those options, she'd get to sleep. It was nearly noon now, and she hadn't even tried to make it out the door of her cabin.

It was a feat just moving into a laying position. After her stomach settled, Eva set the pail down and leaned against the wall, pressing the heel of her hands into her eyes. Her head hurt with a migraine. She wasn't sure if she had the flu, or some sea disease. "Maybe I'm alergic to sailors." She mumbled, rubbing her itching eyes.

"It would be a pity if you were." A voice suddenly split through her misery, making Eva start at the sight of Englehorn. He was smiling sympathetically as he leaned against the door frame. A cup of steaming liquid was in one hand. Eva hesitated, not knowing if Englehorn was the kind of man that would help someone sick...or if he had the steaming drink for himself.

"I had Morgan make you a remedy for your flu. It's a terrible illness on the sea, and I'm sure you'll feel better after drinking this." He handed her the mug, the handle pointing toward her. She took it reluctantly, staring down at it as if it may be poison. Glancing up at the captain, Eva closed her eyes and sipped the hot drink. It tasted like hot cider and a terrible whisky. Eva gagged, her eyes watering from the sting in her throat.

"What is this?" She croaked, setting the mug on her nightstand. Englehorn laughed raspily and took the cup back. "I'm not exactly sure...But, it works. You'll be back on your feet in no time."

Eva licked her lips and nodded, not sure why she was trusting him. She sighed and looked back up at her captain. "When did you learn English?" This question seemed to shock him somewhat. His eyebrows raised high on his forehead as he looked away from Eva quickly. For a moment, she feared she had pried a bit too much. But, Englehorn shrugged simply. "I'm not exactly sure. I was taught from an early age."

Satisfied with that short, vague answer, Eva nodded and felt her stomach soothing. Whatever was in that cup, she wanted more of it. Pointing to the mug, Eva didn't know how to properly ask for more. Of course, her mother tried to teach her manners a long time ago, but she never paid attention. Second helpings were unheard of at the Henley mansion.

Englehorn seemed to understand what she meant, though. With a smile, he set the mug on her night stand and walked toward the doorway. He paused before leaving, his hand on the door knob. "It will make you tired. When you wake up, we'll probably be docked." The words barely sunk into her head, as she slid back against her bed. As her mind swirled into a dream, her eyes narrowed. Docked?

Indeed, the S.S. Venutre was docked and half the crew was off the boat to ramble around the port. Eva rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she stumbled out of her cabin and onto the deck to look out at where they were. She wasn't familiar with any of it. The men she could see working along the docks, were very tan, and black headed. A few were fishing next to the S.S Venture and stared at her hesitantly.

"Good mornin', sleepy 'ead." A voice came from behind her. Eva turned to see Morgan making his way up from the lower levels of the ship. He was carrying a bag, and had a small purse chained to his hip. It jingled with every step he took. "I 'ope you got a few good nights sleep, eh?"

Eva nodded, covering her mouth as she yawned. "Yes sir."

"Aw, none o' that 'sir' mess! I ain' but fifty-two years of age. Now, if you excuse me, I'm going ou' for a bit o' plunderin." The old, bearded cook bustled down the gangplank and didn't cast a glance back. Eva wondered if he was serious. Was he actually a plunderer? How exciting!

Smiling, Eva put a hand to her stomach and was surprised to find that it did not ache and cause her to double over. But, there was a feeling of anxiety pitted deep in her gut to replace her flu. This would be her new home. Her new, fishy smelling home. Groaning back her sickness, Eva turned to make her way back to her room to gather her things. She knew what she'd get herself into as soon as she boarded the ship. And yet, here she was, wishing this day had never came.

If only she could stay with--

"Where are you going, Evie?" A raspy voice called from behind her. Eva turned to stare at Captain Englehorn, busy with winding a rope to be tied away. He wouldn't expect her to leave her things and go off in uncharted territory without any belongings to her name. She pointed over her shoulder toward the stairs, opening her lips to speak, but couldn't make words.

"What sort of gentleman would I be if I left you here?" His words shocked Eva so much, that she had to grip the side of the wall for support. Here was the man reminding her everyday that she would have to leave his ship when they docked next, telling her that he wasn't letting her leave yet. "I'm sure I could use you until we dock next. Go rest more. Tomorrow's a long day for you."

"Why do you say that?" Eva took the rope Englehorn handed her and tied it around a spoke. She had learned how to tie a decent knot since she came aboard, and smiled when her skill was apparent. "I think you would be more helpful at the helm of the ship." Englehorn cast his eyes toward the cabin where he occupied his days. She looked over her shoulder and smiled at the sight of the little room with the wheel.

"So you can keep an eye on me?" Her eyebrow lifted as the man took a long drag of his cigarette.

"I guess you could say that. I've moved Willem to look out during the night. He'll be sleeping most of the day away." Eva thanked him with a smile, tapping her fingernails against the railing under her. The little town where they had docked was built on the hillside. Red roofed houses lit the sun's reflection like mirrors, making Eva shield her eyes. "Where are we?" She turned back to the man by her side.

He was looking out over the village, puffing away at his cigarette as if he would never have another again in his life. Eva frowned at his habit before looking back at the docks. "Spain."

Her eyes buldged as Eva's lips parted in an 'O' shape. She had never left America before...She had never even been in foreign soil. "May I...go to the village? I've never been to Europe before."

"You're no prisoner. Just be weary. There are many untrustworthy sailors docking here." Englehorn gave her a look that made her blood freeze momentarily in her veins. She didn't want to go that bad. They would dock somewhere else, somewhere more exciting. She would just go then.

Before Eva could even agree with herself to that option, she felt a hand take hers, leading her toward the ramp that lead to the dock. Englehorn was ahead of her, guiding her down onto the docks. "They won't look twice at you if you have another man by your side." He grinned at himself, letting her hand fall back to her side. She was amazed how much her skin tingled at the feel of his hand.

"I'm not sure I trust you enough to keep me safe, Captain." She was only playing, but the look in Englehorn's eyes was clear that he was slightly hurt. He masked it quickly, as if he was surprised he let his guard down, if only for a second. Eva nudged his side with her shoulder, smiling up at him. "I'm only joking. Now, give me the grand tour."

AN- HI! Thanks SOO much for all these reviews! I couldn't ask for better readers! Hugs to everyone! Also, I've just decided on Thomas as his name. It fits very nicely. Sorry for the delay on this chapter. OH! There was a question about their ages and such. This happened before King Kong in my mind, only because I'm not a fan of retelling the King Kong story in my own words. I can't do a good job at it. And it comes out seeming fake and unrealistic. But, Englehorn will be about 32-34. Something like that, it doesn't really matter! OH! Don't forget to review!